Martin Blythe

Martin Blythe’s work as a publicist includes the Transformers and Shrek franchises. Long ago he directed cult car culture film Queen Street, before deciding filmmaking was far too egotistical an exercise. Kiwi-born Blythe went on to gain a PhD in film and TV, review films for The Listener, and write 1994 book Naming the Other: Images of the Māori in New Zealand Film and Television. He has been based in LA since 1984.

I road-showed the film through New Zealand secondary schools, using my teaching contacts. Not only did we make our money back, we met many inspiring English teachers and kids who loved the film. Most adults didn't approve. In fact many hated it. Martin Blythe, on his short film Queen Street