ShowNews

Indian Short Film Night, Christchurch
2024-05-02 19:00 - 20:30 (Pacific/Auckland)
India has the largest screen industry in the world, by output, producing double the number of films made in Hollywood each year. Nourished of course by a flourishing short film scene. In this collection Show Me Shorts has collaborated with the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala to curate six shorts from top Indian filmmakers.
The stories span different regions, languages and flavours, but are united in their exploration of the connections between friends, family and the natural world around us – all with English subtitles
Rating: TBC

7pm, Thursday 2 May, Alice Cinemas

BOOK TICKETS – CHRISTCHURCH

Two Productions Talk Sustainability
2024-05-02 10:00 - 11:30
We’d like to invite you to join the sustainability teams from two significant Auckland-based film productions for a discussion about sustainable practices on different screen productions, including waste and emissions reduction measures the productions undertook, and our experience calculating emissions footprints.
This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and learn from the people on the ground. Please share this invitation around and show support. We hope to see many of you there.
Last November the new points test for the 5% rebate uplift came into effect. In its shortest form, all productions wishing to access the Uplift are now required to:

Have a sustainability officer.
Produce a sustainability action plan ahead of production.
Produce a report on sustainability and their carbon emissions.

You can read more about these requirements here: Accessing the 5% Uplift

Screen Producers Australia - Screen Business Essentials: Online
2024-05-02 09:00 - 2024-05-03 17:00 | online
This two-day online intensive, presented in conjunction with the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), covers the essentials of setting up and running a screen business. The workshop covers the commercial framework in which producers must operate, including issues commonly encountered when building a creative business from the ground up.
The Screen Business Essentials program is vital for start-ups and serves as a refresher for established businesses and producers. Michelle Hardy (Industry Programs Consultant, SPA) is the course convenor. The program will be taught by a range of industry experts across the business, accounting, and legal sectors.
Topics include:
Legal structures for businesses and for productions, tax incentives and compliance, financial management of a production including managing cash flow and business planning;
Up-to-date information on copyright and chain of title, distribution and licensing agreements, employment law, cast and crew agreements, fringes and insurance; and
New insights into rights negotiation, film and television industry sources of finance.
The workshop will also feature a fun, fast-paced and high energy, digital speed networking event in which participants are randomly matched for a 5-minute meet and greet, giving attendees the opportunity to network with their fellow screen professionals.
If you are already involved in production and looking to get serious in terms of your business growth and project development, this course will be an invaluable two days with access to a range of industry experts.

Indian Short Film Night, Wellington
2024-05-01 19:00 - 20:30
India has the largest screen industry in the world, by output, producing double the number of films made in Hollywood each year. Nourished of course by a flourishing short film scene. In this collection Show Me Shorts has collaborated with the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala to curate six shorts from top Indian filmmakers.
The stories span different regions, languages and flavours, but are united in their exploration of the connections between friends, family and the natural world around us – all with English subtitles
Rating: TBC

