The Big Screen Symposium is Here

PRESS RELEASE

Embargo until July 9th 2012

The Big Screen Symposium is Here:

20 SESSIONS, 30 SPEAKERS AND ALL THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THE FILMS

AUCKLAND, NZ [July 5, 2012] – Script to Screen and J&A Productions are pleased to announce the inaugural Big Screen Symposium to be held at the University of Auckland during September.

The Big Screen Symposium is a twoday conference designed to bring all the people who make films together to be inspired, informed and entertained.

“This event is a direct response to the film industry’s need for a platform that brings local and international talent together,” says Big Screen Symposium spokesperson and Script to Screen board member Matt Horrocks who conceptualised the event.

“We’re really excited to hold this event in Auckland and believe it will drive greater innovation, growth and insightful discussion within the film industry.”

This year’s symposium is a dynamic, twoday programme, packed with workshops, panel discussions and case studies involving the crème de la crème of the local and international film industry.

“I think this will be a terrific forum for the creatives in the industry to get together and discuss the current situation and future opportunities,” says John Barnett, CEO of South Pacific Pictures, who shares the industry’s anticipation for the event.

Amongst a stellar line up of talent, the Big Screen Symposium has confirmed American independent film producer Ted Hope as keynote speaker for 2012. Hope knows the film business insideout, having been at the forefront of indie film for over 20 years,. His films, including 21 Grams (2003), The Savages (2007), and American Splendor (2003), have earned numerous Academy Award nominations, as well as the most awards for any producer at the Sundance film festival. Hope’s experience and passion for film makes his symposium address and presence at the Big Screen Symposium an unmissable opportunity for New Zealand filmmakers.

The Big Screen Symposium has also confirmed Ben Lewin to speak at the event. Lewin’s film The Sessions (aka The Surrogate), starring Oscar nominees John Hawkes, William H. Macy and Oscar winner Helen Hunt, won the Audience Award and a Special Jury Prize at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

The Big Screen Symposium is for everyone who makes films and everyone who wants to get into filmmaking.

It will provide a wealth of insights, nuts and bolts information and discussion about the big issues facing filmmakers today.

Dr. Shuchi Kothari, Director of Screen Production in the Department of Film Television and Media Studies at The University of Auckland suggests that, “the Big Screen Symposium will be a critical forum that brings together various stakeholders in the film and television industries with the aim of taking stock of current practices and developing strategies and new directions for future growth. Anyone interested in the content and contours of screen production in New Zealand must attend.”

The Big Screen Symposium takes place on 1st to 2nd of September 2012 at the Owen G Glen Building, University of Auckland Business School. To find out more, please visit www.bigscreensymposium.com.

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