Latest news with #NZFC
NZ Herald
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Media Insider: Taxpayer-funded Jacinda Ardern movie ‘Mania' scrapped
The New Zealand-produced film, titled Mania, had been originally expected to go head-to-head this year with the New Zealand/US-produced and Ardern-backed Prime Minister movie. Mania producer Emma Slade, of Auckland-based Firefly Films, confirmed on Wednesday that the film had been scrapped. 'Once we heard that another project was underway and further advanced than we were, we decided not to pursue the project further,' Slade said in a brief email response to a list of questions. Former NZ Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern. Media Insider revealed in March last year that the NZ Film Commission board had agreed to $800,000 in taxpayer funding for Mania. The film would likely have received a further $1.2 million in public support through the Government's screen production rebate. According to a synopsis provided by the NZFC at the time, the documentary would explore the 'mania' that propelled Ardern's rise as a young political leader and how that 'later collided with a backlash of hate'. The movie was neither authorised nor endorsed by Ardern, who threw her support instead behind Prime Minister. 'The producers have not sought or used Film Commission funding and that was important to me.' Nevertheless, Mania had received 'significant foreign investment and international interest', NZFC chief executive Annie Murray said earlier last year. At that stage, film bosses did not seem worried about two Ardern movies potentially being in the market at the same time. '[Production company] Madison Wells appear to be doing an authorised biopic on Dame Jacinda Ardern's political career, while the independent Mania documentary explores quite different social and political issues in New Zealand society arising out of her tenure as Prime Minister,' said Murray last June. 'It will be good for the NZ viewing public to have the contrasting stories available at about the same time. Each work will likely benefit from this as well. 'The success of Mania is not undermined by the Madison Wells' doco; NZFC is not reviewing funding and we remain confident that it can proceed as planned.' Prime Minister, which featured at the Sundance festival in January, opened in the US last month and will feature at the NZ International Film Festival in Auckland on August 2 and in Wellington on August 16. The movie Prime Minister featured at the Sundance festival in January - in attendance, from left, Gigi Pritzker, Clarke Gayford, Lindsay Utz, Dame Jacinda Ardern, Michelle Walshe and Rachel Shane. Photo / Getty It has been produced by New Zealand's Dark Doris and American firms Madison Wells and Divergent Pictures. It has been produced with Ardern's full support, including interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. The NZFC issued a statement last December saying it was delighted Prime Minister had been accepted at Sundance. In a footnote to that press release, the commission said the producers of Mania had 'informed the Film Commission that the production is on an indefinite pause, and no Film Commission funding has been drawn down'. Murray told this week's Media Insider podcast that taxpayer money committed to projects had a deadline. Producers would have to reapply for any funding should they want to resurrect the Ardern project. 'I think the fact that this new film has come out now... that would be a factor that we would take into account,' said Murray. 'But we'd have to look at it on its merits like we do with any other funding decision.' Original distributor pulled out The film was promoted at Cannes in 2023, with Auckland-based Ahi Films listed as the distributor in marketing materials. Ahi later withdrew from the project. Last July, Murray said a new distributor was now attached, but neither she nor Slade would disclose their name. 'It is not unusual for market partners to change,' said Murray at the time. 'The Film Commission is not party to the commercial negotiations between producers and distributors, but we do require producers to have a distribution partner as a condition of funding. 'The name of that distributor remains confidential for now for commercial reasons.' She said when commercial negotiations were complete, the distributors would make an announcement. Slade said at the time: 'We are currently focused on making the film. There is no need for them to be named at this stage.' Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand's most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME. Watch Media Insider - The Podcast on YouTube, or listen to it on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Scoop
11-06-2025
- 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
11-06-2025
- 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
11-06-2025
- 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.
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.
