Copy of Scenics (28/10)

Film work

Scenic Construction

Excavation point thestias 2019

SET construction, SCALE MODELS, CNC, Props, set dress.

Director: Fil Kopelman.
Cinematographer: Caleb Corlett.

“Excavation Point Thestias” (EPT) is an original short film - a science fiction adventure inspired by the aesthetics, practical effects and scale models of sci-fi classics from the 70s & 80s. It isn't just an homage to these films; EPT aims to tell this character driven narrative in a grounded, responsible and sincere way.
This passion project has been in the works for about a year, and principal photography wrapped in July this year (2019). The crew consists of an amazing group of collaborators, both industry professionals and students, who are all doing what they love in order to share the story they all believe in.

Media about the project: Toi Whakaari. Teaser Trailer.
Find EPT online: Successfully funded Kickstarter. Facebook. Instagram. Twitter. Youtube.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG by Stephen Sondheim
25 October – 2 November 2019

PROPS, Carpentry, construction, cnc, welding.

Director: Simon Bennett
Musical Director: Michael Nicholas Williams
Designer: Mark McEntyre

Head Scenic Artist: Eva Elliott
Head Props Maker: Fil Kopelman
Head Construction: James Searle
Set & Props Liaison: Gabriella Seager

Team: Aimée Storm, Anita Niewland, Jared Lewis, Harriet Trubshaw, Luke Scott, Mika Turnbull, Monique Tong, Stephanie Quennell.

“Stephen Sondheim is a giant of American musical theatre. writing the lyrics to West Side Story at the age of 27, Sondheim has been responsible for a body of work and moved musical theatre from a light diversion, to a complex and challenging art form, pushing boundaries and taken seriously around the world”
Media about the project: Toi Whakaari.

Rotating revolve.

The Baby Grand.

Photo by Philip Merry.

Two Gentlemen of Verona
25 October – 3 November 2018

Carpentry, construction, cnc, welding, scenic painting.

Director: Jacqueline Coats
Designer: Tony De Goldi
Build lead: Derek Simpson
Scenic lead: Francis Gallop

Team: Eva Elliott, Fil Kopelman, Gabriella Seager, Jacob Keenan, James Searle, Kathryn Wootton, Lotte Van Ginkel, Rhiannon Leddra.

“Director Jacqueline Coats, and designer Tony De Goldi have chosen 1920s Italy as the setting for this new production for the second‐year acting students, third‐year designers, first and second‐year costumiers, first‐year set & props makers and managers from all three years at Toi Whakaari.

This dynamic and prosperous era, sometimes called the ‘Golden Age’, emerged from the horrors and poverty of World War One. Young people revelled in their new‐found freedom, eager for travel and new adventures. However, it was also a time when militant strike activity by industrial workers reached its peak in Italy (known as the ‘Red Years’). For these reasons, it is not only a perfect background for the adventures and misadventures of the young lovers of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, but also for the group of outlaws who challenge the established hierarchy of this society and help bring the play to its climax.”
Media about the project: Toi Whakaari.

Santa’s Grotto & Snowdome 2018

Construction, Scenic Painting, cnc, assembly, set dress.

Constructed for the Jackson Street Programme’s Christmas experience.

Design & build:
Philip Sharpe
Dave Irons
Fil Kopelman

Team: Lesley Graham, Kurt Hobman, Jacob Keenan, Gabriella Seager, James Searle, Lotte Van Ginkel, Rhiannon Leddra.

Anna and the Inexpressible Feeling of Being Lost 2018

Carpentry, SET CONSTRUCTION.

Director & Designer: Philip Gibson.
Cinematographer: Caleb Corlett.

Anna and the Inexpressible feeling of Being Lost - A short film exploring a young person's inner turmoil stemming from alienation and anxiety. Scared of the future, Anna hides inside the safety of her room.

Premiered at the Toi Film Premiere, Embassy Theatre in November 2018.