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Film Factory New Zealand News

17 February 2009
Press Release: China Delegation

Paul Carran, founding member of Film Auckland and an independent film producer hosted on behalf of Film Auckland a welcome dinner for a top level film industry delegation from China, led by Miao Xiaotian, Vice president of China Film Co-production Corporation and Han Xiaoli, General Manager of China Film Group at Cin Cin restaurant in Auckland. In welcoming the honoured guests from the Peoples Republic of China, Paul explained the wine list for the evening meal and the meaning of the appropriately named New Zealand wines. One pinot noir wine was from the Mount Beautiful winery and represented the beautiful films that co-operation between China and New Zealand will produce. A Sauvignon blanc wine was from the Te Awa winery. Te Awa means the river and represented the flow of communication between the two countries as well as being pure of spirit and intent in all business dealings. The third wine was from the Nga Waka winery. Nga Waka means the canoes and represented the collaboration of both countries by joining together in the one enterprise to move forward into the future with success. The relaxed and friendly dinner enabled the guests to discuss how New Zealand and China can successfully initiate the co-production of feature films that can be made jointly in both countries. Paul Carran and Philippa Campbell subsequently met with the delegation to discuss a film project they are jointly producing that is set in both China and New Zealand.


Rain of the Children
November 2008
Rain of the Children

Paul Carran, Film Factory producer congratulated Vincent Ward on his latest doco-feature, Rain of the Children.

Paul said the honesty of Vincent's personal journey and the way he enabled the story of the past to be revealed was very moving.

Paul's iwi is Te Atiawa from Taranaki on the east coast of the North Island of Aotearoa. His people were also invaded and forcibly removed and dispersed from their villages in the land wars of the 1860s.

'Vincent's film brought home to me the immense loss of potential that occurred in Maoridom through violent colonisation, Paul commented, 'And today we also see that potential threatened by other issues that we all must address.'

Rain of the Children is screening during AFM on 11th November at AMC Loews, Broadway.



October 2008
Asia Pacific Producers Network Annual Meeting & Conference

Paul Carran and Toho Studios producer Shogo Tomiyama Paul Carran, producer and Film Auckland board member attended the Asia Pacific Producers Network annual meeting and conference held in conjunction with the Tokyo International Film Festival at Roppongi Hills, Tokyo.

The Asia Pacific Producers Network is a network of film producers across the Asia Pacific region of which Paul is a member. He also attended last year's conference in Seoul, Korea.

This year it was the Japanese members turn to host the conference and over three days a busy schedule enabled members to network, explore co-production opportunities and discuss taking projects to other countries. The Japan Location Market enabled members to access new film and television projects in development. A new feature of the Tokyo International Film Festival was the Tokyo Producer Group that was a targeted networking meeting forum for specific Asian film and television projects looking for investors and co-production partners.

All members were interested in the potential of New Zealand to develop and co-produce with them new and interesting stories that have an audience in the west as well as Asia. The SPIF (Screen Production Incentive) grant gives New Zealand producers a stronger place in the process of developing and financing movies with an Asian influence. New Zealand recently signed a co-production treaty with Korea and together with the SPIF grant, provides added opportunity for the New Zealand screen production industry. Next year the APN conference and annual meeting will be held in China and after that Korea. It is proposed that Film Auckland host the annual conference in 2011. In the meantime members use the new APN website, www.apninfocenter.com, to communicate with each other as well as utilising the conference call services of skype. Paul's assessment of the conference was that, 'there is a growing interest in New Zealand in Asia. Korea, China, Taiwan and Japan as well as other member countries are markets with much to offer the New Zealand screen production industry. Business in Asia will continue to grow and flourish. I see great things happening in the future despite the current financial turmoil sweeping across the globe.'


August 2007 - Paul Carran of Film Factory New Zealand Limited visits China and Korea

Asia Mission results in Korean co-pro agreement.

A recent film delegation to China and Korea, put together by Film Auckland and Waitakere City, has lead to the first-ever agreement between Auckland and Korean film producers to work on co-productions.

