MRS. BROWN RETURNS TO NZ WITH HER BRAND NEW SHOW! ‘FOR THE LOVE OF MRS. BROWN’

CHRISTCHURCH’S HORNCASTLE ARENA: FEB 28TH – MARCH 2ND
AUCKLAND’S SPARK ARENA: MARCH 7TH – 10TH
 
Presale tickets available from Ticketek (Christchurch) and Ticketmaster(Auckland) at 9am Tuesday August 1st with general tickets on sale Thursday 3rdAugust (at 9am). 

Voted as the Best British Sitcom of the 21st century by the Radio Times in the UK, Mrs Brown’s Boys will make a triumphant return to New Zealand in 2018. The Multi Award Winning Mrs Brown’s Boys will perform live, their brand new show FOR THE LOVE OF MRS. BROWN. 
 
FOR THE LOVE OF MRS. BROWN is the latest production of the side-splitting series written by and starring Brendan O’Carroll.  This brand new hilarious show sees Agnes looking for love using D’Internet, Cathy thinks plastic surgery might be the answer to getting that ring on her finger, Dermot realises he may need to step it up with the romance to keep his marriage fresh and even granddad has found love!
 
Mrs Brown’s Boys success and achievements has been nothing short of incredible.  With awards and accolades including four National Television Awards, two TV Choice Awards, three Scottish BAFTAs,  three IFTA Awards, three TV Times Award, Royal Television Society Winner and a TV BAFTA for Best Situation Comedy to being a ratings smash around the world, Mrs Brown’s Boys live has also broken box office records across the UK and Ireland.   
 
Since the Browns left New Zealand in 2016 they have kept busy with a very special Live Broadcast in July 2016 celebrating 60 years of Comedy with the BBC, Christmas Specials, a UK and Ireland Sell Out Arena Tour and Agnes’ brand new TV Chat show, All Round to Mrs. Brown’s, which attracted huge ratings earlier this year in the UK and Ireland when it aired to a staggering 5 million viewers each Saturday night. All Round to Mrs. Brown’s is currently showing on TVNZ each Thursday Night.
 
For all Mrs Browns’ die hard fans, you are in for the biggest treat.  For those who haven’t experienced Mrs Brown’s Boys live, For the Love of Mrs. Brown it is not to be missed.
 

"Come and see live what they can't show on D'TV”

 
‘FOR THE LOVE OF MRS. BROWN’ TOUR DATES:

CHRISTCHURCH’S HORNCASTLE ARENA: FEB 28TH, MARCH 1ST & 2ND 2018.
AUCKLAND’S SPARK ARENA: MARCH 7TH – 10TH 2018
 
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

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TO DOWNLOAD KEY IMAGES PLEASE CLICK HERE

GROUND-BREAKING NEW SERIES ‘IN MY MIND’ TO EXPLORE KIWI FEMALE MENTAL HEALTH

Four-part series to premiere on TVNZ 1 Sunday 16th July at 8:30am.

WATCH THE PROMO HERE: 

Today’s woman is sold on the idea; you can have it all. But this has transformed into an expectation; you must do it all. These unhealthy expectations are driving an anxiety epidemic explored in this new series from Attitude In My Mind premiering Sunday 16th July on TVNZ 1.
 
With technologically becoming increasingly sophisticated, our lives should be getting easier, but this is not the case. Some are addicted to social media, and while more connected, they feel more isolated than ever.  Women are feeling pressure to look thin and eat ‘clean’, while new mums feel plain exhausted as they try to be superwoman, but make it look #effortless. Women are having fewer children, later in life, but with divorce rates increasing, more are managing solo. Antidepressant use has doubled in developed countries over the last 10 years, and female suicide rates are rising. Success comes at a cost; many women burnout early in their careers. 
 
Via raw and honest interviews with New Zealand and Australian women of all ages, alongside expert opinion, this four-part series delves into stress, anxiety and mental health. Directed by four Kiwi female directors, each episode focuses on a different catalyst including social media addiction, the challenges of motherhood, body image and burnout as well as techniques to live in these increasingly challenging times.  
 
EPISODIC INFO:

Social Obsession – July 16th:  We’re more connected than ever...always at the beck and call of our smart phones. However, despite being constantly online, we’re feeling isolated and anxious.  This episode explores why social media is so addictive and what it’s doing to our mental health.    
 
Motherhood: – July 23rd: Motherhood is meant to be one of life’s fulfilling experiences, so why are mums such a mess?  This episode reveals how prolonged sleep deprivation has a negative, lasting effect on our brains, and why being a mum today is harder than ever.

Body: – July 30th: The pressure on women to be thin is everywhere.  While environmental and genetic factors cause obesity, society blames the individual for being lazy and greedy.  We look at the effects body pressure has on women, and why it must stop. 

