New Zealand’s funniest export Jackie Van Beek returns to SXSW atop the cast of “Audrey,” an Australian dark comedy that is headed to SXSW.
Van Beek, whose 2018 “The Breaker Upperers,” was a previous SXSW hit, portrays a forgotten former soap star whose career and life have been derailed by motherhood and suburban boredom. But when an accident puts her 18-year-old child in a coma, the woman takes on her daughter’s identity and gets a second chance at the life she actually wanted.
Other cast also include: Jeremy Lindsay Taylor (“Puberty Blues,” “The Diplomat”), Josephine Blazier (“True History of the Kelly Gang”) and disability advocate and actress Hannah Diviney (“Latecomers”).
“What begins as a light, sex-fuelled comedy about family soon takes a twisted journey into horror as, like a classic Greek tragedy, our protagonists decide that the only way to find happiness is to destroy their firstborn,” says director Natalie Bailey.
Van Beek, whose 2018 “The Breaker Upperers,” was a previous SXSW hit, portrays a forgotten former soap star whose career and life have been derailed by motherhood and suburban boredom. But when an accident puts her 18-year-old child in a coma, the woman takes on her daughter’s identity and gets a second chance at the life she actually wanted.
Other cast also include: Jeremy Lindsay Taylor (“Puberty Blues,” “The Diplomat”), Josephine Blazier (“True History of the Kelly Gang”) and disability advocate and actress Hannah Diviney (“Latecomers”).
“What begins as a light, sex-fuelled comedy about family soon takes a twisted journey into horror as, like a classic Greek tragedy, our protagonists decide that the only way to find happiness is to destroy their firstborn,” says director Natalie Bailey.
- 3/7/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
This article contains spoilers for Our Flag Means Death season 1.
The sitcom Our Flag Means Death has behaved in a very piratey way, quite frankly. When it burst onto the scene last year, it unexpectedly plundered fans’ hearts, leaving their new favorite ship – between Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi as Blackbeard – wrecked, and left us stranded on a cliffhanger of a finale desperate for a second series.
Thankfully, the treasure that is season two of Our Flag Means Death is released on Max on Oct. 5, and it’s as adorable as ever, with a whole crew of new characters to fall in love with:
Let’s meet the new characters, and discover which returning cast members are back:
New Cast Ruibo Qian as Susan
Susan runs a soup stand in the Republic of Pirates, which she acquired by savage means, but she seems to have more depth...
The sitcom Our Flag Means Death has behaved in a very piratey way, quite frankly. When it burst onto the scene last year, it unexpectedly plundered fans’ hearts, leaving their new favorite ship – between Rhys Darby as Stede Bonnet and Taika Waititi as Blackbeard – wrecked, and left us stranded on a cliffhanger of a finale desperate for a second series.
Thankfully, the treasure that is season two of Our Flag Means Death is released on Max on Oct. 5, and it’s as adorable as ever, with a whole crew of new characters to fall in love with:
Let’s meet the new characters, and discover which returning cast members are back:
New Cast Ruibo Qian as Susan
Susan runs a soup stand in the Republic of Pirates, which she acquired by savage means, but she seems to have more depth...
- 10/5/2023
- by Lauravickersgreen
- Den of Geek
Red, White & Brass is a movie directed by Damon Fepulea’i and written by Halaifonua Finau.
Maka, a Tongan superfan, will do whatever it takes to get tickets to the Tonga v France Rugby World Cup game – even if that means promising to deliver a brass band for the pre-match entertainment. Only problem is, the band doesn’t exist and Maka has four weeks to make one. Inspired by a true story.
Maka, a Tongan superfan, will do whatever it takes to get tickets to the Tonga v France Rugby World Cup game – even if that means promising to deliver a brass band for the pre-match entertainment. Only problem is, the band doesn’t exist and Maka has four weeks to make one. Inspired by a true story.
From the producers of Hunt for the Wilderpeople and The Breaker Upperers. In Nz Cinemas March 23rd...
Maka, a Tongan superfan, will do whatever it takes to get tickets to the Tonga v France Rugby World Cup game – even if that means promising to deliver a brass band for the pre-match entertainment. Only problem is, the band doesn’t exist and Maka has four weeks to make one. Inspired by a true story.
Maka, a Tongan superfan, will do whatever it takes to get tickets to the Tonga v France Rugby World Cup game – even if that means promising to deliver a brass band for the pre-match entertainment. Only problem is, the band doesn’t exist and Maka has four weeks to make one. Inspired by a true story.
From the producers of Hunt for the Wilderpeople and The Breaker Upperers. In Nz Cinemas March 23rd...
- 2/1/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Exclusive: Red, White & Brass is the debut feature from director Damon Fepulea’i and we’ve got the first trailer for the Taika Waititi-exec produced inspiring underdog tale. Check it out above.
Based on a true story, the film follows a community of passionate Tongans led by Maka, a superfan who will do whatever it takes to get tickets to the Tonga vs France 2011 Rugby World Cup game – even if that means promising to deliver a brass band for the pre-match entertainment. The only problem is, the band doesn’t exist and Maka has four weeks to create one.
The cast includes John-Paul Foliaki (Popstars), Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (Panthers), Ilaisaane Green (Brutal Lives), Onetoto Ikavuka, Mikey Falesiu (Toke), Lupeti Finau, Lotima Pome’e (Under the Vines) and Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson (Savage).
Fepulea’i co-wrote the script with co-producer Halaifonua (Nua) Finau. The film hails from the producers behind such New Zealand-produced features as The Breaker Upperers,...
Based on a true story, the film follows a community of passionate Tongans led by Maka, a superfan who will do whatever it takes to get tickets to the Tonga vs France 2011 Rugby World Cup game – even if that means promising to deliver a brass band for the pre-match entertainment. The only problem is, the band doesn’t exist and Maka has four weeks to create one.
The cast includes John-Paul Foliaki (Popstars), Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (Panthers), Ilaisaane Green (Brutal Lives), Onetoto Ikavuka, Mikey Falesiu (Toke), Lupeti Finau, Lotima Pome’e (Under the Vines) and Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson (Savage).
Fepulea’i co-wrote the script with co-producer Halaifonua (Nua) Finau. The film hails from the producers behind such New Zealand-produced features as The Breaker Upperers,...
- 2/1/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Comedies don’t come much more unconventional than “Nude Tuesday.”
The brainchild of Armağan Ballantyne and Jackie van Beek — who also stars as Laura, one half of a couple who attend a new-age retreat run by sex-guru Bjorg Rassmussen (Jemaine Clement) to rekindle their marriage — it was filmed in a made-up language and then subtitled after the fact by Julia Davis. The cult comedy veteran’s prose is a frequently hilarious interpretation of the cast’s performances.
Speaking with Variety ahead of the film’s U.K. premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff), Davis recalls why she agreed to the subtitling gig before she even saw the movie.
“I was a big fan of Jackie’s from a film she did called ‘The Breaker Upperers.’ We had a mutual fan type of thing going between us where we were emailing each other,” says Davis. “But then Jackie just emailed me and said,...
