"Make loads more" was one of the final comments from a questionnaire completed by a test screening audience on Sunday afternoon.
A group of 14 gathered in Te Puna to view an almost complete version of The Z-Nail Gang (grade and sound mix still in process). With a selection of wine and cheeses and no previous involvement or detailed knowledge of the film, the group watched with an unbiased perspective as the film unfolded before them. From outside, the laughter could be heard throughout the screening and the silence was also evident for the more dramatic scenes. When the viewing finished there was a sense of unabashed enthusiasm and celebration as people sat around to debrief.
Each participant filled in a questionnaire to help us understand their experience of the film.
The feedback was unanimously positive and we've included some of it below...
The Z-Nail Gang was described as:
"exactly what Geoff Murphy said we should continue to make"
"moving, inspirational, funny"
"staunch kiwiana, fun & strong, very cool"
"thought provoking"
"a great home-grown movie, with current storyline and great humour as well"
On the way home we will be thinking about:
"everything that we remember growing up, old protest movements, a story that needs to be told"
"loved all the arms of community working together for the greater good"
"the capacity by large corporations to underestimate the power of community"
"the theme of community"
Favourite moments in the film:
Well, everyone had different moments so there were too many to name (you'll have to see it for yourself) but there was a resounding sense that people loved the humour – in fact, one comment actually noted "funny moments - too many to count". Countless comedic scenes were noted as favourites. The beautiful NZ scenery also came up as a highlight, as did the music.
Characters:
One of the things people had noted concerns about during the scripting phase was the number of characters represented in this film (not your average 'one-hero' movie), but largely the audience connected with all the characters. They loved the individual representation each of the characters brought to the community. From staunch Aunty, to graceful good-cop Tipene, to the elusive Hunter, the cheek of the children and the quirks of Ned. Even the baddies had a fanclub, in particular the Prospectors (who got a huge amount of laughs) and our great bad-cop Srgnt Smith. A noted favorite overall was the development of the relationship between Dave & Mareeka and their growth not only individually but as a couple through the movie.
The highest scoring single component of the film was the idea/message. Our audience loved that it really celebrated Kiwi community.
So overall folks – we're happy to say we've got a movie that has a definite 'recommend to friends' tick and a definite 'must see NZ film' tick. A satirical comedy with serious undertones that will have you laughing, crying and walking away celebrating the strength of community!
A group of 14 gathered in Te Puna to view an almost complete version of The Z-Nail Gang (grade and sound mix still in process). With a selection of wine and cheeses and no previous involvement or detailed knowledge of the film, the group watched with an unbiased perspective as the film unfolded before them. From outside, the laughter could be heard throughout the screening and the silence was also evident for the more dramatic scenes. When the viewing finished there was a sense of unabashed enthusiasm and celebration as people sat around to debrief.
Each participant filled in a questionnaire to help us understand their experience of the film.
The feedback was unanimously positive and we've included some of it below...
The Z-Nail Gang was described as:
"exactly what Geoff Murphy said we should continue to make"
"moving, inspirational, funny"
"staunch kiwiana, fun & strong, very cool"
"thought provoking"
"a great home-grown movie, with current storyline and great humour as well"
On the way home we will be thinking about:
"everything that we remember growing up, old protest movements, a story that needs to be told"
"loved all the arms of community working together for the greater good"
"the capacity by large corporations to underestimate the power of community"
"the theme of community"
Favourite moments in the film:
Well, everyone had different moments so there were too many to name (you'll have to see it for yourself) but there was a resounding sense that people loved the humour – in fact, one comment actually noted "funny moments - too many to count". Countless comedic scenes were noted as favourites. The beautiful NZ scenery also came up as a highlight, as did the music.
Characters:
One of the things people had noted concerns about during the scripting phase was the number of characters represented in this film (not your average 'one-hero' movie), but largely the audience connected with all the characters. They loved the individual representation each of the characters brought to the community. From staunch Aunty, to graceful good-cop Tipene, to the elusive Hunter, the cheek of the children and the quirks of Ned. Even the baddies had a fanclub, in particular the Prospectors (who got a huge amount of laughs) and our great bad-cop Srgnt Smith. A noted favorite overall was the development of the relationship between Dave & Mareeka and their growth not only individually but as a couple through the movie.
The highest scoring single component of the film was the idea/message. Our audience loved that it really celebrated Kiwi community.
So overall folks – we're happy to say we've got a movie that has a definite 'recommend to friends' tick and a definite 'must see NZ film' tick. A satirical comedy with serious undertones that will have you laughing, crying and walking away celebrating the strength of community!