Burnout: – August 6th: Burnout is referred to as the overachiever’s syndrome and it’s becoming increasingly common.  Doctors are seeing more and more young women anxious, depressed and suffering adrenal fatigue… we find out why.
 

FIRST LOOK AT ‘THE CHANGEOVER’ REVEALED

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
 

The spine-tingling debut trailer for the supernatural young adult film The Changeover has been released today as well as the confirmation the film will hit Kiwi cinemas on Sept 28th 2017.
 
Based on the timeless young adult novel penned by iconic Kiwi writer Margaret Mahy, The Changeover, which is set in post-earthquake Christchurch, tells the story of troubled teenage Laura Chant (Erana James) who must ‘change over’ and become a witch in order to save her little brother Jacko (Benji Purchase) from an evil ancient spirit (Timothy Spall).
 
Shot entirely on location in Christchurch, The Changeover brings together a world class cast including Timothy Spall (Mr Turner, Harry Potter), Melanie Lynskey (Two and a Half Men, Heavenly Creatures), Lucy Lawless (Xena, Ash vs Evil Dead) Nicholas Galitzine (Handsome Devil, High Strung) and Dame Kate Harcourt (Second Hand Wedding, Separation City) as well as newcomer Erana James (Ngati Whatau Orakei, Waikato Tainui) as the film’s lead Laura Chant and Benji Purchase (Ngati Tuwharetoa) as Jacko Chant. The film was directed by Stuart McKenzie & Miranda Harcourt with McKenzie also responsible for the film’s screenplay.
 
“It’s a thrill to finally be bringing The Changeover to cinemas,” say Harcourt and McKenzie.  “We are so proud of the awesome performances by our cast from award-winning actor Timothy Spall from Harry Potter fame through to newcomer Erana James. The film is beautiful, intense, dreamy and emotional and we can’t wait for audiences to see it.”
 
The Changeover was produced by Emma Slade from Firefly Films with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, private investors and the New Zealand Screen Production Grant. Financing has been in association with Fulcrum Media Finance. Production partners include Park Road Post Production, Pukeko Pictures and theChristchurch City Council. Vendetta Films will distribute the film across New Zealand and Australia.

ODESZA TO RETURN TO NZ THIS SEPTEMBER

Electronic powerhouse Odesza has announced they are returning to New Zealand this September - and Kiwis will be the first audience to hear their new album live.

Odesza, comprised of Seattle duo Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, will play at the Great Hall on Thursday September 14.

The duo will be playing in support of their new album, A Moment Apart, which is due for release the week prior on September 8.

September's show will be the duo's third time performing in New Zealand, and Knight says they're excited to return.

"We love coming out there, the audiences are absolutely amazing. We're really excited to build this theatrical yet alive electronic experience that's kind of mismatched together.

"We're pulling from all these different influences and we're going to go through all these different genres throughout the set, so we want to make something that is unique and exciting and that can hold the audiences' attention for 90 minutes, if not more."

Tickets go on sale via Ticketmaster from June 16. Venue and promotor pre-sales will be available from June 15.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL'S 'TORUK - THE FIRST FLIGHT' MAKES ITS NZ DEBUT

Christchurch's Horncastle Arena: September 1st – 10th
Auckland’s Spark Arena – September 15th – 24th

Tickets on pre-sale to Cirque Club members now! 

Public on-sale starting 10am Monday May 15th from Ticketek (Christchurch) and Ticketmaster (Auckland)

Inspired by James Cameron’s record-breaking film AVATAR, TORUK - The First Flight by Cirque du Soleil will make its New Zealand debut at Christchurch’s Horncastle Arena from September 1st – 10th before moving to Auckland’s Spark Arena (formerly Vector Arena) from September 15th – 24th 2017.

"TORUK - The First Flight is an integration of humanity and technology, a colourful spectacle for the entire family. We are delighted to see this epic journey take flight in New Zealand, a country so rich in culture and scenery as can be found on Pandora" says director and writer Michel Lemieux.

Presented by TEG Live, tickets for TORUK - The First Flight are now on pre-sale to Cirque Club members HERE. ROVA app users will also have their chances to access exclusive pre-sale tickets from HERE and More FM listeners HERE from Wednesday 10th May at 9am. General public tickets will go on sale at 10am on Monday 15th May from Ticketek (Christchurch) and Ticketmaster (Auckland) 

 
THE SHOW:
Inspired by James Cameron’s AVATAR, TORUK – The First Flight transports you to the world of Pandora in a visually stunning live setting. Experience a storytelling odyssey through a new world of imagination, discovery, and possibility.

Through a riveting fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, Cirque du Soleil applies its unique signature style to James Cameron’s imaginary world and “makes the bond” between two kindred artistic visions that capture the imagination.
 
