Screen CanterburyNZ and ChristchurchNZ would like to extend congratulations to the two recipients of the Screen CanterburyNZ Production Grant.
From the numerous enquiries received, four applications were short-listed for assessment by an independent panel of industry and mana whenua representatives.
Petrina D’Rozario, Screen CanterburyNZ manager, said it was, “A very competitive round of high-quality projects competing for limited funding.
Petrina D’Rozario, Screen CanterburyNZ ManagerIt is always a hard task to choose between projects that are equally impactful to the region. A wish list would be to grant them all. We would really like to thank the panel for the outstanding due diligence done for every project to ensure criteria were met and working with us to distribute the grant across the projects."
“It is always a hard task to choose between projects that are equally impactful to the region. A wish list would be to grant them all. We would really like to thank the panel for the outstanding due diligence done for every project to ensure criteria were met and working with us to distribute the grant across the projects,” D’Rozario said.
The selected projects will provide significant economic impact and support growth of the screen industry in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Waitaha Canterbury, and Tai Poutini West Coast. The measurable economic benefits arising from both productions include an estimated 41 crew jobs, 61 shoot days and significant local spend on related services. The productions will also provide upskilling opportunities for local crew and increased use of local screen facilities.
The productions awarded funding will contribute towards a number of ChristchurchNZ’s goals, including job creation, increased GDP impact and improving perceptions of Christchurch among key audiences.
Grant funding is awarded based on productions meeting specified criteria, including that other funding sources have been secured and funding arrangements have been agreed with ChristchurchNZ.
Projects Awarded In This Grant Round:
Bookworm
During a time of crisis, a washed-up American magician and his precocious estranged daughter take to the New Zealand wilderness, in search of a mythical black panther.
“We are thrilled to partnering with Screen Canterbury on "Bookworm” and to be shooting in the region. We are looking forward to bringing Elijah Wood back to New Zealand.” Emma Slade, Producer
Friends Like Her
Based in post-earthquake Kaikōura, “Friends Like Her” will explore a once-close friendship that goes sour when a surrogacy deal goes wrong.
“We are incredibly proud to be partnered with Screen CanterburyNZ - Kaikōura is a dream setting for the thrilling dramatic experience that is “Friends Like Her”. We look forward to embracing the region and the people in this incredible community.”
Philip Smith, Executive Producer.
