The delightful and award winning Kiwi kids show Kiri and Lou has just clocked over a whopping 2 million streams on BBC’s streaming platform BBC iPlayer and reached the coveted number one spot for their kids content.
Written and directed by Harry Sinclair with music by Don McGlashan (formerly The Front Lawn) and voiced by comedy greats, Jemaine Clement, Olivia Tennet, Rima Te Wiata, Jaquie Brown, Josh Thomson and Mark Wright, the good news continues with a second series of Kiri and Lou screening on TVNZ 2 from tomorrow, 24 June, at 6.55am, with new episodes also available on TVNZ On Demand.
Made for pre-school children but enjoyed by all the family, the series centres around music, the environment, nature, feelings and friendship, and explores values such as kindness, thoughtfulness and empathy. Each episode follows the charming, prehistoric friends, Kiri and Lou, in a fun adventure story with an emotional theme.
Success in New Zealand and overseas has brought funding for a third series of episodes, and a Kiri and Lou movie is in development.
In addition, the debut album, Kiri and Lou Singalongsongs, will launch for digital download and streaming Monday 29 June. Composed and produced by beloved New Zealand musical duo The Front Lawn, aka Sinclair and McGlashan, the album features songs from Series 1, delighting fans with perennial favourites such as ‘Yum Yum Baronies’ and ‘Look Before You Poo’.
“I feel really excited about this album as it’s the Front Lawn working together again, but on something so completely different,” says Sinclair. “Don and I are having more fun than ever."
The show has attracted international interest for consumer products. Merchantwise (Australia/NZ) and Rocket Licensing (UK) will manage licensing rights in a wide range of categories, including toys and games, stationery, publishing, homewares and apparel, with a focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious product and partnerships, in keeping with the brand’s core values and messaging.
“The heart of the show remains very much in New Zealand but the international accolades have been welcome,” says producer Fiona Copland. “It’s a celebration of ‘New Zealandness’ in many ways, so it’s a thrill that people in other countries seem to get it. We are proud to be taking Kiwi values around the world.”
Most recently Kiri and Lou was a finalist for the prestigious Prix Jeunesse in Europe and won a Cynopsis Best of the Best Award in New York.
The show is currently broadcast in the UK, Australia, Finland, Sweden, the Czech Republic, the Middle East, Africa, as well as with commissioning broadcasters TVNZ in New Zealand and CBC in Canada. Episodes have screened in cinemas in France, Germany, USA, Russia, China, Poland and South America.
Watch episodes of Kiri and Lou here
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THE SEARCH BEGINS FOR THIS YEAR’S ATTITUDE AWARD FINALISTS
CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF NEW ZEALAND’S DISABILITY COMMUNITY
Pictured: The 2019 Attitude ACC Supreme Award winner Cory Newman
The Attitude Awards are once again looking for Aotearoa’s unsung heroes leading the way in the disability community.
Celebrating the excellence and achievements of New Zealanders living with disabilities, recognising athletes, employers, employees, young people and others who are game changers in their communities, Attitude Award nominations are open from now until Sunday 26th July.
Last year’s Attitude ACC Supreme Award and Youth Spirit winner was teenager Cory Newman who was recognised for his standout achievements in the music industry. 17-year-old Cory and his punk rock band Sit Down in Front erupted onto the local and international music scene in 2019 when music legend Jimmy Barnes invited them to be the opening act for the New Zealand leg of his recent international tour. The band performed at Rhythm and Vines earlier this year and are set to release their debut album Confessions of a Pie Thief on June 26th. Cory was born premature and has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and ADHD, and accepted the Attitude ACC Supreme Award in front of a sold-out crowd of friends, family and members of the disability sector.
Now in its 13th year, the Attitude Awards will present nine categories including Attitude ACC Employer, Spirit of Attitude, Sporting Endeavour and Youth Courage Award. The awards will take place on Wednesday, 2nd December with a black-tie gala dinner at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel.
Attitude’s CEO Dan Buckingham, a Paralympic gold medallist who uses a wheelchair after sustaining a spinal cord injury aged 18, said the annual awards are not only a unique celebration of success, but also an opportunity to shine a light on the benefits of integrating people with disabilities into every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life in New Zealand.
