Lance Morcan's Blog, page 13

Paperback Cover Reveal for my epic historical adventure-romance novel

Coming soon!

My thanks to the talented designers at Book Publishers NZ for designing such an eye-catching cover for this soon-to-be released novel. 

‘New Zealand: A Novel’ spans almost 500 years and covers the respective discoveries of New Zealand by Maori and European.

The novel will be published on Amazon before Christmas; the hardcover and audiobook versions will follow in the New Year.

Watch this space!

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New Zealand’s discovery by its indigenous people features in early chapters of ‘New Zealand: A Novel’

Kafoa scanned the ocean ahead of the double-voyaging canoe that had carried his fellow Islanders, or those of them who had survived at least, so far from their homeland in Hawaiki. Finally, he saw what it was the men had seen.

Low on the horizon, at the limit of the boy’s vision, was a large landmass resting beneath a long white cloud. Studying the distant landmass, he murmured, “Aotearoa.”

His father nodded. “Aotearoa,” Hotu agreed. “Land of the long white cloud.”

Kupe’s land now had a name.

You are reading an excerpt from an early chapter in my soon-to-be-released historical adventure epic ‘New Zealand: A Novel’.

Excerpt continues:

The excitement on board was unrestrained as the landmass now referred to by all as Aotearoa came into clear focus beneath the umbrella of cloud. Everyone who could stand was standing. The only voyagers not on their feet were those too weak to rise from where they lay.

Hotu was now manning the tiller. His heart beat fast. Here at last was Kupe’s land!

Tears filled the rangatira’s eyes and he murmured a prayer of thanks to the spirits of his Hawaikan ancestors. This land, their land, would be his people’s salvation. Of that he was sure.

From around twenty miles out, the land appeared dark and mysterious in the shadow of the cloudbank above it. Forbidding even. The sight had a sobering effect on the voyagers. All conversation ceased as they studied their new homeland.

As the canoe sailed onwards, floundering deeper than ever in the water, the land mass ahead slowly took shape. It was high – higher than the tropical islands of the Pacific – and it was covered in dense, lush, green bush.

Although still too far away to ascertain, the land appeared to be unoccupied, and some sixth sense told Hotu it was. Which meant he and his fellow survivors would be the only people on these shores. He wondered what had become of Kupe’s fellow voyagers all those centuries ago.

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The paperback and Kindle ebook versions of ‘New Zealand: A Novel’ will be published on Amazon before Christmas; the hardcover and audiobook versions will follow in the New Year.

Watch this space!

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Cover Reveal for my historical adventure epic ‘New Zealand: A Novel’

My thanks to the talented book cover designers at Book Publishers NZ for designing such an eye-catching cover for this soon-to-be released novel. They offer the full range of publishing services for authors as a visit to their website will testify… [image error]Book Publishers in New Zealand – Top Self-Publishing House in NZ

‘New Zealand: A Novel’ has been a labour of love for me for half a century now! I wrote a one paragraph logline for it 50 years ago and have been adding to it, a few paras at a time, ever since. 

The novel spans almost 500 years and covers the respective discoveries of New Zealand by Maori and European. 

It starts in the 1300’s with the departure of Pacific Islanders from Hawaiki in search of land far to the south; it ends in the 1700’s with Captain James Cook’s historic circumnavigation of that same land – a land he calls New Zealand – as seen through the eyes of young crewmember Nicholas Young aboard the bark Endeavour. 

From the outset the two stories are interposed. The adventures of the descendants of the earliest Maoris are followed down through the centuries, culminating in their often violent, sometimes romantic, always fascinating interactions with the white intruders they call pakehas.

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The paperback and Kindle ebook versions of ‘New Zealand: A Novel’ will be published on Amazon before Christmas; the hardcover and audiobook versions will follow in the New Year.

Watch this space!

