scope features | anita nielsen (editor) kelsie realf (sub-editor) georgia hick (sub-editor) music&arts | dylan hans (editor) maggie munn (sub-editor) sport | james cornish (editor) jessica drummer (sub-editor) graphic designer | geordi avila photographers Matthew Thorne, Ben Thangkam cover photo | mitchell willocks
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life altering moment being a grown-up home sweet home bond aid hsa elections sport photos student life music/arts/reviews
from the
editor from the I.T & Multimedia Director
Caroline Stanley
Hi Bondies!
Welcome to Week 3. It feels like the start of the week anyway today, as it is the first day of classes for this week. I don’t know about Scope Magazine App: you, but all week I have had the wonderFor the past six months I have been developing a framework to publish fully mischievous feeling of a kid who and distribute magazines on Apples’ Newsstand for iOS devices. My first fakes sick and gets days off school to hide project is using this to release an iPad edition of Scope Magazine, one of in their room and watch movies. Well, my policies in the 2012/2013 BUSA Election. In early December 2012 I that’s what I self-nominated this time for submitted my code for the digital newsstand edition of Scope Magazine to anyway. Hopefully others of you were Apple in California for review. This code was subsequently approved in early smarter than me and got some producJanuary 2013. tive study done - but regardless, I hope that everyone stayed safe, warm and When I submitted version 1.0 of Scope Magazine I had spent 103 days for dry snuggled up inside. We are all development, written 91,228 lines of Objective-C code and consumed 278 cans thinking of those in terribly floodof Red Bull. affected areas, and please let us know I have since spent time to release version 1.0.1, which is what is currently availin the BUSA office if there is anyable on the Apple App Store. If you own an iPad, I would encourage you to check thing that we can do for you.
Mitchell Willocks
it out as it is an easy, fast and environmentally friendly way to get the premiere student publication at Bond University. On a brighter note, we all have The path forward from here is much easier. I will continue to develop the app and Palaver to look forward to this endeavour to release it on more platforms into the future so every Bond University Thursday! Tickets are being sold student will have the opportunity to wake up in the morning to Scope Magazine under the arch so get in quick and the delightfully colourful opinions and content that it contains on a weekly ba- it’s set to be a massive night! sis. The next major release of the Scope app will be 1.1.0. This update will be released Talking of massive nights, there in the coming weeks and contain bug fixes and performance enhancements along are some lovely photos to check with essential code updates that come with yesterdays’ release of Apples’ iOS 6.1. Keep your eyes peeled in the coming months for version 2.0 which will make Scope social in out on pages 10 to 14. By all more ways than one. accounts, Friday night WhiteI hope that you like the Scope Magazine app that I have created for you. Maybe soon house was a big night for all you will see some more of your favourite Bond publications being released by me too. involved (*ahem* guilty) and
the after party at Love was a
Bond Student Portal: great one (for those who got The Bond Student Portal was taken down during our campaign to be elected into BUSA in ... ahem). for 2012/2013 due to an unfortunate error which wiped all the data prior to me assuming the role. I have been working hard over the past couple of months to give you all a brand This week’s issue is almost new, advanced and groundbreaking approach to a University Student Portal. As the final a big of a nostalgic one touches are put on stage one of the new BUSA website I can see the light at the end of the with articles about selftunnel. When the BUSA Student Portal goes live in the coming days you will be availed to a myriad of additional functionality that was never there before. I’d like to keep at least some reflection, being a grown of it as a surprise for now, but the BUSA Student Portal will be a hub for all things Bond. The up, and moving to a content and features are specifically targeted to current Bond students rather than being a home away from home. marketing tool for prospective students like a particular default homepage on all Bond UniverGet the tissues and the sity computers. Some of the most demanded features that have been met are; Exam timetable Disney movies out and search, Tutor Database, Library Search, Campus Calendar, Online Scope Magazine submissions, enjoy! Bond Twitter stream, Bond Dining, Clubs & Societies Database and a Bond Newsfeed. I look forward to hearing your feedback on these two new elements of Bond University student Love, Caro life and my door is always open for you to come and request new features or changes.
