It's been a while.

It’s been a year of change, and that is an understatement, by some margin. Lots of travel, lots of change and a bit of refocusing. Despite some challenging times in 2025, I’ve had some great projects and fun.

The unexpected success of “Herd of Cows”’

I took a punt and I felt fear!
In 2024 we (Paige Larianova, Pam Kaval, Rod Petsef, Joanna Bishop, Kayla Cahe, and Alyssa Jenkins) got together to make a short for the 48 Hours Film festival, Waikato Regionals. After the regional heats, that was about it for the film, nothing really happened after that. We didn’t get to nationals but there you go. A bit of a learning curve and push yourself out of the every day comfort zone.
Later in 2025, I was looking at a self challenge to cut a trailer for the short film. Just give it a go!

So with blessings from the team I did. However what started as a 1 min trailer, well, I ended up re-cutting and adding more to the whole short. I brought it back to the team and Paige suggested that Jeff Wragg composer come on board with the project and made some music magic for us. I really think that he added that little extra that made a big difference to the tone of the film. Pam then sent if off to a few international film festivals and we’ve been accepted in to multiple festivals. We have even have a distribution deal in process as I write.

Both Pam and Joanne have won awards for their work, and I'm so proud of the team. There's several more festivals entered, so watch this space for more announcements.

Goals for the future

So this year brings some big plans. I’ve been inspired to refocus the business, re-energize my marketing and I’m super pumped to launch a new service, (I’ll keep you informed for sure!). Details are under development and I’m super excited about the potential for creating some great stories. There will be an offering of special limited opportunities that will create some substantial value for my clients. I’ve also been developing new business partnerships, and collaborations I’m really looking forward to sharing all these upcoming projects.

I think the refocus my work has been long overdue. Mostly because I’ve changed as a creator and storyteller and I’ve grown in my work and as a person. I feel it’s been reflected in just about all aspects of my life, and I feel that you must chase your dreams, create work that fills your bucket and charges your battery.

A NEW SHORT FILM COLLABORATION

I’m also super excited to work with Paige on a new short close to her heart. There’s a lot to be done, and a lot to share with you all as we go.

The Double Loop Film Podcast

There are a few more episodes to come from the 2024 recording sessions. I’m am building a list of exciting new people to interview for the 2026 season, and with a bit of planning and work, there will be a larger focus on video episodes. In the comments below let me know from the screen industry who you might like us to interview.

I think most of Aotearoa will be looking forward to a better 2026, and I wish you well going forward. I think we all need to have the courage to believe in our dreams, goals, and mostly ourselves. Above all, being kind to yourself, and those around you will always bring benefit to your life.