New Zealand Set to Star on Silver Screen

MEDIA RELEASE

30 November 2009

New Zealand will be the star of a new project that’s offering aspiring film-makers the chance to get their work in front of director Peter Jackson.

Launched in Wellington today, Tourism New Zealand’s 100% Pure New Zealand ‘Your Big Break’ competition will see five budding film-makers direct and produce their own three-minute short films on location in New Zealand.

The finalists will be flown to New Zealand by Tourism New Zealand, where they will work with The Lord of the Rings producer Barrie Osborne and Wellington’s Park Road Post Production facility.

The winning film will be selected by Peter Jackson, who will personally view the final five entries.

“Your Big Break’ is asking people to capture the essence of 100% Pure New Zealand and tell the world their story of how they see the youngest country on earth,” Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton said.

“We are always looking for new ways to talk about New Zealand on the world stage and this project is a perfect fit for our target market, who we know love film and cinema.

“The importance of having two film industry legends involved with ‘The Big Break’ is immense. Their support will help ensure the project is noticed by the world’s film industry, give it international reach and, we hope, result in some great stories,” Mr Hickton added.

To enter the first round of the competition, aspiring directors must submit a screenplay and supporting content via the campaign’s website –

http://http://www.your-big-break.com.

The competition opens on 9 December and anyone can enter. Four of the final five films will be selected by an industry panel, including Barrie Osborne, with the fifth film being selected through public votes for a ‘People’s Choice’ finalist.

Barrie Osborne, who will assist the five finalists with their films once they arrive in New Zealand, says he is looking forward to returning to New Zealand to work with the young film-makers.

“I thought it would be exciting. It was a really innovative and creative thing to try. I also love New Zealand and this was a chance to showcase New Zealand,” Mr Osborne said.

ENDS

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