The MOU, signed by Film Auckland chairman Peter Rive and Mr Joondong (J.D.) Lee, vice president of the Korean Film Producers Association, represents a major breakthrough for the film industries of both countries.

"The Korean industry is very large but it needs to break into the world markets more," said Mr Rive. "We know how to develop products for the western market and have a high level of technical skill in production and post-production that they can tap into."

In return, the New Zealand industry will benefit from access to Asian markets, notably the 48-million strong Korean market. "The possibilities for us in Asia are just huge," says Mr Rive. "The MOU is not just about feature films - it opens the door on television productions and even TV commercials in which New Zealand is highly respected internationally."

A treaty at Government level will help strengthen access to investment funding.

The delegation also visited China where it met with similar levels of success. The party was told at the most senior levels of the Chinese film industry, that the door to China was open to New Zealand film makers. In addition, Steven O'Meagher's and Robert Sarkies's film Out of the Blue - the story of the Aramoana massacre - was featured in the Shanghai International Film Festival. The delegation to Asia included: Peter Rive, The Original Cut and chairman of Film Auckland; Robyn Scholes, Eyeworks Touchdown TV and deputy chair of Film Auckland; Steven O'Meagher, Desert Road; Philippa Campbell, Escapade Pictures; Paul Carran, Film Factory; Anzak Tindall, JoyRide Films; Garry Little, Digipost; Peter Mayo, Flying Start Pictures; James Hudson, Toybox; and Dr Tina Hong, associate professor and executive head of the School of Performing and Screen Arts for Unitec.


April 2007 - Film Factory's Paul Carran provided producer services to Metia's recently released CUBE game. "I really enjoyed assisting Metia's managing director Maru Nihoniho lock down a deal with D3P and then bring the project to fruition. We started off production in Film Factory's offices and then moved to a new office that Metia set up to finish production of Cube. The game is totally addictive and great fun. We now look forward to bringing more innovative gaming product to the market." says Carran. Film Factory and Metia continue to develop their Guardian game and film project, based on a Maori heroine, Maia who battles to overcome evil.

PRESS RELEASE CubeTM for PlayStation®Portable

Auckland, New Zealand – 10 April 2007 - Game development studio Metia Interactive announced today that their original title, CubeTM for PlayStation®Portable, is due for release in the North America 24 April 2007, Japan 27 May 2007 and Europe 25 June 2007.

In preparation for the forthcoming launch, the official Cube website with screenshots, information and trailer has been launched www.thecubegame.com.

"Cube was designed specifically to take advantage of the PlayStation®Portable with features such as gameshare and adhoc multiplayer modes," said Maru Nihoniho, Managing Director of Metia Interactive. "Cube comes in at a very competitive price point is a great purchase for PlayStation®Portable owners".

Warwick Light, Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand's General Manager - Sales & Marketing said "It's fantastic to see New Zealand made content on the PSP format. We offer our congratulations to Metia, Cube's thrilling and addictive game-play will surely make it a winning title on the PSP this year".

Available exclusively for the PlayStation®Portable, Cube is an addictive strategy/puzzle game that challenges players to make their way through suspended 3D worlds of platforms and mazes. Cube offers compelling single and multiplayer modes and allows players to create and share custom levels with friends. Each level is jam-packed with obstacles and collectible items for players of all ages to enjoy. Offering endless hours of replayability, players can explore Cube on impulse or take down total environments in one sitting. Cube delivers the addiction casual gamers have come to expect!

The features of Cube include:
  • Multiple Environments and Levels – Explore 9 themed zones and 135 compelling levels of gameplay.
  • Create And Share Puzzles With Friends – Build your own unique and custom levels by using the level editor.
  • Bonus Levels – Unlock 9 bonus levels and receive new challenges to conquer.
  • Unlockable Content – Unlock hidden music and add that music to your custom levels by completing the Rhythm Modes.
  • Challenging Obstacles – More than 13 different entities/triggers/hazards from "rolling bombs" to "sinker cubes" either helps or hinders your progress or use them to create and share custom puzzles.
  • Wireless Multiplayer Mode – Play Battle and Co-op mode in more than 35 levels!
  • Game Sharing – Share game-share levels with friends that don't have their own copy of Cube.
  • Original Sound Track - Cube also features it's own original soundtrack developed by Paddy Free and Michael Hodgson from New Zealand music group Pitch Black.
"Metia Interactive has a great working relationship with the team at D3Publisher and we are pleased to be collaborating with them on Cube. D3Publisher has given us the opportunity, time and freedom to create a game that will provide the fun factor that people expect in a puzzle game with simplistic stylish graphics, action elements and shared content” said Maru Nihoniho, Managing Director of Metia Interactive.

