Latest news with #ThePoweroftheDog
Otago Daily Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Chair of Film Otago Southland seeks to modernise
Scenery alone is not enough, the region's latest screen champion says. Recently appointed Film Otago Southland chairman George Dawes has said pairing dramatic locations with local talent and facilities will keep the region on the global production map. As the owner of a Dunedin video company, he brings both practical and artistic knowledge to the role. Film Otago Southland, a non-profit trust funded by southern councils and the Southern Institute of Technology, links productions with local crews and facilities, provides advice on film permits and permissions as well as advocating for film-friendly policies and legislation. It covers a wide region across Queenstown Lakes, Dunedin, Southland, Central Otago, Waitaki and Clutha. These regions continue to attract productions ranging from international features to television commercials. Oscar-winning drama The Power of the Dog beautifully captured Central Otago's stark landscapes. Dunedin and Oamaru hosted Netflix romance The Royal Treatment , local coming-of-age comedy Uproar filmed in Dunedin, while Brad Pitt's Heart of the Beast was based in Queenstown. While international titles grab headlines, the trust aimed to grow domestic production. International shoots must hire New Zealanders, so building local capacity benefits both sides. Productions needed to satisfy Immigration New Zealand requirements and show they were using local crews. "Immigration [New Zealand] won't just give out visas for everyone just because they are coming for a film. "There has to be opportunities for New Zealanders." Three aspects the trust aimed to promote were world-class locations, world-class crew and world-class facilities. One of the challenges in the South was having options to move indoors when bad weather prevented exterior shoots. There had been several facility investment proposals in recent years such as the Ayrburn film precinct development near Arrowtown and the proposed Silverlight Studios near Wānaka. "We take a view that any investment in screen capacity is good and we would support any developer that can get it over the line." Simplifying the permit process remains a key challenge. Film Otago Southland connects productions with the Department of Conservation (Doc), Land Information New Zealand and local councils. It also advises on gaining access to privately owned land. "Sometimes it is just knowing who the landowner is and knowing which locations are accessible." The government is reviewing proposals to modernise concessions, including filming permits managed by Doc. Updated concession rules could better reflect modern filming trends, including lighter camera gear and the use of drones instead of helicopters. "A lot of Doc's processes are set in legislation, so the timeframes around concessions processing and the notification periods are set. "I think what we would really like to see is a modernisation of the permitting process." The footprint of film production has shrunk over the past 20 years thanks to technology and innovation, but the permitting process does not yet reflect that reduced impact. For example, the permitting rules do not clearly distinguish between crew sizes, from "micro" to small or medium teams. "I suspect we will get there. Doc has been really good at doing what they can to support film." Film Otago Southland also supported the Southern Film Collective with funding. "That is a group that is focused on growing the creation of content and IP in the lower South Island. "So it is producers, writers, directors trying to work together to grow the industry." While the trust remained focused on attracting overseas projects, it also wanted to foster productions created locally. "They have a benefit wider than just a film crew that comes into town for a period of however long. "So while that is all really important, we want to see that other part of the industry develop as well."
Otago Daily Times
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Chair of Film Otago seeks to modernise
Scenery alone is not enough, the region's latest screen champion says. Recently appointed Film Otago Southland chairman George Dawes has said pairing dramatic locations with local talent and facilities will keep the region on the global production map. As the owner of a Dunedin video company, he brings both practical and artistic knowledge to the role. Film Otago Southland, a non-profit trust funded by southern councils and the Southern Institute of Technology, links productions with local crews and facilities, provides advice on film permits and permissions as well as advocating for film-friendly policies and legislation. It covers a wide region across Queenstown Lakes, Dunedin, Southland, Central Otago, Waitaki and Clutha. These regions continue to attract productions ranging from international features to television commercials. Oscar-winning drama The Power of the Dog beautifully captured Central Otago's stark landscapes. Dunedin and Oamaru hosted Netflix romance The Royal Treatment , local coming-of-age comedy Uproar filmed in Dunedin, while Brad Pitt's Heart of the Beast was based in Queenstown. While international titles grab headlines, the trust aimed to grow domestic production. International shoots must hire New Zealanders, so building local capacity benefits both sides. Productions needed to satisfy Immigration New Zealand requirements and show they were using local crews. "Immigration [New Zealand] won't just give out visas for everyone just because they are coming for a film. "There has to be opportunities for New Zealanders." Three aspects the trust aimed to promote were world-class locations, world-class crew and world-class facilities. One of the challenges in the South was having options to move indoors when bad weather prevented exterior shoots. There had been several facility investment proposals in recent years such as the Ayrburn film precinct development near Arrowtown and the proposed Silverlight Studios near Wānaka. "We take a view that any investment in screen capacity is good and we would support any developer that can get it over the line." Simplifying the permit process remains a key challenge. Film Otago Southland connects productions with the Department of Conservation (Doc), Land Information New Zealand and local councils. It also advises on gaining access to privately owned land. "Sometimes it is just knowing who the landowner is and knowing which locations are accessible." The government is reviewing proposals to modernise concessions, including filming permits managed by Doc. Updated concession rules could better reflect modern filming trends, including lighter camera gear and the use of drones instead of helicopters. "A lot of Doc's processes are set in legislation, so the timeframes around concessions processing and the notification periods are set. "I think what we would really like to see is a modernisation of the permitting process." The footprint of film production has shrunk over the past 20 years thanks to technology and innovation, but the permitting process does not yet reflect that reduced impact. For example, the permitting rules do not clearly distinguish between crew sizes, from "micro" to small or medium teams. "I suspect we will get there. Doc has been really good at doing what they can to support film." Film Otago Southland also supported the Southern Film Collective with funding. "That is a group that is focused on growing the creation of content and IP in the lower South Island. "So it is producers, writers, directors trying to work together to grow the industry." While the trust remained focused on attracting overseas projects, it also wanted to foster productions created locally. "They have a benefit wider than just a film crew that comes into town for a period of however long. "So while that is all really important, we want to see that other part of the industry develop as well."
