Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2019 – Comeback Kid: Liam McNeill
Through injury, personal hardship, intense training schedules and body transformations we follow a young man's journey into the fierce Muay Thai ring.
Interview with Director/Producer/Editor Fraser Cameron
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I'm fascinated by the commitment and the determination in Liam. He is, in fact, my cousin, and I grew up next to him. He was always the smallest boy in the room, unassuming and shy. To see him take up such a brutal sport as Muay Thai, and be successful at it, has been fascinating. When I heard of his injury, and his 2-year absence from the sport I couldn't help myself but get out there and document his return to the ring.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I find Liam's story incredibly inspiring and motivating. Getting in the ring across from someone who wants to knock you out in any way possible, and has been training to do so for months, is terrifying to me. I'm fascinated by those who put themselves in this situation, by choice and are trained and confident enough to hit them back. I can guarantee by the end of this documentary you will be rooting for Liam, and be fascinated by the sport of Muay Thai.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The documentary has recurring ideas of self-belief, strength and pride. It is another example of the age old saying that 'with hard-work, dedication and passion... dreams can come true.'
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
With the collaboration of other artists, the music and the fight photography, I think, allowed my film to go to the next level.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Feedback has been really positive so far, family members and people who know Liam the closest were moved the most. His sister, Jasmin, told me she was brought to tears. I understand that technically it isn't my best work, and there are multiple things I would've liked to do differently, but I think it just reiterates the fact that 'story' can be more important than the 'mechanics' of film.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
For me, it has surpassed what I had expected. To be honest, the feedback alone urged me to submit the documentary into festivals.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Give people more of an insight into who I am, why I made Comeback Kid, the inspiration behind the project, and Liam's overall story.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distributors and Film Festival Directors. Spread and share Liam's story, use it to inspire and motivate others to step out of their comfort zone, stay focused and achieve your goals.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Well... If people see the film at all I would be happy, to be honest. If the reception is positive, people get something out of the story, learn a little something about Muay Thai and recognise Liam on the street! haha, I'm happy.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Would you wear a beanie in a steaming hot bath to get where you want to be? What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your goals?
Would you like to add anything else?
Liam will be at the screening on Sunday 21st July, come up and ask him some questions after the screening!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently... alongside a friend of mine, we're working on a documentary about Uber drivers... Careful to share more though, we don't want anyone stealing our idea!
Interview: July 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Comeback Kid: Liam McNeill
Through injury, personal hardship, intense training schedules and body transformations we follow a young man's journey into the fierce Muay Thai ring.
Length: 25:17
Director: Fraser Cameron
Producer: Fraser Cameron
Writer: Fraser Cameron
About the writer, director and producer:
FRASER CAMERON, a graduate of Film and Digital Media from Deakin University, is a creatively driven cinematographer, editor, producer and storyteller. Working on a range of projects, he prides himself on engaging and punchy video content. His first project Comeback Kid: Liam McNeill is an official selection at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2019. Ambitious and ready to grow even more as a filmmaker, he is eager to use this achievement as a stepping stone to even greater successes in the future.
Key cast: Liam McNeill
Looking for: distributors, producers, film festival directors
Other: Vimeo
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Melbourne Documentary Film Festival 2019 - Cinema Nova, Short Session 2, 11am July 21st.