The brainchild of Armağan Ballantyne and Jackie van Beek — who also stars as Laura, one half of a couple who attend a new-age retreat run by sex-guru Bjorg Rassmussen (Jemaine Clement) to rekindle their marriage — it was filmed in a made-up language and then subtitled after the fact by Julia Davis. The cult comedy veteran’s prose is a frequently hilarious interpretation of the cast’s performances.
Speaking with Variety ahead of the film’s U.K. premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (Eiff), Davis recalls why she agreed to the subtitling gig before she even saw the movie.
“I was a big fan of Jackie’s from a film she did called ‘The Breaker Upperers.’ We had a mutual fan type of thing going between us where we were emailing each other,” says Davis. “But then Jackie just emailed me and said,...
- 8/16/2022
- by Amon Warmann
- Variety Film + TV
I feel like I’ve just seen the first movie that — future developments pending — might work better in the breach, so to speak, than in the observance. So to speak.
What do I mean by this? Well, Nude Tuesday is a New Zealand comedy that distinguishes itself in a very Down Under culture-jamming sort of way: It is performed by the cast in a “language” that is mostly gibberish. There are a few words that were agreed upon in advance, for consistency — yaah and ne, for example; chula for “thanks” — but beyond that, the actors are working more with feeling rather than concrete meaning as they deliver their improvised nonsense dialogue.
It’s all the brainchild of director Armağan Ballantyne and actor, filmmaker, and costar here Jackie van Beek. Van Beek wrote the script — more a general outline, it would seem — and then, after production was completed, another writer, comedian Julia Davis,...
What do I mean by this? Well, Nude Tuesday is a New Zealand comedy that distinguishes itself in a very Down Under culture-jamming sort of way: It is performed by the cast in a “language” that is mostly gibberish. There are a few words that were agreed upon in advance, for consistency — yaah and ne, for example; chula for “thanks” — but beyond that, the actors are working more with feeling rather than concrete meaning as they deliver their improvised nonsense dialogue.
It’s all the brainchild of director Armağan Ballantyne and actor, filmmaker, and costar here Jackie van Beek. Van Beek wrote the script — more a general outline, it would seem — and then, after production was completed, another writer, comedian Julia Davis,...
- 6/17/2022
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Production has begun in Tasmania, Australia on “Deadloch,” a noir comedy that will be an Amazon original series.
The story is set in the once sleepy seaside hamlet of Deadloch and begins after a man’s dead body is found on the beach. Two female detectives are thrown together to solve the case, one fastidious, the other a more rough and ready type from out of town. Along with an over-eager junior they have to pool forces to solve the case while the town is putting on its annual crafts, culture and cooking festival.
The eight-part show was conceived by comedy duo Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan and will star Kate Box, Madeleine Sami “The Breaker Upperers”), Alicia Gardiner (“Wakefield”) and Nina Oyama (“Utopia”), as well as an ensemble cast.
“Deadloch” is to be directed between February and May by acclaimed Australian directors Ben Chessell, Gracie Otto and Beck Cole.
The story is set in the once sleepy seaside hamlet of Deadloch and begins after a man’s dead body is found on the beach. Two female detectives are thrown together to solve the case, one fastidious, the other a more rough and ready type from out of town. Along with an over-eager junior they have to pool forces to solve the case while the town is putting on its annual crafts, culture and cooking festival.
The eight-part show was conceived by comedy duo Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan and will star Kate Box, Madeleine Sami “The Breaker Upperers”), Alicia Gardiner (“Wakefield”) and Nina Oyama (“Utopia”), as well as an ensemble cast.
“Deadloch” is to be directed between February and May by acclaimed Australian directors Ben Chessell, Gracie Otto and Beck Cole.
- 2/20/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Based on the novel by celebrated New Zealand author Patricia Grace, “Cousins” tells the story of three women bound by ancestry and separated by time. The film was helmed by Māori filmmaking duo Ainsley Gardiner and Briar Grace-Smith and debuted at number one at New Zealand’s box office when it was released earlier this year. Gardiner is best known as producer on the early films by Taika Waititi, including his acclaimed directorial debut “Eagle vs Shark.” Both Gardiner and Grace-Smith directed segments of the critically beloved 2017 drama “Waru,” which was directed cooperatively.
Here’s the official synopsis: “‘Cousins’ follows three Māori cousins—Mata, Missy and Makareta—who lead separate lives, yet are bound together forever. Orphaned Mata believes she has no whānau (family) and lives out her lonely childhood in fear and bewilderment. Back home on the land in New Zealand, driven and educated Makareta flees an arranged marriage...
Here’s the official synopsis: “‘Cousins’ follows three Māori cousins—Mata, Missy and Makareta—who lead separate lives, yet are bound together forever. Orphaned Mata believes she has no whānau (family) and lives out her lonely childhood in fear and bewilderment. Back home on the land in New Zealand, driven and educated Makareta flees an arranged marriage...
- 7/15/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Cornerstone will launch world sales, excluding Australia and New Zealand, on couples’ comedy Nude Tuesday at this year’s virtual European Film Market.
Performed entirely in an intelligible gibberish, the film follows a couple, played by Jackie van Beek (The Breaker Upperers) and Damon Herriman (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) who, in an effort to rekindle their marriage, head to a couples’ retreat. Upon arrival, the path to their reconnection is met with farce, including a sex guru played by Jemaine Clement (What We Do In The Shadows). Armağan Ballantyne (The Strength of Water) directed.
In an unusual twist, the film will be available with two deliverable sets of subtitles – both performed by local comedians. Cornerstone said the project also has the opportunity for further local subtitle sets. The pic was shot in New Zealand during the pandemic and is now in post, the sales co will show footage during the EFM.
Performed entirely in an intelligible gibberish, the film follows a couple, played by Jackie van Beek (The Breaker Upperers) and Damon Herriman (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) who, in an effort to rekindle their marriage, head to a couples’ retreat. Upon arrival, the path to their reconnection is met with farce, including a sex guru played by Jemaine Clement (What We Do In The Shadows). Armağan Ballantyne (The Strength of Water) directed.
In an unusual twist, the film will be available with two deliverable sets of subtitles – both performed by local comedians. Cornerstone said the project also has the opportunity for further local subtitle sets. The pic was shot in New Zealand during the pandemic and is now in post, the sales co will show footage during the EFM.
- 2/16/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
All the dialogue in the Anz comedy is spoken in gibberish
Cornerstone Films has acquired world sales rights to Armağan Ballantyne’s upcoming comedy Nude Tuesday, which it will launch at the virtual European Film Market.
The London and LA-based sales agency will reveal first footage of the Australia-New Zealand co-production to buyers during the EFM. Madman previously secured distribution rights in New Zealand and Australia.
All the dialogue in the film, about a couple who attempt to rekindle the spark in their marriage, is spoken in unintelligible gibberish. It will feature two sets of subtitles – one provided by “prominent local comedians” from each territory,...
Cornerstone Films has acquired world sales rights to Armağan Ballantyne’s upcoming comedy Nude Tuesday, which it will launch at the virtual European Film Market.
