No images? Click here
April 2024
CHAIR'S INTRODUCTION
Kia ora tātou,
We are in a period of fundamental change in the wider screen sector, and I acknowledge that in times of uncertainty, it can be difficult to plan ahead and think about the future. But that’s exactly what we must do now.
As you will know, NZFC Chief Executive Annie Murray has been consulting with our staff on a change proposal, with the objective of standing up a new structure on 1 July. This is designed to lead to a more efficient and effective Film Commission, that sets us up for a future where we are nimble, responsive, innovative, and focused on what remains a constant and core driver for us: funding exceptional films, taking New Zealand stories to the world and attracting the world’s best to work in and with New Zealand.
In addition to the change process, we have been working on revising strategy and have a draft four-year Statement of Intent and annual Statement of Performance Expectations under way. These are important official documents that set the strategic direction for the Film Commission, and we are signalling change. We recently received the Minister’s Letter of Expectations, which we can share publicly in the coming weeks.
Alastair Carruthers CNZM
CEO WELCOME
Kia ora tātou,
I’d like to give you a brief update on restructuring at NZFC.
Through the confidential consultation period we received thoughtful and detailed feedback on our proposal from kaimahi (staff). We considered all feedback in full, and have proposed making some changes to one part of the original proposal. These further changes require us to reconsult with kaimahi and we are working through that process.
We thank our people for their patience and the time they’ve taken to provide us with valuable feedback that is helping to inform our decisions. These decisions will be communicated in due course.
One thing I can share with you now is that NZFC’s Auckland office will be relocating to Maidstone Street, Grey Lynn at the end of May. More details to come in our next newsletter…
FUNDING DECISIONS
At its April meeting, the NZFC board made conditional offers of equity investment in two films, and an additional offer to another.
Mārama (Feature Drama) - Up to $2,420,000
Logline: 1859. When a young, Māori woman is summoned under mysterious circumstances from New Zealand to North Yorkshire, she uncovers the horrifying truth of her colonial heritage and must destroy the titled Englishman who has devastated her family.
- Producers: Sharlene George, Rickylee Russell-Waipuka, Rouzie Hassanova
- Writer/Director: Taratoa Stappard
My Name is Pati (working title) (Feature Documentary) - Up to $865,638
Logline: The remarkable story of Samoan brothers who sang their way onto the world’s greatest opera stages.
- Producer: Rebecca Tansley
- Co-Producer: Catherine Madigan
- Executive Producer: Taualeo’o Stephen Stehlin
- Writer/Director: Rebecca Tansley
Moss & Freud (Feature Drama) - Up to $755,000 (additional equity)
Logline: Over a period of nine months, supermodel Kate Moss sits for a portrait by acclaimed artist, Lucian Freud, who are both transformed by the challenging experience of discovery.
- Producers: Matthew Metcalfe, Norman Merry
- Co-Producers: Tom Blackwell, Lesley Hansen
- Executive Producers: Kate Moss, Phil Hunt
- Writer/Director: James Lucas
Note: All equity investments are based on the applications received and must be contracted within a specified timeframe. Funds committed but not contracted within the specified timeframe are written back and distributed in future funding rounds.
CANNES FILM MARKET
For cost and carbon reasons NZFC staff are travelling less than in the past, however the Cannes Film Market is a premiere global event and remains a key opportunity to share New Zealand stories with the world and connect our filmmakers to global networks. NZFC will have its usual presence in Cannes, where we will host a series of events and opportunities for New Zealand filmmakers to find partners for funding and distribution. In addition to this, we are expanding our focus at Cannes this year to showcase New Zealand as a premiere screen production and post-production destination. Prior to Cannes, we are also planning a small reception in London for expat New Zealanders working in senior roles in the UK film industry to network with potential funders, partners, and our filmmaking community.
Four NZFC staff will be in attendance:
- Annie Murray - Chief Executive
- Chris Payne – Head of International Relations, Head of Incentives (Interim)
- Philippa Mossman – Head of Screen Attraction, Head of Marketing (Interim)
- Hayley Weston – Film Festival and Marketing Executive
The following filmmakers received NZFC travel grants to attend the Cannes Film Market next month:
- Morgan Leigh Stewart - $5000
- Vicky Pope - $5000
- Catherine Fitzgerald - $5000
- Fraser Brown - $5000
- Robin Laing - $5000
- Sharlene George - $5000
- Carthew Neal - $2500
- Emma Slade - $5000
- Jill Macnab - $5000
- Nadia Maxwell - $5000
FILM LAUNCHES
This month we celebrate the launch of two fantastic New Zealand films:
- The Moon is Upside Down, 2 May
- Joika, 16 May
Natalia (Victoria Haralabidou) on the Coastal Rd, Wanui The Moon is Upside Down 2023 © Miss Conception Films, Escapade Pictures. Photo Rebecca McMillan
Tatiyana Volkova and Joy Womack, Joika NZ© Photo: Robert Pałka
UPCOMING FUNDING DEADLINES
- Industry Org Core Support Fund – Monday 29 April
- Strategic Training Fund – Monday 29 April
- Documentary Development Fund – Monday 20 May
- Early Development Fund – Monday 20 May
- Feature Film Production Investment - Tuesday 4 June
- Feature Film Post-Production Investment – Tuesday 4 June
Ngā mihi nui
Annie Murray
