Creative Southland Team Make Magic for Kids

When Invercargill animator and costume designer Traci Meek made a phone call last year to Kiwi singer-songwriter Anna van Riel about a potential collaboration, she could never have known it could lead her down such a colourful road of opportunity.

The two are set to launch their first NZ on Air funded music video Echo this Friday and are currently working on their second music video Give Love at Christmas, which also involved Nelson children's songwriter Kath Bee.

The SIT graduate approached van Riel last year, after the award-winning artist was recommended to her by a mutual connection.

SIT and the Centre for Creative Industries have further supported the collaboration post-graduation. "Their sponsorship means we can turn our great ideas into amazing videos," Traci shares.

Although Hawea-based, Southland-born van Riel has stayed close to her Invercargill roots.
"I love coming down and connecting with the amazing creative collective down here", Anna shares.
"Southland has such an amazing body of talented locals and I often miss being amongst the buzz. Working with Traci has been a fantastic excuse to visit regularly."

Traci has also had the pleasure of welcoming the addition of Invercargill animator and graphic designer Kevin Reid to her Meek and Wild Creations production team.

van Riel's projects haven't been confined to Southlanders alone. Both Echo and Give Love at Christmas were filmed by 18-year-old Wanaka videographer Ollie Larkin. Gaining momentum in the adventure sports arena for his work, Larkin has suddenly expanded his portfolio with this latest venture into children's music.

Anna van Riel will be in Invercargill to open for the Messy Magic show at Stadium Southland this Friday, followed by a visit to the students at St. John Girls School, where she will be officially launching her music video Echo. The track can be purchased via itunes and bandcamp by heading to www.annavanriel.bandcamp.com

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