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Indie authors and publishers take note: Charlotte Greene imprint offers a fresh approach to publishing

English writer John (Jonno) Morris, best known for his Star Gazer Series of sci-fi novels, discovered publishing printed books so complicated he decided to create his own imprint and offer advice to other first-time indie publishers. Hence the welcome arrival of the imprint Charlotte Greene on the crowded book publishing landscape.

Charlotte Greene, in association with trusted freelance agents, offers authors resources and access to those same freelancers to help get their masterpiece into print and eBook formats ready for sales and marketing. The freelancers provide paid services such as creating book covers, content and copy editing.

Specifically, the services offered to authors include content editing, proof reading, advice on book formatting and layout, cover for EPUB and print, compatibility with printed books (size, bleed, definition), illustrations including maps and other internal graphics, conversion to generic EPUB format.

The imprint even supplies ISBN’s to those authors who formally publish through Charlotte Greene.

Charlotte Greene’s services don’t end there. They also include marketing and promotion. These cover inclusion in its biennial trade catalogue targeting both the UK and USA, advice, or presentation to retail and distribution channels in UK, USA, Europe and the English-speaking world as well as opening the route to self-publishing authors listing their books with Waterstones UK and Ingram USA.

Jonno operates his business from his base in China.  The 70-year-old has lived in Foshan, Canton, which is near Hong Kong, since what was meant to be “a visit” some 22 years ago. His modus operandi, while successful, could be described as different, even unconventional.

Jonno Morris…founder of Charlotte Greene.

“In essence, Charlotte Greene is a small version of Elance, dedicated solely to helping self-publishing authors bring their work to the marketplace,” he says. “We differ from conventional publishers who offer a small royalty in return for publishing a manuscript.”

Jonno stresses that contracted authors remain in control of their books.

“Essentially, the imprint helps authors achieve their goals independently and on their own. If publication of a book results in, or leads to, a book deal with a major publisher, clients are welcome to take it up.”

The benefits of dealing with Charlotte Greene don’t end there. The imprint opens doors closed to most self-publishing authors, offering listings with Waterstones, Blackwells, and Apple iBookstore to name but three major retail outlets. Clients’ books are also listed in its Trade Catalogue, which is published biennially, and is aimed at trade distributors and wholesalers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Charlotte Green is heavily into fiction and is especially interested in the following: science fiction, science fantasy, urban fiction / YA, action & Adventure, mystery thrillers, who-done-it and historical fiction.

“We have no hard and fast rule on what we will and will not look at,” says Jonno. “An original and interesting plot goes a long way with us. Electronic submissions of complete manuscripts are accepted, if requested by us, after initial review.”

For more about Charlotte Greene, check out the imprint’s informative website at: https://www.charlotte-greene.co.uk/index.htm

For more about Jonno and his Star Gazer Series check out our earlier blog at: https://morcanbooksandfilms.com/2022/12/16/star-gazer-a-tantalizing-series-for-lovers-of-science-fiction-and-fantasy-2/

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Greek musician Billy Yfantis presents the astronomy-inspired album “Planetary Fields”

Renowned Greek musician Billy Yfantis is thrilled to announce the release of his latest instrumental album, “Planetary Fields.”

Drawing inspiration from the pioneering sounds of krautrock and progressive rock legends such as Tangerine Dream and Hawkwind, Yfantis delivers an audio trip through the magnetic shields that protect our planets.

“Planetary Fields” is a concept album exploring the awe-inspiring phenomenon of planetary magnetospheres. These magnetic fields are crucial for shielding planets from the relentless solar wind and cosmic radiation, playing a vital role in maintaining atmospheres and supporting life.

Each track on the album delves into different aspects of these celestial guardians, offering listeners an immersive experience into the protective forces of the cosmos.

