3.1 Film Industry

1. 3.1 Film Industry Write an 800 – 1000 word essay which analyses the NZ film industry, its organisation and controls.

2. Introduction paragraph • Objective: put the industry into historical context and address the essay option you are answering. The New Zealand film industry has had a fluctuating existence since the budding film makers on the 1890’s began to show their productions to kiwi audiences.

3. Paragraph 1 - Organisation The film industry in New Zealand differs from many others around the world in that it is based upon individual projects. • How is the NZ film industry organised??? • Outline the collection of jobs / people needed to produce a film. What is the process a writer / director has to go through to have a film made in NZ? Use evidence from a particular business (eg. South Pacific Pictures and the organisation of their film productions). • Refer to the “project-based” organisation, what does this mean? • Compare to Hollywood and/or other film industries (eg. Bollywood) extension.

4. Paragraph 2 - Roles • Analyse an important feature and a KEY ROLE (person) within this ORGANISATION. • Give detailed and specific examples (remember The World’s Fastest Indian). Use examples from 3-4 NZ films. • How does this KEY ROLE relate to the other roles within the industry. • Analyse = making relevant comparisons to Hollywood, comparisons to NZ film industry previously and perhaps where the industry is going. • Analyse = explaining how your points are relevant and significant. • Use evidence of a particular business (eg. South Pacific Pictures) and how they are organised.

5. Paragraph 3 & 4 - Controls • Write about internal and external controls in the industry. Give specific examples which you integrate into your explanations. • what are they? How have these boundaries arisen? Understand the forces at work. • how do they work? Why are these boundaries necessary? Evaluate if they are indeed necessary. • Consequences! what are the impacts of these controls on the industry? Examples of effects include but are not limited to such things as: effect on the product (establishing style / tone, etc), effect on audiences (values, tastes, choices, etc), effect on personnel and their working relationships (downsizing, increased responsibility on individuals, etc), costs, ‘checks and balances’(quality control), etc. • use REAL examples from productions (WFI and other films you’ve researched? NZFC booklet.

6. Examples of controls Examples of controls include but are not limited to: production processes, technology, editorial policy, time / budget constraints, industry self-regulation, codes and regulations, statutory bodies, legislation, pressure groups, market demands, society standards / values, etc. (pages 22 – 31 in your black text book)

7. What should a concluding paragraph contain? • Discuss possible changes or alternatives and / or examine other wider implications. Examples of wider implications include but are not limited to such things as: attracting media audiences, narrowing of range / variety of media products, manipulation of audience / society values and tastes, packaging of audiences to advertisers, downsizing, high costs, selectivity / bias, overseas control / globalisation, profits draining offshore, restriction of choice / variety, lack of reflection of local / national culture, political interference, censorship, PC or other political / social / religious / philosophical biases, cheaper low value productions, ‘dumbing down’ restriction of choice / variety, lack of reflection of local / national culture, political interference (eg National Radio, TVNZ charter) Now: email your essay to tp@macleans.school.nz

8. Term 4 – Week 1 NZ Film Industry • Starter = Questions about the NZ Film Industry, these are important ideas, people and organisations for you to know. I will QUIZ you about them on Friday. • NEXT: Overview of NZ Film Industry (Organisation and Controls). Read and make notes of what you are learning. • THEN: Ways to better your grade (handout)

9. Resources for you.... • Government Promotional Bodies www.filmnz.org.nz www.nzte.govt.nz (Trade NZ) www.investnewzealand.govt.nz (Investment NZ) • Guilds and Associations The Screen Council (www.screencouncil.co.nz) Screen Directors Guild of NZ www.sdgnz.co.nz The Screen Production and Development Association of NZ www.spada.co.nz Film and Video Technician’s Guild www.nzfvtg.org.nz/ Actors Equity www.nduunion.org.nz/actorsequity.htm/ Women in Film www.wgtn.wift.org.nz • Production Companies and Technical Support Companies www.lonely.geek.nz/nzcinema

10. Overview • You will create a chart which shows how the NZ film industry is organised and controlled – using ALL of the elements and factors on the ‘Overview’ given out yesterday. • Work in pairs. • Draft in in your books then for HOMEWORK you will create an A3 (or bigger) as a study guide / revision for you.

11. Overseas Companies Private Investors Advertising Agency Government Controls Distribution Company OSH Censorship Investors External Govt Funding Production Company Specialist Providers Private Investors Alun Bollinger – cinematographer and Director of Photography (Sleeping Dogs, LOTR, River Queen, Oyster Farmer) Employee Support Organisations Direct Employees Owners Spada Writers Guild Executive Producers Director

12. New Zealand Audiences External Controls • We are our own worst enemies. WORD OF THE DAY Ebullient 5 dictionary results for: ebullient e·bul·lient       /ɪˈbʌlyənt, ɪˈbʊl-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[i-buhl-yuhnt, i-bool-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –adjective 1. overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited: The award winner was in an ebullient mood at the dinner in her honor. 2. bubbling up like a boiling liquid.

13. NEW ZEALAND FILM INDUSTRY QUIZ What does SPADA stand for? Who can become a member of WIFT? Name 3 films that have been produced by South Pacific Pictures? (3 points) 4. Name five New Zealand directors? (5 points) Who directed River Queen? Name one actor who played a part in River Queen. Name five films which have received funding from NZFC. (5 points) Who is the current head of the NZ Film Commission. Name 5 roles associated with the PRODUCTION CREW of a film. (5 points) 10. Name two other production companies who are operating (or have operated) in NZ. (2 points)

14. You are a NZ film director with an idea for a new film, set and about NZ. • You have already made one feature film! Explain how you would get your new film made on a budget of about $10mill. • You will have to cover pre-production, production and post-p. You must discuss where funding and personnel will come from and how the film will be sold. • Discuss your interaction with major NZFI institutions (Film Fund, Production companies, Film Commission, Film NZ, Support Organisations (SPADA), Specialist providers, completion guarantors, Distributors and Exhibitors). • Refer to examples from films you know (name people, films and dollar $$ amounts). • Give reasons for your decisions. (EG relate to NZ being small country, conflict between art & finance or the deregulated production environment in NZ) • 1000 words. Due Friday 24thOctober 12.30pm. ESSAY WRITING

15. 3.1 Exam Question. 45 mins. Option A Choose a specific media industry (eg New Zealand film industry) that you have studied. How do organisation and controls affect this industry, and what are the implications of this influence? In your essay, support your answer with detailed examples from both the industry as a whole and at least one specific business or institution within this industry. You should include explanation and perceptive analysis of: • ONE important feature of organisation • ONE important control • at least ONE ramification or implication of these features of organisation and control.