Writer/director Jonathan King's debut feature, Black Sheep, is a tale of genetic engineering gone wrong. With the help of Weta Workshop, King brings a uniquely Kiwi nightmare to life: sheep gone very, very bad.

The film premiered at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival, screened at SXSW in Austin, Texas last week and opens in New Zealand later this month. All going to plan, it should do for paddocks what Jaws did for open water...Writer/director Jonathan King's debut feature, Black Sheep, is a tale of genetic engineering gone wrong. With the help of Weta Workshop, King brings a uniquely Kiwi nightmare to life: sheep gone very, very bad.

The film premiered at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival, screened at SXSW in Austin, Texas last week and opens in New Zealand later this month. All going to plan, it should do for paddocks what Jaws did for open water...During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Usually just before I fall asleep -

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Um - enthusiastic?

Who would you most like to direct in a film?
Jeff Bridges. Or John Turturro. Or John Goodman. Or John Hurt. One of the big 'J' names.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Seeing months (or years) of solitary imaginative play eventuate in a collective experience for hundreds, thousands or millions.

How do you think your environment affects your work?
I need enough space, peace and quiet to fall asleep - so I can have that great idea, just before I do.

Your debut feature, Black Sheep, is released in NZ later this month. What were the origins of the project?
"Wow, that's a good idea for a movie."

The old saying goes "Don't work with children or animals." What did you learn from directing a herd of sheep?
Old sayings know what they're on about.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Break up the big picture into little details; do them all properly; put big picture back together.

Describe the ways in which your childhood play has influenced how you work as an adult.
Running around, making stuff up, shouting a lot and waving my arms. That's how I played as a kid, too.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Black Sheep - opens March 29 at a theatre near you.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
I wouldn't. But maybe I'd start this one sooner.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
Home (it's where the heart is, I hear).

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
In the car. So you can sing along. Loudly.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A flag. With a string to swing it by.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
[Censored]

What's your favourite word?
Y'all.

What's great about today?
One day closer to making another movie!

Interview by Cass Hesom-Williams

20/3/07