About Metia Interactive
Metia Interactive is a game and intellectual property development company based in Auckland, New Zealand. Metia have focussed on building a 'company brand', new, creative and innovative. Metia's first published title is Cube for the PlayStation Portable® and will be released in the United States 24 April 2007 by D3Publisher of America®. For more information on Metia Interactive visit the website at http://www.metia.co.nz

About D3Publisher of America, Inc
D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3, Inc. with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. D3Publisher of America’s strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal computers, major console platforms and handheld systems including WiiTM, Nintendo GameCubeTM, Nintendo DSTM Game Boy® Advance, PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the Xbox 360TM video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3publisher.us.

Press Contacts:

Maru Nihoniho
Managing Director
Metia Interactive
+64 21 424 482
maru@metia.co.nz
www.metia.co.nz

Tamara M. Sanderson
Publicity Manager
D3Publisher of America, Inc.
+1 (310) 231-8879
t.sanderson@d3p.us
www.d3publisher.us


26 April 2006 - Sir Mick Jagger is to appear in the pilot episode of a new US TV sitcom

The Rolling Stones star is filming a cameo role in New Zealand during a break in the band's world tour.
Click here to read the BBC article.


26 April 2006 - Mick Jagger Joins a New ABC Sitcom

Click here to read the NY Times article.



January 2006 - Film Factory announces that it is in preproduction service producing a feature length television movie.

Shooting commences 6th February and is scheduled to wrap 4th March 2006. "We are thrilled to have another movie contracted to us," comments Paul Carran, "With the NZ dollar having been so high over the last 2 years, it is reassuring that as it eases back down, we expect more production service work to flow into our company."


December 2005 - Paul Carran, CEO of Film Factory, attended the Australian Game Developers' Conference in Melbourne

"We have a joint venture with Metia Interactive with 'The Guardian', a futuristic action game and movie in development. We are also working with Metia on the 'Cube' game, a fascinating puzzle game for the playstation portable platform. The New Zealand game development industry is in its infancy but it has considerable potential with a number of talented Kiwis establishing new businesses. Film Factory has committed to working with Metia on joint projects and we see the crossover of filmed entertainment and games as a natural expansion of our company and a valuable utilization of our skills and resources."

Paul Carran    Maru and Paul



Paul, Liz and Judith November 2005 - Liz DiFiore and Paul Carran attended the American Film Market in Santa Monica

"It was a very successful market for us", commented Liz, head of development at Film Factory. "We made new contacts for our development slate and started discussions with prospective co-production partners. Also we received interest from other producers who want to work with us on their projects. Several of them were interested in our Fiji initiative and we explored opportunities for us to assist other projects in Fiji as well as New Zealand."



7th Oct 2005 - Metia Inks Deal With Film Factory

METIA INTERACTIVE TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT IT HAS SIGNED A JOINT VENTURE DEAL WITH FILM FACTORY NEW ZEALAND TO FURTHER DEVELOP THE PROTOTYPE OF ITS INTERACTIVE SUPERNATURAL ACTION ADVENTURE GAME "THE GUARDIAN" AND TO DEVELOP AND PRODUCE A FEATURE LENGTH MOVIE OF THE SAME NAME.

Metia Inks Deal With Film Factory Maru Nihoniho of Metia said that her original idea for a female Maori heroine, battling the forces of evil as personified in a mind controlling Taniwha is now at the stage that additional partners are needed to take to project into the market. Poata Eruera has written the script for the movie and has collaborated with Maru in extending the original concept with a back story set in the last days of Atlantis.

