A Buderim resident is earning recognition for his creativity and vision, with his short film selected for screenings across the globe.
Martin Doyle’s A Dog’s Tale is an almost eight-minutes action/comedy film that has been recognised at Brisbane’s West End Film Festival and the New York Indie Film Festival and soon to be screened at the New Zealand Independent Film Festival.
The 60-year-old, semi-retired former electrician, who completed a Diploma of Screen and Media at TAFE Queensland’s Nambour campus in 2022, achieved the feat after writing, acting, directing and producing film on the Sunshine Coast.
Doyle says he was “absolutely rapt” when his film was selected to appear as one of 50 at the New York Indie Film Festival in June, earning him a nomination for the Best Writer Award.
“For the first premiere of A Dog’s Tale to be in America – the heart of the film industry – and receive such a positive response is incredible,” he says.
His film was selected to screen alongside 59 other Australian short films and music videos at the West End Film Festival later that month, winning Viewers’ Choice for Best Action/Comedy.
“To receive that recognition … it gives high-end professionals a chance to see what you’re capable of,” Doyle says. “Being an independent filmmaker, my work is self-funded, self-written, self-produced. So, this is proof I can still get the job done.”
A Dog’s Tale is set to feature in the New Zealand Independent Film Festival on October 6.
Currently employed as a cameraman filming rugby league games for television on weekends, Doyle has been determined to grow his experience in the film industry since graduating. He has also worked for local film incubator Showdown as a gaffer and production coordinator where he made valuable industry connections.
“If someone is looking for experience, there are a lot of volunteers needed on amateur and funded projects, and that’s really the best way to gain experience on set and meet people,” he says. “You’ve got to start somewhere.”
Doyle now has his eye on the future and is applying for funding for his next film project.