This live immersive experience also bears the distinct signature of directors and multimedia innovators Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon.  It is a living ode to the Na’vi’s symbiotic coexistence with nature and their belief in the basic interconnectedness of all living things.
 
Narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller” and populated by unforgettable characters, TORUK – The First Flight is a mythical tale set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR, and before any humans ever set foot on Pandora.
 

THE STORY:
When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the sacred Tree of Souls, Ralu and Entu, two Omatikaya boys on the brink of adulthood, fearlessly decide to take matters into their own hands. Upon learning that Toruk can help them save the Tree of Souls, they set out, together with their newfound friend Tsyal, on a quest high up in the Floating Mountains to find the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky. Prophecy is fulfilled when a pure soul rises among the clans to ride Toruk for the first time and save the Na’vi from a terrible fate.
 

THE CREATIVE TEAM:
TORUK – The First Flight comprises 13 creators under the artistic guidance of Guy Laliberté (Guide) and Jean-François Bouchard (Creative Guide) for Cirque du Soleil, and James Cameron, Jon Landau, Kathy Franklin and Richie Baneham for Lightstorm Entertainment: 
 
Show Writers and Directors, Multimedia Directors: Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon                
Director of Creation: Neilson Vignola                                                      
Set and Props Designer: Carl Fillion                                                                 
Costume and Makeup Designer: Kym Barrett                                                              
Choreographers:Tuan Le and Tan Loc                                             
Composers and Musical Directors: Bob & Bill                                                               
Sound Designer: Jacques Boucher                                       
 
Creators’ biographies and still images are availibe HERE.
To download high res stills or video from the show please click HERE.


TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets for TORUK – The First Flight are now on pre-sale to Cirque Club members HERE. General public tickets will go on sale at 10am on Monday 15th May from Ticketek(Christchurch) and Ticketmaster (Auckland)

JOIN THE CONVERSATION: 
Follow us at www.facebook.com/torukthefirstflight, Twitter @cirque | Instagram @cirquedusoleil | Snapchat @CirqueSnap | #TORUK #Avatar #CirqueduSoleil
 

ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: 
TORUK – The First Flight is Cirque du Soleil’s 37th production since 1984. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 155 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.
 
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com.
To find out more about the ONE DROP Foundation, visit https://www.onedrop.org/. 


ABOUT TEG LIVE:
As a diverse live content and touring business, TEG Live connects Australians, New Zealanders and the world with unique live experiences through music, family entertainment, exhibitions, sporting events and corporate hospitality.
 
For more information go to www.teglive.com.au

'THE BREAKER UPPERERS' BEGINS PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami’s comedy feature film, THE BREAKER UPPERERS has today begun principal photography in Auckland.
 
THE BREAKER UPPERERS is written and will be directed by van Beek and Sami who will also play the lead roles of Jen and Mel, a pair of cynical misfits who earn a living by breaking up unhappy couples for cash. Australian comedian Celia Pacquola joins the cast along with Kiwi favourites including Rima Te Wiata, Cohen Holloway and Nic Sampson. This feature also marks the return to the big screen of actor James Rolleston who joins the cast playing a young man desperately in need of the pairs services to break up with his overbearing girlfriend Sepa (played by newcomer Ana Scotney).
 
Sami and van Beek are looking forward to shooting the feature which at its core tells the story of two woman working out life’s many twists and turns and choosing their own path rather than one prescribed to them. 
 
“When Jackie came to me with this premise I loved it,” says Sami. “After years of workshops, raising kids (Jackie not me), maintaining long distance relationships (me not Jackie) and hours of writing in cafes all over Auckland it's exciting to have the opportunity to bring this story to life with the help of our talented cast and crew.”
 
“After being friends for so long, Madeleine and I thought it might be time to convince the world to let us co-write, co-direct and co-star in our own movie. And now we have an amazing team of people supporting us to do just that!” adds van Beek. “Most of our key cast and crew are women which feels exciting. And many of our heads of department are job sharing in order to fulfill their filmmaking ambitions whilst also raising families. If this film helps to establish this model as a popular way of working I'll be extremely happy.”
 
THE BREAKER UPPERERS will be produced by Carthew Neal (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Tickled), Ainsley Gardner (Boy, Eagle v Shark) and Georgina Conder (Free in Deed,Consent) under the Piki and Miss Conception Films banner. Taika Waititi (Boy, What We Do In The Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople) is acting as executive producer.
 
“I’m so happy that our second Piki film is going into production,” says Waititi. “Madeleine and Jackie are two of the smartest and funniest people I know and I can’t wait to see what they do with this hilarious script. Women are hugely under represented in the film industry so I’m very proud that two of our best comedians, who just happen to be women, are getting to make their movie. I’m also particularly over the moon that we get to see James Rolleston in front of the camera again.”
 
