Film-maker does his bit to inspire World Cup defence

Taika Waititi says the short film is exciting, scary but ultimately it's pretty cool. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Director Taika Waititi is taking the helm of a short film featuring everyday New Zealanders that aims to support and inspire the All Blacks.

For Rexona's Do More project, Kiwis at home and around the world are encouraged to film a 60- or 90-second video demonstrating how they go the extra mile in their everyday lives.

The best entries will be selected by Waititi, the director of Boy and co-director of What We Do in the Shadows, who will weave the material together to create the short film.

The film, which also includes All Black playmaker Dan Carter, is meant to inspire not only the All Blacks in next year's defence of the Rugby World Cup but all New Zealanders.

"The All Blacks do all that they can to win, they practise harder and they give up their comforts and things we take for granted so that they can play for their country and win," said Waititi.

"It's something they take very seriously and hopefully they don't take it for granted so part of this is showing we don't take life for granted."

Waititi said the project was "exciting, scary but ultimately it's pretty cool".

"Doing more could be anything like getting up at five in the morning, or it could be someone battling a really serious illness or it could be someone who delivers burritos to the homeless ... we don't exactly know what we are going to get."

He was unsure about how much footage would be needed or how long the film would be. However it will be ready before the All Blacks head to England next year.

He's hoping the short film will be "smart and funny" and "almost emotional".

"My films aren't about winners, they're about people who want to be winners but more often than not aren't - but at least they have tried."

Footage needs to be in by March next year. On the web

Visit rexona.co.nz to upload your Do More stories from tomorrow