SEVEN DAVIS JR AND DÂM FUNK SET TO HEADLINE AUCKLAND’S NEWEST EVENT SERIES, ‘ANNO DOMINI’

Inspired by popular rooftop events held in New York and throughout Europe, Anno Domini promises a purposefully curated yet relaxed event offering, mixing great music, food and drink in a stylish afternoon event series not seen before on the Auckland events calendar. Designed for the growing young cultured urban Auckland crowd, Anno Domini will deliver a social experience the city has been missing.

Held on the roof of the iconic Auckland Art Gallery across four Sundays throughout summer, Anno Domini will feature a line up of international DJs and producers alongside the best in Auckland’s eating with hand designed menus from Auckland’s top eateries Coco’s Cantina and the Bearded Clam and top quality cocktails from award winning bar Mea Culpa.

Promoters David Benge, Mark Kneebone and Tom McGuinness are looking forward to bringing this unique offering to Auckland.

"We have taken inspiration from some pretty incredible events from right around the world to create Anno Domini. We can’t wait to bring it all together in Auckland this summer”

Electric Future Soul DJ Seven Davis Jr. will kick off the series alongside Francis Inferno Orchestra on January 10th with Dām Funk headlining January 24th. A Seekae DJ Set with fellow Australian Roland Tings (DJ Set) & local electronic star Race Banyon will make for a super special Valentines event on February 14th. A fourth date is set for the series with the date and line up to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for all events are on sale from Wednesday 9th December from Ticketmaster for $38.

Anno Domini is proudly supported by Kronenbourg 1664, Angostura Rum, Broken Shed Vodka, Hendrick's Gin, Vintners, Red Bull, One Pure NZ and All Good Organics.

Download a high res copy of the event poster and artist images HERE:

To find out more info head to www.annodomini.nz

WILD CATLINS COAST PROVIDES SPECTACULAR BACKDROP FOR FEATURE FILM ‘HUMAN TRACES’

DOP John Chrisstoffels frames up on actors Sophie Henderson and Sara Wiseman at Purakaunui Bay on the Catlins Coast. Photo Credit: Dean MacKenzie


Human Traces has begun its second block of principal photography this week on the wild and remote Catlins coast on the southeastern South Island.
 
A psychological thriller told from three perspectives, Human Traces is the debut feature from writer/director Nic Gorman and producer Nadia Maxwell. The film stars an all-star local cast including Sophie Henderson (Fantail, Outrageous Fortune), Mark Mitchinson, (800 Words, Bloodlines, The Hobbit), Vinnie Bennett (Fantail, Shanara) and Sara Wiseman (A Place to Call Home, The Almighty Johnsons).
 
Mimicking the harsh and desolate wilderness of the Subantarctic, the wild and rugged Catlins coast provide the perfect backdrop to shoot this feature.
 
“The Catlins coast beautifully demonstrates the barren isolation that our characters inhabit.” says director Nic Gorman. “With the location such a strong character in the film the Catlins is the perfect fit.”
 
Producer Nadia Maxwell praises the local support the film has received so far.
 
“The Catlins locals have welcomed us with open arms”, says Maxwell. “This is a South Island driven project with a predominantly Southern crew so the support shown by the locals really means a lot.”
 
Human Traces is the debut feature film for Gorman and Maxwell who first joined forces on the NZFC funded Fresh Short ‘Here Be Monsters’ (Winner, Best Short Film, 2013 New Zealand Film Awards, In competition Best International Short, Fantasia Film Festival 2014 and Winner Best Screenplay/Best Cinematography Show Me Shorts 2013). Tom Hern and James Napier Robertson (The Dark Horse) are the film’s Executive Producers.
 
Human Traces was made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission and Random Films.

The Catlins coast is a key location in Human Traces.

