Latest news with #ChrisPayne
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand Film Commission Initiates Next Phase Of Strategic Global Trade Mission In France And Ireland
Press Release – New Zealand Film Commission – NZFC The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is doubling down on their global trade mission in 2025 by attending the Annecy International Animation Film Festival's business marketplace, Mifa, and solidifying its treaty partnership with Ireland. This year is the 40th edition of Mifa, the world's largest and most important animation business event, with more than 18,000 attendees from 117 countries in Annecy. Chris Payne, Head of Co-Production and Incentives, and Bevin Linkhorn, Investment and Development Executive, lead the 30-strong NZFC delegation in partnership with Screen Wellington – the largest ever New Zealand presence at Annecy. Attending for the first time since 2016, NZFC are promoting the New Zealand screen sector and its appeal as both the home of incredible stories and storytellers, and a co-production and inbound production partner of choice. 'Animation provides a major growth opportunity for New Zealand; like VFX it fits seamlessly into a digital economy. Supercharging the New Zealand animation industry involves scaling up the development and production of unique, universally resonant feature film and series animation for global audiences, while growing New Zealand's role as a key provider of animation services for the world's leading studios,' says Payne. For the first time, the NZFC is taking a booth at Mifa to promote the New Zealand animation industry, and to serve as a hub for the New Zealand delegation. The NZFC is also delivering a programme of sessions in partnership with key sister agencies and organisations such as those in Australia, Taiwan, Korea and Scotland, with the goal of developing relationships that lead to co-production and other collaborative outcomes. 'Mifa is the world's key animation market annually, attended by leading sector representatives from around the globe. This is a crucial date in the calendar for the NZFC to build on our recently announced support for the animation sector and goal to expand it. 'We're here providing a significant strategic opportunity to support local animation studios and practitioners to progress their slates of projects, secure co-production and market partners, and scale their business activities, while also attracting high value animation, post-production and visual effects work to New Zealand,' added Payne. One of the highlights of the Mifa schedule is a panel discussion involving NZFC, Screen Wellington, and New Zealand creatives from Ama Digital Studios (Auckland), Tai Huri Films (Whangārei) and 37 Degrees Studio (Wellington). A clear demonstration of New Zealand's ability to work at all levels and across the country, from internationally renowned Wētā FX to small, independent animation studios delivering unique, culturally distinctive work. Wētā FX will also be showcasing their work as part of a Studio Focus session, Story to Screen: Realizing a Filmmaker's Vision at Wētā FX delivered by Senior Animation Supervisor, Sidney Kombo-Kintombo and Animation Supervisor, Kevin Estey. Productions profiled in the session were supported by the New Zealand Government's Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) rebate. Strengthening ties with treaty partner Ireland Prior to the NZFC delegation attending Annecy/Mifa, the NZFC visited Ireland to participate in Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film activities highlighting the Te Reo Māori/Gaeilge Animation Exchange in Galway. Ireland provides a strong example of the possibilities of growth within the animation sector, having increased its impact on the Irish economy fourfold since 2009 by developing this aspect of its creative output. A highlight was a visit to TG4, the Irish-language broadcaster based in the heart of rural Connemara, which has a key role in the development and production of Irish-language film, TV and digital content. Also included on the itinerary was a networking reception co-hosted with the New Zealand Embassy in Dublin, along with Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film, which celebrated both the Exchange and strategic connections for New Zealand with Screen Ireland and key Irish production companies and industry bodies. 'Ireland and NewZealand share a rich storytelling tradition and common creative values. Both our cultures treasure the spoken and written word, passed down through generations and champion authenticity and community. Our co-production treaty has been in place for nearly 20 years, and a key part of this longevity are the deep relationships NZFC has developed with Screen Ireland and the Irish industry in that time, borne out by co-produced feature films such as Come to Daddy and Evil Dead Rise, and the TV series, The Gone which is now in its second season,' says Chris Payne. The New Zealand screen sector contributes around $3.5 billion to the national economy and supports more than 20,000 jobs. The continued growth of this industry is dependent on the expansion of international opportunities and relationships, with a keen focus on new and existing markets for New Zealand, both of which are at the heart of the NZFC's global trade mission strategy.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand Film Commission Initiates Next Phase Of Strategic Global Trade Mission In France And Ireland
