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!

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!

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.

'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.

Wrap on 2022; New Music Video teaser for upcoming single, 'Pluto'

2022 is done and dusted. I’ve realised it’s been a while since I’ve last updated (I’ve refrained from using ‘I haven’t posted since last year') but I thought I’d post to say I hope folks had a wonderful New Years and can look back on 2022 fondly, or at least with the determination for 2023 to a better year moving forward.

That said, one goal in 2023 for me is to release more music. I’ve just released a new music video teaser for an upcoming track, Pluto. It was produced by Melbourne based Zak Roams, with vocal production done by Derek J. Turner - who I released Looking 4 the Thing with last year - at Quarterpipe Studios. Pluto is mid-tempo electronic pop track with 80s synths and electric guitar throughout. It is set for release on March 14th.

CREDITS

Produced by Zak Roams

Vox Production by Derek J. Turner at Quarterpipe Studios

Directed by Lawrence Ola

Director of Photography - Aravind Shanavaz (The Light Pirate)

Assistant Director - Kate Jirelle

Cast: Sia Theresa, Anna Aleksandrova, August Rogers, Dian Rahardjo, May Ladkani (VO) and Kate Jirelle.

For more details, check out the imdb page.