For all media enquires please contact:
 
Chris Henry
818 ENTERTAINMENT
chris@818entertainment.co.nz
+64 21 670 604
 

KEY CAST LIST:
 
GLENN                                     Mark Mitchinson                 
SARAH                                     Sophie Henderson
RIKI                                         Vinnie Bennett
TANYA                                     Sara Wiseman
DALE                                       Peter Daube
PETE                                        Milo Cawthorne
  
KEY CREATIVE TEAM:
 
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS        Tom Hern & James Napier Robertson, Four Knights Film
PRODUCER                            Nadia Maxwell, Overactive Imagination
WRITER/DIRECTOR                Nic Gorman
DOP                                      John Chrisstoffels
EDITOR                                  Richard Shaw
PRODUCTION DESIGNER        Martin Gorzeman

FIRST IMAGE FROM TAIKIA WAITITI’S ‘HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE’ RELEASED

Ricky Baker (Jullian Dennison) and Uncle Hec (Sam Neill) go head to head in the wild New Zealand Bush (Photo Credit: Kane Skennar)

Kiwi director, Taika Waititi has released the first image from his heartwarming comedy, ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ today.

The image shows the film’s leads, city kid Ricky (Julian Dennison) and a rugged Hec (Sam Neill) head to head in the wild New Zealand bush.

“People will fall in love with these underdog characters as they take us on an exciting adventure through the New Zealand wilderness. The bond they form along the way endears us to them even more.” says Waititi. "I don’t think Sam or Julian had ever spent much time in the bush before so when you see them in this film you’ll know they‘re really acting.”

Hunt for the Wilderpeople tells the story of misfit kid Ricky Baker (Dennison). Ricky’s foster aunt suddenly passes away, leaving him alone with his grumpy uncle Hec (Neill). The unlikely duo find themselves on the run in the vast New Zealand bush, evading child services and the law. They are forced to work together to survive and despite their differences, form a bond in this hilarious and heart-felt adventure.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is based on the iconic book ‘Wild Pork and Watercress’ by best selling New Zealand author Barry Crump. Alongside directing, Waititi has written the screenplay and is producing alongside Carthew Neal, Leanne Saunders and Matt Noonan. The film is currently in post production.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a Defender Films, Piki Films and Curious production in association with the New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand On Air, Wallace Media and Kiwibank. Protagonist Pictures has taken on international sales rights. Madman Entertainment has acquired all rights to the film for Australia and New Zealand and will release in NZ in partnership with the producers.

Download a high res copy of the still HERE (Photo Credit: Kane Skennar)

NZ COMEDY 'CHIEF GARY' BEGINS PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY IN RAROTONGA

Chief Gary’ began principal photography this week in Rarotonga. The comedy feature film is the directorial debut of Jarrod Holt, Nigel McCulloch and Ryan Hutchings, collectively known as thedownlowconcept, creators of the hilarious local TV series 7 Days, Hounds and Coverband. 
 
The film, about a loser real estate agent who becomes chief of a sinking Pacific island, features local and international talent including Josh Thomson (Hounds, Short Poppies), David Fane (Outrageous Fortune, Sione’s Wedding), Matt Whelan (Go Girls, 3 Mile Limit) and Megan Stevenson, the US star of Comedy Central’s Review.
 
The film is produced by Fiona Copland, of Field Theory, with downlowconcept producer Matt McPhail.
 
Holt says the first week of shooting has been excellent.

“We’ve been quite busy whale watching, renting scooters and snorkeling, but after lunch we got some great stuff before the nightly BBQ at the Edgewater Resort.”
 
Producer Fiona Copland is quick to praise the crew working hard on the shoot.
 
“The team is humming and there’s a lot of laughs. I’m delighted”
 
The film is shooting in Rarotonga for four weeks before returning to Auckland for an additional week. Set visits and embargoed cast interviews will be conducted during the Auckland shoot and expressions of interest are invited.
 
Chief Gary is the first film from newly formed production company Field Theory, which brings together three of New Zealand’s leading producers, Fiona Copland (Matariki, Topless Women Talk About Their Lives), Philippa Campbell (Top of the Lake) and Tim Sanders (Kiwi Flyer, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring).
 
Chief Gary was made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, Whale Watching Rarotonga and the Rarotonga Meat Board. Production partners include ImageZone, Blockhead, Fulcrum Media, Rialto Distribution and NZME.