x
Moment The Life Altering
By Kelsie Realf
F
or a reason now lost to me, I was recently researching the dictionary meaning of the word ‘alter’. Don’t get me wrong, I know what it meant - if I was asked, I would have said it meant the same thing as change or modify. My iPhone app (yes, I have grown to rely on my phone so much so that a paper dictionary or calculator feels unfamiliar in my hands; I’m sure you can all identify with how much this screws me around come exam time) extended the definition in a way that got me contemplating its connotations:
Alter: change, or cause to change in character or composition, typically in a comparatively small but significant way. My train of thought led me to an unexpectedly philosophical place. “Small but significant way?” People are quite happy to throw around the term life altering quite casually, but if we assume the literal meaning of the word, it would appear that the premise for such a happening doesn’t need to exclusively mean something shocking, or heartwrenching… Or even out of the ordinary at all. Typically, I turned to Google to investigate whether any other nameless people out in the universe were wondering the same as I was. The clashed results were little surprise: Romance: the first love that gives you wings, and then the inevitable heartbreak which leaves you feeling bare skinned and brittle boned. The few of us lucky enough to have never experiences the latter, having stumbled upon “the One” before making all the mistakes the rest of us did, are undoubtedly better off
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for having escaped the sting of rejection… Most often followed by that familiar (or is it just me?) mantra to “never let myself feel that way again.” Goodbyes: the teary-eyed moments which mark the end of an era, whether it be a stoic goodbye from your parents as you wave to your childhood home, or a colorful string of profanities as your lying friend turns their back and runs from your life for good. These goodbyes are the ones which invoke longwinded quotes about footprints in the sand (note that while I firmly believe there is a lesson to be learnt from people of every walk of life, some footprints should just be erased; you’re just plan better off without them). Rights of passage: the universally accepted cultural traditions which mark a transition from some stage of life to another (like graduation, a first job, a mid-life crisis or retirement), or otherwise merely an excuse to test our livers (18th, 21st and 50th birthdays… And all of those in between, for the truly dedicated). Loss: it’s the irreversible experience that cannot truly be picked, planned for, delayed or prolonged; it is forced change that spurs an introspective reexamination of life itself. The cold irony of death is that, though unimaginable, it is as inevitable as all other things born from time. All the evidence indicated that we only slap a life altering tag on moments which are comparable to the stuff seen on television screens. We expect the rain-sodden kisses and passionate make-up sex from the Notebook; in reality, sex like that after heartbreak like theirs is less life changing and more likely to be the product of too many tequila shots. The shiny gloss that Hollywood tints tragedy with doesn’t
Week 3, Sem 131 | Scope Magazine
exist - spiraling out of control comes with smudged makeup and hysteria, and there is no uplifting music to punctuate the heavy silence before a long journey to recovery. That kind of thing is artificial, and to expect such synchrony with our lives is misguided. Producers don’t illuminate how just a single moment of silence, or a fleeting threat of thought can be enough to change a life… Which brings me back to my musings of how mistaken we are about life altering moments. If “to alter” means to make small but significant changes, then a myriad of things fall under the category; the decision to turn left instead of right, the person you choose to sit because on a train, the strange who smiles at you tomorrow. Every decision we make, conscious or not, is but a single thread of reality in a cosmic tangle if what ifs and could have beens. Sometimes, the significance of the smallest deeds is lost in the midst of the clutter in our lives. So yes, some moments in time are more worth remembering than others. They’re more adrenaline inducing, and make for more captivating stories. But don’t wait for a ‘significant moment’ to make change, and don’t measure your life by the number of heartbreaks you endure. Focus on the seconds ticking by, and open your mind of the simplest of happenings… Ones which could lighten your mood, spur a brave decision, or alter your life in some simple, beautiful way.
A
person becomes a legal adult in Australia at the age of 18. I turned 19 at the start of this month and there are plenty of childlike things I shamelessly enjoy and a whole lot more adult responsibilities I carelessly neglect.
