VALE MAC GUDGEON (1949 - 2023)
Glendyn Ivin
Mac Gudgeon, Lake Mungo, 2008
One of the most important decisions I have made in my career was to be a ‘Director’ and not a ‘Writer / Director’. The moment I realised I could work with writers, I became really productive and I’ve been productive ever since. I cherish working with writers as a creative experience. But the chemistry has to be right.
Writer Mac Gudgeon taught me a valuable approach. In 2008 during early development for my first feature film Last Ride, Mac and I went on a camping road trip through the desert where we were imagining the film would take place. We had clicked as friends, I felt comfortable in discussing my ideas for the film, about story, character and tone. Mac encouraged me to open up more and more. He said, the more I know what’s in your head, the more “I’ll write the film you want to make.” It was a huge moment for me and I could see how powerful working with a writer could be. It could be symbiotic, A writer could write what I wanted to make and in return I will make the film they want to write.
I have taken this approach with every writer I have worked with since. It gave me the confidence and the understanding that I could bring the sense of authorship I desired through working closely with writers who I shared a common vision with. It’s kind of straight forward in hindsight, but at the time is far less clear. Thats the kind of wisdom Mac passed on. Honest, to the point and with conviction.
Mac was a great man and a great writer. He taught me many things and gave me many gifts. More than he would ever have realised. He will be missed but will live on in our hearts and minds.