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Psychological thriller hailed as a 'masterpiece' now available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer
This film with an all-star cast is now available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer - and it's not one to miss with fans branding it as a 'masterpiece' Released in 2021, The Power of the Dog is a haunting and slow-burning psychological thriller set in Montana in the 1920s. Directed by Jane Campion and based on Thomas Savage's 1967 novel of the same name, the film features a star-studded cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunset and Kodi Smit-Mcphee. The film follows Phil and George Burbank, wealthy ranching brothers played by Cumberbatch and Plemons, whose lives are disturbed when they meet a widow, Rose (Dunst) and her son (Smit-McPhee) during a cattle drive. While George forms a romantic relationship with Rose, eventually marrying her, Phil's hostility towards her intensifies, creating a tense and awkward atmosphere when she and her son move into the Burbank ranch house. As Phil taunts Rose, he surprisingly begins to take Peter under his wing. But what seems like an innocent gesture of goodwill seems to unravel more complex motivations on Phil's end, leaving Rose extremely uneasy. The story is full of tension, drama and uneasiness making it a must watch for movie lovers. For those who haven't watched the award-winning hit, or just want to rewatch the film, it is now available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer, as well as being available on Netflix to watch now. The Power of the Dog was an instant hit following its premiere at the 2021 Venice Film Festival, as well as being nominated for 12 Oscars and seven Golden Globes. It has been hailed as the best film of 2021 by the American Film Institute and it currently holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One viewer reviewed the film on Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 4.5 out of 5 stars, writing: "When you don't know nothing about it and you are slowly surprised is nice! Everything is slow about this film (the good way) and after some hours, days and weeks still grows on you." Another view praised the acting skills, giving it a 4.5 out of 5 stars, stating: "Strong performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst." A third hailed it as 'captivating' giving it 4 out of 5 stars, as they said: "Definitely a slow burn movie, and quite odd. But captivating and mysterious. It will leave you wondering long after the credits roll." Critics have also reviewed the film, with the New York Times stating: "The Power of the Dog builds tremendous force, gaining its momentum through the harmonious discord of its performances, the nervous rhythms of Jonny Greenwood's score and the grandeur of its visuals." And USA Today called The Power of the Dog a "picturesque, enthralling exploration of male ego and toxic masculinity, crafted by an extremely talented woman and offering enough nuanced bite to keep it interesting till the very end." The Power of the Dog is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer for free, as well as Netflix.
