Big crowd sought in republic for movie

JAYNE HULBERT jayne.hulbert@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Wednesday, 2 May 2007

Whangawood wants you. The region's newest independent film studio, Wangawood, is calling for people to flock to Whangamomona on Saturday to take part in some of the final scenes being shot for the comedy Waiting for the Big Fat One.
Filming of a parade along Whangamomona's main street is happening at 1pm and extras are needed for crowd scenes.
The movie's creator, New Plymouth man Tony Williams, says the Whanga air force is doing a flyover, the Whanga dog patrol will be there and it's hoped one of the stars, an alpaca, will show up.
"The dog patrol are a couple of huskies, they don't have a sled, but they pull something on wheels. The dogs wear little shoes," said Mr Williams yesterday.
He says TV3 is planning on being at Whangamomona on Saturday to do a story about the film.
Waiting for the Big Fat One, a 90-minute feature film - described as a cross between Whale Rider and Blazing Saddles - stars a presidential goat, a Grey Power gangster on a mobility scooter, the worst teacher in the world, the noble knight Sir Useless and the Big Fat One.
"Never in the history of film have so many absurd characters been shoved into one film," said Mr Williams.
The film is a story about a small country school facing closure and the fight by locals to keep it open.
Filming started last month and Mr Williams hopes to have it wrapped up by the end of May.
"It's been a huge adventure, full on but really exhilarating ... heaps of fun."
Mr Williams, who wrote the film's script, is also working as producer, director and an actor in the movie.
He's written a number of books, including 101 Ingenious Kiwis and Hard Case Kiwis.
It's hoped to have the movie released in cinemas by the end of the year.
Go to www.wangawood.co.nz for more information.