ROUND UP: NEW VO WORK FOR ‘JUST BETTER CARE’; MOUNTAIN OF YOUTH’s ‘DREAMLINK’ IN AACTA FIRST ROUND VOTING CONTENTION & NEW SONG ‘SHORES’ TO FAREWELL WINTER.

Just a few quick tid bits of stuff to shout out! I did some voice over for some Just Better Care TVCs that were released a few weeks ago. Thanks to the team at Mosaic Music, Core Sydney (shoutout to Callum Foot for remembering me from a previous campaign!) and my agents EM Voices.

Dreamlink, a film put together by Mountain of Youth and the Class of ‘23, was recently part of the first round of voting for the AACTA Short Film awards. At the time of writing the voting is closed, so fingers crossed it’s made it to the next round for further consideration!

Lastly, I’m set to release a new single Shores. Produced by Jono Fernandez, it’s scheduled to be out on 31st August - a warm farewell to the Aussie Winter! Check out the single art, release schedule and first lyric video teaser:

I’ve recently shot a fun TVC campaign, recorded more voice work for upcoming campaigns and have auditioned for a pretty cool project - hopefully more to be revealed soon!

POSTER REVEAL: RONGO from 'RESIDENCE' + PREMIERE DETAILS

A series of character posters for the film Residence (IG: @residencethefilm) have been released in the lead up to the premiere - with me as Rongo included! Shoutout to Fabrizio Evans (IG: @fabrizio.photography) for all his creative work and photography!

The screening will be held on August 3rd at the Capitol Theatre, Melbourne. At the time of writing this post, there are limited tickets left - you can get in touch with director Matt Mirams (IG: @mattmirams) to get yours!

Will Rongo make it to the end? You’ll have to wait and see…

APRIL/MAY CATCH UP

Here’s a quick round of what’s been happening on my end!

A new TVC that’s just been released promoting the latest State of Origin series. Lots of fun filming up in QLD - especially with fellow cast Adorah, Alex and Kieran. Big thanks to YOUI, Anousha Zarkesh Casting and my reps at Howell Elite.

I’ve also been working on more music lately. Filming was recently completed for an MV for the song Hide & Seek with Clara Helms, for the My Inner Child OST. I’ve also teamed up again with laXed for a song Time which will be out in June, as well as writing at the moment with Space Cop 2. I’ve also written a few more tunes for my own album, 2 of which will feature some good mates of mine - I’m looking forward to getting all these tunes completed and out into the world!

Lastly, I worked together again with the wonderful Julia Firak on another photoshoot getting some new headshots and portraits done - I really dig how they came out!

Photoshoot with Julia Firak

I recently had a shoot session with photographer Julia Firak. I previously worked with her on the Mountain of Youth short film DreamLink in 2023, so it was wonderful to work with her again. The aim was to channel some ideas geared towards my Bohifale music project, and thus will be used in promotional media later down the track to promote the album/singles. Enjoy this small preview!

Jan and Feb '24 updates

The first two months of 2024 have been jam packed with fun and exciting things. I did want to post updates more frequently here, but being simultaneously busy and tired, slowed down my urge to tell the internetz what I’ve been doing.

The cast of ‘Falling in Slow Motion’ shooting at eSpace Brisbane. Photo by Craig Claxton.

Miniseries in development, Falling in Slow Motion (Sarah Dinsey Film Productions), recently had the cast back together back in January at eSpace Brisbane (IG: @espacebrisbane). This was to shoot some promotional goodies, as well as welcoming new addition to the cast James Mason (IG: jimmyjamesmason). Big thanks to Julie Collins Photography, Katie from Bloody Snatched and the rest of the wonderful crew behind the scenes who helped shape the day!

Keep up to date with all that’s happening with the show and keep the support going for independent Australian projects! (IG: @falling_in_slow_motion)

Lead cast of ‘Strangers in a Car Park’ in double exposure, polaroid form.

Newcastle feature Strangers in a Car Park (McBrat Motion Pictures) had the lead cast come together to film the last bunch of pick up shots in January. It was wonderful and bittersweet to see everyone again for one night wrapping things up. With all the filming complete, I’m excited to see the movie go out into the world later this year! Keep updated with the film on IG:@strangersinacarpark.

