When Friday Tigers won both major prizes at the New Zealand's Best Short Film Competition recently, it capped an outstanding 12 months for Auckland production company Notable Pictures.
Friday Tigers won both the Madman Entertainment jury prize and the audience award, beating out the five other finalists, selected from 91 original entrants. The competition was part of the New Zealand International Film Festival.
Notable Pictures is run by Julia Parnell who picked up the coveted 'Woman to Watch' award at the 2010 WIFT awards. Parnell produced Tigers and says is "incredibly proud of the film."
Friday Tigers was funded under the lowest budget level of the New Zealand Film Commission's Fresh Shorts programme, so it has far surpassed expectations. That's testament to Aidee Walker's excellent script, vision and direction, and to the many people who gave their time for free or very little to make this film a reality."
Director Aidee Walker said the support of Notable Pictures was critical in allowing her to realise her vision.
"Julia and her team really helped bring everything together. They gave me the freedom and resources I needed to make this film the best it could be."
This year, Notable Pictures has produced critically acclaimed documentaries The Exponents for Prime Television's Prime Rocks series and Restoring Hope for Maori Television.
It has also produced its second season of documentary series Both Worlds, focusing on 1.5 and second generation New Zealanders, currently screening on TV3.
Notable Pictures has two more high profile short films in post-production: Dive and Rising Dust.
Congratulations to Julia and her team - and we look forward to some more great work over the next few months.