How it All Started…
Kia ora, I’m Caleb, the curly-haired fella featured above—though I’ve definitely grown a bit since then. Fun fact: the first logo for Curlyfries was based on that photo. Below, you’ll find out a bit about my film journey, along with the evolution of Curlyfries Studios. I hope you enjoy reading!
A LONG TIME AGO in 2014…
I CREATED A YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
oHH SNAP PRODUCTIONS
I’ve always been captivated by the magic of film, immersing myself in both watching and creating. At twelve, my friends and I would brainstorm and shoot our own comedy sketches and “action” films, driven by a child’s imagination and a thirst for adventure. As I transitioned into my teenage years, those action-packed narratives naturally evolved into more intricate dramas, a reflection of my growing understanding of storytelling.
My journey truly ignited when I started making YouTube videos. Acting had always been my passion, and I was particularly drawn to the lively sketch comedy videos that filled my screen. Back then, film felt a world away—something for the Hollywood elite. But the more I engaged with YouTube, the more I honed my filming skills, discovering an unexpected affinity for visual storytelling and cinematography.
That newfound excitement paved the way for something transformative: I realized I wanted to direct and shoot my own narrative projects. Ideas swirled in my mind, bursting with potential, yet I recognized that my technical skills needed polishing. That awareness sparked an insatiable desire to learn and grow, propelling me deeper into the world of filmmaking, where my dreams could finally take shape.
Lamp Studios: Producer: Abby Kingi DP: Caleb Rayner
CUE: LAMP STUDIOS
A CINEMATIC JOURNEY
During high school, I juggled freelance projects, shooting around 30 diverse video endeavors—from short films and skits to 48-hour challenges. I volunteered as a camera operator at my church and dabbled in acting, participating in musicals and plays, even writing a couple of my own.
But my film skills truly began to evolve when I transitioned from my trusty $500, 10-year-old Canon DSLR to wielding a $20,000 Sony FX9 at Lamp Studios. There, I collaborated with professional clients on an array of projects—television commercials, corporate videos, music videos, and more. This experience was my opportunity to log in the hours in a professional setting, using equipment I had never dreamed of accessing before.
It was at Lamp Studios that I realized the importance of narrative work in fueling my creativity. I didn't merely want to film; I craved the chance to tell meaningful and unique stories that resonated with my own vision and style.
WHY CURLYFRIES?
It all started as a nickname from my friends, who dubbed me Curlyfries due to my curly hair when I was in intermediate. While I don't hear it as often anymore, I’ve held onto the name for its sentimental value and as a reminder to not take myself too seriously. Embracing a name from my childhood, especially one that carries a sense of fun, pushes against the overly polished aesthetic that many production companies strive for. Curlyfries is authentic to who I am and where I started, and that’s why I have decided to stick with it.
EMPTY CEILINGS
‘Empty Ceilings’ marked a turning point in my creative journey.
Before this, my focus was on commercial work and projects for others. For two years, I hadn’t created a personal short film, but the urge to tell a story that truly resonated with me finally took over. Armed with the skills I’d honed during that time, I embarked on a deeply personal project.
The narrative explores themes of love and loss, inspired by stories like those of my grandparents. Through Mary, the main character, I sought to capture the bittersweet beauty of clinging to fading memories of golden days gone by. Her story reflects the quiet strength of holding on to what matters most, even as time reshapes its edges.
Making ‘Empty Ceilings’ was both a challenge and a joy. Working with a passionate crew of aspiring filmmakers, we faced the constraints of a modest $2,000–$3,000 budget. Creativity became our ally—we improvised last-minute locations, rewrote scenes on the spot, and even sneaked onto a bus to capture a perfect moment. These hurdles pushed us to be resourceful and made the process all the more rewarding.
This project remains a favorite because it let me fully embrace the art of storytelling. Free from the constraints of pure technicality, I could focus on the heart of the narrative—letting emotion drive the film.
Film can seem so technical at first, but when you start to break free from that, that’s when the magic starts to happen.
What Now?
Since the inception of Empty Ceilings, my journey has veered in numerous directions. This film became a two-year labor of love, one that enriched my understanding of filmmaking, resilience, and collaboration. Being nominated at the NZYFF among over 500 entries was an honor, and meeting the fellow nominees was a powerful reminder of why I cherish film—everyone's passion was truly contagious.
In 2023, I co-founded a film school for high school students alongside Arka Gupta. Witnessing young creatives breathe life into their stories has been immensely rewarding, and I eagerly anticipate the program's return. Additionally, we launched a podcast that delves into the filmmaking process and our personal journeys, featuring distinguished guests from Hollywood productions like Avatar and The Lord of the Rings, as well as aspiring filmmakers who created mini TV shows in their youth.
Over the past couple of years, I took a step back from film to study psychology and explore new avenues. This time away granted me a fresh perspective and a revitalized passion for storytelling. This website serves as a reflection of that journey—a platform to showcase my work and embrace new challenges.
If you're interested in collaborating, I would love to hear from you. Let’s create something extraordinary together.