There have been more releases for the My Inner Child OST (IG: myinnerchild_film)- Those Memories (Rouady/Ola) by Caitlin Lopez (IG: @caitlinlopez___) feat Clara Helms (IG: @clarahelms) and Hide & Seek (Ola/Rouady) with me on the lead featuring Clara as well on the hook. You can find more info on my music page. There are plans for music videos to be shot for both songs soon so keep a lookout for that!

Still on music news, I was asked to help write songs to accompany two Step One commercials that aired on Australian TV. This was a big opportunity for me as a songwriter, and I had a lot of fun through the process. Perhaps less fun being without pants in front of camera, but nonetheless, a wonderful opportunity I appreciated. Both songs can also be found on my music page. A big thanks to my frequent musical collaborators laXed (IG: @laxed_music) and Jono Fernandez (IG: @jonofernandez) for all their help with the production and vocal arranging!

On the set of the ‘Step One: Valentines’ commercial with the wonderful Jett, Olga and Nick the DoP.

I was fortunate to be interviewed by my voice agent EM Voices - which you can read in full here. It was nice insight into my approach to the craft, as well as the story as to how I got discovered - which I’m told is a rare occurrence! Thank you to Kathryn for being wonderful to chat to.

On the topic of voice over, a read I did for Lifespace Probiotics went to air during the tennis in January (and for eagle eyed viewers, it’s an updated version of the campaign the year prior) Thanks to the team at Massive Music for an fun in studio session.

Unsuccessfully trying to hide the 5-head. Photo by Nadia Kamis

To finish off, here is my favourite shot from a portrait photo session I had last week with the wonderful Nadia Kamis (IG: nadiabehindthelens). She was also the BTS photographer for the Strangers in a Car Park (see all her cool BTS here). If you’re in need of portrait shots and in the Newcastle area, I suggest reaching out. Thanks to Nadia, Stu and everyone who came up to me and said hello at the Maitland Show.

That’s it for now. I will make sure to keep you folks updated more frequently as Feb finishes and March comes through. Props to you if you’ve read through this entire post. Cheers!

2023 WRAP UP

I know it’s been a while since my last update, so I figured a summary of the last few bits and bobs of 2023 would be great way bookend the year and then start anew moving forward.

Creating movie magic! Photo by Nadia Kamis

I resumed shooting scenes in Newcastle for feature film Strangers in a Car Park (IG: @strangersinacarpark) just before Christmas. We’re scheduled for one more short block this year before things are officially done! I can’t wait for this to be released as it’s my first lead in a feature. The film is scheduled for release later this year.

Promotional Image for Falling in Slow Motion. Photo by Julie Collins Photography.

I’ve been working as a producer for the drama miniseries Falling in Slow Motion (IG: @falling_in_slow_motion; FB: @fallinginslowmotion), adapted from the proof of concept filmed in 2021 which you can view here. It’s been so great to have the opportunity to develop my skills and assist showrunner Sarah Dinsey (IG: @sarah_dinsey) bring her vision to life. Lots of interesting plans for it in 2024 - please keep an eye out!. For more details about the show and to request promotional materials, please visit Sarah’s site here.

Earlier in the year, I took part in a project facilitated by the Mountain of Youth mentorship (IG: @mountainofyouthproject) titled DreamLink. The project allowed students in Year 12, to assist a professional crew in running the set doing a range of different jobs. It was wonderful and inspiring to be part of it and to see opportunities provided for the next generation of potential filmmakers to showcase their creativity. I sadly missed the both premiere screenings last year, so I’ll leave you with the cool poster and another shot of my character Mr Link that didn’t make the final cut. Photography was done by the wonderful Julia Firak (IG: @juliafirak).

A big shoutout to the team involved - shoutout to Riley, Heli, Kalani, Anna, Begeki, Lucas and a big congrats to the Mountain of Youth Class of ‘23!

Promotional Still from ‘DreamLink’. Photo by Julia Firak.

It’s been a busy time working on music too. I’m in the midst of recording a full length album, and have also been helping creative Michelle Rouady write for the OST for her upcoming project My Inner Child (IG: @myinnechildfilm). It’s a little different doing the soundtrack first, but I think it as a unique way of bringing her vision to life. I’ve featured on the first two releases, helped with songwriting on some upcoming ones and have lots of fun things to showcase! I also guest featured on single Right Now by frequent collaborator laXed (IG: @laxed_music).. The sound is a bit of a departure from what I normally record and write, so check that out if UK Garage/2 Step is your thing.

