Next Generation of Filmmakers Celebrate Movies & Music

NZ’s Next Generation of Filmmakers Celebrate Movies & Music on World IP Day

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – On May 4, the New Zealand Screen Association (NZSA) and Recorded Music NZ teamed up with the United States Embassy in New Zealand to celebrate World IP Day with a special screening of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

World IP Day is an initiative of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and has been celebrated annually since its inception in 2001. The day is primarily a chance to reflect on the importance of human innovation and celebrate the important role that IP plays in our daily lives. This year the focus is on music, which is an integral ingredient in many popular films and television shows.

In addition to industry and government representatives, the screening was also attended by media studies students from St Kentigern College in Auckland.

Jim Donegan, the United States’ Consul General for New Zealand told those attending the screening: “Innovation and creativity have been at the foundation of both the American and New Zealand economies, and we’ve seen that when that creativity is protected and cherished, local film and music industries have flourished.”

Recorded Music NZ’s General Counsel & Government Affairs, Kristin Bowman also addressed the audience noting: “This year’s World IP Day theme “Get Up, Stand Up for Music” is as important as ever, with so many new ways to discover and enjoy music. We’re in a fantastic position in New Zealand to have a wide range of music services available that are not only easy to use, but pay the creators of the music they offer. We all need to be aware that using these services is the only way we can be sure we’re supporting artists, so they can keep making the music that is so much a part of our lives.”

Matthew Cheetham, Managing Director, NZSA, said, “The creative industries play an important role in our society, telling our stories in music and film, entertaining and educating us, and making a significant contribution to our economy. World IP Day is a great opportunity to recognize the creative community in New Zealand, and raise awareness about the value of intellectual property to our society.”

The screening was also preceded by a special viewing of Gabriel Reed’s short film Every Moment, winner of four awards at Tropfest 2015, including Best Film. Attending with members of his production team, Gabriel said, “Filmmakers tend to be motivated by a strong sense of vocation. They’re passionate about what they do but, while acts of creation may feed the soul, it’s vital that the body be fed also. Viable careers cannot be built without a strong foundation and this is why it’s essential that the value of intellectual property be recognised and protected.”

Avengers: Age of Ultron is a superhero film sequel to 2012's Marvel's The Avengers. The film stars Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner.

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