The main action is set in the future and both the game and the movie will contain substantial special effects and exciting action sequences. 'Film Factory was a natural choice for us because Poata knows both Paul Carran and Liz DiFiore who head the company', said Maru. 'Paul and Liz's extensive experience in project financing, script development and physical film production give us the confidence that together we will create something truly amazing. We will have an interactive prototype of the game available for the American Film Market in November and we are already receiving interest from game publishers'. The multi-player action game is for the next generation platforms and features Maia, the Maori heroine assisted by two other heroines.

The movie is intended as a large budget movie that Film Factory will make in New Zealand. 'The market is now seeing the teaser ads for King Kong and the lost world he inhabits. The Guardian takes that concept to a new level with supernatural historic and futuristic action adventure that will have the audience on the edge of its seats', says Carran. 'Liz and I read Poata's script and immediately saw its potential. Both Maru and Poata have created a fantastic story that audiences worldwide will relate to.'

For further information on The Guardian - the game and the movie, see metia.co.nz or theguardiangame.com


25 Feb 2005 - Watch This Space: Paul Carran Interview

ONFILM MAGAZINE'S FEBRUARY 2005 ISSUE DISCUSSES THE EXPANSION OF STUDIO SPACE IN BOTH WELLINGTON AND AUCKLAND AND CONTAINS THE VIEWPOINTS OF LOCAL SCREEN INDUSTRY LEADERS ON HOW BEST TO ACHIEVE THIS.

The Film Factory's Paul Carran, however, says that recreating the Australian experience is not the answer. "What I am recommending is small expansion of capacity that in total is less than $20 million of investment. Australian studio funding has been in the hundreds of millions. [Comparisons are] chalk and cheese.'

"Auckland as a film centre is realistic in its objectives. They are modest but extremely worthwhile and they are achievable if there is a political will to assist. There is a very real tangible fiscal payback to the taxpayer if my recommendations were to be adopted."

Carran believes private capital will only be attracted if there is a significant government contribution to lessen the risk.

"I have given government officials outlines of financial models that would protect the interests of the taxpayer funding and still grow the economy and attract more private capital to an expanded proposal..."

"Competing nations have invested through government and state subsidy for studio facilities that give their country an advantage over New Zealand. Even with the modest contribution from Government in the Henderson Valley Studios soundstage, it is not enough."

"The government contribution should be at least 2 or 3 times that which has been offered- there is no guarantee that the soundstage will be built given the modest government contribution. Even if it is built, Auckland ideally would benefit from another two soundstages. Studio West proposes a new soundstage but that could be easily taken out by its existing key customer."


Paul Carran and Liz DiFiore
23 Feb 2005 - USA Producer Meets Film Industry Leaders

Film Factory's Liz DiFiore and Paul Carran (pictured) attended a Film Auckland cocktail function introducing Roee Peled to Auckland production companies.

Film Factory subsequently budgeted his project and advised on locations and how best to shoot the movie in New Zealand.

Roee's project is one of several feature films and movies of the week that Film Factory has recently assisted.



8 December 2004 - New Studio Financing for Auckland

Paul Carran, CEO of Film Factory NZ, has been instrumental in his role as a founding board member of Film Auckland in securing a NZ$2 million funding by NZ Trade and Enterprise as an injection into the Auckland film industry.

The NZ$2 million, spread over three years will be applied towards infrastructure such as a further studio in Auckland as well as training, marketing and other initiatives that Film Auckland will develop.

Currently screen production in Auckland accounts for around two thirds of all industry activity in NZ. The region has a strong history of producing international TV and film projects such as Film Factory's slate of recent movies including the Emmy nominated 'Ike- Countdown to D-Day'. "We are receiving strong overseas enquiries to service big features as well as TV drama that want to base themselves in Auckland. Without more studios we cannot satisfy all these opportunities", says Paul. "Although we would have liked to get more assistance from government, especially for the studio build in Auckland, I am pleased with the positive result."

Film Factory NZ has exported over NZ$30 million dollars of NZ made international ranking TV movies in the last three years, making it the biggest specialist production service company in the country. All its movies have been 100% funded without any contribution or assistance from NZ funding sources and all have received critical acclaim.


