Cracking The Big-time
Illawarra Mercury
Friday November 27, 1998
If Volker Allert ever cracks the big time as a professional film director, he'll certainly have earned it.
The 44-year-old Albion Park man has bided his time working odd jobs on film sets while developing his own material for the screen.
Finally he's making headway.
His first feature film, 300,000 Years, is shot on 16mm film and is being developed for possible distribution.
So far, the process has been a steep learning curve for the passionate director.
In joining forces with someone who has the contacts to get the film into the public arena, Allert has had to relinquish some of his control over the film.
When you're writer, director, producer and star of the film, it can be hard to step back and ease your grip.
``I knew I could only take my film so far and I used my original as a calling card," he said.
``Gary Young picked it up, re-cut the story and added bits to the script but the story is still the same.
``I did make compromises and there are always things you don't agree with but Gary has made some low-budget films and is talking to distributors.
``We have hopes otherwise we wouldn't be doing it."
A science fiction film, 300,000 Years is the tale of a man who discovers an alien brain and is possessed by the superior intellect.
As he works to cultivate a body for the alien, he learns about how the alien's home planet was invaded and the peace-loving species was almost destroyed.
Regaining control of his mind, the man decides the alien is only striking out before he can again be hurt and helps him escape.
In the aftermath he discovers he has retained some of the alien's powers.
Filmed throughout the Illawarra during a two-year period, 300,000 Years is a testament to Allert's dedication.
Using the talents of friends, drama students and even an old drama teacher, Allert made the film with no money but plenty of desire.
``Filming is my passion," he said.
``There's a lot of work involved but when you do it yourself you learn.
``I'm happy I've finished it."
Allert, who studied acting in Sydney for four years and has worked variously as a lighting technician, welder, carpenter and general handyman on films like Aftershocks, Babe and Welcome to Woop Woop, remembers running about with his dad's Super Eight camera as a child.
Yet it was not until he lost his job at the Steelworks in the early `90s that he found the time to tackle his dream.
He took up acting and began work on his own film, slotting it in between his odd jobs and the commitments of his own cast.
Now, as he waits to see if distributors will pick up the film, Allert isn't sitting idle.
He's already working on a second film, a vampire love story, and experimenting with digital cameras.
As for 300,000 Years, Allert and Young are keen to screen it before a test audience in Illawarra and gather some feedback.
© 1998 Illawarra Mercury