about
Fonetik Films was formed by Mike Hohaia and Gary Davies in 1999. They met while studying at the Avalon Education Centre and started to produce projects together after the course finished. They went on to produce numerous short films over the next few years.
‘The Void’ – written and directed by Gary, was shortlisted for the inaugural NZFC Escalator Scheme (feature films made for 250k) in 2010. After attending an intensive bootcamp for the final 12 teams, joined up with producer Alex Clark for the final submission. Ultimately ‘The Void’ was not one of the four films selected for funding. The team is still developing the project for other funding opportunities.
In 2008, after receiving Creative NZ funding, Fonetik Films shot the short film, ‘The Void’ – written and directed by Gary. Shot on a miniscule budget over 2 days, the film went on to be selected for the Wellington International Film Festival 2009. Click here to see the short film version of ‘The Void’.
Also in 2008, Fonetik Films produced the TV show, ‘What’s Happening, Wellington?!’ an events and attractions show. Hosted by Matt Lund, it provided an irreverent look at Wellington culture. Check out some of the best moments here.
Between 2005-6, Fonetik Films developed ‘The Void’ through NZFC’s now defunct Digital Feature Film Scheme, Headstrong. ‘The Void’ made it to the final six projects, but failed to be greenlit.
In 2004, production finished on Fonetik Films’ debut feature-length film, ‘Flatmates Wanted’, written and directed by Gary. Made over the course of 3 years and on the smell of an oily rag, ‘Flatmates Wanted’, went on to be selected for the New York Independent Film and Video Festival 2004 (NYIIFVF). It also held its World Premiere at Wellington’s prestigious Embassy Theatre.