NHNZ has been named a finalist in the inaugural New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) International Achievement Award, part of this year’s Qantas Film and Television Awards.
The award is designed to recognise a business in the New Zealand film and television industries which demonstrates both commercial success in the international business arena and a commitment to developing a business model that is capable of further international expansion.
Nominations were received from nine businesses and the judging panel of New Zealand Film Commission chief executive Graeme Mason, acclaimed New Zealand film director Andrew Adamson, Screen Directors Guild executive director Anna Cahill and Television Broadcasters’ Council Rick Friesen had the challenge of narrowing the finalists down to three.
Speaking on behalf of the judges, Mr Friesen said that the range of businesses that had entered reflected the tremendous breadth of the industries and the ability of relatively small businesses to break into some large markets.
“This is the first time that we have acknowledged this kind of business success at the awards and it is genuinely inspiring to have an opportunity to look into what drives the success of some of the incredible talent that exists here,” Mr Friesen said.
NHNZ will vie for top honours in the International Achievement category against fellow finalists South Pacific Pictures and Flux Animation Studio.
The NZTE award will be presented by Prime Minister Hon John Key at the Qantas Film and Television Awards ceremony in the Civic Theatre, Auckland, on Saturday night.
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.
More information about the award can be found at the awards website www.qantasfilmandtvawards.co.nz.