Louis Sutherland
Writing
Biography
Louis Sutherland is a Samoan Kiwi writer and director. He got his start making documentary films before donning a pair of tights at the famed New Zealand Drama School Toi Whakaari. There he studied performance craft and began writing and directing narrative work. His films, created with childhood friend Mark Albiston, have been awarded internationally at Cannes, Sundance, and the like, with his first feature, “Shopping," winning the Grand Prix at the Berlin International Film Festival. Louis treats his commercials much like his films, with an eye for giving each moment meaning. He invites agencies into his process and creates immersive worlds for his cast. Louis’ taste for well-crafted characters and raw storytelling has charmed international brands and viewers alike. Louis lives in Wellington, New Zealand. When not directing, he can be found being a PA for his wife and kids, which is his true calling.
Known For
After a childhood prank by his brother Angus causes Henry to develop a phobia of sheep, he must step up to the onslaught of a genetically-mutated man-eating flock with the help of his friend and a young environmentalist.
Black Sheep
The Insiders Guide To Love is a New Zealand drama series that explores the lives of a group of seven previously unconnected people. Each is implicated in a bizarre incident, the outcome of which forces them to examine and explore the loves in their own lives. The series is a prequel to the show The Insider's Guide To Happiness, with James the only character in common.
The Insider's Guide To Love
Living in New Zealand in 1981 amid high racial tension, Willie, a half-Samoan teenager, is coming into his own. With an unpredictable father, Willie spends most of his time working at a department store or taking care of his little brother, Solomon. A chance encounter at work with an eccentric and charming “shopper” named Bennie lures Willie into a world without rules. As Willie begins to find a place in Bennie’s reckless nest of criminals, Solomon grows increasingly vulnerable to their father’s violent tendencies.
Shopping
Fifteen year-old James has everything before him. The catch? He has to choose between the two things he wants the most: love or mates.
Choice Night
It's hard to look after yourself in the playground when you're different. Set in 1970s New Zealand, The Six Dollar Fifty Man follows Andy, a gutsy eight year-old boy who lives in a make-believe superhero world where his imagination allows him to perform extraordinary physical feats, to deal with playground bullies. But when Andy gets in trouble with the headmaster, he realises that to save himself & his only friend Mary, he must face up to the real world.