Vincent Ward
a director study
By Oliver Ryan
Early years
• Born 1956 Greytown, youngest child
• Art degree at the Ilam School of Fine Arts
Christchurch.
• => Led to (first) film “A state of seige”
• Had no permanent residence in the 80’s
• Originally an illustrator
Filmography
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A state of seige- 1978, produced by Timothy white written by Ward.
In spring one plants alone- 1981, produced by Ward and written = (documentary).
Vigil- 1984, produced by John Maynard Productions, co-written by Ward, Graeme
Tetley
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The Navigator- 1998, produced by John Maynard Productions, written by Vincent
Ward, Kely Lyons, Geoff Chapple
Map of the human heart- 1993, written by Louis Nowra. Working Title Films,
PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Australian Film Finance Corporation
What Dreams May Come- 1998, written by Ronald Bass, Interscope
Communications.
River queen – 2005, written by Ward, Silverscreen Films/The Film Consortium.
Rain of the children- 2008, written by Ward, Forward Films.
Favourite co-workers
• Alun Bollinger- camera man. Director of
photography on A state of seige, In spring one
plants alone, and Vigil.
• “With Vigil we spent several weeks just sitting
down, pencil in hand, drawing up the images.”
• Jack Body- sound on In spring.. and Vigil.
Preferred film styles/themes
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Isolation
Intense emotions- through colours, etc
Hand-held camera
“Invisible camera” or documentary style
Minimalist music
Often uses colour schemes
t
to express emotion, such
a
as Vigil, River Queen.
Current projects
• Currently, Ward is focused on more traditional
art, especially painting and sculpture.
Impact on society
• First NZ film to Cannes (Vigil).
• “What dreams may come” nominated for best
production design and best visual effect at
Academy Awards.
• Order of New Zealand Merit award (2007).
• Only step in Hollywood was his Aliens 3 and
Last Samurai screenwriting- stayed true to his
roots.
Notable Awards
• Silver Hugo Award, Chicago Festival, 1978, for A State
of Siege;
• Silver Hugo Award, Chicago Festival, 1980, for In
Spring One Plants Alone;
• Grand Prix Award, Prades Festival, Grand Prix Award,
Madrid Festival, and Best Film, Imag Fic Festival, all
1984, all for Vigil;
• Australian Film Awards, Best Picture and Best Director,
1988, for The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey.
Bibliography
• http://vincentwardfilms.com/vw/biography/
• http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0911910/
• http://www.artnewzealand.com/Issues21to30/ward.htm
• http://www.artnewzealand.com/Issues21to30/ward.htm