Drink Up, You're Next

"Drink Up, You're Next" is a short drama about the negative cultural impacts of binge-drinking in Aotearoa New Zealand. As we complete this project to the highest possible standard, your support is needed to cover post-production costs.

The film:

'Drink Up, You’re Next' is a short drama film revolving around a 21st birthday from hell. The O’Sullivan family misunderstands how their negative binge-drinking will affect the next generation. A wild 21st birthday party descends into a tense situation which allows oldest son Hunter to see the error of his father’s alcoholic behaviour. 

This film delivers an important message about cultural traditions. While serious, we hoped to include lighter moments in the film which makes it relatable. Some of our audience might be from outside of New Zealand and unaware of the yard glass drinking tradition. Even so, they will still be able to recognise the huge pressure put on young people to live up to their family's expectations. 

Creative Crew

Nathan Higgins - Writer/Director 

Nathan has been building up his filmmaking skills for many years before and after graduating from South Seas Film & TV School in 2014. While this is not his first short film, this project is the largest production he has directed to date. This wound't have been possible without his incredible filmmaking whanau. He wrote the screenplay in summer as an effort to write something personal. Bringing it to local writers' group 'Bartron Fink', he received support from his peers to create this film. 

Mary Rinaldi - Producer

Mary has been in community theatre all her life. An active member of the film community, she recently ran for the WEL Energy Trust council. In 2017, her and husband Sash Rinaldi won the top three awards at Tropfest NZ with their short film ‘The Anniversary’. The prize included paid flights to Los Angeles where they met and pitched to studio producers. She has recently taken on a actor/producer role on the short film ‘Minimally Invasive’. This film is set to screen at international short film festivals. 

Paige Larianova - Producer 

Paige is always taking on freelancing directing jobs and working with the Wintec film department . She is also the main driving force behind the Waikato Film Hub. Here, she has ensured the trust has received funding for workshops with film professionals. This year she also coordinated Misty Flicks Film Festival for it’s third year, showcasing Waikato film. 

Confident Cast 

Phillip Garrity - Hunter

Phillip has performed in theatre from a young age. He has recently taken an interest in the film community, having a small but crucial role on a local short film. Phillip could relate to the story of Hunter and the enormous pressure put on him. He has been 100% committed to bringing the character to life, having to dance, drink a yard glass and vomit on camera! 

John ‘JT’ Turner - Jim

JT and Nathan have known each other from Riverlea Theatre for many years. If JT is not stealing the show on stage, he is constructing sets or on front of house staff. JT see’s his character as ‘Not a bad guy, just a bit too obsessed with the next drink’. JT enjoys the challenge of this role and has loved meeting new faces in the growing Waikato film community. 

Josiah Joyce - Caleb 

At just 11, Josiah already has an intimidating long CV. He’s been in two short films this year and recently was a journalist for KEA Kids News. He is already getting auditions for feature films. Josiah is a bundle of energy and loves to contribute, so can relate to his character who is excluded from being a part of the group.  

What will the money go towards?

Thanks to the dedication of our cast and crew and financial support from family, we have completed the filming. We are now looking for more funding to complete the film to the high standard our hard working team deserve! Post-production costs will include:

• Foley and ADR
• Musical score
• Colour grading
• Sound mixing and mastering
• Visual effects
• Film festival submission fees 

We have an experienced post-production team including award-winning horror director/editor Adam Harvey. For the soundtrack, we are wanting to embrace a unique Kiwi music genre; the Dunedin sound. Therefore we've got the very talented Matthew Bannister of Dunedin sound band Sneaky Feelings on board.

Thank you so much in advance, we really appreciate your support. 

P.S. We launched with and are funding alongside many other talented projects from Waikato, please make sure you check them out also!