Bodies of Water - Short Film

The Project:

Logline: An estranged mother and daughter meet at the place their relationship fell apart. Can they find peace with each other, or are they bound to repeat the roles they've always played?

Bodies of Water is a project exploring the intricacies of maternal relationships in a world that often defines motherhood through a narrow lens. This is a perspective we don’t often see represented on screen. Often we are accustomed to these stories following paternal absence. At the heart of the story is Kate’s struggle with the multifaceted aspects of loving an absent parent- and the choices she faces to forge a new future.  Connection and missed connection are important themes within the work- and the consequences these have on each other are conversations to explore.

Our Crew:

Writer: Megan Goldsman - Megan Goldsman is an actor and writer based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Originally hailing from the Waikato, she made the move up north to attend The Actor’s Program in 2020. Since then, she has immersed herself in the rich, creative scene, working on numerous theatre and screen projects. Her recent credits include Shortland Street, and the upcoming feature film The Canyon. A deep passion for photography means that when she’s not acting, you’ll often find her behind the lens, capturing stills and portraits. She was thrilled to first work with Magnetic Boots in this capacity, shooting the stills for Hand in Hand, and cannot wait to collaborate with the team once again on Bodies of Water, a work that is deeply personal to her. 

Director: Shelley Waddams - Shelley Waddams graduated from Unitec in 2017 with a bachelor in Performing and Screen Arts, majoring in acting.  Shelley believes that her training and experience as an actor represented by GCM further inspires her writing and contributes to her desire to explore people and human behaviour. Shelley’s acting credits include Shortland Street, Rings of Power and Our Flag Means Death. Since graduating, Shelley has directed the award winning short film Hand In Hand, which was funded by Someday Stories (now called Day One). Shelley currently works as full time writer on the story table at Shortland Street, where she storylines and writes dialogue scripts. Bodies of Water will be her second short film.

Producer: Georgia Hoffman - Georgia graduated from Unitec in 2017 with a bachelor in Performing and Screen Arts. It was there she found her love for production and since graduation has been building her skills as a producer. In 2022 Georgia Produced ‘Hand in Hand’ as a part of the Outlook for Someday Stories program. Georgia works full time as a producer for Curative, a creative agency based in Tāmaki that works on projects that aim to bring about positive social change. 

DOP: Isaac Newcombe - Isaac’s experience has had him work around the country on a multitude of different kinds of projects, from narrative kids shows, to gritty documentaries, to sleek commercials and much more. Isaac has worked on all kinds of different formats, from Arri Alexa, Red cinema, Sony, Anamorphic, Raw and through his work as a DoP he has been able to own two Red cinema cameras himself. Isaac has also had the pleasure to work with many amazing funding agencies and production companies. He has been DoP for the NZ On Air series “Here if you need”, TVNZ’s “Custards World Kia Kaha”, Comedy Central’s “Another fricken Fest”, Fat Freddy’s Drop music video, multiple Loading Doc’s and Someday Stories films and many many more. Isaac’s style is considered to be naturalistic and he loves to push into heightened realism when the story calls for it. His strengths are in Lighting and producing high quality work on tight schedules. With a passion for story and performance driven content, Isaac loves to work to give the directors flexibility and bring out the story through camera movement, lighting and composition.

1st AD: Sammie Rae

Camera Assist: Aiden Burridge

Sound: Robert Pentergast

With support from: Muna Arbon, Pavel Kvatch, Michelle Leuthart, Chantal Stowers & Payton Stowers

The greater impact:

Though this story explores heavy themes, ultimately our story empowers rather than victimizes our characters. They are complex and flawed, but humanity is full of these dualities, and we want to give our audience the opportunity to see this reality reflected on screen. 

Using film as a method to discuss these themes is a way of creating accessibility and connection. We can share in an experience sensorially, feel what others feel in an empathetic way from our own unique perspectives. As the child of a single mother, the relationship between Lynne and Kate also holds deep, personal significance for me- and being able to explore the complexities of this story and human relationships is something I feel passionate and privileged to do.

How you can help:

Your donation to our project will help us with:

• Giving a koha to our wonderful cast and crew who are generously giving so much of their time/skill in kind
• Food! Catering for our 2 shoot days, providing lunch, snacks and keeping everyone hydrated
• Essential production costs (Film permit, Public Liability Insurance)
• Sound mixing, Editing and colour grading to finish the film to a high standard

Boosted is an all-or-nothing fundraising platform - if we don’t reach our target we don’t get a cent. We invite you to be a part of this meaningful project. Anything you can give is so deeply appreciated (and remember, all donations are eligible for for 33% tax credit).

And please, share this campaign widely with your friends/whanau/community- we can’t do it without you!