Raquel Roderick Creative
VIDEO PRODUCER & DIRECTOR
NARRATIVE FILM-MAKER
Producer Director | Editor | Screenwriter
Independent filmmaking is where I cut my teeth. Learning on the job meant figuring out how to stretch resources, solve problems on the fly, and most importantly, rely on a great team. From managing a 52-person crew during a 48-hour sprint to coordinating an international community shoot in Rarotonga, these projects taught me how to keep a cool head, prioritize safety, and keep the creative momentum going when the unexpected happens on set.
Content Warning: These videos contain violence and mature themes. Viewer discretion is advised.
FILM PRODUCING
The Seed
The Challenge: To secure a fully funded, two-week production residency in Rarotonga through a highly competitive global selection process, with the mandate to produce a short film in collaboration with the local community.
My Role: I led the successful project pitch, recruited the core film crew, and coordinated complex international logistics for personnel and equipment. On-location, I produce managed the end-to-end production while simultaneously mentoring local residents to be future film makers.
Impact & Recognition: Selected as one of only 10 crews globally for the prestigious "Film Raro" initiative, we successfully delivered the film while equipping locals with practical industry skills and set protocols. The resulting film achieved widespread international acclaim, winning Best Short Film at the 2015 Australian Screen Industry Awards. It was also honored as an Official Selection at six major global festivals
Producer - Leadership highlight
Glitch
Producer
Logline: Desperate to conquer death, a wealthy man buys an illicit audience with a secretive entity promising eternal life—only to discover that immortality is a terrifying reality trap where escape is impossible
Created under the extreme time constraints of the prestigious New Zealand 48Hours film competition, Glitch was a massive logistical and creative undertaking. The project required coordinating a record-breaking cast and crew of 52 people within a two-day turnaround. This large-scale collaboration utilized a high-end post-production pipeline featuring talent from industry titans Weta and Park Road Post. Incorporating complex VFX and ambitious visual storytelling, the film achieved exceptional technical polish and won the New Zealand Cinematography Award against a highly competitive field of industry professionals.
Ollie
Co-Producer
Logline: An imaginative autistic boy creates an unlikely channel for his devoted caregiver father to reach his struggling, absent mother.
Produced a narrative short that required managing complex talent relations and unconventional on-set logistics. We successfully secured and directed a national celebrity in the lead role while simultaneously coordinating collaboration with members of New Zealand’s notorious Mongrel Mob gang, ensuring a safe, authentic, and highly impactful production.
Maise & John
Producer
Logline: When an ambitious young architect steps in to care for her fiercely stubborn, isolated father following an injury, the two are forced to confront the unhealed grief of losing her mother before their fractured relationship drifts apart for good
A major production hurdle involved the safe execution of a practical fire scene. I spearheaded the risk management for this sequence by hiring specialized safety personnel, securing proper permitting, and establishing strict on-set protocols. By tightly coordinating the special effects requirements with the director's visual goals, the sequence was captured safely and efficiently, protecting both the crew and the creative vision.
The Reunion
Producer
Logline: When he learns of his best friend's fatal accident moments before arriving at his birthday gathering, a devastated student masks his grief with belligerence—until a second arrival forces the group to confront the truth.
As a producer, the primary challenge was facilitating an environment that could visually and practically support this rapid emotional escalation.
To achieve total control over the spatial dynamics and blocking, we executed a complete custom set build. This decision allowed us to intentionally design the layout to trap the characters in a claustrophobic, inescapable celebratory atmosphere
FILM DIRECTING
Baby
Producer | Director | Screenwriter
Logline: When an unexpected pregnancy threatens her career, an ambitious musician finds herself trapped by reality—until the birth of her child sparks a profound, unexpected love.
Executed a 4-day shoot demonstrating extensive logistical management and creative leadership. Oversaw a massive production footprint spanning multiple locations, including filming on-site in an active hospital. Managed rigorous safety protocols for child actors and a newborn, while coordinating a large crew and directing over 100 background extras.
Reasons
Director
Logline: Navigating the vulnerabilities of life and remission, a young woman opens her heart to a charmingly clumsy neighbour, building a lifetime of love, family, and resilience anchored by the simple reasons they choose each other every day.
A performance-driven MFA short film focused on authentic character dynamics. Working with a developing university crew, I navigated complex logistical hurdles - including rewriting and blocking the opening sequence on location - to keep the talent anchored and ensure strong, grounded performances despite technical constraints.
Peekaboo
Producer | Director | Editor
Logline: When two deeply disturbed siblings kidnap their abusive grandmother to push her wheelchair off a cliff, their sinister plan goes fatally off script thanks to a poorly timed game of peekaboo
A dark, subversive thriller demonstrating complete end-to-end project execution. As producer, I navigated the safety and access logistics of filming a wheelchair on a rugged cliffside. As director and editor, I cultivated a macabre, tense atmosphere, relying on precise comedic and thriller pacing to execute a sharp, visually jarring twist ending.
This film is currently in post-production
FILM EDITING
Saint Margo
Editor | Post-Production Concept Partner
Logline: When her pursuit of an endometriosis diagnosis is met with medical apathy and spiritual shaming, a young woman must navigate a fraying relationship and a dogmatic healthcare system to uncover the truth about her chronic pain.
Collaborated closely with the director to conceptualize and execute a highly subjective, psychological editing style. Together, we developed non-traditional visual motifs - including jarring visual inserts and audio dissonance - to externalize the protagonist's religious trauma and mimic the claustrophobia of medical gaslighting.
Balls Eye
Editor | Actor
Logline: When a highly competitive women's darts tournament is derailed by an unexpectedly masculine new rival, the reigning champion must rally her eccentric team to defend their title.
A mockumentary-style comedy short requiring precise comedic timing and structural pacing. Navigated the dual role of actor and editor with creative objectivity, utilizing smash-cuts, lingering reaction shots, and audio/visual dissonance to maximize the comedic contrast between the characters' interviews and their on-screen actions.
Lord Have Mercy
Sound Designer, Foley & SFX Editor, Camera Assist
Logline: Desperate for absolution after murdering their stepfather, two unhinged sisters kidnap a priest—only to trigger a bloody standoff when they discover their hostage hasn't taken his final vows.
Served a dual role in production and post-production for this dark comedy-thriller. On set, served as Camera Assistant. In post-production, spearheaded the auditory landscape. Edited and mixed all foley and sound effects to heighten the frantic tension of the standoff, and creatively directed the original score.
Bed Bugs
Sound Design - Foley
Logline: TBC
TBC
Lord Have Mercy
Sound Designer, Foley & SFX Editor, Camera Assist
TBC
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
She is passionate about the projects she takes on and works harder than anyone I know. Raquel will find a solution to every problem and she will ensure that her vision comes to life, letting nothing stop her.
Jessica Manins - CEO at Beyond, Makers of multiplayer VR gaming