NEWS

Renaissance woman: Meet New Zealand filmmaker Charlotte Larsen

by Film Daily — January 12, 2021

Charlotte Larsen is poised to become a household name. The New Zealand native has found success as a producer and actress on popular films like Gloria (2014) and Great Expectations (2012).

News

New Zealand’s Rialto teams up with Bruce Tuchman to launch global streamer

by Digital TV Europe — January 12, 2021

Former Sundance Channel Global president Bruce Tuchman has linked up with New Zealand’s Rialto Channel to launch a new global streaming and linear service, which has already struck its first deal.

News

Making Sausage: How the CASE Act Finally Became Law

by Hugh Stephens — January 4, 2021

To kick-off 2021, which we all hope will be a better year than the last annus horribilis, let’s look back at one of the closing chapters of 2020, the last minute passage in the US of the COVID-19 relief package and government funding bill which was finally signed into law by Donald Trump on December 27, 2020.

News

NZ launches $36m production fund

by C21 Media — January 8, 2021

The New Zealand government has launched a screen sector recovery package that includes a new fund to support the production of local stories with international appeal.

News

Kiwi actress Thomasin McKenzie features in Vogue’s Hollywood 2021 watchlist

by NZ Herald — January 5, 2021

Talented New Zealand actress Thomasin McKenzie is on Vogue's list of rising stars to watch in 2021.

News

Film boss calls for regional studio in the south

by Stuff — January 5, 2021

The potential for Southland to have more celluloid action would be boosted with a regional film studio.

News

Where Was Shadow in the Cloud Filmed?

by TheCinemaholic — December 31, 2020

‘Shadow in the Cloud’, directed by Roseanne Liang, is about a World War II pilot Maude Garrett (Chloë Grace Moretz), taking on a mission involving a top-secret package.

News

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ is a Massive Hit on Pirate Sites After Early HBO Premiere

by Torrent Freak — December 30, 2020

On Saturday, nearly 10% of all pirate downloads on torrent sites related to Wonder Woman, something we haven't seen before. It's a potential game-changer.

News

Watch: 15-year-old Queenstown boy wins film award after secret entry

by NZ Herald — December 30, 2020

When a letter was handed to a Wakatipu High schooler in the pouring rain at Branches Camp he had no idea what it was about.

News

More than the Rings: A field guide to NZ’s famous movie locations

by NZ Herald — December 26, 2020

Hobbits may be very small but they have a super-sized reputation when it comes to New Zealand's famous movie locations. Peter Jackson filmed six movies set on Middle Earth here, which means most of the country has some connection to the Lord of the Rings.

News

Government-funded Covid insurance considered for 12 upcoming films

by Stuff — December 24, 2020

The 12 productions would have “reasonably [been] expected” to get pandemic cover before it became unavailable on the private insurance market earlier this year, ministry deputy chief executive Anna Butler said.

News

Peter Jackson’s Special-Effects Firm Looks to Become a Content Producer

by The Wall Street Journal — December 17, 2020

At a time when much of Hollywood is reeling from Covid-19, Weta Digital, the visual-effects company behind “Avatar” and “Avengers: Endgame,” is looking to pull a growth story out of its magic hat.

News

What’s Coming To Disney+ In January (Australia/New Zealand)

by Whatsondisneyplus — December 16, 2020

January will see Disney+ add a number of new Disney+ Originals including Marvel Studios first series, “WandaVision”, plus other new shows including “Marvel Studios: Legends” and “Pixar Popcorn”. Plus there will be new additions to the Disney+ library in New Zealand and Australia.

News

What is an Asian-New Zealand film?

by Asia Media Center — December 16, 2020

A decade ago, Dr Arezou Zalipour started investigating Asian New Zealanders’ representation on the screen and their film practices. She theorised the concept of ‘Asian-New Zealand film’ by probing the changes and effects the Asian diaspora has had on New Zealand screen culture.

News

$21 million in cryptocurrency seized from Hamilton movie pirate

by Stuff — December 11, 2020

A Hamilton man has had more than $21 million in cryptocurrency seized by police after admitting his role in downloading and selling pirated movies.

News

How New Zealand’s film industry boomed during the pandemic

by BBC — December 12, 2020

It might be found at the bottom of the globe, but New Zealand has been at the top of the movie industry in 2020.

News

New AFCI Topper Kevin Jennings Leads Org With More Support and Solutions

by Variety — December 10, 2020

With COVID still forcing lockdowns in countries around the world, the role of the Assn. of Film Commissioners Intl. has never been more important to the production community. The professional organization continues to attract more members, recently adding Film Coop, the Cooperstown, Oneonta and Otsego Film Partnership, Canada’s London Economic Development Corp. and the United Arab Emirates’ Shams Film Commission.

News

Government grants border exemption for nearly 90 Netflix film crew members

by Stuff — December 10, 2020

The government has given 88 members of an international film crew exemption to travel to New Zealand to shoot the Netflix show Cowboy Bebop.

News

Screen sector gets $50 million boost to tell New Zealand’s stories globally

by Beehive — December 9, 2020

The Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Hon Carmel Sepuloni today launched the Premium Productions for International Audiences Fund, making $50 million available in a unique opportunity for the screen sector to tell New Zealand’s stories to a global audience.

News

Stars Power Productions in New Zealand, Australia as Production Back in Business

by Variety — December 9, 2020

When local newspapers complain about traffic jams caused by Nicole Kidman filming (in New South Wales’ picturesque Byron Bay) and Natalie Portman stopping Sydney traffic by wearing revealing shorts, there is a sense that normality has returned to everyday life in Australia. The film industry is back in production high gear.

