The Double Loop Film Podcast

Chris Hillock
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  • VISUAL ARTS

Interviews of film makers talking of their passion for film, their latest productions and goals for the future.

Episodes

  1. Episode 10 Morgan Samuel

    10/22/2025

    Episode 10 Morgan Samuel

    Welcome to this new exciting episode of The Double Loop Podcast. I was fortunate enought to sit down with Morgan Samuel in his Te Awamutu studio, and talk about this career as a audio engineer, and some of his inspirations. I’d seen an article in the Waikato Times about his work in the Wellington film seen on movies such as Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy, Mortal Engines, District 9, Steven Spielberg's The Adventures of Tintin, 40 Days of Night directed by David Slade, and many more. He also has an impressive client roster, including the likes of Facebook, NFL, ESPN, Twitter, Dropbox, NCAA, Bupa, and London-based animation powerhouse Cub Studio, led by BAFTA-winning director Fraser Davidson. In 2012, Morgan was honored with an MPSE Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing as ADR Editor in the audio team on Steven Spielberg's The Adventures of Tintin. A few years ago I shared a coffee with him in hopes of bringing him on to a project I was developing. I began to understand the level of his professionalism and that fact that he is a good guy, someone I would be able to work with easily.  The project I hoped to work with him on never eventuated but stayed in contact and became friends over the years. His work and mastery of the audio world is fascinating, an extraodinary engineer and talented musician. In our conversation we talk about his beginnings, education, how mentors like the amazing Chris Todd sound engineer, to the legendary Sir Peter Jackson helped him through. I think you’ll find his insights fascinating! Morgan offers a wide array of audio services including podcast production, sound design for TV and film, music composition, and commercial audio branding. Morgan also caters to global clients from his state-of-the-art studio, blending technical expertise with creative vision to deliver high-quality audio solutions. Learn more about his work at All Round Audio. Listeners can explore Morgan's journey from engineering for iconic post-production studios like Park Road Post to founding All Round Audio, where he continues to collaborate on diverse projects worldwide. His accolades, such as the MPSE Golden Reel Award, underline his dedication to excellence in sound creation. Perfect for creative professionals or audio enthusiasts, this segment can inspire anyone interested in the transformative power of sound.

    44 min

  2. 11/06/2024

    Episode 09 Director Mike Jonathan, talking about his film Ka Whawhai Tonu.

    Welcome to this exciting episode, I am privileged to talk with Mike Jonathan, a seasoned professional with an incredible career spanning nearly three decades as a cameraman, director of photography, and director in both television and film. Known for his outstanding work on documentaries and short films, Mike has released his debut feature film, Ka Whawhai Tonu - Struggle without End.  Ka Whawhai Tonu is set in 1864 during the New Zealand land wars in Waikato. It follows two teenagers who must take control of their destiny as they face the chaos of battle between Māori and Colonial forces against impossible odds.  The main roles are played by Paku Fernandez as Haki and Hinerangi Harawira-Nicholas as Kōpu. The movie also stars Cliff Curtis as Wi Toka, Temuera Morrison as Rewi Maniapoto, and Jason Flemyng as Daniel Morgan​.  Mike talks through his process of bringing this story to live, working with Temuera Morrison, his career and his goals for the future.

    1h 2m

  3. 09/07/2024

    Episode 08 - Haydn Butler Director

    Here’s the next exciting episode talking with Haydn Butler first time feature director but long time story teller. I dig in to the journey that lead Haydn to tell this dark and humorous story. Synopsis "It's desperate times for a small rural home kills and butchery service, as big business begins to threaten their livelihood the owners fall into offering a new service - killing people, to make ends meet."

    42 min

  4. 06/12/2024

    Episode 06 - Double Loop Podcast talks with Te Radar

    I'm thrilled to introduce you to the charismatic and witty Te Radar, our special guest today. Te Radar, a renowned New Zealand comedian, television presenter, and documentary maker, has captivated audiences around the world with his unique blend of humor, curiosity, and storytelling prowess. With a penchant for exploring the quirky and offbeat, Te Radar takes us on a delightful journey into the intriguing, the unexpected, and the downright fascinating aspects of life. In this episode, we're in for a treat as Te Radar shares his incredible adventures, unravels hidden gems, and imparts wisdom gained from his years of travel and exploration. Prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and thoroughly entertained as we delve into the mind and experiences of Te Radar. Whether he's embarking on culinary expeditions, unraveling mysteries of the natural world, or uncovering the quirky tales of everyday life, Te Radar's boundless enthusiasm and infectious laughter promise to leave you both entertained and inspired.

