Film Officers Gather For AFCI Cineposium 08

International Film Officers Gather For AFCI Cineposium 08 In Wellington

International Film officers from over 20 countries will meet in Wellington for the 33rd annual Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Cineposium 08 from November 19-23.

Film Wellington will host Cineposium 08 which brings AFCI members from around the world to Wellington. A varied program of professional development courses, issue-oriented industry discussions and master classes will help showcase the ‘Kiwi way’ of building a successful film industry.

“This year’s Cineposium is our most important ever,” says Robin James, AFCI Board President. “We have put together a dynamic program of sessions and panel discussions for film commissioners and industry professionals. The conference will focus on new trends in the entertainment industry which will affect every production community in the upcoming years. Wellington, New Zealand, with its leading edge in the film community and bold new initiatives in film tourism, is the right place at the right time for AFCI film officers and others who need to stay on top of a changing landscape to meet.”

“It’s great that AFCI Cineposium brings film officers together to learn and exchange information and best practice. Ultimately it helps filmmakers like me who work on a variety of locations and rely on the local film office to partner with our production teams on the ground. It is even better that Cineposium 08 will be in Wellington. The region is a terrific environment for filmmaking and filmmakers. The residents and local government are incredibly enthusiastic, helpful and friendly. You could expect me to say that, since my businesses are based in Wellington- but I live and work here by choice. Says Academy Award winning director Peter Jackson.

“When Cultures Collide” with Richard D. Lewis kicks off the Keynote Cineposium Session. Richard D. Lewis is a world-renown communications expert in the field of applied and anthropological linguistics. He speaks 10 European and two Asiatic languages, and has lived in several European countries.

The panel will explore the topic of cultural understanding, a vital consideration when hosting foreign production groups.

“Film and television is a global industry with the ability to pick up and move from one location to another in a matter of hours. As our industry worked between the borders of so many diverse and different cultures, it is important that we know whether to bow or shake hands”. Says Joan Miller, Cineposium Conference Chair and Film Commissioner of the Vancouver Island North Film Commission.

The Opening Oscar® Winners Luncheon will highlight varied panel of local Academy Award® winners in various disciplines from New Zealand who will discuss their experiences in creating award-winning entertainment filmed in their native country. The Luncheon will take place on Saturday 22 November and be held in the Intercontinental Hotel.

“We have created this session to showcase the fantastic talents and 'kiwi way' of film making. As we have so many of New Zealander's Academy Award winners living or working in Wellington, we are able to provide a panel Oscar winners to share their insights and secrets from a wide creative range.” Says Film Wellington Manager, Delia Shanly.

The Studio Executive Session will feature studio executives from Los Angeles in discussion. Participating will be Kate Bedya, Senior Vice President, Production for New Line Cinema; Bryan Noon, Vice President, Business Affairs for ABC Studios; and Russ Nissen, Executive Director, Feature Reporting for Fox Film Entertainment.

Detailed information about the sessions, panelists and registration information can be found on the AFCI website. www.afci.org.

Background information.

The AFCI prides itself in its members being the most trained film commission professionals in the world due in no small part to the AFCI providing professional development opportunities. The AFCI University administers a series of educational programs that include foundation and master classes, continuing education opportunities, and the AFCI Certified Film Commissioner program. Launched at the AFCI Locations Trade Show 2007, these initiatives are designed to produce necessary knowledge and valuable skills essential for everyone involved in the film commission community. Cineposium 08 in Wellington will feature three professional development courses, all highly valuable for both the movie and the experience film commissioners.

• “Film Commission Professional” -- This one day foundation course held on November 19th will build on the information presented in the Film Commission Fundamentals by providing more in-depth information in several of the most important elements involved in film commission work.

• “Master Class – Advance Studies in Film Production” -- This course, held on November 20th will examine the most important aspects of filmmaking including finding and using material, working with writers, raising financing, getting a green light, shooting a movie, post production, distribution, marketing, technology changes that and an effect on all aspects of movie production, and the future of the industry.

• “Master Class – Marketing for Film Commissioners” -- This advance course, held on November 21st will demonstrate how to develop a marketing plans that will sell a film commission’s jurisdiction most effectively.

The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) is the global professional organization whose members are film commissioners that assist film, television and video production throughout the world. It is a non-profit educational association whose network of members serves as city, county, state, regional, provincial or national film commissioners for their respective governmental jurisdictions.

The Cineposium will take place from 19- 23 November at The Intercontinental Hotel. AFCI and Non-AFCI members are welcome to attend, and can register at the AFCI website at www.afci.org. The price is $US 600 for AFCI members, and $US 700 for Non-AFCI members. Day rates are also available.

ENDS

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