Principal photography is underway on the new feature film ‘One Winter’ starring Julian Dennison of Ngāi Takoto (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Godzilla v Kong), Minnie Driver (Circle of Friends, Good Will Hunting), Rhys Darby (Yes Man, Flight of the Conchords), James Rolleston of Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Arawa, Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea (Boy, Pork Pie) and Erana James of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Waikato Tainui (The Changeover, The Wilds).
Written by Hamish Bennett (Te Arawa, Patuharakeke, Ngāi Tahu) and Sonia Whiteman, and directed by Paul Middleditch and Hamish Bennett, this coming of age story is set in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1981 when the arrival of the South African rugby team sets off nationwide protests against apartheid and racism. Dennison plays Josh Waaka, a 17-year-old who after being a passive bystander all of his life, is suddenly forced to stand up for himself, his family and his future.
“One Winter is a story of hope, courage and standing up for what one believes is right,” says directors Middleditch and Bennett. “It has been incredible to have such a stellar cast join us for this project and we have been blown away with what they have brought to the story.”
One Winter is currently shooting across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtepoti Dunedin by a wealth of incredible local creatives and crew. Ensuring production takes place in the stories home of Ōtepoti Dunedin is integral to the project with consultation with mana whenua from the runaka / tribal councils of Puketeraki and Ōtākou continuing to be a key part of the filmmaking process for Producers and Directors.
The film is produced by Emma Slade, Sandra Kailahi and Angela Cudd (Ngāti Porou, Te-Whānau-Ā-Apanui, Ngāti Wai). Troy Lum is executive producer. Stacey Morrison (Ngāi Tahu, Te Arawa) has supported the film with iwi engagement as well as offering cultural guidance, however the key creative content that emerges from the partnership with the runaka of Ōtepoti is very much from those on the ground in that takiwā / district.
One Winter was made with investment from Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Government’s Screen Production Grant, with financing from Kiwibank. Blue Fox Entertainment are the international sales agents with Kismet distributing the film across Australia and New Zealand.
FATBOY SLIM RETURNS TO NEW ZEALAND FOR MASSIVE 6 DATE TOUR
Dance enthusiasts across the country can rejoice as today it is announced that award-winning and critically acclaimed UK DJ, producer and musician FATBOY SLIM will return to New Zealand in 2023. Embarking on his largest New Zealand tour to date, the iconic DJ will play outdoor summer shows in Christchurch, Napier, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Taupō.
Over 20,000 fans who experienced his 2019 New Zealand tour have been counting down the days for the return. With a career spanning over four decades, Fatboy Slim aka Norman Cook, is considered one of the original godfathers of dance music and was a key pioneer of the big beat genre of the nineties, with certified hits “Right Here, Right Now”, “The Rockafeller Skank” and “Praise You”.
Fatboy Slim’s success lies in his ability to blend funky breakbeats with the most catchy melodies and riffs, and he has reached a wider audience than many DJs by combining elements of rock and dance music. Cook holds the Guiness World Record for the most top 40 hits under different names, and as a solo act, he has won ten MTV Video Music Awards and two Brit Awards.
Kiwis will need to EAT, SLEEP, RAVE, REPEAT in order to prepare themselves for the mind and genre-bending multi-visual effects and stage presence that comes with a Fatboy Slim show. He might have played to over 250,000 people on Brighton Beach, and headlined festival and arena shows around the world, but nothing of this magnitude and depth that goes into the heart and soul of New Zealand. Prior to his 2019 tour of NZ, Fatboy Slim last performed in New Zealand at a sold-out headline show at Vector Arena in 2012, and fans would still fondly remember his set closing out the Boiler Room at Big Day Out in 1999. His return to Aotearoa will no doubt spark the re-appearance of ravers young and old across dance floors around the country.
Fatboy Slim’s performance in Auckland will give birth to a new festival for the city - Gardens Music Festival - Victoria Park. He will also be making a couple of special one-off intimate shows that will be announced shortly, including a special DJ set at the top of the Sky Tower. Local support acts to be announced.
PARTY WITH FATBOY SLIM IN THE SKY TOWER
Everyone who registers for the presale go in the draw to win a major prize including flights to Auckland, accommodation for two at Sky City Hotel and two tickets to see Fatboy Slim perform up the Sky Tower on Wednesday, February 1 2023. Terms and Conditions apply.
Register for presale @ endeavour.live/fatboyslim
Thanks to Sky City and Air NZ grabaseat.