Press Release – New Zealand Film Commission – NZFC Attending for the first time since 2016, NZFC are promoting the New Zealand screen sector and its appeal as both the home of incredible stories and storytellers, and a co-production and inbound production partner of choice. The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is doubling down on their global trade mission in 2025 by attending the Annecy International Animation Film Festival's business marketplace, Mifa, and solidifying its treaty partnership with Ireland. This year is the 40th edition of Mifa, the world's largest and most important animation business event, with more than 18,000 attendees from 117 countries in Annecy. Chris Payne, Head of Co-Production and Incentives, and Bevin Linkhorn, Investment and Development Executive, lead the 30-strong NZFC delegation in partnership with Screen Wellington – the largest ever New Zealand presence at Annecy. Attending for the first time since 2016, NZFC are promoting the New Zealand screen sector and its appeal as both the home of incredible stories and storytellers, and a co-production and inbound production partner of choice. 'Animation provides a major growth opportunity for New Zealand; like VFX it fits seamlessly into a digital economy. Supercharging the New Zealand animation industry involves scaling up the development and production of unique, universally resonant feature film and series animation for global audiences, while growing New Zealand's role as a key provider of animation services for the world's leading studios,' says Payne. For the first time, the NZFC is taking a booth at Mifa to promote the New Zealand animation industry, and to serve as a hub for the New Zealand delegation. The NZFC is also delivering a programme of sessions in partnership with key sister agencies and organisations such as those in Australia, Taiwan, Korea and Scotland, with the goal of developing relationships that lead to co-production and other collaborative outcomes. 'Mifa is the world's key animation market annually, attended by leading sector representatives from around the globe. This is a crucial date in the calendar for the NZFC to build on our recently announced support for the animation sector and goal to expand it. 'We're here providing a significant strategic opportunity to support local animation studios and practitioners to progress their slates of projects, secure co-production and market partners, and scale their business activities, while also attracting high value animation, post-production and visual effects work to New Zealand,' added Payne. One of the highlights of the Mifa schedule is a panel discussion involving NZFC, Screen Wellington, and New Zealand creatives from Ama Digital Studios (Auckland), Tai Huri Films (Whangārei) and 37 Degrees Studio (Wellington). A clear demonstration of New Zealand's ability to work at all levels and across the country, from internationally renowned Wētā FX to small, independent animation studios delivering unique, culturally distinctive work. Wētā FX will also be showcasing their work as part of a Studio Focus session, Story to Screen: Realizing a Filmmaker's Vision at Wētā FX delivered by Senior Animation Supervisor, Sidney Kombo-Kintombo and Animation Supervisor, Kevin Estey. Productions profiled in the session were supported by the New Zealand Government's Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) rebate. Strengthening ties with treaty partner Ireland Prior to the NZFC delegation attending Annecy/Mifa, the NZFC visited Ireland to participate in Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film activities highlighting the Te Reo Māori/Gaeilge Animation Exchange in Galway. Ireland provides a strong example of the possibilities of growth within the animation sector, having increased its impact on the Irish economy fourfold since 2009 by developing this aspect of its creative output. A highlight was a visit to TG4, the Irish-language broadcaster based in the heart of rural Connemara, which has a key role in the development and production of Irish-language film, TV and digital content. Also included on the itinerary was a networking reception co-hosted with the New Zealand Embassy in Dublin, along with Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film, which celebrated both the Exchange and strategic connections for New Zealand with Screen Ireland and key Irish production companies and industry bodies. 'Ireland and NewZealand share a rich storytelling tradition and common creative values. Both our cultures treasure the spoken and written word, passed down through generations and champion authenticity and community. Our co-production treaty has been in place for nearly 20 years, and a key part of this longevity are the deep relationships NZFC has developed with Screen Ireland and the Irish industry in that time, borne out by co-produced feature films such as Come to Daddy and Evil Dead Rise, and the TV series, The Gone which is now in its second season,' says Chris Payne. The New Zealand screen sector contributes around $3.5 billion to the national economy and supports more than 20,000 jobs. The continued growth of this industry is dependent on the expansion of international opportunities and relationships, with a keen focus on new and existing markets for New Zealand, both of which are at the heart of the NZFC's global trade mission strategy.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Zealand Film Commission Initiates Next Phase Of Strategic Global Trade Mission In France And Ireland
