short film
A short film celebrating Waihi Beach in the 1960s, and a story about my grandparents’ early life and partnership.
"true love"
The Idea.
This short (2min 30 seconds - 5 minute ) film is a journey into the lives of my grandparents and their enduring bond with Waihi Beach, a place where personal memory and collective history intertwine. It seeks to weave the intimate threads of family story into the wider cultural and social fabric of the community, capturing not only the rhythms of everyday life but also the spirit of belonging that has shaped generations. Both artwork and archive, the film will stand as a vessel of remembrance, preserving voices of the past while celebrating the unique identity of Waihi Beach.
At its heart, the film drifts back to the 1960s, when my grandparents were young and in love, growing up in a Bay of Plenty beach town alive with energy and possibility. Viewers will be carried into that world: the hum of the local roller-skating rink, the salt-stained surf culture, the glow of picture theatres, and the gatherings that bound the community together. These moments, once ordinary, now shimmer with nostalgia, offering a glimpse into the joys and rituals of youth.
The film becomes a time capsule, an attempt to capture not only the sights and sounds of an era, but its very essence, its atmosphere, its heartbeat. With careful attention to detail in set design, costume and locations , it will reimagine the past with authenticity and artistry, allowing the spirit of “back then” to live again, while speaking to the present.
Some rough story boards so far...
Here are some early visual ideas I am exploring that may be featured in the film.
-Beach scene
-Band practise
-Rollerskating
-Old school cars
Why it matters.
This project preserves the heritage of Waihi Beach by drawing on the local Historical Archive and authentically recreating life in the 1960s. Through careful attention to costume, set design, music, and storytelling, the film captures the spirit of the era and safeguards memories that might otherwise fade.
It is also a community story, rooted in local characters, places, and traditions. By showcasing the everyday life of a young couple in love, the film reflects the pride, identity, and shared history of Waihi Beach, offering residents the chance to see their own stories represented on screen.
Finally, the project builds intergenerational connection. Elders can relive and celebrate their memories, while younger audiences gain a deeper understanding of their heritage. In this way, the film becomes both a time capsule and a bridge between past and present, strengthening community bonds.
Why fund this project?
This project is about more than preserving the heritage of Waihi Beach. It is also a chance for the Creative Communities Scheme to showcase the kind of impact it can have when it supports local stories. The finished film will be a professional-quality production that the committee can proudly point to as a case study of what your funding makes possible. You will also have free access to the content for your own use, whether that is on your website, social media, LinkedIn, or at community events and tradeshows, giving you strong visibility and a clear example of the value you provide.
Your support will help deliver a free community screening that is inclusive and accessible to all, ensuring no barriers for residents to engage with their own history. The project celebrates local pride, strengthens intergenerational connection, and highlights the unique identity of Waihi Beach rather than a generic New Zealand story.
I am also personally investing $10,000 of my own funds to ensure the film is produced to the highest standard. This demonstrates my commitment to both the craft and the community, and shows that your support will be matched by significant personal investment to bring this vision to life.
presentation
The Process
production
- Free community screening in Waihi Beach December or January 2025/26
- Open to all ages, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity
- A shared moment for residents to reflect, connect, and celebrate local heritage
- Drawing on the Waihi Beach Historical Archive for photos, documents, and stories
- Ensuring accuracy in costume, set design, and community details
- Grounding the film in authentic local history
- Filmed with a small professional crew on the Gold Coast
- Authentic wardrobe, props, and art direction to recreate the 1960s atmosphere
- Cinematic storytelling that balances nostalgia with a polished modern look
Reasearch
Calcium — bones stand tall... muscles
ignite.
Hello! Im Brad.
Who am i?
Brad Colman
I’m a DOP and Camera Operator based on the Gold Coast of Australia, known for my cinematic eye and calm, dialled-in presence on set. I deliver bold, high-end visuals that elevate commercial storytelling.
My journey began in Waihi Beach, where I grew up and attended both Waihi Beach Primary and Waihi College. Much of my family, including my mum, dad, cousins, and grandparents, still live there. The Dillimore family has been part of the community for generations, and that legacy continues to inspire my work.
Although I am now based on the Gold Coast, my mission is to use the skills and experience I have gained internationally to give back to the community that raised me. At the heart of my work is a desire to preserve and celebrate the stories of home, capturing the spirit of Waihi Beach and ensuring its history and culture are passed on to future generations.
I have shot campaigns for brands including Guinness, Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, Kia, Audi, BMW, Red Bull, Steinlager, and Caltex. These experiences have shaped me into a filmmaker who thrives in high-pressure environments while staying grounded in authenticity and storytelling.
For me, filmmaking is not just about visuals, it is about connection. Whether I am shooting a global campaign or a local story, my goal is the same: to create work that resonates, inspires, and endures.
Here's some of my work.
Art department & design.
Stella Culton -
Mayor
Born and raised in New Zealand. Attended Waihi Beach Primary and Waihi College.
Brad Colman
Born and raised in New Zealand. Attended Waihi Beach Primary and Waihi College.
Jonathan Bowes-onions
Film and commercial camera technician, born and raised in New Zealand, now residing in Queensland.
our crew - Who will shoot in australia
Producer / director / dop
Camera Operator
Our crew is 100% kiwi.
Calcium — bones stand tall... muscles
ignite.
"This all sounds good, but how
Much resource does he want?"
NOW YOUR PROBABLY THINKING
Im looking for
$3500 NZD
I’m personally investing $10,000 of my own funds into this project to make sure it’s done right. What I’m asking from you is $3,500 to cover the essential production costs such as wardrobe, props, hair and makeup, transport, crew meals, and location permits. These are the details that will make the 1960s come alive on screen. Your $3,500, combined with my $10,000, unlocks a $13,500 production for this community.
Im using my own cinema gear worth
on this film - for the best results.
$30,000 +
9
Final thoughts
This project is not just about one film. It is about showing what is possible when local stories are supported. A professional production of this scale, rooted in Waihi Beach, will inspire other creatives in the region to step forward with their own ideas. Your support here can spark a ripple effect of new projects, new voices, and new stories being told, multiplying the impact of your investment far beyond this single film.