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Andrea Bosshard and Shane Loader have worked together as a filmmaking partnership since 1985, counterbalancing their differing strengths in writing, directing, editing and producing to make a wide range of short and medium length dramas and documentaries.

In 1988, they were invited by the founders of Vanguard Films and the Community Media Trust to become part of the team. In 2006, they established Torchight Films under the umbrella of the Community Media Trust.

They have been particularly inspired by the films of British director Mike Leigh (Life Is Sweet, Secrets and Lies, All or Nothing) and the new Scandinavian cinema which was re-shaped and invigorated by the Danish Dogme’95 group (The Celebration, Brothers, Together, As It Is in Heaven).

Andrea Bosshard

Andrea was given a Super8 camera and a roll of film by her
6th form drama teacher, Denise Walsh, and told “Go and make
a film. That’ll keep you busy.” And it has.

Since studying film at Victoria University in the mid 80’s and
attending Swinburne Film School in Melbourne, Andrea has made
many short films over the years including the award-winning
Walking Past Midnight (Cinevex Script award 1992 and Silver Award
in Cinematography from the Australian Cinematographers Society
1993) and The Intruder (Best Cinematography – Ann Arbour 2001)
as well as the critically acclaimed documentary Backroom Troubles.

She has worked as both tutor and lecturer in the Film Department
at Victoria University and since 2002 teaches screen performance
part-time at the Wellington Performing Arts Centre.

Shane Loader

In 1981, a friend took Shane to a Wellington Film Society
screening at the old National Museum. It was German love story
in German with no subtitles. That was the beginning of his journey
as a filmmaker.

Over the past 10 years, Shane has specialised as an editor. His
editing credits include the critically acclaimed landmark documentary
features Someone Else’s Country and In a Land of Plenty, Sedition and
Waves, as well as the award-winning short film The Intruder and feature drama Taking the Waewae Express.

His 30 minute drama The Terrorist was selected for competition at
Clermont-Ferrand in 1994. He was editor and producer of the
acclaimed Backroom Troubles which ten years on continues to be
screened at international medical conferences and Ethics
departments of medical schools.

He has, since 1999, taught screen acting at the annual New Zealand
National Youth Drama School building its reputation as being the
course for aspiring young screen actors.