For the full story go to: https://skylight.gr/index.php/2024/07/03/experimental-greek-musician-billy-yfantis-presents-the-astronomy-inspired-album-planetary-fields/

Listen to the new album here:  
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7fbG12hohn643Yd4ZP5VC7?si=zY_lzwUMSGurX3WdiHrGsA 
YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kl0O8aHSBZ7b2-y6VSjrF7C7KJInMmiNY   
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/planetary-fields/1746837212 
Bandcamp: https://billyyfantis.bandcamp.com/album/planetary-fields

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Writer-director James Morcan to direct aviation thriller based on his novel The Heathrow Affair

News release: June 25, 2024

New Zealand publisher Sterling Gate Books this week announced that film director James Morcan has attached to direct The Heathrow Affair, an aviation thriller based on his published novel of the same name.

A spokesperson for the publishing company said the novel was one of one of 12 co-authored by Morcan and his father Lance.

“The New Zealand father-and-son writing team’s books are published under the Sterling Gate Books banner,” he said. “It brings to nine the number of their novel adaptations that James is now attached to direct.”

Novel to be adapted for feature film.

Speaking from Sydney, where he is preparing to approach major streaming platforms regarding his award-winning, new-release movie Anno 2020, the younger Morcan said directing The Heathrow Affair would present some unique challenges.

“The novel was inspired by a narrowly avoided tragedy which saw the captain of a British Airways flight being partially sucked out of the aircraft after it suffered an explosive decompression over Oxfordshire,” said Morcan.

“That event, which occurred on June 10, 1990, involved BA Flight 5390. It was caused by an improperly installed windscreen panel, which separated from its frame, causing the captain to be partially ejected. He was held in place through the window frame for 20 minutes until the plane successfully landed. The captain miraculously survived and made a full recovery.”

Historic shot of fateful BA Flight 5390.

“The leading character in The Heathrow Affair is a young East Ender employed as an aircraft mechanic at Heathrow Airport. He seems to have it all, but his life is turned upside down when the girl of his dreams announces she’s leaving him for a dashing pilot employed by the same airline.

“Worse is to come when he’s blamed for a mid-air incident that has catastrophic consequences for one of the airline’s aircraft high above the Atlantic.

“The screenplay adaption for the planned movie will be faithful to the novel in that it will retain the book’s love triangle theme. Without giving too much away, our young mechanic is reunited with his lost love in a way neither could ever have imagined.”

Morcan said this his latest book-to-film project will be uniquely challenging because it will need to be set at England’s Heathrow Airport.

“In addition to the technical difficulties of shooting scenes around the airport as well as in and around individual aircraft, the film will obviously be expensive to shoot. This will necessitate the attachment of A-list actors to greenlight it.”

He said actors couldn’t help but be impressed that the novel was attracting excellent reviews.

Accredited Amazon.com reviewer Grady Harp describes The Heathrow Affair as “An exciting read (that) provides a fine diversion for an evening away from the clutter of the world.” And top Amazon Australia critic Todd Simpson says, “Brilliant, I loved it… The story took a turn that I wasn’t expecting, and it certainly hit me between the eyes!”

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Amazon link to The Heathrow Affair: https://www.amazon.com/Heathrow-Affair-Lance-Morcan-ebook/dp/B07X8CN6BD

IMDb film industry link to James Morcan:

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Mali’s Dogon tribe to feature in movie helmed by emerging New Zealand film director

New Zealand writer-director James Morcan, best known for his new-release, Australian-produced film Anno 2020, has attached to direct an action-adventure movie set in Mali and featuring the West African nation’s enigmatic Dogon people.

Titled ‘Deniables: The Dogon Initiative’, the movie will be based on the novel ‘The Dogon Initiative’, one of 12 novels co-authored by Morcan and his father Lance, and the first book in a planned ‘Deniables’ series. The New Zealand father-and-son writing team’s books are published under the Sterling Gate Books banner.

Book 1 in planned ‘Deniables’ series of novels and films.

Speaking from Sydney, Australia, this week, James Morcan said he and his father knew from the outset their novel, which is currently exclusive to Amazon, would translate to an exciting feature film.

