It’s the 17th of December in this part of the world. A year ago today it was the eve of wrapping our film. On the very last day of shooting, we tackled a certain scene with sheets and candles.  The set designers spent a lot of time with spray bottles of water, making sure that nothing caught fire. It was the end of a five week shoot – a period of intensity which has to be experienced to understand. Astonishingly, we finished a few hours early on the last day, and even more surprisingly, ended up without needing to get any pickups when it came to editing the story. Quite an accomplishment, and a credit to the entire crew and cast who worked so fluidly and happily to achieve a brilliant result.

Right up until the end, the producers were not sure whether the available funds would cover the costs of the shoot. When you’re shooting a feature film on a total of $340,000 – something that most filmmakers would doubt is possible – then making the money work requires a certain amount of teeth-clenching apprehension. But, we got there, and were even able to give small gifts to the tireless trainees who had worked without pay for the duration.

So there we were, a year ago, with a film in the can and Christmas approaching. While there was a huge amount of satisfaction, and the wrap party was one to remember, for the producers there was also the knowledge that we had no money left to do post-production. Our early hopes that NZFC might fund it were dashed, although they did later contribute $25,000 to the process. So it was back to our private investors we went. Those generous supporters provided another $120,000 or so, and we were able to get the film finished.

The rest, as they say, is history. One year on, we can look back to July when we  premiered the film to a sold-out 700 seat cinema as part of the NZ Film Festival and received a standing ovation. With cinematic release in early October came brilliant reviews and feedback, and we’re just coming to the end of a very successful 10-week run in cinemas. In the meantime we’ve had gala premieres in London and Birmingham, and are gearing up for release in the UK in early 2011. It’s been quite a ride, and one which is only just beginning as the story of Arthur finds its way in the world.

The most heartfelt of thanks to all who have contributed in any way to The Insatiable Moon, whether as investors, cast, crew, production staff, post-productioneers, distributors, exhibitors, critics – or most important of all – our band of loyal and enthusiastic audience members who have been caught up in the story and urged their friends to see it as well. Whatever we might achieve, we’re in it together.

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