“The Attitude Awards truly are one of a kind, celebrating the incredible successes and stories of Kiwis living with disabilities. We’d love for New Zealanders to put forward individuals and organisations in their communities who they think are deserving of recognition,” comments Dan Buckingham.
2019 winners also included Tim Fairhall, winner of the Leadership Award for his work changing the legislation around Kiwisaver, travel junkie Jezza Williams who won the Entrepreneur Award and social enterprise The Cookie Project, who took home the Attitude ACC Employer Award.
For the 13th year running, ACC returns as principal sponsor. About the awards, ACC Chief Executive Scott Pickering says: “The Attitude Awards are a great opportunity to recognise and reflect on the huge contribution Kiwis with disabilities make to our society. Many of those nominated each year are, or have been, ACC clients. We are proud to have played a role in their recovery, and through our sponsorship of the awards we are proud to celebrate them and the other remarkable people nominated. The event is a fantastic way to promote a more inclusive and accessible Aotearoa. I encourage you to support the Awards and to nominate a friend, family member, colleague, or employer who deserves to be recognised for their achievements.”
Other sponsors and supporters for the awards include APM Workcare, Barfoot & Thompson, Drake International and New Zealand Lotteries Commission.
The Attitude Awards will be aired as an hour-long television special on TVNZ1 on Sunday, 13th December, with thanks to NZ on Air. The special will feature entertainment, winners and highlights from the evening.
For nomination information and entry forms, visit http://attitudeawards.org. Nominations close on Sunday 26th July and finalists will be announced in early September. Winners will be revealed at a black-tie gala for over 500 people including figures from the disability sector on Wednesday 2nd December, at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel.
The nine categories for this year’s awards are: Attitude ACC Employer Award, Spirit of Attitude Award, Sporting Endeavour Award, Special Olympics Award, Youth Courage Award, Impact Award, Employee and Entrepreneur Award, Support Superstar Award and Community Champion Award.
JEMAINE CLEMENT, TAIKA WAITITI, CORI GONZALEZ-MACUER AND LOUIS MENDIOLA BEHIND NEW COMEDY SERIES ASS
A brand-new comedy series, reuniting three of the stars from What We Do In The Shadows, has been optioned by local production house Augusto. From co-creators Cori Gonzalez-Macuer and Louis Mendiola, the series will be directed by comedy genius Jemaine Clement and executive produced by Oscar-winning Taika Waititi.
Ass centres on a depressed (and broke) puppeteer who reluctantly accepts to work with his ex-fiancée and former puppeteer-partner on a top-secret gig in which they must fill-in for a famous donkey actor on the wildly popular American TV political comedy, Hey Donkey!, after the superstar animal goes mysteriously missing.
Cori Gonzalez-Macuer commented: “I've worked on a few things over the years, but this project feels like it's actually going somewhere. It's an awesome combination of working with Louis, a production company that is actually investing in us and now with Taika and Jemaine involved, it’d be pretty weird if we f****ed it up.”
The pilot script for Ass was recently highlighted by Hollywood website The Black List following extraordinary ratings from film industry executives. The project has received much international attention, with Auckland and New York-based production company Augusto winning the option rights to develop and produce the project. The series will be produced by Daniel Story and Cass Avery.
Daniel Story, Executive Producer at Augusto commented: "We're excited to be working with such an amazingly talented team to bring Ass to life. The pilot script is inventive and hilarious - we look forward to progressing it into production and distribution as soon as possible."
Louis Mendiola, co-creator for Ass added: "This has been such an incredible ride for Cori and me. From being shortlisted for the Sundance Episodic Lab, to being endorsed by The Black List, and then getting to develop the series with this dream team, it's just been bonkers, in all the best ways."
Discussions are underway with US showrunners and VODS regarding Ass’ distribution, with production plans for next year.
Cori Gonzalez-Macure and Louis Mendiola are managed by Silver Lining Entertainment. Jemaine Clement is represented by UTA. Taika Waititi is represented by CAA.