“Reviewers of this and other adventure novels of ours have commented that the storylines feel very cinematic,” he said. “That’s not surprising as we both have a love of film and are both screenwriters as well as novelists.”

The younger Morcan said ‘The Dogon Initiative’ is about a group of foreign mercenaries who are hired as deniable assets by a newly formed humanitarian division of the CIA.

“It was inspired by a true-life mystery of astronomy, and it covers some of the many myths and theories surrounding Mali’s fascinating Dogon people. We highlight their unexplained knowledge of the invisible-to-the-eye Sirius B white dwarf star, the rings of Saturn and other heavenly bodies, as well as their rumoured ancestral relationship to ancient Egyptians.

“Our leading characters, the foreign mercenaries, have been nicknamed ‘the Deniables’ because their existence isn’t officially acknowledged by the CIA. They’re tasked with saving Mali’s persecuted Dogon people from genocide.

“The operation must be carried out in stealth while journeying across some of West Africa’s most hostile terrain. As if all that’s not enough, they’re also instructed to help solve an ancient astronomical mystery linked to the pyramids of Egypt.

“Our Deniables soon find themselves fighting for their lives when they get caught in the middle of warring ethnic factions in Mali. Their only way to survive is to join with the Dogon in a race against the clock. The stakes are so high that not only could an entire indigenous group be wiped off the face of the Earth, but all evidence that supports advanced ancient technology theories surrounding the Dogon and a lost civilization thesis may be destroyed in the process.”

Morcan is currently celebrating the successful Australian red-carpet cinema screenings of his mystery-drama movie Anno 2020, which represents his directorial debut. As well as directing that award-winning film he adapted it from his solo-authored novel of the same name.

Several of the Morcans’ co-authored novels have been regular visitors to Amazon’s bestseller lists. They include the historical adventures ‘White Spirit’ and ‘Into the Americas’, and the international thriller ‘The Ninth Orphan’. These and several others, including some with name actors attached, have been adapted to feature film screenplays and are in early development.

Amazon link to ‘The Dogon Initiative’: https://www.amazon.com/Dogon-Initiative-Deniables-Book-ebook/dp/B07NKTD515

IMDb film industry link to James Morcan: [image error]  

James’s contact details for media enquiries: Ph. +61 431 981 415

Email: jamesmorcan@yahoo.com   

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Greek virtuoso’s latest albums take listeners on a breathtaking journey through ancient Greek mythology

Greek virtuoso Billy Yfantis invites listeners to delve into the depths of history and mythology by tuning into his latest musical offerings now available on major streaming platforms. These offerings come in the form of two albums, Anagnosis – Homer’s Iliad and  Anagnosis – Twelve Olympians, which explore the 12 ancient Greek gods and Homer’s Iliad.

Music critics say this musical endeavor uniquely combines the haunting melodies of Dungeon Synth with the atmospheres of Medieval and Dark Folk Music, providing a rich, auditory journey through ancient Greek mythology.

Yfantis says this mythology was the inspiration for the albums. He explains that anagnosis means “reading” in Greek, which musically “reads” as the ancient Greek mythology brought to life through epic folk music.

“The first album, Anagnosis – Homer’s Iliad, captures the epic saga of one of the greatest literary works of all time,” he says. “Each track is meticulously crafted to bring to life the intense emotions and legendary events of the Trojan War. From the rage of Achilles to the sorrow of Troy’s fall, listeners are immersed in a timeless narrative woven through melodic and ambient soundscapes.”

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nSVNFa2nZqr_AeVNwUcn8oyHR6MEbUrNQ

Yfantis says, his second album, Anagnosis – Twelve Olympians, pays homage to the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses.

“Each track is a tribute to a different deity, capturing their essence and mythology through atmospheric compositions that transport the listener to the sacred realms of Mount Olympus.”

