News

Government responds to Film Commission review

Taken from NZ Herald.

The Government will evaluate financial incentives for the film industry as part of its response to Sir Peter Jackson's critical review of the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC).

Sir Peter and Australian film academic David Court conducted the independent review of the NZFC for nearly a year, and presented their findings to Parliament last July.

Many stakeholders and industry experts interviewed in the report criticised the organisation.

The Government today released its response to the report, in which it noted many of the recommended changes had either been implemented already or were under review.

Read the full article here.

Zoe Cramond in The Beast

Taken from The Beast, by Dan Hutton.

During the month The Beast caught up with Packed to the Rafters' newest local star, Zoe Cramond...

Where are you originally from?
I'm from Papamoa, which is in the Bay of Plenty in New Zealand and I'm also from Waihi as well. I kind of went between the two.

Where's Waihi?
Waihi is just another little surf town, same as Papamoa.

Where's the nearest big city?
Auckland is about three hours away.

Where are you living these days?
I'm living in Clovelly - little old Cloey.

What brought you from New Zealand to Clovelly?
Well, I got a job on Packed to the Rafters so I moved for the job. We first moved to North Bondi, which was fun, and then decided we wanted somewhere that was close to a bit of surf and a little bit quieter.

What attracted you to the Eastern Suburbs rather than elsewhere?
I just love the vibe. The cliff walk is so cool, the surf's fun and the people are really relaxed, and it's cool being able to drive to work and then come home and be so close to the beach. I'm sure the Northern Beaches would be awesome and I love it up there but it's just so far away and there are all the road tolls and all that stuff too.

Is it true you dragged your boyfriend out across the ditch with you?
I did drag him over, poor man.

Was he happy to come or was he dragged kicking and screaming?
I didn't know he was coming until the week before I left so it was very last minute.

Did he drop everything and come?
Yeah, he did.

What a romantic...
I know, romance, pretty cool.

You mentioned that you surf, how long have you been surfing for?
Since I was about 14. I learnt at Waihi Beach with my best friend. We learnt together and we were always the chicks with all the surfer guys.

Do you have a favourite surfer?
I grew up watching Andy Irons and he was my favourite, which is pretty sad what happened to him. Andy and Kelly Slater are probably my favourites.

Read the full interview here.

V48 Hours Grand Finalists & Peter Jackson Wildcards

Taken from V48 Hours, by Ant Timpson.

Congratulations to the Wildcards hand selected by Sir Peter Jackson and of course to all the Grand National Finalists. I can say without a doubt that this one is going to go down to the wire. So many great films going head to head. Run, beg, steal to get a ticket to the Grand Final at the Civic on Sat July 2nd to see who is crowned Grand Champ 2011.

Full list of all National Nominees coming shortly.

WILDCARDS

Mukpuddy - Meanie Pants - Quest
Shonky Productions - 48 Hours - Mystery
The Outwits - Gindin - Musical / Dance

GRAND FINALISTS

Grand Cheval - The Child Jumpers - Fad
Idiotvision - Headshot - One-Room (features Auckland Actors Simon Ward and Mia Pistorius)
Couch Kumaras - Sketch - Road
Mo Appreciation Collective - Circus Animals - One-Room
Cinema in Decline - Tea Jerker - Crime
Lense Flare - Copy That - Road
Clinky - Roborevenge - Revenge
Rubber Soul Production - Well Strung - Musical / Dance
$195 Worth - Urban Etikit - Fad
Suspect TV - Naughty Mana - Horror

From Dame Edna to The Hobbit

Taken from Stuff.

The man behind Dame Edna Everage will need to lose the sparkly glasses and pink wig for his new role in The Hobbit.

Sir Peter Jackson this morning announced two new cast members would be joining the production team in its second block of shooting.

Barry Humphries, the man behind Dame Edna Everage, will play the Goblin King. Sir Peter likened his upcoming portrayal of the role to the way Andy Serkis created Gollum. "Barry is also a fine actor, and we're looking forward to seeing him invest the Goblin King with the delicate sensitivity and emotional depth this character deserves."