LOCAL TV HOST CREATES GLOBAL FOOD THAT DOESN’T COST THE WORLD IN NEW YOUTUBE COOKING SERIES ‘THE HUMBLE YUM YUM’
Over the recent lockdown period, Ganesh Raj knew that people were struggling to not only come up with home-cooked meals every day, but that these dishes had to satisfy the wallet. “Right now we all need to shop within our means and serve what keeps the family happy. Comfort food is key during these stressful times, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a few tweaks to have some variety.”
Having lived and travelled all over the world, and especially in Asia, Ganesh knew that people from the most humble parts of the world can put together incredibly delicious and flavoursome food for very little cost. “I approached the recipes for The Humble Yum Yum in much the same way, by using cheaper ingredients that packed a flavour punch, and being conscious of not hurting the family budget.”
Connecting with food lovers and cuisines from all over the world means that The Humble Yum Yum can combine flavours, styles and one other key factor. “It’s about breaking the rules that can happen around food,” says Ganesh. “I want people to cook food that tastes good without worrying about what they ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’ do. I use breakfast cereals for crumbing chicken, and encourage using frozen veggies, canned food, and cheaper cuts of meat to keep your budget intact. Plus, everything I create can be made with one pot or pan, using basic pantry staples.”
The Humble Yum Yum series will be hosted on its own YouTube and Facebook channels, with the official social media hashtag #TheHumbleYumYum. Two new videos will be released each week.
With a focus on curiosity and fun around ingredients and recipes that can feed four people for up to $20, The Humble Yum Yum is all about global food that doesn’t cost the world.
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THE HUMBLE YUM YUM - ABOUT THE HOST
Ganesh Raj is currently known on local Kiwi TV screens as co-host of TV One’s Eat Well For Less. He is also the owner of Top 50 restaurant, The Tasting Shed, in west Auckland’s wine country area of Kumeu, and was named Metro’s Restaurant Personality of the Year for several years running. Ganesh is an experienced television presenter back in his home country of Singapore, hosting his own shows on ESPN Asia and MTV Asia, and he is a passionate foodie and advocate for promoting delicious and budget-conscious dishes for families.
NZ MUSIC T-SHIRT DAY SET TO ROUND OUT NZ MUSIC MONTH
NZ Music T-Shirt Day is a nationwide celebration of the music of Aotearoa and the power music has to make a positive difference in our lives. Raising funds for MusicHelpsLive, an appeal launched by the MusicHelps charity to directly help those working in the New Zealand music industry, Kiwis are encouraged to don their favourite Kiwi band or artist T-Shirt and make a donation on Friday 29th May.
Launched in 2019 around the Vodafone NZ Music Awards, the first event went on to raise $30,000. This year’s NZ Music T-shirt Day has moved to NZ Music Month to raise much needed funds to provide emergency financial and wellbeing support to those working in the live event and music space. An industry whose ability to earn a living has been severely impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 situation.
“The impact that Covid-19 has had and is having on the local music industry and those who rely on it for their livelihood is massive,” says MusicHelps Board Chair Campbell Smith. “NZ Music T-Shirt Day is a great way for kiwis to show support for the industry, the artists and the workers, as well as raise some much-needed funds to support our colleagues in this difficult time.”
Kiwis are encouraged to dig out their favourite piece of merchandise or band T-Shirt and encourage friends, whanau and workmates to do the same. Take a fabulous photo (or 3!) and upload to your favourite social media using the #nzmusictshirtday hashtag. It's then really easy to donate via your mobile phone by texting "MUSIC" to 2448 to contribute $3 to the MusicHelpsLive appeal. Alternatively, you can click the donation links at nzmusictshirtday.org.nz to donate to the appeal (at any amount) via Give A Little and PayPal.
For a full list of Kiwi bands and artists who are currently selling merchandise online, please click HERE:
ABOUT MUSICHELPS:
MusicHelps uses the power of music to help & heal New Zealanders in need. The charity develops & supports a wide range of programmes that use music to help people who are at risk, vulnerable and experiencing health issues. The charity has made projects impacting over 60,000 people possible at youth organisations, hospices, schools, medical charities, rehabilitation centres and more all-over New Zealand. MusicHelps also provides caring, confidential & practical support to kiwi music people experiencing illness, distress & hardship. It provides vital support including medical treatment, counselling and hardship assistance to kiwi music people and their families in times of crisis.
