The theatrical trailer of The Rehearsal, Alison Maclean’s vibrant screen adaptation of Eleanor Catton’s debut novel has been released online.
The Rehearsal will have its world premiere at the Civic Theatre on July 23rd as the centerpiece of the New Zealand International Film Festival. Staring James Rolleston, Kerry Fox, Alice Englert and Marlon Williams, The Rehearsal tells the story of Stanley (Rolleston), a naïve 1st year drama student who seeks to impress his charismatic tutor, Hannah (Fox). When Stanley’s group hits on a sex scandal involving his young girlfriend, Isolde (Edward) as the inspiration for their end-of-year show, Stanley finds himself in morally tricky territory.
The Rehearsal is directed by Alison Maclean and is adapted from the novel by Man Booker award-winner Eleanor Catton. The script was written by Maclean alongside award winning writer Emily Perkins.
Maclean is looking forward to premiering the film to a local audience.
"I’m thrilled to be premiering The Rehearsal at the New Zealand International Film Festival. While we know the film has international appeal, it’s a New Zealand film through and through and I can’t wait to show it first to a local audience."
New Zealand International Film Festival director Bill Gosden says they are thrilled to present a film that brings together "enough talent to constitute a real-world new wave".
"Like the novel, the film is as attentive to the misleading effect youthful nerve can have on the 'mature', as it is to the crises the teachers so blithely incite in the taught. It's also its own sharp, original thing, alive with ambiguity and cinematic verve."
Tickets to the world premiere will be on sale now from Friday 24th June. Following the Auckland world premiere, The Rehearsal will play further NZIFF screenings in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin before a nationwide theatrical release in late August.
KIWI DRAMA ‘FILTHY RICH’ SOLD TO STREAMING GIANT HULU
The addictive hit Kiwi television series Filthy Rich will soon be available to over 12 million American viewers, with the show’s first season sold to US streaming giant Hulu.
The debut production from Filthy Productions, Filthy Rich, is a 20-episode, one-hour serial drama centered on three illegitimate children who discover they each have a claim to the fortune of one of New Zealand’s wealthiest men.
Created by writers Rachel Lang and Gavin Strawhan, and produced by Steven Zanoski, Filthy Rich recently finished a strong season on TV2, with the show winning its time slot in the key 18-49 demographic, and proving a breakout hit on TVNZ OnDemand.
“High-stakes drama storytelling, teamed with equally high production values, make Filthy Rich attractive as a world class property,” says producer Steven Zanoski.
“It sits comfortably alongside international series but with a definite Kiwi attitude, tackling racial and gender politics, placing a Maori woman at the top of a multi- national company. This snapshot of a contemporary yet heightened New Zealand lifestyle is likely to have broad appeal overseas.”
TVNZ’s General Manager of Commissioning, Production and Acquisitions Andrew Shaw has lent his support to the show’s success in selling abroad.
“We are really pleased with the performance of Filthy Rich on-air and online. It is a groundbreaking series, and proves again that compelling stories with engaging characters can win the loyalty of the audience,” says Shaw.
“We are delighted that international audiences will get to enjoy this wonderful New Zealand drama. It is a credit to everyone involved in its creation and distribution.”
Jane Wrightson, CEO of NZ On Air, adds, “We know that New Zealand makes world- quality dramas. While NZ On Air’s focus is on serving local audiences, we are always delighted when funded content succeeds internationally. It takes New Zealand to the world and brings in international revenue.”
It was also confirmed today that the show will screen across the ditch on Australia’s Channel Nine. Both international sales of the series were negotiated by international sales agent, Creative Arts Agency (CAA).
Following on from the international success of Filthy Rich, Filthy Productions’ second offering, Dirty Laundry, will complete principal photography this week, and is set to air on TVNZ later this year.
WILDERPEOPLE TAKES TOP SPOT AT THE KIWI BOX OFFICE
Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople has cemented its place in the record books overtaking the 2010 Kiwi classic BOY (which Waititi also directed) to become the largest grossing local film at the New Zealand Box office.
Already holding the record for the highest opening weekend for a local film ($1,263,035 - March 31st – April 3rd 2106) and the highest single grossing day for a local film ($528,896 – Saturday April 2nd 2016), this result is the icing on the cake for Waititi.
"I make movies for New Zealanders so it’s humbling and validating to know my work has an audience,” says Waititi. It’s proof that we still have relevant and entertaining stories to tell and that kiwis believe in the worth of those stories. It fills me with pride and joy to have two films, Māori films, in the top box office positions, and I thank everyone who helped us get to this place in time.“
“However this is the happiest and saddest day of my career,” continues Waititi. Not only has Wilderpeople become the highest grossing film of all time, but BOY has just lost its place as highest grossing film of all time. I both hate and love this achievement simultaneously. To all the people who worked so hard on Wilderpeople, congratulations! To all the people who worked so hard on BOY, I’m sorry. To the people of New Zealand… THANK YOU!!!"
Producers Carthew Neal and Leanne Saunders are thrilled the spirit of the film has resonated so well in the hearts of the nation.
“We have always felt the spirit of Barry Crump while making this film, especially in Taika’s confident anarchic style and the cast and crews ‘give it a whirl’ attitude. It’s great the NZ audience have felt this too."
With demand still high, Hunt for the Wilderpeople continues to play strong sessions in cinemas nationwide. Mark Chamberlain, Theatrical Sales Manager at Madman Entertainment says it’s a testament to the collaboration with cinema operators around the country.
“We’re so proud to have been involved in bringing this now iconic film to New Zealanders. We wish to acknowledge and sincerely thank all the cinema owners and operators around the country who collaborated with us on this journey”.
The film is set for theatrical release in Australia on May 26th and then in the US on June 24th. The film will also be released globally thanks to international distribution deals announced today at the Cannes Film Festival.
Dave Gibson, CEO of the New Zealand Film Commission is thrilled of the success of the tile at home and is excited about its next chapter on the world stage.
"It's great that New Zealander's love this film and have turned up in droves to see it. And now we have the added bonus of worldwide audiences getting to see something uniquely Kiwi."
Written and directed by Taika Waititi and produced by Carthew Neal, Leanne Saunders, Matt Noonan and Waititi, Hunt for the Wilderpeople stars Sam Neill and Julian Dennison. Inspired by Barry Crump’s novel, Wild Pork and Watercress, the film recounts the story of misfit kid Ricky Baker who finds himself on the run with his cantankerous foster uncle 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 heartwarming adventure comedy.
KEY FACTS AND FIGURES:
· Hunt for the Wilderpeople current NZ Box Office (As at close of trading Sunday 15th May 2016): $9,650,074
· Number of weeks at the NZ Cinema: 7 (and counting)
· Number of weeks in cinemas as the number one film: 3
· Estimated number of tickets sold: 650,000
· Boys final NZ Box Office: $9.322 M (26 Weeks in NZ Theatres)
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.
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