Film NZ Initiative Brings Koreans To New Zealand

A press release from Film New Zealand
For immediate release 14 March, 2002

Film NZ Initiative Brings Koreans To New Zealand

A Film New Zealand initiative in Korea has had quick results. It has brought a four-person Korean film team to New Zealand, to explore a proposal for shooting a Korean feature film in the South Island.

The Korean group is led by two women, who will be producer and director of the proposed movie.

Film New Zealand's initiative in Korea began in November, when it led a mission to the Pusan Film Festival in Korea and made a presentation to the Korean film industry about the film-making potential of New Zealand.

During a number of meetings in Korea, Kate Doherty of Film New Zealand began talks with Koo & Film, and she learnt that the company was planning a mountain adventure feature.

She was able to give them numerous reasons why they should consider making their film in New Zealand, including not only spectacular locations, but also cost-competitiveness and world-class talent and facilities.

As a result of those talks, four representatives of Koo & Film arrived in New Zealand this week. They have been looking at mountain locations around Queenstown, and today (Thursday) they have been having further talks in Wellington with Film New Zealand. They have also been visiting post-production facilities and meeting potential production managers.

Tomorrow (Friday) the Korean visitors will move to Auckland to continue their inquiries.

"This would be a first for New Zealand," said Kate Doherty. "Never before has a Korean feature film shot completely in this country.

"A pleasing bonus of the plan which is now being explored is that the Koreans are expecting to use New Zealand labs for film processing, and New Zealand post-production facilities for completing their production.

"New Zealand's cutting-edge abilities in special effects, and our world-class post-production facilities and talent, are some of the reasons which have encouraged the Koreans to come to New Zealand."

Jay Han, a New Zealand/Korean line producer based in Christchurch, is working with the Korean company during its New Zealand visit.

He was also a member of Film New Zealand's mission to Korea, which was supported by TradeNZ's export network programme.

Film New Zealand is a non-profit organisation supported by Industry New Zealand and Trade New Zealand. Its mission is to generate foreign exchange and, foreign investment in New Zealand's creative businesses and supporting infrastructure, and to support regional development by promoting location shooting.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Call Kate Doherty of Film New Zealand anytime: Tel 025 230 1949

Film New Zealand Ph +64 4 385 0766 Fax +64 4 384 5840 PO Box 24 142 Wellington www.filmnz.com

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