Evangeline Lilly, from the hit drama Lost will take up the role of a new character, Tuariel, a woodland elf. "Her name means 'daughter of Mirkwood' and, beyond that, we must leave you guessing!" Sir Peter told fans on his Facebook page.

The crew have now finished their first block of shooting and are scouting locations before the second block starts.

The announcement of the two newest cast members, along with the news that Walsh actor Luke Evans will play Bard and Benedict Cumberbatch will play Smaug, means most of the major roles have now been filled.

Stephen Sinclair: Dilemmas of an artist

Taken from NZ Herald, by Peter Calder.

Writer and director Stephen Sinclair had no creative restrictions on himself in his depiction of a self-exiled Russian film-maker's obsession with his craft. Peter Calder writes.

When Boris Bainov and Renata Pavlenko sailed into Huia in November 1999, they would not have imagined that they would one day come to occupy a small niche in the history of New Zealand cinema.

The Russian couple had crossed the notorious Manukau Bar - not to mention the Pacific Ocean, from Vladivostok via Vanuatu - more by luck than good management, one suspects, since their craft was a 30-year-old, 8m aluminium lifeboat. Bainov had bought the craft, which a gobsmacked yachtie called a floating beer can, for a few dollars from a steamship company.

Bainov and Pavlenko called their boat the Fore Tiv, an obscure reference to the fact that Bainov was 44 when he finished it, but the screen version of it is called Snark - or CHAPK in Russian's Cyrillic characters. And the two adventurers on board in the film Russian Snark are entirely figments of film writer and director Stephen Sinclair's imagination.

The co-writer, with Anthony McCarten, of the 1987 hit play Ladies' Night, who also penned some of the second film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, says the real story was "just a starting point, really".

The quixotic nature of the sailors' undertaking sparked the creation of a character, Misha, an experimental film-maker utterly and obsessively devoted to his art, who has to confront the cost of his obsession.

"I was interested in the dilemma of the artist," says Sinclair, "that what's good for the art may not necessarily be good for the person."

It spoils little to say that Misha decides that it is better to be a good man than a good artist.

It seems like a strange thing for an artist to say, I suggest to Sinclair, given that the history of art is littered with people (mainly men) who did not reach the same conclusion.

"I've heard that Nabokov is a really nice person," says Sinclair with a chuckle, "though he's always cited as an exception to the rule. But Misha - I don't want to give too much away - certainly takes it to the end of the line. He has to re-evaluate what actually is the point of what he does."

The improbable story gets under your skin, thanks to a charmingly eccentric performance by the lanky Papps, best known for his role as the loopy Firpo in Ian Mune's film of The End of the Golden Weather. Among his other achievements, Papps speaks a good proportion of his lines in Russian and gives a fine impression of a native speaker.

His co-star, Elena Stejko, a Ukrainian, says she was "absolutely smitten by his devotion" and that he was so convincing she often caught herself speaking to him in Russian between takes.

At times as oddball as its main character, Russian Snark was never the kind of project that would have attracted Film Commission support: the commission came in with some post-production funding and Creative New Zealand's Screen Innovation Production Fund chipped in as well, but the film was predominantly self-funded.

"That was pretty liberating," says Sinclair. "I didn't have to get anyone to agree with my ideas or talk to committees. I could just be as eccentric and unusual as I wanted to be."

The mixed tones of the result - a faintly tragic love story with a strong thread of satire - may not be for all tastes (one of our cinema's few truly iconic images is deliciously lampooned) but Sinclair is unrepentant.

"Films like this are usually made by very serious artists who feel so strongly about their subject that humour might compromise their vision. I think that's bullshit. There is nothing so serious that you can't have humour in it as well."

And he laments the pressure against the iconoclastic and offbeat in today's tight funding environment.

"There is enormous pressure for everything to be mainstream and successful and the funders and networks are all second-guessing what they may be. But if your motivation is solely to get as many people as you can into the theatre, you are usually going to get it wrong anyway.