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nSVNFa2nZqr_AeVNwUcn8oyHR6MEbUrNQ

Billy Yfantis, a Greek amateur music producer since the late 1990s, brings a wealth of experience in tape mixing and sound design to this his latest musical initiative. He reveals he finds his true artistic expression through the ethereal sounds produced by electronic machines. His passion for blending historical narratives with modern music technology results in a unique and captivating auditory experience.

Yfantis and his groundbreaking synthwave initiative Neon Planet musical initiative featured recently in this blog at https://morcanbooksandfilms.com/2024/05/13/billy-yfantis-and-his-groundbreaking-synthwave-initiative-neon-planet-launch-spellbinding-album-lonely-city/

Media representatives and music lovers alike can email him at: Byfantis@yahoo.com

For more information go to: https://www.facebook.com/billy.yfantis

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U.S. film composer Ashsha Kin makes his mark in movie helmed by New Zealand writer-director

Cinema audiences are resonating with the musical score provided by American film composer Ashsha Kin in Anno 2020, the new-release, award-winning movie written and directed by Tauranga-born James Morcan.

Anno 2020 composer Ashsha Kin.

The Temecula, California-based family man is best known for his work on 1521: The Quest for Love and Freedom for which he completed the audio mix, and the soon-to-be-released Flight 704 for writing the score and providing all audio post-production.  

Kin said he jumped at the chance to do the score for the contentious, Australian-produced, mystery-drama Anno 2020 when its New Zealand writer-director James Morcan approached him.

“I think working with James is the main reason I wanted to be a part of this production,” said Kin.

“James sent me a cut of Anno 2020, accompanied by an audio recording, giving me insight into his style and how he approached filming remotely on Anno 2020. I had such a good feeling about James that I decided to take the opportunity and do the film.  And I am so glad that I did.”

Sydney-based Morcan, who adapted the Anno 2020 screenplay from his published novel of the same name, said he had always envisaged it being a music-driven film. He described Kin as a breath of fresh air in the film industry.

“I found directing this, my first feature, quite stressful at times, but I quickly discovered Ashsha was a calming influence,” he said. “Always humble, he was a positive, mature force that helped the team get to the promised land of film completion.”

Morcan said Kin made an incredible contribution as composer.

“Ashsha achieved the interconnectedness I was seeking all along within the story but didn’t find – until he stepped in and showed me the possibilities through his unique world of sound.”

Kin said looking back on Anno 2020 – the movie and the year – it was all a kind of a whirlwind.

“When I joined the film’s production team, I had about six weeks to write the whole score. I was faced with writing about 40 cues, which was somewhat daunting.

“However, once I got into it and realized that James and I were on the same page, I was able to get into a groove and find a good rhythm.  For me, knowing that the director trusted me with his film went a long way toward easing any worries I had.”

The composer said it was an added bonus that the producers approached him to mix the film.   

“That gave me the opportunity to present the music in a way that reflected how I heard the film.  It also bought me a bit of extra time, allowing me to revisit the music mixes and refine things while working on the mix itself.

“The whole experience was a pleasure from start to finish. James and lead producer Gil Ben-Moshe gave me a great degree of support and trust, and just let me do what I do without trying to control how the work was getting done. They were very receptive to my interpretation of the music for the film.”

Ben-Moshe, of MoneyShot Productions, Sydney, said Kin made an outstanding contribution to the Anno 2020 production, and attaching him was the best decision he and his fellow producers made.   

“Music composition and sound design are both integral facets of the filmmaking process, and Ashsha’s music set the mood and tone for every scene, enhancing the viewer’s experience immeasurably,” said Ben-Moshe.

“A creative genius, he really took the time to understand what the movie, plots and characters were about. His work ethic, professionalism, talent, and attention to detail were tangible in every single piece of music that he composed. Not to mention his ability to convert the director’s vision to screen musically.”

