Archive Mar 2010

Anne O'Brien has resigned as WIFT NZ Executive Director. Announcing her resignation late last month, the WIFT NZ Board commended Anne for her part in the organisation's consolidation and growth over the past three years, particularly the amalgamation of WIFT Auckland and WIFT Wellington …

• Gaylene Preston is the first ever recipient of the "Outstanding Contribution to NZ Documentary Industry" award, as her work in the field of real-life story telling was recognised at the Documentary Edge Awards, held in Auckland last week.
• Shirley Horrocks' Dance of the I…

The latest achievements of WIFT NZ members in Berlin have been highlighted by Paula Bellenoit on The Scoop, Women In Film and Video's Industry News Podcast.  Listen here: http://humanfactor.net/theScoop

Sussan Turner has been appointed Group Managing Director as part of the latest MediaWorks management restructure.  Formerly head of MediaWorks' radio operations, Turner will take on the revived group chief executive role, and will be replaced as CEO of the Company's Radio division by…

From March 4^th onwards The Paramount in Wellington will be playing New Zealand short films before most feature presentations. Titles being showcased in March include: award-winner The Six Dollar Fifty Man; Nothing Special; Roseanne Liang's Take 3; This is Her; and Careful With That…

The WIFT office is delighted to welcome Nia Phipps to the team as WIFT NZ Administrator to replace initial appointee Michele Roche who was unable to take up the role due to ill health.  Nia is a WIFT member who has worked in both independent…

WIFT members can now benefit from the following discounts in Auckland, on presentation of your membership card:

• 15% discount on cut & colours with Senior Stylist Eddi Pervan @ Playle Hairdressing (4 - 2 Canada Street, Newton). Ph (09) 360 62 39 or 0…

We are very sorry to let you know that Christchurch WIFT member, presenter and Crown Limousines CEO Sharon Lingham passed away after suffering an aneurism earlier this month. Sharon was a warm, energetic and generous woman and a great supporter of WIFT.  She wil…

Salt & Vinegar, a short film produced by WIFT NZ member Leela Menon, and written and directed by Karyn Childs, has been accepted into competition in the acclaimed International Short Film Festival Oberhausen in Germany. Salt & Vinegar is one of only two NZ shorts…

WIFT NZ member Robyn Malcolm has been voted Best Actress on television for the sixth year in a row and Sexiest Woman on television for the third year running in the TV Guide Best on the Box People's Choice Awards.  Antony Starr, who also plays…

Sandra Clark from Film NZ won the mystery prize at WIFT's networking drinks on 8^th March in Wellington.  Thanks to all WIFT members and guests who attended the event at TVNZ's Avalon studi…

Barrie Everard has sold Auckland-based Berkeley Cinema Group, to Australia's Hoyts Corporation, reported The National Business Review last week. New Zealand's fourth biggest chain, Berkeley have four cinemas with a total of 21 screens, all based in Auckland.  The Berkeley purchase brings Hoyts nationwide c…

WIFT's last e-news went out before the Best Director Oscar was presented, and since then there has been plenty of talk of this historic moment that took place on International Women's Day.  Kathryn Bigelow won the Academy Award for Direction, for the film The Hurt…

A co-production forum aimed at encouraging new relationships between UK and Australian producers will be held in London immediately prior to this year's Cannes Film Festival.  The event received formal approval last week from marketing body Ausfilm, which is working with Australian state agencies…

NZ On Air has announced its latest Platinum Fund investment: the specially created $15 million fund will support Bliss,  a period drama telling the early story of Katherine Mansfield for TV One's prime time Sunday Theatre. Bliss will be made by writer/director Fiona Samue…

Freeview has launched the first annual Freeview Awards, which include the best digital only TV channel and best digital only TV show, and are designed to highlight the significant contribution that a range of partners and stakeholders have made in making Freeview a success.  The…

The first event of Script to Screen's Writer's Room series this year hosted a frank discussion about why some New Zealand films are 'bombing at the box office.'  A write up of the discussion lead by MC Vanessa Alexander and guests Andrew Cornwell (general manage…