Starting on Saturday, September 3 and running until the following Friday, the Unscripted exhibition, displaying artwork from local screen industry artists’ personal passions will be open, for free, to the public at the St James Theatre’s upstairs gallery.
The exhibition will offer works of art ranging from illustration, digital imagery, jewellery, sculpture, animation, short films, textiles, photography to furniture and home furnishings. These artists, who normally harness their creative talent to create some of the best films in the world, will be able to showcase their brilliant talent and individual artistic skills. Their works will also be for sale and will range in price from NZ$25 to NZ$20,000.
Unscripted, which is in its inaugural year, has organizers aiming that it will showcase and underscore the personal talent that those who work in the film industry have. Delia Shanly, Manager of Film Wellington, says, ‘The Unscripted Exhibition is hopefully just the start of its organizers’ ongoing concept to promote the unique creativity of artists working within the screen industry. They aim to give screen industry workers a platform to showcase their talents not only to potential art buyers, but also to any filmmakers searching for specific talents or inspiration. Their aim, and also my hope, is that this might help sustain the individuals working in a very contract-based industry, and ensure that more world-leading visionary film and art is made and supported here in New Zealand.’ The exhibition will also offer the audience insight into the people who make the film industry tick.
On September 3 at 2 p.m. at the St James Theatre Gallery, Gino Acevedo, Head of Department and Creative Art Director of Weta’s Textures Department, will be offering a free public talk about his experiences in the creative world of film. He will be providing examples of his experiences in his earlier works on films such as Alien 3, Wolf and Death Becomes Her as well as his work on blockbusters such as King Kong and The Lord of the Rings. This talk will provide a unique opportunity for the public to see a man whose artistic skill has been shown around the world and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Recognizing the unsung heroes of the film industry, Oscar Award-winning production designer Dan Hennah states, ‘It is wonderful to see an exhibition that showcases the creative individuals that work in film. Our industry is, by nature, collaborative and it is great to see the artists that have come together with passion for film and what they do for a real job. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with these talented people and celebrate the innovation of Unscripted in focusing our attention on their individual talents.’
Greg Broadmore, senior conceptual artist, says, ‘Working in the Wellington film industry for over 10 years, I’ve met hundreds of creative talents. Their names adorn the credit reels of our collaborative works, but a vast amount of personal work is often never seen. The Unscripted exhibition represents an incredible opportunity to delve into this wealth of creative work. I cannot wait to see and for others to see the variety and skill on offer.’—Sabine Ernest