Category: Media

Rehearsals: ‘Rent boy’

Director: Melissa Fergusson

Rent boy: Lee ah yen Faatoia

Stripper: Christine Becker

Homeless man: Gabriel Henry

Probation officer: Baz Te Hira

John: Michael Hallows

   
    
    
 

Filming ‘Refugee’: Behind The Scenes

Director: Melissa Fergusson

DOP: Tim Butler-Jones

1st AD/Sound Tech: Rob Ipsen

Location Manager: John Blackman

MUA: Angela Crumpe

Hair Designer: Jordan Camilleri 

Stylist: Melissa Fergusson

Refugee: Rebecca Parr

Psych patient: Gaby Turner

Counsellor: Rob Ipsen

Foreigner: John Blackman

Dealer: Baz Te Hira

John: Rhys Collier

Featured extras: Laura Ehlen-Wilson, Olliver Fergusson, Hudson Turner, Cooper Turner

Special thanks to Katherine Hair, The Rose Centre, John Blackman, Paper Bag Princess,  Love Your Condom, Splice, Four Eyes Media & Donna Banichevic-Gera x

   
    
    
    
    
    
    

    
    

   
 

Yelping @ The Kapiti Store With Wild Side Cider

Happiness is cheese, right? Last night I attended the “Yelp’s Powerhouse Pairing: Kapiti & Wild Side” event which was outstandingly sumptuous. I had never even heard of ‘Wild Side Cider’ until yesterday; now it’s my favourite (low alcohol) beverage. No spoilers – however the winning cider/cheese combination (for me) has to be ‘Wildberries’ paired with glorious grilled (Tuteremoana Aged Cheddar) cheese. Just wow. I then sampled the refreshing ‘Feijoa & Passionfruit’ cider with Kanuka Waxed Havarti. Apparently this is the most popular cider, however it is a little sweet for me, just saying. The Havarati was extraordinary: rich, dense & creamy. Next up is the ‘Strawberry & Lime’ cider with Kikorangi Blue. This cheese is my favourite, by far. Smells divine & is explosively flavoursome. ‘Blackberry & Plum’ cider with Tuteremoana Aged Cheddar was delightfully paired with fruity & sharp flavours to satisfy. Lastly ‘Apple & Pomegranate’ Cider poured over Spicy Apple Crumble ice cream was orgasmically exciting. I wanted more – a lot more. Meg from ‘Kapiti’ was extremely erudite about cheese, which made me smile ear-to-ear. Andy from ‘Wild Side’ knew a thing or two about cider – loved their logos and each back story behind the animal – especially the ram. There was also a special treat on offer from ‘Chuffed’: Ginger crunch, chocolate fudge and gluten-free bread I think! Truly a flawless ‘Yelp’ event that showcased some of the best & ‘hot’ NZ brands in the market.   
    
    
 

Photography Project: Four Corners of New Zealand 

  
Recently I went to the opening of #fourcournersofnz by Richard Hodder: photography (at its’ absolute best) featuring landscapes of rich and wholesome ‘Kiwi’ land. By that I mean – Richard has captured the idyllic surfing waves in motion’, the uninterrupted countryside, majestic lakes, rugged ‘off the beaten track’ roads to paradise from Cape Reinga, Northland to Lake Hawea, Otago. Allpress roastery was brimming with friends & strangers eager to see what lined the walls. The ‘open’ and ‘limited’ edition works are available for sale from $300 upto $1350 (The Scoop @Allens Beach) to the general public. There are 23 works on exhibition from 15 – 25 July. I found out about this extraordinary photography project via Instagram @inthedrink. You need to go before it disappears – just saying. 

Yelp Event: #Aucklandmade With “Bonnie Oatcakes” at The Cheese Room

      

Recently I attended the much anticipated second event for #Aucklandmade – in conjunction with Yelp Auckland, ‘Auckland In A Box’ and Bonnie Oatcakes. This startup began a few years ago – founded by Morgan Claire Maw. These wheat & dairy-free oatcakes have no added sugar and taste wholesome & delectable. The Yelpers sipped complimentary Huia Brut & Huia Chardonnay from Marlborough which I’d never had the pleasure of tasting until now: sumptuous. ‘The Cheese Room’ is truely an orgasmic experience for all cheese-lovers & enthusiasts alike. I indulged in heavenly Smoked Paprika, Canterbury Linseed & Orginal Oatcakes with lashings of goat, cheddar or blue cheese. Morgan shared her entrepreneurial, engaging story about the small beginnings of ‘Bonnie’ making oatcakes in her own kitchen to now stocking into 60 NZ select supermarkets, delicatessens, Artisan markets & specialised foodie stores nationwide. Now ‘Bonnie’ is in my pantry instead of buying my weekly ciabatta. Sold: hook, line & sinker. 

#SMCAKL: The Social Marketplace

 

What social media channels do you use? How do you monetise your platforms? At what stage can you measure conversions? These questions were put to the panel of social media savvy entrepreneurs & start-up founders last night at Social Media Club, Auckland. The panel of speakers: Makaia Carr (Motivate Me), Ken Brickley (BuddyBid), Wendy Thompson (Socialites) & Alex Mackrill (GrabOne) voiced their opinions on what has worked for them on brand strategy, business growth, customer engagement & innovative marketing on social. I learnt that New Zealander’s love and engage with Facebook more than any other social media platform & is the most successful for monetisation. What about Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat & Pinterest? Apparently, these platforms are still in there infancy in NZ and most of us now have a smartphone, which has revolutionised the way we communicate. Jam Mayer was the MC for the evening: articulate & erudite on social. Sarah Evans (Semble) was the shiny new thing (brand) in the room – I agree. What is Semble? “It’s NZ’s mobile wallet where you can pay for things using your phone.” Presently only available on Android. Amazing concept – who needs a purse or wallet (anymore) when you can pay with Semble? Impressed. This event was attended by up to 300 people – monetisation on social is a ‘hot’ subject – the present, our future.