Pulling Up Stumps

Amidst the dust & shadows of a Central Otago woolshed, a grumpy old man is forced to endure the attentions of a mysterious stranger and the humorous tale of an immovable stump.

ABOUT THE SHORT FILM

Starring Ian Mune & Mark Mitchinson, PULLING UP STUMPS is a 10-minute comic drama that’s set in the Central Otago area—a place of hard farming, stalwart neighbours, and dry as dust humour. The “saga of the stump” is inspired by true events. The two older blokes are based on local Arrowtown characters. It’s a short film full of pathos, understanding, and laughter. And one recalcitrant rooster!

WE WOULD LOVE YOUR SUPPORT ♥

This is an "all-or-nothing" campaign - if we don't meet our goal, your donation will be refunded in full.

Boosted is run by The Arts Foundation, a registered charity, meaning NZ income earners qualify for a 33% tax credit on donations made.

PULLING UP STUMPS is ready for the starter's pistol! We have $7,000 NZD committed as seed funds for our $55,000 NZD budget and we're looking to raise the rest through Boosted, Founding Donors, and Corporate Sponsors. 

With your help & support, we’re planning to film in March 2023 in a Queenstown-area woolshed. We’ve already secured the location, equipment lends from a local camera company, and an outstanding Kiwi cast. Ian Mune is the godfather of New Zealand cinema—a director, screenwriter, and actor with more than 50 roles to his name. Mark Mitchinson is a stage and screen veteran of THE HOBBIT, THE LUMINARIES, and scores of other productions.   

In a piece of exciting news, Alun Bollinger MNZM, has also agreed to be our cinematographer. Albol has been the Director of Photography on scores of prestigious NZ films, including GOODBYE PORK PIE, CAME A HOT FRIDAY, THE FRIGHTENERS, and HEAVENLY CREATURES.

HOW YOUR DONATION HELPS

Donations of any amount are welcome, including contributions from international givers—the US dollar goes a long way in New Zealand!

With the initial goal of $15,000 NZD, your generous gift will go towards core costs such as: 

• Paying our actors what they deserve
• Hiring an experienced cinematographer & sound recordist
• Transport & accommodation expenses for cast & crew

If we meet our stretch goal of $30,000 NZD, we’ll have additional funds for:

• Post-production costs to prepare the film for festival & cinema screenings
• Original music
• Editing costs

If you would like to learn about the benefits of becoming a Founding Donor or Corporate Sponsor, please get in touch with Co-Producer Emma Martini: emma@frameupmedia.com.

THE TEAM

• Writer/Director: Elinor Teele
• Co-Producer: Emma Martini of FrameUpMedia
• Co-Producer: Phillida Perry of Daughter
• Cinematographer: Alun Bollinger
• Editor: Shane Loader
• Equipment: Brett Mills, Queenstown Camera Company

CAST

• Older Bloke: Ian Mune
• Younger Bloke: Mark Mitchinson

THANK YOU

We welcome any support you’re able to give—monetary or moral! You can follow the progress of the film through our Instagram page and read more about the project on our website: pullingupstumps.com. 

Ngā mihi nui / thank you to everyone for your kindness!
Because of you, we will be able to finish our film.