It would seem that being a grown up isn’t all its cracked up to be, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to whine about reasonability and try and justify my immaturities. As many of us live away from home, there is an immediate necessity to take care of ourselves. This may seem like a given, but taking care of yourself and doing what you want are not the same thing. Many Uni students often find themselves in two minds, which by nature, tend to conflict: The fresh-faced, eager, dedicated, ambitious academic and the carefree, independent, party animal. These categories are broad and crude, and people may fit more heavily into one than the other, but nonetheless you get the idea. When we come to University, most of us feel like we are growing up, getting old and becoming an adult (not just in the legal sense). But I feel obliged to inform the masses of freshers that I myself have found that in many respects, Growing. Up. Sucks. Gone are the days of house parties, high school sport, and hot, home-cooked meals. Bring on toasted sandwiches for dinner, endless procrastination and DOING YOUR OWN LAUNDRY. That’s right kids. I do it all by myself. I put the powder in and everything. Although the amount of pink socks I now own, due to colour running and poor laundry skills, clearly means I have a long way to go. But laundry is not by any means the worst or only thing we, as mature young adults, are expected to manage. Other sucky grown-up responsibilities include: • Getting a job • Money management • Cleaning your room on your own accord • More money management • Shopping for necessities, when you want to be buying alcohol • Being poor due to bad money management You may have noticed the recurring theme of money in that list, so lets expand on this point a little. For me, going shopping is like being given a present, and never being able to open it. It’s torture. We are constantly bombarded with things we find we desperately want, but by no means need or can afford. For girls it is probably things like decorative cushions (you know who you are), pets (they may be cute, but they aren’t practical) and the endless stream of shorts, dresses and shoes. For us guys, depending on our level of dedication to our health, it is usually food we don’t need and will never eat, cologne (can never have too much of that stuff) and protein. Both sexes tend to buy alcohol, although it never seems to go to waste. Despite all the pains of adult responsibilities, it is not hopeless. We will eventually emerge and well rounded, mature individuals. We will learn to hang up our shirts and not mix colours with whites. We will learn that we don’t need that extra box of cocoa pops. We will discover new time management skills we never knew we had and we may even get a job and have some cash left over to buy a ticket to the next faculty party. As the semesters whizz by, it seems maturity is often thrust upon us. It feels like we are changing faster than the colour of my socks when I wash them with those red shorts I couldn’t really afford but bought anyway, or that our childhood is shrinking behind us, like the account balance on the bank statements I choose to ignore. Whatever it is, just remember: you will never be too old for a nostalgic screening of The Lion King, or a peanut butter sandwich with the crusts cut off, or a cup of milo with way too much milo and way too little milk. You may not be able to stop yourself from getting older, but that doesn’t mean you can’t retain a little childish charm. But seriously, don’t mix your whites with colours. That shit is annoying.
Being a Grown-Up By Mathieu Blake
Scope Magazine | Week 3, Sem 131
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HOME SWEET... HOME? By Georgina Bayly
S
o, you’ve just moved out. To the big wide world. Whether you moved interstate, internationally or just down the road, you’re now in a brand new environment. Sure this is exciting, scary, and fun all at the same time. You’ve finally got your independence, but you left your comfort zone. And for some that could be a little bit too scary. And some of us could possibly be feeling a bit blue. Which is perfectly normal. The safety blanket of home and friends has disappeared, and we are all seeing that university is a totally different lifestyle to school. You’ve actually got to achieve things without teachers pushing you and family reminding you to do things. Not only uni readings, but washing and actually getting organised to get breakfast, lunch and tea without missing class. To some this is an easy concept but for others this becomes an almighty stress. And stress can often lead to anxiety or depression. Stress is good for you in small quantities, it can get you to perform well or get you out of danger. But if it goes on for a long period of time it can start affecting all aspects of your life, such as your social life or university results. Symptoms of anxiety and or depression include: • Restlessness • Forgetfulness • Being tired, upset and irritable most of the time • Unusual behaviours (excessive partying, fighting, change in behavior) • Dizziness Note: These aren’t the only symptoms, and just because you’ve got them doesn’t mean that you’ve become a person with depression. These are just warning signs that maybe you need to change your ways! It might not be you who is having issues with stress; it could be your friends. So be a mate! Ask how they are doing, if they want some help with their homework or if they just want to go to the Brasserie to have a milkshake with you. If they are becoming withdrawn, maybe they are feeling a little anxious about their new life and will definitely appreciate you reaching out to them.