News

The Crown actor and Packed to the Rafters icon to film new show in Queenstown

by Stuff — December 9, 2020

Edwards, who plays the Queen’s private secretary Martin Charteris in the Netflix drama, is to join Packed to the Rafters’ icon Rebecca Gibney for a new six part romantic comedy which will be filmed in Queenstown.

News

Costumes, sets and props from The Luminaries TV show donated to Hokitika Museum

by Stuff — December 7, 2020

Costumes, sets and props from The Luminaries television show have been donated to a West Coast museum.

News

Taxpayer grants to Lord of the Rings represent ‘significant fiscal risk’ to Government finances

by Stuff — December 7, 2020

Treasury officials considered bending Government budget rules to accommodate the enormous cost of subsidising the new Lord of the Rings TV show.

News

Spy: Netflix turns Mission Bay into a sweet post-apocalyptic world

by Stuff — December 6, 2020

Have you spotted any animal/human hybrids in Auckland's eastern suburbs this week? The latest Netflix series shooting in New Zealand closed down Atkin Ave, Mission Bay, over the past few days.

News

A New Zealand treasure – Sam Neill on why he is refusing to die

by Stuff.co.nz — December 6, 2020

Yes, he’s got Hollywood A-lister celebrity friends – but Sam Neill is just as at home mixing with donkeys and swans, and, he tells Alison Mau, got through quarantine with chocolate and medicinal cannabis.

News

Bill’s Legacy: Eight great NZ Film Festival movies (and where you can watch them)

by Stuff.co.nz — December 6, 2020

Although my love of movies was born in the high concept, family-friendly blockbuster days of the 1980s, one man helped broaden my horizons to embrace the many delights cinema from around the globe had to offer.

News

How NZ Kept Cameras Rolling

by ArtsHub — December 4, 2020

https://www.artshub.com.au/news-article/features/covid-19-screen/the-big-idea/how-nz-kept-cameras-rolling-261570

News

Picture Tree International Reveals Deals for Multiple Titles on Slate (EXCLUSIVE)

by Variety — December 3, 2020

Berlin-based Picture Tree International, which is participating in this week’s Ventana Sur, has announced a swathe of deals on its sales slate, including a pact with HBO for U.S. rights on Mexican comedy “Go Youth,” which premiered locally at Morelia Film Festival recently.

News

Film-maker James Cameron’s businesses takes $150,000 in wage subsidies

by Stuff.co.nz — December 2, 2020

Hollywood blockbuster-maker James Cameron has taken more than $150,000 in wage subsidies, with one of his businesses showing no signs of opening its doors again.

News

Wellington UNESCO City of Film launches with focus on promoting diverse voices

by Stuff.co.nz — November 30, 2020

Youth, Māori, Pasifika and other diverse groups will soon have better access to opportunities in the film industry following the launch of Wellington UNESCO City of Film’s strategy today.

News

Sam Neill: ‘A little optimism at the end of a rather dark tunnel’

by RNZ — November 29, 2020

Sam Neill has had a busy year. He opened 2020 playing Phil O'Brien as a guest star on Matinee Idle, and after that, he shot off to the UK to star in the blockbuster Jurassic World.

News

Voices of Auckland: Mark Taylor on how Auckland will continue to play a starring role

by Stuff.co.nz — November 27, 2020

Mark Taylor is confident Auckland’s post-production talent and technical capability will continue to play a starring role on screens around the world.

News

Ara Student Directed Film To Feature On SkyTV

by Scoop.co.nz — November 26, 2020

In her final year, Motion Design student Kirsty Cameron has reached a couple of significant milestones in directing and producing her first film which will soon be featured on New Zealand television.

News

Lord of the Rings Amazon TV Series: Cast, Release Date and Everything to Know

by Den of Geek — November 25, 2020

Amazon’s purportedly billion-dollar-budgeted Lord of the Rings TV series will take place LONG before the events of Peter Jackson’s movies. Setting the tone for this small screen return to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, the first two episodes will be directed by J.A. Bayona, who helmed Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

News

‘Well that sold out fast’: Joseph Gordon-Levitt springs surprise on Wellington’s Roxy Cinema

by Stuff.co.nz — November 22, 2020

Hollywood superstar Joseph Gordon-Levitt sprung a surprise visit to a Wellington cinema, then invited the locals along.

News

Spy: Tim Roth among Hollywood stars descending on Auckland

by NZ Herald — November 21, 2020

International movie stars John Cho and Tim Roth are filming separate projects in Auckland as the local movie industry gets back on its feet.

News

Streamliner Productions becomes first disguise xR Partner in New Zealand

by Live Design — November 19, 2020

disguise welcomes Streamliner Productions in New Zealand to its worldwide partner network. Streamliner are now a disguise xR Creative & Rental Partner, and will enable new levels of creativity for virtual productions in a country that has been described as a thriving mecca for the global film industry.

News

Taika Waititi, Working Title TV’s ‘The Luminaries’ & Himesh Patel Among New Zealand Television Awards Winners

by Deadline — November 18, 2020

Winners for the 2020 New Zealand Television Awards were announced today, with the event becoming of the few physical screen award ceremonies to be held during the pandemic.

