Latest news with #Hinterland
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Prize winner rejects ‘too perfect' dream home
A prize home winner has decided to pass on their immaculate new property, fearing even stepping foot inside might spoil its pristine allure. The winners described the Hamptons-style dream home as 'too white and too pretty', choosing to put it on the market before the property had even been transferred into their name. Set on an acreage parcel in Tallai, the luxury home will go under the hammer on August 15, offering another family the chance to claim the keys to the 2023-built property. It was promoted as a '$4m Hinterland Escape' by the RSL Art Union raffle drawn just last month. Marketing agent Ed Cherry, of Coastal, said interested buyers would even have the option to up their bid for the stunning two-storey fully furnished home to include an Aston Martin DB12 valued at about $600,000. 'When we met the winners they told us the kitchen of the new place is the size of their whole apartment,' Mr Cherry said. 'It was too white and too pretty for them, and they didn't even want to stay there for one night because they didn't want to mess up the sheets. 'They said, 'we don't want this win to completely change who we are, so we are going to keep living how we do now, and sell the home to allocate the funds to our retirement.' It means the next owners will score a picture-perfect prize home that has never been lived in, presenting exactly as it did for the original winners – right down to the crisply styled white bed sheets. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom home on a 6,862 sqm lot at 12A Duke Ct features a designer kitchen with stone benchtops, European appliances and a butler's pantry, flowing to an open-plan living and dining space with 5.9m high ceilings, louvred windows and a gas fireplace. Qld home earns six times the average income Perks include a home cinema with tiered seating, wine room, and upstairs retreat, while outside offers a large alfresco terrace with built-in barbecue kitchen and pool, all set amid manicured gardens and an orchard complete with fairy garden and two ponds. 'This really is more than just a home – it's a fully furnished haven where you can simply move in and start living a dream lifestyle.' Records show the property last changed hands on April 2024, when it was acquired by the Returned and Services League of Australia's Queensland Branch for $2.975m.
Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Discover Cardiff's hidden rooftop bar with stunning city views
Discover Cardiff's hidden rooftop bar with stunning city views Tucked away on a bustling stretch of Crwys Road, Rhostio is a hidden rooftop bar above a coffee roastery that's one of the city's best-kept secrets Rhostio often plans rooftop sessions last minute due to unpredictable weather so it is worth checking their social media regularly if you are hoping to stop by (Image: Imogen Andrews ) The sun's out, the evenings are warm, and there's a rooftop in Cardiff serving city views, cocktails, and comedy just in time for sunset. If you're looking for a chilled-out spot to watch the sun dip behind the skyline with a drink in hand and a laugh or two - Rhostio on Crwys Road should definitely be on your radar. Perched above a former car showroom, this underrated rooftop bar offers a relaxed setting with mismatched chairs, festoon lighting, and a DIY edge. As well as music-filled nights, they also host regular stand-up evenings showcasing local talent, with the upcoming show featuring Welsh comedian and actress Eleri Morgan (Hinterland, Tourist Trap). The vibe? Effortlessly laid-back. Expect a mix of new and seasoned performers, cocktails flowing, and a crowd gathered under string lights as twilight settles over the city. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Down below, passers-by might be completely oblivious to the fact that one of Cardiff's most underrated rooftops is just above their heads. Down below, pedestrians might be blissfully unaware that just above them is one of Cardiff's most underrated rooftops. (Image: Portia Jones ) When entering Rhostio, the first thing you'll notice is the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans wafting through the ultra-cool space. Article continues below The ground floor maintains its industrial allure, featuring exposed brickwork, high ceilings, and a relaxed atmosphere. However, the real gem is located upstairs. The business has also leaned into a strong community spirit with a revolving schedule of events, ranging from comedy nights and live music performances to wine-tasting sessions and rooftop DJ sets that keep the festivities alive into twilight. Step inside Rhostio, and you'll first notice the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans drifting through the uber-cool space. (Image: Portia Jones ) The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious - perfect whether you're dropping in for a quick tipple or planning a full night out with friends. It's cosy enough to feel intimate but never too chaotic, even at its busiest. And while Cardiff boasts a decent selection of chic rooftop bars, Rhostio brings something distinctively different to the city's vibrant bar landscape, with an effortlessly cool ambiance in a place that makes it easy to savour a cheeky pint or a coffee under the sun, and it's part of an independent business. The next event is scheduled for Friday, July 11 when a rooftop pop-up event is taking place in collaboration with Smile-Z, a Cardiff-based collective that hosts music events, particularly focusing on UK Garage and Grime from 6-10pm. The event is free to enter, but people will be let in on a first come, first served basis. Above a former car showroom, hipster hangout Rhostio has surprisingly cool rooftop terrace views over Crwys Road, the railway line and the city skyline. (Image: Portia Jones ) Other upcoming events include: Saturday, July 26: Creatives networking event in collaboration with Valley Events. 7-10. Creatives networking event in collaboration with Valley Events. 7-10. Wednesday, July 30: Rhostio Wine Tasting Club. The theme is Tour Du Mont Blanc Rhostio Wine Tasting Club. The theme is Tour Du Mont Blanc Saturday, August 2: Rooftop summer house party in collaboration with Solina House 6-10pm. 21+. Ticketed. Rooftop summer house party in collaboration with Solina House 6-10pm. 21+. Ticketed. Saturday, August 16: Details to be announced Details to be announced Sunday, August 24: Details to be announced Details to be announced Wednesday, August 27: Rhostio Wine Tasting Club. Theme to be announced Rhostio often plans rooftop sessions last minute due to unpredictable weather so it is worth checking their social media regularly if you are hoping to stop by. The vibe at Rhostio's music sessions is effortlessly laid back and cool (Image: Imogen Andrews ) Speaking about the success of their spring and summer music sessions alongside their other rooftop events this year, the events and marketing manager at Rhostio, Imogen Andrews told WalesOnline: 'Even though we are primarily a coffee roastery we do consider ourselves to be somewhat of a grassroots music venue as well. 'We always kind of did music events but it wasn't really until I came on board that we started working with more grassroots promoters, different creatives, different artists and collaborating with other grassroots venues in Cardiff and really trying to sink our teeth into the scene. 'The venue's kind of always been just a space where creatives seem to be drawn to and meet each other and work on projects, have meetings and I think a lot of great events have come out of meetings that people have had here and a lot of those creatives are friends as well. The rooftop has become a buzzing scene for Cardiff creatives, according to people who work at the business (Image: Imogen Andrews ) 'I really think that this part of Cardiff, this area - Crwys and City road is really sort of starting to become a bit of a culture quarter really because we've got obviously us and Paradise Gardens, and then also other music events that happen in like Mec and Sibling, they do Wine Clubs and so do we and I think everyone's just trying to do something different in this area and that's what makes it so special, that's why I love doing these events.' The rooftop music sessions started in March this year, and has become a large part of Rhostio Coffee's identity according to Imogen. She noted: 'I wanted to do something that was just ours because we had a lot of DJs that we'd worked with previously and a lot of creatives that we'd worked with that were friends and wanted to do sets and had seen some of the events that we'd been doing. 'I think the word had just sort of been starting to get around and I ended up with this long list of DJs and performers who wanted to perform on the roof which is just awesome.' Imogen added: 'The first one we did, I did not expect it to be as busy as it was. We had a line all across the bridge. Queues were going all along the street on Crwys Rosd when the first musical sessions were held this year at Rhostio (Image: Imogen Andrews ) 'People were just passing and seeing the queue, joining the queue - cars were just driving by and tooting their horns and we were like, this is crazy. 'We were a lot more prepared for it the second time round and it's just really built from there and when the weather forecast has looked good we've decided to put on the sessions.' Article continues below The business is also in the process of doing some refurbishments on their roof, adding cover, a bar and some heaters so that people can enjoy it in the winter months too for bonfire night and other events held at the site, so we'll be watching this space for other exciting things to come.
Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Wales Online
This tiny village has waterfalls, a vintage train and the best chocolate in Wales
This tiny village has waterfalls, a vintage train and the best chocolate in Wales This tiny Welsh village is home to legend-filled stacked bridges, a chocolate shop and a waterfall trail This tiny Welsh village is home to legend-filled stacked bridges, a chocolate shop and a waterfall trail (Image: Keith Morris / Visit Wales / Crown Copyright ) Located a short hop from Aberystwyth, Pontarfynach, meaning 'the bridge on the Mynach', is a tiny village that can be reached via a heritage train that winds through woodland and countryside. It lies at the head of the Rheidol Valley and is famous for its waterfalls and narrow-gauge Steam Railway. Also known as 'Devil's Bridge', this charming village is a relatively small area, but here you'll find stacked bridges, the boutique Hafod Hotel, artisan chocolate and a rather vigorous waterfall trail. To arrive in style, board the Vale of Rheidol Railway train from Aberystwyth and slowly journey through the countryside to reach the Devil's Bridge Waterfalls, a world-famous tourist attraction in Devil's Bridge village. These cascading waterfalls have attracted visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth, who wrote about the 'Torrent at the Devil's Bridge'. Devil's Bridge and the surrounding area have also featured extensively in the exciting television detective series Hinterland, filmed in both Welsh and English. Today, the Waterfalls Nature Trails allow curious hikers to see this beautiful natural feature in the Rheidol Gorge. Article continues below Ride the heritage rail View out of carriage window (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto ) While you can drive to Devil's Bridge, the best way to reach these falls is by taking the train from Aberystwyth on the popular Vale of Rheidol. This narrow-gauge heritage railway offers a fun steam train experience in retro carriages. The track follows the contours of the countryside and takes you through some remarkable scenery at a relaxed pace. This log-serving railway has been in operation for 122 years, having first opened in 1902. The line's original primary purpose was to carry timber (for pit props in the south Wales valleys) and lead ore from the Rheidol Valley to the sea and the mainline railway at Aberystwyth. These days, it's a unique tourist rail experience in the Cambrian Mountains that offers superb views of the Welsh countryside. The 12-mile journey takes one hour in each direction and runs in either direction from Devil's Bridge to Aberystwyth through Welsh woodlands, fields and meadows. The picturesque train journey on the historic Vale of Rheidol Railway in mid Wales which takes you to one of Wales' most iconic tourist attractions - Devil's Bridge (Image: Media Wales ) There are a few stops along the route; all immaculately kept with signage proudly displaying names like Glanyrafon, Capel Bangor, Nantyronen, Aberffrwd, and Rhiwfron. Around 40 minutes into the journey, the carriage climbs and winds to a height of 680ft above sea level, showcasing a huge drop into the valley below and revealing an epic view of the Afon Rheidol in all its splendour as it opens up into the Cwm Rheidol Reservoir. Once you arrive at the Devil's Bridge station, a short walk takes you down to the main part of the village, which was once part of the Hafod Estate and owned by 18th-century MP Thomas Johnes, who built a small hunting lodge, which has been expanded and upgraded to become the swish Hafod Hotel. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here. After exploring the small village, head to the Devil's Bridge Waterfalls. This popular, paid-for attraction has a turnstile entrance, where you can pay the on-site attendants by cash or card. Hike along the Devil's Bridge Falls Nature Trail to see beautiful tiered falls and the original 'Devil's Bridge' (Image: Portia Jones ) There are two walks to choose from: the shorter Punchbowl walk and the longer Nature Trail. Both take about 45 minutes and are circular treks, but the Nature Trail walk offers views of the famous 'three bridges' and spectacular waterfalls. If you're up for a hiking challenge, I highly recommend exploring the Nature Trail to see the waterfalls. Traverse the 