Latest news with #NZFC
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Applications For The New Zealand Film Commission's He Kauahi Catalyst Open Today
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) has announced they are accepting applications for the latest round of their He Kauahi Catalyst fund today. The He Kauahi Catalyst supports New Zealand filmmakers keen to progress their talents to the next stage and create exceptional narrative short films. Through this initiative up to $90,000 is available for narrative drama and animation short films. The fund's objectives include investing in talent by supporting the progression of local writers, directors, and producers; creating the potential for film festival success or a provocative cinema experience through unique voices, cultural specificity, and artistic excellence; and, enabling innovation and the potential to forge new pathways in film technology, audience experience and filmmaker talent. This current funding round opens today, Friday 30 May, and closes Monday 23 June, 1pm. Further application rounds will open in the second and third quarters of NZFC's financial year. For more information about the He Kauahi Catalyst fund, including how to apply and full guidelines, please visit the NZFC website. About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
NZFC Strengthens International Partnerships With Plans To Launch International Placement Initiative
Press Release – New Zealand Film Commission The International Placement Initiative is designed for emerging to mid-career writers, directors and producers from Aotearoa, offering applicants the opportunity to develop their overseas industry networks, increase their skills, and gain work experience … The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) announced today its plan to launch an International Placement Initiative giving local filmmakers the opportunity to apply for internships at selected global film companies in New Zealand, Australia, UK, and Ireland. The International Placement Initiative is designed for emerging to mid-career writers, directors and producers from Aotearoa, offering applicants the opportunity to develop their overseas industry networks, increase their skills, and gain work experience within renowned film focused companies. NZFC Chief Executive, Annie Murray, says the Commission has timed the launch of the new initiative to coincide with their global trade mission across Mumbai, London and Cannes. 'Our global trade mission is designed to connect New Zealand filmmakers with international film companies, enabling them to forge partnerships. The International Placements Initiative is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting, empowering and championing the film sector of Aotearoa. 'Strategic investment in New Zealand talent is essential for ensuring the future success of our film industry. Future proofing the $3.5 billion screen sector is crucial to its continued performance and this initiative is one of the key ways to achieve this.' Internships under the initiative will be offered by: Keeper Pictures (Ireland), Studio Canal (New Zealand), Kismet Distribution / Brouhaha Entertainment (Australia), Good Chaos (UK), Protagonist Pictures (UK), and Misfits Entertainment (UK). 'We're hugely excited to be partnering with such an impressive selection of production companies across key countries. The calibre of the work they produce is incredibly high, giving our emerging New Zealand creatives the opportunity to be mentored by world-leading filmmakers,' says Murray. Further placement opportunities will be confirmed in the coming months. More information on the initiative, including how to apply, will be available on our website soon. About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
NZFC Strengthens International Partnerships With Plans To Launch International Placement Initiative
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) announced today its plan to launch an International Placement Initiative giving local filmmakers the opportunity to apply for internships at selected global film companies in New Zealand, Australia, UK, and Ireland. The International Placement Initiative is designed for emerging to mid-career writers, directors and producers from Aotearoa, offering applicants the opportunity to develop their overseas industry networks, increase their skills, and gain work experience within renowned film focused companies. NZFC Chief Executive, Annie Murray, says the Commission has timed the launch of the new initiative to coincide with their global trade mission across Mumbai, London and Cannes. 'Our global trade mission is designed to connect New Zealand filmmakers with international film companies, enabling them to forge partnerships. The International Placements Initiative is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting, empowering and championing the film sector of Aotearoa. 'Strategic investment in New Zealand talent is essential for ensuring the future success of our film industry. Future proofing the $3.5 billion screen sector is crucial to its continued performance and this initiative is one of the key ways to achieve this.' Internships under the initiative will be offered by: Keeper Pictures(Ireland), Studio Canal(New Zealand), Kismet Distribution / Brouhaha Entertainment(Australia), Good Chaos(UK), Protagonist Pictures(UK), and Misfits Entertainment(UK). 'We're hugely excited to be partnering with such an impressive selection of production companies across key countries. The calibre of the work they produce is incredibly high, giving our emerging New Zealand creatives the opportunity to be mentored by world-leading filmmakers,' says Murray. Further placement opportunities will be confirmed in the coming months. More information on the initiative, including how to apply, will be available on our website soon. About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Celebrating New Zealand Film Sector Wins At 2025 Global Production Awards In Cannes