RNZ TO LAUNCH DYNAMIC WEB SERIES AND PODCAST THE CITIZEN’S HANDBOOK FEATURING A RANGE OF TOP KIWI COMEDIANS
From the creators of the popular satire White Man Behind a Desk, Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett
RNZ have today announced a brand-new web series and podcast titled The Citizen’s Handbook. The ten-part comedy and civics class from the creators of popular satire White Man Behind a Desk will launch on Thursday 16th April. All episodes will be available to view and listen to on RNZ’s website.
Co-created by the award-winning duo Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppett, The Citizen’s Handbook tackles the important issues of New Zealand history and today, teaching Kiwis how to be a good citizen. The innovative web series and podcast covers five topics in a fun and accessible way: history, politics, law, economics and international relations.
A host of well-known comedians and actors feature in each episode of The Citizen’s Handbook, including Tom Sainsbury, Eli Matthewson, Kura Forrester, Jamaine Ross, Brynley Stent, Shavaughn Ruakere and more.
The Citizen’s Handbook podcast sees Robbie Nicol competing against a comedian in explaining New Zealand civics, told in fact and fiction.
Co-creator and host Robbie Nicol commented: “We want to tell people how New Zealand came to be and how it works, so they know that if the current system isn't working for them - they can change it. We talked to a bunch of smart people to make sure we got our facts right, and brought in New Zealand’s best comedians to make it the funniest it could be. We’re really proud of it, and hopefully it’s the combination of light entertainment and community spirit that we’re looking for in this weird time.”
Finnius Teppett, co-creator, added: “Researching and writing this series made us angry, frustrated, sad, hopeful, bewildered, and grateful. But mostly just really, really bewildered. So many urgently important stories leapt out at us, and so many unbelievable jokes just wrote themselves. We cover a lot of ground in the series, and we get to be quite naughty and silly, but hopefully it’s enough to get our audience to start looking at our country in a new, more critical way.”
RNZ Head of Commissioning, Kay Ellmers commented: “We’re committed to keeping Aotearoa informed, connected and entertained during these uncertain times. The Citizen’s Handbook empowers audiences with the knowledge of how our country came to be, how it currently works, and how we can face the challenges that lie ahead.”
Produced by Kevin & Co, The Citizen’s Handbook puts the focus onto the actions of people, and by highlighting the power of human action in creating the present, the series demonstrates that New Zealanders actions can have a powerful impact on the future.
In addition to the web series and podcast, a virtual event for The Citizen’s Handbook is planned for Thursday 16th April. A kaupapa will be led by co-creators Robbie Nicol and Finnius Teppet to connect audiences from the comfort of their own homes. More information to follow soon.
AWARD-WINNING PLAY AND BBC SERIES FLEABAG IS COMING TO CINEMAS THIS WEEK
The award-winning theatre show that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series Fleabag will have its big screen kiwi debut this weekend as The National Theatre Live’s Fleabag opens in cinemas nationwide. The 67-minute, one-woman play written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and directed by Vicky Jones will give audiences a rip-roaring look at a sort of woman living her sort of life.
First debuting at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2013, Waller-Bridge’s one-woman show has taken the world by storm, going on to play sold-out seasons in London and New York. Now, Kiwis who missed out on the original stage play will have the opportunity to see it on the big screen.
The cultural phenomenon of Fleabag saw the play adapted into a BBC TV series of the same name, following the original plot line of an unnamed woman whose life is spiralling out of control after the accidental death of her best friend, all while butting heads with family and keeping her guinea pig themed café afloat. The show’s format sees the forth-wall often broken, with Waller-Bridge addressing the viewers with witty one-liners and offhand comments. The show ultimately earned her two 2019 Primetime Emmy Awards for Lead Actress and Writing and two 2020 Golden Globes for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy and Best Musical or Comedy TV Series.
