NZFC Reports Increased Investment

NZFC Reports Increased Investment And Increased Local Audiences

Investment totaling more than $20.7million to support twelve New Zealand feature films is reported by the New Zealand Film Commission in its annual report which was published today. It had also committed finance for the completion of seven digital features and the production of nine short films. The result of this support was a highly-productive year with a diverse range of new films and many opportunities for New Zealand talent.

Chair David Cullwick noted “We are delighted that an increased level of production financing commitments was achieved this year. We are proud too that there was a substantial increase in the number of New Zealanders viewing feature films, and that internationally, New Zealand films and filmmakers have retained a strong profile”.

Local cinema audiences of more than 416,000 viewed seven New Zealand features made with NZFC investment. The NZFC led New Zealand participation at six major film events, organized screenings of New Zealand features at 55 film festivals, and acted as sales agent for ten new feature films.

Strong talent pathway activities included: 14 professional development initiatives with industry partners, with total participation of more than 240 film-makers; five inaugural awards for writers; and Te Paepae Ataata was signed with Nga Aho Whakaari to develop Maori feature projects.

Dr Cullwick reflected that it had been a busy year for NZFC with the establishment of the Screen Production Incentive Fund bringing a major change to the funding approach. The operational details of this were successfully developed after wide consultation with the industry

The NZFC continued its development initiatives and worked on close partnership with and gave financial support to a number of industry organizations and guilds.

The most successful New Zealand film release was Second Hand Wedding, which attracted more than 209,000 New Zealanders into cinemas. Internationally, Black Sheep sold to more than 70 countries.

The NZFC annual report is now available on our website (from the 24th) and includes detailed financial information, and the Appendix specifies all the NZFC’s investments and grants in a total of 15 categories (www.nzfilm.co.nz).

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