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Week 3, Sem 131 | Scope Magazine
Ok you’ve convinced me, I really want to get my happy back. How do I do that? There are simple steps such as: • Getting organised • Exercising (and check out the hotties at the gym while you’re at it) • Taking time out to do things you enjoy • Breathing and relaxation exercises • Making your new space your own • ASKING FOR HELP The last point is the most vital… If you need help with work, friends or anything at all there WILL be someone who can aid you. It doesn’t have to be a professional, it can be anyone. Give your Mum a ring, phone a friend from home, ask your mates out for coffee. Reach out and someone will be there. On campus help is available if you are having trouble dealing with your stress. You can make a totally confidential and free counselling appointment by calling 55954002 or by dropping into the Student Services building. Information is available online by searching for Beyond Blue, Kids Help Line, Life line or Reachout. But the moral of the story is: stop being blue and get out and enjoy your new Bond Life! Sure things might not be exactly the same as home, I know they certainly aren’t for me. I’m adapting to a city atmosphere with a beach only a few minutes away. It’s certainly a change living with a whole group of people as well. It’s all these little changes which make life away from home all that more interesting. Being a little blue isn’t anything to get scared about, but you’ve just got to keep your head up, get up and get out! There are many opportunities here at Bond like sport and cultural activities as well as plenty of uni work and social outings to keep you busy as a bee. Everyday is a new day and just being here at uni all by yourself is an accomplishment. So make sure you keep smiling!
Bond-Aid I think I can speak for most of the Bond-Aid team in saying we found our trip to Sri Lanka to be a lot like some of the country’s food; unpredictable, but excellent overall, and for some, painful upon exit… When we set off from Brisbane Airport on the 17th of December, none of us had fully grasped how dramatically different our four weeks in Sri Lanka would be compared to our day to day life back at Bond. Within 24 hours of landing we had some idea however, having been introduced to our main accommodation; a shared house with bunk-beds and two sometimes flushing, sometimes hot, always wet bathrooms between eighteen people. We were also introduced to our main food source for the next month; lentils and rice, occasionally with a side of lentils. And rice. (I don’t think I exaggerate in saying most of us never want to lay eyes on another lentil)
Most importantly, that week we plunged right into our main activity of the trip; volunteering placements. The seven medical students on the trip had the opportunity to observe and assist in local hospitals, and were instructed in much of the Ayurvedic medicine traditionally used in Sri Lanka. The remaining ten of us were involved in a wide range of placements; volunteering in orphanages, teaching local children English and maths, helping with construction work and even staying in a monastery teaching young monks while learning about Buddhism.