7pm Wednesday 1 May, Southern Cross Garden Bar and Restaurant

BOOK TICKETS – WELLINGTON

What does AI mean for the entertainment industries?
2024-05-01 19:00 - 20:00
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the latest technological craze – enabling computers to create text, images, audio, and even video in mere seconds from just a short description of what the user wants.
However, like all disruptive technological developments, Generative AI has the potential to cause great harm, according to an expert in the field of game design. Associate Professor Adrian Clark is a lecturer in the University of Canterbury’s School of Product Design who describes himself as “equal parts fascinated and terrified by Generative AI”.
As the technology has improved, the results are becoming increasingly indistinguishable from real media or artistic works created by humans, allowing even the most artistically challenged person to bring their creative ideas to life.
“We’ve seen news stories of people using ChatGPT to cheat on school assignments and DeepFakes used to spread political disinformation and propaganda, but with Generative AI’s intrinsic creative focus the entertainment industries have perhaps the most to lose,” Dr Clark says. These concerns recently reached boiling point, culminating in 2023 with strikes by the Writers’ Guild of America and the Screen Actors’ Guild, both of which were calling for limits in the use of generative AI in their industries.
In his free UC Tauhere Connect public lecture, on Wednesday 1 May at the Ōtākaro 146 L1 Lecture Theatre, Dovedale campus, he will explore the subject: What does AI mean for the entertainment industries?
Associate Professor Adrian Clark is a lecturer in the University of Canterbury’s School of Product Design, where he teaches Game Design and Development. He is involved in teaching and research related to the Applied Immersive Game Design major in the Bachelor of Product Design degree, and Game Development in the Bachelor of Digital Screen (Honours) degree. With a PhD in Computer Science plus almost a decade of experience working as Head of R&D in a creative tech company he co-founded which worked extensively with film studios, Dr Clark has interests in both the technical and artistic sides of the creative industries.
UC Tauhere Connect public talk: What does AI mean for the entertainment industries? Presented by Associate Professor Adrian Clark, School of Product Design, Engineering, University of Canterbury, 7pm – 8pm, Wednesday 1 May 2024, the Ōtākaro 146 L1 Lecture Theatre, Dovedale campus, University of Canterbury, Christchurch.
Register to attend free at: www.canterbury.ac.nz/ucconnect.
It’s free to register to attend in person, to watch via Facebook livestream or view later on YouTube. Videos of UC Tauhere Connect public talks are available usually a week after the live event.

Misty Flicks Festival early submission deadline
2024-05-01
Misty Flicks is a not-for-profit independent film festival held annually in the Central region of Aotearoa, New Zealand. The festival offers a wide-ranging programme of local and indigenous cinema. It aims to introduce and unite audiences to different voices and cultures through the power of storytelling.
Misty Flicks creates a platform to nurture the careers of tomorrow’s storytellers by providing educational opportunities and workshops. It makes film accessible to its people and creates a sense of community and connectedness through the arts by connecting filmmakers and audiences in discussions and seminars based on the principles of manaakitanga.
Early festival submissions close 1 May. The festival runs 22-24 November.
https://filmfreeway.com/MistyFlicks

MariMari, campaign closing
2024-05-01
Paul Wolffram’s MariMari (fka Sanguma) is almost complete and prepping a festival premiere in July.
The team wants to fly subject Evelyn Kunda from Papua New Guinea to Aotearoa to attend the screening.
It is estimated that in Papua New Guinea, more than 200 people are killed as accused witches each year.
The documentary feature film addresses the shocking truth about sorcery accusation-related violence in Papua New Guinea to the world, and follows local human rights defender, Evelyn, as she rescues people who have fallen victim to sorcery accusation and gender-based violence. Evelyn does this work alone, while often in danger herself.

Ngā Aho Shorts, application deadline
2024-05-01
Ngā Aho Shorts in association with the NZ Film Commission, Te Māngai Pāho, NZ On Air, TMP and NZoA, is calling all production crews with a short film idea. Apply now for the 2024-2025 season of Ngā Aho Shorts funding and access one of four funding tiers designed to support a range of filmmakers.
Ngā Aho Shorts is a development pathway focused on empowering tangata whenua and te reo me ngā tikanga Māori within the film and screen industry.

Indian Short Film Night, Auckland
2024-04-30 19:00 - 20:30
India has the largest screen industry in the world, by output, producing double the number of films made in Hollywood each year. Nourished of course by a flourishing short film scene. In this collection Show Me Shorts has collaborated with the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala to curate six shorts from top Indian filmmakers.
The stories span different regions, languages and flavours, but are united in their exploration of the connections between friends, family and the natural world around us – all with English subtitles
Rating: TBC
Auckland
7pm Tuesday 30 April, The Kingslander

BOOK TICKETS – AUCKLAND

Youth in the Booth, campaign closes
2024-04-30
We’re making a cool comedy short film adaptation featuring podcast students and their tutor Miss Queeny, teaching young people about podcasting
Synopsis: The Youth from the local neighbourhood show up to a community arts programme to learn about podcasting, things get crazy when it goes on Spotify. Miss Queeny tries to keep things together, trying to bridge the gap between students & their parents
We want to show how strong young voices are. Your help is crucial through donations to support our project, bringing our authentic local stories to life
Please donate & help us share our story! let’s make “Youth in the Booth” come to life & celebrate the amazing youth in our community?

