Right to left: Litia Tuiburelevu, Eva Trebilco, and Joye Wong.
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is proud to announce three new recipients of its International Placement Initiative: Litia Tuiburelevu (Protagonist Pictures), Joyce Wong (Good Chaos), and Eva Trebilco (STUDIOCANAL NZ).
Designed for emerging to mid-career writers, directors, and producers from Aotearoa New Zealand, this initiative offers the opportunity to develop overseas industry networks, learn and refine filmmaking skills, and gain work experience within selected global film companies.
NZFC Head of Funding, Ainsley Gardiner, has been impressed not only by the response to the International Placement Initiative but also the calibre of the filmmakers applying.
“The response to our International Placement Initiative is a strong indicator our local creatives have a keen ambition to broaden their skills and further develop their international contacts. Seeing both emerging and established practitioners secure places with globally respected companies is incredibly encouraging. It tells me the knowledge and experience they’ll gain will ripple outward, strengthening our sector. Strong relationships are the backbone of our film community, and these international placements offer meaningful opportunities for the recipients, the wider industry, and the communities they represent here in Aotearoa.”
The initiative continues to strengthen ties between Aotearoa and the international screen industry, with host companies expressing strong enthusiasm for the quality of New Zealand talent.
Litia Tuiburelevu, an award-winning filmmaker whose work spans scripted, documentary, and legal advisory roles, will join the acquisitions and development team at Protagonist Pictures in London. She recently completed a director’s attachment on Big Girls Don’t Cry and her directorial debut series Still Here reflects her commitment to bold, indigenous storytelling.
“We are very excited to welcome Litia to the Protagonist team. Her varied industry experience, impressive filmmaker knowledge, and her passion for spotting and nurturing new talent will make her a great asset to our development and acquisitions team. We believe the NZFC International Placement Programme will be an invaluable opportunity to support exciting emerging talent and further nourish our connection to New Zealand’s thriving creative industry,” says Dave Bishop, Protagonist Pictures CEO.
Litia echoed Bishop’s enthusiasm, saying, “I'm delighted to accept a placement with Protagonist Pictures in London! As a freelance filmmaker, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work within a world-class company, one that will help me grow both creatively and commercially, while building valuable new connections on this side of the world. I’m excited to bring everything I learn back to our screen stories in Aotearoa and the Pacific. Vinaka vaka levu (thank you) to the NZFC and Protagonist Pictures for making this possible!”
Also heading to London is Joyce Wong, producer and founder of the One7 Pictures production company, whose passion lies in telling stories through a pan Asian, female lens.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Good Chaos. Their bold, award-winning films and entrepreneurial spirit reflect the kind of global storytelling that excites me most. Under Mike Goodridge’s leadership, Good Chaos has built an outstanding reputation as a champion of innovative cinema across both Western and Asian markets. As a producer committed to spotlighting and empowering Asian filmmakers, I’m inspired by the company’s international outlook and dedication to diverse voices. I can’t wait to contribute to such a dynamic, growing team and gain hands-on experience across every part of production.”
Good Chaos was founded by international producer Mike Goodridge, who believes Joyce is an ideal match for the company.
“Everyone at Good Chaos is really excited to welcome Joyce to the company for this extended placement. Her enthusiasm for her job and the types of films we make made her a clear fit. This is a fantastic scheme by NZFC, which gives the young producer and the company she is joining some real mutual benefit.”
Sticking closer to home with a placement at the Aotearoa arm of Europe’s leading film and television studio, STUDIOCANAL, is Eva Trebilco. Eva is an emerging producer who brings a sharp creative instinct to her work. Her debut feature Shut Eye premiered at the New Zealand International Film Festival and was selected by Melbourne IFF and Manchester IFF.
“I'm thrilled to be offered this very special and exciting opportunity, and deeply grateful to NZFC and STUDIOCANAL NZ. As an emerging producer who's been at the helm of indie releases, I’m increasingly drawn to the moment where films meet the world. I find distribution to be a fascinating and complex industry sector. This internship offers a rare look behind often closed doors, gaining invaluable insight into the pitching and deal making between top sales agents and distributors. It's right on the pulse of the market and I'm excited to dive in,” says Eva.
STUDIOCANAL NZ’s, General Manager – Sales and Acquisitions, Nigel Forsyth is pleased to be partnering with the New Zealand Film Commission on the initiative, stating the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to nurturing emerging talent in Aotearoa.
“We are delighted to welcome Eva as the inaugural recipient of this internship. Her passion, creativity, and all-round knowledge of film, make her a fantastic addition to our team. We look forward to supporting her journey as she further develops her career via this exciting initiative.”
Eva has already started her placement, with Litia and Joyce starting theirs in October.