Wednesday
02
Mar
2022
In Conversation with producer Desray Armstrong

In Conversation with producer Desray Armstrong

Posted Wednesday 16 Feb 2022

SOLD OUT - but there is a waitlist
Since winning the WIFT Fulcrum Media Finance Woman to Watch award in 2016, Desray Armstrong has progressed from running an extremely successful Boosted campaign (for the feature film Stray), to releasing two celebrated feature films in 2021 (Coming Home in the DarkJuniper) and premiering a third at NZIFF 2021 (Millie Lies Low) before it’s theatrical release this year.

In this workshop you'll have the chance to hear...

  • How Desray created the pathway to success as a producer;
  • What challenges she often faces and how she navigates them;
  • What she looks for in a story and creative partnerships;
  • How she manages multiple projects;  
  • Her tips for securing finance, including running an effective crowd funding campaign.

Spaces are limited!
This event will be complying with the Covid-19 Red traffic light requirements so there are seating restrictions. Book
early to avoid disappointment! 
This event is a vaccine passport event.

WIFT NZ members free, non-members $15 cash at the door (sorry eftpos won't be available). 

Date: Wednesday 02 Mar 2022
Location: Taia Studios, 4 Bay Road, Kilbirnie, Wellington
Time: 6pm drinks for a 6:30pm start

Wednesday
02
Mar
2022

Upcoming events...

Wednesday 12 Nov 2025

Co-Productions: An In-Depth Dive with the NZFC

Co-Productions: An In-Depth Dive with the NZFC

Navigate the world of international co-productions with confidence. New Zealand has 18 official co-production agreements globally, with another on the horizon. But what do these agreements actually mean for filmmakers?

This comprehensive presentation demystifies the concept of co-production and the 18 co-production arrangements, breaking down the practical benefits and requirements of official co-productions versus unofficial co-productions. You'll gain clarity on how these agreements work, which opportunities could align with your project, and how to leverage them effectively.

Delivered by: Co-Production & Incentives and Funding kaimahi

With extensive experience overseeing New Zealand's co-production landscape, they will share insider knowledge on international co-production.

Following the workshop, the NZFC team will offer virtual one-on-one sessions for filmmakers who want to discuss their specific projects and explore potential co-production pathways. You will be able to sign up for these at the workshop.

- NEW DATE: Wednesday 12th November
- Time: 6pm-7:30pm
- Location: St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street Ponsonby, Auckland

Free for WIFT & Ngā Aho Whakaari members, $20 for non-members. Drinks & nibbles provided.

Special thanks to the New Zealand Film Commission and Ngā Aho Whakaari for supporting this event.

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Wednesday 12 Nov 2025

(Wellington) Framing The Film: The Unit Stills-Producer Collaboration

Framing the Film: The Unit Stills Photographer-Producer Collaboration

Brought to you by the New Zealand Film Commission, Sony New Zealand, WIFT & Topic Rentals

Great stills don't just happen. They require planning, collaboration, and understanding their value from day one.

Publicity stills are how you sell your film. They're also a contractual requirement for funders, yet they're often an afterthought in pre-production. This session explores how to approach unit stills strategically: building them into your budget and schedule, meeting funder requirements with high-quality imagery, and creating a collaborative process that delivers compelling promotional assets.

Join us for an insight into the crucial relationship between unit stills photographers and producers, featuring Matt Grace (Pike River, Time Bandits, The Rings of Power) and Vicky Pope (Producer, Pike River, Went Up the Hill, Savage).

Matt and Vicky will share how they approached unit stills on productions (including working together on Pike River and Savage), to capture outstanding stills that served both the creative vision and the practical demands of distribution and publicity.

Whether you're a producer planning your next project or a photographer looking to work in unit stills, this is an opportunity to understand what makes this collaboration work.

Date: Wednesday 12th November
Time: 6pm-8pm
Venue: Wētā Workshop Group Space, 129 Park Road, Miramar, Wellington

Free for WIFT members, $20 for non-members
Drinks & nibbles provided

REGISTER HERE

Programme is brought to you with generous support from the NZ Film Commission and Foundation North.