SPADA Staff
Kim Baker’s last day at SPADA was on Friday 4 May 2007.  Further to Kim’s resignation, SPADA wishes Kim all the best for her future path and thanks her for more than three years of work on behalf of the industry.  In the immediate future, Kim will be helping out in the NZFC Office in Cannes, and then staying on in Europe for a few more weeks. For the time-being, the position will be covered by Kath Domett and Sandy Gildea.


Oz 2007 Budget Delivers to Film and TV Industry
The Australian government’s $282.9million film package announced in this year’s Budget boosts support for Australian film and television productions.  The key new measures are:

- Abolish the current 10B and 10BA tax incentives and replace them with a new refundable tax offset worth 40% of a feature film budget and 20% of a TV drama series;

- Increase the location rebate for large-budget foreign productions shooting in Australia from 12.5% to 15%; and

- Introduce a new 15% rebate for PDV (post-production, digital and visual effects) work on international projects budgeted at more than $5million.

The 40% Producers Rebate has been looked upon with envy from our shores, however, this development so close to home, could potentially create new business opportunities with Australian counterparts.

Having said that, the increase in the large-budget foreign productions rebate from 12.5% to 15% and the new 15% rebate for PDV – a world first complementary scheme – will create significant challenges for attracting international servicing for the New Zealand industry’s post production, digital services and visual effects companies. 

The NZ Government is well aware that remaining competitive with Australia is important for the NZ industry.  There is currently a targetted review on aspects of New Zealand ’s Large Budget Screen Production Grant Scheme, and we are sure the government will be taking these new Australian developments into account.

For further coverage on the 2007-08 Film Budget Package visit DCITA’s website.


April Board Meeting
SPADA’s board co-hosted the NZFC’s Producer Forum meeting after its Board meeting in Auckland last month.

Ruth Harley (CEO) and David Cullwick (Chair) discussed with senior producers the current funding levels for production for the next 18 months.  David talked about barriers to production, and the current pressures on NZFC funding given the international financing situation, as outlined by SPADA President, Richard Fletcher.

NZFC is responding to the current pressures on its production budget by looking at a variety of approaches, including more funding for fewer films.


MIPTV 2007: SPADA/NZTE Network Event
SPADA (represented by Vincent Burke) and NZTE hosted a dinner on the Wednesday night at MIPTV this year. Companies hosted included Porchlight, TVF, FremantleMedia UK , Alliance Atlantis, Target Entertainment, VIASAT, and CTVC.  Feedback was very positive from the international guests, and the event will, in all probability, become a regular network function at the market.


Local Content Group
David Baldock, Penelope Borland and John Barnett met with Paul France, new Chair of the Television Local Content Group in March to brief him on an independent industry perspective on the group and its aims. Discussion focussed on making the group more relevant to the concerns of the industry such as the challenges inherent in the trend towards a slight decline in first run programming and increase in repeats and measurements for the new digital channels.

Jane Wrightson’s press release summarises what happened with local content across the networks in 2006, and highlights the need to monitor some genres; and to track trends over time; as it is only with time that a broadcaster’s true commitment to local content becomes evident.


Producers/Co-Producers' List
The office receives a number of requests, from onshore and offshore, for names of potential producers to work with in New Zealand. If you would like your contact details included on a Producers/Co-Producers’ List” that will be available for distribution, please email Kath Domett at SPADA.


Rights Discussions with Broadcasters
SPADA is in active discussions with broadcasters on the rights issue for digital channels, streaming, and VOD.

Interesting developments are also taking place with telcos providing new platforms for producers to become aggregators of content.  It is therefore very important that producers hold on to new media rights in negotiations with broadcasters on commissioning.


Don’t Forget Your Discounts
Just a reminder that Heritage Hotels provide the following discounted rates for SPADA members.  Here’s a snap shot of their rates:

- Heritage Auckland (Hotel Wing) - Deluxe suite $145 (Rack Rate $175)

- CityLife Auckland - Deluxe suite $145 (Rack Rate $375)

- CityLife Wellington - Studio room $163 (Rack Rate $336)

- Heritage Christchurch – Deluxe Room $169 (Rack Rate $324)

- Rutherford Nelson A Heritage Hotel - Deluxe suite $203 (Rack Rate $327)

- Heritage Queenstown Deluxe Room $135 (Rack Rate $365)

Call 0800 36 8888 and quote SPADA rate for bookings. Rates also available upon application for: Heritage Hanmer Springs, Rutherford Hotel Nelson, Park Heritage Rotorua; and Heritage Hotel & Spa Mangatawhiri Valley. Subject to availability; some terms and conditions apply.  Rates ex. GST – valid to 30 Sept 07.  


USEFUL LINKS/REPORTS/INFORMATION/MEDIA RELEASES

PFTC - MIPTV 2007 & Review
The Head of Production at the Pacific Film and Television Commission (PFTC) reports back on some of the trends and activities from MIPTV 2007.   The PFTC has also been in the news recently regarding the results of an independent review that was commissioned in response to widespread industry concerns raised in Screen Hub.

Local Content Report
NZ On Air released its annual Local Content Report on 08 May 2007.

Acting Head of Development - NZFC
The NZFC is currently advertising a 12 month fixed term position for Head of Development based in Wellington.  To obtain a copy of the position description, please e-mail tory@nzfilm.co.nz.  Applications in writing to the Chief Executive, PO Box 11546, Wellington by Friday 18 May 2007.