War hero's story to be filmed
By ROBERT SMITH AND FAIRFAX
The Marlborough Express | Monday, 19 February 2007



Marlborough filmmaker Nigel Hutchinson is set to direct a big-budget movie version of the life and deeds of New Zealand's greatest war hero, Charles Upham.

Mr Hutchinson, a prolific director of commercials and producer of Kiwi classic Goodbye Pork Pie, will shoot the $18 million independent film in Taranaki later this year, with Hollywood superstars Russell Crowe, Heath Ledger and Ralph Fiennes being courted to star.

While they were still in the casting stage, Mr Hutchinson said it was his job to re-create a story that all New Zealanders could relate to, focusing on Upham's gallantry, courage under fire and the effect he had on his men.

He said he was looking forward to working with Oscar winners Weta Workshop on the project, especially with the digital creation of soldiers for large crowd scenes.

Cameras are due to roll in October, with a crew of up to 90 people involved. Based on the Upham biography, Mark Of The Lion, it is scheduled to premiere in New Zealand on Anzac Day next year.

It's tipped to be the first of up to seven movies to be filmed in Taranaki in a deal announced by New Zealand film company Fat and Thin Productions, which is setting up shop in New Plymouth.

Charles Upham, a two-time Victoria Cross recipient for his war-time efforts in Egypt and Greece was the Commonwealth's most decorated soldier. The movie will cover his life, particularly the six years he fought overseas and was separated from his lifetime love, fiance and later wife Molly. Mr Upham died in 1994.

In making the announcement, Fat and Thin Productions chief executive Matt Walsh said the producers were in talks with Russell Crowe's people in an attempt to secure him for the lead role in the Upham film.

"Russell Crowe is one of those people we think has unique potential for this role," Mr Walsh said.

"There's a range of reasons why he, we believe, would be the right choice for this role ? his connection to New Zealand, the history of his grandfather and his potential to play the part."

Crowe's grandfather, Stan Wemyss, was a cinematographer who was awarded an MBE for filming footage of World War 2.

Mr Walsh said Fat and Thin were also in talks with managers for Heath Ledger and Ralph Fiennes.

Homegrown actor Karl Urban has also been mooted for the project.

"We are expecting to cast a major actor in the lead role," Mr Walsh said.

As for the role of Molly Upham, New Zealand actresses are being eyed.

"Casting is our number one priority for that movie right now and we are hopeful of casting a named actress," Mr Walsh said.

The script has been co-written by Dean McLachlan, who is an award-winning public relations practitioner, sports journalist and screen writer, and successful South Island businessman Craig Aitken.

Cinematographer Alun Bollinger, who has shot landmark New Zealand films such as Goodbye Pork Pie, Vigil, Heavenly Creatures, The Frighteners, Perfect Strangers, The Piano and River Queen, will shoot the film.

While firm filming locations are yet to be determined, areas of central and South Taranaki are of particular interest to the producers.

Some of Charles Upham's early life will be filmed in Canterbury, but Mr Walsh expected almost all of the scenes depicting Upham's life overseas and war experiences could be filmed in Taranaki locations.

Simon Clothier, who will edit the film, is one of New Zealand's most experienced editors and post production supervisors, with 25 years' industry experience.

Another high profile interest in the movie is Wellington's Weta Work- shop.

Weta Workshop's award-winning founder Richard Taylor says props, costumes and conceptual art, already completed for the Upham project, was just the beginning of his company's involvement.

"Weta has been approached to build some of the props to assist in the pitch of this film.

"With great enthusiasm, we look forward to building some large additional props in the future," Mr Taylor said.

"If ever there was a New Zealand story that deserved to be told on cinema screens around the world, this is it.

"It's a story that still resonates with New Zealanders, it's a story that needs to resonate around the world.

"We have so many heroic stories in this country, but this is special."

Fat and Thin Productions founder Craig Aitken, who secured the rights for the film last year from Upham's three daughters, said making the movie will be a labour of love for his company.

"This is more than a war movie. Upham's whole character is intriguing," Mr Aitken said.

"He was a good father, he had an enduring love with his wife Molly, he was a simple, humble, uncomplicated person who did the most extraordinary things."


Source: marlexpress.co.nz