The production of the feature-film Lexi was only made possible because of the help of two 15-year-old Oamaru boys, says Wayne Turner, writer, director and producer of the film.
Waitaki Boys’ High School year 11 students Bryce Taylor and Thomas Cameron-Duncan were key crew members during the production of the Oamaru-based film, which will be playing at the Limelight Cinema from October 16.
Bryce and Thomas shared sound recording, boom operator and lighting assistant roles as well as the occasional camera operator role during the production of the film last year.
Mr Turner said on most shooting days there would be four crew members, which would usually include Bryce and Thomas.
“They were hard-working and reliable crew members.
“I could not have made Lexi without their dedication and enthusiasm.”
Both Bryce and Thomas became involved in the film after Mr Turner heard they were keen film-makers.
The duo are hoping to study film when they leave school and are currently working on their own projects – Bryce on an animation with friends and Thomas on a short film, which is in post-production.
Bryce said he found the experience great and he felt quite proud of accomplishing something so big at such a young age.
He became interested in film-making during intermediate school through several people he knows who work at Weta Workshop.
Thomas said he enjoyed his first proper role on a film and was looking forward to hearing how the people of Oamaru would react to it.
“A lot of people have been talking about it.”
His enthusiasm for film-making began through internet research when he first started high school and it grew from there, he said.
Lexi, which was filmed in Oamaru, is the story of a young woman’s struggle to gain acceptance and the challenges she faces trying to achieve her dream.
By RUBY HARFIELD
PHOTO: RUBY HARFIELD
BUDDING FILM-MAKERS: Thomas Cameron-Duncan (left) and Bryce Taylor were key crew members in the production of the feature-film ‘Lexi’.