Silvertops

Two students move into a retirement village and remind the elderly residents that being old doesn’t mean being boring. Whether you’re 19 or 79, it’s never too late to grow up.

Currently in development

The writers

Robert JohnsonRobert Johnson

Robert is a Napier writer and GM of the Hawkes Bay SPCA. He conceived of Silvertops because it combines three of his favourite things: old people, young people and funny stuff. Robert lives by the sea with his girlfriend Emma, and their dog Stanley.


Chris WebbChristopher Webb

Christopher is originally from Milford Haven in South Wales, and immigrated to New Zealand in 2006. As a regular contributor to movie websites, some of his comments have been published in Empire magazine. He is a quiz-show enthusiast, and has auditioned for shows on the BBC and TVNZ, once appearing on The Weakest Link (he won). An avid music fan, he is a collector of tunes by slightly obscure indie bands. Christopher is a member of the New Zealand Writers’ Guild, and Silvertops is his first screenplay. He currently lives in Hawke's Bay with his wife Jessica, and their two cats, Groucho and Tomos.

 

The director

Louis SutherlandLouis Sutherland

Louis is an award-winning television and film director/writer with over 15 years’ experience in the television production industry. His credits directing in various genres of New Zealand Television are extensive. Louis’ most recent body of work was The Gravy which won Best Information/Lifestyle Programme in the 2008 Qantas Television and Film Awards.

Louis’ Film accolades include co-creator of the New Zealand Film Commission funded short film, Run, which received Honourable Mention - Official Competition Festival de Cannes 2007. Louis is also an accomplished writer, winning Best Script for Run at the 2007 Air New Zealand Screen Awards.  He is currently writing a feature script in development with the New Zealand Film Commission.

Louis has just completed the New Zealand Film Commission funded short film, The Six Dollar Fifty Man, which he wrote and co-directed and is about to embark on the International festival circuit. As an accomplished actor, graduating from Toi Whakaari National Drama School in 2004, Louis has a depth of knowledge and skill which allows him to attain what is required from performers for the screen.