Lease

Johnny Barker (the infamous 'Ferndale Strangler' from Shortland Street), Jared Kahi and other talented musical mates were hand-picked by Peter Jackson as wildcard finalists for the 2007 48Hours film competition. They went on to win the national prize with Lease, a musical set in a grotty Grey Lynn flat. Each flatmate represents a pop genre; there's mainstream pop guy Matt (Barker), an intense metal head (Kahi) and doe-eyed emo Steve (Brendon Morrow). When their wannabe Elvis landlord announces a rent rise the trio look for a new flatmate. Singer/songwriter Reb Fountain plays one of the hopeful applicants. 

The market's on the rise, the rates have gone sky high, my accountant has advised, that I should subdivide, so the rent I have to raise, in 15 working days...

– Jerry the landlord (Matt Hancock) delivers the bad news to Matt ( Johnny Barker) and his flatmates

Key Cast & Crew

Matt Chappell

Cinematographer, As: Whitey Rapper applicant

Mike Hancock

As: Jerry Reid (the landlord)

Jared Kahi

Writer, Producer, As: Coromandel Hippy applicant

Brendon Morrow

Writer, Sound, As: Emo flatmate

Johnny Barker

Director, Writer, As: Matt

Brendon Kahi

Writer, Sound, As: Metal Head flatmate