From March 5th, Fleabag fans can catch the broadcast at selected cinemas nationwide. For all further details and session details, visit Flicks.
TRAILER DROPPED FOR ACTION-COMEDY GUNS AKIMBO STARRING DANIEL RADCLIFFE AND SAMARA WEAVING
Click here to view
The trailer for Guns Akimbo has dropped today, starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Samara Weaving (Ready or Not). The action-comedy feature film, written and directed by New Zealand filmmaker Jason Lei Howden (Deathgasm) received its world premiere at Toronto Film Festival and will be released nationwide on March 5th, 2020.
Largely filmed in Auckland, New Zealand, Guns Akimbo’s international cast also includes Kiwi actor and comedian Rhys Darby (Hunt for the Wilderpeople), Irish actor Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders) and Australian actress Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny).
The hilariously dark and viciously violent film follows Miles Harris (Daniel Radcliffe), a nerdy video game developer whose world is turned upside-down when he's enrolled in a dark social media movement that forces strangers to fight in a citywide game of death.
Speaking to Variety last year, Daniel Radcliffe said he was drawn to the film’s exciting and fun script, particularly the bizarre concept of having guns for hands: “It’s not just a device for crazy fight scenes… It’s also a device for a lot of physical comedy that I really enjoyed. ‘How do you dress yourself, how do you pick up your phone, how do you go through life.’”
Guns Akimbo is produced by New Zealander Tom Hern (The Dark Horse), Joe Neurauter (The Hallow) and Felipe Marino (The Wackness). The film is distributed in New Zealand by Madman and was made with investment from The New Zealand Film Commission.
OFFICIAL TRAILER DROPPED FOR ACTION-COMEDY ‘THE LEGEND OF BARON TO’A’ AHEAD OF NATIONWIDE RELEASE
Click here to view
The official trailer for Aotearoa’s brand-new action-comedy The Legend of Baron To’a has today been released ahead of its nationwide theatrical release on 20th February 2020.
The film features an all-star Pacific and Māori cast, including Uli Latukefu (Alien: Covenant), Nathaniel Lees (The Matrix Reloaded), Jay Laga’aia (Star Wars), John Tui (Hobbs & Shaw), Shortland Street alumni Shavaughn Ruakere and Fasitua Amosa (Fresh Eggs), Xavier Horan (Westside) and upcoming stars Duane Evans Jr (Avatar sequels) and Lotima Pome’e (General Fyah).
The Legend of Baron To’a tells the story of a Tongan entrepreneur who returns to his old neighbourhood and inadvertently causes the theft of his late father’s valued pro wrestling title belt by some ruthless gangsters. When negotiation and diplomacy fail to get it back, he is forced to embrace his father’s legacy to reclaim the title.
Directed by Kiel McNaughton and produced by Kerry Warkia under the Brown Sugar Apple Grunt banner, husband and wife duo Warkia and McNaughton’s credits include the critically acclaimed films Waru and Vai and TV series, Auckland Daze, Darryl: An Outward Bound Story and Find Me A Māori Bride.
Funded by the New Zealand Film Commission, ‘The Legend of Baron To’a’ will be distributed by Madman Entertainment (Hunt for the Wilderpeople) in NZ and Australia and represented in North America by XYZ Films (The Dead Lands).
16-YEAR-OLD CORY NEWMAN TAKES HOME THE ATTITUDE ACC SUPREME AWARD AT THE 2019 ATTITUDE AWARDS
Charismatic punk rocker Cory Newman has been announced winner of the Attitude ACC Supreme Award at the Attitude Awards in Auckland tonight. Now in their 12th year, the black-tie gala event celebrates the achievements and successes of New Zealanders living with disabilities.
Gisborne-raised Cory (16) was born premature and has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and ADHD. Two years ago, Cory followed his dreams and formed a band with his high school friends, Sit Down In Front, of which Cory is the lead singer.
In one of the toughest industries to crack into, Cory and his band have erupted onto the local and international music scene, placing third at the national Smokefreerockquest and catching the attention of music legend Jimmy Barnes, who invited them to open for his recent national tour. In a touching moment at the Attitude Awards this evening, a video message from Jimmy was played to the audience congratulating Cory.
