HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE A BOX OFFICE SMASH

Taika Waititi’s adventure comedy Hunt for the Wilderpeople has broken New Zealand box office records by opening with largest opening weekend ever for a New Zealand film with a box office take of $1,300,000 NZD.

“We’ve bet BOY’s opening weekend box office which made me kind of sad. But then I got over it really quick and now I’m stoked!” says director Taika Waititi. “There’s nothing like seeing a film the way it was meant to be seen; on a giant screen with other people and we couldn’t be more proud and happy that kiwis are heading along and all our hard work is being appreciated. Thank you New Zealand!”

Alongside breaking the record for the biggest opening weekend (Previously held by Ian Mune’s What Becomes of the Broken Hearted), the film has also taken the record for the single highest grossing day for a NZ film with the film taking over $528,000 on Saturday April 2nd.

“We’ve had reports of cinemas sold out across the country, theatres full of applause and people seeing the film three or fours times already,” says co-distributors from Piki Films, Carthew Neal and Leanne Saunders. "We are blown away by this level of support and thank everyone for coming out on the weekend. This film is being seen in the way it was intended - on the big screen with whanau and friends.”

Mark Chamberlain, Theatrical Sales Manager at Madman Entertainment NZ is humbled by the support that New Zealand has shown to the picture.

“It has been so humbling to see how everyone in NZ has embraced the film all the way from Kaitaia to Invercargill. With the way the film is tracking its already set to be a kiwi classic”

 Head of the NZ Film Commission Dave Gibson was quick to send his congratulations to Taika and the Wilderpeople Team.

“Congratulations to the Wilderpeople team for a great opening weekend. We’re seeing groups of people of all ages -sharing the experience and coming out for this film. It’s good for everyone, especially the film industry.” 

NEXT GENERATION BLONDINI GANG ANNOUNCED

The next generation of “Blondini Gang” have been announced today.

Dean O’Gorman (The Hobbit, The Almighty Johnsons) James Rolleston (Boy, The Dark Horse) and Ashleigh Cummings (Puberty Blues, Tomorrow when the War Began) will star in Pork Pie – the modern reboot of the 1979 kiwi classic Goodbye Pork Pie.

O’Gorman, who most recently played Kirk Douglas in Hollywood bio-pic, Trumbo, is thrilled to be returning home from Los Angeles to take the lead role of struggling writer turned accidental outlaw, Jon Hardy.

“Its brilliant to be able to come back to NZ to play this role,” say O’Gorman. “As a child of the 80’s, this film was one I remember well. I am excited to work with the team to create a film that plays homage to the original while introducing the younger generation to this great kiwi tale."

Much loved 19-year-old local star, James Rolleston has been undergoing intensive precision driving training as part of his preparation for the character, fearless wheel man, Luke Anahera.

“Playing Luke is a dream opportunity for me…I’m love the script and the character and am looking forward to some of the exciting action too!” 

Ashleigh Cummings, playing the vivacious and passionate, Keira Leigh-Jones, completes the lead cast. Cummings received rave reviews and multiple award nominations for her leading role in the hit series Puberty Blues and for her co-starring role in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries. Ashleigh will next be seen in the upcoming Aussie film, Hounds of Love.

James Rolleston (Luke) and Ashleigh Cummings (Kiera) with the new Pork Pie MINI. Photo Credit Mark Westerby. (DOWNLOAD THIS IMAGE HERE)

Director Matt Murphy had this to say about the finalised cast.

“I couldn’t be more delighted with the line up. They’re three unique personalities and very exciting acting talent. There’s going to be a fun and very dynamic onscreen chemistry bouncing around the MINI” 

The fourth star of the film is the 4 cylinder twin-power turbo MINI 3 Door Hatch - Cooper S, providing an injection of grunt and power to the wild action and chase sequences planned for the reboot. 

Pork Pie is being produced by Tom Hern (The Dark Horse) and Four Knights Film in association with the New Zealand Film Commission, NZOnAir, Random Films, Augusto, Park Road Post Production, Treehouse Films and Southern Light Films.

Hern is equally pleased about the cast they’ve assembled.

“I loved working with James on The Dark Horse so its exciting to have him on another of our projects and Dean and Ashleigh are darn talented too. Our Blondini Gang will be pretty bloody awesome I reckon.”

Timothy White, Tim Wood and Alan Harris are the films Executive Producers. 

Studiocanal will distribute the film in New Zealand and Australia.  They have a wide New Zealand release set for the Summer of 2016/17.

