Awards Indicate Strength Of Creative Industries

Media release
22 June 2009

Entry Numbers For Second Qantas Film And Television Awards Indicate Strength Of Creative Industries

The 2009 Qantas Film and Television Awards has received an impressive 639 entries, a clear indication of the industries’ strength and good health, say the awards organisers.

More than 70 judges will assess entries over the next six weeks to name the finalists in the 63 awards categories across News and Current Affairs, General Television, Documentary and Film.

The prestigious awards programme is jointly organised by the Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand and the New Zealand Television Broadcasters’ Council, and celebrates excellence in the New Zealand film and television industries.

Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand executive director and organising committee co-chair Anna Cahill says the number of entries across a wide range of categories in this year’s awards reflects the strength and diversity of the film and television industries.

“It’s particularly encouraging that the number of entries in the feature film categories is so high,” Ms Cahill says.

“It’s a testing time to be involved in film and television, like many other sectors of the economy. But the number of entries shows that the people who work in our industries believe their efforts are worth recognising and celebrating –and we do too.”

New Zealand Television Broadcasters’ Council chief executive and organising committee co-chair Rick Friesen is thrilled with the number of entries.

“The number and quality of entries is a clear endorsement that the Qantas Film and Television Awards are the gold standard for the industry,” Mr Friesen says.

This year’s awards events will be held at the Civic Theatre in Auckland on 4 and 5 September.

About the Qantas Film and Television Awards 2009

For a full list of categories, and information about the awards, please visit the official Qantas Film and Television Awards website: www.qantasfilmandtvawards.co.nz.

Entries for the awards closed on Monday 15 June. The finalists will be announced in early August.

The Qantas Film and Television Craft Awards will be announced during an awards lunch at the Civic Theatre in Auckland on Friday 4 September.

The Qantas Film and Television Awards (including highlights from the Craft Awards) will be presented at an evening ceremony at the Civic Theatre on Saturday 5 September.

Tickets to the awards events go on sale on Monday June 29.

It is the second year the Awards have been held, following last year’s successful inaugural event. They are the amalgamation of the former New Zealand Screen Awards and the New Zealand Television Awards.
The Qantas Film and Television Awards is delighted to have Qantas as a significant partner and naming rights sponsor of the Awards.
The Awards would not be possible without the financial assistance of the New Zealand Film Commission.
The Qantas Film and Television Awards committee gratefully acknowledges the support from sponsors:

Auckland City Council –Auckland, home of the Qantas Film and Television Awards 2009

• Images and Sound
• NZ On Air
• Kordia Group Limited
• Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Maori Language Commission)
• Atomic Coffee Roasters
• AGB Nielsen

About the Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand

The Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand (SDGNZ) represents New Zealand directors and editors. The guild creates a forum where creatives can define, defend and further their professional industry. The SDGNZ is dedicated to the artistic excellence, employment opportunities and economic wellbeing of its members.

About the New Zealand Television Broadcasters’ Council

The New Zealand Television Broadcasters' Council is an industry organisation representing the non-competitive interests of free-to-air television broadcasters in New Zealand. The members are MediaWorks TV, Television New Zealand and Maori Television.

ENDS

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