Until a few years ago, I felt unworthy of these two things and so told myself I didn’t want them.
1. Becoming a father
2. Becoming a director
Now, I’m blessed to be living out both dreams. Above is a moment when they came together.
This is not to say that it has all been going smoothly or to plan. There have been scenes, days, weeks when I have felt like I’m sinking or totally failing at one (if not, both). That inner critic still tries his bars on me.
But, with the support of my love @stephanie.ikinofo and my team @puffybee@nuafinau@harshblanco@danmusgrove@dom_h_official@geoffrey_rush@drewmcgeorge@timothyfoley@kayyleighsha Taran and many more, I’m in the arena, doing it. And, that, sure is something….
Thanks Mum (and dad and Johnboy), for instilling enough belief in me to step into the arena and fight with all my heart, even when that other voice is telling me I’ll lose. 💫
I’m excited!
@danmusgrove , @nataliemedlock and I had the best time developing this project back in the day — but despite our efforts, it wasn’t quite the right moment for the film.
Then, earlier this year, we had another project fall over (a challenging situation), and @nuafinau suggested that we bring back Shearing.
We re-read and pissed ourselves...Did some more writing...I attached as director, and very recently, asked Dan to play the lead — alongside a charming and hilarious cast already gathering (including Oscar-winning veteran Geoffrey Rush and uber-charming White Lotus 3 co star, Dom Hetrakul).
Long time champion of the project James Norrie got his gang got behind the project, as well as Kelly Rogers and his...and quite quickly, with the support of @nzfilm , we were in the holding pen, ready to shear.
As for me. I’m chuffed to have this opportunity. I’ve been directing more and more the last few years, which has felt natural and inspiring.
I never thought my debut directorial feature would be a sports comedy —despite loving the genre — but God and the industry move in mysterious ways....
SHEARING THE LOVE coming in 2026.
I say, let’s dance. 🕺 🐏 🎬
I recently chopped it up with Charlie Meaden from @eccuity_invest on their Ways to Wealth Podcast.
Check it out and lemme know what you reckon #indiefilm #entrepreneurship #businesstime #nzfilm #bushlawyer #producer #filmmaker #film
And, that’s a wrap 🎥🎬
Thank you to all the beautiful humans who helped us reach this massive milestone (those pictured, and many more)..
Can’t wait to shear this one with with you…it’s a beauty 🐏🐑
🕺🏻💃🌻✂️
Thank you to @sue_ikinofo and Kona for looking after the twins so that @stephanie.ikinofo and I could head to the @newzealandscreenawards last night. It’s rare that I go to these kinds of things these days.
Thanks to my love @stephanie.ikinofo — for being the hottest, most charming and fr hilarious date (and soul mate) I could wish for.
massive thanks to @zambesisince79 for making me feel sharp.
I’ve never felt comfortable wearing trad suits. This fit was beautiful and comfortable. An honour to wear such an iconic brand.
Respect to all the winners and nominees — especially our teams behind our productions @joikafilm and @madamtvseries which were included on the night.
Finally, I want to make a huge mihi to three legends of the industry who passed away this last year — each of whom had a significant impact on my journey, at different stages.
Ray Thompson. 🕊️
John Barnett 🕊️
Lee Tamahori 🕊️
I feel privileged to carry pearls of wisdom with me from my kōrero with each of you over the last 25 years. Thank you.
PS. Of all the people at the event last night, @rupenehohepa aka BUZZ THE CUZZ is the biggest star to us. I still get star struck by the bro — given how much of an impact he’s had on our family. Truly. Thank you to the makers of Toi time and Buzz’s Adventures 🙌🏼💫