For further tour details visit www.endeavour.live/fatboyslim
FATBOY SLIM NZ TOUR DATES
FRI, JAN 27 - QE2 PARK - CHRISTCHURCH
SAT, JAN 28 - TREMAIN FIELD - NAPIER
SUN, JAN 29 - VICTORIA PARK* - AUCKLAND
FRI, FEB 3 - ANDERSON PARK - WELLINGTON
SAT, FEB 4 - GIBBSTON VALLEY - QUEENSTOWN
SUN, FEB 5 - TAUPO AMPHITHEATRE - TAUPO
All shows are R18. *Gardens Music Festival - Victoria Park feat Fatboy Slim & Friends
KAREN O’LEARY JOINS ABLE & SHORTLAND STREET TO CELEBRATE WORLD SIGHT DAY
On Thursday 13 October, actor and comedian Karen O’Leary will be providing the audio description for Shortland Street to celebrate World Sight Day. Able, a not-for-profit organisation working towards a more inclusive Aotearoa, has partnered with TVNZ and South Pacific Pictures for World Sight Day to raise awareness about the free audio description services available to everyone.
On raising awareness for World Sight Day, Karen O’Leary says: “I jumped at the chance to be able to have a greater understanding of how audio description happens and experience it first-hand under the guidance of the amazing Able Audio Describer team. It’s an exciting way to celebrate World Sight Day with the blind and low vision community, as well as raise awareness among the wider community that this service is available.”
Audio description (AD) provides access to New Zealanders who are blind or who have low vision. An alternate audio track, AD provides a description of what’s happening on screen for the 180,000+ New Zealanders who are blind or have low vision.
Able CEO Dan Buckingham says, “Whether we watch TV for entertainment, information, or escape, it can connect us to the people and world around us. Audio description provides invaluable access to the stories and culture of Aotearoa for those who are blind, have low vision, or show use sound rather than sight to access TV for other reasons. So that everyone can share the laughter and enjoy the show.”
Able CEO Dan Buckingham says, “Audio description provides such a fantastic added layer to storytelling and information sharing. It enriches the programming our local producers pour their heart and soul into, making it accessible for those in our community who are blind, deafblind or low vision. Yet, far too few people know about it. It feels very much on point that we're partnering with TVNZ and South Pacific Pictures for this unique event as we seek to increase awareness about the service that’s free and available on TV. Shortland Street reflects who we are as Kiwis back to us on screen, and we're proud to have been making this iconic show accessible by providing audio description and captions for more than a decade.”
“I’m absolutely passionate about TV. The way it tells stories about people and culture - it takes people on a journey. I want to help everyone to have access to the stories TV tells, it means so much to be able to support this community and help strengthen accessibility in media,” Karen continues.
“We are deeply supportive of the work Able does in making content more inclusive and accessible for Kiwis,” says Nevak Rogers, Deputy Content Director – Local and Commissioning at TVNZ. “A partnership between Shortland Street, Able and TVNZ for World Sight Day is a strong and natural collaboration, and one we are proud to be part of.”
New Zealand’s media accessibility organisation Able creates audio description for New Zealand TV and media. Able has been providing audio description for Aotearoa since 2011, and has grown the service exponentially over time, with a 148% increase over the past two years. Currently, approximately 30% of possible content is audio described on TVNZ’s channels, including all Shortland Street episodes, with 7% of New Zealanders watching TV with audio description.
Comedian Sam Smith says about the impact of AD: “In 2017, I got diagnosed with MS. I lost all the feeling in my hands, and so couldn’t do dentistry anymore. I could still do comedy, so I started to do that more and more. A couple of years later, I had an MS attack and lost vision in my left eye, and part of my right eye. Audio description is amazing. Media accessibility means that we can all have access to the same information at the same time. You don’t think about it until someone points it out to you.”
Able has a skilled team of audio describers who work to enhance audio visual media through audio description. The team scripts, voices, and records descriptions to reflect what's happening on screen for each unique piece of content. AD is typically placed during natural pauses in the audio, integrating with the score and dialogue of the media.
Dan Buckingham continues, “Our aspiration at Able is to support accessibility on a broader range of channels and digital platforms, to provide viewers with freedom and choice when accessing the news, entertainment, and culture of the nation. This is something we are constantly working towards and striving for.”
Instructions on how to access audio description are here: https://able.co.nz/audio-description/how-to-access/
DANNEVIRKE LOCAL MOLLY PAWSON CROWNED WINNER OF 'TAKE THE MIC'
After three weeks of showcasing talented teenagers from around Aotearoa, Take The Mic has crowned its winner! Molly Pawson from Dannevirke took out the top spot on the new WhitebaitMedia talent show, going up against 11 other emerging Kiwi singers and songwriters and premiering their music videos to audiences across the country.
