Entries open in Qantas Film and Television Awards

ENTRIES OPEN IN QANTAS FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS 2009

Organisers of this year’s Qantas Film and Television Awards are expecting strong entry numbers following last year’s successful inaugural event and ongoing success in the New Zealand film and television industries.

This year’s awards will be held at the Civic Theatre in Auckland on Friday 4 September (Qantas Film and Television Craft Awards) and Saturday 5 September (Gala Awards).

Entries opened today and will close on Monday 15 June. Seventy judges will then judge what is expected to be several hundred entries, to name finalists in 64 awards across News and Current Affairs, General Television, Documentary and Film.

The prestigious awards programme is jointly organised by the Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand and the New Zealand Television Broadcasters’ Council and celebrates the best of the best in the New Zealand film and television industries.

New Zealand Television Broadcasters’ Council chief executive and organising committee co-chair Rick Friesen said the economic impact of the film and television industries could not be underestimated, even in a challenging economic environment.

“In recognising the best and brightest we’re also celebrating the contribution that film and television makes to New Zealand’s economy and to our international reputation. The combined industries employ thousands of New Zealanders and generated total gross revenue of $2.7 billion in the 2008 financial year, an 11 per cent increase on the previous year.”

Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand executive director and organising committee co-chair Anna Cahill said this year’s awards would enhance last year’s programme.

“Following last year’s highly successful inaugural Qantas Film and Television Awards, categories have been updated and added to reflect the diversity and strength of the talent in New Zealand film and television.”

Regional general manager for Qantas in New Zealand Grant Lilly said: “We are proud to support the film and television industry. I believe we have some of the most talented and creative people working in our local industry, and the calibre of production is among the highest in the world.”

About the Qantas Film and Television Awards 2009

For a full list of categories, entry criteria and information, please visit the official Qantas Film and Television Awards website: www.qantasfilmandtvawardsco.nz

Entries are open from today and will close on Monday 15 June. Finalists will be announced in early August.

The Qantas Film and Television Craft Awards will be announced during an awards lunch at the Civic Theatre in Auckland on Friday 4 September.

The Qantas Film and Television Awards (including highlights from the Craft Awards) will be presented at an evening ceremony at the Civic Theatre on Saturday 5 September.
The Qantas Film and Television Awards is delighted to have Qantas as a significant partner and naming rights sponsor of the Awards.
The Awards would not be possible without the financial assistance of the New Zealand Film Commission and support from our sponsors:

• Auckland City Council – Auckland, home of the Qantas Film and Television Awards 2009

• Atomic Coffee Roasters

• NZ On Air

• Kordia Group Limited

• Maori Language Commission

• AGB Nielsen

ENDS

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