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 the
start I
the casting I
the boys I
the shoot
Edgar commissioned Chris Anastassiades, a talented and insightful writer who had previously worked with the ACTF, to develop a screenplay. To aid the project's creative evolution, Gordon Glenn eventually joined her in the role of producer. Thus the team behind YOLNGU BOY was formed. "We went through a very long process," recalled Edgar. "Stephen had grown-up with these people and possessed a great sympathy and insight which he was able to transfer to film. It's not a project that just any director could take on. Unless you knew how to operate in the Northern Territory and had extremely good connections, you would never be able to get things done." Glenn concurred. "The remarkable thing about Stephen was his ability to work with kids in north-east Arnhem Land in such a way that they completely accepted his presence and his camera. You weren't just observing another race from the outside, you were actually there with them. He possesses a very warm personality that communicates itself to people, which kids particularly respond to. When Stephen hit town, things happened. He'd use his energy to create an enjoyable event that would alleviate the boredom that can be prevalent around here. Many people come to north-east Arnhem Land, shoot film and disappear never to be heard from again. Stephen doesn't do that. He returns with the footage, shows them and they like what they see. In turn, this creates a circle of work and completion that is satisfying for both parties." |
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