The Late Shift

The small moments of our life can shape us in ways that we do not imagine. As young female creatives, we have been influenced by these little moments to craft a story of two women who are vastly different, but exist within the same time and space, impacting each other in ways that they never expected. We invite you to support us in this project so we can pay our actresses a fair wage, feed the cast and crew, travel between locations and apply to been screened at New Zealand and New Zealand film festivals.  

The Story

After carefully applying her war paint; a swift stroke of lipstick, pat of powder and swoosh of eye liner, Nisha relentlessly faces the world for the betterment of her daughter. Thea on the other hand is aimlessly navigating life without conviction.

Two women from completely different worlds are bought together night-after-night when Nisha hires Thea to babysit her daughter so she can work the midnight cleaning shift.

From brief conversations, cooking together and applying makeup, Nisha and Thea slowly form a friendship that neither had expected. Thea learns of circumstances that hold others back and Nisha begins to trust. Whilst they find moments of comfort from one another it is their differences that keep them apart, leaving their friendship as a glimpse in the entirety of their lives.

'The Late Shift' is about two women: their different understandings of womenhood, and the similarities that tie them together. When we are given space to share and celebrate what makes us strong we can empower and connect to each other, rather than distance ourselves and compare. It's about the brief moments we experience and how they may have greater impact than we initially expect.

A Bit About Us

Niamh

Born and raised in New Zealand I have a passion for putting honest kiwi stories on screen. Throughout my tertiary study I have placed particular focus on the spaces females are given to narrate and collaborate on films from both behind and in front of the camera. If we are to truly change the way we view others we must be able to see genuine reflections of our society on screen, celebrating our joys and strengths but refusing to gloss over our weaknesses.

Sarah

As a creative and exciting medium, films help us to tell stories and delve into different realities. Deciding to study film at undergraduate level at Victoria University of Wellington was an easy choice. Through the production papers, I learnt that producers help the heart of the film shine. By aiding the director and the rest of the crew through organisation, the producer keeps the wheels turning. 

The Team

Producer: Sarah Baker

Writer and Director: Niamh Swannack

Cinematographer: Valeriya Golovina

Camera Assist: Gilbert Patten-Elliott

Sound Mixer and Boom Operator: Cameron Cook and Navneeth Nair

Pre-recording Sound Mixer: Cameron Cook

Editor and On-set Continuity: Delphine Dromart

Script Writing Mentors: Dana Leaming, Monica Pausina and Fiona Samuel.

Your Support

Victoria University of Wellington have provided us with an initial budget of $2,000 which will cover some of the pre-production and production costs.

We are looking for a further $1,500 to pay our actresses and to cover transport, catering costs and the films application fees for both New Zealand and New Zealand festivals. All donors will be kept updated throughout production and get an on-screen credit.

Donations made by NZ income earners qualify for a 33% tax credit from the IRD with a receipt provided by The Arts Foundation.

Please donate and share.

Thank you!