The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) Annual Report 2013/14, tabled in parliament today, outlines changes and developments that will set the scene for future cultural and economic success for the New Zealand screen industry.
Releasing the report NZFC Chair Dame Patsy Reddy, said “The changes made by the NZFC staff reflects their drive and ambition for New Zealand filmmakers and the New Zealand film industry. For the period, the NZFC has transitioned away from a sales agency role to the guardianship philosophy of Te Ahi Ka, overseen the introduction of the Government’s New Zealand Screen Production Grant (NZSPG) and the formation of the Screen Advisory Board to support New Zealand filmmakers and the local film industry, strengthened collaborative relationships with other screen sector agencies and re-organised the structure of the NZFC to four core business units.”
For the period, the NZFC supported 13 new feature film projects, including seven documentaries, 22 short films, and almost 100 professional development opportunities for New Zealand talent. Twelve NZFC-funded feature films were released in cinemas in New Zealand with an average critic’s rating of four stars.
What We Do in the Shadows earned the most at the New Zealand box office, topping $2.5 million, while Mr Pip also made over $1 million. The ultra-low budget documentary Gardening with Soul proved popular, with its New Zealand box office returns of just under $500,000, the fourth-highest ever for a local documentary.
Looking to 2015, the NZFC is expecting a higher level of activity than experienced for some time. Six local feature film projects are scheduled to begin filming next year – including Poi E – the story of Dalvanius Prime. International television series Power Rangers is midway through production in Auckland, and US feature film Pete’s Dragon has confirmed it will being filming in New Zealand next year. Additionally, enquiries from international productions looking to film in New Zealand are up.
You can read more about the New Zealand Film Commission in the Annual Report on the NZFC website.