A few more cool TVC, voice over and music projects set to come out over the next few months, so keep your eyes and ears peeled. This will probably be the last long form post I’ll make, as I figure not many people have made it to this point of the piece, but if you have…thanks for being part of the 2023 journey with me. Here’s to more in 2024!

SITE REVAMP UNDERWAY

It has been a while since I’ve last been here. This is just a quick note to say the website is currently being revamped and so once it’s all come together, will let you know what I’ve been up to!

Cheers!

First Look: 'Strangers in a Car Park'

Here is the first look at the promotional poster for Strangers in a Carpark. The feature film was shot on location in Newcastle, NSW and follows the lives of 4 strangers and the sequence of events that eventually brings them together one night in a car park. A very big shoutout to those in front of and behind camera and their hard work on this shoot. More news to come later in the year. Check out the IMDB page for updates.

Filming completed for upcoming Stuart McBratney feature; First Look: Bronson in 'The New Boyfriend'

I’ve just wrapped filming my scenes in Newcastle for an upcoming feature film directed by Dr Stuart McBratney. Very grateful for the team behind the project for looking after me, and so thankful for the opportunity to take part. Here’s a snapshot just after we wrapped my last scene. I got to meet and work with a wonderful team of people both pictured here and off screen - I’m missing Newcastle already. More news on the film’s release to come.

Just wrapped! With Stuart, Nadia, Brody, Ben and Nathan. What a team.

Another project I was involved in, The New Boyfriend, is set to make its rounds on the festival circuit. Here is a sneaky preview (credit to Michelle St Clair who was the editor/colorist) of my character Bronson (who I chose to name after Mathew Waters’ character from series Round the Twist).

Bronson in ‘The New Boyfriend’. Credit Michelle St Clair

June Catch Up: Kennards Hire - meet Lil Ken; Filming complete for short film ‘Grape’; ‘Residence’ now in Post Production, plus shooting currently underway for new Feature Film in Newcastle.

t has been a long while since I’ve last posted here, so here’s a catch up of the things that have happened thus far!

There are new Kennards Hire spots released recently which introduces the character of Lil’ Ken. I was fortunate enough to have a puppet made in my likeness to use and operate for these spots, so it’s definitely one of the highlights of my career thus far! A big thanks to Kennards Hire (shoutout to Reshma and the team) Enigma, Toybox Films and Rhiannon Paige Artistry for a smooth 2 days of shooting!

For the entire Ken and Lil’ Ken series, visit the Kennards Hire Youtube Page

I recently completed filming on the Gold Coast for the short Grape, written and directed by the talented Aurora Iler. Aurora is a young creative who has already achieved many things at such a young age. She was one of the winners in the 2022 World Monologue Games and a finalist in the 7 NEWS Young Achiever of the Year Award for her work in her previous work Melonhead, which stars Nick Hardcastle. Grape highlights the impact of teenage vaping and has The Queensland Family and Child commission behind it as a distributor, so keep an eye out for it down the line. Here are a few snaps on set below:

A big thanks to Aurora and her Family for facilitating a wonderful experience on set, and the wonderful Bronte Larson, Lucas Bell and Liliya Ho for playing the rest of my family.

Another big thanks to the S Club (Sarah [of Sarah Disney Film Productions - cool news on this soon], Shan and Sam for looking after me between shooting/post shoot)

You can keep up to date by visiting Grape IG Page, as well as checking out the current Go-Fund me page used to help raise funds for post-production and it’s festival screenings.

Recently, the feature film Residence completed principal photography and is now in post prod! It’s been a while since shooting began and little by little, the wonderful film has finally completed the biggest undertaking. I can’t wait for the world to see Rongo and what role he plays in the Residence world.

What is Rongo thinking? Photo by Fabrizio Evans

And finally, I’m currently part way through shooting another movie in Newcastle. There have been many a trip back and forth between Sydney and Newy but it’s been a wonderful ride. It’s also a major opportunity for me, as it is a lead role and the opportunity to showcase sides of my acting I’ve not had the chance to before. I’m so proud of what’s been shot thus far, and can’t wait to get this out into the world. More news on this very very soon!

New song demo 'These Ties' soft released

I decided to unleash this demo into the universe after being sitting in the vault for a while. This was inspired by Fleetwood Mac and Dido and produced with my regular collaborator Jono Fernandez. The title is a homage to one of my favourite local artists from my childhood, Amiel.

Tweaks and changes are in the pipeline, but after a rough week, I figured the serotonin boost I needed was getting this out there. The track is out on Bandcamp, Soundcloud and Youtube.

