MikeHardcastle
- Camera
- Editor
One of many talents to emerge from legendary Wellington company Pacific Films in the 1970s, Mike Hardcastle was often behind the camera during the renaissance of Kiwi feature films. Then he took a break and returned to the industry as the man who could not only shoot your project, but edit it too. Hardcastle passed away on 24 August 2016.
Biography
After Mike Hardcastle passed away in August 2016, many of his colleagues paid tribute on Facebook. They described him as supportive, warm-hearted, "a beautiful soul" — and "a filmmaker through and true".
Hardcastle was one of many who learnt the ropes in the 1970s, at legendary Wellington company Pacific Films. Actually he began earlier than that, after winning over Auckland producer Harry Reynolds by showing him some of his 8mm films. In 1971 Hardcastle joined Reynolds Television, where he spent time learning to cut film, and as a camera assistant. The following year he left the company, keen to join Pacific Films as an assistant editor.
Screenography
Awards
2000 ITVA Awards (International Television Association)
Best Editor Award: for Courierpost corporate video
1991 International Film and TV Festival (United States)
Nominated in Documentary Category: When a Warrior Dies
“The greatest gift [Pacific Films boss] John O'Shea offered those who worked with him was the belief that being a filmmaker is a great privilege; one that carries with it a responsibility to go beyond entertainment, and make films which illuminate the joys and pains of living.”