19 November 2004 - Paul Carran Speaks at SPADA Conference

SPADA Conference November 2004 Film Factory NZ Limited CEO, Paul Carran, shared his insights into service, (producing 6 movies of the week in the last 3 years) at the 2004 Small Country Big Picture conference of the Screen Production and Development Association held in Auckland.

Judith McCann of Film NZ moderated the panel of industry experts who gave their perspectives on production servicing overseas movies in NZ. Film Factory's show reel of 6 of its movies was a popular backdrop to the lively discussion. "Production servicing overseas movies is a significant earner of overseas funds for the economy, yet it also enhances and adds value to New Zealand domestic screen production", commented Paul. "We are experts in what we do; we understand the needs of overseas studios, networks and producers. But we also promote our local industry and continue to develop its skills base as well as providing important experience for all who work on our movies. It's a win/win situation for all concerned."


Variety Nov. 8-14 2004 - Plenty of TV Action

CRITICAL ACCLAIM IS CONTINUING FOR TV MOVIES PRODUCED IN NEW ZEALAND WITH IKE; COUNTDOWN TO D-DAY RECENTLY RECEIVING SIX NOMINATIONS IN THE PRESTIGIOUS EMMY AWARDS, WHICH RECOGNISE EXCELLENCE IN TELEVISION PRODUCTION. KATHERINE EDMONDS REPORTS.

Overseen by Auckland's Film Factory, the movie became the number one rated program in the past 12 years on America's Arts and Entertainment Network, when it screened on the 60th anniversary of D Day in June this year.

Film Factory chief executive Paul Carran says the success of IKE illustrates the breadth and depth of New Zealand's television production industry.

"It takes a highly skilled and committed pool of talent to produce a program that becomes one of the top five TV shows in the world. We have the crews, the production capability, the creativity and a thorough knowledge of the US filmmaking system, all of which make our industry globally competitive."

As is usual for the company, Film Factory spent several months researching locations and sourcing equipment for the award winning IKE movie, which starred Tom Selleck as US Army General Dwight Eisenhower and New Zealand actor Ian Mune as Winston Churchill.

Paul Carran says an earlier high-rating Film Factory TV movie, Murder in Greenwich, was so convincing that even people born and brought up in Connecticut, where the movie is based, believed it had been filmed locally.

"New Zealand is incredibly versatile as a location. We have re-created locations as diverse and distinctive as Los Angeles, New York and the Mid-West for our production of the Lucille Ball film Lucy for example, to make authentic and cost-effective television."

Film Factory is a joint venture between Carran and a US-based partner, a highly successful formula for the company.

"Hollywood is a network of relationships and it's vital to have someone on the ground to service the needs of the industry," says Carran.

International work is the fastest growing segment of New Zealand's television production industry, despite the impact of a higher New Zealand dollar.

"We are attracting serious players to make their productions in New Zealand," Carran says. "We are reliable, deliver on time and under budget and the quality of our shows is high. That's essential in such a highly competitive and global industry."


21 October 2004 - New Zealand lobbies for second film sound stage

New Zealand film agency Film Auckland is bidding for US$1.8m (NZ$1.7m) from the New Zealand Government to help construct a second purpose-built film sound stage in the country.

New Zealand's only other purpose-built film stage is down south in Wellington and is now being used for Peter Jackson's King Kong. It was built earlier this year, also with assistance from government.

The application was submitted last week through the Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy and, according to Film Auckland executive manager Natasha Christie, a decision will be made in mid-November. The Auckland region accounts for as much as 70% of all New Zealand's production for the screen.

If the money is forthcoming it is likely to go towards a fifth stage at the Henderson Valley Studios, the former apple and pear cool store and pack house complex that has been used for production for a decade. It is currently housing The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe.

"We are aware of projects that do not come or do not consider coming to New Zealand because of a lack of available and appropriate space," says John Wadsworth from the city of Waitakere, which purchased Henderson in October 2002. Since then it has had an 84% occupancy rate. "For the country to maintain its status as a hot destination it needs to accommodate demand."

The plan is to pull together a mix of private and public money for the project. Some of the $1.8m over three years will be spent on marketing and on boosting skills among senior crew members.