"My experience has been that if something really excites me, that's the best chance it will interest other people. I've tried to write stuff with a view to turning a dollar and the stuff that I come up with is really second-rate."

Benedict Cumberbatch to voice Smaug in The Hobbit

Taken from Deadline, by Mike Fleming.

After reporting today the Luke Evans will play Bard in the Peter Jackson directed The Hobbit and wondering who'll voice dragon Smaug, Deadline can now tell you that it will be Benedict Cumberbatch. He'll portray Smaug via motion capture. He is already on the picture, providing the voice of the character Necromancer.

This comes as Cumberbatch is getting buzz for his supporting performances in the Steven Spielberg directed War Horse; and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, in which he stars opposite Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy and Colin Firth.

After drawing raves for his performance in Danny Boyle's stage production of Frankenstein, Cumberbatch was just set to star in the five part miniseries Parade's End. Cumberbatch continues his role as Sherlock Holmes on the BBC / PBS series, which just won the BAFTA for Best Drama. He is represented by UTA and Conway Van Gelder.

Premier Shorts Re-launch

Taken from Script to Screen.

Calling all short film makers! Come to Galatos to talk with the NZFC and Executive Producer groups about the re-launch of Premiere Shorts. Accompanied by a special industry screening of Blue and Meathead straight fromcompetition at Cannes.

Short Film Manager Lisa Chatfield will be talking about the re-launch of Premiere Shorts with its new application dates, reviewed guidelines and the NZFC's aims for both the Premiere and Fresh Shorts scheme. The Executive Producers from the three groups - Tom Thumb, Tauihu and A Collective Intake of Breath - will also be present for a catch up.

Nationwide through Facebook there will be exclusive video interviews with the EP groups and the NZFC covering the same topics.

Wednesday 22 June, 7.00pm, Galatos, 17 Galatos Street, Auckland. Please be prompt at 7pm so we can watch the films, rocket through the talk and get on to pizza and chit chat by 8.30pm.

Applications open now for Tom Thumb, Tauihu and A Collective Intake of Breath.
Applications close Wednesday 31 August.
Short lists announced Friday 30 September.
Green lights announced Monday 5 December.

Stuff's short film festival: Warbrick

Taken from Stuff, by Kirsty Johnson.

New Zealand is about to go rugby mad with the upcoming World Cup, so there's no better time for Stuff to be hosting an inspiring short film based on the nation's most popular sport.

Warbrick (watch it here), directed by brothers Meihana and Pere Durie, is based on the true story of the 1888 - 1889 New Zealand Natives rugby tour of Great Britain and the team's captain Joe Warbrick.

The 2009 short finds the Natives at the end of a gruelling 18-month tour that involved 107 games. Ravaged by injuries and illness, they attempt to field a team for one last game.

When Warbrick arrives in the changing sheds, he ignores the pleas of his team manager to call the game off and instead sets about preparing his men for the match.

An inspiring true story that was told with the help of Warbrick's family, it's something that could help inspire the All Blacks as the attempt to win the Rugby World Cup this year.

Warbrick, which was named Best Short Film at the 2009 Wairoa Maori Film Festival, is the 10th film to be hosted on Stuff during its short film season.

The first film was Six Dollar Fifty Man, second Poppy, third Only Son, fourth Amadi, fifth Careful with that Crossbow, sixth This Film is a Dog, seventh Infection, eighth Day Trip and ninth Two Cars, One Night.

Stuff's short film festival is produced in conjunction with the New Zealand Film Commission and  NZ On Screen.

NZ Equity E-Bulletin

Welcome to your weekly Equity E-Bulletin. This week:

- Fair deal for performers on Mr Pip
- International Solidarity shored up
- Levies, what levies?
- New Seven TV deal
- Say goodbye to knots

Mr Pip:
All New Zealand performers engaged on offshore feature film Mr Pip will be engaged, as a minimum, on Pink Book terms and conditions, following an agreement between the production company and Actors Equity. New Zealand performers will also receive residuals payments equivalent to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) rates for the reuse of their work in the US and residual payments equivalent to Actors Equity Australia rates for the reuse of their work in other markets.