On weekends, we had the opportunity to set off and see other parts of Sri Lanka. Frustratingly, after climbing to the top of World heritage site Sigiriya Rock, amid torrential rains, we found ourselves unable to see anything of the magnificent view through the total cloud cover. Fortunately, subsequent weekends in Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna gave us fantastic weather to make up for it, giving the team a chance to frolic by the ocean. Christmas day was memorable for all the wrong reasons; chiefly total power failure coinciding with the household gas running out, the restaurant
selected for its Western Christmas menu serving only rice and assorted curries, and a questionable but oddly addictive Christmas cake. Half the group spent New Year’s partying hard in the capital Colombo, while the rest of us enjoyed a meal closer to home and admired the enthusiastic locals carving it up on the dance floor. While the trips had its ups and downs, the experiences we all shared were invaluable and the chance to make a difference in local communities was equally fulfilling. Fundraising for the communities we visited in Sri Lanka is continuing and we welcome your support at exciting upcoming events such as MedBall. Meanwhile BondAid is gearing up with preparations for the 2013-14 trip starting soon. Stay tuned for information about the next trip and spectacular fundraising events! By Georgia Hick
Scope Magazine | Week 3, Sem 131
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HSA Elections By Lucy Harkin
Under the arch became the heart of Bond last week, with HSA elections making it impossible for anyone to pass by without having their face stuffed with cookies, rich chocolate brownies and an abundance of sugared treats. It was colourful chaos, attracting plenty of students – in particular those from the Humanities faculty. “Vote for meeee!” echoed through the university, while candidates campaigned until they could no more. Balloons flailing about on the top of heads, “free hugs” being offered and contagious smiles – it was an undeniable success! Lucy Harkin writes of the HSA Election experience: From excessive caffeine consumption, to potential diabetic sugar overloads (and a rumor of vodka shots), the HSA election campaign was an eventful one. With Alan White’s radical experiment to run Bond’s first independent elections, those brave (arguably mad) enough to run for positions became Bond’s newest guinea pigs. Having been banned from finding any way of banding together and forming a ticket, each candidate was forced to create posters to set them apart, and slogans others would never forget. It all began in a simple room in the Career Development Centre, where Alan outlined the dos and don’ts of campaigning. From there it became a free for all, with shameless Instagram and Facebook spamming (guilty), and the tacking up of posters which seemed hilarious at the time, though on reflection, may not have been worth the humiliation. From the talents of Michelle Pham and her exceptional poster making, to Alice McDonald’s endless play on words, it was certainly the most creative campaign I have seen in my time at Bond! Then came the days of voting, where candidates were forced to stand under the arch and harass poor passers-by. If they didn’t run past or pretend they were on the phone, they would inevitably be surrounded in seconds after admitting they were in the HSS faculty. Some lucky candidates were unopposed, and therefore needed merely one vote to be elected (generally their own vote). However, the rest of us spent a solid eight hours over two days forcing as many people who would
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Week 3, Sem 131 | Scope Magazine
listen, to vote for us. Yet the constant entertainment of Lewis Nixon and his free hugs, which turned into forced hugs by the end, were a genuine highlight of the election. Though it has been a stressful, eventful and extremely busy week, it all came down to the official handover at Whitehouse. For some, there were tears, for others, relief. For me, it has been an experience and I was lucky to be running against a good friend. The idea of independent elections, whilst daunting to begin with have been a success in my mind. Though we cannot be sure that a group of people thrown together is going to work well together, at least there has been an opposed election. Too often are we seeing unopposed tickets; elected students who have not had to go to a great effort to gain their positions. Not only will these HSA students have earnt their positions, but also the awareness for the Association and the faculty as a whole has grown enormously through the campaigning. So whilst there was much doubt around the elections, and will continue to be, a great part of them can be seen as successful!
Last Friday night ‘Whitehouse’ revealed the successful candidates - President, Emily McGregor - Vice-President, Jack Blackburn - Secretary, Jacqueline Bojanowski - Treasurer, Kiran Marfatia - Publications Director, Jessica Drummer - Corporate Relations, Charlie Johnston - Promotions Director, Harrison Carr - Competitions Director, Rizal Redzuan - External Interests, Maggie Munn - Social Director, Lucy Harkin - Academic Affairs, Michelle Pham
Australian Open Review By Sarah Campbell
Whilst the Australian Open has not quite finished yet (still have the men’s and women’s singles final by time of writing to go) it has yet again been an absolute stellar tournament, chockfull of drama, controversies and quality tennis. Before discussing the highlights of the slam, it is hard to mitigate Azarenka’s “performance” in the semi-final match against Sloane Stevens. Whilst missing out 5 match points, and under pressure from her competitor, Azarenka takes a medical time-out because of her self-diagnosed breathing problems. Of course there may be truth in her words but the consensus belief is she needed to compose herself before finishing off the match. Controversial indeed. Moving swiftly on. The results in the women’s draw were fairly standard until the quarterfinals when a 19 year old Sloane Stevens beat perhaps the favourite to win the tournament and her idol, Serena Williams. The semi-finals landed another upset when record-breaking Maria Sharapova, having only lost 9 games before the semis, succumbed to defeat in straight sets by the impressive Li Na.
