Back in February 2010 we interviewed Owen Black about the movie 'Netherwood', an independent feature film produced by and starring both Owen and Will Hall. The film is now finished and has screened a handful of times first at the International film festival in Christchurch and then at a private screening for friends and media in Auckland. The overwhelming response (labelled the pick of the fest by the Christchurch organisers) Has given the lads great confidence as they prepare to embark on a tour of New Zealand.

How have you found the experience of organizing a nationwide tour?

I'd have to say, it's actually been quite an emotional experience so far, in equal parts stressful and thrilling.

I have had many sleepless nights thinking about everything that could go wrong but then actually getting out and meeting cinema owners, publicans and locals around the country has been an incredible experience. Their excitement about what we're doing has given me a lot of confidence.
 

Who would the film appeal to?

Netherwood is essentially a man's film, but that's not to say it's exclusively for male audiences. Coming out of a screening the enthusiasm and excitement from female movie-goers has been incredible. It has actually surprised us, the wide variety of people that have really enjoyed the film.
 

Do you think that there is a demand for these kinds of films in NZ?

Yeah, judging by the audience reactions so far I think there is definitely a demand for films of this type.
 

Kiwi Western Thrillers?

Films with strong content, compelling narratives, genuine Kiwi humour, stories told using our own unique vernacular, no bullshit. You know, you can't polish a turd but you can roll it in glitter, and I think people are tiring of the glittery turds Hollywood keeps pumping out. There is no reason why a movie can't be entertaining and still have substance.
 

How can people see it?

Well, we're traveling around the country for about a month, showing our movie in selected areas, starting in Auckland at the Academy Cinema on Saturday the 28th of January. You can get yourself a ticket, see the movie, then have a drink with me and Will. Check out our website for venues and ticketing information.
 

Why are you doing the tour?

 Several reasons, it's essentially a marketing campaign that should see us making money rather than spending it and it's an innovative way of getting our film in front of people without losing ownership. I don't think people realise how many filters there are between the film-maker and the audience and every filter dilutes the product just that little bit more. So, by making this movie without any influence from funding bodies or distributors and then taking it directly to the audience we are bringing people a film that is completely unfiltered by outside infuences, this is the film we wanted to make. And if the audience doesn't like it they can tell us about it face to face in the pub after the screening.
 

So you're not hitting the road because you were unable to get a release in cinemas?

No, this was always our plan. We are still working on getting a wide release in cinemas around the country and we are looking at taking the film to Australia, maybe doing a tour there too.

How are you funding this tour?

With the help of some phenomenal sponsors. Jim Beam got behind us right at the beginning of the project three years ago and when we put it out there that we wanted to do this tour they were the first ones to pledge their support. Thanks to them we can offer a free drink to all ticket holders 18+, Brights are supplying us with enough bangers and burgers to feed the nation and King Of Shaves are lending us their shiny new Hummer to travel in. We're all set!
 

Can we expect to see more from the Netherwood team?

Yes. The next movie is in the early stages of pre-production as we speak. With the lessons learnt from Netherwood we are very excited about this next project, it gives me goosebumps just thinking about. Keep watching this space.

Netherwood kicks off it's Rural Roadshow in Auckland on Saturday the 28th of January at the Academy Cinema on Lorne Street in Auckland. For a full list of venues and to buy tickets go to www.netherwoodmovie.com