CHIEF GARY KEY CAST LIST:
 
GARY                        Josh Thomson
LANI                          Taofi Mose-Tuiloma
NELSON                    Matt Whelan
CHLOE                      Megan Stevenson
DAD                          Dave Fane
KITIONA                   Dominic Ona-Ariki
 
SOCIAL ACCOUNTS:
 
#chiefgary

Facebook:                facebook.com/chiefgarymovie
Twitter:                   @iamchiefgary
Instagram:               chief.gary
Snapchat:                chief.gary
 

For all media enquiries please contact:

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

FAT JOE TO PLAY AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON THIS OCTOBER

FAT JOE TO PLAY AUCKLAND AND WELLINGTON THIS OCTOBER

Hip Hop legend Fat Joe has announced he will play two one off shows in NZ this October. 

Fat Joe will open his NZ tour with a one off gig at The Powerstation in Auckland on Friday 30th October before moving to Wellington for a night at San Fran on October 31st.

Fat Joe is the man responsible for some of the biggest radio hits in the last two decades, including 'What's Luv', 'Make It Rain' and 'Lean Back'.

Check out the video below that Fat Joe released to his 1.7 million strong social media following chronicling the last 22 years of his career. 

Tickets for both shows are on sale now via the ticketing links below.

AUCKLAND

WELLINGTON

For all media enquires and to request interview time please contact:
 
Chris Henry
818 ENTERTAINMENT
chris@818entertainment.co.nz
+64 21 670 604

KIWI HIP-HOP FILM ‘BORN TO DANCE’ TO PREMIERE AT THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.

KIWI HIP-HOP FILM ‘BORN TO DANCE’ TO PREMIERE AT THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.

NZ’s first multi-million dollar hip-hop film Born to Dance has been announced today to have its world premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival this September.

Born to Dance will premiere as part of the festival’s Discovery section and be followed by a series of public screenings as part of the wider film festival. Actor Stan Walker and choreographer Parris Goebel are confirmed to be attending the film’s premiere alongside the film’s director and producers.

Born to Dance is the debut feature film from director Tammy Davis. Davis pays tribute to the cast and crew for getting this film to its international premiere.

I am just over the moon that Born to Dance has been selected to screen at TIFF. The fact that we have made to this A list festival is a real tribute to all the hard work put in by the cast and crew. I am excited that the first screening of the film will be with an international audience and I hope they love it as much as I do. #veryproud #nervousmuch #aotearoainthehouse – Tammy Davis

Born To Dance producer and general manager of the film’s NZ distribution company, Vendetta Films, Jill Macnab, is excited about the chance to screen the film to North American audiences.

Toronto is renowned as a festival for real film fans, with the most enthusiastic audiences of any A-list film festival, which is why it’s the perfect place to launch Born To Dance internationally. All the movie studios and film buyers from other countries will be there and on the lookout for new films, so it’s a fantastic opportunity for the film to be acquired for release in different countries. There will also be a spotlight on

the film from both NZ and international media, which helps raise the profile of Born To Dance around the world - Jill Macnab

Born to Dance joins Kiwi features, A Flickering Truth and 25 April also previously announced to be part of the festival.

NZFC CEO, Dave Gibson, said “Born to Dance’s selection to screen at TIFF is a wonderful opportunity for North American audiences to see New Zealand’s first dance film and experience Polyswagg, a New Zealand-born style of hip hop originating from the shores of Auckland, New Zealand and made famous by the fil’ms chorographer Parris Goebel. Last year, we introduced the world to Maori martial arts, Mau Rakau – this year it is Polyswagg.”

Born to Dance will open to Kiwi audiences nationwide on September 24th.

To discuss interview or content gathering opportunities for Born to Dance please contact:

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

SHAUN JOHNSON ANNOUNCED AS THE FACE OF ‘RUGBY LEAGUE LIVE 3’

SHAUN JOHNSON ANNOUNCED AS THE FACE OF ‘RUGBY LEAGUE LIVE 3’

AUCKLAND, August 27th 2015: Rugby League Star Shaun Johnson has today been announced as the face of the much-anticipated Rugby League Live 3 set for release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One and Xbox 360. 

The latest installment from the hugely successful franchise, Rugby League Live 3 sees the addition of the Auckland NRL Nines to the playing pool as well as an improved instant replay system including super slow-mo and user defined camera placement to allow gamers right into the action. 