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) congratulates the outstanding achievements of the Māoriland Charitable Trust and Craig Gainsborough of Greenlit, recognised at the prestigious 2025 Global Production Awards, held in Cannes this week. Māoriland Charitable Trust took out the Economic and Social Inclusion category, while the Impact Leadership Award went to Craig Gainsborough – showcasing the creativity and innovation Aotearoa is famed for. 'We're delighted for Craig and the Māoriland Charitable Trust. To be recognised at the Global Production Awards demonstrates the reputation Aotearoa has as a leading film sector that celebrates indigenous storytelling and exceptional leaders,' says Annie Murray, NZFC Chief Executive. 'These awards celebrate those behind the scenes of what we see on screen. It's incredibly heartening to see New Zealanders ranked alongside some of the most well-regarded international names in the industry,' she added. Renowned for celebrating excellence in film production around the world, the Global Production Awards recognise the people, places and projects that drive the film industry forward. NZFC representatives attended the Global Production Awards as part of their global trade mission in Cannes. Murray added, 'These awards were made all the more special by the NZFC being in attendance alongside Māoriland Charitable Trust and Craig Gainsborough as they were announced. Our global trade mission is focused on building creative and commercial partnerships to elevate New Zealand within the international screen industry – to be recognised by our peers at these awards solidifies the depth of talent and skills Aotearoa has to offer.' About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
The Spinoff
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
Everything we learned from the Jacinda Ardern movie trailer
There will be tears, there will be imposter syndrome, there will be a Clarke Gayford cinematographer credit. In January, reviews began pouring out of the festival circuit for Prime Minister, the feature length documentary following Jacinda Ardern over a period of seven years. Co-directed by New Zealand-based Michelle Walshe and American filmmaker Lindsey Utz, the documentary is said to encompass everything from her rise to power, to becoming the second women to ever give birth while in office, to leading the country through numerous disasters and eventually stepping down. Not to be confused with the other NZFC funded Jacinda Ardern documentary that is yet to surface, Prime Minister was made with the blessing of Ardern herself. This means unprecedented access and even some personal home video that sees Clarke Gayford secure a director of photography credit. 'World leaders have rarely been captured with as much intimacy,' wrote Variety, who also noted that 'the film's lack of political complexity proves detrimental.' You can read more of the early reviews here, including a B rating from IndieWire who said it 'acts as an intimate study of what it means to serve others when it seems like the world is falling apart.' There's still no indication of when Prime Minister will be released in Aotearoa, or when Clarke Gayford is launching his own cinematography masterclass, so here's everything we've gleaned from the newly-released trailer in the meantime. There will be many landscape drone shots First of all, it is simply not a documentary about Aotearoa if it isn't stuffed to the gills with drone shots of our pristine beaches, our lush green bush and picturesque little cities. 'Every time I got on a plane, I would look out the window and think 'from that mountain to that river, that is my responsibility',' Ardern muses at one point. There will be mic drops 'Do you think you can credibly lead a government?' one reporter asks in a media scrum shortly after Ardern steps into the role as Labour leader. 'Would you like to tell me why you don't think I can?' she retorts. If the punters at Sundance like that burn, wait till they hear about ' arrogant prick ' or the finger point that stopped the nation. There will be tears In her final address to parliament, Ardern famously said that you can be a leader and you can also be ' a nerd, a crier, a hugger. ' Silencing any allegations of crocodile tears in Prime Minister, she can be seen crying at multiple points during the trailer, and even admitted to crying throughout the premiere of the film. 'I cried through most of it, and I'm not sure if that's equivalent to laughing at your own jokes,' she said during the Sundance film festival. Cryception! There will be meta moments With a seven year shooting period comes plenty of time for reflection, and it appears Ardern will rewatch or listen to some of her earlier documentary interviews within the documentary. 'In the back of my mind I thought, 'how are we going to do this with a baby',' she muses, before you realise she is actually listening to herself say that many years later. 'I just feel sorry for myself listening to that,' she says in the present day. 'Because I had no idea what was coming.' There will be baby stuff One of the more memorable shots in the trailer is a heavily pregnant Ardern balancing a cup of tea on her big old belly on the couch at home. Presumably the work of legendary internationally-renowned cinematographer Clarké Gayførd, we also get very cute snippets of Neve celebrating with birthday cake, and scuttling away from a small robotic dog. There will be imposter syndrome 'I was 14 years old when someone first used the term imposter syndrome, and it was like something just clicked,' says Ardern over a shot of her Sun-inned teenage self. 'I just had a bit of a fear that I shouldn't be there.' You know who doesn't have imposter syndrome? Neve's small robotic dog, pictured here plotting world domination. There will be 'dumpster fire' We all remember the phenomenon of Lady Gaga's phenomenal ' there can be 100 people in a room ' run during the promo for A Star Is Born, and now Ardern might be testing our patience with a catchphrase of her own: dumpster fire. Just today she told Yale students that the world has turned from ' tumultuous to an all-out dumpster fire ', and in the trailer says this: 'it's hard to switch on the news some days and just think the world is a dumpster fire.' A fair few mentions to go before she can compete with Gaga, but something to keep tabs on for sure. There will be… everything? From Winston's dramatic kingmaker decision to Ardern giving birth while in office and taking Neve to the UN, to catastrophic national events like the March 15 attacks and the eruption on Whakaari, to the pandemic and the parliament protests, the trailer also serves as a good reminder of just how much pivotal history we have experienced in Aotearoa in the very recent past. No wonder we all need a cup of tea, a lie-down, and a robot dog to do our bidding.