The London and LA-based sales agency will reveal first footage of the Australia-New Zealand co-production to buyers during the EFM. Madman previously secured distribution rights in New Zealand and Australia.
All the dialogue in the film, about a couple who attempt to rekindle the spark in their marriage, is spoken in unintelligible gibberish. It will feature two sets of subtitles – one provided by “prominent local comedians” from each territory,...
- 2/16/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
All the dialogue in the Anz comedy is spoken in gibberish
Cornerstone Films has acquired world sales rights to Armagan Ballantyne’s upcoming comedy Nude Tuesday, which it will launch at the virtual European Film Market.
The London and Los Angeles-based sales agency will reveal first footage of the Australia-New Zealand co-production to buyers during the EFM. Madman previously secured distribution rights for New Zealand and Australia.
All the dialogue in the film, about a couple who attempt to rekindle the spark in their marriage, is spoken in unintelligible gibberish. It will feature two sets of subtitles – one provided by...
Cornerstone Films has acquired world sales rights to Armagan Ballantyne’s upcoming comedy Nude Tuesday, which it will launch at the virtual European Film Market.
The London and Los Angeles-based sales agency will reveal first footage of the Australia-New Zealand co-production to buyers during the EFM. Madman previously secured distribution rights for New Zealand and Australia.
All the dialogue in the film, about a couple who attempt to rekindle the spark in their marriage, is spoken in unintelligible gibberish. It will feature two sets of subtitles – one provided by...
- 2/16/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Jemaine Clement is set to bare all as a sex guru in New Zealand marriage-in-crisis comedy Nude Tuesday.
The film — heading to the European Film Market with Cornerstone — comes from Clement’s fellow Kiwi and What We Do in the Shadows star, writer and lead actress Jackie van Beek (The Breaker Upperers) and director Armağan Ballantyne (The Strength of Water) and was shot entirely in New Zealand during the pandemic, with post-production underway in Australia.
Performed by the cast entirely in gibberish and described by the filmmakers as a “nudist romp,” Nude Tuesday tells story of a couple, played by ...
The film — heading to the European Film Market with Cornerstone — comes from Clement’s fellow Kiwi and What We Do in the Shadows star, writer and lead actress Jackie van Beek (The Breaker Upperers) and director Armağan Ballantyne (The Strength of Water) and was shot entirely in New Zealand during the pandemic, with post-production underway in Australia.
Performed by the cast entirely in gibberish and described by the filmmakers as a “nudist romp,” Nude Tuesday tells story of a couple, played by ...
- 2/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jemaine Clement is set to bare all as a sex guru in New Zealand marriage-in-crisis comedy Nude Tuesday.
The film — heading to the European Film Market with Cornerstone — comes from Clement’s fellow Kiwi and What We Do in the Shadows star, writer and lead actress Jackie van Beek (The Breaker Upperers) and director Armağan Ballantyne (The Strength of Water) and was shot entirely in New Zealand during the pandemic, with post-production underway in Australia.
Performed by the cast entirely in gibberish and described by the filmmakers as a “nudist romp,” Nude Tuesday tells story of a couple, played by ...
The film — heading to the European Film Market with Cornerstone — comes from Clement’s fellow Kiwi and What We Do in the Shadows star, writer and lead actress Jackie van Beek (The Breaker Upperers) and director Armağan Ballantyne (The Strength of Water) and was shot entirely in New Zealand during the pandemic, with post-production underway in Australia.
Performed by the cast entirely in gibberish and described by the filmmakers as a “nudist romp,” Nude Tuesday tells story of a couple, played by ...
- 2/16/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Exclusive: Cornerstone is heading to the virtual EFM with New Zealand drama Whina, which stars Siren, Once Were Warriors and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones actress Rena Owen as revered Maori activist and female rights advocate Whina Cooper.
See an exclusive first look image of Owen as Cooper above.
Cornerstone will launch worldwide sales, excluding Australia/Nz, on the film which heralds from writer-directors James Napier Robertson, who directed 2014 festival favorite The Dark Horse, and Paula Whetu Jones (Waru).
Whina (pronounced fee-nah), will see Owen play the role of Cooper, the beloved Māori matriarch who worked tirelessly to improve the rights of her people, especially women. At nearly 80-years-old Cooper became nationally revered as the ‘Mother of The Nation’ when she led the first Māori Land March over 1,000 kilometers from Te Hapua in the Far North to Wellington at the bottom of the North Island of New...
See an exclusive first look image of Owen as Cooper above.
Cornerstone will launch worldwide sales, excluding Australia/Nz, on the film which heralds from writer-directors James Napier Robertson, who directed 2014 festival favorite The Dark Horse, and Paula Whetu Jones (Waru).
Whina (pronounced fee-nah), will see Owen play the role of Cooper, the beloved Māori matriarch who worked tirelessly to improve the rights of her people, especially women. At nearly 80-years-old Cooper became nationally revered as the ‘Mother of The Nation’ when she led the first Māori Land March over 1,000 kilometers from Te Hapua in the Far North to Wellington at the bottom of the North Island of New...
- 2/11/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Taika Waititi and Carthew Neal’s production company Piki Films is to embark on three projects with Maori writers from New Zealand. They turn an indigenous eye on the effects of colonization.
The projects will be developed by Neal, and producer Morgan Waru who has taken a full-time position at the company, after having worked with Piki on several previous projects.
Tina Makereti’s novel “The Imaginary Lives of James Poneke,” is set for adaptation as a feature film. The story involves a curious Maori teen who adventures to London in the 1840s to appear as a live exhibit amongst Maori artefacts. Initially, he enjoys the attention and hedonism of London, but soon discovers he cannot get past being labelled as a savage.
“It seems strangely timely to see this story developed into a film, as we witness the toppling of colonial statues and attitudes,” said Makereti in a statement.
The projects will be developed by Neal, and producer Morgan Waru who has taken a full-time position at the company, after having worked with Piki on several previous projects.
Tina Makereti’s novel “The Imaginary Lives of James Poneke,” is set for adaptation as a feature film. The story involves a curious Maori teen who adventures to London in the 1840s to appear as a live exhibit amongst Maori artefacts. Initially, he enjoys the attention and hedonism of London, but soon discovers he cannot get past being labelled as a savage.
“It seems strangely timely to see this story developed into a film, as we witness the toppling of colonial statues and attitudes,” said Makereti in a statement.
- 6/26/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Company will develop two features and a detective series.
Taika Waititi and Carthew Neal’s New Zealand production company Piki Films is launching three projects with Māori writers, focusing on stories about the effects of colonisation.
The company will work on two feature films and a TV series, with Neal heading development alongside producer Morgan Waru, who has taken a full-time position at the company.
Waititi and Neal’s specific roles on each project are still to be determined; they have previously had producer or executive producer credits on Piki titles which Waititi did not direct, such as 2018’s The Breaker Upperers.
Taika Waititi and Carthew Neal’s New Zealand production company Piki Films is launching three projects with Māori writers, focusing on stories about the effects of colonisation.