By the Skin of Her Teeth, campaign closes
2024-04-29
A 25-minute film centered around two female politicians, leading rival parties, as they await the results of the New Zealand election. To pass the time, they reflect on their competitiveness, sacrifices made, and backlash they faced leading up to the day. One is younger and more optimistic – often getting criticized for her lack of experience and grit, and the other is older and stauncher – often getting criticized for being past her use-by date, and too aggressive.
This film is a love letter to Kiwi women in politics, and explores the lengths they’re pushed to go, as they navigate their way through a male-dominated profession.

BPM public meeting
2024-04-28 16:00 - 17:00
BPM will present a public meeting on the issues currently impacting media in NZ.
Speakers so far confirmed are:
Irene Gardiner – President of SPADA
Paul Thompson – Chief Executive of RNZ
Peter Thompson – Associate Professor in Media and Communications at Victoria University of Wellington and Chair of BPM
Sunday 28 April at 4pm via Zoom. Link below. Please use password bpm24 if requested

Missing, campaign closes
2024-04-28
Alzheimer’s-themed drama, Missing (欣欣念念), is a story about love and cherishing.
This drama short film is penned by Peixuan Liu, a Master’s Screen Production student at the University of Auckland, and executive produced by Peter Simpson.

Rehearsal & Performance for Pan-Asian Filmmakers
2024-04-27
The Directors and Editors Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pan Asian Screen Collective welcome filmmakers to Rehearsal & Performance with Michelle Ang.
Participants will have a chance to practise their craft in a fun, supportive environment; expand their knowledge of rehearsal processes; and discover language for rewarding collaborations.
Spots are limited as participants will break out into groups to rehearse scenes. We will be taking in five directors and ten actors. These include three standby and observer spots for one director and two actors.
Applications Close: Thursday, 18 April

This Bites, campaign closes
2024-04-27
THIS BITES is a 5 episodes comedy webseries, starring comedy icons Thomas Sainsbury, Chris Parker and Lara Fischel-Chisholm, plus other brilliant guest actors.
All 5 episodes were produced and directed by Roberto Nascimento, director of award winning series Sui Generis.
The show was created and written by US/NZ writer Louis Mendiola, winner of a NZTV Award for his writing on season 2 of local comedy The Adventures of Suzy Boon.
We are raising additional funds to cover the post production elements of the show – specifically SOUND DESIGN and our COLOUR GRADE. We just need 2k to get us there, as I made some fantastic deals with sound legend Luana Barnes (she worked on Dune 2!!!) and colour grade master James Elliston.
This project is silly, fun, poignant and will hopefully bring some joy to those who watch it and we get to see an incredible mix of kiwi talent doing what they do best in front of and behind the cameras. Their work deserves to be seen and we can achieve this with your help.
Friendship. Love. Family.

Bill Tito: the Unread Story, campaign closes
2024-04-24
Humans are like books, each with their distinct covers, shapes, and sizes. But the real treasure lies in the stories within, tales that make each of us unique. And one of these exceptional stories belongs to a man named Bill Tito.
‘Bill Tito: The Unread Story’ is a feel-good documentary that celebrates the unwavering dedication of Bill Tito, a self-made 77-year-old book repair specialist with dyslexia. The film highlights Bill’s ability to discover joy and purpose in life despite his limited reading ability.
With his partner-in-crime, Jane, by his side, they form an eccentric duo, infusing every moment with laughter and charm.
Through spontaneous banter and serendipitous encounters, we embark on a journey through the pages of Bill’s life, unraveling the layers of his personality and craftsmanship.