675 steep, uneven natural stone steps as you follow in the footsteps of monks and head towards the spectacular 300-foot waterfalls deep within the Rheidol gorge. The start of this woodland walk features a brilliant view of three bridges stacked one on top of the other, standing high above the rushing Mynach and Rheidol streams. According to local legend, the 'Devil's Bridge' was constructed by the Devil himself. According to local folklore, Lucifer constructed the bridge for a little old lady in exchange for her soul, or the soul of the first person to cross. The wily old gal outwits the Devil by having a dog (sometimes it's a cow in other tellings), run over the bridge, thus becoming the first 'being' to cross the new bridge, no doubt enraging the dark lord. These cascading waterfalls have attracted visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth, who wrote about the 'Torrent at the Devil's Bridge'. (Image: Portia Jones ) While we love a good yarn in Wales, it's likely the bridge was constructed in the 12th century by the monks of Strata Florida, on the route to Ysbyty Cynfyn. The second bridge was built in 1753, and the top bridge was established in 1901. Continuing from the bridge, follow the path through the ancient oak woodland deep down into the Rheidol gorge. At the halfway point, there is a viewing gazebo from where you can enjoy epic views of the 300ft Mynach waterfalls. According to Visit Wales, technically, Devil's Bridge waterfalls can be classified as segmented or tiered falls with five major drops and intervening cascades, adding up to a 91 m total drop, and therefore are among the highest in Wales. Leading onwards and further down the gorge, the path and steps get steeper. The last run of downward steps consists of 'Jacobs' Ladder,' with a flight of 100 steps in one run. Once you have descended Jacobs' Ladder, you will cross over the 'humped bridge'. You should now be halfway around the walk, but you'll need to ascend to the other side of the gorge to return. Up the steps are views of the Mynach waterfalls, and there are stopping places where you can rest and enjoy the view. The best chocolate in Wales Award-winning chocolatier Sarah Bunton has been producing delicious Welsh chocolates and fudge in her workshop since 2009, and her chocolates are some of the best in Wales. (Image: Keith Morris ) After your hike, why not head to Sarah Bunton's chocolate shop? Award-winning chocolatier Sarah Bunton has been producing delicious Welsh chocolates and fudge in her workshop since 2009, and her chocolates are some of the best in Wales. You might recognise Sarah's chocolates. She regularly sells them and gives demonstrations at Christmas markets and festivals throughout Wales, and her chocolate is also stocked in several stores. Since the company was established, it has gone from strength to strength, winning eight Great Taste Awards and a coveted Gold and Silver True Taste award, which underlines the quality of the chocolates that Sarah produces. Sarah and her growing team create various filled chocolates, truffles, seasonal gift lines, bars, and novelty items. These include indulgent selections of filled chocolates, many containing lush Welsh specialities such as Merlyn Liqueur or Welsh honey. The chocolate team also creates bespoke items for cafes, hotels and restaurants, such as hot chocolate stirrers, wedding favours and bedroom chocolates. A popular item is their decadent hot chocolate stirrers (Image: Sarah Bunton ) They sell luxurious fudge, boxed chocolates, bars, and slabs of chocolate with English and Welsh messages written on them, such as 'Pasg Hapus', 'Happy Easter', and 'Penblwydd Priodas'. Make sure to also have lunch at the Hafod Hotel, which is mere steps away from Devil's Bridge waterfalls and near Sarah Bunton's chocolate shop. Book a table at their charming Bar and Brasserie. The dishes are delicious and feature lots of lovely Welsh produce. Typical menu offerings include local rainbow trout, Welsh Ale Battered Haddock, Welsh Rarebit Quiche, Welsh sirloin steak and the towering Devil's Beast Burger. Article continues below You can then ride the Vale of Rheidol train back to Aberystwyth, rest your weary legs, and reflect on how lucky we are in Wales to have such magnificent natural features and charming villages. Find out more information here.
