Department

Filmmaking has always been an elite pursuit—historically reserved for those with financial backing, industry connections, or institutional support. Generative filmmaking is changing that. For the first time, independent filmmakers can create without gatekeepers. No need for massive budgets, no need…

Banijay Group, the listed company which comprises film and TV production, distribution, live entertainment and gaming, posted record results for 2024 which reached €4.8 billion (5.2 billion). Banijay’s adjusted EBITDA was also up by 22% to €900 million ($971 million),…

A spectacular film shoot for Hollywood A-lister Brad Pitt’s latest blockbuster got under way in Queenstown today. The legendary star of Fight Club, the Ocean’s series of comedy heist films, Legends of the Fall, Thelma and Louise, Once Upon a…

For over 50 years Spike Milligan’s deliciously pernicious witch Badjelly the Witch has been hugely popular in New Zealand. Originally a short, handwritten story Milligan wrote for his children, it was printed in 1973 and made into an audio version. It’s since…

Sean Baker’s Oscar triumph with Anora is proof that indie filmmakers can break through the Hollywood system and achieve mainstream success without compromising their artistic vision. But it took him two decades. Baker won Oscars Sunday for original screenplay, editing and directing…

Staircase Studios AI, a new maker of films, TV series and video games, is promising to deliver “near-major-studio” levels of quality at budgets under $500,000. The new company was founded by Pouya Shahbazian, producer of the Divergent franchise. With input…

Wellington writer Esteban Jaramillo has been announced as the 2025 Wellington Write Room Resident with his project Vicio. Producer Jessica George will join the programme’s mentor team as this year’s Producer Intern. Based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Esteban Jaramillo is a…

This documentary unpacks the making of Smash Palace. Cast and crew recall Donaldson’s improvisational style and share stories from the central North Island set, while Geoff Murphy praises his leadership. Donaldson’s casting proved crucial to the film’s success: actors Bruno…