Source: Sandy George,  www.screendaily.com.


20 October 2004 - New Zealand a World-Class Film Making Destination

Business and cultural relations between India and New Zealand will continue to grow strongly, said the Prime Minister Helen Clark during a visit to Mumbai.

Helen Clark is visiting India on a four day tour aimed at strengthening business and cultural ties between the two nations and highlighting New Zealand's attractiveness as a film making destination.

Over 100 Bollywood productions have been filmed in New Zealand since 1995. An estimated 18,000 Indian tourists visit New Zealand each year with 2,500 Indian students studying in the country.

New Zealand is an international film-making destination, with significant Hollywood films shot there, the most famous being New Zealander Peter Jackson's Academy Award winning The Lord of The Rings trilogy. Current film productions underway in New Zealand include The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe and King Kong.

"New Zealand is a nation of new ideas and new thinking. New Zealanders are independent, creative, innovative and quick to embrace new technologies. These qualities are evident in the success of New Zealand films, which have won international accolades far in excess of what one could expect of a country of four million people," said Helen Clark.

"In many areas - from film, to software development and biotechnology - New Zealand businesses are exceeding international benchmarks."
Helen Clark said that as well as being home to a superb line-up of technology companies and a dynamic local film industry, New Zealand also offers a host of natural advantages which position it as a first choice for overseas film, television and commercial productions.

"This includes an unspoiled, diverse and easily accessible landscape, a temperate climate, and high sunshine hours. New Zealand is quite possibly the only place in the world where filmmakers will find sub-tropical rainforests, snowy alps, lush green farmland, sandy beaches, craggy coastlines, high country sheep and cattle stations, citrus groves and the steel and urban landscapes within a relatively short distance of each other."

A number of New Zealand-born actors are also household names around the world - Oscar nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider), Sam Neill (Jurassic Park), Anna Paquin (The Piano, X-Men), Lucy Lawless (Xena), and Russell Crowe (Gladiator). Not to mention New Zealand soap star, Martin Henderson who features alongside Bollywood's Aishwarya Rai in the movie Bride and Prejudice.


8 September 2004 - Film Factory Actor in Critically Acclaimed Feature

Film Factory congratulates actor Emily Barclay on the selection of her latest feature film, "In My Father's Den" that has been invited to the 29th Toronto Film festival in Canada, the 52nd San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain and the 9th Pusan Film Festival in Korea.

Subsequent to starring in the lead role in the movie, Emily worked with Film Factory as the lead support actor alongside Marlo Thomas in its movie of the week 'Deceit', a thriller made for Sony Pictures TV and the Lifetime Channel in the USA.

CEO Paul Carran enthused about the critical acclaim New Zealand actors are receiving in films and made for TV movies produced in NZ, "It's gratifying to see recognition for the talent developing in NZ. At Film Factory we always look to cast as many roles as possible with our local talent. Emily is proof of the value of this approach and everyone at Film Factory is thrilled with her success."

Since making 'Deceit', Film Factory has completed 'Ike- Countdown to D-Day' in which local actor Ian Mune starred as Churchill with Tom Selleck in the lead as Ike.


August 2004 - A&E Television Network Congratulates Film Factory NZ and its NZ Cast and Crew

Dear Paul,

I know you've already heard from Sony about the Emmy nominations for IKE, but I wanted to tell you as well how pleased everyone here at A&E is, and to thank you and the crew again for helping us achieve such a successful and wonderful movie. IKE really was a homerun for us: record viewership in our target demo, critical acclaim, and now Emmy nominations! I wish every category had been recognized, but again, thank you for all your efforts and thank you to everyone who worked on it.

IKE: Countdown to D-Day Hope all is well with you.

Best,

Delia Fine
Vice President
Film, Drama and Performing Arts
A&E Television Network


July 2004 - EMMY Nominations for Film Factory's Latest Movie
Congratulations to all the Film Factory New Zealand cast and crew
Ike: Countdown to D-Day was nominated for six EMMYs!

