So many of the stories of The Z-Nail Gang have been inspired by and woven together from actual events that have taken place in the Coromandel over the last 30 years.  Today Anton and I begin a weekend of visiting many of those significant people and places again now the film is almost complete.

Today we had the privilege of spending time with the Coromandel Watchdog committee - some of whom were involved with events depicted in the film, others who have subsequently joined the battle, and we were reminded that the reality and risk remains the same - pristine native environment is still being threatened by huge international mining corporations.  To them, this is not a celebration of a past victory, but a ready reminder of a continuing crusade.

We are also starting to book in the movie with cinemas and had a great reception with the owner of Thames multiplex - very excited to say that The Z-Nail Gang will be screening in this beautiful cinema in only a matter of months...

Watch this space for further updates of our travels - tomorrow Whitianga, GreenSpot, Moututere & Kuaotunu...

Spending the night watching through a very close to final cut; talking songs, sound effects, cicadas & ADR. Love our soundies (frm right) Sam, John & Alf. Talented, creative, lateral & an awesome part of this community!

What Ethel is listening during NZ Music Month:
Dave singing "Slice Of Heaven" will always make me think of a magical time in a magical place with magical people and dogs!
X Julie

Awesome - we've got an interview on Radio NZ Afternoons programme with Simon Mercept today about 2pm.  Listen in to find out why we're premiering the trailer, how post-production is tracking and I'm sure much more :-)

This is New Zealand Music Month, and as we're all about NZ it's only right that we spend a bit of time celebrating this fantastic place where we live and the fantastic musicians who populate it! 

When asking cast & crew about a fav NZ song which reminds them of Z-Nail and filming... here's what our Postie Ned (Paul Ballard) / resident DJ had to say!

Trinity Roots 'Home, Land and Sea'
A beautiful tune and one which reminds me of the wonderful life I have here in Aotearoa. It reminds me of those amazing mornings somewhere on a deserted beach, those journeys along broken roads to amazing locations, the moments of togetherness between people from different places. Pretty much sums up the Z-Nail experience for me. Lifelong friendships forged through a passion for creativity and a love of the land upon which we live. Connect, create and celebrate, no hashtag required.

Check out our new look logo!
Where the Z for Z-Nail is the real deal!  I must say –
our marketing package is jumping ahead in leaps
and bounds!  Thanks Paul B!

It's all go here in the production office of Z-Nail...

Today I'm sending off pre-release information to cinemas round the north island, which means we're getting closer! 

Hey would be cool to hear what cinemas you'd hope to see it in?

Celebrating Mothers everywhere, let's introduce you to our wonder 'mum' of the movie, Mareeka. Played by Tanya Horo – who is also a fab mum and managed to care for her gorgeous daughter and play the lead in this movie - which is no mean feat!

Here's what Tanya had to say about the filming...

Why you got involved in Z-Nail:
I heard about the auditions through my sister. Her son was auditioning for the character of Malachi and I thought I'd find out if there was something I could audition for. Angela [Curtis] sent me through the script and after reading it I decided that I wanted the role of Mareeka!

I loved Mareeka's tenacious spirit, her desire to do things the right way and her strength to not let go of her ideals, even if others disagreed with her.  Outside of Mareeka as a character the script was a beautiful read.  All of the characters were integral to each other – there wasn't one more important than the other. Many threads make a weave and this was how this script read. It was, and is, a wonderful script.

A description of your job:
My day job... my job on the film ... what job?
When you do what you love I don't think it's fair to call it a job ;)

Most memorable moment from filming:
This is hard as there were many...

I think one was at the cast reading and having this overwhelming sense of being involved in something unique and quite special.

The other was the realisation that everyone on this film was in it together.  We had all dedicated our time to create this project, and doing it for free somehow brought us all together as one.  It was a wonderful energy.

Also Vanessa Rare. Watching her as an actress - that was incredibly memorable. She's a strong woman that one!

Being able to work with Erroll Shand who is an incredible actor; Paul Ballard; Chris Matthews - wow, just everyone.

Biggest learning from filming:
To prepare as an actress even if you only have one scene to shoot that day - mental prep is everything.  Don't get too cocky and think you've got it covered because as I learnt ... you haven't!

Best quote from the shoot: 'Anyone want a pie?'

Shout out to a Favorite sponsor:
Bella Vi - I love your make up!
All the sponsors were great, but as it's a 'shout out' -  Bella Vi.
Awesome make up for film and just for general use.  That and the fact that my 2 year old daughter will forever will call Kelly (make up artist) 'Kelly lippick, Kelly lippick.' She is also a fan of Bella Vi ... specifically the lippick.