Roles: Director / Writer / Producer / Camera / Editor

This rollicking portrait of a legendary Australian surf filmmaker and raconteur takes us inside the romance and peril of one of the world’s most fascinating sub-cultures.

Remastering never-seen-before film archives from the 1970’s to the 2010’s, we’re taken on an epic oceanic voyage.

Growing up in the halcyon days of the Hawaiian surf scene, Jack McCoy learns under the tutelage of Native Hawaiians, earning the knowledge, strength and skills to thrive in treacherous seas.

An identity-shattering accident leads to a 16mm Bolex camera being placed in his hands. What he discovers is a calling – a truly special gift to which he dedicates his life.

Jack’s stories create a completely unique perspective-shift for the audience - moving their awareness from the images to the experience of being on the other end of the lens.

Our deeper emotional investment in the artistry of the images opens our heart to the emotions and insights of the third act.

Jack’s life-affirming attitude to his impending death is inspired by the aloha spirit of his Hawaiian heroes, and the next generation of Australian surf filmmakers who he continues to mentor.

Roles: Director / Writer / Producer

From the fire his true voice emerged.

As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, one man shares his epic tale of survival and song. This is a story about the power of beauty to unite, and finding your voice in the service of a higher calling.

Daniel Rodriguez is a world-class tenor, but for many years it seems that his gift will remain  contained to his hometown of New York City. 

9/11 changes that. As an Anthem singer for the NYPD Daniel is catapulted to national prominence, becoming a vessel for comfort and catharsis. Fifteen minutes of fame and fortune follow, as does the archetypal fall. But, it is there that he finds freedom and a more authentic fulfilment.

Daniel serves as tour guide on the rollercoaster of his story. From impoverished Puerto Rican immigrant who sang to get noticed in his chaotic family; to a Carnegie Hall debut with the world at his feet; to a broken-hearted wreck in the midst of a terrifying epidemic; to first-name-basis in the halls of power; to a global audience of two billion; this novel rendering of the American Dream drips with pathos and inspiration.

Despite the confronting nature of much of the content the tone is playful and uplifting. This is a man who endures through humour and storytelling. Music is central - sassy salsa, heart-wrenching hymns, chest-beating patriotism, swinging show tunes, and transcendent opera.

It was the tumult of a painful and exhilarating life that uniquely prepared Daniel to serve as comforter in the wake of 9/11. He found his true voice in the fire of Ground Zero and its beauty enabled the purging and purifying of emotions. This film will capture that magic and offer it afresh to audiences.

We believe that in 2019 the American psyche continues to experience a collective, undiagnosed PTSD. This film will serve as balm for those wounds.

ROLES: Director / Writer / Camera / Editor

Created for Freehand TV this sizzle reel was based on a concept of following rugby league bad boy Craig Gower and his wife Amanda as he switched codes and they relocated from Penrith to France. The show was a way to pull rugby league audiences into the Rugby World Cup taking place in France the following year. Unfortunately, the show was never made.

The Void In Joy has won Best Short Film at:

• 2019 Kolkata International Cult Film Festival (India)

• 2019 South Film & Arts Academy Festival (Chile)

• 2019 Five Continents International Film Festival (Venezuela)

It has also appeared in the Official Selection at:

• 2020 Flickerfest (Australia)

• 2019 Dumbo Film Festival (USA)

• 2019 Great Lakes International Film Festival (USA)

• 2019 Goa International Film Festival (India)

SYNOPSIS - There is a void in Joy and nothing has been able to fill it. But, a devastating medical diagnosis triggers a rapid realignment of priorities.

FORMAT - Short Film

GENRE - Parable, Black Comedy, Action, Road Movie

CREW

Director / Writer / Producer / Editor / Sound Design - Si Berg

Cinematographer - Cas Dickson

Production Design - Brooke Harnett

Additional Editing / Online Editor / 1st Assistant Editor / Colourist / Data Wrangler - Alex Barnett

Hair & Makeup - Gem Reynolds

Audio Record & Mix - Ahmed Natiq

Camera Assist - Steph Furdek

Production Assistant - Holly Blackmore

Production Assistant - Thejesh Reddy

Production Design Assistant - Tara Sriharan

CAST

Joy - Marissa Dikkenberg

Doctor - Suz Mawer

Young Girl - Sassy Soupidis

Old Lady - Dorothy Moore

Mother - Kathi Craig