Tips from top director

Director and actor John Callen. Photo / File

Budding and experienced film-makers are being given the chance of a lifetime to learn alongside one of New Zealand's most respected directors and actors.

John Callen is running a free two-day workshop at the Blue Baths in Rotorua tomorrow and Sunday, as part of the build-up to the inaugural nationwide CreationFest short film competition being held in July. Mr Callen is a judge in the competition.

The workshop is open to anyone who has an interest in film, regardless of experience. Mr Callen said it was a fantastic opportunity for people to discover and develop their creativity.

"It doesn't matter if you have never made a film before or if all you have ever shot are a few selfies. I encourage anyone, even if they are unsure about the competition, to come along."

The workshop will cover basic procedures of how to create a short film from the storyline, character and script development, to more technical aspects such as sound editing and recording.

"I want this to be a journey of discovery for new film-makers. I won't necessarily be saying 'do this'. I'll more likely point them in a direction or suggest an angle and allow them to make their own discoveries."

Mr Callen has more than 40 years' experience as a professional actor, director and writer in theatre, radio, film and television in New Zealand and overseas. He has performed in or directed more than 100 stage productions and two dozen television series, and worked as a lecturer at Toi Whakaari, Unitec drama school and the University of Auckland.

Mr Callen's most recent acting role has been as a dwarf in the core cast of The Hobbit. He is returning to New Zealand from Germany this week especially for the workshop, having been attending the Hobbitcon fan convention in Bonn.

He said being involved in events such as the free workshop and CreationFest was important for fostering the creative arts in New Zealand, as it was about contributing to the country's culture that was then portrayed onscreen to the world.

"I'm in love with the entire industry and every aspect of performing and directing, even writing, and I love working with acting students. We need more New Zealand stories as we are constantly evolving and developing."

For more information on the film workshop and to pre-register for the limited places available, or to find out more about the competition, visit www.creationfest.co.nz, or call (07) 350 2119. The workshop begins at 11am tomorrow.