A movie filmed around Maungatautari, Horahora, Leamington and Hautapu about two murderous butchers debuts tonight (Thursday) in Cambridge.
Director Haydn Butler and lead actor Josh McKenzie relax in the sun between takes with Maungatautari Mountain in the background. Photo: Supplied
And one attendee will walk away with a meat pack, producer Matt Hicks promises, “because why not?”
The seven screenings at Tivoli Cinema in Cambridge with questions and answers are all sold out as were others in Matamata, Putāruru, Hamilton, Whitianga and Thames.
Raglan tomorrow and Te Awamutu on Sunday round out the Waikato screenings.
Hicks, a Cambridge High School old boy as well as DJ, wedding celebrant, actor and director, says the film is a dark comedy-thriller filmed around the district towards the end of 2022.
The crew shoot with Maungatautari in the background
“The locals were absolutely amazing and without them coming on board and investing in the idea we wouldn’t have had a hope in hell of achieving what we have on screen in the movie.
“We shot in small towns like Putāruru and Te Puna… we also filmed loads in and around Maungatautari. It’s beautiful with endless rolling farmland so was perfect for our film’s aesthetic.”
The film’s director Haydn Butler is originally from Kawerau but now lives in Australia and it features a well-known face in Stefan Dennis who plays Paul Robinson in Neighbours.
“Sometimes you gotta pinch yourself seeing people you’ve grown up watching on the TV doing cool acting stuff in your own backyard. Rubbing shoulders with the best really elevates your game,” said Hicks.
Former Shortland Street star Cameron Jones stars as Tom
Josh McKenzie plays the selfish, implusive Mark
The movie is about two brothers – Tom (Cameron Jones) and Mark (Josh McKenzie) – struggling to run a home kill and butchery business. They instead resort to offering a new service – killing people to make ends meet.
Mark and Tom in the butchery
Next up for Hicks is The Tavern premiere, a movie he shot in the old Masonic Hotel and around town in 2019. The finale features a scene with plenty of local extras.
“The Tavern is the most off the wall, absurd thing I’ve ever written. I can’t wait to release that ridiculousness to the world next.
“Cambridge locals will definitely be able to see a few characters in there.”
Mark and Tom at work
Outrageous Fortune star Xavier Horan is gang enforcer Boi Boi
That’s a wrap on The Tavern movie.
Actors and director Haydn Butler discuss a scene under the sunny Maungatautari Mountain. Photo: Supplied