    45 min
  5. Episode 05 Adam Harvey Writer and Director

    06/12/2024

    Episode 05 Adam Harvey Writer and Director

    I’d met Adam Harvey a couple of years ago through the Waikato Film Hub, and had the happy opportunity shoot a Behind The Scenes mini doc for his latest film “Minimally Invasive”.  It’s a unique horror short that expresses Adams dark, whimsical,  and wry sense of humor.  Adam brought his experiences as a medical professional to this story, exploring an unsettling tale of the fear and sometimes terror people go through when they go under the knife, with a horror twist. Adam has been honing his skills for some time now and his films include: Play Dead - 2012You Only Die Forever - 2014Red on the Green - 2015Only Humane - 2016Bloody Late Shift – 2017 With multiple films being accepted in to multiple festivals, Adam’s latest “Minimally Invasive” has also been accepted in to the international festival in Australia Monster Fest 2020. Adam Harvey (photo: supplied) More about Adams filmscan be found here

    38 min

  6. 06/12/2024

    Episode 07 Sam Elton-Walters

    I’ve had the good fortune to work with Sam Elton-Walters on Misty Flicks Film Festival last year and we both had a great time. Sam's adventurous spirit and knack for saying "yes" to unique opportunities have led to incredible experiences, like paddling a giant pumpkin on a lake. He's built websites, created podcasts, started NZ Secret Santa, spoken on a TEDx stage, and worked behind the scenes on movies. Sam believes in following your passions and embracing niche ideas. Sam is one of those people that can just get things done. He’s a great contributor to many Waikato indie films and a valued team member in those productions. I hope you enjoy listening to Sams conversation with me.

    36 min
  7. Episode 4 NATHAN HIGGINS - DRINK UP YOU'RE NEXT.

    02/28/2023

    Episode 4 NATHAN HIGGINS - DRINK UP YOU'RE NEXT.

    This podcast we talk to Nathan Higgins, who’s storytelling journey started in theater where he found his passion for performance.  He also started roping in his family to home made films, directing and filming short skits.  A regular in many Waikato productions as a producer, assistant director, and a wide range of rolls behind the camera Nathan has built up his experience by getting stuck in.  Now he’s made the leap to directing his first short Drink Up You’re Next.  A hard look at the drinking culture of New Zealand, with a special take on how it affects younger generations as they grow up in these environments.   Premiering at the Misty Flicks Short Film Festival, Nathan has achieved a mammoth task of putting his vision on film and creating something that he can be truly proud of. I was keen to talk to Nathan about his inspiration, writing process, and his experience of directing his first film. Filmography (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8879727/) Drink Up, You're Next - Film  Minimally Invasive Skippers Pass 2022 The Last Hustle 2021 Wands 2017 The Tavern

    32 min
  8. Episode 3 Ben Wollen Cinematographer

    02/28/2023

    Episode 3 Ben Wollen Cinematographer

    Once and a while you get to meet someone that really has a lot more to say than they let come forth.  That quietly spoken person that says what needs to be said in not much more.  I had the great pleasure to meet and work with Ben Woollen on the set of Adam Harvey’s Minimally Invasive.  There I was able to watch him create some pretty stunning visuals for that short, and had the advantage to do it as the behind the scenes camera operator.   The great thing about shooting behind the scenes is it gives you the chance to be part of that team but not have the pressures of the production crew.  I got to watch Ben create with Adam, which always suits my visual journalistic nature.   To see a creative team take ideas from the page to the screen is really fascinating to me. On set of Minimally Invasive.  copyright 2020 Ben struck me as extremely professional and in the short conversations I quickly wanted to know more about his work and how he got to where he is today.  Thankfully Ben was happy to come on to this podcast, talk about his film journey thus far and some of his plans for the future. “I GOT TO PLAY WITH GOPROS WITH PETER JACKSON” His insights and stories are fantastic and inspiring.  From creating stop motion animations with a side-loading VHS camera, to playing with Gopros with Sir Peter Jackson, on Mortal Engines, Ben's path has taken him from Hamilton to Wellington's film community to San Fran for the Scott Dixon documentary “Born Racer”. Supplied. I truly enjoyed talking with Ben and I know you will too.  He has some great insights on the film industry and advice for those whether they are trying to get in to it or they have started their journey. LINKS Ben Woollen - https://www.benwoollen.com/ Chasing Time English - https://chasingtimeenglish.com/ GFC Films - https://www.gfcfilms.com/

    53 min
  9. Episode 2 Jeremy Mayall Composer.

