Lost Boys

12 teenage boys are given an ultimatum: complete the Youth to Men course or go to prison.

The 15 week course based in Flaxmere, Hawkes Bay is designed to give them practical life skills and qualifications. 12 start the course and only 7 finish.

In this mini-series, twelve boys undertake a number of physical, emotional and mental challenges designed to help them grow into good men. Myself and my cam/sound op Matt Meikele spent 15 weeks with these boys and the people who work with them. We spoke to their parents and caregivers and every step of the way, we spoke to the boys. They let me into their thoughts, their hopes and their dreams, and if anyone is interested I can tell you where they all are now.

I researched, wrote and directed this doco. It was one of the first docos that was made around the “boot camp” style of dealing with our young people who have lost their way.

3 x 1 hour programmes for TV3.