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March 2024
CHAIR'S INTRODUCTION
Kia ora tātou,
There’s no doubt that NZFC is part of a wider industry that is changing rapidly. For us, like every other organisation, cost pressures are driving the need for constant adaption and innovative use of technology.
We’ve actively sought feedback recently and, in many areas, the feedback aligns with the Board’s views about how we can better be set up to meet cost pressures and the challenges the New Zealand film and screen sector faces.
NZFC needs to change to better support you, and to be more future focused. This means having a fit-for-purpose operating model, so the team can effectively deliver on strategic priorities, achieve better results within our funding environment, and importantly improve engagement with the sector.
Since the Board appointed Annie Murray as Chief Executive, she has initiated a number of significant changes and improvements to better meet stakeholder expectations. These include socialising our new strategic priorities with NZFC’s kaimahi and working on a significant change proposal. The consultation process is currently underway and is confidential. We will update you once this process has been completed and any decisions have been made.
Alastair Carruthers CNZM
CEO WELCOME
Kia ora tātou,
I am aware of, and committed to addressing where possible, the industry’s high expectations for change at NZFC.
As a first step towards this, last week I shared a confidential consultation proposal related to organisational and structural changes with my staff. This proposal considers our roles, functions and ways of working, and has been informed by a wide range of feedback – both from NZFC employees and the wider industry.
Supporting our people through this process is my priority, and I will provide further updates to industry after we have heard from our people and considered their feedback.
FUNDING DECISIONS AND DEADLINES
At its February meeting, the NZFC board approved $800,000 production funding for one film, with the working title The Untitled PBK and JP Project from Firefly Films.
It is described as: A social excavation of the rise and fall of the young female leader, Jacinda Ardern, exploring how the mania that propelled her rise later collided with a backlash of hate, told through a bold mash-up of media and peer archive.
Development funding decisions confirmed recently are:
UPCOMING FUNDING DEADLINES
18 March - Early Development
18 March - Documentary Development
FILM LAUNCHES
This month we celebrate the launch of two fantastic New Zealand films:
The Convert
Munro, a soldier turned lay preacher, comes to New Zealand to minister to the first British colonists, but he is converted by the powerful chief Maianui to serve a different purpose.
In New Zealand cinemas - March 14
The Mountain
The Mountain is a heartfelt drama about three children on a mission to find healing under the watchful eye of Taranaki Maunga (Mountain), and discover friendship in the spirit of adventure.
World premiere – March 19 in New Plymouth (Taranaki)
In New Zealand cinemas - March 28
Munro (Guy Pearce) - The Convert ©2023 OzConvert Holdings Pty Ltd
The Mountain
FAREWELLS
I would like to acknowledge the departures of three of our people over the last month whom many of you know well.
Jasmin McSweeney (Head of Marketing) left at the end of January after 18 years with NZFC. She made an enormous contribution over that time, and has gone on to an exciting new role as Head of Sales and Acquisitions (NZ) with Umbrella Entertainment.
Catherine Bates (Head of Incentives) left in February after nearly nine years with NZFC as leader of our team administering the rebate. Catherine led the team through a major growth phase, several reviews, and she is now exploring opportunities for the next stage of her career.
Nia Phipps left our Talent Development team recently after three years with NZFC. Nia joined us during very challenging times when the sector was facing the shutdowns and disruption of Covid, and she leaves us to return to the industry.
I would like to thank these wāhine toa for the significant contributions they have made to the kaupapa of New Zealand film, and wish them all the very best for the future.
Your contacts now are Chris Payne, who is leading a combined Co-production and Rebate team, and Philippa Mossman who is leading a combined Marketing, Attractions and Communications team, both on an interim basis. Dale Corlett is our Head of Talent Development. Contact details for the teams are on our website here.
NZFC POLICY ON CONFIDENTIALITY
You might have noticed some news media stories lately about various film industry matters where NZFC has either not commented or been restricted in its comments. This is because, when it comes to applications - whether for equity funding, rebate or co-production status - we have strict confidentiality obligations. This means we can’t disclose information about specific applications until we make formal announcements - here in respect of final NZSPR and co-production certification and here in respect of development and equity funding decisions.
EVENTS
You will see some of our NZFC staff at industry events in the coming weeks, including:
Hawaikirangi 2024 World Indigenous Content Conference 11-12 March
WIFT NZ/Canada Co Production Summit 17-19 March
Māorilands Film Festival 20-24 March
Big Screen Symposium 5-6 April
We will look forward to catching up with many of you there.
Ngā mihi nui
Annie Murray