    02/27/2023

    Episode 2 Jeremy Mayall Composer.

    Louis Armstrong once said “Music is life itself”. Consider this…   Perhaps you have your own playlists on spotify, or a stash of CDs in the sunvisor of your car, the soundtrack that helps you block out the noise and fuss of the world.  Your soundtrack to your life that helps you feel inspired, energised, creative, or calm and peaceful.  Music can be the curtain you pull across to help create your own space.  Music certainly plays a role in our life from the beat of our mothers heart to learning in school, and beyond. Music plays a vital part of my creative process as a storyteller, giving emotional connection to my footage, helping drive the rhythm of my edits, and helping the viewer understand the significance of a scene, on a deeper level.  I was very keen to interview Jeremy about his work as a musician, composer and artist.  I met him, a few years ago, taking his photo for a story about .. his beard.  He’d entered an international beard growing competition.  It was a great shoot, and we’ve stayed in contact ever since. Born and raised in Hamilton, NZ Jeremy’s mother helped in with piano lessons from the age of 5. His skills don’t stop there, the drums, the harmonica, the bass, the turntables, synths, melodica, and theremin among others. He also regularly sings with several bands, and in theatrical stage shows. He has performed throughout NZ, as well as in Fiji, Nouméa, Vanuatu, Singapore and the US. He has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) – majoring in Music, a master's degree, and a Doctorate. Jeremy has been awarded a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship, Creative/Performing Arts Person of the Year for 2005, Media Personality of the Year 2005 Winner of the Sir Edmund Hillary Medal. recipient of the Hamilton City Council BeatStreet award for Excellence in Creative and Performing Arts, The Hamilton City Council Supreme Youth Award in 2008. Dr. Jeremy Mayall is currently the CEO at Creative Waikato - a Regional Arts Organisation in NZ specializing in capability building for the arts community, and working as an advocate for the arts. He is also a composer/performer/artist and researcher.  There is so much to this man that I can’t list it all here. I talk with Jeremy about his musical start, his creative journey to his role as CEO of Creative Waikato, enabling others to have their own creative journeys. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

    44 min

  10. 02/27/2023

    Episode 1 - Scott Granville producer and writer.

    Don’t be too surprised to hear that in the heart of the Waikato there is a collection of talented writers, directors, actors, cinematographers, cutting their own path away from the main centers of Auckland and Wellington.  They share their unique voices and stories which speak to a lot of New Zealanders. I was lucky enough to get to talk with Scott Granville from Chasing Time English.  I was curious to find out more about his journey as a writer, director and producer, how he has taken his creative drive and matched it with business opportunity to make something the gave him a vehicle to create and earn money,  something we all are searching for as working creatives. Masters of Arts in Literature and Creative Writing graduate from Waikato University, Scott set up production company Chasing Time with his film making partner and cinematographer Ben Woollen in 2008.   Together they have won a series of awards with many of their short films. 2013 Show Me Shorts Film Festival (New Zealand) People's Choice Award Serve and Protect 2014 High Desert International Film Festival (United States) Audience Choice Award Serve and Protect 2014 Red Dirt Film Festival (USA) – Nominated for Best Comedy Serve and Protect 2015 World Film Awards (Indonesia)  – Golden Award – Winner Paths We Walk (short film documentary) 2016 Skyline Independent Film Festival (USA)  – Best Screenplay Breakery (short film comedy) 2016 Winner Red Dirt Film Festival (USA) – Nominated for Best Comedy Breakery (short film comedy) 2018 PIEONEER Awards  (UK) – Digital Innovation of the Year - Finalist Fortune (TV series drama) Scott and Ben have found a unique gap in the market and  moved their productions into the world of education, making short series specifically for learners and teachers of the English language. What we hope to do is to push dramatic narrative as a viable way for students to either learn independently, or for teachers to use alongside communicative based classroom activities. Scott Granville on production company Chasing Time English, ELTjam website, 27 November 2017 Now in their 5th season and going from strength to strength Scott talks about  his plans for the future and how his full length feature still remains an important goal for him and Ben.  Find out more about the Chasing Time English team here. Hopefully my next guest will be his producing partner and cinematographer Ben Wollen,  if I can drag him away from his tight filming schedule!

    50 min
  • 10 Episodes

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Interviews of film makers talking of their passion for film, their latest productions and goals for the future.

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