News

‘We need cinemas to survive’ – top NZ movie producer

by RNZ — November 15, 2020

New Zealand audiences have embraced the chance for the shared space and experience that cinemas provide in a Covid-hit year, the producer of the hit movie Savage says.

News

Julia Ormond stars in new movie Reunion filmed in New Zealand

by Newshub — 14.11.2020

Ormond is now a long way from the rolling hills of Montana, she's headlining a creepy horror film, shot in New Zealand, called Reunion.

News

Vale Bill Gosden

by Scoop.co.nz — November 9, 2020

Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is mourning the loss of an industry stalwart, long-time New Zealand International Film Festival director, Bill Gosden, and pleased to confirm on behalf of his whānau that Bill’s memorial service will be held at the Public Trust Hall, 131–135 Lambton Quay, Wellington, on Monday 16 November, at 2.00pm.

News

Screen industry in for a post-Covid shake-up, and the regions are welcome

by Stuff.co.nz — November 5, 2020

New Zealand has the chance to be a leader in the morphing film industry, says screenwriter Casey Zilbert, centre.

News

International Premiere For This Town At Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

by Scoop.co.nz — November 4, 2020

This Town will have its international premiere at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, one of Northern Europe’s largest film festivals. The film will screen In Competition in the ‘Rebels with a Cause’ section which features films from around the world that push the boundaries of cinematic art in their experimental form or rebellious message.

News

The Mandalorian: Kiwi cinemato- grapher makes his mark in a galaxy far, far away

by Stuff — October 29, 2020

Winning an Emmy for his work on The Mandalorian was not something Baz Idoine ever imagined when he began his career operating a photocopier at Television New Zealand.

News

Joseph Gordon-Levitt moves new TV production to New Zealand to escape Covid-19 pandemic in the US

by Stuff — October 24, 2020

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is reportedly in Wellington, after leaving Los Angeles in the US with his family to escape the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

News

Adaptive Antipiracy Tools: An Update on Dynamic and Live Blocking Injunctions

by ITIF — October 22, 2020

Lest it never be said that criminals cannot be innovative. Case in point digital piracy, which evolves with changing technology, consumer preferences, and business models. But thankfully some countries are innovating as well, adapting their legal tools to keep up with ever adapting digital pirates. Unfortunately, others, including the United States, have been slower to do so, and have especially failed to block access to offshore online services that engage in the mass distribution of pirated content. This is problematic because effectively policing online piracy will be critical to protecting the interests of creators in the digital economy, as the quality and availability of unauthorized streams and other piracy services have markedly improved in recent years.

News

Kiwi Short Film Musical Impossible Sets Sights On Worldwide Release

by Scoop.co.nz — October 28, 2020

The New Zealand Film Commission funded short film musical Impossible is gearing up for the international festival circuit in 2021, with the production team’s larger goal being a feature-length version.

News

Box Office: New Zealand comedy Baby Done arrives in hope

by ArtsHub — October 26, 2020

Comedy Baby Done would do ace business in a normal year, but is beaten handily by a grim Polish film about a fake priest which fanatics claim is blasphemous.

News

New Zealand’s booming film and TV industry in a ‘golden era’ thanks to Covid safe haven

by Stuff.co.nz — October 24, 2020

In special effects studios in Miramar and on sets in Lower Hutt, behind shipping container shields in Auckland and in the surrounds of Queenstown, screen workers are busy filming or finishing a slew of new movies and dramas.

News

Global cinema reopenings a healthy sign for Vista Group

by Stuff.co.nz — October 22, 2020

The world's struggling movie industry threw listed film solutions company Vista Group for a loop, but the company is now banking on cinema attendance returning to normal next year.

News

The Digital-Piracy Dilemma

by Harvard Business Review — October 19, 2020

In the world of film, one of the most important things copyright owners can do is market their content online to increase awareness and revenue. At the same time, they have to protect their content from internet piracy, which chips away at sales.

News

UK Sci-Fi-Drama ‘Infinitum’ With Ian McKellen Gets UK & Aus/NZ Deal

by Deadline — October 16, 2020

UK sci-fi-drama film Infinitum: Subject Unknown has been picked up by Blue Finch Films for distribution in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

News

Disused highway near Nelson the perfect location for apocalyptic film

by Stuff.co.nz — October 16, 2020

Bollywood in the hills behind Nelson and an apocalyptic fight for survival on the Whangamoa Saddle – a burgeoning low-budget filmmaking collective is creating interesting plot twists in the top of the south.

News

Queenstown Lord of the Rings location opens to public in Kelvin Heights

by NZ Herald — October 16, 2020

Some of New Zealand's most spectacular and film-famous backdrops will open again to the public, after 11 years.

News

The Japanese Film Festival Returns With Free Virtual Edition This December

by Scoop.co.nz — October 15, 2020

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) returns for its 24th year from 4 December to 13 December, with JFF Plus: Online Festival, a free streaming event available to audiences across Australia and New Zealand.

News

Hollywood border exemptions lead to ramp-up of NZ film industry

by NZ Herald — October 6, 2020

The Film Commission says border exemptions for Hollywood actors and crew have kickstarted what could be a record year for the New Zealand screen industry. More than 200 overseas cast and film workers were allowed into New Zealand in the three months to July.

News

Amazon’s ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Resumes Production In New Zealand, Netflix’s ‘Cowboy Bebop’ Next

by Deadline — September 28, 2020

Filming has just resumed in New Zealand on Amazon’s sprawling The Lord Of The Rings TV series, an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novels, I have learned. Production on Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop is slated to restart on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the island country where Netflix’s Sweet Tooth has been shooting since Sept. 14, sources said. The three shows were among a handful of Hollywood TV series and movies that were granted border exemptions by the New Zealand government in July to film in the country.