THE BREAKER UPPERERS will be made with investment by The New Zealand Film Commission, Wallace Productions and Department of Post. The film will be distributed in New Zealand by Madman Entertainment and Piki and in Australia by Madman Entertainment in 2018.

Click HERE to follow the films progress on Facebook and click HERE to download a high res image of Jackie and Madeleine.

KICKSTARTER LAUNCHED FOR KIWI DOCO ‘IN ZONE’

The extraordinary journey of a man from Chicago and his mission to transform the lives of New Zealand and American teens is set to get the big screen treatment, with feature length documentary In Zone calling for funds to complete this incredible story.
 
Directed by Robyn Paterson and produced by Jill Macnab and Christina Milligan, In Zonefollows Chicago-born Terrance Wallace who, after coming to New Zealand on a holiday, was so stunned by news reports of Māori and Pasifika youth falling through the cracks that he made the life-changing decision to uproot his life in Chicago and move to New Zealand, with the sole aim to make a difference.
 
Setting his sights on Auckland’s sought-after “grammar school zone”, Wallace partnered initially with the United Maori Mission to utilise a large boarding home in the heart of the city’s wealthiest and most exclusive schooling area. He invited Māori and Pasifika boys with a desire to succeed to apply for a chance to move into the in-zone home and attend Auckland Grammar School. Not only would these boys now have access to highly resourced schooling, but also, critically, Grammar’s extremely influential alumni network, which lies at the centre of the nation’s business and political inner circles. This, he believes, is how you begin to break cycles.
 
The boys have overcome obstacles, dealt with set-backs, and made breakthrough successes with many going on to become the first in their families to embark on tertiary education. Terrance meanwhile is feeling the pull back home to Chicago where escalating racial tensions and violence have led to many begging him to start the scheme there. Wallace now faces the challenge of utilising all of his knowledge from NZ, along with a set of new and different challenges, to launch In Zone Illinois - finding African-American and Hispanic teens to be pioneers of the programme on the other side of the world from where it all began.
 
Created to date with support from the NZ Film Commission and private investors, In Zoneis now seeking crowd-funding support to capture Wallace in the next phase of his incredible journey.

“By engaging with these kids’ stories and looking at the underlying issues, it’s my hope that the film will be able to shine a light on what’s happening to create division and how we can begin to create change,” says director Robyn Paterson. “Terrance is delving head first into what has become a pivotal time in Chicago’s history. We’ve put huge amounts of our own resources into this film so far, but we really need support to be over there with him and help bring this story to the world’s attention.”
 
Potential backers are invited to head here to support this incredible cinematic project and reap a great range of rewards. These rewards range from an exclusive streaming link to watch the film when it launches ($50) through to one on one Skype sessions with the filmmaker and Terrance ($500) and a motivational team building session with Terrance for a lucky team or workplace ($5,000). A full list of rewards can be found on the Kickstarter Page.
 
The Kickstarter is live now and will run till the 12th April. All funds raised will go towards the production costs associated with covering the Chicago portion of the film. Any additional funds will go into the marketing and distribution of this story to ensure it gets the widest audience possible.

Keep in touch with the projects progress by liking them on Facebook here, and download a copy of the trailer for the project here. 

BIOPIC ‘WAYNE’ COMMENCES PRODUCTION

The incredible larger than life story of former World Motorcycle Champion, Wayne Gardner will be given the big screen treatment as Matthew Metcalfe of General Film Corporation and Fraser Brown of FB Pictures announced today the feature documentary project has entered production.
 
WAYNE tells the improbable, triumphant true story of 1987 World Motorcycle Champion Wayne Gardner’s rise, despite the doubters and in the face of adversity, to become one of the most iconic motorcycle racers of all time.
 
The film will be helmed by acclaimed Australian director, Jeremy Sims (LAST CAB TO DARWIN, BENEATH HILL 60) with the screen treatment written by Sims and Metcalfe.
 
Sims states “This is a passion project for me – I love the feature doc format - and I am excited to be bringing the thrilling and complex story of Wayen Garder’s incredible journey to cinema goers. It is a tale of speed, danger, love, adversity, dogged willpower and, eventually, triumph, all set in the heady days of Australia’s ‘coming of age’ in the late 80’s. I was there, and I’m aiming to take our audience there too…’
 
Metcalfe stated, “After seeing LAST CAB TO DARWIN at TIFF 2015 I knew that Jeremy was the best person to approach to tell this story. His understanding of myth and drama showed me that he could bring this action and passion filled story to light”.
 
WAYNE will be made with major investment from Screen Australia as well as The New Zealand Film Commission in association with Henla Investments and White Comet Films. Transmission Films will distribute the film across Australasia with Paris based Upside Distribution handling worldwide sales.
 
