Headline: VISTA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP LAUNCHES VISTA FOUNDATION
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND: Vista Group (VGL) is pleased to announce the launch of the Vista Foundation and its inaugural programme, the Vista Film Marketing Programme, in partnership with the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC).
The Vista Foundation’s aim is to help filmmakers learn the business side of film marketing.
Vista Group Chief Executive Murray Holdaway says the Foundation is dedicated to growing and developing aspiring filmmakers. The Vista Foundation has received establishment funding from the founding shareholders of Vista Group and Vista Group itself has the intention to continue funding support in future years.
“At Vista Entertainment we are passionate about the New Zealand film industry and want to help the next generation of feature filmmakers launch their careers. Being a professional filmmaker is about great writing and directing skills, about design and production but it’s also about marketing and promotion, about maximizing the return on investment in the film being produced,” says Holdaway.
Roger Donaldson, producer and director of New Zealand classics Smash Palace, Sleeping Dogs and The World’s Fastest Indian as well as numerous Hollywood blockbusters such as The Bounty, Cocktail and No Way Out, will be the Patron of the Foundation.
“When we made Sleeping Dogs, there was no Film Commission and we simply made it up as we went along. When I look back at that film, I am amazed at what we created, but I also wish I knew then what I know now. Filmmakers need to know how to seek out financing, how licensing and distribution works, how to speak to particular audiences as well as how to tell a good story. The Foundation will help them develop those skills and I am honoured to be asked to be the inaugural Patron.” says Donaldson.
Vista is working with the NZFC to deliver on the Foundation’s promise. The NZFC, set up by the New Zealand government to foster film production in New Zealand, supports the Foundation and the two will work together on the Film Marketing Programme.
NZFC CEO Dave Gibson says the role the Foundation will play is an important one that currently isn’t being addressed.
“The Film Marketing Programme has been created with input from industry stalwart, John Barnett, and will involve presentations and panel discussions from Kiwis working in the international marketplace already. This is a long-term initiative that we are pleased to be partnering on with the Vista Foundation. The Foundation’s desire to be involved with the upskilling of the film industry in such a practical way is welcomed by the NZFC.”
Up to four filmmaking teams will be nominated by the NZFC for the programme, which will be held annually as a series of two day workshops over a three month period.
—
]]>