News

Avatar 2 filming completed, its delay helped making of Avatar 3, says James Cameron

by Devdiscourse — September 26, 2020

In our previous posts on Avatar 2, we notified you that the James Cameron went back with the cast and crew to New Zealand. This happened after New Zealand got triumph over the battle against coronavirus pandemic and withdrawn the lockdown.

News

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Movies: What happened to these lost Kiwi films?

by Stuff — September 23, 2020

New Zealand’s audiovisual archive Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision has a mystery on its hands: What became of three films by Kiwi filmmaker Robert Steele?Australian ex-pat Steele, who died in 1975, is well-known for making educational and commercial films in the mid-20th century, with titles like What Health Stamps Do and Here is New Zealand.

News

Shudder Hits 1M Subscribers As Key Part Of AMC Networks’ Targeted Streaming Approach

by Deadline — September 22, 2020

Shudder, the streaming service focused on horror, thrillers and the supernatural, said Tuesday it has passed the 1 million subscriber mark.

News

Kiwi cinematographer Baz Idoine wins early Emmy award for The Mandalorian

by Stuff — September 20, 2020

Kiwi cinematographer Barry “Baz” Idoine has won an Emmy for his work on live-action Star Wars series The Mandalorian.

News

Unions announce pandemic agreement with studios to resume film and TV production

by Daily News — September 22, 2020

Several of Hollywood’s biggest unions announced an agreement with major studios over new pandemic safety protocols that will allow for the resumption of TV and film production six months after the coronavirus outbreak put the entertainment industry on indefinite pause.

News

Cutting-edge design technology education in Wellington, New Zealand

by Study International — September 22, 2020

In the windy, hilly, picturesque capital city of Wellington, students from all corners of the world are delving deep into the intricacies of Design Technology at Wellington ICT Graduate School. They’re not just learning valuable practical skills, they’re also immersing themselves in a unique experience that gives them access to on campus industry experts. They are learning from the best and forging a network of strong professional connections in a vibrant and technologically advanced setting.

News

Pandemic film-making in NZ

by Newsroom — September 14, 2020

Sharon Brettkelly talks to the producer of Avatar, Jon Landau, about making a blockbuster in New Zealand during a pandemic. The glamour film industry has attracted a lot of flak for getting special treatment to let overseas crew across our border when others have been shut out.

News

Jane Campion Netflix film in line for $6m NZ government rebate

by Stuff — September 10, 2020

It is an overseas-produced film set in the United States and headlined by Hollywood stars but the $6 million Government rebate it is poised to get is Kiwi-as. Jane Campion's The Power of the Dog is set to claim the maximum-possible government rebate, meaning it is in line to get back 40 cents for every dollar the production spends here, up to a maximum $6m rebate.

News

450 Wellingtonians worked on Disney’s $US200m ‘Mulan’

by Wellington Scoop — September 3, 2020

The $US200m Disney feature film Mulan, which begins its worldwide release on Friday night, had substantial participation from the Wellington creative community.

News

On Location: How ‘Mulan’ Combines the Dramatic Landscapes of China and New Zealand

by CNA Traveler — September 4, 2020

You may be watching Disney's live-action remake of Mulan for the impressive martial arts scenes, the orchestra rendition of "Reflection," or a taste of childhood nostalgia. But we spent most of the movie distracted by the sweeping sets and filming locations. From the nearly 700-foot-tall sand dunes of the Taklamakan Desert to the rainbow mountains of Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, the movie hits many of China's geographical highlights.

News

Weta Digital creating a new cloud-based global workflow

by Wellington.Scoop — September 3, 2020

News from Amazon Web Services Amazon Web Services, Inc, an Amazon.com company, today announced that Weta Digital is going all-in on AWS, leveraging the proven performance of the world’s leading cloud to create a new, cloud-based visual effects (VFX) workflow. This workflow includes a set of technologies for VFX artists that will underpin the studio’s global expansion, accelerate key portions of film production, and expand Weta Digital’s New Zealand operations, enabling its team of artists to collaborate on visual effects remotely.1

News

Mulan big boost for Canterbury economy

by Star News — September 4, 2020

Canterbury is once again gracing global screens with the release of Mulan, Disney’s latest live-action remake today. The production came through New Zealand in 2018, filming in several locations in Otago and Canterbury. The much-anticipated film launches on Disney+ with Premier Access on September 4.

News

‘So beautiful’: Mulan cast and Niki Caro talk filming in New Zealand

by Newshub — September 2, 2020

Ahead of its release on Disney Plus, the cast of Mulan along with its Kiwi filmmaker Niki Caro have spoken to The Project NZ.

News

Chinese war epic “The Eight Hundred” wins applause in New Zealand

by XinHua Net — August 29, 2020

Chinese war epic "The Eight Hundred" won applause from New Zealand moviegoers on Saturday. Professionals believed that the two countries have great potential for cooperation in film industry.

News

New major crackdown on one of the biggest online piracy groups in the world: international coordination led by Eurojust

by Eurojust — August 26, 2020

An alleged criminal network of copyright infringing hackers, mainly responsible for pirating movies and hosting illegal digital contents worldwide, was dismantled yesterday in a coordinated action between US authorities and their counterparts in 18 countries around the world, with Eurojust and Europol support. Over 60 servers were taken down in North America, Europe and Asia and several of the main suspects were arrested. The alleged illegal activity was causing tens of millions of USD in losses on an annual basis mainly to the US movie, television, and supporting industries.

