Film Auckland, Waitakere City & Shanghai Film Fest

Media statement

18 June 2007

Film Auckland and Waitakere City get the red carpet treatment at Shanghai International Film Festival

Yet another market is opening up for the increasingly influential New Zealand film industry - this time in China.

New Zealand film delegation members in China

A 14 member strong delegation of top New Zealand film makers, assembled by Film Auckland and led by Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey, is in China discussing co-production deals with the leading Chinese film authorities.

Not only is the group meeting a willingness to explore joint activities but New Zealand film, Out of the Blue, made by Desert Road Productions' Steven O'Meagher also made it into the Shanghai International Film Festival.

The event was attended by top movie stars from around the world, with American Sharon Stone heading the list.

Mayor Harvey, Mr O'Meagher and Film Auckland chairman, Peter Rive, were guests at the glittering, red carpet occasion, representing the New Zealand delegation, all of whom were later popular guests at the invitation-only post event function.

Mayor Harvey, a former member of the New Zealand Film Commission predicts a bright future for New Zealand film makers working with China.

"Film Auckland and Waitakere City - have spent a number of years building up to this and on this trip we met all the top people in the industry here - the people with the power to say yes or no to the Chinese industry working with the New Zealand industry - and they are saying yes, let's talk business," says Mr Harvey.

"We think there's the possibility of up to three co-productions to drop out of this visit but that's only the tip of the iceberg, I believe. The Chinese very much want to have a film making treaty with New Zealand and we want one with them," he says.

Mr Harvey says that the Chinese have a warm respect for New Zealand and that film venture will be a two way street.

"They have a huge industry - one group alone ensures that about 330 films are made each year - some by the company and others financed or part financed by them. And they have already said that if members of the delegation send proposals, they will be forwarded to the appropriate partners in China for consideration," he says.

The Chinese are also interested in tapping into New Zealand expertise both in film making and in gaining access to western markets.

They are also interested in the possibilities of Chinese productions or joint venture being made at Waitakere's Henderson Valley Film studios - soon to open the biggest sound stage in New Zealand.

ENDS

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