WAYNE is be produced by Matthew Metcalfe of General Film Corporation (Australia), the award winning production house responsible for the major motion pictures BEYOND THE EDGE, DEAN SPANLEY, THE DEAD LANDS and the upcoming MCLAREN and 6 DAYS. Fraser Brown of FB Pictures (New Zealand) also produces alongside his FB Pictures banner. FB Pictures are responsible for acclaimed Kiwi drama ORPHANS AND KINGDOMS. Metcalfe and Brown recently worked together producing Roger Donaldson’s MCLAREN, due for release in 2017.
 
Brown says “It’s not motorcycles that got me excited about telling this story on the big screen, it’s the character of Wayne Gardner. I’m certain audiences from all walks of life, whether they ride or not, will be as captivated by Wayne’s fascinating journey from Wollongong Kid to Australian hero as I was.”
 
Raised in workingman’s Australia with a good-sized chip on his shoulder, WAYNE follows Gardener’s struggles to harness his rage for racetrack glory and conquer the demons that threatened to stop him in his tracks. WAYNE will take viewers on a high-speed journey into the worlds most dynamic and visually arresting sport, Grand Prix motorcycle racing - revealing the loves, lives, personalities and passion of one of the worlds last great gladiatorial sports.

To download a key image please click HERE.

For more info please contact:
 
Chris Henry // 818
chris@818.co.nz
+64 21 670 604

PECKING ORDER TO HATCH IN KIWI CINEMAS THIS YEAR

WATCH THE FIRST TRAILER HERE

The distinctly Kiwi world of competitive poultry pageantry (yep, you read that right!) will get the big screen treatment this year when the feature-length feel-good flockumentary Pecking Order hatches in cinemas nationwide mid-2017.
 
Pecking Order follows members of the 148-year-old Christchurch Poultry, Bantam and Pigeon Club in the lead up to the NZ National Championships, as they battle history (and each other) in their quest for glory. Audiences will be introduced to an endearing and eclectic group of ‘chick fanciers’, each hoping to take away the top prize, including Doug the determined Club President, Rhys the young upstart, Sarah the chicken whisperer, Ian the exacting judge, Mark the voice of reason and Brian the lovable champion. Pecking Order is a hilarious, unique, and heart-warming slice of Kiwiana which is sure to delight and surprise audiences of all ages.

"Equal parts comedy and drama, Pecking Order is a film I am proud of and I hope New Zealanders will be charmed at seeing who will rule the roost."  says Director Slavko Martinov. 
 
Pecking Order will be released in cinemas around NZ mid-2017 and will be distributed across New Zealand and Australia by Vendetta Films.
 
“We are delighted to be bringing Pecking Order to New Zealand audiences, and know that they will fall in love with this film as much as we have. It’s destined to become a Kiwi cult classic with its mix of heart, humour and unlikely heroes," says Jill Macnab, General Manager of Vendetta Films. 
 
Pecking Order was made with investment by The New Zealand Film Commission.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

FACEBOOK // TWITTER // INSTAGRAM
 
Click HERE to download hig res stills from the film and click HERE to download a high res trailer for self hosting.
 
For more info please contact:
 
Chris Henry // 818
chris@818.co.nz
+64 21 670 604

AUDIENCES GET THEIR FIRST LOOK AT KIWI COMEDY ‘GARY OF THE PACIFIC’

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

Audiences will get their first look at the hilarious new comedy from thedownlowconcept(7 Days, Hounds) today with the release of the trailer for their debut feature film Gary of the Pacific.

Staring Josh Thomson, Megan Stevenson, Dave Fane, Matt Whelan and Dominic Ona-Ariki, as well as new face Taofi Mose-Tuiloma, this brand new kiwi feature film tells the story of struggling real estate agent Gary (Thomson), who becomes the chief of a sinking Pacific Island. Set to release in cinemas nationwide on March 16th, audiences will be guaranteed a heart-warming and hilarious film full of thedownlowconcept’strademark humour as well as the chance to see a new side of actor and comedian Josh Thomson.
 
“This film was such an amazing experience for us, especially working with Josh, say the film’s directors, thedownlowconcept. We don’t want to give anything away but let’s just say you get to see way more of him than you ever have before.”
 
Thomson adds:
 
“They made me take my pants off. I think it was just for their own personal amusement because surely no one wants to see that on the big screen.”
 
Gary of the Pacific will be released in cinemas around New Zealand through Rialto Distribution and was made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission and NZ On Air. Production partners include ImageZone, Blockhead, Rialto Distribution, Fulcrum Finance and NZME.