Every weekday for the last three weeks, Take The Mic has highlighted rising musical stars from New Zealand aged between 15-18 years old, as they work with industry professionals to create their very own music video. The docu-series has brought some fantastic talent to our screens, with the teens handpicked by music video director Connor Pritchard and musician Mikey Dam. After audiences met all 12 contestants, voting opened for the public to choose their top three, with over 19,000 votes cast from around the country. Making it to the finale was Rhythm Titimaea, Carl Quaitchanon (CJ), and Molly Pawson, with Connor and Mikey ultimately decided that Molly’s passion and creativity when creating her music video should see her take out the competition.
Handpicked from over 200 entrants, Molly Pawson impressed the judges with her original song ‘Home’, before working with the professionals on an ethereal music video shot in the forest which featured breath-taking interpretive dance. For winning the competition, Molly will receive a song writing, coaching and brand development package with Sole Academy, a recording session with Five AM Studios, a music video directed by Connor Pritchard, and a Rockshop voucher, all to further develop her love of music and song writing.
Music video director Connor Pritchard commented on Molly’s win: “Mikey and I had the hard task of choosing the winner of Take The Mic, between three extremely talented and very different musicians. We chose Molly Pawson because of her amazing concept, and the planning and story boarding which resulted in an epic final music video which kept us engaged. Huge congratulations to Molly and the other contestants!”
Take The Mic was created by WhitebaitMedia with funding from NZ On Air. The full season is now available to stream on TVNZ+.
LIVE NATION & SECRET SOUNDS PRESENT THE 1975
AUCKLAND, NZ (October 6, 2022): Live Nation & Secret Sounds have today announced that acclaimed English rockers The 1975 will return to New Zealand for the first time since 2020 for shows in Auckland on April 19 and Wellington on April 21.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 11am, Friday October 14, through livenation.co.nz.
My Live Nation & Secret Sounds members can secure tickets during the exclusive presale beginning at 9am, Thursday October 13.
Formed in Manchester in 2002, The 1975 have established themselves as one of the defining bands of their generation with their distinctive aesthetic, ardent fanbase and unique sonic approach.
They will arrive in Aotearoa with a host of new tracks to perform from their forthcoming album, Being Funny In A Foreign Language, which is due for release on October 14. The band have recently released three singles from the album including I’m In Love With You, Happiness and Part Of The Band, their acclaimed comeback single which Pitchfork praised as “the kind of grand, playful pop song that only this band could pull off”. Being Funny In A Foreign Language will be the The 1975’s fifth studio album and is perhaps their most intimate yet. While the band’s past few records were brimming with massive production—programming and synths— Being Funny In A Foreign Language is rooted in performance.
The 1975’s previous record, 2020’s Notes On A Conditional Form became their fourth consecutive #1 album in the UK, reaching #4 in New Zealand. 2020 also saw them named NME’s ‘Band of the Decade’, following being crowned as ‘Best Group’ at the BRIT Awards in both 2017 & 2019. Their third studio album, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, also won ‘Mastercard British Album of the Year’ at the 2019 ceremony.
The 1975 made their long-awaited live comeback in August as they headlined Japan’s biggest rock festival Summer Sonic 2022 in Tokyo and Osaka before returning to the UK for two triumphant headline slots at the iconic Reading & Leeds Festival. The 2023 New Zealand dates are part the band’s ‘At Their Very Best’ tour which includes huge shows in North America, UK, Ireland, and Japan. Several international dates are already sold out, including New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden, so New Zealand fans are encouraged to jump on tickets quickly when they go one sale from 9am local Friday October 14.
THE 1975
SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND
WEDNESDAY APRIL 19
TSB ARENA, WELLINGTON
FRIDAY APRIL 21
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY OCTOBER 14, 11am
Artist / Live Nation / Secret Sounds presale: Thursday, October 13, 9am – Friday October 14, 10am
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: the1975.co.nz & livenation.co.nz
TRAILER RELEASED FOR UPCOMING KIWI DOCUMENTARY ‘WHEN THE COWS COME HOME’
The trailer for New Zealand documentary When The Cows Come Home has today been unveiled ahead of the film’s nationwide general release in November. From Vendetta Films, When The Cows Come Home follows the daily routine of Andrew Johnstone, a Waikato herdsman who lives on his parents farm looking after a large group of beef cattle.
After a series of failures in love and life, social misfit Andrew returns to the family farm near Cambridge where he discovers a unexpected and bewitching affinity with cows. As the film continues, we learn about a man who has suffered many tragedies but has ultimately found his way to healing and contentment. As a man who has worn many hats, Andrew has been a fencer, rock star, songwriter, poet, painter, gardener, sales manager, radio broadcaster, magazine editor and journalist, but has ultimately found solace in the company of cows, particularly his adopted cows Tilly and Maggie.
