Marne Bredenkamp AS Media

NOTES ON NZ FILM 🎬 NZ Film Industry (2025) Overview Thriving industry with strong local + global momentum. Popular location for blockbusters (e.g. Avatar , The Rings of Power ). Renowned for landscapes, skilled crews, and top-tier facilities (e.g. Wētā FX ). 📽️ Successful NZ Films We Were Dangerous – explores young Māori women; festival success. The Convert – colonial-era drama starring Guy Pearce. Uproar – coming-of-age story with international reach. Indigenous films ( Muru , Cousins , Whina ) are gaining traction. 🗣️ Māori & Pasifika Representation Stronger presence in front of and behind the camera. Supported by NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho funding. High demand for authentic indigenous storytelling . 💰 Funding & Global Partnerships Increased NZ Film Commission funding . More international co-productions . Streaming platforms investing in NZ-based content. Supported by government incentives for local and global filmmaker...

BLUMLER AND KATZ'S USES AND GRATIFICATION THEORY: The first video explains Uses and Gratifications Theory , a media theory that views audiences as active participants who use media to fulfill specific needs, rather than passive consumers influenced by media (as the earlier Effects Model suggested). The theory, developed in the 1970s by researchers like Blumler, Katz, and McQuail , identifies four main needs that media can satisfy: Surveillance – Seeking information and staying informed (e.g., news, documentaries, educational content). Personal Identity – Reinforcing values, beliefs, or self-concept (e.g., magazines that reflect your lifestyle or interests). Personal Relationships – Feeling connected through media (e.g., bonding with fictional characters or sharing TV shows with friends). Diversion – Escapism and entertainment to relieve boredom or stress (e.g., gaming, social media, TV). The theory is widely taught in media studies due to its relevance to eve...

What is Media Distribution? Media distribution is the process of getting a finished media product (film, music, news, etc.) to its audience. It often includes marketing , and comes after production and before exhibition . Types of Distribution (by Industry) Film : Theatrical – Released in cinemas. Home Media – DVD, Blu-ray. Streaming/VOD – Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime. Non-Theatrical – Educational or private showings. Music : Traditional – Vinyl, CDs, cassettes. Digital – Streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music). News : Traditional – Print newspapers. Digital – Websites, apps, social media, citizen journalism. How Film Distribution Works 1. Licensing Distributors sign contracts with studios/filmmakers to handle release. Types of contracts : Leasing – Fixed fee, regardless of profits. Profit-sharing – Revenue split. Hybrid – Combination of both. Distributors try to sell rights globally, often via regional partners. 2. Market...

"How does the status of the institution impact on how they engage with the major stages of production?" PRODUCTION Factor Major Studio (e.g., Disney) NZ Independent Filmmaker Funding Internal cash flow, pre-sales to global distributors, tax-credit optimisation at scale. Budgets can stretch to hundreds of millions, letting producers green-light quickly. Patchwork of NZFC grants, regional incentives, private investors, crowdfunding. Budgets must be justified line-by-line; cash-flow gaps often bridged with loans against future rebates. Cast & Crew Can pay above-scale and lock in marquee talent early, which in turn attracts further investment (“package-led” finance model). Union crews on long contracts; specialists fly in. Relies on local acting pool, emerging talent, favours multi-skilled crew who can take on hybrid roles. Big names only if favours, back-end points, or NZ’s appeal offsets reduced fees. Music / Score Able to commission A-list composers an...

 

    Who are the NZFC and what is their primary purpose? The NFZC ( New Zealand Film Commission )  is a government agency responsible for supporting and promoting the development of the New Zealand film industry. Established in 1978, the NZFC plays a crucial role in growing New Zealand's screen culture, talent, and international presence. Primary Purpose: The NZFC’s main goal is to encourage, promote, and assist in the making, marketing, and distribution of New Zealand films , both locally and internationally. Key Functions: Funding: Provides financial support for script development, film production, post-production, and marketing. Talent Development: Offers mentorship, workshops, and career development programs for emerging and established filmmakers. International Promotion: Markets New Zealand films overseas and supports their entry into international festivals and markets. Attracting Productions: Works to bring international film and TV pro...