Handle

First and foremost, I want to thank God for this opportunity to be in this creative space and using the gifts and talents He’s given me to give the glory back to Him and to advance the Kingdom.
 

Thank you Jesus! ✝️🥹

The experience of arriving on set to a film that I wrote back in February is nothing short of amazing! This is something I always dreamed of and now I officially have ‘one in the bag’ as they say.
 

The Cast & Crew have been such a God Send and seeing them operate in their giftings was a sight to behold. They were all truly in their element and I am forever grateful for this team.

🎭 CAST

Richie Sikuea - Actor

Thank you Toks for jumping on board the Skuu Train! What started as an idea on paper back in Feb has flourished and fully realised in August. You gave Carter some gravitas and grit and he was formidable. Your support is appreciated and look forward to your projects!

Amy Cotter - Actor

Since meeting you back in Voice Acting 101, in July 2024, you were just a joy to connect with! So having you as Renee was a pleasure to see unfold! She was grounded, intentional and direct. Thank you for sharing your time on set with me!
 

🎥 CREW 🎬

When they say, “It takes a village” to make something like this, it really does! Without you lot, this dream would still be a dream and Handle would just be an idea. So to all of you who formed this team to make some art, I honour you:

📋 Set Producer – James Fink-Jensen

🎥 Director of Photography (DP) – Ollie Madsen

📢 1st Assistant Diredror (1AD) – Ryan Evans

🎬 Camera Assist – Leo Liang

💡 Gaffer – Graham Lauder

🔊 Sound Recordist / Mixer – Robert Goodliffe

🖊️ Script Supervisor – Faith Ward & Holly Norman

🎨 Production Designer / Art Department – Jordan Verhagen

🍳 Catering / Craft Services – Elmma Mataakama

💄 Make-up Artist – Cody Cope

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR MAHI! 🥹🙏🏾

Lastly to the donors, the backers and the supporters of this crazy noir, sci-fi action short! Thank you for your kind hearts to give of your hard earned cash to a story that you believed in and wanted to see get made! We wouldn’t be here, wrapped and ready for post if it wasn’t for you amazing humans! We got to use our creativity, make art and new connections and pay everyone for their expertise and had fun doing so! THANK YOU!

As we head into post, we will update with BTS and early script concepts that made Handle what it is. Stay tuned!

Everlastingly at it,

—Rai

Kia Orana Tatou Katoatoa!

The first day of Principle Photography begins! 

I can’t believe this is actually happening! For years I had dreamed of making my own film and now it has come to pass! 

When I rocked up to location, I couldn’t believe my eyes: this was really happening!  Some of the crew I’m meeting for the first time and it’s all coming together!

Several hours later, we wrapped for the first night and my heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude!

Thank you Donors for allowing this to be a dream come to life! We really wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you. Truly. You believed in our crazy little film and we now get to make it!

Stay with us! We will update as we go!

“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake up in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did.” - T.E. Lawrence

We’re beyond thrilled (and honestly still a bit in shock) to say:

Our short film Handle is officially fully funded!!! 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who donated, shared, encouraged, and stood behind this story. Whether you gave $5 or $500, your support made this possible — and we don’t take that lightly.

This project was never just about making a film. It’s about proving what’s possible when stories that matter are backed by community. It’s about trust, risk, and heart. You’ve helped us take something from a spark on the page to a living, breathing film — and that means everything.
 

🔥 What’s Next?

Production is officially in motion! We’re currently finalizing shoot dates, script and gear setups (yes, we’re still going full indie mode with an iPhone + rig), and prepping to bring Handle to life with all the noir, tension, and twists it promises.

We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, production updates, and festival plans — so if you want to keep following the journey:

1. 🎥 FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/@SkuuDigital

We will be releasing Handle on YouTube as a Premier (screening date to come) for all our donors to watch in the comfort of your own homes and devices! In order to  propel our launch, we would love for you to like, sub and share!  The more eyes we get on it, the better!
 

2. 📲 FOLLOW US ON IG

https://www.instagram.com/skuudigital/

We will be using this platform to engage directly with our followers and audiences sharing short form videos, updates, BTS and promos! Come chill with the gang, converse in the comments and join us for live streams and Q&A’s! We’d love to have you with us!!

3. 📣 TELL EVERYONE ABOUT US!

Spread the word far and wide! Comms is so important! That’s why we need every abled person to cast a wide net! You as a donor have helped fund this project and now we need all your friends and whanaus supoort! So share this across your available networks and socials! You are our community! We can’t do this without you!

Ecclesiastes 4:12

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken .”

Again, thank you so much for helping us cross the line, believing in the film and for donating your hard earned cash!  Now let’s get this made!

- Raiden, Amy, Richie and the Handle team! 🥹🙏🏾✅🎥🎬

Thank you for your contributions to this project and for your blessings! The cost of living really puts a damper on things so we are super grateful that you have given of your time, energy and resources! With less than a week left, we really are pulling out all the stops asking for donations until the countdown ends!! Help us cross the finish line so we can make this film!!!

- Raiden

After a 30min zoom call with added context to the story of Handle and a helping of curiosity, we have our DoP! Please welcome Ollie Madsen! He’s a full-time Videographer for The Attention Seeker: a social content agency located in Grey Lynn! He also has Photography and 3rd AC under his creative belt and will pilot our iPhone 16 Pro Max Cinema Rig - one that will prove both a challenge and a learning experience that leans in nicely with the aesthetic of this film! Glad to have you on board mate!