To download key images of the Pork Pie cast click HERE:

TYLER OAKLEY & JAMIE CURRY TO HEADLINE #AMPLIFYLIVE 2016

The Internets biggest and brightest social media talents including Tyler Oakley, Jamie Curry, Kian + JC plus more are set to perform live for Kiwi fans when #AmplifyLIVE 2016, the festival for the connected generation, hits Auckland and Wellington this April.

In partnership with Rimmel London, #AmplifyLIVE hits Auckland’s Bruce Mason Theatre on Saturday 16th April before movinh to Wellingtons St James Theatre on April 17th. This incredible festival promises audiences a once in a lifetime opportunity for an intimate experience with their idols.

Award-winning #AmplifyLIVE headliner, Tyler Oakley, has been established as one of the most well renowned LGBTQ+ creators on the planet - by TIME Magazine as one of the 30 Most Influential People on the Internet - and by his more than 22 million followers across his platforms, including 8 million on his home of YouTube. Tyler’s passion for hilarious, engaging, and unapologetically personal storytelling isn’t limited to YouTube - in 2015 alone his award-winning podcast Psychobabble reached #1 on the iTunes store, he’s sold out 30 stops of his international Slumber Party themed tour, embarked on 20 stops for his international book tour for his honest New York Times topping memoir BINGE and released a no-holes-barred behind the scenes documentary called SNERVOUS.

With a combined following of 80 MILLION across YouTube, Instagram, Vine, Tumblr, Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter, these unique creators personify a new wave of artists who are more passionately engaged with their devoted audience than ever before. #AmplifyLIVE by Rimmel London will be the biggest chance their Kiwi fans can possibly get for a one-on-one meet and greet opportunity with their idols and the chance to see them up close and personal in a live stage show.

Tom Maynard, creator of AMPLIFY, said today: “We’re ecstatic to bring #AmplifyLIVE to NZ for the first time. Amplify is one of the only brands that allows youth across NZ and Australia to get up close and personal with their heroes and we cant wait to share this with Kiwi audiences.”

Nic Kelly, Executive Producer and Host of AMPLIFY’s flagship daily content series #AmplifyNOW, said today: “The way #AmplifyLIVE captivated the connected generation in Australia in 2015 was incredible. The show was a laugh-out-loud, no boring bits spectacular and we can’t wait to bring this incredible experience to Kiwis in 2016.”

Tickets for AMPLIFY LIVE 2016 are on sale now HERE:

Connect with AMPLIFY:

TWITTER   •    FACEBOOK   •   INSTAGRAM   •   YOUTUBE   •

#AmplifyLIVE

MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

TYLER OAKLEY (USA) - https://www.youtube.com/user/tyleroakley

JC CAYLEN (USA) - https://www.youtube.com/user/lifewithJc

KIAN LAWLEY (USA) - https://www.youtube.com/user/superkian13

JAMIE CURRY of JAMIE’S WORLD (NZ) - https://www.youtube.com/user/theJamiesWorld

ANDREA RUSSETT (USA) - https://www.youtube.com/user/GETTOxFABxFOREVER

TYDE LEVI (Perth) - https://www.youtube.com/user/tydelevi

TREVOR MORAN (USA) - https://www.youtube.com/user/iTr3vor

KURT COLEMAN (AUS) - https://www.youtube.com/user/CountessMox

ORPHANS AND KINGDOMS TO GET NZ THEATRICAL RELEASE

Kiwi audiences will have the chance to see the award-winning local feature film Orphans and Kingdoms when it opens in selected cinemas across New Zealand on April 14th 2016.

The debut feature from writer/director Paolo Rotondo, Orphans and Kingdoms tells the story of a wealthy business man (Colin Moy) who is attacked by three desperate kids in his luxurious Waiheke Island home. Over the course of a tense night the tables are turned and an unlikely bond begins to grow between attackers and victim. When dawn comes, so too does the law and the four of them find themselves on the run together.

Staring Colin Moy (In My Fathers Den, Deathgasm, The Most Fun You Can Have Dying) alongside acting newcomers Calae Hignett-Morgan, Hanelle Harris andJesse-James Rehu Pickery, Orphans and Kingdoms was funded as part of the New Zealand Film Commissions ‘Escalator’ micro-budget Program. With additional support from Random Films, Flying Fish, crowd funding and a large group of sponsors including Sealink and Jucy Rentals the film was shot entirely on location on the picturesque Waiheke Island in the winter of 2013. The film premiered to a sold out crowd at the New Zealand Film Festival and continues to play at festivals around the world. Across its festival run the film has won numerous awards including best feature film at the Anchorage International Film Festival, a silver medal at the Global Music Awards and best editor at the NZ Film Awards.

