film role for former masterton actress | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

Former Masterton woman, Martine Michelle, 19, features in a private film company's latest production, Ordinary Lives of Angels, which premiered at The Little Theatre, Main Street, Greytown, last night.

The film is one of two to be shown, and both have been produced by Actual Vision, a film company based in Featherston.

The actors are from the Wellington Performing Arts Centre and the film mark the end of their two years of drama study.

Ordinary Lives of Angels is a 40-minute film following the tenuous path of a 19-year-old Featherston woman "Lill", moving from smalltown New Zealand to the city (Wellington).

"Her dream, aspirations and ultimate culture shock is told in the way she learns to relate to new people in her life", producer Deane Cronin said.

He is excited to have the opportunity to produce the films and chose a Wairarapa location to premiere the Angels film because of Michelle's involvement.

"These films have been produced using broadcast quality equipment and facilities but with no production budget. The goodwill and commitment of many fine people has resulted in two wonderful stories for the screen," Cronin said.

The accompanying film, The Other Face of the Moon, has screened in a national film festival, but Ordinary Lives of Angels had its debut at the Greytown screening.

Cronin said it is a valuable learning experience for the actors and an entertaining experience for the audience.

Following on from her initial two years of study, Michelle is one of around 20 people who have been selected for the 2005 intake at the New Zealand Drama School in Wellington, with head tutor being actress Miranda Harcourt.

Michelle was born and bred in Masterton and attended St Patrick's School and Chanel College. Her love of drama involved her in many productions and speech competitions. Her stepfather, John Mabey, is a keen member of the Masterton Amateur Theatrical Society.

Photo: Sandy Parkinson