Taki Rua Productions Expands Into Film, TV and New Media

MEDIA RELEASE: 7 February 2013

For immediate release

Taki Rua Productions Expands Into Film, Television and New Media

New Zealand’s leading Maori theatre company Taki Rua Productions is expanding into film and television production to bring more New Zealand stories to the big and small screens.

The award-winning company is delving through its 30-year repertoire to bring many works to life for new audiences, and currently has five film and television projects in development including adaptations of TRP theatre productions, collaborations and Te Reo Maori works.

Taki Rua artistic director James Ashcroft said the company wants to “give these works additional life on the big screen and in new media. We want to make sure they are accessible to a wider audience who may not have had the opportunity to see them performed on the stage.”

Mr Ashcroft said that Taki Rua is also calling for Maori writers to send in scripts for a feature film that TRP will support to develop to a first draft and qualifying the script for submission to Te Paepae Ataata – the Maori Feature Film Development organisation established by the late Merata Mita, Barry Barclay and Don Selwyn along with current Paepae member Tainui Stephens and supported by the New Zealand Film Commission.

“We’re constantly looking at new ways to bring Maori theatre and stories to the widest possible audiences – that includes works we have produced, as well as new works. We are committed to getting more Maori practitioners working and creating and we see strong connections between theatre, film and new media.”

Mr Ashcroft said Taki Rua is actively seeking private investment and funding support from national and international investors and supporters to fund the film and television projects.

And while the company is looking at exciting new productions, Mr Ashcroft said Taki Rua will continue producing high quality theatre and will be announcing its new production for 2013 in coming weeks. He said the company’s main theatre season will include an extensive programme of pre-performance events, offering the opportunity for audience members to learn about the company’s work and discover more about the development of theatre.

The Wellington-based theatre company has also expanded to include new studio premises in Auckland and future plans include the development of a digital classroom aimed at providing teachers and students with easy-to-use resources in English and Te Reo Maori to enhance the learning experience.

“We’re excited about the future direction of Taki Rua – blending theatre, film and new media.”

For more information and to keep up-to-date with further plans for Taki Rua, visit www.takirua.co.nz

ENDS

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