The company will work on two feature films and a TV series, with Neal heading development alongside producer Morgan Waru, who has taken a full-time position at the company.
Waititi and Neal’s specific roles on each project are still to be determined; they have previously had producer or executive producer credits on Piki titles which Waititi did not direct, such as 2018’s The Breaker Upperers.
- 6/25/2020
- by 1101321¦Ben Dalton¦26¦
- ScreenDaily
Pack your bags for a family reunion of a very different kind when Come to Daddy arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital) and DVD March 24 from Lionsgate. The film is available now on Digital and On Demand. Starring Elijah Wood, Stephen McHattie, Martin Donovan, Michael Smiley, Madeleine Sami, and Simon Chin, the thrilling father-son horror comedy Come to Daddy will be available on Blu-ray and DVD for the suggested retail price of $21.99 and $19.98, respectively.
Norval Greenwood (Elijah Wood), a privileged man-child, arrives at the beautiful and remote coastal cabin of his estranged father, who he hasn’t seen in 30 years. He quickly discovers that not only is Dad a disapproving jerk, but he also has a shady past that is rushing to catch up with him. Now, hundreds of miles from his cushy comfort zone, Norval must battle with demons both real and perceived in order to reconnect with a father he barely knows.
Norval Greenwood (Elijah Wood), a privileged man-child, arrives at the beautiful and remote coastal cabin of his estranged father, who he hasn’t seen in 30 years. He quickly discovers that not only is Dad a disapproving jerk, but he also has a shady past that is rushing to catch up with him. Now, hundreds of miles from his cushy comfort zone, Norval must battle with demons both real and perceived in order to reconnect with a father he barely knows.
- 3/16/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Writer Jackie van Beek and director Armagan Ballantyne, who will collaborate on ‘Nude Tuesday’.
Two feature films, one from Robert Connolly and the other a Kiwi-Aussie co-pro penned by The Breaker Upperers’ Jackie van Beek; a ABC TV comedy from Closer Productions; and two online projects are the latest recipients of $3.5 million worth of production funding from Screen Australia.
Connolly, writer/director of box office hit Paper Planes, will return to Western Australia to shoot a feature film adaptation of Tim Winton’s acclaimed novel Blueback, while Nz’s Firefly Productions will join forces with Good Thing Productions to create absurdist dramedy feature Nude Tuesday, directed by Armagan Ballantyne. Erik Thomson teams up with Adelaide’s Closer Productions to produce Yes, Chef! for the ABC, following a notorious celebrity chef who is forced to flee to his hometown in the Adelaide Hills.
Screen Australia head of content Sally Caplan said:...
Two feature films, one from Robert Connolly and the other a Kiwi-Aussie co-pro penned by The Breaker Upperers’ Jackie van Beek; a ABC TV comedy from Closer Productions; and two online projects are the latest recipients of $3.5 million worth of production funding from Screen Australia.
Connolly, writer/director of box office hit Paper Planes, will return to Western Australia to shoot a feature film adaptation of Tim Winton’s acclaimed novel Blueback, while Nz’s Firefly Productions will join forces with Good Thing Productions to create absurdist dramedy feature Nude Tuesday, directed by Armagan Ballantyne. Erik Thomson teams up with Adelaide’s Closer Productions to produce Yes, Chef! for the ABC, following a notorious celebrity chef who is forced to flee to his hometown in the Adelaide Hills.
Screen Australia head of content Sally Caplan said:...
- 1/21/2020
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Blake Ayshford.
Blake Ayshford is writing a pilot for the BBC, a comedy-drama set in the near future in which an Uber-like app provides emotional labour for time-poor people.
The writer-producer likens the project entitled Hearts to a cross between the Netflix series Black Mirror and The Breaker Upperers, the Kiwi comedy created by Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek.
The app enables people to employ ‘hearts’ to undertake such tasks as having dinner with him or her after their spouse has died, or simply attending a work function as a proxy.
Ayshford is writing the pilot for Castlefield, a Fremantle backed, Manchester-based production company founded by ex-BBC North producers Hilary Martin and Simon Judd.
“It’s been a lot of fun working on it so far but we are only at pilot stage so not exactly a story yet,” he tells If.
The writer’s first UK...
Blake Ayshford is writing a pilot for the BBC, a comedy-drama set in the near future in which an Uber-like app provides emotional labour for time-poor people.
The writer-producer likens the project entitled Hearts to a cross between the Netflix series Black Mirror and The Breaker Upperers, the Kiwi comedy created by Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek.
The app enables people to employ ‘hearts’ to undertake such tasks as having dinner with him or her after their spouse has died, or simply attending a work function as a proxy.
Ayshford is writing the pilot for Castlefield, a Fremantle backed, Manchester-based production company founded by ex-BBC North producers Hilary Martin and Simon Judd.
“It’s been a lot of fun working on it so far but we are only at pilot stage so not exactly a story yet,” he tells If.
The writer’s first UK...
- 1/7/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Fox Searchlight Pictures announced on Thursday that it has acquired Worldwide rights to Next Goal Wins, the new feature from director Taika Waititi. The film began production last week in Honolulu, Hawaii. Next Goal Wins is written by Waititi and Iain Morris, and stars Michael Fassbender and Elisabeth Moss.
Waititi is producing alongside Jonathan Cavendish and Garrett Basch, with Andy Serkis, Will Tennant, and Kathryn Dean serving as executive producers. Additional producers include Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, who directed the 2014 documentary from which the film is based.
The film will be overseen by Presidents of Production for Film and Television David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, Svp of Production DanTram Nguyen, and VP Production Taylor Friedman.
Next Goal Wins tells the story of the American Samoa soccer team, who suffered the worst loss in World Cup history, losing to Australia 31-0 in 2001. With the 2014 World Cup approaching, the team recruits a down on his luck,...
Waititi is producing alongside Jonathan Cavendish and Garrett Basch, with Andy Serkis, Will Tennant, and Kathryn Dean serving as executive producers. Additional producers include Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, who directed the 2014 documentary from which the film is based.
The film will be overseen by Presidents of Production for Film and Television David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, Svp of Production DanTram Nguyen, and VP Production Taylor Friedman.
Next Goal Wins tells the story of the American Samoa soccer team, who suffered the worst loss in World Cup history, losing to Australia 31-0 in 2001. With the 2014 World Cup approaching, the team recruits a down on his luck,...
- 11/15/2019
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Sitting out on a cool evening on a headland high above Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, it is difficult to understand how recent the country’s unpalatable history really is. And the past injustices, combined with the emergence of the New Zealand movie industry onto the world stage at the tail end of the 1990s, means that indigenous and women’s voices in the film industry feel new and urgent.
The uprising against the 1970s handover of Takaparawha, or Bastion Point, from the army to the Auckland City Council — and not to the local iwi (tribe) who lost their land in the 1850s — culminated in an occupation of the site that lasted for nearly a year and a half. The siege came to an end, barely 40 years ago, in 1978 with forced evictions and mass arrests, noted in documentary film “Bastion Point Day 507.”