To download a high res version of the trailer please click HERE and for high res stills please click HERE.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
 

FACEBOOK // INSTAGRAM

For all media enquires please contact:

Chris Henry // 818
chris@818.co.nz
+64 21 670 604

BASEMENT JAXX TO PLAY AN EXCLUSIVE DJ SET IN WESTHAVEN

Iconic electronic music powerhouse duo Basement Jaxx will headline AKL17, a new summer occasion to be held Auckland’s iconic Mantell’s on the Water .

Widely respected as one of the UK’s most legendary house and big beat kings, Basement Jaxx have been wowing crowds around the world for close to 15 years. The hit makers behind ‘Romeo’ and ‘Where’s your Head At’ will play this one off intimate summer afternoon soiree on Saturday, January 21 2017 with tickets on sale now via AKL17.eventbrite.co.nz .

Supported by Dick Johnson (with more local support to be released), this promises to be a truly unique event for Auckland party seekers, kicking off the 2017 summer celebrations on Auckland’s beautiful waterfront.

Presented by Concrete Playground , tickets for this event are extremely limited with organisers advising getting in quick to avoid disappointment.

To Download High Res Images click HERE: 

KIMBRA ADDED TO RHYTHM AND VINES 2016 LINE UP

Grammy award-winning artist Kimbra will join Chance the Rapper, ZHU and RÜFÜS to headline Rhythm and Vines 2016. Playing the Vines Stage on December 30, this announcement marks Kimbra’s welcome return to the festival after headlining the 10th anniversary in 2012.

“We have always strived to be a platform for kiwi musicians making waves around the world and her star continues to rise internationally. Her lively soulful pop sound will provide a great balance for the hip hop and bass heavy music the festival is known for.”  says festival director Hamish Pinkham

Also announced, UK electronic music duo Maribou State join the lineup playing a DJ set to bring in the New Year in the Rhythm Supertop along with British Drum and Bass DJ Culture Shock, who will playing the same stage the night before on December 30. Crowd favorites Cut Snake were also announced earlier this month to headline the Cellar Stage on December 29, along with BBC Radio One DJ Heidi, who will be making her first appearance at R&V. And from across the ditch, Gisborne will be welcoming Melbourne local Oscar Key Sung and Sydney 6-Piece Ocean Alley, who are fresh from their sell out NZ Tour.

Fresh from his breakout success of his debut album Composure and with an impressive four nominees at this year’s Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards (Including Best Male Solo Artist, The Edge Best Pop Album, Vodafone People’s Choice Award and Vodafone Single of the Year for the infectious ‘Kind of Love’), Maala will take to the infamous Vines stage on December 29. Fellow VNZMA nominee Kings will also top off a magical 2016 in the Rhythm Supertop on December 31.     

Continuing with the original vision of the festival as a vehicle to promote local talent, local favourites Gromz, Baynk, Dan Aux, Chores, Aroha and Tali, Died in 69, Ekko Park, Eastern Block, Summer Thieves and Kinetic will take the bill as part of the over 100 acts set to perform at New Zealand’s longest running New Year’s festival.

A fourth stage named ‘The Discovery Stage’ will also be added to this year’s festival. This stage is set to feature the popular Giggle and Vines comedy segment and provide a platform for up and coming musicians to perform at the festival. The full lineup for the Discovery Stage and Giggle and Vines will be released in November along with the full schedule and set times.

To coincide with the day split of acts, single day tickets have now been released for sale and are expected to sell out fast. And partnering with Chatham Air to cater for a growing demand for flights into Gisborne, Rhythm and Vines have released Air Rhythm flights to Gisborne ex Auckland, starting from $365 return.

Festival organisers have released a final allocation of onsite camping to meet demand after their main two main campsites (General and Treble Camp) sold out earlier this year.

“We know some people usually wait till December to lock in their tickets but this year will be different and we strongly recommend getting in early,” says Pinkham. “Ticket sales have already surpassed last year's mark and we are heading towards selling the festival out within the coming weeks” 

TIMOTHY SPALL, MELANIE LYNSKEY & LUCY LAWLESS TO STAR IN ‘THE CHANGEOVER’

Set in post earthquake Christchurch and based on the young adult novel by Margaret Mahy, The Changeover will feature a stellar international and local cast including Timothy Spall (Harry Potter, The King’s Speech), Nick Galitzine (High Strung, The Beat Beneath my Feet), Melanie Lynskey (Heavenly Creatures, Two and a Half Men), Lucy Lawless (Xena, Ash vs Evil Dead), Dame Kate Harcourt (Hope and Wire, Separation City), newcomers Erana James and Benji Purchase. Principal photography for this supernatural coming of age thriller will begin on September 19th and will run till the end of October.