Shaun Johnson has played over 100 games for the New Zealand Warriors and 14 for the Kiwis. Shaun is also the holder of the 2014 Rugby League Golden Boot Award and is himself a keen gamer. 

“Rugby League Live 3 is an awesome game,” says Shaun. “I grew up playing PlayStation and Xbox so to be in a game, let alone on the cover is unreal!” 

Rugby League Live 3 will retail for $119.99 for PS4/Xbox One and $89.99 for PS3/360. The game is currently available for pre-order and will be available in stores and online from Sept 10th. Pre-Order sales have already broken sales records, cementing that this game will be a must have for any Rugby League Fan. 

Key Features of the game include:

• Vastly improved Instant Replay System including super slow-mo and user defined camera placement to allow gamers to get right in the action.
• Improved Career mode and Be A Pro allowing gamers to take a Forward or a Back through the ranks of a U20 team into a full professional squad.
• Dynamic time of day lighting with full sun movement and weather system giving dusk to night progress and mid game rain.
• Dynamic Tackling System: Fend and break tackle your way past multiple defenders and use the new dynamic Struggle and Drag system to burst over the line to score or alternatively drag them into touch!
• Inclusion of over 100 teams from Rugby League competitions around the world including the NRL, Super League, Toyota Cup, and many more.
• New Experience System: Earn badges and experience both online and off to rise to the top of the leaderboards.
• FanHub Player Sharing – create your own players and teams and share them online across all supported platforms.

“Rugby League Live 3 introduces many elements of Rugby League never before seen in an NRL video game, says NRL’s Head of Commercial Paul Kind. “The NRL are proud to be again associated with Tru Blu Entertainment in bringing to market the most anticipated Rugby League video game to date, It is indeed a must-have for any footy fan!”

For more information and stockiest info check out GDE on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GDE.Distribution 

About GDE
Inaugurated in 1992, GDE Distribution is New Zealand’s longest established gaming distributor, representing some of the best brands and companies in electronic entertainment; staying at the forefront of modern entertainment with exclusive distribution of the world’s leading accessory brands including Mad Catz, Playmax, Hori, Playseat and Thrustmaster as well as the best-selling Tru Blu, Milestone, and Sold Out range of gaming software. For more information about GDE Distribution, please visit www.gde.co.nz 

About Tru Blu
Tru Blu Entertainment is the publishing arm of the long-established Australian distributor Home Entertainment Suppliers Pty Ltd (HES). An official NRL licensee, Tru Blu made their industry debut in 2003 with the record-breaking NRL Rugby League. They also produce the landmark Rugby Challenge series, the acclaimed Don Bradman Cricket games and the best-selling AFL Live series. For more information about Tru Blu Entertainment, please visit www.trublu.com.au

 For all media enquires please contact:

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

ODESZA’S WORLD TOUR MOVES TO THE ST JAMES THEATRE

ODESZA’S WORLD TOUR MOVES TO THE ST JAMES THEATRE

Paint it Gold and George FM are pleased to announce that Seattle based production duo ODESZA’s upcoming Auckland show will now be held at the larger St James Theatre on September 25th.

Part of ODESZA’s world tour, the duo’s Auckland and Wellington shows mark their return to New Zealand after playing a sold out show at Auckland’s Kings Arms in January.

A recording project that began in 2012 between friends Harrison Mills (aka Catacombkid) and Clayton Knight (BeachesBeaches) after graduating from college, ODESZA quickly gained international attention for their first release, LP Summer’s Gone. A mixture of sun-soaked melodies, glitched out vocals, crunchy drums and large sweeping bass lines, two tracks from the album ("How Did I Get Here" and "iPlayYouListen") reached #1 on the Hype Machine Popular chart, cementing the duo as a force in the underground electronic community.

ODESZA’s will hit NZ after a compleing a headline tour of the US, culminating in a storming set at Coachella.  

ODESZA
 

Thursday September 24
San Fran
Wellington

Friday September 25
St James Theatre
Auckland

Tickets availibe now from Ticketek.

For more information please contact:

Chris Henry
818 ENTERTAINMENT
chris@818entertainment.co.nz