Film NZ Welcomes New Screen Industry Trustees

For release on 26 October 2006

Film New Zealand Welcomes New Screen Industry Trustees

Film New Zealand, the national film locations office, welcomed three new screen industry professionals to its Board following its annual general meeting on Friday 20 October. The new trustees are:

* Keith Mackenzie, a highly experienced production accountant based in Wanaka who has worked on numerous feature films and television series;

* Julian Grimmond, an Emmy Award winning producer who operates Mountain Film Unit Ltd and Global Film Solutions Ltd in Queenstown; and

* Julie Elstone, a Wellington-based producer/production manager with across the board experience on feature films, TV drama and television commercials.

"Film New Zealand is committed to ensuring that its Board represents the screen production industry throughout the country, with a balance of trustees with experience in feature films, television and television commercials," said Chairman David Madigan. "We are very pleased that such active and highly experienced industry practioners are willing to commit to Film New Zealand. They join a dynamic board of trustees and a strong management team in implementing the plans and strategic directions of Film New Zealand as the national film locations office."

Two trustees retired from the Board at the AGM. Trishia Downie, line producer from Gore, and Don Reynolds, producer based now in Sydney.

"Both Trishia and Don have brought enormous experience and energy to their roles as trustees despite their at times heavy production schedules', Mr Madigan acknowledged.

Peter Avery from Film Venture Taranaki has also been re-elected by the regional film offices that have partnership agreements with Film New Zealand as their representative trustee.

Film New Zealand's board also includes continuing industry trustees David Madigan (Auckland) sound recordist, Murray Francis (Auckland) line producer and Sue Thompson (Pukerua Bay) production financing consultant as well as Ruth Harley trustee representing the New Zealand Film Commission and Paul Voigt trustee representing Investment NZ.

Film New Zealand has now released its 2005/06 Annual Report that highlights the benefits being generated by international production activity in New Zealand. In releasing that report Mr. Madigan observed that a key factor in Film New Zealand's services is its focused purpose as an industry-based and industry-supported organisation - "a point of difference which is welcomed by our international clients."

Established in 1994, Film New Zealand is governed by a board of trustees representing the screen production industry, government funders, and regional film offices. It receives funding through the Ministry of Economic Development, the New Zealand Film Commission, Investment NZ and sponsors. Information on Film New Zealand, its Board of Trustees and management is available at www.filmnz.com

ENDS

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