The high-energy band performed at tonight’s award ceremony to an audience of 650 New Zealanders, including many prominent figures from the disability sector. In addition to Cory’s success with his band, he has excelled at school, having won awards for academic excellence, and leadership roles including becoming House Captain in Year 9. Cory’s also completed school cross countries, athletics days, school swimming sports and performed in Kapa Haka groups and a Polynesian club.
Attitude Trust chairperson Dan Buckingham commented on Cory’s win: “Cory is what we aspire to - someone who lives with disability and lives the fullest of lives. He has high expectations for himself, and from those around him to be completely included in all of the activities his peers are involved with. However, he has gone above merely being involved.… he’s excelled in all of his pursuits, whether they be academic, sports, cultural, or performance and the arts.”
On accepting his award Cory said: "This was the last thing I expected, I'm completely and utterly humbled. Who thought that a guy in a wheelchair, from a tiny country town, would get to experience this. I certainly didn't!"
Principal sponsor ACC’s Chief Executive Scott Pickering said this year’s finalists’ achievements are impressive: “They are proof of the power of attitude in achieving audacious goals or helping others in your community and of the unique and powerful talents we all bring to the table,” said Mr Pickering. “Congratulations to Cory for pursuing his dreams in music and for all he has achieved with his band and in his community. His drive and determination make him a very worthy recipient of the Attitude ACC Supreme Award. Well done Cory.”
Cory’s award closed an outstanding evening where 27 individuals and organisations were recognised. The black-tie gala was co-hosted by TV news reporter Simon Dallow and comedian Tom Sainsbury and saw performances from William Waiirua (Dancing With The Stars), comedian Willy De Wit and opera singer Tim McCallum. Highlights from the 2019 Attitude Awards will be screened on Sunday 1st December on TVNZ 1 at 11:00am.
GREG MURPHY TO JOIN A RAFT OF KIWI CELEBS TO RACE FOR CHARITY AT THIS YEARS MONSTER ENERGY S-X OPEN
Six of New Zealand’s most daring celebs will take to the track this Saturday at the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland for their chance to take out the title and raise much needed funds for their local charities.
Motor Racing Legend Greg Murphy, Sky Sport’s Stephen McIvor, Devilskin’s ‘The Nail’, The CGW’s Anna Wilcox, The AM Shows Aziz Al-Sa'afin and Bachelor Star Zac Franich will take to the Mt Smart Stadium course on November 16th to battle it out each riding a Yamaha TTR125 in front of over 20,000 screaming fans.
“I’m a big fan of MX and S-X and have been riding dirt bikes for over 20 years myself,” says Greg Murphy. “Can’t wait to get to MT Smart on the weekend for the S-X Open and catch all the stars in action and wipe the floor with the other “so called celebrities” in the Celebrity race.”
The winner of the race will have their winning bike auctioned on Trade Me with all proceeds going to the winner’s charities.
The race will take place amongst the evenings competitions and displays which features the world’s best and multiple World Champion riders going head-to-head on a full-sized World Championship style Supercross track as well as the greatest Freestyle Motocross riders on the planet.
Adding to the great family night out will be live music and entertainment, stunning pyrotechnics, junior races, giveaways, autograph signings, celebrity races, plus best-trick and best-whip competitions making the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland an incredible entertainment spectacle for all ages.
TEASER TRAILER UNVEILED FOR NEW LOCAL ACTION-COMEDY FILM 'THE LEGEND OF BARON TO’A'
The first look at the brand-new action-comedy film ‘The Legend of Baron To’a’ featuring a stellar line-up of Aotearoa’s best local talent has been released today ahead of its theatrical release in early 2020.
The directorial debut from Kiel McNaughton sees an all-star Pasifika and Māori cast, including Uli Latukefu (Alien: Covenant, Marco Polo), Nathaniel Lees (The Matrix Reloaded), Jay Laga’aia (Star Wars), John Tui (Battleship, Hobbs & Shaw), Shortland Street alumni Shavaughn Ruakere and Fasitua Amosa (Auckland Daze, Fresh Eggs) as well as rising stars Duane Evens Jr (The New Legends of Monkey, Shortland Street) and Lotima Pome'e aka General Fiyah.