  • Outstanding Made For Television Movie
  • Outstanding Direction
  • Outstanding Art Direction
  • Outstanding Hairstyling
  • Outstanding Editing
  • Outstanding Sound

31 May 2004 - Outstanding performance for IKE: Countdown to D-Day
#1 movie on A&E in at least the last twelve years in household rating/share (4.2 rtg / 6.7shr in A&E's universe). Furthermore, IKE grew substantially from A&E's season-to-date time period average, more than tripling among HH's and overall adults, while posting more than 6x growth among age 55+ viewers, the movie's core audience (M55+: 7.9/14.6).


Paul Carran - Women In Film And Television International Conference April 2004 - Women In Film And Television International Conference
Film Factory's Paul Carran spoke at the recent Women In Film And Television International Conference held in Auckland in April 2004 in Auckland, New Zealand.

04 March 2004
Film Funds for Auckland Follow Oscars
 
 
01 January 2004
Selleck Gets Vote of Confidence to Portray Eisenhower
 
 
01 January 2004
Happy New Year
 
 
17 December 2003 - Large Budget Screen Production Grants Criteria Announced
Media Release
Large Budget Screen Production - Questions and Answers
Film Grant Guidelines
 
 
03 December 2003 - Radio Interview
Interviewer: 'Waitakere City is making the most of the massive international interest in the Lord of the Rings. Mayor Bob Harvey says Waitakere is poised to be the leading film capital of New Zealand... the area is making features every day.'
 
Mayor Bob Harvey: 'Three are being made right now in Waitakere. These are really important to us...'
 
Interviewer: 'Mayor Harvey says Waitakere with its 'westiewood studios' is really making an effort to grab a slice of the action.' Ends
 
Waitakere City is located west of the central business district of Auckland. Film Factory New Zealand has a second production office at the 'westiewood studios' as well as a props sets and costume division. Film Factory is currently shooting a studio build yacht sequence at the studios.

01 July 2003 - New Zealand announces film and television incentives
Large budget film and television productions are to receive production expenditure grants as part of the long-term development of the New Zealand screen industry, Economic Development Minister Jim Anderton announced today.
 
"A 12.5 per cent production expenditure grant will be available for both local and overseas screen productions that meet the qualifying criteria.
 
"This grant scheme is an encouragement to attract and maintain the net economic benefits of hosting and producing major film and television projects in New Zealand," said Jim Anderton.
 
The grant criteria scheme will mean:
  • If production expenditure in New Zealand exceeds $50 million the film or television production will automatically qualify for the grant;
  • If the production expenditure in New Zealand amounts to between $15 million and $50 million expenditure and this equates to at least 70 per cent of the total production expenditure then it will also qualify.
The grant scheme will apply to feature films (including those shot direct to video), television movies, television drama series and mini-series.
 
"While expenditure on the grants will vary from year to year, in the next financial year $40 million could be available. This figure is based on large-scale film and television productions already considering filming here next year. In total these projects could invest nearly $300 million in New Zealand," said Jim Anderton.
 
"The film and TV industry is one of our most vibrant industries, with huge growth potential. By introducing this grant we will encourage more production here which will in turn bring more money into New Zealand, creating jobs and increasing the size of our local screen production industry."
 
"Although the scheme is focussed on large budget production there will be many beneficial "spill over" effects including providing local screen producers with continuity of work as well as helping them develop their skills and allowing them to work with top-class directors.
 
"The government also provides about $100 million a year to the New Zealand film and television industries through New Zealand on Air, the NZ Film Commission, NZ on Air, and other agencies. In addition I expect to announce further measures to encourage the New Zealand film industry in the next few months when the government responds fully to the report of the Screen and Film Production Industry Taskforce."
 
"Details of the criteria and administration of the grants scheme will be developed over the next two months," said Jim Anderton. Film Factory New Zealand has over 25 years of feature film and television development, financing, packaging, co-production as well as physical production experience.
 
The principals of Film Factory New Zealand have executive produced and financed or refinanced hundreds of millions of dollars of feature film and television production both in New Zealand and the USA as well as working on co-productions with Canada, UK and elsewhere.
 
Film Factory New Zealand can provide every aspect of assistance for overseas productions wanting to access the new grants and to carry out production in New Zealand.

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