Directed by Costa Botes, this delightful and thought-provoking documentary paints a stunning picture of the Waikato, with beautiful scenery aiding the story of Andrew’s life. Costa is an award-winning director whose credits include Angie, Act of Kindness, The Last Dogs of Winter, and the short film Stalin’s Sickle, which won the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival jury prize in 1988. When The Cows Come Home premiered at the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival in July 2022.
Director, producer, and editor Costa Botes comments on releasing the film around Aotearoa: “When The Cows Come Home tells a deeper story than a first glance might suggest. NZIFF audiences were surprised and delighted by its twists and turns, and gave the film a big thumbs up. Now, with the film coming out soon on general release, I’m excited film goers around the country will get a chance to see it.”
On his life story being chronicled for the world to see, Andrew Johnstone says: “When Costa Botes turned up on the farm with his crew, cameras, and sound gear, I had no idea what to expect. The result was a beautiful film filled with transformative qualities. It surprised me personally, and even more to see how it affected audiences. I can’t wait for the rest of the country to see it.”
When The Cows Come Home is directed, produced, and edited by Costa Botes. The film was scored by Tom McLeod. It was completed with the assistance of a Feature Film Finishing Grant from the New Zealand Film Commission.
THE 2023 LANEWAY FESTIVAL LINE-UP IS HERE!
Laneway Festival is BACK in January with a blockbuster line-up! An all-star cast will take the stage at Albert Park, featuring the world’s pre-eminent sibling indie-rock band, the internet’s favourite superstar story-teller, the fastest-rising electronic act in the world and many, many more.
As previously announced, Laneway Festival hits Auckland, returning to its beloved home in the iconic Albert Park on Monday 30 January, with the best festival line-up in the country for the summer of 2023 – it’s the place to be on Auckland’s Anniversary Day.
"It’s an absolute dream to return with this line-up in 2023 after nearly three years,” says Julian Carswell, Executive Producer, Laneway Auckland. "Some of the world’s most exciting artists today will grace the Laneway stages next summer, with many making their debut visit to Aotearoa."
Register now for access to the Laneway pre-sale and your chance to win the ultimate Laneway x Afterpay VIP experience. Follow us on @lanewayfestnz for all the latest.
Pre-sale starts Tuesday 27 September, 11am NZ local time
General public on sale starts Thursday 29 September, 9am NZ local time
FULL NEW ZEALAND LINE-UP:
HAIM - JOJI
PHOEBE BRIDGERS
FINNEAS - FONTAINES D.C. - FRED AGAIN..
GIRL IN RED - SLOWTHAI - TURNSTILE
100 GECS - CHAOS IN THE CBD - FAZERDAZE - KNUCKS
MALLRAT - ROSS FROM FRIENDS - THE BETHS - YARD ACT
THE BACKSEAT LOVERS - BBYFACEKILLA - BROTHERHOODJZ
DARTZ - EDEN BURNS - ERNY BELLE
HANS. & FRIENDS - HARVEY SUTHERLAND - JUJULIPPS
LOGIC1000 - SYCCO - THERE’S A TUESDAY
TRAILER RELEASED FOR MISTER ORGAN THE NEW DOCUMENTARY FROM JOURNALIST AND FILMMAKER DAVID FARRIER
IN CINEMAS NATIONWIDE FROM THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND HERE TO VIEW THE TRAILER
CLICK HERE FOR THE POSTER
The trailer for David Farrier’s new investigative documentary, Mister Organ, has today been unveiled ahead of its world premiere on September 24 at the prestigious Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas.
Following the world premiere, the film will also screen at Beyond Fest in Los Angeles at the start of October, before being released nationwide in New Zealand cinemas on Thursday 10 November.
Mister Organ initially appears to be an innocuous story about car clamping, but soon unravels, going down a dark and sinister rabbit hole in an incredible true story of psychological warfare.
David says, “I've met some unpleasant people while making documentaries: David D'Amato from Tickled, and Pablo Escobar from Dark Tourist. But somehow this man from New Zealand, Mister Organ, takes the cake more than those two combined. This documentary is a strange investigation, and a warning. There are Mister Organ's everywhere: I just found a particularly unusual one.”
Mister Organ sees journalist and filmmaker David Farrier (Tickled, Dark Tourist), unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious individual clamping cars and creating havoc in his neighbourhood.
The clamper is revealed to be Michael Organ, and as Farrier delves deeper into his background he falls into a thrilling and tension filled three year long investigation — unearthing a trail of multiple court cases, inflated claims of royal bloodlines and ruined lives, in this incredible true story.
Directed and produced by David Farrier of the newsletter Webworm and co-host of the Flightless Bird podcast, the film is Executive Produced by Ant Timpson (Come To Daddy), and produced by Emma Slade (Nude Tuesday, The Justice of Bunny King) and Alex Reed (There’s No “I” in Threesome, The Girl on the Bridge).