‘The Legend of Baron To’a’ tells the story of a Tongan entrepreneur who returns to his old neighbourhood and inadvertently causes the theft of his late father’s valued pro wrestling title belt by some ruthless gangsters. When negotiation and diplomacy fail to get it back, he is forced to embrace his father’s legacy to reclaim the title.
The film is produced by Kerry Warkia under the Brown Sugar Apple Grunt banner. Warkia and McNaughton’s credits include the critically acclaimed films Waru and Vai and TV series, Auckland Daze, This is Piki and Find Me A Maori Bride.
‘The Legend of Baron To’a’ is funded by the New Zealand Film Commission and will be distributed in NZ/Australia by Madman Entertainment (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, The Breaker Upperers) and is represented in North America by XYZ Films (The Dead Lands, Arctic, Brawl in Cell Block 99).
RED BULL PRESENTS: ROYAL FLUSH WITH SWIDT, HIGH HØØPS AND K2K IN WELLINGTON AND AUCKLAND
In their final music offering for 2019, Red Bull have teamed up with A Label Called Success to curate Royal Flush, featuring local rap superstars SWIDT, multimode artist HIGH HØØPS and producer/DJ extraordinaire, k2k. Shows are confirmed for Friday 4th October at Meow in Wellington and Friday 18th October at Mantells on the Water in Auckland.
In October 2013, Auckland musicians HIGH HØØPS, SPYCC, and Taste Nasa hopped on a plane to Wellington for the inaugural edition of a new event series Red Bull Sound Select. Held at the now-shuttered Mighty Mighty bar on Cuba Street and hosted by a young Connor Nestor (A Label Called Success), the intimate party opened the doors. Six years later, Red Bull has helped launch several new waves of local hip-hop, R&B, beats, and indie artists on their musical journeys.
SPYCC reflects: “Those times were A1 for me. I always got love for my OG DPTRCLB family, good peoples. I learnt a lot in those days too being exposed to different genres, vibes and even just different conversations. Even though our sounds and styles were different, they really did complement one another.”
This October, Red Bull and A Label Success are regrouping around the poker table to honour the spirit of that first event with ROYAL FLUSH: two shows in Wellington and Auckland. As this suggests, when it comes to the line-up, they’re playing a winning hand with SWIDT (the Onehunga rap collective that counts SPYCC among its members), HIGH HØØPS, and k2k.
“It's crazy for this occasion to come full circle. I'm looking forward to sharing the stage with SPYCC and his SWIDT collective - we've had similar timelines of creative growth and mutual respect for each other's work ever since those first curated shows all those years ago,” says HIGH HØØPS.
A Label Called Success’ founder Connor Nestor adds: “It's with much joy that we can look back six years and see the wave that both HIGH HØØPS and SPYCC have been riding as solo artists and as part of their collectives. Working across each other's records and often being sounding boards for new ideas. We're excited to see how this will unfold on stage across these two shows.”
FOLLOW THESE LINKS TO RSVP:
WELLINGTON RSVP - http://bit.ly/rbp-royal-flush-WLG-RSVP
AUCKLAND RSVP - http://bit.ly/rbp-royal-flush-AKL-RSVP
SOCIAL PARTNERS TO JOIN FORCES WITH GAIL COWAN MANAGEMENT
Social Partners, a brand new division of entertainment publicity agency 818, have today announced an agreement with one of the top artists agencies, Gail Cowan Management (GCM) to represent its stable of established talent in the social media space.
Specialising in social partnerships between brands and individuals with genuine, engaged followings, soon to be launched Social Partners will work with a brilliant range of local talent through this agreement, including actors Sally Martin, Ria Vandervis and Antonia Prebble, as well as presenter and broadcaster Jason Gunn.
Aligning 818’s Social Partners and GCM’s brand values of authenticity and collaboration, this partnership will allow GCM talent to explore further opportunities in the digital space and align with brands in a way that truly fits the talent’s ethos and style.
