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In Focus
Keeping New Zealand as the Filming Destination of Choice - Part II

In Focus
Keeping New Zealand as the Filming Destination of Choice - Part II
Producers discuss challenges and solutions to maintain New Zealand’s reputation in the global film industry.
film industry, New Zealand, production, international work, crew collaboration, immigration, talent, locations, industry challenges, rates, work permits, competitive advantage, equipment, film-friendly, cost of production, film incentives, international clients, Film New Zealand, film studios, location scouting, industry survival
Producers discuss challenges and solutions to maintain New Zealand’s reputation in the global film industry.


Extreme Close Up
Vinnie Ashton

Extreme Close Up
Vinnie Ashton
A makeup artist discusses her journey, industry challenges, and the strengths of New Zealand's screen production.
hairdressing, makeup, film, television, commercial, industry rates, makeup artist, Evil Dead, prosthetics, film community, competition, collaboration, New Zealand, makeup supervisor, The Makeup School, multitasking, film industry training, actor relationships, production budgets, freelance, upcoming filmmakers
A makeup artist discusses her journey, industry challenges, and the strengths of New Zealand's screen production.


Working Out VFX

Working Out VFX
Charlie McClellan discusses the transition and challenges in VFX production, from Spartacus to new technologies
VFX, visual effects, Charlie McClellan, Spartacus, filmmaking, CGI, post-production, pre-visualisation, Lord of the Rings, The Frighteners, Whale Rider, Massive software, motion capture, digital effects, film production, CGI budget, fast-turnaround TV, film technology, set extensions, pre-production, post-visualisation
Charlie McClellan discusses the transition and challenges in VFX production, from Spartacus to new technologies


President's Rave
VFX Workshops and Industry Insights

President's Rave
VFX Workshops and Industry Insights
Exploring the world of VFX with Charlie McClellan and its impact on film production
VFX, visual effects, Charlie McClellan, Spartacus, workshops, film industry, special effects, post-production, rotoscoping, live action, computer-generated, Southern Institute of Technology, transport issues, Auckland growth, greenhouse gas emissions, planning, post-production facilities, movie production, film education, film technology, industry knowledge, effects supervisor
Exploring the world of VFX with Charlie McClellan and its impact on film production


The Fine Print
Film Studios Picking up Game

The Fine Print
Film Studios Picking up Game
New distribution models and the changing landscape of film in the digital age
new media, internet, technology, film industry, digital media, distribution, record labels, piracy, BitTorrent, peer-to-peer, social media, DVD release, VOD, theatrical release, film distribution, premium per-view, Toronto International Film Festival, Ant Timpson, ABCs of Death, production budget, film models
New distribution models and the changing landscape of film in the digital age


Editorial
The Rise of VFX in Film

Editorial
The Rise of VFX in Film
Digital effects are shaping the future of film, with Weta Digital at the forefront
SPFX, VFX, special effects, digital effects, Jurassic Park, Weta Digital, Life of Pi, Ang Lee, Utu, Alun Bollinger, Charlie McClellan, Techos’ Guild, new media, internet challenges, Tim Riley, filming destination, New Zealand, industry collaboration, technicians, film industry, Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown
Digital effects are shaping the future of film, with Weta Digital at the forefront


Behind the Scenes
Weta Digital and Techos' Guild

Behind the Scenes
Weta Digital and Techos' Guild
Setting the Record Straight on Weta Digital’s Foreign Worker Application
Weta Digital, Techos' Guild, immigration, film industry, foreign workers, New Zealand, visual effects, contractors, AIP, industry shortage, skill shortage, international productions, Victoria University, computer graphics, work visas, industry standards, media coverage, Techos' Guild response, film sector, NZ screen industry, government policy
Setting the Record Straight on Weta Digital’s Foreign Worker Application


In Memorium
Remembering Mike Hopkins

In Memorium
Remembering Mike Hopkins
Honoring the life and legacy of sound editor Mike Hopkins, whose work shaped New Zealand’s film industry.
Mike Hopkins, sound editor, New Zealand film industry, Academy Award, Lord of the Rings, Heavenly Creatures, The Frighteners, Braindead, Footrot Flats, foley artist, post-production, career legacy, Oscar winner, Greytown, Wairarapa, Utu, Fresh Meat, Shopping, leadership, community, inspiration, tribute.
Honoring the life and legacy of sound editor Mike Hopkins, whose work shaped New Zealand’s film industry.