The Changeover will be directed by husband and wife creative duo Stuart McKenzie and Miranda Harcourt. A formidable partnership, Stuart and Miranda have years of film, theatre and TV behind them. It is Stuart who has adapted Margaret Mahy’s classic teen novel from page to screen and Miranda most recently was acting coach on a number of high profile international films including the upcoming blockbuster Lion.  The duo is thrilled to be bringing this fantastic story to the big screen.
 
"I fell in love with this story in 1984," says Harcourt. "I was lucky enough to narrate it on the radio when it was first published. Now nearly 30 years later we are making it as a movie. Newcomer Erana James is an amazing discovery for the lead role and she is surrounded with internationally renowned talents including Kiwis Lucy Lawless and Melanie Lynskey, who shot her very first film here in Christchurch, Heavenly Creatures. The magic of Margaret’s classic novel has brought some very special talent together."
  
The film will be shot entirely on location in and around the Christchurch CBD. Harcourt and McKenzie describe the city as a pivotal character in the feature and is quick to praise the city for its warm welcome to the cast and crew.
 
“Stuart was born and bred in Christchurch and it is a great pleasure for us to be able to bring this story home where it belongs," continues Harcourt. "Christchurch crew, actors and locations have been so willing to help. You can’t fake the look of this city, it is magical.”
 
The Changeover will be produced by Emma Slade from Firefly Films with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, private investors and the New Zealand Screen Production Grant. Financing has been in association with Fulcrum Media Finance. Production partners include Park Road Post Production, Pukeko Pictures and the Christchurch City Council. Radiant Films International, based in Los Angeles, will sell the film globally (outside of Australia and NZ) with Vendetta Films distributing the film locally with a tentative release date of late 2017.
 

To download high res images of the key cast and creatives please click HERE: 


 

CHANCE THE RAPPER, ZHU AND RÜFÜS TO HEADLINE RHYTHM AND VINES 2016

Wilkinson, Netsky, Getter, Denzel Curry, Dusky, Goldlink, Hot Chip (Dj Set), Skream, Savage, P- Money, The Jordan Luck Band PLUS many more also announced on the bill for NZ’s premier New Year festival.

DECEMBER 29-31 2016, WAIOHIKA ESTATE, GISBORNE.

The first lineup for Rhythm and Vines 2016 has been announced with Chance The Rapper, ZHU and RÜFÜS in headline spots for the three-day festival.

At only 23, Chance the Rapper has already earned mainstream recognition and critical acclaim for his fusion of hip-hop and gospel sounds. His latest release Coloring Book was the first album to chart on the Billboard 200 purely on streams, peaking at number 8. Headlining Rhythm and Vines marks Chance’s first ever show on NZ soil.

ZHU is the Los Angeles-based producer behind the smash hit track ‘Faded’. Originally releasing his music anonymously, ZHU has risen globally in popularity, recently closing out Lollapalooza, and his EP Generationwhy gaining critical acclaim from Rolling Stone.

Famous for their atmospheric indie electronic dance-pop sound, Australian trio RÜFÜS will bring their infectious summer sound to this year’s festival. Formed in 2010 when a rain-soaked vacation to Byron Bay turned into an impromptu jam session, RÜFÜS features the talents of guitarist Tyrone Lindqvist, keyboardist Jon George, and drummer James Hunt. RÜFÜS released their full-length album, Bloom this year with the singles ‘Like an Animal,’ ‘You Were Right’ and ‘Take Me Out’ breakout hits on kiwi radio. RÜFÜS also played two sold out gigs to support the album at Auckland's Powerstation earlier this year.

Bolstering the strong international hip hop lineup will be performances from US rappers Goldlink and Denzel Curry. Goldlink’s debut album, The God Complex was named one of the best albums of 2014 by New York's Complex magazine. Catering for electronic fans, UK-based Dusky, Hot Chip (DJ Set), S.P.Y and Skream have been charged to bring in the New Year at Waiohika Estate.

Signed to Skrillex’s label OWSLA, heavy hitter Getter will be bringing the noise alongside fellow American DJ AC Slater. They will be joined by Drum and Bass favourites Wilkinson and Netsky who also return to the festival, marking Netsky’s fifth appearance at Rhythm and Vines.

Alongside the strong international line up, 2016 will see local favourites P Money, Savage, The Jordan Luck Band, Anna Coddington, Yoko-Zuna, Pacific Heights, Eno x Dirty, Bailey Wiley and Three Houses Down along with NZ producers Stack & Piece and Montell2099 rounding off the first release for the 2016 festival. This strong line up of local talent echoing the original vision of the festival as a platform to promote local talent.

2016 will also see the expansion of the festival’s premium offerings with a greater variety of food and drink options, including cocktail bars, speciality food vendors as well as increased

emphasis on onsite camping activities, including an onsite sports arena to host 5-aside football tournament, yoga, zumba and more.