News

New Zealand’s Screen Sector Releases 10-year Strategy

by Scoop- Screen Sector Strategy — August 24, 2020

Aotearoa New Zealand’s screen sector today launches the Screen Sector Strategy 2030, a 10-year roadmap designed to grow the sector’s resilience, collaborationa and capability.

News

Pirate Subscription Services Now a Billion-Dollar U.S. Industry, Joint Digital Citizens Alliance-NAGRA Report Finds

by PR Newswire — August 6, 2020

Digital Citizens Alliance and NAGRA jointly released today an investigative report showcasing how illegal piracy subscription services in the United States have grown into a billion-dollar industry that steals from creators, circumvents legitimate TV operators, and poses risks for consumers. "Money for Nothing" details how a sophisticated ecosystem of thousands of retailers and wholesalers –through content theft and enabled by legal businesses–provides illicit piracy services to at least nine million U.S. households.

News

Taking the Maori to Hollywood

by Varsity — August 22, 2020

Emily Moss argues that we have nothing to fear from Waititi’s move into the mainstream, as he seems intent on taking his dynamic, distinct style and commitment to Indigenous narratives with him wherever he goes

News

Avatar 2: All the main details about the movie.

by Fox Exclusive — August 22, 2020

Avatar 2, also called James Cameron‘s Avatar 2 is an upcoming American science fiction movie. It is a sequel to 2009 movie ‘Avatar’. Cameron is the main man behind the scenes of the movie.

News

Tenet Presents Risk and Reward for Film Industry

by Don Groves & Lori Flekser — August 20, 2020

To the relief of product-starved cinemas, Christopher Nolan’s international espionage thriller Tenet will be the first major blockbuster film released since COVID-19 erupted when it previews in New Zealand this weekend before officially opening on August 27, a week before a limited release in the US.

News

Daffodils Filming Locations: Explore New Zealand’s Beautiful Landscape on Hulu

by HITC — August 20, 2020

The hit musical drama Daffodils has just premiered on Hulu and many viewers are blown away by the beautiful New Zealand filming locations, but where exactly are they?

News

Neil Sandilands Joins ‘Sweet Tooth’ As Production Set For Mid-September In New Zealand

by Deadline — August 19, 2020

Flash star Neil Sandilands is to co-star in Sweet Tooth, Netflix’s upcoming drama series based on the DC Vertigo comic, which comes from Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s Team Downey, Jim Mickle, Beth Schwartz and Warner Bros. TV.

News

COVID Advisory #5 – Screen Recovery Package Update

by New Zealand Film Commission — August 13, 2020

The resurgence of COVID-19 in Auckland this week, shifting the Auckland region to Alert Level 3 and the rest of the country to Alert Level 2 until midnight Friday 14 August, has created uncertainty for all filmmakers living and working here.

News

As Film Festivals Go Online, a Competitive New Business Takes Shape to Support Them

by IndieWire — August 13, 2020

As the pandemic forced shutdowns worldwide, no aspect of the film industry faced a more immediate existential threat than the festival circuit. While mainstays from Cannes to Telluride chose not to hold events at all, others did the once-unthinkable: They migrated online. Now, the race is on to provide digital services that support the unexpected era of the virtual film festival.

News

What New Zealand’s COVID-19 Curveball Means For Its Booming Hollywood Productions

by Variety — August 12, 2020

As the magical creatures of Middle Earth prepare to resume venturing through Auckland, New Zealand, for Amazon’s “Lord of the Rings” prequel series, the mythical world of Pandora has been bursting into life for James Cameron’s “Avatar” sequels in Wellington, just one hour’s flight south.

News

Avatar producer praises Kiwi crew for their artistry, shares picture of James Cameron on set

by Stuff — August 13, 2020

Avatar producer Jon Landau has praised the work of Kiwi crews on the film’s sequel.Landau shared two new behind-the-scenes shots from the Wellington-based set of the sci-fi series.

News

Kiwi film stars applaud Timaru audience as Covid-19 chews box office receipts

by Stuff — August 12, 2020

Kiwi film-goers have been applauded for supporting the industry amid the Covid-19 fallout.

News

New $45m film studio planned for Upper Hutt near Wellington

by RNZ — August 11, 2020

A brand new $45 million film studio for the Wellington region is being bankrolled by just one Upper Hutt family.

News

Cast may be forced to exit Avatar if New Zealand production delays continue

by Stuff — August 6, 2020

One of the stars of the Avatar sequels has warned cast members may need to pull out if production on the films is delayed any further.

News

Hawke’s Bay wants a slice of New Zealand’s lucrative film industry

by 1 News — July 31, 2020

Work is underway to establish a regional film office to capitalise on growing demand for film production in New Zealand in a Covid-19-hit world.

News

MBIE’s withdrawal of objectives paper sets path for transparent and collaborative review process with rightsholders

by Sandy Gildea, SPADA — July 28, 2020

Rightsholders including SPADA, which represents screen producers across New Zealand, have welcomed the decision by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) this month to withdraw the “Review of the Copyright Act 1994: MBIE’s approach to policy development” document, and to initiate consultation with stakeholders on revised objectives for the Copyright Act Review process later this year.

