ABOUT

I draw on a vast and rich array of life experiences when I perform, write and teach including a bachelor of science with first-class honours and a post-graduate diploma in teaching. Over the years I’ve been involved in four features, dozens of theatre projects, and more than 40 short films. Recent acting highlights include:

Blue Moon (Stefan Harris 2018) starring Mark Hadlow and Jed Brophy (winner of the Gold Remi award for Best Low Budget Feature Film at the Houston International Film Festival).
Shortland Street (2017-2018)
TVNZ’s web-series Oddly Even (2018)
Bowie (Amanda Zara 2017) starring Delaney Tabron
A season with Centre Point Theatre (2015)
and The Flame, a short film for which I won best director at the Top of the South Film Festival (2016) and was awarded Best Short Film at the Auckland International Film Festival (2017).

With 30 years performance behind me and more than half of that around professional film productions, I have a well-rounded view of how to navigate the high-pressure world of television and film. This background serves me well as I endeavour to facilitate creative opportunities for emerging talent, primarily through the Top of the South Filmmakers, an organisation I co-founded that provides funding and educational opportunities for filmmaking creatives in Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough.

Acting

Click to check out my showreel, resume or IMDB profile. I am represented by Gail Cowan Management.

Contact:

+64 9 360 2654 or bookings@gcm.co.nz

Address:

7a Scanlan Street
Grey Lynn
Auckland
New Zealand

Directing and Writing

I recently became the recipient of Fresh Shorts 10 funding from the New Zealand Film Commission for a short film I wrote. Kōkako investigates the relationship between a young woman and her family as she searches for the South Island Kōkako. The film incorporates my love of Te Reo Māori as well as my life long passion for the natural world. This project is scheduled to begin shooting in November 2019.

Also in the pipeline is a piece I am co-directing with writer/actor Maza White. Another bilingual film (Farsi and English), Maryam centres around an Iranian born woman and her daughter living in New Zealand.

Enquire about my availability as a director for your project here.

Coaching

A registered teacher with over a decade's experience in the classroom, I’m a professional who seeks to understand the individual student needs. My teaching style is all about practical application, building relationships, and creating a safe, fun and friendly space to explore your talent.

Book private tuition or check for available classes here.

Cover image: Daniel Rose Photography