New Film Producer Award

21 November 2002

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

NEW PRODUCER AWARD

A substantial new award to help new screen producers has been announced. The Film Investment Corporation Foundation inaugural awards mark Gary Hannam's Film Investment Corporation 21 years involvement in the New Zealand film industry, and the first year of business of Justin Pearce and Gary Hannam's EuroAsset Partners, a new international film financing venture based in Switzerland.

In the next twelve months, the FIC Foundation has some $350,000 to distribute. Its policy is to work with established industry organisations to add further value to existing awards and to fund new awards. "We are seeking to encourage entrepreneurial new producers," said Mr Hannam. "One of the chief barriers in our industry is the cost of getting offshore to develop skills and partnerships. This award is our contribution to providing the first leg-up", he said.

One of the first new awards is the Hyatt West Hollywood / FIC Foundation New Producers Travel Award. This award will assist four new producers annually to travel to Los Angeles to further the selling of their projects and to develop relationships with their counterparts. The award covers four return economy airfares Auckland - Los Angeles and up to 15 nights accommodation for each winner at the Hyatt West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard.

Selection Criteria: Applicants must present a short plan of what they want to achieve during their stay in LA, together with a synopsis of their projects(s). They must present a brief report on their activities after they return to New Zealand.

Applicants should have some background in the screen industry, having either produced at least one short film, or if they have not, then presenting a case as to their experience in the industry and why they should receive such an award.

This award has a value of $26,000 pa and will be managed by FIC and SPADA. Applications will be considered biannually. The first deadline is 31 January 2003 (in time for the AFM) and the next is 31 July 2003. Applications should be made by email to jane@spada.co.nz

ENDS

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