Barely a decade later, however, Takaparawha had been returned...
The uprising against the 1970s handover of Takaparawha, or Bastion Point, from the army to the Auckland City Council — and not to the local iwi (tribe) who lost their land in the 1850s — culminated in an occupation of the site that lasted for nearly a year and a half. The siege came to an end, barely 40 years ago, in 1978 with forced evictions and mass arrests, noted in documentary film “Bastion Point Day 507.”
Barely a decade later, however, Takaparawha had been returned...
- 11/7/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
It signals a move by the Scandinavian distributor into development and co-production.
Scandinavian distributor NonStop is moving into development and co-production, with its first project set as a Swedish-language remake of 2018 New Zealand hit The Breaker Upperers.
The original film was written, directed by and stars Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami. It was produced by Piki Films’s Carthew Neal and Taika Waititi alongside Miss Conception Film’s Ainsley Gardiner and Georgina Conder.
The story is about two women who are cynical about love and run an agency that helps break up unhappy couples. When one of them grows a conscience,...
Scandinavian distributor NonStop is moving into development and co-production, with its first project set as a Swedish-language remake of 2018 New Zealand hit The Breaker Upperers.
The original film was written, directed by and stars Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami. It was produced by Piki Films’s Carthew Neal and Taika Waititi alongside Miss Conception Film’s Ainsley Gardiner and Georgina Conder.
The story is about two women who are cynical about love and run an agency that helps break up unhappy couples. When one of them grows a conscience,...
- 11/6/2019
- by 1100142¦Wendy Mitchell¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Fox Searchlight Pictures has tapped Chan Phung to lead its acquisitions department, as senior vice president of acquisitions and production, the studio announced on Monday. The appointment, which will take effect Nov. 4, was made by Fox Searchlight co-chairmen Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley.
Phung moves to the studio from Netflix, where she served as director of original independent film. At Searchlight, she will report to Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, the presidents of production for film and TV, respectively.
She will be responsible for the acquisition of finished films, as well as working closely with the entire production team to identify and evaluate potential acquisitions of films at the package stage.
Also Read: Barry Jenkins to Direct Alvin Ailey Biopic for Fox Searchlight
“I am excited about taking on this new opportunity and joining the amazing Searchlight team is a privilege second to none,” Phung said in a statement. “I...
Phung moves to the studio from Netflix, where she served as director of original independent film. At Searchlight, she will report to Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum, the presidents of production for film and TV, respectively.
She will be responsible for the acquisition of finished films, as well as working closely with the entire production team to identify and evaluate potential acquisitions of films at the package stage.
Also Read: Barry Jenkins to Direct Alvin Ailey Biopic for Fox Searchlight
“I am excited about taking on this new opportunity and joining the amazing Searchlight team is a privilege second to none,” Phung said in a statement. “I...
- 10/28/2019
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Fox Searchlight Pictures’ Chairmen Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley have tapped Chan Phung as Senior Vice President, Acquisitions and Production. Phung will be starting on Nov. 4 and will lead the acquisitions department for the division, working closely with the entire production team to identify and evaluate potential pick-ups at the package stage. She will report to Presidents of Production for Film and Television Matthew Greenfield and David Greenbaum.
Greenbaum and Greenfield stated, “Chan is a tremendous talent in the industry, and we are thrilled to have her as an indispensable part of the Searchlight team. She demonstrates exceptional knowledge and expertise in identifying the type of distinctive films that Searchlight gravitates towards.”
Phung added, “I am excited about taking on this new opportunity and joining the amazing Searchlight team is a privilege second to none. I have long been a fan of Searchlight’s incredibly diverse slate of films.”
Prior to joining Fox Searchlight,...
Greenbaum and Greenfield stated, “Chan is a tremendous talent in the industry, and we are thrilled to have her as an indispensable part of the Searchlight team. She demonstrates exceptional knowledge and expertise in identifying the type of distinctive films that Searchlight gravitates towards.”
Phung added, “I am excited about taking on this new opportunity and joining the amazing Searchlight team is a privilege second to none. I have long been a fan of Searchlight’s incredibly diverse slate of films.”
Prior to joining Fox Searchlight,...
- 10/28/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Nzfc CEO Annabelle Sheehan.
New Zealand Film Commission (Nzfc) CEO Annabelle Sheehan believes there are currently two global drivers of change in the screen industry.
The first is the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, AppleTV+ and Amazon – the latter of which has just confirmed it will shoot the series The Lord of the Rings in Nz.
The second is a push towards a more diverse and inclusive industry, both behind and in front of the camera.
It’s this second driver that the Nzfc’s upcoming global summit Power of Inclusion will seek to explore head on in partnership with Walt Disney Co. and Women in Film and Television (Wift) International.
The October event has already attracted an impressive array of both international and local speakers including actress and activist Geena Davis; Black-ish and Grown-ish star Yara Shahidi; director Niki Caro, Pose creator Steven Canals, The Black List...
New Zealand Film Commission (Nzfc) CEO Annabelle Sheehan believes there are currently two global drivers of change in the screen industry.
The first is the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, AppleTV+ and Amazon – the latter of which has just confirmed it will shoot the series The Lord of the Rings in Nz.
The second is a push towards a more diverse and inclusive industry, both behind and in front of the camera.
It’s this second driver that the Nzfc’s upcoming global summit Power of Inclusion will seek to explore head on in partnership with Walt Disney Co. and Women in Film and Television (Wift) International.
The October event has already attracted an impressive array of both international and local speakers including actress and activist Geena Davis; Black-ish and Grown-ish star Yara Shahidi; director Niki Caro, Pose creator Steven Canals, The Black List...
- 9/23/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: Aubrey Plaza will star in the Netflix movie Hope, directed by New Zealand duo Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami.
Hope, whose plotline is under wraps, marks the second feature to be directed by van Beek and Sami following their female-driven comedy The Breaker Upperers, which they also co-wrote and starred in. That pic, which was produced by Taika Waititi’s company Piki Films, premiered on Netflix in February. The Breaker Upperers made its world premiere at SXSW in March 2018.
Writing Hope is comedy screenwriting duo Karen McCullah & Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith, who were behind such comedies as Legally Blonde, 10 Things I Hate About You, The House Bunny, The Ugly Truth and She’s the Man. They will serve as EPs with Adam Wagner. Smith and McCullah are writing the Spice Girls movie for Paramount Animation and an original live-action pitch for Paramount with Todd Garner producing called Party
Smith...
Hope, whose plotline is under wraps, marks the second feature to be directed by van Beek and Sami following their female-driven comedy The Breaker Upperers, which they also co-wrote and starred in. That pic, which was produced by Taika Waititi’s company Piki Films, premiered on Netflix in February. The Breaker Upperers made its world premiere at SXSW in March 2018.
Writing Hope is comedy screenwriting duo Karen McCullah & Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith, who were behind such comedies as Legally Blonde, 10 Things I Hate About You, The House Bunny, The Ugly Truth and She’s the Man. They will serve as EPs with Adam Wagner. Smith and McCullah are writing the Spice Girls movie for Paramount Animation and an original live-action pitch for Paramount with Todd Garner producing called Party
Smith...
