Tuesday 2 July 2019 10:16pm
Organic "snow" on the ground in front of the University's Clocktower building - as it was transformed into fictional Hawthorne College for the weekend's filming of Hollywood horror film Black Christmas. Photo: Courtesy of Otago Daily Times.
Last weekend’s filming of Hollywood horror film Black Christmas on campus was a wonderful opportunity for the University to support film production in the city, and for Otago students to receive some hands-on movie experience.
Over the weekend “snow” made of 100 per cent organic material was sprinkled around the Clocktower Building as the gothic style building was transformed into the movie’s fictional Hawthorne College.
The film is a remake of the 1974 cult classic, and stars English actress Imogen Poots. More than 70 Otago students have been involved as extras, production hands and site control helpers.
"We’re a big part of the local community and it is great if we can support local industries, in this case film production, within our city."
University Marketing Director Todd Gordon says the University was approached a couple of months ago by a Queenstown locations company when they were looking for suitable places to film.
He says it was very important to support the local film industry in Dunedin.
“We’re a big part of the local community and it is great if we can support local industries, in this case film production, within our city. This project aligned well with what Enterprise Dunedin is trying to achieve and it offered our students a great opportunity too.”
The movie is being produced by American Film and television production company Blumhouse Productions, and will be released in December by Universal Pictures.
Once it is screening, the University will be able to use photos from the short to develop promotional material for our Film Department.
Media, Film and Communication Lecturer Dr Olivier Jutel says the movie has provided an incredible opportunity for Otago students. They have been involved in filming over the past few weeks at locations around Dunedin and at a set currently housed at an undisclosed location.
“The production team have been super approachable and appreciative of the time our students have given up for this great opportunity,” Dr Jutel says.
"But it’s not just about "the Americans", our students are making connections with the local industry who are roughly half of all crew."
“They really are rubbing shoulders with crew and sitting in on production. The ability to watch over the shoulder of the director and producer in action while listening to the assistant director's cues on radio is such a great insight into the process.
“The producer Adam Hendricks has gotten all of the various department directors to be as open as possible with our students. But it’s not just about "the Americans", our students are making connections with the local industry who are roughly half of all crew.”
Dr Jutel says there will be a public event with Adam Hendricks on Friday 19 July in which he will discuss how his academic background in film theory propelled his career and how students should think about getting into the industry - see details at the end of this story.
“Overall, this has been a wonderful opportunity that we will be extending with internships for our students with the Enterprise Dunedin Film Office in anticipation of lots of further production down south.”
Mr Gordon says the project has involved collaboration between various departments and divisions, including Property Services, the Proctor’s office and Communications.
“This would not have been possible without the support of Property Services and the Proctor. This type of activity is outside our core activity so requires some discretional effort to make it happen. Dave Scott and Michael Porter were very accommodating.”
Come along:
When Blumhouse comes to Town: A conversation with "Black Christmas" producer Adam Hendricks
Fri 19 Jul, 5pm
Burns 1
All welcome