Robin Murphy was able to appreciate her brother Paul's directorial skills up close while working on their comedy heist movie Lowdown Dirty Criminals, due for release tomorrow nationwide (except in Auckland!). It's not the first time the two have worked together, but it is the first time they've worked in the producer/director combo.
"Working with Paul was the biggest highlight for me. He's good - really good, and I'm not just saying that because he's my brother!"
Another highlight for Robin was working with actor Rebecca Gibney, the Kiwi best known for her roles in Australian series Packed To The Rafters, Halifax and Wanted. Gibney, who hasn't made a New Zealand feature film since she played 'Clive's secretary' in Dame Gaylene Preston's Mr Wrong, told Murphy that after playing warm, caring mum and wife Julie Rafter, she loved her role of foul-mouthed evil crime boss known in the film only as 'The Upholsterer'.
"She said she absolutely relished the whole idea of playing a character who was an extremely evil person and who swore a lot �. and was the polar opposite of the character she's so well known for."
Robin says Paul had been trying to get the project off the ground for several years, and she came in as producer at a late-ish stage "after all the fun stuff - like casting" had been done. Other WIFT members involved include executive producer Catherine Fitzgerald, production manager and line producer Michelle Turner, location manager Kayleighsha Wharton, colourist Clare Burlinson, production accountant Alex Cole-Baker, production runner Maggie Webster-Shadbolt and actor Tom Sainsbury.
The film follows Freddy, (James Rolleston) a naive young man who believes the way to a better life is through crime. A series of calamitous events propel him and his buddy Marvin from one hair-raising moment to another.
It's pure entertainment and pays homage to the British gangster films of the 1990s, but with a distinctly Kiwi flavour, Robin says.
"It's an unabashed comedy crime caper, it's not trying to do anything deep and meaningful. It's the kind of film people will enjoy in these uncertain times when you want a bit of escapism."
And in Paul Murphy's own words, "It is as funny as heck and when made will help give New Zealand ownership of a film genre that it has seldom dipped it toes into."
The usual challenges of a tight shoot (four weeks) and an even tighter budget made things interesting, but it was realistic, says Robin.
There were only eight locations, many scenes were indoors, and the cast numbered just 10.
The chemistry between the 10-strong cast was "amazing", says Murphy, adding that Gibney's presence seemed to make everyone lift their game, while Rolleston "shines".
"His character is the heart of the film, and he's so likeable. He really put his all into it."
The film was due for release in May, but the Covid-19 restrictions forced a delay until August 20, however Aucklanders will have to wait for the city's Level 3 Lockdown restrictions to be lifted to find out the Auckland release date.
Click here to watch the trailer