THE CELEBRANT

Synopsis

Kate, a hapless celebrant, is trying to break into the solemn and reverent world of the funeral industry.

Struggling with love and career, she's haunted by Vera, a cantankerous ghost from her debut funeral.

As Kate fumbles through quirky ceremonies, Vera's spectral antics add a hilarious twist to this darkly comedic journey of life, death, love and misadventure.

Director's Biography

Craig Smith, a Melbourne native, grew up in the picturesque suburb of Mt Waverly during the 1960s, where his early love for art, design, and writing took root. Despite facing obstacles in pursuing formal education in graphic design, Craig nurtured his passion for filmmaking independently. After working and raising his two sons, Nathan and Kane, his passion for filmmaking was reignited when he encountered a film crew during his night job. This led him to pursue a Diploma of Screen Arts, Film Practice at The Institute of Lens Arts of Australia. Post-graduation, Craig delved into filmmaking, producing student-led projects and later establishing his own business, VMBIZ, after relocating to the Gold Coast in 2007. His corporate filmmaking work included esteemed clients such as The Cancer Council of Western Australia and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Alongside filmmaking, Craig ventured into acting, appearing in local community theatres and commercials. It was through theatre that Craig met his wife, Kate Armon, a kindred spirit who introduced him to the world of celebrancy. Kate, originally from the UK, began her theatrical journey at the age of 4, coming from a family deeply rooted in the performing arts. After earning a spot at a prestigious acting school in London, she toured extensively across the UK with Smart Alec Productions. In 2001, she moved to New Zealand with her family, continuing her passion for theatre while exploring directing. After the birth of her daughter, Charlotte, in 2006, Kate embraced celebrancy, balancing it with motherhood and her theatre work. In 2014, Kate, along with her two daughters and parents, relocated to Australia, where she met Craig. Their mutual love for acting and writing blossomed into a personal and professional partnership. Together, they founded CK Studios, specializing in showreels and corporate videos. Inspired by their shared experiences as funeral celebrants, Craig and Kate co-wrote "The Celebrant," a passion project that merges their creative and professional worlds. In 2024 they set up Parkbench Films. Currently residing in Pimpama with their daughters, Charlotte and Rosie, the duo continues to balance family life, creative endeavours, and their celebrancy work, forging a unique path that intertwines film, theatre, and compassionate service.