The film is made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission and MUBI. The film is distributed in New Zealand/Australia by Madman and international sales are being handled by Submarine and UTA.
Mister Organ will be released in New Zealand cinemas from Thursday 10th November 2022.
LANEWAY RETURNS FOR 2023 - SAVE THE DATES!
After a nearly three year hiatus, Laneway is back! The beloved six-city Trans-Tasman festival will return to its beloved home in Auckland’s iconic Albert Park on Monday 30 January for the first time since 2020.
The home of Laneway since 2017, Albert Park has become an integral part of the festival’s appeal. The open green spaces, weaving concrete paths, towering exotic trees, and decadent features all conjure the feeling of summer, housing the best music festival Auckland has to offer. Combined with beverages in the sun, time out under the trees in the shade and the best music line-up Aotearoa has to offer, the much loved park will come alive again in 2023 on Auckland’s Anniversary Day.
“We are so happy to be returning to our spiritual home, Albert Park, it’s the perfect outdoor setting for live music and Laneway,” says Julian Carswell, Executive Producer, Laneway Auckland.
Over the ditch for the Australian Laneway shows, the Melbourne leg of the festival is moving from its home in Footscray (due to redevelopment) to a new home at The Park, Flemington; South Australians will be treated to a new site at Bonython Park; the Sydney event will be held in at the Sydney Showground for the first time. In a significant move, Perth’s Laneway Festival will take place in the city’s CBD in the recently revamped Wellington Square, while the Brisbane event returns, like Auckland, to its long-term home (why mess with the best?).
“The Laneway Festival team are absolutely pumped to host music fans and our favourite ever line-up back in Albert Park this January,” says Danny Rogers, Laneway Festival co-founder.
The line-up will be announced in just two days, at 9:50am NZST on Wednesday 21 September.
Register now for access to the Laneway pre-sale and your chance to win the ultimate Laneway x Afterpay VIP experience. Follow us @lanewayfestnz for all the latest.
LINE-UP ANNOUNCE – WED 21 SEPTEMBER
LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2023
AUCKLAND / TĀMAKI MAKAURAU (18+)
Monday 30 January
Albert Park
BRISBANE / Turrbal (16+)
Saturday 4 February
Brisbane Showgrounds
SYDNEY / Burramattagal and Wangal (16+)
Sunday 5 February
Sydney Showground
ADELAIDE / Kaurna (16+)
Friday 10 February
Bonython Park
MELBOURNE / Wurundjeri (16+)
Saturday 11 February
The Park, Flemington
PERTH / Whadjuk (16+)
Sunday 12 February
Wellington Square
PAX ASSADI HITTING THE ROAD FOR HIS NATIONWIDE ‘HANDSOME BOY’ TOUR
Multi-talented stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and presenter Pax Assadi is hitting the road for his very first nationwide tour of Handsome Boy, hot off the heels of his critically acclaimed sitcom Raised by Refugees. Starting in Palmerston North on October 7th, Pax will delight crowds as he travels to Hamilton, New Plymouth, Hawkes Bay, Nelson, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and Whangarei to deliver an evening of hilarity.
Celebrated by peers and critics alike, Pax is one of Aotearoa’s strongest and most important comedic voices. His career started in 2011 and has led to continued success as a stand-up comedian, writer, media personality and actor who has established himself as a much-loved mainstay on NZ television screens. Pax has appeared on Have You Been Paying Attention, 7 Days, The Great Kiwi Bake Off, and 60 Seconds, and in 2020 he hosted the NZ International Comedy Gala to rave reviews.
He’s flexed his acting skills on Mean Mums, Tongue Tied, Jandal Burn and The Breaker Upperers, before going on to release Raised by Refugees, a semi-autobiographical stand-up show which he wrote, produced, and starred in. The show released in 2022 to critical acclaim and has since been renewed for a second season.
Pax has racked up an impressive array of awards over the years. At the NZ International Comedy Festival, Pax was nominated for the coveted Billy T and Fred Dagg Awards. He has also been nominated for Best MC, Best Comedy Performance on Television, and Best Male Comedian three times, and has won the award for Gag Of The Year. Pax is currently working on his debut novel.