Kin was impressed by Anno 2020’s cast, which includes veteran American actors Kevin Scott Allen (Star Trek, Alias, Prison Break), Sheila Ball (A Prince and Pauper Christmas, Assault On VA-33) and Chinese-American Crystal J. Huang (Dark Feathers) as well as leading Australian actors Erin Connor (Occupation: Rainfall, Dino King 3D) and Greg Poppleton (Last Days of the Space Age, Backtrack and Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader).

The Californian was also impressed that Anno 2020 garnered awards at various film festivals in 2023/24. These include winning the Titan International Film Festival’s ‘Best Experimental Film’ award in Sydney recently, Quarter-Finalist status in the Best Film category at the International British Film Festival 2023 in London, and an official selection for the Symbiotic Film Festival in Ukraine.

As for Anno 2020 the year as opposed to the film, Kin described it as surreal.

“Professionally I was able to keep working but psychologically having to go through COVID, with all the regulations, vaccines, and lockdowns added to the fear that was kind of everywhere, it really impacted on me and my loved-ones.

“My wife Tina, who is asthmatic, contracted COVID and she took ages to recover. We were constantly worried one of our adopted twin boys Oliver and Charlie, both autistic and only eight, would be struck down. It was a scary time, for everyone, everywhere, and not just for us.” 

Kin said he spent much of 2020 working on music.

“I think music is the most important thing to me in life. Nothing, besides my family, has given me more purpose or ignited more drive in me than writing and producing music. I tend to find solace when writing. At the time, it was my way of washing off all the world.  I approached it sort of like a healing, or at least a recognition that healing was needed.

Ashsha Kin’s studio…where the magic is created.

“I released the tracks that I wrote during that time as an album titled Sacred.  It was inspired by a poem I wrote years ago and is a mixture of electronic beats over ritual ambiences, rooted in native American shamanic folklore.”

Kin’s poem, titled The girl with red streaks in her hair, reads as follows:

I first heard of her from the Indian at the circle of stone.

Her image appeared to me in the mist of the sacred drum,

Conceived from rhythm and light.

Her voice scattered into a million reflections as she whispered in my ear.

“Listen,” she said and then she disappeared.

Carried on the breath of that one word I soared above myself,

Searching the endless sky for another glimpse of her.

Three days turned night before I returned to the circle,

Her gentle voice still echoing in my ears.

“Will I ever see her again?” I asked my Indian friend.

“She is with you now,” he said. And then he smiled, turned, and disappeared. – Ashsha Kin ©

Kin, who has been working in the music and entertainment industry since 1993, said he was drawn to music as a kid.

“I would sit in my room for hours and hours listening to vinyl records, top to back, over, and over.  I started playing piano when I was seven years old, and in middle school I started playing the alto saxophone and continued playing in both symphonic and jazz bands through high school.

“I left college with a BA in Business Management and a BA in Music Recording and Technology, making my living mainly working on game music and sound design as well as writing songs for kid’s toys on various platforms.

“About five years ago, I began putting myself out there, contacting film directors and producers to see if I could find some more challenging projects. Since then, I’ve worked on about 35 projects, including eight feature films, as a composer and audio mixer.”

As for whether he would consider working with Gil Ben-Moshe, James Morcan and the team of Anno 2020 again, Kin was unequivocal.

“Absolutely! Just let me know when we can get started on the next one!”   

Anno 2020 celebrated its world premiere at a sold-out, red-carpet cinema screening in Sydney last month, and it enjoyed an equally successful Victorian premiere in Melbourne earlier this month. The film’s Queensland premiere, another red-carpet event which is shaping up to be yet another sellout, will be held in Brisbane on June 4.

Beyond these interstate cinema screenings, the filmmakers envisage online distribution on major streaming platforms for Anno 2020.

