The location expert for The Lord of the Rings plus a raft of iconic Kiwi television ads – is now the subject of an eye-catching hardcover book, written by his widow.
A Place for the Heart is the story of Dave Comer, who was professionally involved in finding locations for Mainland Cheese, Barry Crump’s Toyota ads, National Bank’s black horse, and the fireside bravado of Speight’s beer.
Dave Comer was a renowned photographer and location scout. He lived much of his life in and around Fiordland, photographing the region from the 1970s until he died in late 2014.
This book presents some of his most beautiful and compelling images, alongside the story of his life and work – from the early years jetboating in the Hollyford Valley, to his involvement in the helicopter venison industry, to over 30 years in the international film industry (including location scouting for The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit).
Comer was also behind some of our most-loved advertising images — thanks to his TVC for Jaguar in 2000 he was credited with developing a technique to convert still frames to motion picture film, creating a dream-like effect with the car crisp and in-focus and the background motion blurred.
That ad went on to win the Kodak AICP Award for Cinematography in New York, and the commercial took its place in the permanent collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art.
Other examples of his work include the Mainland Cheese commercials, Toyota’s ‘Crumpy’, National Bank and BNZ ads in New Zealand along with numerous overseas assignments.
“This book also follows his widow’s own journey while dealing with her husband’s legacy.”
This book presents some of his most beautiful and compelling images, alongside the story of his life and work – from the early years jetboating in the Hollyford Valley, to his involvement in the helicopter venison industry, to over 30 years in the international film industry (including location scouting for The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit).
Comer was also behind some of our most-loved advertising images — thanks to his TVC for Jaguar in 2000 he was credited with developing a technique to convert still frames to motion picture film, creating a dream-like effect with the car crisp and in-focus and the background motion blurred.
That ad went on to win the Kodak AICP Award for Cinematography in New York, and the commercial took its place in the permanent collection of the New York Museum of Modern Art.
Other examples of his work include the Mainland Cheese commercials, Toyota’s ‘Crumpy’, National Bank and BNZ ads in New Zealand along with numerous overseas assignments.
The book is written by his wife, equally renowned doco maker Peta Carey – and the narrative of this book follows not only Dave Corner’s life, but her own journey while dealing with his legacy.
It is told through stories, letters, poetry and photography, offering a powerful insight into one man’s lifelong connection with the New Zealand wilderness.
Peta Carey cut her teeth as a presenter on kids’ show Spot On, then began directing current affairs. Genetic research examination Lifting of the Makutu won her a 2006 NZ Screen Award.
Carey runs Watershed Films, and has written feature stories for North & South and The Listener.
- Buy online ($59.99) here
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