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is doubling down on their global trade mission in 2025 by attending the Annecy International Animation Film Festival's business marketplace, Mifa, and solidifying its treaty partnership with Ireland. This year is the 40th edition of Mifa, the world's largest and most important animation business event, with more than 18,000 attendees from 117 countries in Annecy. Chris Payne, Head of Co-Production and Incentives, and Bevin Linkhorn, Investment and Development Executive, lead the 30-strong NZFC delegation in partnership with Screen Wellington – the largest ever New Zealand presence at Annecy. Attending for the first time since 2016, NZFC are promoting the New Zealand screen sector and its appeal as both the home of incredible stories and storytellers, and a co-production and inbound production partner of choice. 'Animation provides a major growth opportunity for New Zealand; like VFX it fits seamlessly into a digital economy. Supercharging the New Zealand animation industry involves scaling up the development and production of unique, universally resonant feature film and series animation for global audiences, while growing New Zealand's role as a key provider of animation services for the world's leading studios,' says Payne. For the first time, the NZFC is taking a booth at Mifa to promote the New Zealand animation industry, and to serve as a hub for the New Zealand delegation. The NZFC is also delivering a programme of sessions in partnership with key sister agencies and organisations such as those in Australia, Taiwan, Korea and Scotland, with the goal of developing relationships that lead to co-production and other collaborative outcomes. 'Mifa is the world's key animation market annually, attended by leading sector representatives from around the globe. This is a crucial date in the calendar for the NZFC to build on our recently announced support for the animation sector and goal to expand it. 'We're here providing a significant strategic opportunity to support local animation studios and practitioners to progress their slates of projects, secure co-production and market partners, and scale their business activities, while also attracting high value animation, post-production and visual effects work to New Zealand,' added Payne. One of the highlights of the Mifa schedule is a panel discussion involving NZFC, Screen Wellington, and New Zealand creatives from Ama Digital Studios (Auckland), Tai Huri Films (Whangārei) and 37 Degrees Studio (Wellington). A clear demonstration of New Zealand's ability to work at all levels and across the country, from internationally renowned Wētā FX to small, independent animation studios delivering unique, culturally distinctive work. Wētā FX will also be showcasing their work as part of a Studio Focus session, Story to Screen: Realizing a Filmmaker's Vision at Wētā FX delivered by Senior Animation Supervisor, Sidney Kombo-Kintombo and Animation Supervisor, Kevin Estey. Productions profiled in the session were supported by the New Zealand Government's Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) rebate. Strengthening ties with treaty partner Ireland Prior to the NZFC delegation attending Annecy/Mifa, the NZFC visited Ireland to participate in Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film activities highlighting the Te Reo Māori/Gaeilge Animation Exchange in Galway. Ireland provides a strong example of the possibilities of growth within the animation sector, having increased its impact on the Irish economy fourfold since 2009 by developing this aspect of its creative output. A highlight was a visit to TG4, the Irish-language broadcaster based in the heart of rural Connemara, which has a key role in the development and production of Irish-language film, TV and digital content. Also included on the itinerary was a networking reception co-hosted with the New Zealand Embassy in Dublin, along with Wellington and Galway UNESCO Cities of Film, which celebrated both the Exchange and strategic connections for New Zealand with Screen Ireland and key Irish production companies and industry bodies. 'Ireland and NewZealand share a rich storytelling tradition and common creative values. Both our cultures treasure the spoken and written word, passed down through generations and champion authenticity and community. Our co-production treaty has been in place for nearly 20 years, and a key part of this longevity are the deep relationships NZFC has developed with Screen Ireland and the Irish industry in that time, borne out by co-produced feature films such as Come to Daddy and Evil Dead Rise, and the TV series, The Gone which is now in its second season,' says Chris Payne. The New Zealand screen sector contributes around $3.5 billion to the national economy and supports more than 20,000 jobs. The continued growth of this industry is dependent on the expansion of international opportunities and relationships, with a keen focus on new and existing markets for New Zealand, both of which are at the heart of the NZFC's global trade mission strategy.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Castlelake to Provide £95 Million of Financing to Mortgage Lender Equifinance