“We are entering into a new and exciting phase for the festival. This is truly a cutting edge lineup. Our attention now turns to putting on memorable festival experience within the rolling hills of Waiohika Estate.” said festival founder Hamish Pinkham.

FULL LINE UP

The full first announcement line up for Rhythm and Vines 2016 is as follows: Chance the Rapper, ZHU, RÜFÜS, Wilkinson DJ, Netsky DJ, Goldlink, Denzel Curry, Getter, Dusky, Skream, Hot Chip DJ, AC Slater, S.P.Y, Savage, The Jordan Luck Band, P Money, Sachi, Yoko-Zuna, Pacific Heights, Anna Coddington, Three Houses Down, Bailey Wiley, Eno x Dirty, Montell2099, Stack & Piece. 

MAJESTICAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN WINS TOP AWARD

The box-office smashing marketing campaign for Hunt for the Wilderpeople has won the gong for Best Independent Distributor Marketing campaign at the annual NZ Motion Picture Industry Council awards.

Bringing together marketing and creative agencies from across the country distributors Madman Entertainment and producers Piki Films worked with Philippa Atkinson and Devon Roberts of Mediaworkshop (Media Strategy), Anna Dean of Double Denim (Digital and Sponsorship Strategy) and 818 Entertainment (Publicity) to create an all-encompassing consumer campaign. The levels of engagement across both audiences and channels reached levels never seen before for a local title.

“The Madman team are absolutely thrilled to be recognised by the industry for the immense team effort that has gone into the marketing of this film,” says Mark Chamberlain, Theatrical Sales Manager at Madman Entertainment. “The collaboration between Madman and Piki and the talents of 818 Entertainment, Mediaworkshop and Double Denim created a campaign that has really got into the hearts and minds of everyday Kiwis and in return delivered an exceptional box office result.”

This award marks the second time for many of the team who also took out this prestigious award in 2015 for their work on Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement’s vampire mockumentary, What We Do In The Shadows (2014).

New Zealanders were quick to engage with the inclusive and distinctly kiwi campaign for Hunt for the Wilderpeople which included a gala premiere simulcast from Auckland and held in 42 regional locations around the country on the same night, as well as a nationwide cinema tour with children invited to dress as #nzbush to meet the film’s star Julian Dennison.

The digital content marketing strategy created a large amount of bespoke content in collaboration with partners, iconic kiwi brands such as Air New Zealand, Trade Me, Tuatara and government departments including the Department of Conservation, Tourism NZ and the New Zealand Defence Force. This led to high online exposure and engagement in the lead up to release.

The infectious spirit of film’s stars Julian Dennison and Sam Neill as well as director Taika Waititi lead to an unprecedented level of press engagement across the film’s release. The brilliant rapport between the trio lead to front page media coverage across Print, Radio and TV culminating with a glitzing ‘green’ carpet premiere at Hoyts Sylvia Park which was covered by outlets from across all mediums.

A partnership with the NZ Motion Picture Exhibitors Association (NZMPEA) saw the successful launch of the My Cinema platform. Independent My Cinema exhibitors were invovled in nationwide premieres along with a competition to win a family holiday. 33 cinemas took part in the promotion leading to a lift in the independents share of the box-office to 42%, a figure well above the 30% average.

The media strategy had a strong focus on impact over frequency to achieve scale as well as complementing already existing editorial coverage insured the campaign was never far from top of mind for the target audience. Focusing on varying ways to introduce the characters and the position the film as an entertaining and fun NZ action/comedy, a multifaceted TV, Digital, Radio and Outdoor campaign was used. A charity partnership with Foster Hope complimented the film's social messages.

A hilarious tralier was created by Tom Eagles, Kaye-Maree & Mita Dunn at ‘Making things Acheiveable’ ran the grass roots campaign and The Luminary Promotions Group provided support around the Auckland premiere and cinema tour.

“This film was made for all kiwis so it was important everyone felt included from day one of its release,” says Carthew Neal, producer and distributor. “We worked closely with exhibitors across the country to create a nationwide community of local advocates. We wanted to do things a little bit differently, and asked everyone to go the extra mile to ensure the campaign matched the quality of the film. The team were agile and extremely hard working. It was a challenging but rewarding experience as a first time distirbutor and I am incredibly proud of the team behind the film and its release.”

The film broke box office records with a record opening weekend take of over $1.2M with the Saturday recording the highest single day for a local film of $528,000. Key engagement with

exhibitors around the country ensured the collaborative and community feel of the campaign translated right to consumers with this engagement proving a huge success with the film continuing to play sessions in close to 100 screens around the country in its 12th week of release and has pulled in a local box office of over $11 million dollars.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople was also awarded the Flicks Critics Choice Award for best NZ Film 2016 at at the gala dinner.