Film New Zealand Announces Interim Management Plan

Film New Zealand Announces Interim Management Plan

Film New Zealand announced that last night Louise Baker will fill the role of Caretaker Manager of Film New Zealand effective as of March 24. Her extensive film experience ranges from board member of the New Zealand Film School, to production accountant on Gaylene Preston’s forthcoming feature Perfect Strangers, Jim Booth’s Midnight Films and Group Business Manager for Cranbrook Films.

“One of the great challenges for Film New Zealand as an organisation is the lack of confirmed long term funding. We know that we have had massive resource and financial support from Investment New Zealand. Industry New Zealand, New Zealand Film Commission and The Ministry of Economic Development have also continually expressed their belief in the value of an international marketing and film location office. As our key sponsors we are extremely grateful for their support,” said Film New Zealand Chairperson, Sue Thompson.

“However, funding commitments for next financial year (1 July 2003 - 30 June 2004), are not yet confirmed. Therefore, we have responsibly chosen to fill some of the functions of Jane’s role with the appointment of Louise who has been contracted to June 30 of this year.”

FNZ directors Chris Webb and Nigel Hutchinson are assisting Hayden Taylor at the FNZ office until Louise commences. Lindsay Shelton of Shelton and Associates will manage press queries.

Film NZ director and EDANZ (Economic Development Agencies of New Zealand) CEO Ann Verboeket, will continue Jane Gilbert’s great contribution to the regional council network. EDANZ’s nationwide network makes Ann a very natural fit for this task.

Environmental lawyer Matt Cooper has agreed to act as advisor in policy development with particular focus on developing DOC’s guidelines for filming in New Zealand, which will have an impact on a broad range of productions: both domestic and international.

Directors and board members of Film New Zealand are: Chris Webb (Industry Consultant, TFU and Acting Chair); Geoff Dixon (Oktobor/Silverscreen); Peter Parnham (Panavision New Zealand); Paul Voigt (Investment New Zealand), Nigel Hutchinson (independent producer/director), Ann Verboeket (EDANZ) and Sue Thompson (Chair).

Additional advisory group members are Ruth Harley (New Zealand Film Commission), Michael Stedman (NHNZ) and Rob Arlidge (Industry New Zealand).

Film New Zealand is also delighted that several key line producers have agreed to support the office during this transition period. Catherine Madigan, Chloe Smith, Tim Coddington, Peter Avery, Murray Francis, Nicola Olsen, Bridget Bourke, Trish Downie and Jennifer Bush have all agreed to act as consultants to Louise if and when required.

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