ShowNews Academy – NETWORK
2024-04-23 19:30 - 22:30 | Academy Cinema, 44 Lorne St, Auckland, New Zealand
Each month ShowNews presents a film at Academy Cinemas picked by a special film industry guest. For April, writer/producer Steve Barr has chosen NETWORK
Tickets only $10!
Happy Hour drinks from 7pm.
Screening 8:15pm.
In 1976 two of the key players in the Golden Age of Television, writer Paddy Chayefsky and director Sidney Lumet, delivered a coruscating attack – at once savage and hilarious – on the medium that made their names.
SINCE THIS SHOW WAS THE ONLY THING I HAD GOING FOR ME IN MY LIFE, I’VE DECIDED TO KILL MYSELF.
To speak Chayefsky’s Oscar-winning dialogue, Lumet enlisted a powerhouse cast list, including Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch (as ‘the mad prophet of the airwaves’ Howard Beale), Robert Duvall, Ned Beatty and Beatrice Straight. Five of them would be nominated for Academy Awards, three would win.
I’M GOING TO BLOW MY BRAINS OUT RIGHT ON THIS PROGRAMME A WEEK FROM TODAY.
As well as its four Oscars, NETWORK was also garlanded with a quartet of Golden Globes, a BAFTA and numerous other awards. In the years since its release, its reputation has only grown: the Library of Congress granted it a place on their prestigious National Film Registry; the American Film Institute named it as one of the greatest American films of all time; and the Writers Guild of America declared its screenplay one of the ten best of all time. It remains a true classic.

After the Party - ScreenTalk, Auckland
2024-04-23 18:00 - 19:30
Hear from some of the key creatives of TVNZ smash hit, After the Party, a series many are calling the best new Kiwi offering in years.
Story creators Robyn Malcolm and Dianne Taylor and producer/director Peter Salmon come together to talk about their collaborative process, from the very earliest story conversations to the writing, all stages of production, and publicity.
Peter, Dianne and Robyn will discuss some of their learnings and how they managed challenges that inevitably arose along the way. With dynamic, talented speakers like these, this promises to be an interesting and stimulating conversation.

Sister Josephine, campaign closes
2024-04-20
Actors Alison Bruce and newcomer Jaxon Barbarich-Campbell explore a crystalised moment of empowerment from the director’s life story. Writer/director Stef Harris, producer Amanda Jenkins, cinematographer John Chrisstoffels, talented cast/crew have together created a confronting drama that aims to connect emotionally with audiences.
Sister Josephine was funded through Kopere Hou – Fresh Shorts, and has received generous sponsorship from Imagezone Cameras, Hirepool Vehicles, Wireless Rentals, Blue Light empowering youth program, Unit Services Assets, AJFILMS, Dark Horse Films, and Park Road Post.
It’s seeking support to top up production costs and complete the film with Music composition, Sound design, and Film finishing costs, for an international festival cinema release.

B-Listers, campaign closes
2024-04-20
Fundraising campaign for the pilot of a coming-of-age comedy series.

NZIFF - NZ/Australia/Pacific Islands Submissions Deadline
2024-04-19
This year’s festival will take place in July/August.
You should include a press kit with a brief synopsis or description of your film and the key credits for your film along with an online screener. We will only accept submissions online, via an online screener.

Adaptation Online Workshop
2024-04-18 20:00 - 21:00 | online
From Austen to Arrakis, adaptations are a big part of the film industry. But why do some work and others not?
Maybe you’re thinking of adapting a text and don’t know where to start?
The UK’s Pitch Film Fund can help you out!
During this workshop, you’ll be thinking about how to put the theory into practice.
Hosted by Pete Sinclair, a producer for the UK short film fund, The Pitch. The Pitch receives hundreds of pitches each year, each one using the original source of much cinematic adaption – the Bible.
This is a pay what you want workshop and is for filmmakers beginning their journey into adaptation.

