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Mick is listening.
posted by Christiaan Bailey on 5th Mar 2009
Thanks to all who came through the gales to support the screening of Believe.
The specially packaged, limited edition, signed and numbered copies of Believe (£20) available at the screening, and online at surfhog are going fast, so if you would like to secure one, please email or give me a bell and I can reserve you one. Only a few copies left, so act quickly!!
As announced on the night, Mick Waters (creator of 'Believe') is generously making himself available over the next week, to answer questions about his film and approach to film making.
Mick's a great chap and is keen to coverse with you all, so get posting, in order to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
» Comments: 20
Mick, the film looked amazing on the big screen. Who was singing the pirate shanty, on the Neil Purchase sequence, was it Andrew Kidman?
How was it working with Andrew Kidman, did he give you lot's of advice about surf movies, or did he just let you get on.
I liked that whilst your film had a deeper feel to it, it was not as dark and moody as Andrew's films. It had a really nice balance to it, which made it really inspiring to watch.
Thu 5th Mar 2009 17:40:55
great movie and music was real nice...found it real interesting as i grew up in the st.ives area of sydney and was surfing the nth. beaches and the people you featured were my inspiration and the highlight for me was col smith being given a mention he was my favourite surfer at nth.narra...top movie.
Thu 5th Mar 2009 19:34:41
Cool. People have made comments. Firstly, I would just like to thank The Surf Screen and Christiaan Bailey for organising it all. Hope you guys had fun and enjoyed 'believe'? To answer Christiaan's question first. I first got into surf movies through just filming surfing of strangers or friends when we went on trips. I had a little Video 8 camcorder, bought it for a trip to G-Land.
Not much filming got done in those days, more surfing than anything. But, as luck would have it, I broke a couple of ribs and did my rib cartilage playing Rugby League. So, whilst I was recovering I watched surf movies for months. I had always liked the idea of filming surfing, especially in the water. So, I decided to get a housing made for my little camera and once I recovered, starting filming surfing. Good for getting me back in the water until I could surf again. At the same time, I decided to apply for University (Graphic Design), so I made up a short piece on images I had collected and used this as part of my portfolio to gain entry into the course. The getting paid for filming surfing didn't happen for a few years, as I was still at Uni and didn't really know any surfers. I guess, I just kept plugging away and eventually met different people who steered me in the right direction. Not so much, on the filming or editing side, but just with the surfing side. Different boards and such, the opposite to Professional surfing. So, this is what am now interested in. I have been involved with the making of 'ulu 32', 'Hot Buttered Soul', 'believe' and have had footage in other titles. I hope this answers the question?
Fri 6th Mar 2009 10:54:06
'Mr. Squid Lips' was sang by Mark Sutherland (Sutho), the guy who drew Gonad Man and the animations in 'Glass Love' and 'Litmus'. He is a classic, really talented guitarist, artist, and one of the most intelligent, funny people I have ever met. If you are interested in his work check out - www.gonadman.com. Kidman and Purchase are singing in the background. Yeah, it was a huge buzz working with Kidman. He is an inspiration as far as the way he goes about his trade. Truly independent. I would say he is one of, if not the most talented surfer/artists in the world. He is a one man surf company, who doesn't work for any company. He sings, paints, writes, shoots photos, makes films, shapes boards etc. He definitely had a say in his piece, as most of the surfers did. I tried to include the surfers where I could. I think that is important, if you are trying to tell someone's story. They should be involved. He also contributed greatly to the soundtrack as a solo artist and also with his band 'The Brown Birds from Windy Hill'. But, as a whole the movie was mine, and I wanted to give it my feel, or touch. I am of course, inspired by alot of different film makers, films, friends and family and I think they are all acknowledged in 'believe'. For me it is a truly personal movie, which I hope reflects the surfers and what they do, but also, hopefully my personality and experiences at that time.
Fri 6th Mar 2009 11:15:31
Hey Steve, You grew up in St.Ives in Sydney, Australia and now you are watching Australian surf films in St.Ives in England. How weird? Glad you liked the film. Yeah, it would've been good for you to see all those Northern Beaches people featured through the film. Good on you. Thanks for the kind words.
Fri 6th Mar 2009 11:20:03
I hope I answered the questions/comments with enough information? I am a bad typer, so it takes awhile, but more importantly I didn't want to jibber on about myself. Anyway, hope I answered everyone properly. If not, don't hesitate to ask some more questions. Thanks again for supporting 'believe'. Much appreciated!
Fri 6th Mar 2009 11:27:48
Mick, thanks for those great answers, it was a pleasure to screen your film.
Any news on new projects in the pipeline?
