The Landing
May 9th, 2026, Blog# 7
The Landing-
On April 17th, we held a mini launch/ book signing for The Reel Deal: Real Talent, Tips, and Tales-A journey through the New Zealand film community. The Children’s Bookshop in Kilbirnie, Wellington, NZ, kindly agreed not only to host this celebration but also to carry and ship the books to customers. They have an adult/young adult section where this book sits wonderfully, as it leans into inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. I love this small community bookstore; the people running it are both enthusiastic and supportive. I have been taking Soph (my daughter) here since she was a toddler. So, it is a wonderful, welcoming place for this project to land.
The book signing/celebration was a huge success! What an evening! I am so grateful to all who helped make this evening possible. Don Smith rallied the troops from Stone Street Studios, where they are starting production on the new Peter Jackson Gollum adventure. The film family I haven't seen in several years pitched in to buy champagne and help cover catering costs! Mel made some of her super yummy Bakewell tarts (recipe in the book), and I received so many flowers and gifts. I am so grateful to all.
Many crew members showed up that evening after working a 10-12-hour day to help celebrate and buy books. I honestly felt overwhelmed with the support and appreciation for this project. My brother Steve and his wife Steph were visiting from the US. Steve mentioned how many people were moved and grateful to be acknowledged in the book. I am so pleased to have given a nod to so many wonderful crew members in this little way, and certainly hope to continue to do so in the future with a podcast I am planning…stay tuned in. And if you are a film person interested in being interviewed (even outside of NZ), please message me!
Update for those of you who know of my journey with blood cancer. I have been feeling pretty good the last couple of months, I have been on a break from treatment. It is perfect timing with the launch! I just met with a hematologist and was told I am back into a semi-remission. Yippie! It does not make sense since I was progressive just three months ago and have not been getting treatment, but I am grateful to be landing in a positive place at the moment…and believing little miracles can happen. I am trying to take advantage of this break from treatment to continue putting this project out there for you all. I have set up a print-on-demand service in The Great British Bookshop, UK (still have not found a good option in the States for a full colour book my size). The book is available digitally on Google Play and Apple Books platforms. Finally, I’ve put aside 50 books to sell to local students at a very discounted rate. Check out my website’s main page for all current purchase options. http://thereeldealcrew.com/
Thank you for your support and interest. May we all recognise the small opportunities to experience joy, wonder, and mini miracles as we keep on keeping on our journeys, both expected and unexpected.