“By the end of his show you don't feel like you've been at a stand-up gig at all, but instead have just had a few laughs with an old friend around the dining room table.” – Stuff
“A masterful storyteller we all listen enraptured as he places us in his position” – Libel.co.nz
“Assadi set the standard for the night and undoubtedly left the audience keen to track down his next full gig.” – NZ Herald
PAX ASSADI
Handsome Boy
THE REGENT ON BROADWAY, PALMERSTON NORTH FRIDAY, OCT 7
CLARENCE ST. THEATRE, HAMILTON THURSDAY, OCT 13
THEATRE ROYAL, NEW PLYMOUTH FRIDAY, OCT 14
HAWKES BAY ARTS & EVENTS CENTRE, NAPIER THURSDAY, OCT 20
THEATRE ROYAL, NELSON FRIDAY, OCT 21
ISAAC THEATRE ROYAL, CHRISTCHURCH THURSDAY, OCT 27
OPERA HOUSE, WELLINGTON FRIDAY, OCT 28
Q THEATRE, AUCKLAND THURSDAY, NOV 3
Q THEATRE, AUCKLAND FRIDAY, NOV 4
Q THEATRE, AUCKLAND SATURDAY, NOV 5
FORUM NORTH, WHANGAREI SATURDAY, NOV 19
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
For complete tour and ticket information, visit:
https://www.paxassadi.com/touring
INSTAGRAM - @paxassadi
TWITTER - @paxassadi
FACEBOOK - @PaxAssadiComic
WHITEBAITMEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW MUSIC VIDEO COMPETITION FOR TEENAGE SINGER-SONGWRITERS
Get ready for a new generation of talented Kiwi musicians! WhitebaitMedia have announced Take The Mic, a brand-new music video competition for emerging New Zealand singers and songwriters between 15-18 years old. Airing on TVNZ2 from Monday, 19th September, this docu-series will highlight some of Aotearoa’s fresh new talent and provide them with insight from music professionals, putting them on a platform to become stars.
Hand-picked from over 200 entries, 12 Kiwi kids were chosen by music video director Connor Pritchard and musician Mikey Dam to be supported by industry experts as they make their own music videos. Performing a mix of original music and covers, the show provides a spotlight for an age group who are starting to think about pursuing music as a career.
Each Monday, audiences will watch as judges Connor Pritchard and Mikey Dam select four contestants ready to begin their musical journey. With episodes every weekday at 4:05pm, the rest of the week’s episodes will give audiences a chance to meet the lucky entrants, visit them in their hometowns and ultimately, see their final music video. We’ll travel around the country to meet the diverse pool of teenagers, who hail from Hamilton, Tolaga Bay, Dannevirke, Wellington, Nelson, Methven, Christchurch, and Auckland. After three weeks of meeting the contestants, Kiwis will get their say in a public vote on Friday October 7th. The top three will then go head-to-head to come out on top and take out the Take The Mic 2022 crown.
Connor Pritchard has worked with some of Aotearoa’s most respected musicians, creating bespoke music videos for artists including Six60, SWIDT, Melodownz, JessB and many more. His work has earned him various accolades in New Zealand and abroad. Mikey Dam is a Kiwi singer-songwriter who has carved his own brand of therapeutic pop-tinged R&B that is always underlined with real life experience and honesty. His track ‘Time’ solidified his place in the industry, going on to co-write the widely loved song ’Not My Neighbour’ with Niko Walters, now certified platinum in NZ.
Producer Emma Martini comments on the show: “Working with these incredibly talented and passionate teenagers to bring their vision to life has been really rewarding for our team. These young adults are not celebrated enough on screen. We thank TVNZ and NZ On Air for their support in giving rangitahi this platform to share their skills with Aotearoa.
Take The Mic was created by WhitebaitMedia with funding from NZ On Air. Episodes will air weekdays at 4:05pm on TVNZ2 and are also available to stream on TVNZ+.
ABLE PARTNERS WITH TVNZ TO CELEBRATE GLOBAL LITERACY DAY
RESEARCH SHOWS CAPTIONS INCREASE CHILD LITERACY SUCCESS
Able, a not-for-profit organisation working towards a more inclusive Aotearoa, has partnered with TVNZ for Global Literacy Day to raise awareness about the free services available to all tamariki. TVNZ has confirmed that on Thursday 8 September, Global Literacy Day, all programming for children across the network will host open captioning (captions are turned on for everyone watching), bringing attention to how watching with same-language subtitles can improve reading skills amongst children, especially important given the news this week about the low pass rates in trial of NCEA literacy and numeracy tests alarming principals.
Able’s vision is for an Aotearoa in which everyone can access the media. By partnering with TVNZ to broadcast all children’s programming with open captions on the day of Thursday 8 September, TVNZ and Able aim to highlight the accessible features that are available for free for Aotearoa’s tamariki and show that what’s good for accessibility is good for everyone.
New Zealand’s media accessibility organisation Able creates captions for New Zealand TV and media. Primarily, these provide access for the 880,000+ New Zealanders who are d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing, but local and international research shows that having captions turned on also dramatically benefits children’s' literacy.