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Introducing The 2025 Activator Cohort: 12 Leading NZ Producers Selected For Screen Business Programme
Libertine Pictures, 113 Partners, Hinterland and Spada are proud to announce the 12 producers selected for the 2025 Activator Screen Business Programme, an international business development initiative designed to build export capability within Aotearoa's screen production sector. Between July and October 2025, these mid-career and established producers will take part in an intensive programme including industry-led workshops, international market visits to Sydney, London, and Los Angeles, and expert business training. The cohort of 12 producers represent some of the most entrepreneurial and ambitious screen talent in Aotearoa - working across film, television, documentary and factual - and are now poised to take their projects and businesses to the global stage. Meet the 2025 Activator Participants (Pictured L-R and listed alphabetically) Alexander Behse - Monsoon Pictures International Documentary and feature producer known for pushing boundaries in the development, production, and financing of indigenous and factual programming. Alexander's screen production credits include the box-office hit POI-E: The Story of Our Song, New Zealand's first HBO Max Original There is No I in Threesome and the SXSW-premiering Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web (Hulu). Alexandra Reed - Bloom Pictures Documentary and drama producer specialising in socially engaged, character-led storytelling. Alex's credits include the Netflix docu-feature Mister Organ, the HBO Max Original There Is No I in Threesome and feature documentary The Girl on the Bridge. Cameron 'Cam' Bakker - Kevin & Co. Entertainment and comedy producer behind some of Australasia's most successful formats. Cam's producing credits include Taskmaster NZ, Creamerie, Double Parked and Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont-Spelling Bee (NZ & Australia). Cass Avery - Dark Doris Multi-platform documentary producer and writer known for purpose-driven storytelling. Cass's credits include Richie McCaw feature doc Chasing Great (New Zealand's highest grossing feature documentary), mental health advocate documentary The Girl on the Bridge and Prime Minister, the audience award winner at Sundance 2025. Georgina Conder - Miss Conception Films Drama and comedy producer with a focus on underrepresented voices. Georgina's credits include a string of hit feature films including The Breaker Upperers, Cousins, Red, White & Brass and the award-winning TV series Not Even. Mario Gaoa - The Brown Factory Writer, director, and producer of scripted and documentary projects with a Pacific lens. Mario's credits include bro'Town, We Are Still Here, Duckrockers and Kiwi box office record-breaker Tinā. Halaifonua 'Nua' Finau - Tavake Writer and producer developing bold, unapologetic Pacific-led content. Nua's credits include box office hit Red, White & Brass, TIFF-premiering TV drama The Panthers and award-winning Rachel Griffiths-led comedy-drama series Madam. Nicole Horan (Ngāti Maniapoto) - Hi Mama Productions Producer of scripted and factual content grounded in kaupapa Māori. Nicole's credits include factual series such as Toa Hunter Gatherer, documentary including Speak No Māori and scripted content like the upcoming Dead Ahead. Nigel McCulloch (Ngāti Whakaue) - The Down Low Concept Writer-producer specialising in comedy and music documentary. Nigel's credits include 7 Days, Hounds, Scribe: Return of the Crusader and Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara (Tribeca). Paul Yates - NZDB / Kitchen Table Productions Veteran writer and producer of comedy and drama. Paul's credits include Wellington Paranormal, Under the Vines, and the upcoming sci-fi series Warren's Vortex. Rachale Davies (Ngāti Māhanga) - Boxed Media Director and producer of factual and formatted content. Known for championing diverse voices, Rachale founded Boxed Media to amplify underrepresented stories. Her credits include major unscripted series, award-winning documentaries, and shows like The X Factor and Bondi Rescue. Robyn Paterson - Sweet Productions Award-winning documentary and unscripted producer with a focus on purpose-led content. Robyn's credits include Down for Love, Grand Designs NZ, Finding Mercy and Licence to Drive. The 2025 Activator Screen Business Programme is made possible with the support of the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, and Te Māngai Pāho, the Vista Foundation, Netflix, Grant Thornton and Gallagher Insurance. The programme was developed by Libertine Pictures and 113 Partners, with 113 Partners overseeing the course content and Libertine Pictures and Hinterland managing the market connections and assisted by Spada. ABOUT LIBERTINE PICTURES Libertine Pictures is an award-winning independent film and television production company founded in 2013 and led by accomplished producer Richard Fletcher and internationally acclaimed writer Neil Cross. Libertine