Producer Tara Riddell loves her work. Viva finds out what else makes her happy.
Sydney-based expat producer Tara Riddell is in Europe for the Cannes Film Festival, with her film Blue selected for competition as one of 10 shorts in La Semaine de la Critique (Critic's Week). Directed by Stephen Kang, it is one of three short films that Riddell has helped make recently - a medium that offers its own unique challenges. "It allows us as a team to collaborate and focus on what we really need to tell a story, what the essence is of that story. Every second, every look, every beat counts to engage the audience and not confuse - and if we don't need it, let's save money and not shoot it!"
Riddell moved to Sydney from Auckland earlier this year to head Curious Film's Sydney office, working with a stable of eight directors on various productions. Last year she also produced a sold-out season of the play The Lover - the theatre is the next area she wants to move into in Sydney. She will also work with Kang again, with a feature film now in development. She talks us through her favourite things
10 FAVOURITE THINGS
1. Martin Poppelwell skull
My mum gave me this Martin Poppelwell skull. I often move him around the house depending on my mood - he is in the lounge at the moment keeping watch over the ocean. I'm not sure what that says about my mood right now, but I think he is enjoying the view.
2. Films
Inspiring in so many ways to me. I am in a drama-loving phase at the moment, which reflects the short I am in "post" on, Lie Softly, and Blue. Recently what has made me think more have been the films Fish Tank, Bright Star, Desert, and Somersault. If you haven't seen any of these, please do.
3. Huka Falls by Derek Henderson
Derek gave me this picture and it hangs proudly on my wall. I love how the water, land and sky are working so perfectly in this one moment. I love the fact Derek shot it.
4. Dries van Noten coat
The one item of clothing I would be mortified to lose. This coat goes with me everywhere - my coat of armour. Dries is my to-die-for designer who encapsulates everything simply understated, beautifully tailored and oh so right.
5. Andrew Barber artwork
I was looking to buy a table for my flat in Bondi. I can't cook very well at all, so I decided to buy these Andrew Barber pieces instead. They hang side by side. They are very proudly from this New Zealand artist, which I will tell people when they come to my house for wine - but not dinner. We will go out for dinner.
6. Friends
My biggest inspirations are my friends and people at Curious; everyday I get wowed by the group of directors and crew I work with. They keep me sane, grounded and keep me going. They're amazing to bounce ideas off - they have no idea how many ideas I have had because of them.
7. Barber Osgerby tap lamp
I was given my tap lamp from my friend Katie. I also met the designer Ed Barber through Katie, so now it's the light of friends. It looks hot, the colour is perfect and the way you can move it around to suit is pure genius.
8. Reading plays
I adore reading plays and scripts - I imagine the set when I am reading them, acting the scenes out in my head, or who I would cast in them. I'm currently reading Death of a Salesman and Man with a Blue Scarf to mix it up. I have a crush on Freud and Miller right now, not the worst crushes I have ever had. Imagine Freud art directing a play for Miller; I'd love to produce that.
9. The ocean
There's no place like home, but Bondi Beach isn't a bad substitute. I try to get down to the ocean every day and am lucky enough to see it every morning and night from my house. Bondi Beach is pretty amazing for people-watching too. I often find myself doing that, which does come in handy when workshopping characters.
10. Work space
As a film producer your work studio can be anywhere. If I have my laptop, phone, black book and Leica with me I have my work studio. One studio is at home, surrounded by my glasses from everydayneeds.com and Tracey Tawhiao place mats. This studio is often where the scheduling and budgeting takes place, to get me on-set filming - my favourite work studio. I love everything about being on set, the trucks, the crew, the locations, and the random dress sense you adopt with four seasons in one day. Everything about it excites me and reminds me why I love and do what I do.
