TV film on Maori youths

Press, 31 July 1985, Page 16

TV film on Maori youths

TVNZ will next month make a television feature film about the experiences of three Maori youths on a trip from Auckland to Wellington. “Mark II,” named after the car the youngsters travel in, will have a background of issues relevant to Maori youth, both urban and rural.

Many of the adventures of the three main characters are based on real life events. The script was written by independent film maker Mike Walker, who has had a long working association with the Kohitere Training Centre for young offenders in Levin. Young Polynesian actor Mitch Manuel has helped Walker with the script. Walker was responsible for the short feature film, “Kingi’s Story,” already seen on television, and for the full-length feature, “Kingpin,” due for cinematic release soon. Mitch Manuel starred in both films. The first draft of “Mark II” was written in 1975, before the other two films, but it has been updated.

“Mark II” will be filmed around Wellington from September 9 to mid-Octo-ber. There will also be some footage shot in Auckland. TVNZ’s Dan McKirdy will produce the film, with Mike Walker involved in an advisory capacity. The director will be John Anderson, whose past television credits include “Roche,” “Country G.P.” and “Rachel.” The film is still to be fully cast and the three lead characters will not necessarily be played by experienced actors.