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Ashsha Kin’s website provides interesting insights into his life and his love of music…   [image error] www.ashshakin.com

The Anno 2020 trailer can be viewed at:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-gUZc6UH8M    

Anno 2020 IMDb page: [image error]www.imdb.com/title/tt13455748/

Ashsha’s IMDb page: [image error]

Anno 2020 film industry site link: www.imdb.com/title/tt13455748/

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Anno 2020’s Aussie producer celebrates sold-out screenings of this Kiwi-helmed movie

Gil Ben-Moshe, the Sydney-based lead producer of the new-release movie Anno 2020, is riding high after successful red-carpet cinema screenings of this, the first feature film produced by his production company and the first directed by Kiwi writer-director James Morcan.  

The contentious movie, a mystery-drama which provides viewers with a memorable albeit fictional snapshot of the cataclysmic year that was 2020, celebrated its Victorian premiere last week at a sold-out Lido Cinema in Melbourne. That screening was attended by mainly film industry representatives, and it followed the movie’s equally successful world premiere in Sydney last month.

Anno 2020 producer Gil Ben-Moshe.

For Ben-Moshe, the success of the Melbourne red-carpet event and the industry feedback that followed it was further validation that Anno 2020 is a film audiences resonate with.

“The feedback includes dozens of emails from producers and other industry guests, and the common theme is the movie made them think and feel,” he said. “Other filmmakers expressed interest in collaborating with us on future projects, and numerous radio stations, film critics, reviewers and podcasters offered to review our movie.”

The Jewish producer, who is also an actor and who plays the gut-wrenching role of a Sydneysider who must contend with anti-Semitism as well as the COVID lockdowns in Anno 2020, said the success of the screenings to date bode well for the Queensland premiere booked for Brisbane’s Five Star Cinema, in New Farm, on June 4.

“We chose to do an old-fashioned release by staging our cinema screenings first before the movie is placed on various global streaming platforms. Our thinking was this would attract more exposure before streaming, and so far, that’s the case.

“Distribution on multiple streaming platforms was always the endgame for Anno 2020. I honestly believe it was meant for online audiences as they would enjoy the stylistic approach to filmmaking we’ve taken.”

Anno 2020 has already received excellent reviews from accredited film critics, and it currently enjoys a very respectable 9.2 out of 10 stars rating on the respected film industry site IMDb.com.

Ben-Moshe’s twin brother Oren is the other half of MoneyShot Productions. Together, they have a shared love of film that dates back to acting on stage as youngsters during school assemblies.

Producers Gil (left) and Oren Ben-Moshe on the red carpet with their Associate Producer Angela Faria.

“We’d deliver announcements in a comical way in order to maintain students’ attention,” Oren Ben-Moshe said. “Which probably explains our penchant for comedy and comedic acting.”

Gil Ben-Moshe recalled it was after he returned from his gap year, spent in Israel, that he decided to seek acting representation.

“Initially, I spent two years working on filmsets as an extra, just watching other actors and directors collaborate on various television shows, commercials, and movies. Eventually, I landed major roles in TV ads for the likes of Pepsi, Mastercard and Toyota Rav 4 as well as TV shows like Home and Away, Breakers, Heartbreak High and Police Rescue.

“Movie roles included A Difficult Woman and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie, and I was cast in more than 40 short films where I really worked on my craft.

“The more experience I gained working on filmsets, the more determined I became to begin my own production company. I decided to join forces with Oren, and we set out to surround ourselves with a crew of talented, dedicated and committed people.

“We’ve had MoneyShot Productions for almost five years now but ran ActionTwins Productions for eight years before changing the name.

“Our primary goal remains unchanged. It is to consistently produce feature films we are proud of. Films that give audiences a genuinely amazing movie experience.”

The twins have certainly experienced the highs and lows of the industry.

In 2003, they flew to the U.S. with the script for a sitcom they’d co-written called Twin Cheeks. After shooting a pilot, they pitched it to major Los Angeles production companies, informing them that they, the Ben-Moshes, would star in it. Around the same time, they finished top seven in a major acting competition in Orlando, Florida, coming to the attention of NBC.