Theatrical Distribution: The State of Play
2024-04-18 13:00 - 17:00 | online
The world of theatrical distribution has undergone a remarkable transformation since the upheavals of 2020. The challenges posed by COVID lockdowns and the strategic shift towards direct-to-SVOD releases have reshaped audience behaviours.
As we emerge from the lockdown era, theatrical audiences steadily return to cinemas. While box office revenue and the number of
Australian titles making it onto the big screen continue to improve, they both remain below pre-pandemic levels.
What is the state of theatrical distribution? This SPA Masterclass delves into the theatrical distribution landscape in 2024. What are distributors buying, what types of deals are being made, and how are producers positioning themselves to get their projects into theatres?
MASTERCLASS HIGHLIGHTS:
Market Analysis: Rakel Tansley, Marketplace Manager at Screen Australia, provides a comprehensive overview of the current market dynamics.
Navigating the Legal Maze: Janine Pearce, a seasoned production lawyer, guides us through domestic and international distribution agreements. She delves into the key clauses, terms, and rights that can either fortify or undermine your negotiations.
Producers’ Roundtable: The Masterclass culminates in a panel discussion featuring seasoned and rising producers sharing their firsthand experiences. Gain invaluable insights into approaching distributors, packaging for international sales, and nurturing/fostering strong and lasting distributor relationships.
KEY TOPICS INCLUDE:
Part 1 – The Distribution Landscape (Rakel Tansley, Screen Australia)
Who are the buyers, and what are they buying?
The current release chain and windowing
Strategies and business models
Rights and their values
Part 2 – Distributor and Sales Agent Agreements (Janine Pearce, JP Media Law)
Key terms and clauses
Industry standards for certain commercial terms
Expense caps
New and evolving rights
Short-form or long-form contracts
Part 3 – Producer Panel and Q&A
Identifying and approaching distributors
Packaging for international sales
Budgets – what can you finance
* Times are AEST
*Registration for this Masterclass closes 12pm AEST Thursday, 18 April, 2024*
SPA members: $90 | Non-members: $140

Koko, campaign closes
2024-04-15 08:00 - 17:00
The film follows the life of a young Māori boy named Koko, who navigates the complexities of growing up under the guidance of his beloved Uncle Tux. Through a series of flashbacks and present-day scenes, we witness Koko’s journey from a frightened child to a determined young man with dreams of swimming at the Olympics. As Koko grapples with the loss of his parents and finds solace in the waters of his homeland, he discovers the true meaning of family, love, and belonging. With the unwavering support of Uncle Tux, Koko embarks on a path of self-discovery, courageously confronting his fears and embracing his identity as a swimmer.
It’s a deeply personal narrative that reflects the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of connection.

Best Practice Workshop: Managing Expectations & Meeting Obligations
2024-04-13 09:00 - 13:00
Looking to enhance your professional relationships as a writer or producer?
Join the Pan-Asian Screen Collective and the New Zealand Writers Guild for a best practice workshop: Managing Expectations and Meeting Obligations.
In this workshop, Alice Shearman, Executive Director of the New Zealand Writers Guild, will cover key topics such as structuring working relationships, pre-contract considerations, professional best practices, real-world applications, and a Q&A session.
Designed for emerging writers and producers, this workshop offers valuable insights to set your working relationships up for success. This event is free for members of PASC and NZWG. Spaces are limited to 10 x PASC members and 10 x NZWG members.
The event runs at Click Studios, Avondale, Auckland

China Short Film Night, Christchurch
2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:30
Find out why China’s movie industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom. The talent and creativity of their filmmakers shines with these six short films. The stories touch on the ties between grandparents and their grandchildren, the importance of protecting our literary heritage, and our connection with nature.
Journey from the fields to the highest learning institutes, back to ancient China and forward into the technological future. The stories include comedy, animation, drama, science fiction and fantasy. There is something for everyone in this collection, which is bound to inspire.
We’re also playing a Chinese-New Zealander film which won multiple awards last year at our festival.

China Short Film Night, Wellington
2024-04-10 19:00 - 20:30

Screenrights Cultural Fund, application deadline
2024-04-10 17:00
The Screenrights Cultural Fund makes a difference by supporting people with exciting and innovative new initiatives that foster the creation and appreciation of screen content in Australia and New Zealand. The 2024 total funding pool is $300,000, with individual applications capped at $50,000.
Application Support Requests close 5pm AEDT Friday 22 March.
Applications close 5pm AEST Wednesday 10 April

China Short Film Night, Auckland
2024-04-09 19:00 - 20:30

Crescendo, campaign closes
2024-04-09
A virtuoso pianist at a prestigious music conservatory struggles to reconcile her relentless pursuit of perfection with her father’s rigorous standards, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and a quest to redefine success on her own terms.
