MEDIA RELEASE: 23 June 2013
Kiwi film and video makers doing it for themselves
A magazine created specifically for New Zealand’s indie and emerging film and video making talent has relaunched to
highlight kiwis behind the camera.
Viewfinder magazine for filmmakers and video creators relaunched this month to highlight indie filmmakers and the
various initiatives they have underway in New Zealand.
While indie filmmakers and video creators are making the usual short and feature films, there’s been an increase in
episodic series for the web and online shows.
“New Zealanders are an innovative lot, and now we’re seeing this in digital films and web TV,” says Viewfinder editor
and publisher Fiona Powell. “Instead of waiting for funding and getting broadcast through traditional channels they’re
taking to the internet. For example the guys at Smack Torque have created a new online show dedicated to New Zealand
Stockcars; and three young women waiting for acting roles started the popular web series Flat3. Both projects are
self-funded.”
The rationale behind relaunching Viewfinder magazine is due to a thriving indie film and video making community. “That
new talent is nurtured with at least five short film competitions for schools run throughout the year and the 48 Hours
filmmaking competition with 800 teams taking part. New Zealand also hosts two dedicated short film festivals,” says
Powell. “Today many music videos, wedding videos and TV commercials (like Jaguar’s ‘Desire’) are basically short films –
so there are lots of opportunities for emerging filmmakers to use their filmmaking experience.”
With the explosion of mobile devices, New Zealanders main activity on their device is taking photos and video. New apps
like Vine (six second video) and now video on Instagram encourages more people to capture video. And people are watching
video content on their mobile devices; with 34% streaming video. *
“Today you can shoot a movie on your iphone, edit in free software and upload it to YouTube – and you’ve got your own
online show or movie. With YouTube’s Partner Program and online distribution companies like Indie Reign, movie makers
can get paid for their efforts as well,” says Powell.
Viewfinder magazine is published bi-monthly and available in print, digital and PDF versions. The magazine features
local filmmakers and video creators who share their insights, experiences and lessons learnt on their creative journeys
to inspire readers on their own projects.
The Viewfinder website includes filmmaking news and events; film and video making tips; production updates and
highlights videos from local and new filmmakers.
ENDS