Tatau

Michael directed episodes 1.6 and 1.7 ofTatau, September 2014 - January 2015.

Created by Richard Zajdlic, produced by Touch Paper Television (UK)
for BBC Three (UK) and BBC America (USA).  It aired in New Zealand on Prime. 
Filmed in The Cook Islands and New Zealand.

Tatau premiered in the UK on 12 April 2015, in the US on 18 April 2015, and in New Zealand on 4 December 2016.
It stars Joe Layton as Kyle Connor, Theo Barklem-Biggs as Pete 'Budgie' Griffiths, and Shushila Takao as Aumea Vaipiti.

Two UK backpackers, Kyle and Budgie, find themselves involved in a supernatural murder mystery set on
Manutaki in the Cook Islands.  Convinced that a terrible crime is going to be committed, Kyle becomes entangled
with a powerful local family. He also delves deeper into the ancient local culture which includes shamans,
spirits, hallucinogenic potions.  Is Kyle now able to access prophetic visions? Or is he simply losing his mind?

Tagata Pacifica and The CoconetTV each aired segments on the filming of Tatau in Cook Islands during Michael's shoot there.

1.06, written by Cat Jones, Richard Zajdlic; premiered 10 May 2015

Kyle returns to the island of Manutaki with Budgie's spirit, convinced that together, they have the power to save
Aumea. It's clear to Kyle that Pastor Calcott's radical beliefs verge on the maniacal. After Kyle's sudden departure
from Rotorua, Aumea has become increasingly wary of him. His renewed attempt to warn her meets with a
disturbing result. The hunt for the missing Dries continues, and Maui makes a decision that may come back to haunt him.

Behind-the-scenes of episode 1.06

1.07, written by Richard Zajdlic; premiered 17 May 2015

Following his death-defying victory, Kyle discovers a new power which enables him to uncover Dries's murder. Suspicion
falls on Maui and Lara is forced into an agonising decision, sending the Vaipiti family into crisis. But is Koringo also involved
and, if so, can anyone prove it? With Budgie back by his side, Kyle thinks he's finally convinced Aumea to believe him
and alter future events - they are unaware that the Bikers are loose upon the Island with dark intentions of their own.

Behind-the-scenes of episode 1.07