SPADA - Screen Production and Development Association Website

SPADA E-NEWS #2
28 September 2006

Dear Members

For those of you who haven’t registered for Conference the Early-Bird discount closes at the end of this week – 29 September – so get on line and get registered.

In other news, since TVNZ’s announcement of its drama The Point, SPADA has been discussing potential policy implications of this development with the broadcaster and NZ On Air and the effect on the independent sector. SPADA is now pleased to report that TVNZ has confirmed that The Point is an exceptional case, and it has no plans to pursue any further substantial local content development of this scale, using this approach.

We are also pleased that TVNZ will be looking at an offshore sales income arrangement with the successful production company that is weighted substantially in favour of the producer, along the lines of SPADA’s Direct Funded Charter Protocol agreed with TVNZ in December 2004.

SPADA wishes the production every success.

Back to conference – which is fast approaching - we’re thrilled with the calibre of speakers confirmed to date. They include: Julie Christie (CEO, Eyeworks Touchdown); as New Zealand’s largest producer of lifestyle, factual, entertainment and unscripted series Julie’s masterclass on how to build formats and grow your business will be enlightening. Brian Seth Hurst – with his extensive experience in the field of new media (Brian is credited with coining the phrase “cross media platform”) delegates are sure to benefit from his experience in dealing with terms of trade for new media and digital; Executive vice president of acquisitions and co-productions Michelle Krumm (The Weinstein Company) will discuss the elements needed in a film to attract off-shore investment, as well as the “ins and outs” of casting out of the States.

The John O’Shea Memorial Address will be delivered by the inimitable David Gascoigne, a former Chair of the New Zealand Film Commission, and currently the Chair both of the original Film Fund and of Film Fund 2; Sander Schwartz’s (President, Warner Bros. Animation) plenary session on children’s programming will be an essential session for anyone working in this genre. One of the biggest players globally, Discovery’s international head of Creative Development, Rebecca Batties, will talk about what

New Zealand

programme makers need to do to produce successful factual lifestyle programmes for an international audience.

Conference information is available on SPADA's website HERE. The conference section of the website is updated daily. Make sure you keep checking it out for the latest speakers and programme details to be confirmed.

Penelope Borland
CEO

SPADA Conference 2006
SPADA AGM
The SPADA AGM is being held on Wednesday 15 November at the Hyatt Regency Auckland from 4.00-5.00pm. The AGM is open to SPADA financial members only. Out-of-towners don't forget to book your accommodation and travel.

Feature Film Presentation
Another reason to get to Auckland a night early is the exclusive feature film presentation scheduled after the AGM on Wednesday 15 November. This special industry screening - of a very-much-talked-about-yet-to-be-released new New Zealand film - is not to be missed. With so much happening at conference this year we’ve decided to hold the film screening on the night before conference officially opens.

Qantas Television Awards – Special Offer Closes 29 September
29 September 2006 is also the last chance for SPADA members to book a ticket for the Qantas Television Awards online from the SPADA registration form - at the special rate of $149. After tomorrow tickets will have to be ordered via the Qantas Television Awards website @ $175 per ticket. The Awards are being held on the last day of conference, 18 November, at Auckland ’s Aotea Centre (www.qantastvawards.co.nz).

SPADA Awards
* SPADA New Filmmaker of the Year Award: entries have now closed.

* SPADA Independent Producer of the Year: By nomination only - deadline Monday 30th October – CLICK HERE for nomination forms.

* SPADA / Onfilm Industry Champion: It's time again for the industry and Onfilm readers to nominate a member of the screen sector for the 8th annual SPADA/Onfilm Industry Champion Award. Check out the Onfilm October issue for further details.

The South Pacific Pictures’ Pitching Competition
Open to all SPADA Conference 2006 registered delegates. The pitch can be for a television or film project in any genre. The winner will receive a Voyage Affaires' air travel prize to an international market or festival and a complementary registration to SPADA conference 2007.
Deadline for entry is Friday 3rd November
For entry form and guidelines visit the SPADA Conference website HERE

Screen Canterbury 5-minute Pitching Competition in Association with SPADA
In a special pre-conference opportunity for South Islanders at the XO Club on Oxford Terrace, Christchurch at 7pm sharp on Monday 30 October pitchers will get the opportunity to secure an entry into the South Pacific Pictures' Pitching Competition at the SPADA Conference. The winner will also receive a complimentary registration to SPADA Conference 2006 and air travel to the SPADA Conference and accommodation at the Hyatt Regency – the official conference venue.

For further details, please download the PDF (299kb) of the rules and entry form HERE.
Or contact Screen Canterbury on (03) 377 3324 or info@screencanterbury.org.nz
Deadline for entry is Wednesday 18 October

Government/Industry Policy Update

NZFC: SPADA had an excellent briefing meeting with new Film Commission Chair, David Cullwick. The discussion focused on the need for the industry and NZFC to work together on the big picture for NZ film.

TVNZ: CEO Rick Ellis attended SPADA’s last board meeting. There was discussion of the strategy work that TVNZ is undertaking in order to position itself in a changing market, and its renewed commitment to the principles of The Charter underlying everything TVNZ does. With the launch of Freeview likely in 2007, SPADA will be discussing digital rights and screenings with TVNZ and other broadcasters.

NZOA: Discussions have continued with NZ On Air on recoupment and PCOs. We are awaiting the final outcome from NZ On Air.

Engagement of Actors
In a recent meeting with the MEAA “The Alliance ” confirmed to SPADA that they will abide by the Pink Book negotiated last year between SPADA and Actors Equity. There is no timetable for renegotiation of the Pink Book with interested parties at the moment.

In the meantime the industrial relations sub-committee of SPADA suggests that if you are auditioning actors you might like to consider adding the following phrase to the audition sheets actors fill in: “Contracts for this film/ series/one off drama will be along the lines of the standard xyz company (i.e. your company) contracts incorporating provisions of the Pink Book as negotiated in 2005 by SPADA”.

SPADA Board
Nominations for 2006/07 Executive
The SPADA Executive comprises 10 financial members of the Association, including the President and Vice-President. Current 2005/2006 executive information is on the SPADA website. Nominations for the 2006/2007 Executive will be considered at SPADA’s AGM on the 15th of November. SPADA will soon be calling for nominations, so we encourage financial members to start thinking about who you would like to nominate for next year’s executive.

General Business

Levies
Levies overdue? If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Kath at the SPADA office.

Screenrights Nominations
We’ve been notified that Victoria Spackman has been nominated for the board of Screenrights, a collections agent for many SPADA members. Many of you know Victoria, who is currently legal and business affairs manager at South Pacific Pictures, and about to move to Wellington to work in a similar role for the Gibson Group. Voting is open to all Screenrights members and Victoria is asking for your support to be a further

New Zealand

voice on the board. With her legal and business experience in the industry, Victoria is well placed to further New Zealanders’ interests. Voting papers will arrive with the Screenrights Annual Report in late September.

Feedback
We’d love to hear from you on any issues so please email us (info@spada.co.nz) or give us a call.