29 May 2007
International Line-Up Looking Strong For Spada Conference
The Screen Production and Development Association of New Zealand (SPADA) has announced the 15th Annual SPADA Conference,
the screen industry’s premier business and networking event, will take place from Thursday 15 November to Saturday 17
November at the InterContinental Hotel in Wellington.
“Conference is a high point on the calendar for the screen production industry, and - like Shortland Street - we’re in
our 15th year. Conference has been the catalyst for numerous partnerships being formed and deals being made over the
years, and we want to continue building on that track record,” said SPADA Chief Executive Penelope Borland.
SPADA is thrilled with the calibre of the international speakers who have indicated their availability to speak at
conference this year.
They include award-winning UK executive producer/producer DAVID AUKIN. David is currently Managing Director of Daybreak
Pictures, which handles Mentorn’s drama output. To date David has produced multi-BAFTA winning The Government Inspector,
The Hamburg Cell, The Trial of Tony Blair, A Very Social Secretary; Confessions of a Diary Secretary; and Britz – a
major two part drama with Peter Kosminsky.
Prior to his involvement with Mentorn, David was Head of Film at Channel 4 for eight years. During that time he
commissioned more than 100 films including The Madness of King George, Secrets and Lies, Trainspotting, The Crying Game,
Welcome to Sarajevo, Brassed Off, Shallow Grave, Four Weddings and a Funeral. He also executive produced the academy
award nominated Mrs Henderson, and this year completed filming of Antonia Bird’s The Meat Trade (starring Colin Firth
and Robert Carlyle).
Newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, DANNY PERKINS (previously Head of Distribution) of
leading independent distributor Optimum Releasing. Optimum has recently announced its acquisition of Taika Waititi's
debut feature Eagle Vs Shark.
PAUL WIEGARD, co-founder and co-Managing Director of Madman Entertainment is Australia and New Zealand’s leading
independent film licensing and distribution company. Highly vertically integrated, Madman covers all aspects of film
licensing, brand management, production, sales, marketing and distribution. Madman also incorporates one of Australia’s
leading DVD production studios and an advanced IT and Web development team.
From South Africa, SPADA will be hosting Joint CEO of DV8, JEREMY NATHAN. For over 20 years Jeremy has been producing
features, television dramas, documentaries and short films. His latest films include SMS Sugar Man by Aryan Kaganof, a
feature film shot on mobile phones; and Bunny Chow by John Barker and Dog Pack, which premiered this year at the Toronto
Film Festival. Jeremy also sits on the International Advisory Board of the Rotterdam International Film Festival (IFFR).
The annual SPADA Conference attracts up to 400 industry representatives and key decision makers including directors,
distributors, financiers, exhibitors, television network heads, commissioning editors, lawyers and accountants. Of these
there is a sizable international contingent from leading media organizations around the world.
SPADA represents New Zealand’s film and television producers and senior industry professionals. It has over 350 members
and works to represent and strengthen the New Zealand independent screen industry on both a local and international
level.
Please contact the SPADA Office on (04) 939 6936 if you require further details.
www.spada.co.nz
ENDS