Days 5 & 6 Dunedin

The pool scene set-up on Day 5 began at 4:00AM with hopes of catching a dramatic Kiwi sunrise on film. These hopes were quickly dashed by cloudy, but rain-free weather. Despite the clouds, Ogilvy, Ken & Co. produced some beautiful footage of our talent in the community pool set beside the shores of Dunedin. After 12 hours poolside, we ventured back to downtown Dunedin for dinner, and later did our part to support the local 'gaming industry' at a nearby Casino. If the number and prominence of casinos and legalized brothel houses are any indication, New Zealand appears to be a nation that places great emphasis on rugged individualism and personal liberties.

The following morning we started off at Otago University where the production team built a masterful replica of an all-American baseball batting cage. It took some time to teach the extras how to properly swing a baseball bat - as they are tainted by the upward motion of a Cricket swing - but eventually they got the hang of it. Later that afternoon we went back the the beaches to shoot a surf fishing scene. Stunningly beautiful cliffs, sea lions and 10 foot waves created a dramatic backdrop for the scene. Imagine Normandy-like cliffs and bluffs with wide beachs covered in incredibly soft, white sand. Unblemished by commercial influences, the beaches are free of T-shirt shops, snow-cone stands, and high-rise hotels. Some members of the team feel more at home in this tranquil environment than others. Larry was clearly a fish out of water, and lamented the lack of amenities saying, "This beach would be great if there were more cement and a Bagel Bob's stand on the corner." His request to move video village back to the hotel room via closed circuit link was summarily denied. Peter F. in an impressive show of self-discipline and control remained as focused on, and effective with, his blackberry on the beach setting as he is in almost every other environment. Notes to all US readers who email Peter - cut him a little slack on the email while he is away.