'The Deadliest Game' Premieres in Auckland

The retro-future world of Dr Grordbort comes alive in Media Design School’s sci-fi short film The Deadliest Game, which premiered in Auckland last night.

Based on the richly imagined universe of Weta Workshop Conceptual Designer Greg Broadmore, 'Dr Grordbort Presents: The Deadliest Game' is an inventive and enjoyable ride through a dystopian world where nothing is quite what it seems.

The film is directed by Media Design School 3D Programme Leader James Cunningham, with 3D and visual effects by a team of 11 students. It was produced in close collaboration with film industry veterans including screenwriter Nick Ward, cinematographer Simon Riera and sound designer Dave Whitehead.

“These guys have brought my Dr Grordbort’s sci-fi world to life, and the results are stunning,” says Broadmore. “Working at Weta for over 10 years, I’ve seen what our film industry can do. I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside some of the most ridiculously talented people in film.

“But it’s an even rarer treat to see up-and-coming film artists from Media Design School showing what the future of visual effects in New Zealand holds.”

Director James Cunningham says the film is the most ambitious project undertaken by the school so far.

“There are so many fans of Greg Broadmore’s Dr Grordbort that we had to be very careful how we paid tribute to this world. I am hoping the fans love it, as we really went all out on this one. Knowing that the fans, Greg and [Weta Workshop founder] Richard Taylor would be keeping a close eye on the result – that definitely created a bit of pressure!

“We are very happy with the end result, which I think stays faithful to the original ideas and concept behind Dr Grordbort, but also showcases the students’ own imaginations and creativity,” says Cunningham.

Frances Valintine, chief executive of Media Design School, says that 'The Deadliest Game' premiere allows the students and the school to highlight and share the incredible emerging talent who will continue New Zealand’s tradition of producing world-class computer graphics and exceptional films.

The premiere ties in with the school’s first intake of students for the new Bachelor of Art & Design (3D Animation & Visual Effects) this month.

# The Deadliest Game premiered at Auckland’s Academy Cinema. It was followed by a short Q&A panel headed by Dr Grordbort creator Greg Broadmore.

# To view the film online, go to www.facebook.com/mediadesignschool. Media Design School is running a competition featuring prizes from the Dr Grordbort collection.

# For information about New Zealand’s first bachelor’s degree in animation and visual effects, go to www.degrees.mediadesignschool.com/