US interest in Denniston Rose

American film experts have warmed to the story of The Denniston Rose, says a New Zealand film producer.

Former TVNZ business development manager Marty Behrens delivered the first "polished" draft of a movie script to Los Angeles last month, and says he got a good response from industry insiders.

"We trying to build the campaign to get it made so that we're able to make a big film - so that we're able to go to the $30 million mark," Behrens said.

The script is based on Jenny Pattrick's book, set in the former coal mining settlement of Denniston in the 1880s.

The story revolves around a young mother and her daughter fighting for survival in a pioneering town devoid of law, order and principle.

The script is written by scriptwriter Graeme Tetley, a regular collaborator with West Coast-born director Gaylene Preston on films such as Ruby and Rata, Mr Wrong and Bread and Roses, as well as films such as Vigil and Absent Without Leave.

Co-producer Behrens said he received positive feedback from key contacts in the movie business and "a lot of praise" for the first draft.

Some aspects of the script needed more work as expected, considering some film scripts were re-written several times.

Tetley would be flying to Los Angeles to liaise with script consultant, Professor Linda Vorhees, from the University of California, Behrens said.

Behrens said his team aimed to create a strong New Zealand story for the international market, with enough appeal to warrant a box office hit.

He described the script essentially as a New Zealand western, but its pioneering story had worldwide interest.

Behrens admitted the film could technically be made anywhere but West Coast scenery would strengthen its appeal.

"Those panoramic shots of the Tasman - where else would I get that?"

Behrens hoped to start actively marketing the film in about two months, when the final draft had been completed.

He hoped to finish planning within six months and move into production next year. The film proposal includes concept planning for rebuilding part of old Denniston.

- NZPA