“We’ve made a kiwi film that is moving people around the world,” says writer/director Paolo Rotando. “I can’t wait to now share it with our own audiences.”

Producer Fraser Brown is quick to praise the community effort that went into getting the film made.

“This film is the result of the most amazing team effort, with support from communities all over New Zealand. To finally be able to share it with those communities is very exciting”

To celebrate the announcement of the local release the official theatrical trailer for the feature has also been released. This trailer can be viewed HERE or for a download link please click HERE.

Ahead of the films nationwide theatrical run a gala screening of the film will be held at Auckland’s Civic Theatre on Tuesday April 5th. Limited tickets for this event will be made available to the public and more information will be released on this in the coming weeks.

For all media enquires please contact:

Chris Henry                                     

818 ENTERTAINMENT                   

chris@818entertainment.co.nz            

+64 21 670 604                             

Emily Crowther

818 ENTERTAINMENT

emily@818entertainment.co.nz

+64 21 101 2046

FIRST LOOK AT TAIKA WAITITI'S 'HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE' RELEASED ONLINE

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TEASER VIDEO

New Zealand audiences get their first look at Taika Waititi’s new feature film Hunt for the Wilderpeople today with the release of the films first teaser video.

This teaser introduces audiences to ‘real bad egg’ foster kid Ricky Baker played by Julian Dennison and his cantankerous Uncle Hec played by acting icon Sam Neill.  Local acting heavyweights Rhys Darby, Rima Te Wiata, Rachel House and Oscar Kightley star alongside Dennison and Neill in this loveable adventure comedy due for cinema release across New Zealand on March 31st 2016.

Based on the best selling book ‘Wild Pork and Watercress’ by kiwi literary legend Barry Crump, Hunt for the Wilderpeople tells the story of Ricky (Dennison), a defiant young city kid who finds himself on the run with his foster uncle (Neill) in the wild New Zealand bush. A national manhunt ensues, and the two are forced to put aside their differences and work together to survive in this hilarious and heartfelt adventure.

The release of the teaser video is fresh off the back of a sell-out international premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival which has herald rave reviews from industry bibles Screen Daily, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

Director Taika Waititi was thrilled by the reaction to the films premiere,

"We knew we had something special with Sam and Julian and were happy the audience felt the same way."

Producer Carthew Neal adds,

"The audience were in the palm of Taika, Sam, Julian and the rest of the cast’s hands. Laughing riotously and probably the odd tear too."

The embed code for the teaser to be hosted online can be found BELOW:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4WJKigD1t-c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> 

DAVID FARRIER’S DOCUMENTARY ‘TICKLED’ TO GET SUNDANCE PREMIERE

Kiwi documentary Tickled will receive its worldwide premiere in the World Documentary Competition of the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in January.
 
Probing into the bizarre world of Competitive Endurance Tickling, Tickled follows journalist David Farrier as tries to understand this strange and secretive world. Facing fierce resistance on his quest for answers, David and his team take their questions to the USA in attempt to get to the bottom of a story stranger than fiction.
 
“Out of the all the stories I've done it is by far the biggest - and definitely the strangest,” says Farrier. "Sundance is the dream festival for this film - I’ve watched so many great Sundance films as a journalist and can’t believe we’re taking Tickled there. On top of that Robert Redford is there every year as the founder of Sundance. My mum is freaking out - she loves Robert Redford."
 
Tickled has already drawn attention from all corners of the world including international comedian Stephen Fry.
 
“When I first heard about Tickled I was intrigued by the idea of tickling being, perhaps, a competitive sport,” says Fry. “But then to discover that the film is about something much more. It’s a suspense movie - and quite heart-in-mouth.”
 
Co-Director Dylan Reeve joined Farrier to investigate the strange origins of Competitive Tickling as soon as he learned of the bizarre story.
 
“When I saw the weird messages David was getting from the organisers of Competitive Endurance Tickling I knew there was something crazy going on,” says Reeve. “Once we started digging a bit deeper I could see it was a story we needed to tell, and a documentary seemed like the best way.”
 
The film’s producer, Carthew Neal, will also be taking Taika Waititi’s adventure comedy Hunt for the Wilderpeople to the 2016 Sundance Festival.
 
“It’s incredible to have two very different films premiering at such a prestigious festival and a privilege to work alongside such talented New Zealand filmmakers.” says Neal.
 
The film was financed by the New Zealand Film Commission and MPI Media Group. North American Sales are handled by Submarine and Rest of World by MPI. The film has pre-sold to Vendetta Films in Australia and New Zealand.
 

// LIKE THE FILM ON FACEBOOK  
// FOLLOW THE FILM ON TWITTER 


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

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