Key research findings in the report Now I Don't Know My ABC published in March 2022 by Dr Nina Hood, says two out of five New Zealand children are either only just meeting or failing to meet literacy standards entirely by the age of 15. Recently the New Zealand Government announced a new Literacy & Communication and Maths Strategy indicating a need for change in literacy for children.
Research shows captions directly lead to an improvement in children’s literacy, language and reading skills. Children read along with same-language-subtitles automatically and the presence of subtitles helps children recognise words and grasp story elements.
Able CEO Dan Buckingham says: “Current research has shown that captions on TV programming can have incredible benefits for children’s literacy. Partnering with TVNZ for Global Literacy Day demonstrates that what’s good for accessibility is good for everyone.”
TVNZ’s Director of Content, Cate Slater, says “We’re pleased to help celebrate Global Literacy Day in partnership with Able, by broadcasting our tamariki programming line-up with open captions for the day. We hope our viewers will take something away from the day too.”
“In a world where 85% of social videos are viewed without sound, captions are more prevalent in everyday life. One of the great benefits of captions is that they can double the chances of a child becoming good at reading. At Able, we make more than 2 million words accessible through captions every week, which not only provides essential access for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community; but also have numerous other benefits for society, including boosting literacy for our tamariki and rangatahi” continues Dan Buckingham.
Full instructions to turn captions on are here: https://able.co.nz/captions/how-to-access/
TEASER POSTER FOR ‘RED, WHITE & BRASS’ RELEASED
The brand new feature film Red, White & Brass has today released their teaser poster to celebrate Uike Kātoanga'i 'o e Lea Faka-Tonga Tongan Language Week. Shot in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, The film is inspired by a true story about a group of Tongans forming a brass band to get free tickets to the 2011 Rugby World Cup to see Tonga play France.
Produced by the production companies behind The Breaker Upperers, Cousins and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Piki Films and Miss Conception Films, the film stars a stellar ensemble of Tongan talent including John-Paul Foliaki (Popstars), Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (Panthers), Ilaisaane Green (Brutal Lives), Onetoto Ikavuka, Mikey Falesiu (Toke), Lupeti Finau, Lotima Pome'e (Under the Vines), and Haanz Fa'avae-Jackson (Savage).
Halaifonua (Nua) Finau who co-wrote and co-produced the film was in the original band that performed at the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
“It’s been straight māfana bringing this story to life, being surrounded by Tongan language, family and culture through the process. Koe taha ‘o e ngaahi taumu’a ‘o e faiva ko ‘eni kiate au, ko e fakamamafa’i ‘a e mahu’inga ‘o e tau lea moe ‘ulungāanga faka-Tonga, (My hope for the film is that it highlights the importance of our language and culture).
Tongans are renowned for the support of their teams with their Red and White flags covering cars, houses and faces throughout the World Cup. Against the odds in 2011, the Tongan team won against France at the game the band performed before.
Red, White and Brass is the debut feature film for co-writer and director Damon Fepulea’i. “The Tongan energy is so infectious, you can’t help but be excited by this underdog story about what’s possible if you band together for a common goal.” said Fepulea’i.
The film is produced by Georgina Conder, Morgan Waru, Halaifonua Finau and executive produced by Carthew Neal, Ainsley Gardiner and Taika Waititi. The film has funding from the New Zealand Film Commission, the New Zealand Government’s Screen Production Grant and Screen Production Recovery Fund, NZ on Air, Warner Bros. Discovery ANZ, Angel Investors Marlborough, Department of Post and Kiwibank.
The film is in a mix of English and Tongan languages and will be released in the first half of 2023 in cinemas across the country.
@redwhitebrass #redwhitebrass
AWARD-WINNING COMEDIAN ROB BRYDON ANNOUNCES NEW TOUR A NIGHT OF SONGS & LAUGHTER WITH HIS FABULOUS BAND
Award winning comedian Rob Brydon and his eight-piece band will head to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch with his new show, Rob Brydon – A Night Of Songs & Laughter in 2023. The new show follows on from the huge success of his 2019 sold-out tour of Australia, and marks the first time the much-loved entertainer has created a show that includes songs and music alongside his acclaimed wit and comedy.
Pre sale tickets go on sale at 1pm NZT Tuesday 30 August via livenation.co.nz and general sale 2pm NZT Wednesday 31 August.
Rob’s new tour begins in Auckland in March 2023, before heading to Wellington and Christchurch.
With songs from Tom Waits to Tom Jones, Guys and Dolls to Elvis (and almost everything in between), audiences can expect Rob’s usual warmth and humour as well as some of his famed gallery of voices.
Rob said: “I'm so excited to be heading back to New Zealand and getting back on stage with this new show. Touring with this incredible band of musicians is such a delight. I'm looking forward to getting around your fine country next year and bringing some much needed music and laughter.”