Fri 6th Mar 2009 11:53:05
Thanks Christiaan. I am curretly working on a new film, called 'Little Black Wheels'. It is about a road trip my family and I did across Australia. Following is a link to view the trailer - http://www.littlehouseproductions.com.au/little-
black-wheels-high-res.html#
Attached is a little about the film -
‘LITTLE BLACK WHEELS’
In May 2007, our family embarked on a Five month Road Trip.
A two year old, a pregnant mother, a dog, a dad and a campervan.
Rent the house out and take off. Sounds great doesn’t it?
Simple as that! And it was simple.
Life stripped back to its basics. Eat, surf and sleep.
When there are no waves, you relax or explore, spend time with the family or move onto the next location.
This isn’t a particularly new concept; Surfer’s have been doing it for years. The bread and butter road trip. No Boat Charters, Internet Swell predictions or expensive budgets, just a car, some boards and a plan.
Starring Dain Thomas, Mick Hughes, Johnny Abegg, Antoine Cardonnet, Rasta, Beau Young, Jimmy McMillan, Danny Wills, Ry Craike, Mark Healey, Dave Macaulay and Family, Mitchell Rae, Kristian Spencer and a host of other underground surfers.
Find out the stories of these surfers, their lives, why they travel and surf?
Coming Soon from Little House Productions
www.littlehouseproductions.com.au
I hope this gives you an insight? Should be out Mid 2009? Thanks, Mick
Sat 7th Mar 2009 23:12:27
That sounds like the elements of a great project. It will be great to see some footage of Dain Thomas, a really interesting chap.
Mon 9th Mar 2009 09:26:28
Hard to get surfing footage of Dain these days. He has a kid on the way, shaping heaps and getting the Sea surfboards label out there. But you will see some stuff of him in there. I promise! All the other crew are good undreground surfers, shapers ad artists.
Mon 9th Mar 2009 11:29:17
Hi Mick, I really like Dave Kelly's composite shots of people in their environments. I have looked at his website, but there are no examples of this type of work on there. Do you know of anywhere I can see amazing collage style images?
Thu 12th Mar 2009 10:42:39
Hi Mick, sorry forgot to ask if you might be able to let me know the best way to contact Dave. I have tried his website, but the mail function does not seem to work properly.
Well done on such a lovely film, I'm looking forward to your next project. Thanks for your help...
Thu 12th Mar 2009 10:48:37
It looks like people have really enjoyed all aspects of Believe and everyone seems to have their own special section which has inspired them or recalled some memory.
Mick's use of Dave's work throughout the piece, brings a sense of place to the characters we meet. I particularly like the section on Chris Brock. Having met and filmed with Chris, whilst on my last trip to Australia, I can testify to his energetic and enthusiastic spirit, in many way's he is like Peter Pan, but with a wisdom encased in modest, open soul.
Thu 12th Mar 2009 19:25:52
test comment
Fri 13th Mar 2009 08:09:32
I am having trouble adding comments. Help!!!
Fri 13th Mar 2009 12:33:21
Sorry, for my slow reply. I have been trying to add comments for two days and haven't been having any luck. Seems now it is working? Oh well! I was trying to respond to Abi. Contact me at - mick@littlehouseproductions.com.au and I will answer any questions and put you in contact with Dave Kelly. Thanks,Mick.
Fri 13th Mar 2009 12:37:38
Christiaan is right. Chris Brock is like Peter Pan. His life hasn't changed. He is still living the same life he had when he was 20 years old. Surfing everyday and stoked as any person I have ever met. He has wisdom because his life is simple and not full of the unnecessary. I hope all the people featured in 'believe' had something poignant to say or show? Thanks, Mick.
Fri 13th Mar 2009 12:45:44
Mick, thanks for all great answers.
Everyone else, thanks for the questions.
Just to remind you all, we have only limited copies of Mick's hand signed and numbered limited edition versions of 'Believe'. If you would like one (£20), please email me (see CONTACT) and I can post one off to you.
Our next screenings are:
Hello, by Allan Wilson on Friday 3rd April, Carnmarth Hotel, Newquay, 19:30, £4 on the door
The Present, by Thomas Campbell, on Wednesday April 22nd, The Royal Cinema, St Ives, 19:00, £6 on the door or in advance from The Royal's box office (5pm onwards): 01736 796843.
See you there, stay stoked!
Sat 14th Mar 2009 11:40:36
nice! i'm gonna make my own blog
Tue 5th May 2009 15:42:33
Hey Mick, I'll get things going..
Christiaan
Please could you enlighten us on your surf movie making history and explain to us how you got into making films?
Thu 5th Mar 2009 08:13:43