produces bold and compelling feature films, documentaries and television drama. It works with established storytellers and filmmakers and nurtures emerging talent. The company's most recent productions include Secrets at Red Rocks for BYUtv and Sky, three series of the award-winning family mystery adventure Mystic for BBC and TVNZ and three series of Under the Vines, for AMC Networks' Acorn TV and TVNZ. ABOUT 113 PARTNERS 113 Partners is a strategic advisory firm that assists businesses in the creative industries to grow, seek investment, and realise their value. Its principals are strategic advisers to the Asia Pacific region' s most cutting edge creative businesses and bring a wealth of insights, access to strategic partnerships, and on the ground experience to their clients. The business uses its principals' commercial experience to assist creative businesses to plan robust and achievable strategies to achieve domestic and international growth, financial stability, sustainable resourcing, and streamlined operations. They have advised many of ANZ's top television production, broadcast, music, design, advertising, media and entertainment companies and been instrumental in many of the most significant international acquisitions of content businesses in the region. ABOUT HINTERLAND Hinterland supports independent and creative producers, primarily in New Zealand and Australia, by providing flexible, producer-friendly financial solutions. With extensive local expertise, global industry connections, and over 25 years of experience in cashflow finance for film and television, Hinterland's leadership team possesses deep knowledge of regional screen industry incentives, complex multi-party transactions, sales agent advances, distribution advances and pre-sales within New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. ABOUT SPADA Established in 1982, Spada is the preeminent producer's organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Spada has a high profile amongst the industry, government officials, key funding agencies and associated organisations as well as wide-reaching international contacts in the US, UK and Europe. Spada has regular and constructive dialogue with funding bodies, broadcasters, government, and with other national and international industry groups and opinion leaders. This ensures the organisation can monitor and influence the development of New Zealand's screen production policies while advocating for the production industry and fostering a vibrant and dynamic domestic screen industry.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Introducing The 2025 Activator Cohort: 12 Leading NZ Producers Selected For Screen Business Programme
Libertine Pictures, 113 Partners, Hinterland and Spada are proud to announce the 12 producers selected for the 2025 Activator Screen Business Programme, an international business development initiative designed to build export capability within Aotearoa's screen production sector. Between July and October 2025, these mid-career and established producers will take part in an intensive programme including industry-led workshops, international market visits to Sydney, London, and Los Angeles, and expert business training. The cohort of 12 producers represent some of the most entrepreneurial and ambitious screen talent in Aotearoa - working across film, television, documentary and factual - and are now poised to take their projects and businesses to the global stage. Meet the 2025 Activator Participants (Pictured L-R and listed alphabetically) Alexander Behse - Monsoon Pictures International Documentary and feature producer known for pushing boundaries in the development, production, and financing of indigenous and factual programming. Alexander's screen production credits include the box-office hit POI-E: The Story of Our Song, New Zealand's first HBO Max Original There is No I in Threesome and the SXSW-premiering Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web (Hulu). Alexandra Reed - Bloom Pictures Documentary and drama producer specialising in socially engaged, character-led storytelling. Alex's credits include the Netflix docu-feature Mister Organ, the HBO Max Original There Is No I in Threesome and feature documentary The Girl on the Bridge. Cameron 'Cam' Bakker - Kevin & Co. Entertainment and comedy producer behind some of Australasia's most successful formats. Cam's producing credits include Taskmaster NZ, Creamerie, Double Parked and Guy Montgomery's Guy Mont-Spelling Bee (NZ & Australia). Cass Avery - Dark Doris Multi-platform documentary producer and writer known for purpose-driven storytelling. Cass's credits include Richie McCaw feature doc Chasing Great (New Zealand's highest grossing feature documentary), mental health advocate documentary The Girl on the Bridge and Prime Minister, the audience award winner at Sundance 2025. Georgina Conder - Miss Conception Films Drama and comedy producer with a focus on underrepresented voices. Georgina's credits include a string of hit feature films including The Breaker