New Zealand Film Commission CEO Annie Murray reports an exciting run of local theatrical releases and the continued success of Te Puna Kairangi Premium Funded series here and offshore. The refreshed strategic plan is being set and last year’s rebate changes are settling in. Other bright spots on the path ahead include the New Zealand industry presence at Cannes and other global markets plus the welcome return of international productions after last year’s US strikes.
The Convert and The Mountain hit cinemas in March and at least eight more films are well on the way including Bookworm, A Mistake, The Moon is Upside Down, Ka Whawhai Tonu, Tinā, Grafted, I, Object and Joika.
Te Puna Kairangi Premium Fund series were embraced by audiences and critics with After The Party noted as “the best TV drama we’ve ever made”* and “a coming-of-age for New Zealand television”**, sold to UK broadcaster Channel 4. Irish co-production The Gone sold to the BBC and season 2 is in prep and Dark City: The Cleaner is capturing audience share over on Neon.
International productions are rebounding at pace with our local crews working on features with Disney, Warner Bros, Sony, 20th Century and Blumhouse. A Lionsgate series is also underway and another in pre-production
