All Blog Posts
Getting Through the Door
BlogI had someone who came to see me recently who had worked on an American production shooting here in NZ. This person unfortunately ended up the worse for wear from a situation where protocols about what you can and cannot do were breached—doubly…
Remembering DEGNZ Member and Director Paul Swadel
BlogOur regular column this week has been given over to writer/director Glenn Standring who writes on the passing of friend and colleague Paul Swadel. This week our very dear friend and colleague, Paul Swadel, died in Christchurch. Paul was only…
Contracts and Pay Rates
Blog
I have received a number of telephone calls recently about pay rates and contracts for both directors and editors. In regards to pay rates, they vary greatly depending on level of experience and type of work. That said, there is a significant…
What Does Sundance 2016 Mean for Kiwi Filmmakers?
BlogThe news about New Zealand films at Sundance is good. Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople (Premieres section) prompted a bidding war, which The Orchard ultimately won for a reputed US$2 million. David Farrier and Dylan Reeve’s…
Welcome to 2016!
BlogWelcome to 2016! Netflix is taking over the entertainment world, and will spend US$6 billion on original content this year. Even Sir PJ has gotten behind a Netflix series - Making A Murderer. The competition is making studio execs quake in…
It’s Been A Big Year
BlogIt’s been a big year. In the second year of our professional development programme we have run Collaborators Series with the Writers Guild, the Screen Composers Guild, the Screen Production and Development Association, the Film & Video…
Prof. Dev. –Delivering the Goods at DEGNZ
BlogIn the last couple of weeks I have been able to see and or get feedback on DEGNZ professional development initiatives that are in my view really delivering the goods, and increasing exposure and opportunity for directors wanting careers in narrative…
Unsung Heroes and Heroines
BlogI went to the Show Me Shorts Festival opening night this week and had the chance to reflect on recognition. A number of awards were handed out to very deserving recipients including some of our guild members: Alyx Duncan, James Cunningham, Chris…
What Does 2019 Hold for NZ Film?
BlogI hope everyone is well and rested after the Christmas and New Year break. As we kick off the year, I’ve been forced to ponder what 2019 holds for NZ film both personally and because it’s something we should all be asking ourselves with…
Brand New Zealand in Film
Advocacy, BlogNB: Anna Serner quotes extracted from a Nordisk Film & TV Fund article Anna Serner, the CEO of the Swedish Film Institute, spoke at the Big Screen Symposium a couple of weeks ago on gender equity. In the short time she has…
Time For A Paradigm Shift
Advocacy, BlogAt the Annual General Meeting on 6 October, the Guild and its membership voted on two remits from President Howard Taylor for DEGNZ to unionise and to affiliate with the Council of Trade Unions (CTU). The motions passed and DEGNZ will unionise…
Screen Turmoil Across Tassie Causes Concern
BlogThe Australian Broadcasting Corporation was thrown into turmoil last week when Managing Director Michelle Guthrie was fired. Chairman at the time, Justin Milne, a political appointee and personal friend of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, questioned…
Celebrating Women
BlogWomens’ roles in New Zealand society have come a long way. We were the first to give women the vote, we’ve had three female prime ministers and finally the Black Ferns have gotten professional contracts. However, in many industries women…
Taking Action
BlogOn Wednesday evening, together with Ngā Aho Whakaari and the New Zealand Writers Guild, we had a two-hour workshop with Debbi Tohill, Executive Director of RPE (Rape Prevention Education) on Sexual Harassment and Disclosure. This session…