Equity was approached by the producers regarding the engagement of a SAG member and that Equity was able to reach this highly-significant agreement was due in no small part to the ongoing international co-operation and support of our sister union SAG.

International Solidarity shored up:
Following the Hobbit dispute, the International Federation of Actors (FIA) met in Sydney to discuss the importance of international solidarity and commended Equity members for their efforts in seeking to advance the working conditions of all performers. FIA has also formed a working group (including the Alliance, SAG, Equity UK, and the Association of Canadian Television and Radio Artists) to look at issues relating to future international productions with the aim of strengthening the ability to improve terms and conditions of work in the global economy.

To read more about the work of the FIA click here.

Levies, what levies?:
Puzzled and a little frightened by just what your financial obligations as a contractor are to the Accident Compensation Commission? Confused as to how to make a claim if you're injured? Following requests from members, Equity is organising a workshop with case officers from ACC. In the interests of directing the session can you send any questions to your industrial organiser Frances Walsh at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ring the office on 0800 334 470

New Seven TV deal:
Equity has reached an agreement with Australian commercial broadcaster, Channel Seven, for a 12 month agreement to cover performers who work on Seven's drama programs. The agreement contains pay rises of up to 3.5% and an improved nudity clause. Performers in Channel Seven programs will be asked to vote on the proposed agreement in coming weeks. Seven and Equity will now begin negotiations for a three-year agreement.

Say goodbye to knots:

Performer and qualified masseur Matt Norton (SOMUS Massage) is offering fellow Equity members a dollar a minute service, 60 minutes minimum. Group deals negotiable. SOMUS is a mobile service operating 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm. You can contact SOMUS on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone (09) 814 1899 or 021 0295 5115

V48 Hours Auckland Finals Awards

Taken from V48 Hours, by Ant Timpson.

A huge congratulations with Team Grand Cheval who came from the bowels of Hamilton and other sordid areas to form a super team of young enthusiastic mates who appeared to have a lot of fun making their short. A true collaboration between friends that shows in every one of its frames. The absolutely charming, seemingly effortless short The Child Jumpers won the audience and judges over its honesty, heart and laugh out loud dialogue.

Mukpuddy came Runner Up with another highly polished effort from this team who makes animation look easy. You only need to see all the animated efforts that didn't make it in on time to understand just what an incredible feat it is they pulled off by not only finishing on time but finishing with a completely realised short. One that can easily stand outside of the competition.

There were so many highlights in the other finalists it would take all day to mention them. It was the feel good City Final that we've never had. I don't think anyone in the audience could complain about any of the films being there, which if you've ever seen post finale discussions on the forums, is truly saying something.

There was a sense that this year turned the corner with young teams stepping up to the mark and staking their claim. One of the big success stories of the night was Calvin Sang who started 48 Hours when he was 9 years old and this year, he finally made the finals, winning Best Damn Teen, Best Cinematography and Best Editing in the process.

Thank you all again for taking part this year. I hope you continue to keep following this crazy train all the way through to the Live Grand Final on July 2nd at The Civic. One team is going to be crowned Grand Champs for 2011 and it looks like it's going to be one hell of a finish.

City Winner - Grand Cheval - The Child Jumpers - Fad

City Runner Up - Mukpuddy - Meanie Pants - Quest

Panasonic Cinematography - Pickle Thugs - Nearest & Dearest - Crime

Images & Sound Sexiest - Sideways - Goodbye Gilbert - Revenge

MINI Nest Road Movie - Haynes Team - Stuck in the Mini With You - Road

Loop Best Original Song - Chairman Wow - The Prophet - Road

Loop Best Original Score - Me Vs. Googleplex - REST, Inc - Body Switch

Media Design Best Animation - Mukpuddy - Meanie Pants - Quest

Best Incredibly Strange Film - $7 Dollar Special - Choose Hers - Body Switch

Best Actress - Mia Pistorius - Headshot - One Room

Best Actor - Tom Furniss - The Child Jumpers - Fad

Read the rest of the awards here.