International Achievement Award To Be Added

Media release
24 July 2009

International Achievement Award To Be Added To Qantas Film And Television Awards 2009

A New Zealand screen industry business which has had success on the international stage will be recognised at this year’s Qantas Film and Television Awards.

The inaugural New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) International Achievement Award will be presented at the Qantas Film and Television Awards ceremony in Auckland on September 5.

NZTE investment director Graham Matthews says the performance of the New Zealand film and television industries has laid the foundation for a number of globally successful New Zealand businesses.

The winner of the International Achievement Award will have demonstrated a commitment to international business and New Zealand, and have developed a sound business and reputation here and overseas.

“There have been many success stories of companies putting New Zealand on the global map in recent years, which have grown the screen industry here and created platforms for future international success,” Mr Matthews says.

“We anticipate that the combined revenue of the film and television industries, which was nearly $2.5 billion in the 2008 financial year, will grow significantly over the next five years.

“NZTE hopes this award will acknowledge those companies encouraging investment in New Zealand and building local capability to take advantage of new opportunities.”

The Qantas Film and Television Awards programme is jointly organised by the Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand and the New Zealand Television Broadcasters’ Council.

Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand executive director and organising committee co-chair Anna Cahill says the NZTE International Achievement Award is a timely addition to the Qantas Film and Television Awards programme.

“These awards celebrate the international success of the New Zealand film and television industries, and the International Achievement Award is a fitting addition to the awards programme,” Ms Cahill says.

New Zealand Television Broadcasters’ Council chief executive and organising committee co-chair Rick Friesen is thrilled NZTE has become an awards sponsor.

“It’s great news that New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is supporting the growth of the film, television and screen industries with this award,” Mr Friesen says.

Information about the award criteria and the nomination process can be found at www.qantasfilmandtvawardsco.nz.

ENDS

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