Film Auckland trade mission seeks Asian business

6th June 2007

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Film Auckland trade mission seeks Asian business
MOU signing with Korea – on agenda

New Zealand film making aims to increase its international profile even further through a delegation of screen professionals who will visit China and Korea in June.

Led by Film Auckland - and supported by Waitakere Enterprise - the delegation will be aiming to sell New Zealand productions, seek co-productions with Asian producers and entice Asian film makers to base at least some of their work at the Henderson Valley Studios, in Waitakere.

In addition, the New Zealand film OUT OF THE BLUE will screen at the Shanghai International Film Festival, in mid June

The mission also expects to progress the development of a Memorandum of Understanding between Film Auckland, and the similarly industry-led Korean Film Producers Association.

The mission is headed up by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, a former deputy chairman of the New Zealand Film Commission and Peter Rive chairman of Film Auckland.

“Asian film making is much bigger than people realise and is a vast area of opportunity for the New Zealand film industry – just as New Zealand is a land of opportunity for them. I congratulate Film Auckland on bringing this mission together,” says Mr Harvey.

“Something like 70 percent of the New Zealand film industry is based in Auckland. The biggest film studios are in Waitakere. Therefore it is up to the industry in this area to show a lead, and that’s what they’re doing,” he says.

Mr Harvey’s standing in China is high, he was made an honorary citizen of Ningbo in 2005, after a long standing sister city friendship between Waitakere City and Ningbo, and his presence is expected to be taken as a mark of how seriously Film Auckland is pursuing business with China.

Mr Harvey’s visit is being sponsored by Air New Zealand.

The 17 member mission includes those applicants selected by the review committee to receive funding assistance from Film Auckland. They were: Philippa Campbell, (producer of the recently released feature film, Black Sheep), Robin Scholes, (producer of The Tattooist), Anzac Tindal, (line producer for high profile international TV commercials) and Paul Carren, (producer of Emmy award winning, Ike).

Chairman of Film Auckland Peter Rive says "I am thrilled to be part of such an experienced and impressive delegation, we are connecting with very senior officials and film makers in both China and Korea."

“This mission highlights Film Auckland’s vision, to bring cultural, artistic and economic benefits to the Auckland region, by attracting co-productions and international productions that can have a significant impact on employment and investment into the region.”

“The Film Auckland Board would also like to thank the independent review committee, chaired by Tash Christie, for their contribution,” he says.

ENDS

www.filmauckland.com

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