“They (NBC) wanted to meet with us in L.A. to discuss possibilities,” brother Gil said.

“The upshot was they watched our pilot and decided we should have our own TV show. Before they had time to develop it, our U.S. visas expired, forcing us to head to Canada, and then tragedy struck when our father passed away back in Sydney.

“We left for Australia that evening, informing NBC of our departure and effectively ending the prospect of our own sitcom. A missed opportunity perhaps, but we had to farewell our beautiful father in person.”

Ben-Moshe said there were many reasons he and Oren were drawn to producing Anno 2020 – the main one being the challenge it presented as well as the opportunity.

“This is the fourth feature film that Oren and I have participated in together with Anno 2020’s writer-director James Morcan, so we were both very aware of his talent as a filmmaker, especially with storytelling and directing. Even though this film marks James’s directorial debut, he assisted the director on a couple of those earlier movies – namely My Cornerstone and After Armageddon.

“We were mindful of the challenges that would come our way having to shoot a global movie remotely, keeping in mind most of the shoot was conducted during the strict lockdowns and travel restrictions of 2021. How we did it on a microbudget of US$6,000 I’m still not sure!

“Face-to-face auditioning of actors, which is common practice for casting any movie, wasn’t possible due to the enforced isolation of individuals during that stressful period. We had to rely on Zoom calls when auditioning and in the end go with our gut feelings on who to cast.

“As far as filming was concerned, the restrictions imposed prevented us from physically being on set. Except for some of the Australian scenes. Even then, we had to film clandestinely at times.

“We coped overall by being creative and thinking outside of the box. Attaching an iphone onto the top of a camera while filming a Zoom call between separated parties or individuals, for example, was one way we got around not being on set.

“Essentially, that was how James directed our truly international cast with actors spread over four continents. It was via Zoom. Although not conventional or orthodox, it was perfect for what we were trying to achieve.”

Ben-Moshe admitted there were many times he and his cast and crew missed the human touch.

“Physical presence of crew and fellow actors was usually non-existent. It felt bizarre and lonely at times, but it may have been for the better. Film sets are often noisy, busy, and chaotic, so the silence actors felt during takes enabled them to focus solely on their performances.

“I know I experienced my own dysphoria as shooting scenes alone initially felt weird, but I adapted to it and embraced the experience. My fellow actors expressed similar sentiments.

“Shooting on Zoom was the most intimate acting I’d ever done once I overcame that feeling of isolation. There is something unique about it. An indescribable connection, which is hard to explain.”

Despite the challenges he and his fellow actors experienced, he said the acting topped his list of the things he was proudest of.

“Every single cast member worked so hard on developing their character and their role in the movie. I truly believe there are so many performances worthy of an award.

“Kudos for this should go to James (Morcan) who was tasked with directing an international cast remotely on his directorial debut. I can only imagine how difficult that was. His directing produced absolute magic in the actors’ performances.

“James kept emphasizing throughout the shoot that ‘every role needs to be treated as a main role.’ If you ask me, the end result reveals that mantra was quite prophetic. And James would agree with me I’m sure that our cinematographer/editor Simon Carter pulled off some miracles as this wasn’t an easy film to edit.”

Ben-Moshe said next month’s Queensland premiere of Anno 2020, in Brisbane, would be another red-carpet event, and another sell-out looked likely.

“Queensland’s own Erin Connor, who plays a truly memorable role opposite acclaimed Sydney actor Greg Poppleton, will be among the actors and filmmakers present. Guests will be treated to red-carpet photos with the actors and producers, and a screening of the film followed by a Q and A session with cast members and crew.”

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YouTube link to highlights of Anno 2020’s Victorian premiere: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJF0-p2bqDA

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The Anno 2020 trailer can be viewed at:  https://www.youtube.com/@ANNO2020TheMovie

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