Filmmaker, Actor, Director and Founder of Moviesense.com.
Filmmaker, Actor, Director and Founder of Moviesense.com.
Gold Coast filmmaker Mack Lindon has lived a story most of us could barely imagine, and turned it into cinema that inspires millions. After being wrongfully imprisoned and later acquitted, Mack channelled his experience into his debut film Rise, which went on to achieve international success. Now, he’s back with Rise of the Underdog, a powerful true story of resilience, family and following your dreams, shot right here on the Gold Coast.
Mack has built a life filled with creativity, sunshine and second chances. As a filmmaker, actor, director and founder of Moviesense.com, he continues to prove that no matter how tough life gets, there’s always a way to rise again. We caught up with Mack to talk about his latest film, life on the Coast, and how he turned the darkest chapter of his life into a message of hope.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have been living on the Gold Coast for 25 years off and on and permanently for the last 15 years.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The lifestyle and the weather is second to none. My wife and our children absolutely love it here, The beautiful beaches, parks, schools and the vitamin D from the sunshine. One of my favourite spots is Rainbow Bay.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Oh wow, ok where do I start, I was born in Newcastle. I was one of 9 children! I always loved painting and surfing. School was where I was first introduced to stage plays and then when I finished school I went to do some acting work and also qualified for my Division 1 Nursing in Melbourne.
After being wrongfully sentenced to jail and later acquitted. I subsequently lost my nursing registration, and as you can imagine had some extra time on my hands. Whilst in jail I wrote my first film called Rise which was about my time in jail. This lead me to professionally change direction and shift gears to film making.
Since then I have completed two true story feature films, with 3 in pre-production and have founded a streaming platform, moviesense.com.
Rise of the Underdog has been years in the making. What was the moment that made you say, “Okay, it’s time to tell this story”?
My wife Em and I had gone through a really tough time at home. Once we had gotten through it we reflected and saw how grateful we were for still being together as a family, we wanted to share the story to encourage others.
Every day Aussies who were perhaps going through the same struggles to balancing, following your passion, whilst dealing with all the responsibilities at home.
Where was the film shot, and what made you choose those locations?
The film was shot on the Gold Coast you will see scenes in Rainbow Bay, Snapper Rocks, Surfers Paradise and many more recognisable iconic Australian locations.
It really played its own character in the movie with it being heavily featured and the backdrop to the story. This is where it all happened! We did most of the Rise movie in a 2 bedroom unit in Palm Beach. Lots of great memories.
You’ve turned one of the darkest chapters of your life into art, how did you navigate reliving that pain through the filmmaking process?
Yeah that was really hard, playing yourself 10 years ago and jumping back to an older version of myself. I had evolved from that time so it was a little tricky. I had to jump back into old mindsets, responses to situations and habits that I had moved away from. It wasn’t how I operate any more. But we got there!
What message or feeling do you hope audiences walk away with after watching Rise of the Underdog?
l hope they leave feeling light hearted and encouraged, with maybe a new flicker of zeal to follow their vision that they are wanting to pursue but maybe finding it hard to execute. I hope this can give a fresh perspective on how to never give up and to pick up your tools and skills and carry on.
Where can people watch the film?
Selected cinemas around Australia from November 6 onwards, keep up to date on our website www.visionpictures.com.au and instagram @moviesensecom for all cinema locations.
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café/Coffee spot: Botanical gardens near Ashmore
Restaurant: Earth and Sea Pizza in Coolangatta
Bar or place for a drink: I loved Metabar in Coolangatta
Beach: Rainbow Beach round to Froggies
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Hmm what days off haha! No, I do take rest days and I love just spending time with my family and my children. They grow up so fast that I try to be very intentional with my time with them, even in the weekdays after school they come by the office and hangout.
Featuring classics like John Farnham and Sneaky Sound System.
The Gold Coast is famous for fun. Current events aside, we’re a pretty good time and everybody knows it. We’re the theme park capital of Australia, our beaches are unrivalled, blockbuster movies are filmed here, fun times everywhere.
Perhaps the most fun thing of all, that’s been done on theGold Coast over the years is the making of music videos and honestly, why wouldn’t you famous people?
Here’s a little list of a few you’ll definitely know that have been filmed on our sparkly shores.
Hollow Coves – Moments
Local twosome Hollow Coves are all about cruisy tunes that’ll speak to your soul.
The indie folk band is made up of Ryan Henderson and Matt Carins from Brisbane, who now live on the Gold Coast and recently filmed a music video for their song ‘Moments’.
Shot out in nature where bird sounds, insects, water and waves can be heard amongst the sweet melodies.
Sneaky Sound System – UFO
Good time gang Sneaky Sound System have had many a hit song in their time.
In case you don’t know, they’re an Aussie dance group that formed in 2001 and have been entertaining the world with their quirky, upbeat ways ever since.
One of their most popular songs, UFO was filmed on the Gold Coast (at Miami Shore Motel) and features a local lad you’ve no doubt seen around a bit – the one and only Claudio Kirac.
It’s a chaotic, good time and you can see it for yourself below.
John Farnham – Two Strong Hearts
The man himself, Australia’s favourite and one of the strongest voices to ever come out of this country is John Farnham – king of the rock ballad.
He holds the second highest-selling album in Australian history, Whispering Jack and an absolute slew of hits besides.
Two Strong Hearts is one you no doubt already know and love and the music video was filmed right here on the Coast (back when we called him Johnny).
You’ll see the old Miami Ice building (miss you) and now we’re claiming Johnny as our own.
Australian Crawl – Errol
The much-loved Aussie rock band was formed in the 1970’s and fun fact; they were named after the front crawl swimming style (now known as freestyle).