- 8/15/2019
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UK sales outfit Sc Films has boarded international rights to Kiwi box office hit Daffodils by director David Stubbs.
The romantic musical follows singer Maisie and the recollections of how her parents met and fell in love. The love story is soundtracked (released by Warner Music) with re-imaginings of iconic New Zealand songs.
Released theatrically in New Zealand in March, the film has taken more than $1M, making it the most successful local release since The Breaker Upperers. Grammy winner Kimbra plays Maisie, with George Mason (Top of the Lake) and Rose McIver (iZombie) taking on the parental roles.
The film was produced by Richard Fletcher of Libertine Pictures and Khf Media with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, Nz on Air, Tvnz, The Kelly Entertainment Co, Park Rd Post Production, Avalon Studios and Kiwibank. Rochelle Bright adapted the screenplay from her successful play.
UK and Ireland distribution...
The romantic musical follows singer Maisie and the recollections of how her parents met and fell in love. The love story is soundtracked (released by Warner Music) with re-imaginings of iconic New Zealand songs.
Released theatrically in New Zealand in March, the film has taken more than $1M, making it the most successful local release since The Breaker Upperers. Grammy winner Kimbra plays Maisie, with George Mason (Top of the Lake) and Rose McIver (iZombie) taking on the parental roles.
The film was produced by Richard Fletcher of Libertine Pictures and Khf Media with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, Nz on Air, Tvnz, The Kelly Entertainment Co, Park Rd Post Production, Avalon Studios and Kiwibank. Rochelle Bright adapted the screenplay from her successful play.
UK and Ireland distribution...
- 5/9/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The Black List founder Franklin Leonard.
The New Zealand Film Commission and Women in Film and Television International (Wifti), with support from The Walt Disney Studios, will host a global summit set to tackle representation and inclusion in the screen industry this October.
The Power of Inclusion boasts a line up of speakers that include Nz Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern; writers and directors Niki Caro and Haifaa Al-Mansour; MacRo founder and CEO Charles D. King; The Black List founder Franklin Leonard; writer and producer Philippa Boyens (Lord of the Rings); expert on social change in media, Dr. Stacy L. Smith; and actor, film and theatre maker Ana Scotney (Ngāti Tāwhaki) (The Breaker Upperers).
The two day event, to be held in Auckland, will look at core changes in the industry, such as how distribution models are being disrupted, in what way the boundaries of storytelling are being pushed or how the technology landscape is widening,...
The New Zealand Film Commission and Women in Film and Television International (Wifti), with support from The Walt Disney Studios, will host a global summit set to tackle representation and inclusion in the screen industry this October.
The Power of Inclusion boasts a line up of speakers that include Nz Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern; writers and directors Niki Caro and Haifaa Al-Mansour; MacRo founder and CEO Charles D. King; The Black List founder Franklin Leonard; writer and producer Philippa Boyens (Lord of the Rings); expert on social change in media, Dr. Stacy L. Smith; and actor, film and theatre maker Ana Scotney (Ngāti Tāwhaki) (The Breaker Upperers).
The two day event, to be held in Auckland, will look at core changes in the industry, such as how distribution models are being disrupted, in what way the boundaries of storytelling are being pushed or how the technology landscape is widening,...
- 4/17/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: Taika Waititi’s New Zealand-based production outfit, Piki Films, is bolstering its roster with feature comedy Baby, Done. Production is currently underway in Auckland with Rose Matafeo starring. The actress had a role in Piki’s local summer hit The Breaker Upperers which recently debuted on Netflix. She’s joined by Harry Potter and Girlfriends star Matthew Lewis in the film directed by Curtis Vowell (Fantail).
Matafeo plays Zoe, a tree surgeon who becomes pregnant by her longterm boyfriend Tim (Lewis) and subsequently freaks out as she tries to rush through her dreams before she turns into a mother.
Written by actress Sophie Henderson (Human Traces), Baby, Done is a semi-autobiographical story inspired by her and Vowell’s own reaction to starting a family. This is the duo’s second feature together after 2013’s Fantail, which took a People’s Choice Award at Melbourne International Film Festival.
Vowell says,...
Matafeo plays Zoe, a tree surgeon who becomes pregnant by her longterm boyfriend Tim (Lewis) and subsequently freaks out as she tries to rush through her dreams before she turns into a mother.
Written by actress Sophie Henderson (Human Traces), Baby, Done is a semi-autobiographical story inspired by her and Vowell’s own reaction to starting a family. This is the duo’s second feature together after 2013’s Fantail, which took a People’s Choice Award at Melbourne International Film Festival.
Vowell says,...
- 3/4/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The Breaker Upperers is the latest comedy from Netflix and comes from writer/director Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek, who also star in the leading roles. The pair play friends who offer a service for the right price to end relationships. But how does it compare to Netflix’s other original comedies?
Velvet Buzzsaw premiere's on Netflix on February 1.
Watch the 60-second review from One Minute Critic:
You can check out more 1-minute reviews on One Minute Critic's Instagram or Youtube page.
Velvet Buzzsaw premiere's on Netflix on February 1.
Watch the 60-second review from One Minute Critic:
You can check out more 1-minute reviews on One Minute Critic's Instagram or Youtube page.
- 2/16/2019
- by Kristian Odland
- GeekTyrant
Project comes from The Breaker Upperers producers Ainsley Gardiner and Georgina Conder.
Howards End and Legends Of The Fall actress Julia Ormond is leading the cast of Jake Mahaffy’s upcoming thriller Reunion.
The project has begun principal photography in New Zealand’s capital Wellington. Ormond will star with Emma Draper, Cohen Holloway and John Bach.
The film tells the story of a mother and daughter packing up the old family home for sale, when tensions become supernatural the daughter must confront the trauma of her lineage.
Producers are Ainsley Gardiner and Georgina Conder, whose credits include The Breaker Upperers,...
Howards End and Legends Of The Fall actress Julia Ormond is leading the cast of Jake Mahaffy’s upcoming thriller Reunion.
The project has begun principal photography in New Zealand’s capital Wellington. Ormond will star with Emma Draper, Cohen Holloway and John Bach.
The film tells the story of a mother and daughter packing up the old family home for sale, when tensions become supernatural the daughter must confront the trauma of her lineage.
Producers are Ainsley Gardiner and Georgina Conder, whose credits include The Breaker Upperers,...
- 2/7/2019
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
"You work for weak assholes who don't have the guys to talk to their partners!" "Yep." Netflix has unveiled an official trailer for a comedy from New Zealand titled The Breaker Upperers, which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival last year. Executive produced by Taika Waititi, the film is co-written and co-directed by the two women who star: Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek. The two play best friends who bonded when they were younger after finding out they were being two-timed by the same man. Together they create The Breaker Upperers, a small-time business helping couples break up for cash. The cast includes James Rolleston, Celia Pacquola, Ana Scotney, Rima Te Wiata, and Carl Bland. This does look hilarious, and it's an original concept these two came up with and have worked passionately on to make it really sing. Here's the official trailer for Madeleine Sami & Jackie van Beek's The Breaker Upperers,...