“Chris has always shown the utmost professionalism and he fully understands our need for authenticity and integrity around any product endorsement,” Says GCM Director Gail Cowan.“We are looking forward to seeing his brand develop and the benefit that brings to our talent, allowing us to get back to our core business and fully engage with our passion for drama!”
“The talent that GCM represent completely align with our vision to work with talent that audiences respect, aspire to and engage with”, says Social Partners Managing Director, Chris Henry. “These talent are enthusiastic about creating content that’s more than just a flash in the pan post, and instead curate targeted campaigns that centre around meaningful story arcs. We know that talent are craving careful and considered partnerships and we think this is going to be the start of something quite special.”
This agreement will see Social Partners work with GCM talent on social campaigns with GCM retaining focus on the talents acting, voice and MC work.
In addition to this announcement, the team at Social Partners are thrilled to confirm the appointment of Lauren Mitchell as Campaign Producer. With previous experience driving influencer and content campaigns at The Social Club mixed with her experiential and social knowledge at MKTG, Lauren will join the team in late September with a focus on creating talent-led social campaigns, as well as fostering relationships with key agencies and brands.
“I can’t wait to join the team at 818 to help make a driving change within our industry through these purposeful and lasting partnerships between brands and individuals,” Says Lauren. “There is a real opportunity in the industry to connect those that can create an action or change with a purpose or reason and I’m excited to be part of that.”
LIAM GALLAGHER HEADING TO AUCKLAND FOR ONE SHOW ONLY
SECRET SOUNDS & LIVE NATION PRESENTS
LIAM GALLAGHER
AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND TOUR 2019
Once voted by the readers of Q Magazine as the “greatest front man of all time”, living legend Liam Gallagher will return to Australia and New Zealand in December as he celebrates the release of his massively anticipated second solo record, Why Me, Why Not?
Shows in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Auckland will give Australasian audiences a chance to revel in tracks from Gallagher’s untouchable back catalogue as well as taking in newer cuts from his more recent output.
We all know the Oasis story by now: Manc lads discover the magic formula, pump out several anthems for a generation, release some of the highest selling (and most loved) albums of all time, define British guitar music, burn out in a blaze of glory...
Now, as we hurtle towards 2020, it’s a sheer delight to hear the unmistakable voice of Liam Gallagher producing music just as timeless as he did at the peak of Britpop’s heyday.
His debut solo album As You Were was released in October 2017, proving to be a critical and commercial success as it sold over 103,000 units in its first week and becoming the ninth fastest-selling debut of the decade in the UK.
Calling it a “debut” may seem a bit strange when we’re talking about an artist responsible for some of the most momentous albums in the history of recorded music, but Gallagher’s solo career to date has very much been about starting again with renewed vitality.
This attitude is on display through As It Were, a documentary released in June this year that documents the release of As You Were and the subsequent soul searching forced upon Gallagher in the wake of the break-up’s of Oasis, Beady Eye and several other personal relationships.
“I’m not doing this to be more famous, I’m f**king famous enough – you know what I mean,” he announces early in the film. “I’m not doing it for the money. I joined a band because I love music.”
With this typically confident catchcry in mind, Gallagher started work on his new record with super-producers Greg Kurstin and Andrew Wyatt, eventually pumping out Why Me, Why Not? and its stomping singles ‘Shockwave’ and ‘The River’. Both replete with oodles of the swagger and bluster that made Liam Gallagher a household name, the tunes are perfect precursors a much-anticipated sophomore release, both going down a treat at his recent Glastonbury performance.
In fact, if that show was anything to go by, audiences in Australia and New Zealand are in for something very special as Gallagher stacks his setlist with some of Oasis’ most well-known tunes and sends the likely lads and ladette’s into Supersonic ecstasy.
SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND FRIDAY DECEMBER 20
TICKETS ON SALE 10AM THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5
Live Nation pre-sale: 10am Wednesday September 4 until 9am Thursday September 5
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: liamgallagher.com & www.livenation.co.nz