News

NZ International Film Festival opens in Chch on Friday

by Star News — July 20, 2020

The Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival kicks off in Christchurch this week - and organisers aren't letting a global pandemic derail the movie magic.

News

Film and arts sector crews- coping after Covid

by RNZ — July 12, 2020

New Zealand has one of the few functioning film industries in the world since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, but things are not so rosy for others working in the entertainment industry - the technicians, set builders and sound and lighting crew for music festivals, theatres and operas.

News

Revealed: The six productions joining Avatar in getting border exemptions

by Stuff — July 3, 2020

International workers for seven overseas productions have now been given permission to get past New Zealand's almost-closed borders.

News

New Zealand Injects $48 Million for Screen Industry Recovery

by Variety — July 1, 2020

The New Zealand government is to inject $48 million (NZ$74.4 million) of cash to help the film and TV industries recover from the economic effects of the coronavirus and the country’s strict lockdown measures. The financial package was announced Wednesday by Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Carmel Sepuloni.

News

‘The Trip To Greece’ tops New Zealand box office as cinemas return to full capacity

by Screen Daily — June 18, 2020

The Trip To Greece – the fourth and final film in Michael Winterbottom’s The Trip franchise – has led the New Zealand box office chart after the first week since all Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

News

BGT Actors Models & Talent bizarre casting call for Lord of the Rings television series

by NZ Herald — June 24, 2020

A talent agency has released a bizarre casting call for "funky looking" Kiwis to feature in the Lord of The Rings television series — which is tipped to resume pre-production next month in West Auckland.

News

Filming in Kāpiti complete for feature film Poppy

by NZ Herald — June 18, 2020

After being the first film to resume shooting in New Zealand after lockdown, and one of the first to resume internationally, Poppy Pictures has wrapped up the production of Poppy.

News

Avatar crew resumes filming in Wellington after 14 days in quarantine

by NZ Herald — June 18, 2020

James Cameron and his crew have just come out of 14 days in quarantine to resume filming the Avatar sequels.

News

Jane Campion movie starring Cumberbatch, Dunst is second film allowed in

by Stuff — June 18, 2020

The makers of a Jane Campion film, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst, has been revealed as the one which said the project may be ditched without border exemptions.

News

Avatar will bring 400 jobs and $70m to New Zealand, says producer

by Stuff — June 16, 2020

Avatar producer Jon Landau says getting the film back up and running will bring jobs to 400 New Zealanders and pump over $70 million into the economy.

News

Covid-free New Zealand: The answer to the film industry’s prayers?

by Stuff — June 14, 2020

A leading Australian screen industry figure says New Zealand's Covid-free status gives it a huge advantage when it comes to enticing high-value overseas film and TV productions.

News

Hoyts to re-open all of its NZ cinemas tomorrow

by NZ Herald — June 11 2020

Cinema chain Hoyts will reopen all of its cinemas tomorrow evening.

News

All Hoyts, some Event and Rialto cinemas reopening this weekend

by Newshub — June 10 2020

All Hoyts movie theatres in New Zealand are reopening this weekend along with one of Event Cinemas' flagship venues and Rialto Newmarket.

News

Influx of movie industry workers will ‘supercharge’ NZ’s economy, Film Commission says

by OneNews — June 4 2020

An influx of foreign film crews will create thousands of jobs for Kiwis and "supercharge" New Zealand's economy after the Covid-19 pandemic brought production to a halt, a film expert says.

News

New Zealand Film Commission Awards $1.2 Million To New Zealand Screen Businesses

by Scoop — June 3 2020

The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) announced today that over $1.2million has been awarded to 33 companies, through its business and slate development schemes BOOST, BOOST UP and He Ara.

News

NZ sees increased interest from international film projects

by NBR.co.nz — June 9 2020

Studio owner and veteran film tech executive Stephen Pryor is seeing double the amount of interest from international productions to film in New Zealand than before Covid-19.

News

New Zealand’s film industry heads back to work after coronavirus

by Global News — June 7 2020

New Zealand’s capital has had an extra buzz of excitement over the past week since Hollywood director James Cameron and his crew flew in to film the much-anticipated sequel of the epic science-fiction film “Avatar.”

News

Time to call ‘Cut!’ on the Government’s film subsidy

by Stuff — June 3 2020

The economy began to open up over the weekend as New Zealanders flocked to their favourite holiday spots.

News

Vista Group plans job cuts as global cinemas remain closed

by Stuff — June 4 2020

Film software company Vista Group has announced an unspecified number of redundancies as cinemas continue to struggle with Covid-19 restrictions.

News

We should welcome the Avatar crew, tell them to bring all their mates too

by Stuff — June 3 2020

It really does seem like there's one rule for some and another for everyone else when it comes to entry to New Zealand.

News

Jon Landau teases Avatar 2 plot details

by The List — May 28 2020

'Avatar 2' producer Jon Landau has hinted that the movie will focus on the Sully family's efforts to survive

News

Avatar movie crew among ‘couple of hundred’ foreigners let into New Zealand under coronavirus exemptions

by ABC.Net — May 27 2020

Key individuals behind the sequel to Hollywood blockbuster Avatar are among hundreds of foreigners being quietly let into New Zealand under little-known exemptions to its closed-border regime.

News

The price of literature: writers take on Government over fair pay

by Stuff

Writers fear their ability to earn will be further eroded as the results of reviews affecting their revenue streams near completion. Kelly Dennett reports.