- 2/2/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The New Zealand comedy scene has a new pair of stars in the form of Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami, the stars and directors of the quirky unromantic comedy The Breaker Upperers. Van Beek and Sami star as two cynical women who open an agency that helps couples break up, but their smooth partnership is […]
The post ‘The Breaker Upperers’ Trailer: Netflix Debuts Quirky Unromantic Comedy From The Producers of ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘The Breaker Upperers’ Trailer: Netflix Debuts Quirky Unromantic Comedy From The Producers of ‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’ appeared first on /Film.
- 2/1/2019
- by Hoai-Tran Bui
- Slash Film
Anytime we can get a new voice from the boisterous, hyper-creative New Zealand comedy scene, consider it a great day for the genre.
“The Breaker Uppers” is the debut effort from comedic actresses Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek (who also star), a rom-com that looks to be as lucid and dry as the best work of Taika Waititi, who’s lent his name to the film as a presenter.
Continue reading ‘The Breaker Upperers’ Trailer: Taika Waititi Produces This Hilarious Anti-Rom-Com at The Playlist.
“The Breaker Uppers” is the debut effort from comedic actresses Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek (who also star), a rom-com that looks to be as lucid and dry as the best work of Taika Waititi, who’s lent his name to the film as a presenter.
Continue reading ‘The Breaker Upperers’ Trailer: Taika Waititi Produces This Hilarious Anti-Rom-Com at The Playlist.
- 2/1/2019
- by Cory Woodroof
- The Playlist
Netflix has confirmed that 38 new original series, movies and specials will be debuting on the streaming service in February, including Dan Gilroy‘s thriller “Velvet Buzzsaw,” which reunites him with Jake Gyllenhaal who appeared in his first film “Nightcrawler.” Also on hand is Gilroy’s wife, the far too seldom seen Rene Russo.
On a slightly lighter note, Amy Poehler brings us the surreal comedy series “Russian Doll.” Ray Romano headlines both the cancer comedy “Paddleton” and the stand-up special “Ray Romano: Right Here, Around the Corner.” And Oscar nominee Ellen Page headlines “The Umbrella Academy,” based on the comic book series of the same name by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá.
Below is the full schedule of everything that is coming and leaving Netflix in February 2019.
Sign Up for Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
Available February 1
About a Boy
American Pie
American Pie 2
American Wedding
As...
On a slightly lighter note, Amy Poehler brings us the surreal comedy series “Russian Doll.” Ray Romano headlines both the cancer comedy “Paddleton” and the stand-up special “Ray Romano: Right Here, Around the Corner.” And Oscar nominee Ellen Page headlines “The Umbrella Academy,” based on the comic book series of the same name by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá.
Below is the full schedule of everything that is coming and leaving Netflix in February 2019.
Sign Up for Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions
Available February 1
About a Boy
American Pie
American Pie 2
American Wedding
As...
- 2/1/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Netflix is offering a mix of classics and new titles to watch from the comforts of your home. Starting in February, subscribers can laugh with a few “American Pie” movies, enjoy a scare with the “Jaws” franchise, and sing along to “Hairspray.”
Several original shows and movies are debuting in February as well, including Dan Gilroy’s horrifying “Velvet Buzzsaw,” toplined by Jake Gyllenhaal. New series “Russian Doll,” executive produced by Amy Poehler and starring Natasha Lyonne, also premieres on Feb. 1. Ray Romano has a big month ahead with his dark comedy “Paddleton” and stand-up special “Ray Romano: Right Here, Around the Corner.” Fans can also look forward to more episodes of “Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj” and the third season of “One Day at a Time” later in the month.
See the full list of titles below:
Feb. 1
About a Boy
American Pie
American Pie 2
American Wedding
As Good...
Several original shows and movies are debuting in February as well, including Dan Gilroy’s horrifying “Velvet Buzzsaw,” toplined by Jake Gyllenhaal. New series “Russian Doll,” executive produced by Amy Poehler and starring Natasha Lyonne, also premieres on Feb. 1. Ray Romano has a big month ahead with his dark comedy “Paddleton” and stand-up special “Ray Romano: Right Here, Around the Corner.” Fans can also look forward to more episodes of “Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj” and the third season of “One Day at a Time” later in the month.
See the full list of titles below:
Feb. 1
About a Boy
American Pie
American Pie 2
American Wedding
As Good...
- 1/30/2019
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Ainsley Gardiner and Briar Grace-Smith.
Māori filmmakers Ainsley Gardiner and Briar Grace-Smith have won the 2019 Sundance Institute Merata Mita Fellowship, selected after a global call for applicants.
Each will receive cash grants and a year-long program of support from the Sundance Institute including mentorships and attending the Sundance Film Festival.
Shortly after the fellowships were announced, A Wrinkle in Time director Ava DuVernay’s distribution company Array acquired Us rights to Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen, a documentary feature directed by Mita’s youngest son Heperi Mita, which had its international premiere at Sundance and will next screen in the NATIVe special presentation section of the Berlinale.
Now in its fourth year, the Merata Mita Fellowship is named in honour of pioneering Māori filmmaker Merata Mita, who died suddenly in 2010. The first and only Māori woman to write and direct a feature film, 1988’s Mauri, she was adviser and...
Māori filmmakers Ainsley Gardiner and Briar Grace-Smith have won the 2019 Sundance Institute Merata Mita Fellowship, selected after a global call for applicants.
Each will receive cash grants and a year-long program of support from the Sundance Institute including mentorships and attending the Sundance Film Festival.
Shortly after the fellowships were announced, A Wrinkle in Time director Ava DuVernay’s distribution company Array acquired Us rights to Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen, a documentary feature directed by Mita’s youngest son Heperi Mita, which had its international premiere at Sundance and will next screen in the NATIVe special presentation section of the Berlinale.
Now in its fourth year, the Merata Mita Fellowship is named in honour of pioneering Māori filmmaker Merata Mita, who died suddenly in 2010. The first and only Māori woman to write and direct a feature film, 1988’s Mauri, she was adviser and...
- 1/28/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Following the biggest fourth-quarter worldwide subscriber gain ever and some controversy around increased prices in the U.S., Netflix looks to keep its momentum going into 2019.
From Jan. 18 through March, the streaming site will release 10 original films, including action-packed thrillers, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi, quirky comedies, inspirational dramas, an artistic horror movie and a viral documentary.
Subscribers can watch the action flick “Close,” documentary “Fyre” and sci-fi movie “Io,” while “Polar” with Mads Mikkelsen drops next week. February kicks off with the horrific “Velvet Buzzsaw” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, and Steven Soderbergh and Tarell Alvin McCraney’s “High Flying Bird” comes a week later. Comedies “The Breaker Upperers” and “Paddleton” round out the month. Finally, March brings two films based on true stories, “The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind” and “The Dirt.”
Close (Jan. 18)
Noomi Rapace stars as a counter-terrorist expert in this action thriller inspired by the real life of one...
