The Exportation Of NZ Film And Television

Media Release – October 2011

The Enemy Ltd presents

An Argument About The Exportation Of NZ Film And Television

Hosted by Oliver Driver

New Zealand Film and Television is taking the world by storm, we are selling formats, exporting television shows and producing some of the largest and most successful films in the world. However are we doing enough? Is Hollywood exploiting us? Can we hold our own on the world stage?

‘An argument about the exportation of NZ Film and Television’ is a horseshoe panel discussion with representatives from all aspects of the TV and Film Industry. This will be an exciting and dynamic discussion, with opinions and arguments, disagreement and dynamic points of view, curated by cross-media impresario Oliver Driver.

Come along and get involved in the live discussion, and wait for it.......its FREE!

Panelists for this event include:

Julie Christie (Producer)

In 1991, Julie formed Touchdown and since then many of her productions have become household "must-sees", becoming NZ’s largest producer of lifestyle, factual, entertainment and unscripted series. In 2001 the company began to exploit its formats overseas – its first pitch in the USA, to Fox Television, resulted in High Country Dance (which Julie produced, wrote and directed) being picked up in America and screening on Fox Network as Looking For Love: Bachelorettes in Alaska. Further international success followed with productions of Treasure Island for RTE Ireland and Channel 7 Australia and then the breakthrough quiz show The Chair, which Touchdown produced for ABC in the United States in 2002 and followed up with the sale of the format to 29 countries including the BBC in the United Kingdom.

James Griffin (Writer)

Griffin has had a long and successful career as a writer, creator and developer of television drama and comedy. His credits include Kiwi classics Gloss, Being Eve, Street Legal and Mercy Peak. Griffin also co-created Outrageous Fortune and The Almighty Johnsons, one of New Zealand's longest running drama series, and co-wrote successful 2006 comedy Sione's Wedding. His close association with South Pacific Pictures has continued over the years, and seen him overseeing initial script development of the fantasy Maddigan's Quest, and 2007 feature film We’re Here to Help. Griffin went on to fly solo as creator of satirical comedy series Diplomatic Immunity, based around the New Zealand consulate of a fictitious South Pacific island.

Imogen Johnson (Agent)

Imogen Johnson set up Johnson & Laird Management in 2002 after recognizing a niche in the market place. J&L’s philosophy from the outset has been to provide pro-active and creative representation for their exclusive clientele – the country’s best actors, presenters, MC’s/Entertainers & voices. The company has many shared clients with international agencies in LA, New York, London, Sydney and Melbourne. Johnson has worked in the film & television and PR industries for nearly twenty years. She has been a senior actor & voice agent since 1998. For four years prior to this she was a PR account manager for a blue chip company in London. She has an Honours degree and a Masters degree in English and Art History.

Joining them will also be a selection of popular New Zealand actors and executives with roles from within the TV and Film sector, to be announced shortly.

AN ARGUMENT ABOUT THE EXPORTATION OF NZ FILM AND TELEVISION

Saturday 22 October

The Cloud, Auckland Waterfront, CBD

12pm - FREE

ends

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