Bond Basketball
The men’s side saw some all too familiar results with Murray, Federer and Djokovic storming their way through to the fourth round. It is here when easily the match of the tournament so far played out between Wawrinka and Djokovic. A gritty, nail biter five setter ended in Djokovic taking it 12-10 in the final set with such supreme quality of tennis on display, the Swiss are in good hands after Federer retires. In the fourth, Simon and Monfils entertained the crowd with the longest rally of the slam, a whopping 72 shotter. Other notable matches included the clash of great friends Tsonga and Federer and whilst Federer took the win, Tsonga should hold his head high for playing at such a high level against the greatest ever. Murray oozing with confidence from his US Open victory, takes out Federer to set up the final between Djokovic. Tomic is known by many as a brat but he should be happy with his performance, reaching the third round and giving Federer a game. Hewitt and Stosur however did not step up as expected, a shame. Either way, it is has been another great Australian Open and I will certainly be anticipating the finals on Saturday and Sunday night.
By Jack Blackburn
Lace up your sneakers, Bond Basketball returns again in 131 stronger than ever. With more than 100 members signing up, and many more off the books, we are bigger than Anthony Davis’s monobrow. Last year capped off a solid year for Bond Basketball, returning with a silver medal from Northern University Games, however this year provides greater opportunities for Bond’s elite to shine.
Sports
Regular scrimmages occur on a Monday and Wednesday, 4-6pm at the Bond Gym, where locals battle it out to be king of the court. Our premier event however is just around the corner, where USA’s best takes on the ‘Rest of the World’s’ all-star team in a grudge match. With DJ’s, cheerleaders, booze and an endless supply of talent, this event is not to be missed. We finish up semester 123 with our 3v3 tournament, where the best team at Bond can officially be crowned. With a new executive in the works, fresh ideas are here in 131, as the Bond Basketball looking to deliver all the goods this semester. If you are looking to keep updated on all the latest events and scrimmage times, be sure to check the Facebook page. See you on the court!
Sports Office From the
The Office of Student Experience welcomes the newest member of the Bond Elite Sport Program (BESP), Emma Eichhorn. Emma is a national level kayaker who is a member of the Next Wave Canoe Talent Identification (TID) Squad for 2012 – 2013. As a member of this squad it is expected that Emma will continue to achieve at National events and subsequently progress further through the national ranks. This weekend (26/27th January), Emma is travelling to the Sunshine Coast to compete in the State Titles. We wish Emma all the best in her events and look forward to following her success. For more information on the Bond Elite Sport Program visit the Bond Bullsharks Website (www. unisport.com.au/bondbullsharks) or contact Jackie Heffernan at jheffern@bond.edu.au.
Scope Magazine | Week 3, Sem 131
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week three Photographers: Matthew Thorne | Ben Thangkam Events: BASIC members night | HSA Whitehouse
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Scope Magazine | Week 3, Sem 131
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STUDENT Life
Acronym
T
uesday night spent partying at Don’s for B.A.S.I.C.’s “Back To Our Roots” event
Sudoku
H
SA elections and HMSA Handoverwelcoming two new Faculty Student Associations for 2013.
R
elease of the Triple J’s Hottest 100 while celebrating all things Aussie on Australia Day.
E
co Fellini was the only place to be on Friday night, celebrating another successful White House.
E
ggs, Bacon, Pancakes and more at the CLSA’s delicious Welcome Back Breaky. Name: Charlie Ross Age: 19 Degree: Law/ Communications Hometown: Bells Beach FB relationship status: Single 1. What is your worst or most annoying habit? Staring at people until they look away 2. If you could chose to have a superpower for the day what would it be and why? To fly so I could fly around and poo on people 3. You’re stuck on a desert island, name one food you would survive off. Mangoes 4. What is your special, secret talent? Touch typing (like a boss)
Have You Met...