News

Avatar producer Jon Landau on his return to New Zealand

by RNZ.Co.NZ — May 24 2020

The producer of the Avatar sci-fi movie sequels says he has no qualms coming back to New Zealand during the Covid-19 recovery phase.

News

Budget 2020: Live: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Covid 19 recovery and Govt’s $50b response: ‘It will be painful’

by NZ Herald — May 14 2020

The Government will spend a mammoth $50 billion on its Covid-19 recovery plan in a bid to save almost 140,000 jobs nationwide, according to this year's Budget.

News

‘We were hearing whispers’: How Weta Digital knew about Covid 19 before the headlines

by NZ Herald — May 14 2020

Even before Covid-19 hit the headlines, Weta Digital in Wellington was preparing for a possible pandemic.

News

Coronavirus: Hollywood looks to New Zealand amid US Covid-19 crisis

by Stuff — May 13 2020

Segments of Hollywood are looking to move to New Zealand's near-Covid-free shores as the country's film industry stands to win big in coming months.

News

Coronavirus: New Zealand’s future in the hands of tech innovators and screen industry

by Andre Chumko Kelly Dennett — 17 May 2020

New Zealand has a small window of opportunity to become the tech and film capital of the world as the globe looks favourably on our pandemic response but, experts say, we must act now.

News

New Zealand is ready for its close-up as most of film industry remains sidelined by COVID-19

by Ethan Sacks — 16 May 2020

It may not be long before cameras roll again on the "Avatar" sequels, and more Hollywood projects may look to "Middle-earth" as a film location.

News

New Zealand Returns To Production, Paving Way For ‘Avatar’ Sequels & ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Series To Resume Filming

by DEADLINE — May 7 2020

New Zealand’s health and safety production protocols have been endorsed by the national government, we can reveal, meaning production can restart in the country after it was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.

News

Could the film industry revive Queenstown Lakes Covid-19 crippled economy?

by RNZ.Co.NZ — May 7 2020

The film and screen industry can help Queenstown Lakes' crippled economy emerge from the coronavirus crisis, advocates say. Queenstown Lakes' economy is expected to shrink by 40 per cent and unemployment may rise to 30 per cent as the district's $3 billion tourism industry has been devastated by the pandemic.

News

Taika Waititi to Direct New ‘Star Wars’ Film

by Variety — May 8 2020

Taika Waititi will direct a new “Star Wars” movie for theatrical release, which he’s co-writing with “1917” scribe Krysty Wilson-Cairns, Disney and Lucasfilm announced on Monday.

News

Michael Bennett 2020 Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award Recipient

by Scoop

Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission is pleased to announce writer/director Michael Bennett is this year’s recipient of Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence award grant of $50,000 to support his professional development and projects.

News

New Zealand International Film Festival 2020 to be presented entirely online

by Newshub

The 2020 New Zealand International Film Festival will be presented in "an online format", say organisers.

News

Coronavirus: NZ company ScreenPlus says it has a solution to cinemas’ Covid-19 woes, but some aren’t convinced

by Stuff

While most cinemas are dormant with no income because of the Covid-19 lockdown, the Academy Cinema in Auckland is making money. The independent cinema, which specialises in art-house films, has signed up to a streaming platform run by Hamilton-based startup ScreenPlus, which enables cinemas to stream films on their websites.

News

Covid 19 coronavirus: Cinemas unlikely to reopen in level 2 because there are no new movies to screen

by NZ Herald

Some cinemas won't be reopening in level 2 - despite being allowed - as there won't be enough blockbusters around to make it worth their while.

News

Slice of heaven: Arcadia Station, where LOTR was filmed, has been sold to a Kiwi

by Stuff

Multimillion-dollar Arcadia Station, 30 minutes from Glenorchy at the top of Lake Wakatipu, has been sold with an unusual verbal caveat – much beloved old farm dog Bo can stay as long as he wants.

News

$700,000 funding boost for creatives in lockdown brings fresh content to NZ audiences

by By NZ On Air

On 1 April NZ On Air released a ‘Rapid Response’ RFP seeking creative ideas for content for commercial media platforms that have experienced an immediate reduction in revenue and local content due to the Covid-19 lockdown. The idea was to give creatives a chance to pitch ideas for projects that could be produced quickly, safely and in lockdown.

News

Over 5000 without jobs as local TV and film productions halt because of Covid-19

by OneNews

The pandemic is continuing to halt productions in New Zealand, including Amazon Studio's Lord of the Rings series and James Cameron's latest Avatar film. Work dried up virtually overnight for local actors, directors, writers and producers due to the virus. Screen Actors Guild Aotearoa president Brendon Durey says upwards of 5000 Kiwis in the industry are now out of a job.

News

Covid 19 coronavirus: SME tax relief, new commercial tenant measures introduced

by NZHerald

The Government has today announced a series of measures to provide relief for small and medium-sized businesses slammed by the coronavirus crisis. Measures include $3.1 billion in tax savings over two years.

News

$700,000 Funding Boost For Creatives In Lockdown Brings Fresh Content To NZ Audiences

by Scoop

Nine creative teams have been given the green light to create fresh new content to entertain New Zealand audiences, at a time when the local production sector has come to a grinding halt.

News

New Zealand festival spotlights films by Iranian women

by TEHRAN TIMES

A lineup of movies by Iranian women filmmakers has been reviewed in a special program organized by the Show Me Shorts Film Festival in Auckland, New Zealand, the organizers have announced.