Metro
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Psychological thriller labelled a ‘masterpiece' free to stream on BBC iPlayer
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A 'masterpiece' psychological thriller is making its way to BBC iPlayer. Released in 2021, The Power of the Dog stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, and Kirsten Dunst and is based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Thomas Savage. The film follows wealthy ranching brothers Phil (Cumberbatch) and George Burbank (Plemons) who meet widow Rose (Dunst) and her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee) during a cattle drive. The volatile and brash Phil takes a dislike to Rose, but George strikes up a relationship with her – which eventually leads them to marry – and Rose and Peter to move to the Burbank ranch house. As Phil taunts Rose, he appears to take Peter under his wing, but his intentions don't seem as clear-cut to Rose. For those who didn't catch the award-winning hit, or just want to rewatch, it is now free to stream on BBC iPlayer, as well as Netflix. The Power of the Dog proved an instant hit following its premiere at the 2021 Venice Film Festival, garnering a whopping 12 Oscar nominations and seven Golden Globe nods. It is often cited as one of the best films of 2021, and indeed of the decade as a whole, and was named one of the best films of 2021 by the American Film Institute. It currently holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics' consensus reading: 'Brought to life by a stellar ensemble led by Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog reaffirms writer-director Jane Campion as one of her generation's finest filmmakers.' Metro critic Tori Brazier dubbed the film a 'taut and emotional epic' in her review, adding: 'A rich and detailed character study for each of its excellent four leads – and especially Cumberbatch and Smit-McPhee, who is an admirable scene partner – The Power of the Dog brings everything you'd expect, and hope for, from the writer and director of The Piano. 'The film is like watching a play, so focused is it on the minutiae of seemingly small human actions and emotions, and so nuanced in its storytelling.' The New York Times wrote: 'The Power of the Dog builds tremendous force, gaining its momentum through the harmonious discord of its performances, the nervous rhythms of Jonny Greenwood's score and the grandeur of its visuals.' More Trending USA Today lauded The Power of the Dog a 'picturesque, enthralling exploration of male ego and toxic masculinity, crafted by an extremely talented woman and offering enough nuanced bite to keep it interesting till the very end.' InSession Film said: 'Much has already been said about Jane Campion's western masterpiece, and for good reason. It is indeed truly great. Benedict Cumberbatch gives a career-best performance.' Heaping praise on Cumberbatch, with Ty Burr writing on his Substack: 'How do we know Benedict Cumberbatch is a serious thespian? Because we have no idea who he is offscreen. He's just entirely the role he's playing at any given moment, and those roles change radically.' The Power of the Dog is streaming on BBC iPlayer and Netflix Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Amazon Prime fans rush to binge 'best series ever' that went under the radar MORE: TV fans have days to binge BBC's 'best crime drama' before return MORE: Casualty declares major incident as first look is revealed
Metro
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Psychological thriller labelled a 'masterpiece' coming to BBC iPlayer
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A 'masterpiece' psychological thriller is making its way to BBC iPlayer. Released in 2021, The Power of the Dog stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, and Kirsten Dunst and is based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Thomas Savage. The film follows wealthy ranching brothers Phil (Cumberbatch) and George Burbank (Plemons) who meet widow Rose (Dunst) and her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee) during a cattle drive. The volatile and brash Phil takes a disliking to Rose, but George strikes up a relationship with her, which eventually leads them to marry, and Rose and Peter to move to the Burbank ranch house. As Phil taunts Rose, he appears to take Peter under his wing, but his intentions don't seem as clear-cut to Rose. It is set to arrive on BBC iPlayer on May 30, but if you can't wait that long and need a Bank Holiday watch, The Power of the Dog can be streamed right now on Netflix. The Power of the Dog proved an instant hit following its premiere at the 2021 Venice Film Festival, garnering a whopping 12 Oscar nominations and seven Golden Globe nods. It is often cited as one of the best films of 2021, and indeed of the decade as a whole, and was named one of the best films of 2021 by the American Film Institute. It currently holds a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the critics' consensus reading: 'Brought to life by a stellar ensemble led by Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog reaffirms writer-director Jane Campion as one of her generation's finest filmmakers.' Metro critic Tori Brazier dubbed the film a 'taut and emotional epic' in her review, adding: 'A rich and detailed character study for each of its excellent four leads – and especially Cumberbatch and Smit-McPhee, who is an admirable scene partner – The Power of the Dog brings everything you'd expect, and hope for, from the writer and director of The Piano. 'The film is like watching a play, so focused is it on the minutiae of seemingly small human actions and emotions, and so nuanced in its storytelling.' The New York Times wrote: 'The Power of the Dog builds tremendous force, gaining its momentum through the harmonious discord of its performances, the nervous rhythms of Jonny Greenwood's score and the grandeur of its visuals.' More Trending USA Today lauded The Power of the Dog a 'picturesque, enthralling exploration of male ego and toxic masculinity, crafted by an extremely talented woman and offering enough nuanced bite to keep it interesting till the very end.' InSession Film said: 'Much has already been said about Jane Campion's western masterpiece, and for good reason. It is indeed truly great. Benedict Cumberbatch gives a career-best performance.' Heaping praise on Cumberbatch, with Ty Burr writing on his Substack: 'How do we know Benedict Cumberbatch is a serious thespian? Because we have no idea who he is offscreen. He's just entirely the role he's playing at any given moment, and those roles change radically.' The Power of the Dog comes to BBC iPlayer on May 30. It is available to stream on Netflix now . Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Post-apocalyptic thriller's season 2 finale hailed 'perfect ending' despite crushing fans MORE: BBC quietly adds Australian drama that left fans 'crying their eyes out' MORE: All EastEnders cast returns, exits and new arrivals coming up in 2025