Upperers, Cousins, Red, White & Brass and the award-winning TV series Not Even. Mario Gaoa - The Brown Factory Writer, director, and producer of scripted and documentary projects with a Pacific lens. Mario's credits include bro'Town, We Are Still Here, Duckrockers and Kiwi box office record-breaker Tinā. Halaifonua 'Nua' Finau - Tavake Writer and producer developing bold, unapologetic Pacific-led content. Nua's credits include box office hit Red, White & Brass, TIFF-premiering TV drama The Panthers and award-winning Rachel Griffiths-led comedy-drama series Madam. Nicole Horan (Ngāti Maniapoto) - Hi Mama Productions Producer of scripted and factual content grounded in kaupapa Māori. Nicole's credits include factual series such as Toa Hunter Gatherer, documentary including Speak No Māori and scripted content like the upcoming Dead Ahead. Nigel McCulloch (Ngāti Whakaue) - The Down Low Concept Writer-producer specialising in comedy and music documentary. Nigel's credits include 7 Days, Hounds, Scribe: Return of the Crusader and Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara (Tribeca). Paul Yates - NZDB / Kitchen Table Productions Veteran writer and producer of comedy and drama. Paul's credits include Wellington Paranormal, Under the Vines, and the upcoming sci-fi series Warren's Vortex. Rachale Davies (Ngāti Māhanga) - Boxed Media Director and producer of factual and formatted content. Known for championing diverse voices, Rachale founded Boxed Media to amplify underrepresented stories. Her credits include major unscripted series, award-winning documentaries, and shows like The X Factor and Bondi Rescue. Robyn Paterson - Sweet Productions Award-winning documentary and unscripted producer with a focus on purpose-led content. Robyn's credits include Down for Love, Grand Designs NZ, Finding Mercy and Licence to Drive. The 2025 Activator Screen Business Programme is made possible with the support of the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, and Te Māngai Pāho, the Vista Foundation, Netflix, Grant Thornton and Gallagher Insurance. The programme was developed by Libertine Pictures and 113 Partners, with 113 Partners overseeing the course content and Libertine Pictures and Hinterland managing the market connections and assisted by Spada. ABOUT LIBERTINE PICTURES Libertine Pictures is an award-winning independent film and television production company founded in 2013 and led by accomplished producer Richard Fletcher and internationally acclaimed writer Neil Cross. Libertine produces bold and compelling feature films, documentaries and television drama. It works with established storytellers and filmmakers and nurtures emerging talent. The company's most recent productions include Secrets at Red Rocks for BYUtv and Sky, three series of the award-winning family mystery adventure Mystic for BBC and TVNZ and three series of Under the Vines, for AMC Networks' Acorn TV and TVNZ. ABOUT 113 PARTNERS 113 Partners is a strategic advisory firm that assists businesses in the creative industries to grow, seek investment, and realise their value. Its principals are strategic advisers to the Asia Pacific region' s most cutting edge creative businesses and bring a wealth of insights, access to strategic partnerships, and on the ground experience to their clients. The business uses its principals' commercial experience to assist creative businesses to plan robust and achievable strategies to achieve domestic and international growth, financial stability, sustainable resourcing, and streamlined operations. They have advised many of ANZ's top television production, broadcast, music, design, advertising, media and entertainment companies and been instrumental in many of the most significant international acquisitions of content businesses in the region. ABOUT HINTERLAND Hinterland supports independent and creative producers, primarily in New Zealand and Australia, by providing flexible, producer-friendly financial solutions. With extensive local expertise, global industry connections, and over 25 years of experience in cashflow finance for film and television, Hinterland's leadership team possesses deep knowledge of regional screen industry incentives, complex multi-party transactions, sales agent advances, distribution advances and pre-sales within New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. ABOUT SPADA Established in 1982, Spada is the preeminent producer's organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand. Spada has a high profile amongst the industry, government officials, key funding agencies and associated organisations as well as wide-reaching international contacts in the US, UK and Europe. Spada has regular and constructive dialogue with funding bodies, broadcasters, government, and with other national and international industry groups and opinion leaders. This ensures the organisation can monitor and influence the development of New Zealand's screen production policies while advocating for the production industry and fostering a vibrant and dynamic domestic screen industry.
