ShowNews

BPM public meeting
2024-04-28 16:00 - 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
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.

Film Worker Freedom Well-being Webinar
2024-04-07 16:00 - 17:00 | online
A deep dive into how we, as film/TV workers, can make meaningful change towards our well-being – no matter what our current personal experience of the industry is. Hosted by holistic life coach (& costumer), Crystel Tottenham.
Come explore what’s holding you back from better well-being by looking at your whole picture with powerful mind, emotions and energetics coaching tools.
Please feel free to share with your film friends who need to give themselves a bit of T.L.C.
Sign up here with the link below or via the Linktree.
https://forms.gle/JP1k7WU61dvrcsdD6

Casting Intensive with Anousha Zarkesh 2
2024-04-07
Equity Foundation NZ is thrilled to be bringing the renowned Australian casting director Anousha Zarkesh to Aotearoa for one weekend of work with Equity NZ members.
If you are selected (there are very limited spots) you will spend one day in an intimate setting with Anousha, learning from the notes she gives you and your peers. You will need to prepare one scene. There will be opportunity at the beginning and the end of day for Q&A.

Casting Intensive with Anousha Zarkesh 1
2024-04-06

How We Got There: Idea to Impact with Flat 3, Auckland
2024-04-03 18:30 - 20:30
Pan-Asian Screen Collective presents How We Got There: from Idea to Impact. Join us for an engaging and informative discussion where we delve into the creation of a successful series from its inception to delivery!
PASC members JJ Fong, Perlina Lau, and Ally Xue, the creative and producing team behind Flat 3, reunite to share insights on how an independently sourced $1,000 investment and a promising idea propelled their project to three successful series.
Register here.

Day One: Launch Party and Fundraiser
2024-04-03 18:00 - 21:00
Running since 2007 (formerly known as the Someday Challenge), Day One Challenge has evolved to include wrap-around support with year-round educational content, a series of events and an annual cinema showcase.
Day One Hāpai te Haeata is having a party and and a fundraiser in Tāmaki Makaurau! We want you to come so we can share this exciting chapter with you.
Scout talent, rub shoulders, meet your next collaborator. We’re bringing together funders, screen partners, educators, young creatives, and supporters at Te Pou Theatre, Henderson, Auckland
Tickets cost $25 with proceeds helping us to create a How to series for rantagahi in schools.

An Introduction To Narrative Design
2024-04-03
Narrative Design is the process of understanding story as a system. This understanding allows storytellers to better connect to both play and interactivity, for games, XR and live choice-driven experiences. It also gives a look “under the hood” at how story functions on a meta and micro structural level, which can help linear storytelling move away from rigid conventions.
This practical workshop will introduce three validated processes of narrative design that can be used across a wide range of media.

The high concept formula can be used to break down any story into its important elements, regardless of source media.

Narrative design patterns are a way of understanding how the story unfolds over time, detailing the dramatic relationships between the different elements.

Designing valuable choices requires its own process. Not all choices are created equal, and while choices can be created for aesthetic reasons, their story value to the audience should still be understood.

These result in clear and simple diagrams that can be used to clarify ideas, facilitate discussion and communicate to stakeholders.
The workshop runs in Auckland.

Show Me Shorts, earlybird deadline
2024-04-01
Show Me Shorts is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading international short film festival. Our mission is to connect New Zealand audiences with short films and share New Zealand short films with the world. We celebrate the short film art form and champion short film makers!
During October 2024 Show Me Shorts will put on 100 screenings in 35 cinemas across New Zealand. The festival will also include screenings of many of the short films through our on demand platform – these films will be geo-blocked to allow only New Zealanders to watch them.

MDGA logo competition - submission deadline
2024-04-01
The MDGA 2024 Logo competition is a way for local Motion Designers to show off their creativity and compete for some sweet prizes, provided by our very generous sponsors. It is open to all Aotearoa New Zealand based Motion Designers, students or professionals and will be judged by some of the top Motion Designers and Animators in the country.

Simply create a 5-10 second animation, starting and ending on the MDGA logo.

NZ Web Fest, earlybird deadline
2024-03-31
Since 2015 NZ Web Fest has curated and celebrated online entertainment. Since 2017 the festival has been a proud participant in the Web Series World Cup. In 2023 the festival became a participant in the inaugural edition of the Audio Fiction World Cup.
The festival selects podcasts, short films and web series.

Interference - campaign closes
2024-03-30
1980s New Zealand, where being gay means hiding in plain sight and local homophobes, backed by the Far Right churches of Reagan’s America, are hell bent on destroying any liberal fantasies of change. With money and power behind them, they wage open warfare on New Zealanders fighting for their right to be different.
It was brutal, it was dangerous, at times it was funny as hell … and it changed our nation forever.
There’s no director in the country who can tell this story with more passion and authenticity. Welby Ings (Punch, Sparrow, Boy) knows the story intimately. In the early 80s, he started his small town’s three person pressure group, Gay Rights of Taihape. Arrested several times and with his teaching career under threat, he threw himself into the national campaign, protesting, infiltrating and interfering as much as possible with the opposition.

NZIFF - International Submissions Deadline
2024-03-28