Appearance on ABC's The Messenger

The Messenger has begun airing on ABC, but all episodes are available to view on ABC iView here - I pop up in Episode 6. Thank you to Mitchell Casting and All Hours Self Tape.

Acting alongside the talented Chris Alosio

If you’re an eagle eye viewer, I also pop up on Channel 10’s North Shore. Sadly my short scene was cut from the episode but you may see me looking to catch my dinner in the intro briefly. A big thanks to Leigh Pickford from Maura Fay Casting for reaching out and the Howell Elite team.

Guest appearance on Netflix's Wellmania

Celeste Barber’s new comedy Wellmania has just been released on Netflix. I pop up in episode 5, Hall of Mirrors. Big thanks to Maura Fay Casting, director Helena Brooks, J.J Fong for the Flat3 chat and Howell Elite Actors.

I tried to take a short clip to send to my mum, but ended up on a frame which I think perfectly summarises my scenes on the show:

Freeze frame of video shot on phone filming a TV - a wide eyed security guard centre of screen, with a woman and man on either side of his face, slightly faded. due to the frame transition

'Form/Dissolve' has been released with 'Pluto' as lead single; New Voice Over spots for Bupa Dental

My new EP Form/Dissolve has been released! It’s been a while since I’ve released music so it felt great getting this out into the world. Zak Roams, Derek J. Turner, Jono Fernandez and May Ladkani were contributors to the release - out on all streaming and purchasing platforms. I did make the decision to postpone the music video with extra things planned . It’s expected to drop later in Autumn, alongside some cool new additions. Check out the lyric video for title track Pluto:

Another release this week comes from a cool series of voice over spots I did for Bupa Dental Australia. Thanks to Igor + team from Eden Creative, Bupa and Simone from EM Voices. Check out the spots below

'My Inner Child' MV Released; Shoutout from Buzzfeed Oz

The MV for My Inner Child has been released online, check it out below. Big thanks to Michelle Rouady for allowing me to help co-write the track!

My Inner Child was written by Michelle Rouady and Lawrence Ola, performed by Caitlin Lopez and Lawrence Ola (as Bohifale) and produced by Jono Fernandez. The M/V was produced and edited by Jay Seely from Blacklist Productions with HMUA by Jess (@jessfxc) and appearing on screen alongside Michelle and Caitlin, actress Madison Ruby.

In other news, a Buzzfeed Oz article had given me a shoutout on a list titled: 11 Pacific Islander Actors Who Are Serving On Screen And Deserve Way More Recognition. To quote writer Morwenna Petaia:

I first saw Ola on a television commercial for underwear and soon he was convincing me that a specific mattress that could withstand being rolled over by a truck was a need, not a want. Before long, Ola popped up in Nine Network's After the Verdict and more recently in Upright on Binge. You heard it here first — my prediction is Ola slaying his way to a main role in a comedy series this year because he deserves it. 

Rather kind words - cheers to Buzzfeed Oz and Morwenna for including me on the list! To check out the full list, click here.

New song collaboration released; MV directed by Michelle Rouady to follow.

I was approached by Michelle Rouady, who had previously included my single Parasols in her directorial debut Bonded by Blue, for an opportunity to co-write a track My Inner Child to be sung by Sydney actor/singer/producer Caitlin Lopez. Enjoyed the many sessions with producer Jono Fernandez who helped craft the pop ballad. A music video directed by Michelle will soon follow later this month. It’s available now on music platforms to buy and stream, so check it out.

Guest appearance on 'Castpod: The Casting Podcast'

I pop up in Season 2 Episode 7 of Castpod: The Casting Podcast - a podcast where two guests are given 10 randomly generated names of celebrities and attempt to cast them in a film made up on the fly. Have a listen and see what we came up - it involves Judi Dench, high risk sporting and Crowded House.

Thanks to all the hot and alive folks involved - fellow guest Bec Charlwood (who is also touring her stand up this year and co-hosts @dudecinemapod), behind the scenes researcher Joss (who co-hosts the podcast @itstheplug) and host Lachie (who is in the band @buffaloparadise and co-hosts another podcast @theytalkagoodgame) - for a bunch of laughs!

Also, here is the episode artwork I shamelessly screenshot from there instagram (@castpod.podcast) below.

Artwork Credit: Castpod Podcast Instagram (@castpod.podcast)

Source: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vYYJMU0h...