Dumped director keen to help on 'River Queen'

By CLAIRE TREVETT

Dumped River Queen director Vincent Ward has broken his silence over his removal from the film, saying he is willing to return to the project under another director.

In his first public statement since being removed as director, Ward said cast, crew and producers were encouraging him to go back.

He said he had not ruled out a return but did not specify what role he would play. "I certainly will be doing everything I can to continue to lend my abilities and support to this project. I have always totally believed in this film."

Although he was personally disappointed he was no longer director, "these things happen in film making sometimes, but because this film has such a strong story and great cast it can, I believe, survive this".

Ward was removed from the role of director last week, apparently under the orders of the film's insurers, Film Finances.

It was the latest in a series of troubles to hit the filming of River Queen, a period drama set during the land wars of the 1860s.

No reason was given for his ousting, but speculation blamed friction between Ward and lead actor Samantha Morton. Budget overruns and lengthy delays in filming were also suggested.

Director of photography Alun Bollinger has taken over filming, but no alternative director has been appointed yet.

In his written statement, Ward said he stood by the film he had first begun work on 15 years ago.

He said he believed the film's strong storyline and cast meant it would survive the "heartbreaking string of problems" that beset it.

"It is true that after six weeks of shooting we have had more than our share of difficulties, but these are the demands of making a New Zealand period drama of some ambition in New Zealand's heartland, in winter, on a demanding schedule - and it is just so important that we keep making these films.

"On this film, these were pressures that everyone bought into and, in some respects, we have defied the odds to pull together such a talented group of people and produce footage to date that we are all, without exception, proud of."

The film's publicist, Sue May, said she had not seen Ward's release and could not say whether there was an opening for him to return to the film or what role he could work in.

There has been speculation that international buyers could be put off if Ward were not available to back the film as director.

Despite talk of their volatile relationship, Ward praised the work of Morton, who had to leave the set for two months after falling ill.

He called her performance "extraordinary, let alone the formidable work evident from cast members Kiefer Sutherland, Cliff Curtis and Tem Morrison, to name just a few".

The Herald on Sunday yesterday reported that the Film Commission and Film Production Fund were spending about $4.5 million of public money on the film, up from the previous estimate of $3 million.

It said up to $20 million was being spent on the film, not the $13 million once mentioned.

Filming halted on set on August 2 and began again early last month.

Producer Don Reynolds said last week that the film would be completed by the end of this month.