MINNEAPOLIS, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Castlelake L.P. ("Castlelake"), a global alternative investment manager with 20 years of experience investing in asset-based private markets, today announced that it has agreed to provide a new £95 million facility to Equifinance Limited ("Equifinance"), a specialist second charge mortgage lender. The financing will support Equifinance's origination of second lien residential mortgage loans and leverages Castlelake's experience in the UK mortgage market. "We are pleased to form this relationship with Equifinance as it continues to scale its platform and provide products that meet the needs of prime and near-prime consumers," said Alexander Curcio, Partner at Castlelake. "As an established and scaled originator, we believe that Equifinance can offer our investors what we believe to be attractive risk-adjusted exposure to the UK second lien mortgage market, which is an area where we have significant experience and see opportunities for growth." "This financing from Castlelake will enable us to continue to scale our lending capabilities to deliver lending products which meet the needs of our consumers across the UK," said Chris Payne, Chief Financial Officer at Equifinance. With 20 years of experience investing in asset-based opportunities, Castlelake has entered into partnerships to acquire or finance approximately $7 billion of residential and commercial real estate loans since 2024. About Castlelake Castlelake, L.P. is a global alternative investment manager specializing in asset-based private credit. Founded in 2005, Castlelake manages approximately $25 billion of assets on behalf of a diversified global investor base and is a strategic partner of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd., a leading global alternative investment manager with over $1 trillion of assets under management. The Castlelake team comprises more than 220 experienced professionals, including 80 investment professionals, across seven offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit About Equifinance Equifinance is a leading provider of second lien mortgages in the UK. Working with its UK wide distribution partners, Equifinance has originated more than £600 million of second lien mortgages loans across a wide range of products since being founded in 2012. The Equifinance team is made up of over 70 staff, predominantly based at its London office. Castlelake Media Relations:Molly BlemkerTel: +1 (612) 851-3083Email: Josh Clarkson/Remy Marin, Prosek Partners for CastlelakeTel: +1 (212) 279-3115Email: jclarkson@ / rmarin@ / View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Castlelake Sign in to access your portfolio
BBC News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Southend Airshow return idea excites residents in Essex city
A seafront airshow that once attracted crowds of up to 400,000 people could return under new plans to boost used to marvel at aircraft including the Red Arrows during the annual spectacle in Southend-on-Sea, which was scrapped in attempts have failed to revive the famous show, but leader of the Labour-run city council, Daniel Cowan, said he was "confident" it could soon News visited the Essex city to find out what residents and businesses thought about the prospect. Chris Payne is hoping the airshow's return will help to boost trade at his confectionary shop, The says many seafront traders have become "desperate" for footfall to increase in the area."Everybody is really struggling down here, so we need these events back," the 62-year-old Payne still remembers the glory days of the airshow and how jam-packed the city - then a town - recalls: "If I looked out the front now and it was airshow day, I wouldn't be able to see anything except people. "It was the most people I'd seen before, I've never seen so many people." The event ran for 28 years until 2012, before it was cancelled due to financial concerns at Southend-on-Sea City was typically held on the spring bank holiday weekend, across the Sunday and Follett, a 38-year-old bartender, says it brought "the busiest times" for the pub she works at."It's great for business, everyone here wants it back," she says. "It's an amazing day for families with lots going on."I've got really brilliant memories of the airshow."Her feelings are echoed by Vernon Parker, who used to be among the huge seafront crowd as a aged 60, he explains: "It's great, it attracts so many people to Southend."Anything that attracts people to Southend to spend their money - and anything for the residents to do at the weekend - is good." During its heyday, displays at the show included a Battle of Britain memorial flight, Tornado GR4 and the only remaining airborne Vulcan raised £220,000 for it to return in 2015, but then abandoned the project due to rising to the BBC from an inflatable boat on the beach, Carl Smith, 50, and Deanna Barrett, 42, say it would be "amazing" to see the show successfully revived."I used to bring my boy every year," recalls Mr Smith, Barrett adds: "We're a city now so we should look to bring more tourists in." The excitement follows council leader Cowan meeting with the chief executive of London Southend Airport, Jude Winstanley, to discuss the event's explains the airport will work with the council "if and when the time is right".He says: "If the city supports their airport to grow, I'm confident that we can get to a point where it is possible to bring the airshow back."Mr Winstanley says the airport has to prioritise its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused a dramatic drop in passenger he adds: "In principle, once we are meeting our growth objectives, we'd be open to working on the practicalities of how we might host the airshow again." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
