New Zealand, the film star!

For Immediate release: Tuesday 29 September 2009

New Zealand, the film star!

Relying on only a chain of connections and a 1962 Land Rover, two film makers are travelling the length of the country capturing New Zealand's people on film.

Kevin Double and Rich Castillo will make their way from the North to the South Island finding out more about the people and the places that make up everyday life in New Zealand.

The pair are making a documentary of their experiences for entry into film festivals.

"We want to capture what makes New Zealand, New Zealand. We'll film the people we meet and count on them knowing others in the area to make our way. We are looking for real New Zealanders, whether local legends, craftspeople, grandparents, mothers, fathers, farmers, kids, whatever. We want to capture real everyday people on camera. The people we meet will dictate the story we tell," says Kevin.

They have 40 days to make the trip on this chain of connections. They will limit travel to 100 kms per day to boost their chances of people knowing others in the next town on. Although the success of the trip will largely depend on Kevin's 47 year old Land Rover, that's been more used to driving on New Zealand pastures than long haul trips.

"Landies have helped New Zealanders get around the farm for many years. She is as much a part of the film as the people we will be capturing." Kevin says.

They leave Wellington Tuesday 29th September by ship and truck arriving Wednesday in Cape Reinga. This is their first stop; the place the journey officially starts. The trip ends in Bluff.

"Given the chance to start the adventure by sea is pretty great as I love the echoes of the past pioneers arriving in New Zealand", says Kevin. "Although we are not using a sailing ship of old, the Pacifica "Spirit of Resolution" vessel is a practical alternative to driving up from Wellington and part of the story of New Zealands future."

Rich, passionate about film, is newly-wed and postponed his honeymoon, pushing it back as far as he could. The trip must be limited 40 days, "I'm confident we'll make it!" says Rich.

Follow the pair on Twitter, Facebook (search on kiwi2x2) and the official website www.kiwi2x2.com and find out if they are coming to a town near you, whether they will make it and whether you can help them along!
Background

Kevin, 35, lives in Wellington and loves meeting people and hearing their stories which are often lost or otherwise untold without a willing ear or a camera! That's how the whole trip came about. He arrived in New Zealand 3 years ago to make a better life for himself amongst the friendly, go-getting people of New Zealand. He is originally from the UK. Similarly Kev's positive and industrious attitude has put this adventure into action! This is Kevin's first endeavour in the filming industry leading a project himself.

Rich is 36 and an accomplished film maker from Alberta, Canada. He made the move to Wellington 7 months ago with his New Zealand wife in support of her new job. Rich has made many films, including travel ones set in New Zealand before he came here to live. Most recently, he made a film in Castle Hill, South Canterbury, in 2008, released in 2009, to document some of the best rock-climbing places there. The film is called 'Zero to Five Degrees'. Now, he wants to capture moments, stories and the people of New Zealand to explore the culture and heritage. "There's a real sense of community here. People even thank the bus driver! It's friendly, nice and refreshing!"

ENDS

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