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5. If a celebrity were to play you in a movie, who would it be? John Heder 6. What has been your most awkward sexual encounter? Involved a sandwich, a Texan cop and Jamaica
Week 3, Sem 131 | Scope Magazine
Jacqueline Bojanowski - we had drinks at James’ (at the Reserve) then Henry Elderfield stared doing donuts inside the house on a motorbike, so we moved onto Nobby’s Beach. Lizzie Halikos- I was in country NSW at a 21st which carried on for 4 days- it was awesome! Blake Wright- We kicked things off at Duddy’s quietly, but it quickly escalated when 15 freshers came. Then moved on to an Aust day party in Nobby’s. Elise Taylor- I ate tacos and listened to Triple J top 100. I’m fairly sure I’m Mexican.
How did you celebrate
Australia Day?
Life Lesson
Quote of the Week
Scope Magazine | Week 3, Sem 131
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Music, Arts & Reviews
Todd Farmer
An Interview With A
Hollywood Screenwriter By Dylan Hans In April this year, screenwriter Todd Farmer will visit Australia for the Gold Coast Film Festival. As an avid writer and lover of horror, I was a tad anxious phoning Hollywood legend Todd Farmer. He’s written the screenplay for Jason X, My Bloody Valentine, The Messengers and more in a short span of 12 years. Here is what he had to say about his journey and thoughts on industry. Q: How did you get into screenwriting? I moved to California with nothing more than a garbage bag full of clothes and a computer and slept in a hammock for three months. I was lucky enough to be introduced to Friday the 13th franchise owner and went from there. Q: What’s your favourite movie of all time? A: I don’t have one, but I love Star Wars, Halloween, Alien and Jaws. Q: You’ve had to create and write some pretty dark characters. Do you have any special methods for creating monsters? A: Yes it’s simple. Man, woman, gay or straight, you just become their character and live inside their mind. Q: How did you manage to keep an aged franchise like Friday the 13th alive? A: Alcohol (joking). I didn’t want another Jason in the Woods so I thought, why not put him in a spaceship? Q: What’s the best and worst part of your job? A: The best is the moments where you have an idea in your head and it just goes a completely different direction than what you had planned. The worst part of being a screenwriter is having people who can’t do your job tell you how to do your job. Also, deadlines – you’re forced to rush to complete a script but then wait months for any response. Q: I’ve also heard that you have tried to continue the modern Halloween reboot. What can you tell me about this? A: Absolutely, it’s pretty much ready to go, but it keeps getting put off. We wanted to do it after Drive Angry, but then we got tied up with Hallraiser reboot. But I’ve been in bed with Hellraiser and Halloween for years now. It’s just at the mercy of the gatekeepers who have the money. Q: Have you ever thought about working on an Australian film? A: I would love to. Australia has some of the best special effects and film crews in the business. Q: Have you seen Wolf Creek and do you think Aussie horror can make it in America? A: Wolf Creek is brilliant. It actually did pretty well over here. A lot of American horror audiences know it. I guess for Aussie films, there must be some reason that the American audience would come to it. We are completely self-absorbed and wouldn’t usually want to see something about the outback. But something as good and scary as Wolf Creek deserves a world audience. Q: What advice would you give to the Film and Television students here at Bond that want to make the break into Hollywood? Become lawyers or doctors (joke). It’s a tough business – simple as that. Over in Australia, government funding helps a lot. But if you want to make it appealing to the rest of the world, unfortunately compromises might be needed. The best thing to do it just sit down and write – don’t think it too much. Unfortunately, there’s not much artistic ability anymore – business just isn’t going for artistic films these days.
ABOUT THE GCFF TODD FARMER SCREENWRITING SEMINAR: Date: April 22 – April 23 2013 Location: Sofitel Broadbeach Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm 40 Participants only $395 (plus GST) – this does not include food or accommodation The Gold Coast Film Festival (GCFF April 18-28 2013) is excited to announce the return of Hollywood screenwriting legend, Todd Farmer, all the way from LA to the Gold Coast to execute an intimate, two-day writing master class as part of the GCFF lineup in 2013. Teaching the ‘tricks of the trade’ that go towards writing a successful Hollywood script, there will also be an allocated session where Farmer will hear all aspiring writers’, individual pitches and provide feedback to participants.
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