Hi
Welcome to Morcan Books & Films, the blog devoted to providing a unique perspective and intelligent commentary on books and films. It includes commentary on our own books and films – i.e. novels and screenplays co-written by the Morcans, and feature films produced by, or in development with, Morcan Motion Pictures.
Lance & James
Here’s a television interview I recently did on Central TV News talking about my process of writing novels and screenplays. My segment kicks in at the 10 minute mark, so skip forward to that point on the You Tube video: http://lnkd.in/QMP_zi
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Two quirky romantic comedies explore Hinduism, Christianity and multiculturalism.
Hot off two soon-to-be released Indian-Australian feature films, New Zealand actor James Morcan is looking forward to a well-deserved break.
Not only did Morcan play starring roles in Love You Krishna and My Cornerstone, he also wrote the screenplays which incorporated English and Hindi.
Both films were produced and directed by Indian-Aussie filmmaker Stanley Joseph, of World Pictures Australia, and were inspired by many of Joseph’s own experiences as an Indian migrant in Australia.
They are quirky romantic comedies exploring Hinduism, Christianity and multiculturalism.
In Peter Jackson style, the films were shot simultaneously – a decision which Morcan says nearly broke the production team. “Shooting two movies at once is an extremely rare undertaking and everybody in our incredibly talented crew was stretched to the limit. To be honest, we almost bit off more than we could chew,” says Morcan.
“I probably only averaged three or four hours sleep a night over the last few months,” Morcan (34) says from his residence in Sydney, Australia. “There was literally no time to think. But in a strange way that’s kind of freeing for an actor as you don’t get too cerebral about the process.”
Morcan was actively involved in every single scene of the shoot, working in front of and behind the camera, and wearing multiple hats. “That sort of on-set involvement was tough but necessary to complete the mammoth task. And I learnt so much about the nuts and bolts of filmmaking. In fact, it was like going to film school.”
As for his roles in the films, Morcan is remaining tight-lipped. “Let’s just say I play an enigmatic role in both stories. Other than that I cannot say too much about my characters as they involve big twists in each film. If I mentioned who I actually play in either movie, it would ruin the surprise for the audience.”
Morcan’s previous films have screened at cinemas in Italy, Australia and France. His career highlights include roles in the Australian independent feature film The Pawn and acting alongside Russell Crowe in Ben Hur: The Stadium Spectacular, at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium. He was also executive producer of the recently released New Zealand feature film Desired, which premiered at Cannes Marche du Film in France.
Aside from his film work, Morcan is also a novelist and co-writes with his Bay of Plenty-based father Lance Morcan. The pair have written four published books including the controversial thriller series The Orphan Trilogy and the historical adventure Fiji: A Novel. Their production company, Morcan Motion Pictures, is also developing feature film adaptations of the novels.
Love You Krishna and My Cornerstone were shot in Mumbai, India and NSW, Australia and are currently in post-production. They are expected to be released internationally later this year.
-For full article go to: http://www.voxy.co.nz/entertainment/nz-actor-bollywood-films/5/149302
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I just finished filming OZ-Bollywood feature films MY CORNERSTONE and LOVE YOU KRISHNA, which I wrote the screenplays for and acted lead roles in. We filmed both features simultaneously. It was a massive job and sleep has been at a premium of late! We just finished the Indian leg of the shoot in Mumbai after filming for two months before that here in Sydney. -James
James on the set of LOVE YOU KRISHNA.
Here are the IMDb links for both films:
MY CORNERSTONE: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2527256/
LOVE YOU KRISHNA: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2496488/
More news about these two films to follow!
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I am currently filming two new feature films which I wrote the screenplays for and am acting lead roles in. Both are OZ-Bollywood productions filming in Australia and India. Filming started in late November and is scheduled to wrap late January.
Here are the IMDb links:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2527256/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2496488/
Happy New Year,
James Morcan
The following media release is dated 17 October 2012 PST:
New Zealand-born actor James Morcan has been cast to play leading roles in upcoming Australian-Indian films ‘My Cornerstone’ and ‘Love You Krishna’.
James (34) is also the screenwriter on both productions which will be filmed in Sydney, Australia and several locations on the Indian subcontinent.
Indian-Australian filmmaker Stanley Joseph, of World Pictures Australia, is producing and directing ‘Love You Krishna’ and ‘My Cornerstone’. The stories for the films, which are quirky romantic comedies exploring multiculturalism and spiritual faith, reflect some of Joseph’s own experiences as an Indian migrant in Australia.
James, who resides in Sydney, is also a film producer and novelist. Recent productions he has performed in include the Australian independent feature film ‘The Pawn’ and ‘Ben Hur: The Stadium Spectacular’ with Russell Crowe. Morcan was also Executive Producer on last year’s New Zealand feature film ‘Desired’ which premiered at Cannes Marche du Film in France.
As an author, James co-writes novels with his Bay of Plenty-based father Lance Morcan. Their recently published novels include ‘The Ninth Orphan’, an international thriller, ‘The Orphan Factory’, a coming-of-age spy thriller, and ‘Fiji: A Novel’, an historical adventure.
‘My Cornerstone’ and ‘Love You Krishna’ will be shot simultaneously. Filming is scheduled to begin next month.
For images and further information go to:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1909596/
http://www.amazon.com/James-Morcan/e/B005EPOU48/
There’s no doubt FIJI, the movie based on our historical novel, will be extremely cinematic as these wonderful images show…
The search is on now to find a name director to helm FIJI. James and I will then adapt the screenplay from our novel, Fiji: A Novel, under our director’s guidance so that it’s his/her vision that makes it to the big screen.
Click on our book’s cover to read the first few chapters.
The Amazon link to this novel is: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057YCZM0/
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The search is on for a name director to helm FIJI, the period film based on our swashbuckling, historical, action-adventure, Fiji: A Novel.
Set in 19th Century Fiji, the novel has been a regular visitor to Amazon’s bestseller lists. It was published by Sterling Gate Books late in 2011.
It’s a story of adventure, cultural misunderstandings, religious conflict and sexual tension set in one of the most exotic and isolated places on earth – and we have no doubt FIJI will make a wonderful movie.
The storyline: In the mid-1800’s, Fiji was a melting pot of cannibals, warring native tribes, sailors, traders, prostitutes, escaped convicts and all manner of foreign undesirables. It’s in this hostile environment in our story that an innocent young Englishwoman and a worldly American adventurer find themselves. Despite their differences, there’s an undeniable chemistry between them. When their lives are suddenly endangered by marauding cannibals, they are forced to rely on each other for their very survival.
With the strong themes of love running through what is essentially a fast-moving and sometimes violent adventure story, FIJI the movie will appeal equally to males and females.
Here’s what reviewers have said about Fiji: A Novel:
It’s an intense story that will have you turning the pages long into the night. –Susan M. Heim, author and editor of the bestselling “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series.
A well-written, totally absorbing novel. –J.B. DiNizo (author of Comings and Goings)
A wonderfully entrancing read. –Joan McGrath (historical author)
You’ll enjoy the voyage this book takes you on. –Have You Heard Book Review
A fabulous novel, beautiful for its blunt rawness, exotic scenery, and fascinating storyline. –Historical Novel Review
Relevant links for Fiji: A Novel:
Amazon ebook link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057YCZM0/
Sterling Gate Books: http://www.youtube.com/user/SterlingGateBooks
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