The Film Commission

What is the film commission? From the handout you received and the film commission site you should be able to answer these questions What is the film commissions purpose? Why do they exist? What have they done to further the film industry in NZ?

Film Commission goals relevant to our study Goal 1: To create significant cultural capital with quality New Zealand films Goal 2: To build a talent pathway Goal 3: To maximize the domestic profile of NZ films and the NZ public’s access to them Goal 4: To maintain a high international profile for New Zealand films and filmmakers See annual report for examples of how each goal has been met

Criticisms of the Film Commission They have given money to films that ‘bombed’ at box office (see the list I gave you) Film makers struggle through hoops to get funding (and sometimes don’t) Producer led funding Should concentrate more on developing good writers and other talent so our film makers stay here and work The board has too much say and is out of touch

Sir Peter Jackson’s FC review suggestions A more strategic long term vision which will allow for more flexibility;- The Commission should move towards being more "talent" focused than project-focused; A larger development team within the Commission; Bringing short film funding back to the Commission, and using short films as part of a more integrated strategy for developing feature film talent; Relaxing the current reliance on producer-centred projects; Continuing the Screen Production Incentive Fund.

Comparison of organisational models ‘Arts patronage’ model (current) Relationship to film makers = Aloof Assistance offered = project based Accountability=low Management culture =Controlling ‘Talent partnership’ model (proposed by Sir PJ) Relationship to film makers=involved Assistance offered =Flexible Accountability= high Management culture = Co-operative

PJ suggests a film industry model that has three distinct levels: Identify the emerging story telling talent, develop screenplays and fund their first feature film. Assist the successful film makers to develop their next NZ movie and encourage them to stay based in this country. A growing number of successful Kiwi film makers base themselves in NZ, attracting big budget finance from offshore.

What the review doesn’t address The future of film making – the place of digital film making and alternative forms of distribution ie self distribution(see This way of Life as an example of how this might work) For a wider discussion see the link below More information on the review and the Film Commission