Film And Television Awards Come Together

Media release

Film And Television Awards Come Together To Create A New, Higher Profile Industry Event

Qantas secures naming rights

The Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand and the New Zealand Television Broadcasters' Council are pleased to announce they have joined forces to create the inaugural Qantas Film and Television Awards.

These awards are the coming together of the two former award ceremonies that have been running for the last three years: The New Zealand Screen Awards and the New Zealand Television Awards. The new combined awards programme will identify the best of the best in the New Zealand film and television industry.

The new awards programme will be the largest in the country. From the craft skills that underpin delivery, to the creativity and disciplines that bring people's work to life on screen, the new awards comprise almost 60 categories.

Screen Directors Guild President Annie Goldson said: "We're really happy to be working with the New Zealand Television Broadcasters' Council to create a single significant event. Although both former awards programmes have been successful in their own right, having one awards programme will make these awards far more prestigious."

New Zealand Television Broadcasters' Council Chair Brent Impey said: "By combining the awards we're raising the bar and that can only be good for the industry at large. We're looking forward to working with the Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand to celebrate the accomplishments in our industry."

Grant Lilly, Regional General Manager for Qantas in New Zealand, said that Qantas saw the combined awards as a smart move by the industry and an incredible opportunity for Qantas to support the talent that defines New Zealand's role in film and television.

"As a global carrier we are exposed to the best of the best of world talent. It doesn't take much to see the impact that the New Zealand film and television industry has on the world and that's why we are proud to bring our name to these awards," Mr Lilly said.

Impey and Goldson welcomed Qantas as naming rights sponsor.

Impey said: "We are delighted to be working with Qantas to deliver a competition and awards programme that will build on the strengths of past years."

Entries for the 2008 Qantas Film and Television Awards opened today [eds: June 9] and organisers expect a record number of entries and large guest list for the awards celebrations in Auckland on September 12 and 13.

The four award sections are News and Current Affairs, Film, General Television and Documentary. For a full breakdown of these categories, the 2008 entry kit, and an online entry form please visit www.qantasfilmandtvawards.co.nz

Entries close Friday, July 4.

Key dates for the Qantas Film and Television Awards

Tickets will be on sale for the Qantas Film and Television Awards and the Qantas Film and Television Craft Awards from Tuesday, July 1.

Finalists for the Qantas Film and Television Awards will be announced on Tuesday, August 12.

The Qantas Film and Television Craft Awards will be announced during an awards lunch at the Civic Theatre on Friday, September 12.

The Qantas Film and Television Awards (including highlights from the Craft Awards) will be presented at a function at the Civic Theatre on Saturday, September 13 with a combined after party.

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 directors and editors can define, defend and further their professional industry. Directors have a responsibility to shape and influence the collective environment they work in. It is the Guild's role to help Screen Directors and Editors work more effectively in the New Zealand Film and Television industry.

For all expertise levels, from young trainees to seasoned directors, the SDGNZ is dedicated to the artistic excellence, employment opportunity 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 TVWorks, Television New Zealand and Maori Television.

ENDS

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