Rob Brydon’s varied career began with the TV comedy shows Marion and Geoff and Human Remains in 2000, for which he won British Comedy Awards. Since then his comedy credits have included A Small Summer Party, The Keith Barret Show, Directors Commentary, Supernova, Cruise Of The Gods, Black Books, I’m Alan Partridge, Little Britain, Live At The Apollo, Rob Brydon’s Annually Retentive, QI, The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year, Have I Got News For You, Gavin and Stacey, Rob Brydon’s Identity Crisis, Would I Lie To You and The Trip with Steve Coogan.
He has also appeared in dramas Oliver Twist, Heroes and Villains: Napoleon, The Way We Live Now, Murder In Mind, Kenneth Tynan: In Praise of Hardcore, Marple and the films 24 Hour Party People, MirrorMask, A Cock and Bull Story and the film Swimming with Men.
In 2009 alongside Ruth Jones, Robin Gibb and Sir Tom Jones, Rob reached number one in the UK charts with the single Islands in The Stream, in aid of Comic Relief. He also embarked on an 87 date tour of the UK with his stand up show, Rob Brydon Live, which included a three week run in London’s West End. He also recently enjoyed a sold-out tour with Lee Mack and David Mitchell, before his own sell-out tour in 2020.
Twitter, Instagram and Facebook:
@robbrydonlive
ROB BRYDON – A NIGHT OF SONGS & LAUGHTER
TOUR DATES 2023
KIRI TE KANAWA THEATRE, AUCKLAND SATURDAY 4 MARCH
OPERA HOUSE, WELLINGTON MONDAY 6 MARCH
TOWN HALL, CHRISTCHURCH TUESDAY 7 MARCH
For complete tour and ticket information, visit livenation.co.nz
AWARD-WINNING COMEDIAN ROB BRYDON ANNOUNCES NEW TOUR A NIGHT OF SONGS & LAUGHTER WITH HIS FABULOUS BAND
AUCKLAND, NZ (August 29, 2022) - Award winning comedian Rob Brydon and his eight-piece band will head to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch with his new show, Rob Brydon – A Night Of Songs & Laughter in 2023. The new show follows on from the huge success of his 2019 sold-out tour of Australia, and marks the first time the much-loved entertainer has created a show that includes songs and music alongside his acclaimed wit and comedy.
Pre sale tickets go on sale at 1pm NZT Tuesday 30 August via livenation.co.nz and general sale 2pm NZT Wednesday 31 August.
Rob’s new tour begins in Auckland in March 2023, before heading to Wellington and Christchurch.
With songs from Tom Waits to Tom Jones, Guys and Dolls to Elvis (and almost everything in between), audiences can expect Rob’s usual warmth and humour as well as some of his famed gallery of voices.
Rob said: “I'm so excited to be heading back to New Zealand and getting back on stage with this new show. Touring with this incredible band of musicians is such a delight. I'm looking forward to getting around your fine country next year and bringing some much needed music and laughter.”
Rob Brydon’s varied career began with the TV comedy shows Marion and Geoff and Human Remains in 2000, for which he won British Comedy Awards. Since then his comedy credits have included A Small Summer Party, The Keith Barret Show, Directors Commentary, Supernova, Cruise Of The Gods, Black Books, I’m Alan Partridge, Little Britain, Live At The Apollo, Rob Brydon’s Annually Retentive, QI, The Big Fat Quiz Of The Year, Have I Got News For You, Gavin and Stacey, Rob Brydon’s Identity Crisis, Would I Lie To You and The Trip with Steve Coogan.
He has also appeared in dramas Oliver Twist, Heroes and Villains: Napoleon, The Way We Live Now, Murder In Mind, Kenneth Tynan: In Praise of Hardcore, Marple and the films 24 Hour Party People, MirrorMask, A Cock and Bull Story and the film Swimming with Men.
In 2009 alongside Ruth Jones, Robin Gibb and Sir Tom Jones, Rob reached number one in the UK charts with the single Islands in The Stream, in aid of Comic Relief. He also embarked on an 87 date tour of the UK with his stand up show, Rob Brydon Live, which included a three week run in London’s West End. He also recently enjoyed a sold-out tour with Lee Mack and David Mitchell, before his own sell-out tour in 2020.
Twitter, Instagram and Facebook:
@robbrydonlive
ROB BRYDON – A NIGHT OF SONGS & LAUGHTER
TOUR DATES 2023
KIRI TE KANAWA THEATRE, AUCKLAND SATURDAY 4 MARCH
OPERA HOUSE, WELLINGTON MONDAY 6 MARCH
TOWN HALL, CHRISTCHURCH TUESDAY 7 MARCH
For complete tour and ticket information, visit livenation.co.nz