Their music touched on social issues such as materialism, alcoholism, car accidents and cautionary tales of romance.
The five-piece band filmed their music video Errol on the Gold Coast in parts and you might spy a sneak peek of Grundy’s waterfall which was around in the 80s.
See, we’ve been fun forever.
Go the Gold Coast.
Words by Kirra Smith
Because Instagram is life.
If your Insta game’s not strong, are you even a Gold Coaster? With a herd of Insta-worthy spots across our stunning city, there’s no excuse for not rocking an A-lister Instagram account.
To make life easier and ensure you’re the envy of all your mates, here are our list of local Insta-worthy spots.
Surfers Paradise Sign
It’s on every Gold Coast tourists’ bucket list and makes the perfect background for a ‘look where I am’ pic. The Surfers Paradise sign is located right where bustling Cavill Ave meets the beach. Try to make it for sunrise (whether you get up, or stay up, we won’t judge!).
Where: The top of Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Natural Bridge
Springbrook National Park offers you a couple of great Insta pic locations, the most beautiful and unique being the Natural Bridge rock arch. When you get the right angle and the light hits the water running through the cave, it’s a guaranteed winner! So make sure your battery is fully charged and get ready for a rainforest adventure (watch out for the cave dwelling bats!).
Where: Springbrook National Park, Numinbah Road
Miami Hill
It’s a fitness junkie’s kryptonite but the top of the hill also gives you great views of Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta. You may snap some great pics during the day, but we urge you to make the effort and go during sunrise or sunset – it’s mind blowing and no filter necessary.
Where: The southern end of Miami
Burleigh Hill
It’s safe to say that we’ve all snapped shots on Burleigh Hill at some point. A sweet location with balmy breezes and picture-perfect views of Surfers Paradise’ skyline. If you’re lucky enough, you might even spy a whale breaching!
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Tallebudgera Creek
If taken from the right angle, a picture at Talle Creek can easily be mistaken for a beach in Thailand or the Caribbean (but it’s on the Coast and that’s even better). The calm waters and palm trees are nothing short of #paradise!
Where: Awoonga Avenue, Burleigh Heads (northside) and Murlong Crescent, Palm Beach (southside)
Elephant Rock
There is not just one but two huge rocks at Currumbin Beach and they’re the perfect natural objects for your next Instagram pic! Who doesn’t love a great scenic shot of the deep blue sea? Hot tip: Visit during Swell Sculpture Festival (held in September) and take pictures of the abstract outdoor sculpture gallery against the ocean.
Where: Currumbin Beach, Currumbin
Waterfalls
With so many waterfalls and rock pools to choose from, it’s not easy to decide which ones to visit. You should probably just go see them all, but we’ve created a list of our faves right here.
Where: Various locations
Don’t forget to tag us in your pics using #insidegoldcoast and @insidegoldcoast.
World-class waves await.
Learning to surf is practically a rite of passage on the Gold Coast. With year-round warmth and world-class breaks dotted along the coastline, there’s no better place to give it a go. In honour of that, here are five local spots that both Gold Coasters and out-of-towners love to surf.
Get out there, frothers.
Kicking off with four surf breaks in one, The Superbank is a high-performance surfing mecca and home to some of the longest waves in the world. Man-made by sand dredging from the Tweed River, it offers a mix of waves for every level. The crowds demand patience here, and when the swell’s up, it’s best for beginners to sit on the sand and enjoy the show.
Snapper Rocks dishes out crisp barrels for seasoned surfers, while Rainbow Bay is ideal for beginners and longboarders with long, cruisy walls. Greenmount is more user-friendly than Snapper, but the sweep can make paddling back out challenging. Kirra itself is another consistent but crowded break with a shifting sand bottom. Bring your good vibes and you’re sure to have a whale of a time.
Where: Marine Parade and Snapper Rocks Road, Coolangatta
The waves that break off Burleigh Headland make up one of the Coast’s most-loved surf spots. When it’s on, it’s packed with everyone from novices to pros, plus plenty of photographers perched on the hill. Experienced surfers jump in from the rocks on the northern side of the point, while beginners can paddle out from the beach and sit wide in the smaller reforms.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Where the creek meets the sea lies Currumbin Alley, one of the most scenic spots on the Coast and a favourite for beginners and longboarders. The bay usually serves up mellow waves, with plenty of groms in the shallows giving it a go. If you’re keen to learn but haven’t yet worked up the courage, the Alley is the perfect launchpad.
Where: Northern end of Currumbin Beach
Duranbah (or D-bah to locals) is technically in NSW, but we’ll claim it anyway. You’ll find both lefts and rights, generally suited to surfers with some experience. Even on smaller days, there’s usually something punchy and fun to play with. It’s also a great spot to sit on the sand and watch more seasoned surfers to pick up tips.
Where: Coral Street, North Tweed
Some say South Straddie is the best beach break on the Coast thanks to its A-frame peaks and swell-magnet reputation. You’ll need a boat to get there, but the reward is a peaceful stretch of surf-soaked paradise with kilometres of untouched beach.
Where: Across the bar from The Spit (Southport)
If you’re after something more relaxed, there are countless beach breaks up and down the Coast perfect for practicing the basics. Always be aware of other surfers and brush up on surf etiquette before paddling out.
And if lessons are on the cards, Hang Ten Co at Bilinga, Currumbin Alley Surf School and Surf Easy at Currumbin Alley, Kirra Point Surf School in Kirra, Go Ride A Wave at Coolangatta, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise will get you up and riding.
Words by Lisette Drew