News

New local streaming platform Academy On Demand launches in New Zealand

by Newshub

A new local streaming platform 'Academy On Demand' launched this week, giving Kiwi audiences access to a growing catalogue of top-notch New Zealand films as well as a host of other recent and classic international titles.

News

Avatar 2 Director James Cameron Reveals Movie Will Focus On Pandora Oceans & Rainforests!

by The Innersane

James Cameron, director of Avatar, has been very much secretive about the plot of the film. But recently, the Titanic director gave us some insight into the scheme of Avatar 2.

News

Authorities shut down ‘largest’ video piracy site

by Taipei Times

The Criminal Investigation Bureau has shut down what was reportedly the nation’s top video piracy Web site, 8maple.ru (楓林網), and arrested its two alleged proprietors in Taoyuan. Authorities estimated that the site had infringed on NT$1 billion (US$33.2 million) in copyrights owned by the movie and TV industries.

News

Auckland’s Academy Cinemas launches movie streaming platform

by Stuff

Auckland's Academy Cinemas is launching an online streaming service to help moviegoers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

News

ScreenPlus, Vista Group partner on exhibitor VOD product

by Screen Daily

As the ongoing coronavirus pandemic keeps theatres closed, technology company ScreenPlus has announced an exclusive partnership with cinema software specialist Vista Group to enable exhibitors to launch bespoke VOD platforms.

News

WarnerMedia Commits $100 Million To Fund For Idled Production Crews

by DEADLINE

With Covid-19 restrictions closing at least 60 shoots and leaving 20,000 people out of work, the industry is fearful of how long it will take to recover

News

Amazon’s Prime Video Cinema hub to corral new theater releases

by CNET

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread and force movie theaters to shut down, Amazon has launched a new hub featuring movies that Hollywood hoped you'd be watching right now in the theater. Amazon's Prime Video Cinema allows you to rent or buy recently released movies through the streaming service.

News

NZFC CEO Annabelle Sheehan diagnosed with COVID-19

by IF

The New Zealand Film Commission has confirmed CEO Annabelle Sheehan has been diagnosed with the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

News

At least 170,000 lose jobs as film industry grinds to a halt due to coronavirus

by The Guardian

About 120,000 film industry workers have already lost their jobs in Hollywood as a result of the coronavirus shutdown, according to the US entertainment industry union IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees).

News

Netflix Creates $100 Million Coronavirus Relief Fund

by VARIETY

Netflix has created a $100 million relief fund to help members of the creative community who have been left unemployed and without a way to earn an income during the coronavirus crisis. The streaming giant said the bulk of the funds will go toward supporting laid-off crew members.

News

Screen sector covid-19 action group

by Screen industry

In response to the immediate impact of COVID-19 on the New Zealand screen industry, the sector has today announced the formation of the Screen Sector COVID-19 Action Group and a screen-specific online information hub.

News

Coronavirus: Lights, camera, inaction for New Zealand’s screen and performing arts industries

by Stuff

The year is 2020. A deadly virus borne from a bat in a food market rips through the world, as scientists scramble to develop a vaccine in time to save humanity as we know it.

News

Amazon’s Prime Video Cinema hub to corral new theater releases

by CNET

News

‘Avatar’ Sequels Halt Production in New Zealand Due to Coronavirus Outbreak

by VARIETY

Production of three “Avatar” sequels in New Zealand has been put on hold as a precaution against the coronavirus outbreak.

News

Coronavirus: Event Cinemas to close all movie theatres from today

by NZ Herald

All movie theatres are to be shut down because of the ongoing coronavirus situation in New Zealand.

News

History-Making $200 Million ‘Mulan’ Budget Didn’t Intimidate Niki Caro: ‘It Was Satisfying’

by Zack Sharf

"Mulan" is the most expensive live-action film ever directed by a female filmmaker.

News

Wind in the Willows movie to film in New Zealand

by MPA

News

BTS releases first episode of their Bon Voyage travel show filmed in New Zealand

by MPA

News

Competition for filming locations poses threat to NZ industry – top film executive

by MPA

News

Coming soon at the cinema: Six New Zealand shot and set films planned for 2020

by MPA

Comedy and crime await Kiwi cinemagoers in the months ahead, with the releases of New Zealand films about gang life, romance and the end of the world. Over the next seven months, at least six New Zealand-made and funded feature films will be released.

News

Disney dreams big with Māori and new exhibition to celebrate women

by Taroi Black

Māori photographers have collaborated with The Walt Disney company to celebrate real-life women and girls.

News

Geena Davis Unveils Partnership With Disney to “Spellcheck” Scripts for Gender Bias

by Patrick Brzeski

Geena Davis, the Oscar-winning actor and a tireless advocate for female representation onscreen, touched down Thursday in New Zealand to deliver the closing keynote speech at the country's pioneering Power of Inclusion Summit, which was held in downtown Auckland.

News

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Kicks Off Inclusion Summit With Call to Action

by Patrick Brzeski

New Zealand's inaugural Power of Inclusion Summit got off to a rousing start in Auckland Thursday morning with an opening keynote speech from the country's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the world's youngest female head of state.

News

Maybe the Internet IS just a dumb pipe

by David Newhoff

News

BBC/TVNZ series The Luminaries is a gold mine for New Zealand

by Don Groves

The largest ever television series based on a New Zealand story to shoot in the country, The Luminaries is providing a significant boost to the local economy.

News

The hidden victims of online piracy

by Ben Falk