Page 121 - Port Douglas Magazine 36

Q&A

STEPHEN CURRY “I’VE NEVER FOUND ANYTHING 6. What excites you about future developments in
THAT FILLS MY BUCKET LIKE THE
your field?
RIDICULOUS GAME I’M IN. I TRAINED
with “ In Australia, the toughest constraint has always been
budgetary. Now with the advancements in drone and
AS A BAKER WHEN I WAS 18 AND I digital technology, more and more filmmakers can
produce large-scale, high-production-value stories
WAS AWFUL AT IT.” on a tight budget. It is creating more avenues for
Australian storytellers to have their voice heard and
their ideas realised to their full potential.
7. Is there a day that presented you with an
interesting challenge or a funny story you can share
with us?
I was shooting the movie The Cup at Flemington
racecourse. We were recreating Damian Oliver’s
famous win aboard Media Puzzle at the 2002
Melbourne Cup. There were 500 extras, 100 crew and
a large contingent of media covering the day. As I sat
on my horse, being walked through the mounting yard
(having just won The Cup), I approached the huge
throng of extras, who proceeded to all start cheering
manically toward me and the horse, who freaked
out and reared up. Whilst it tried to throw me off,
I somehow managed to stay in the saddle. When I
yelled out “I’m a natural!”, the horse reared up again
We have a chat with and before I knew it I was flat on my back in front of
STEPHEN CURRY, hundreds of strangers. One of the more embarrassing,
most painful experiences of my career and the moment
actor and ambassador, I realised it’s better to occasionally shut my yap. Only
Port Shorts Film Festival occasionally though...
8. Is there a project or role you have always coveted?
If so, what is it?
I think playing Denise Drysdale would be great. We
are a very similar height.
9. What do you love about our region?
I love everything about Douglas Shire. The people, the
1. What or who inspired you to want to work in work your guts out, repay people’s faith in you beautiful outdoor cinema in the world, the environment, the views and the cane-toad racing. The
the field of Film & Television? and above all - be prepared for anything. films are world-class, the people involved laconic sense of humour, generosity and hospitality.
are spectacular humans and the beer is cold. The weather is stunning and there’s always something
It’s literally all I’ve ever wanted to do for a 3. What does your perfect Sunday look like? So I’m told. I don’t usually partake, but I’ll spectacular to see and do. The restaurants, the
living. The escapism, creative outlet and job make an exception in this case. This festival pubs and the tours. Everything from the Daintree
satisfaction are an irresistible combination. In We do Family Fun-Day Sunday. We turn the is garnering some serious respect within the to floating down the Mossman River makes it my
general, the people you meet in the industry phones off and focus completely on ourselves. industry and is the result of the incredible favourite destination in Australia and a place I one
We start with Dad’s infamous pancakes (usually
are open-minded, creative souls and waking up talent and dedication of the Port Shorts team. day hope to retire and see out my days swimming,
and going to work every day is nothing short of with a healthy dose of food-dye, just for I’m so blessed to be able to call these guys my fishing and being around a bunch of people who never
a pure joy. I also get to wear make-up to work, that extra healthy kick), straight into Mum’s close friends and will be an ambassador for Port fail to make me smile.
which confuses my father no end and the food incendiary bacon rolls and then draw up the Shorts until my last breath.
is free, which is just how I like it. Family Olympics schedule. Each of us comes 10. If you hadn’t caught a big break in film and
up with three disciplines that have never been television where might your path have taken you?
2. Any advice to those thinking of pursuing a played before. For example, tea-bag juggling, 5. How can people get involved with this year’s
festival in Port Douglas?
career in Film & Television? guinea-pig racing or balancing a balloon on God knows where I’d be. I’ve never found anything
your nose, and we battle hard. Then we settle in Come on down to Rex Smeal Park on Friday & that fills my bucket like the ridiculous game I’m in. I
Be prepared for rejection. This industry can be for a movie under the big doona on the couch Saturday October 14 & 15. It’s that simple. The trained as a baker when I was 18 and I was awful at it.
an unflinchingly callous beast and is not for the and I pretend not to sleep. atmosphere is unlike any film festival in the This is a way better fit for me and I don’t end up with
faint-hearted. A thick skin is a must. Very few world and this year I’ve organised for the moon dough on my shoes.
industries are so ready to remind the individual 4. Ambassador of the Port Shorts Film Festival, to rise straight over the screen during the third
how little it owes you. The flip-side of this is that’s pretty cool. What attracted you to this film. You’re welcome. To get your tickets for the 11.Coffee or Wine?
that when you can get the work, it is a thing of project? best event in the north, go to portshorts.com Coffee is an awful drink. No matter how many times
beauty. Being paid to play “pretendies” is almost Oh my God, this is my yearly highlight. The for all the details. I try it, it still tastes like coffee. I believe I’m the only
so ridiculous - you feel as if you’re getting away actor in Australia who cannot stand it. Wine however,
with something you shouldn’t. Be prepared to setting (Rex Smeal Park) is the single most is awesome cos it tastes, almost always, like wine.