Film New Zealand Confirms Investment NZ Funding

For Immediate Release 30th May 2003

Film New Zealand Confirms Investment New Zealand Funding.

Film New Zealand confirmed today that Investment New Zealand will continue its financial support for the international film location office and specific global marketing activities for the next financial year commencing 1 July 2003.

“The contribution that Investment New Zealand makes to Film New Zealand in terms of market intelligence, networking and research support is invaluable on so many levels to us. International filmmakers continually state that a key driver in deciding to shoot in New Zealand is being ensured of a solid and stable relationship with government,” said Sue Thompson, Film NZ Chair.

“The team at Investment New Zealand know the complexity of global relationships, they manage this daily. Paul Voigt and his colleague have extensive connections locally and internationally and as a result we are seeing our industry become more and more connected with the New Zealand government. To have their faith in Film New Zealand confirmed financially is marvellous”.

Film New Zealand is awaiting funding confirmation from its other partner Industry New Zealand. “ Clearly the Task force report has had an impact on both funding and timing of decisions and we have been told to be confident in Industry New Zealand’s commitment. Again we have enjoyed a great relationship with MED, Industry New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission as part of our advisory board over the last eighteen months and we are comfortable in the trust that we will continue to enjoy both their expertise and financial support”.

The board of Film New Zealand will resign on July 1 as part of its mandate. A temporary board will be appointed for a three-month period to gather final feedback from the Special Taskforce and manage process for board nominations and appointments. The CEO’s position will be advertised and groundwork for implementing Film New Zealand strategic plan will be implemented.

Louise Baker, Acting CEO, will be coordinating industry meetings with production companies and line producers toward the end of June to confirm critical issues and standards of performance expected by the New Zealand film community. Louise has confirmed that she will continue in her role until 30 September.

Peter Parnham, Managing Director of Panavision New Zealand, has resigned from the board of Film New Zealand and will be replaced by Dave Madigan Executive Board member of the New Zealand Film and Video Technicans Guild.

“Peter has contributed an enormous amount in terms of policy, human resources and governance systems. We have been very lucky to have his time and commercial expertise.”

“Dave Madigan brings the Technicans Guild to the table for the first time which is very exciting for us. As a practising sound recordist Dave gives a perspective that we have not experienced before and his thorough and diligent work on immigration and policy on behalf of the guild will contribute significantly to Film New Zealand’s pool of expertise.”

ENDS

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