In Memorium
Remembering Adam Strange

In Memorium
Remembering Adam Strange
Donations for the care of Adam Strange’s family and support for Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard Service.
Adam Strange, donations, Meg Strange, Indigo Strange, trust account, care support, Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard Service, Sioux Macdonald, tragedy, fundraising, New Zealand film industry, community support, lifeguard service, family assistance, surf club, donation reference, A STRANGE, ADAM.
Donations for the care of Adam Strange’s family and support for Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard Service.


Overheads
Home Movies by the Book

Overheads
Home Movies by the Book
Understanding tax deductions for home office expenses in the film industry, including GST and business use calculations.
home office expenses, tax return, GST, business use, film industry, mortgage interest, rent, rates, insurance, lighting, heating, repairs, maintenance, telephone, internet charges, stationery, depreciation, equipment, furniture, business line, private use, IRD, tax deductions, employee allowances.
Understanding tax deductions for home office expenses in the film industry, including GST and business use calculations.


Regional Wrap
A Quiet Summer in Queenstown

Regional Wrap
A Quiet Summer in Queenstown
Reflections on quiet summer work, personal projects, and upcoming Kiwi TV drama in Queenstown and Christchurch.
Queenstown, film industry, New Zealand, TVC, Guerrilla shoots, Canon, 4K television, Nurofen, helicopter pilot, Smirnoff, Cherokee Films, Dunlop, Dunedin, personal projects, Walking with Dinosaurs, Hope and Wire, Christchurch, Kiwi drama, earthquake, Albol, DoP, family time, production.
Reflections on quiet summer work, personal projects, and upcoming Kiwi TV drama in Queenstown and Christchurch.


Regional Wrap
Wellington's Film Landscape

Regional Wrap
Wellington's Film Landscape
Wellington’s media scene, Escalator scheme reflections, and the need for diversity in NZ television drama.
Wellington, film industry, television drama, Escalator scheme, NZFC funding, Girl vs Boy, The Hobbit, crew, commercial shoots, New Zealand drama, Avalon Studios, TVNZ, television production, Hope and Wire, Christchurch, film release, Berlin Film Festival, Shopping film, crew rates, industry initiatives, production companies, television diversity.
Wellington’s media scene, Escalator scheme reflections, and the need for diversity in NZ television drama.


In Focus
Keeping New Zealand as the Filming Destination of Choice - Part I

In Focus
Keeping New Zealand as the Filming Destination of Choice - Part I
Producers discuss challenges and strategies to keep New Zealand competitive in the international filming market.
New Zealand film industry, international clients, line production, filming locations, commercial shoots, global competition, exchange rate, crew rates, film-friendly environment, location costs, international service sector, repeat business, filming budgets, offshore productions, economic challenges, industry strategy, filming equipment, production services, crew collaboration, film market, international reputation.
Producers discuss challenges and strategies to keep New Zealand competitive in the international filming market.


Regional Wrap
Challenges for Local Production

Regional Wrap
Challenges for Local Production
Rising costs and global competition impact New Zealand's film industry.
film industry, local production, advertising trends, New Zealand dollar, Australia, commercials, production budgets, Filmcrews, South Pacific Pictures, small features, industry competition.
Rising costs and global competition impact New Zealand's film industry.


Feature
SPFX Keeping It Real

Feature
SPFX Keeping It Real
Brendon Durey discusses the challenges of physical special effects and the balancing act of safety, creativity, and budget in New Zealand's screen industry.
special effects, physical effects, safety, VFX, explosion, fire, film industry, SPFX, film safety, filmmaking challenges, production management, weather effects, New Zealand screen industry, safety regulations, compliance, budgets.
Brendon Durey discusses the challenges of physical special effects and the balancing act of safety, creativity, and budget in New Zealand's screen industry.


Close Up
Keeping the Home Fires Burning

Close Up
Keeping the Home Fires Burning
Women in the film industry share how they juggle freelance work with raising children.
freelance mothers, production management, childcare, work-life balance, women in film, TVC production, parenting, industry challenges, solo parenting, New Zealand film, career balance, guilt, support.
Women in the film industry share how they juggle freelance work with raising children.