From Jan. 18 through March, the streaming site will release 10 original films, including action-packed thrillers, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi, quirky comedies, inspirational dramas, an artistic horror movie and a viral documentary.
Subscribers can watch the action flick “Close,” documentary “Fyre” and sci-fi movie “Io,” while “Polar” with Mads Mikkelsen drops next week. February kicks off with the horrific “Velvet Buzzsaw” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, and Steven Soderbergh and Tarell Alvin McCraney’s “High Flying Bird” comes a week later. Comedies “The Breaker Upperers” and “Paddleton” round out the month. Finally, March brings two films based on true stories, “The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind” and “The Dirt.”
Close (Jan. 18)
Noomi Rapace stars as a counter-terrorist expert in this action thriller inspired by the real life of one...
- 1/19/2019
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek discuss why their debut film is unashamedly feminist and incidentally queer
In The Breaker Upperers, two best friends run a small business doing the dirty work of emotional cowards: ending relationships. Or as one broken-hearted woman yells: “You work for weak arseholes who don’t have the guts to talk to their partners!”
It’s the kind of avoidant, misanthropic premise that could have become a particularly problematic episode of Seinfeld. But in the hands of actors, film-makers and feminists Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami, it becomes something else: a bright, bouncy debut, filled with the playfulness, heart and loveable guilelessness that we have come to recognise in New Zealand comedies.
In The Breaker Upperers, two best friends run a small business doing the dirty work of emotional cowards: ending relationships. Or as one broken-hearted woman yells: “You work for weak arseholes who don’t have the guts to talk to their partners!”
It’s the kind of avoidant, misanthropic premise that could have become a particularly problematic episode of Seinfeld. But in the hands of actors, film-makers and feminists Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami, it becomes something else: a bright, bouncy debut, filled with the playfulness, heart and loveable guilelessness that we have come to recognise in New Zealand comedies.
- 7/24/2018
- by Lauren Carroll Harris
- The Guardian - Film News
Writer-director-stars Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek had a genuine festival hit on their hands when their debut feature The Breaker Upperers premiered at SXSW. The presence of Thor: Ragnarok and What We Do In Shadows helmer Taika Waititi as an executive producer certainly didn't hurt the film in terms of exposure but, really, this is succeeding purely on the enormous strengths of the creative duo at its core because these are a pair of funny, funny, Funny women. The premise is simple - Sami and van Beek play a pair of friends operating a business breaking up couples for cash - and they work it incredibly well. Netflix have picked up international rights for those of us outside of Australia / New Zealand but...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 7/11/2018
- Screen Anarchy
Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek direct and star in comedy.
Netflix has secured all rights, excluding Australia and New Zealand, to comedy duo Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek’s The Breaker Upperers.
Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi was an executive producer on the project, having previously worked with directors Sami and van Beek when they acted in his features What We Do In The Shadows and Eagle vs Shark.
In The Breaker Upperers, Sami and van Beek star as two women who are cynical in love and decide to set up an agency to break up couples for...
Netflix has secured all rights, excluding Australia and New Zealand, to comedy duo Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek’s The Breaker Upperers.
Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi was an executive producer on the project, having previously worked with directors Sami and van Beek when they acted in his features What We Do In The Shadows and Eagle vs Shark.
In The Breaker Upperers, Sami and van Beek star as two women who are cynical in love and decide to set up an agency to break up couples for...
- 6/8/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Rooftop Films released the first round of titles screening in its popular summer series, including Robert Pattinson in David and Nathan Zellner’s “Damsel,” which will make its New York premiere in Brooklyn’s Green-Wood cemetery. The series features a slew of the year’s most highly-anticipated festival favorites, including Bart Layton’s “American Animals,” and Crystal Moselle’s “Skate Kitchen,” and a sneak preview of Carlos López Estrada’s “Blindspotting,” starring “Hamilton” actor Daveed Diggs.
“Rooftop Films is famous for creating fun, custom-curated, large-scale events that augment the
experience of watching our favorite new films,” said Dan Nuxoll, Artistic Director of Rooftop Films. “This year we have put extra effort into adding exciting components to every event, including a performance from the vivacious Arkansas drag queens from Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher’s ‘The Gospel of Eureka.'”
Rooftop is introducing two new venues this year: Brooklyn Army Terminal and Green-Wood Cemetery,...
“Rooftop Films is famous for creating fun, custom-curated, large-scale events that augment the
experience of watching our favorite new films,” said Dan Nuxoll, Artistic Director of Rooftop Films. “This year we have put extra effort into adding exciting components to every event, including a performance from the vivacious Arkansas drag queens from Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher’s ‘The Gospel of Eureka.'”
Rooftop is introducing two new venues this year: Brooklyn Army Terminal and Green-Wood Cemetery,...
- 4/30/2018
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
From the filmmakers behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople and What We Do in the Shadows and executive produced by their director Taika Waititi of Thor: Ragnarok fame comes The Breaker Upperers, their latest irreverent comedy that has landed a world premiere slot at next month’s SXSW. Before that, the New Zealand-made film heads to Berlin where it will be shopped at the European Film Market. The pic written, directed and starring Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek, centers on…...
- 2/13/2018
- Deadline
Luke Murray..
Former head of programming and acquisitions at Rialto Channel Luke Murray is joining Madman as New Zealand theatrical sales manager.
.We are very fortunate to have Luke join the Madman group,. said Madman Chief Executive Paul Wiegard. .Luke has been a key taste maker in the New Zealand film industry, with over a decade of curatorial experience. Luke's appointment reflects Madman's ongoing commitment to New Zealand content production and distribution."
Murray, who will report to Gm of theatrical Nicole Titheridge, will manage theatrical sales functions while working with exhibitors. He will also collaborate with producers from the early stages of film projects through to theatrical release.
Following on from the recent success of What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Madman.s upcoming Kiwi slate includes Jackie van Beek and Madeline Sami.s The Breaker Upperers, which Taika Waititi is executive producing, plus Tony Simpson...
Former head of programming and acquisitions at Rialto Channel Luke Murray is joining Madman as New Zealand theatrical sales manager.
.We are very fortunate to have Luke join the Madman group,. said Madman Chief Executive Paul Wiegard. .Luke has been a key taste maker in the New Zealand film industry, with over a decade of curatorial experience. Luke's appointment reflects Madman's ongoing commitment to New Zealand content production and distribution."
Murray, who will report to Gm of theatrical Nicole Titheridge, will manage theatrical sales functions while working with exhibitors. He will also collaborate with producers from the early stages of film projects through to theatrical release.
Following on from the recent success of What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Madman.s upcoming Kiwi slate includes Jackie van Beek and Madeline Sami.s The Breaker Upperers, which Taika Waititi is executive producing, plus Tony Simpson...
- 4/6/2017
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Luke Murray..
Former head of programming and acquisitions at Rialto Channel Luke Murray is joining Madman as New Zealand theatrical sales manager.
.We are very fortunate to have Luke join the Madman group,. said Madman Chief Executive Paul Wiegard. .Luke has been a key taste maker in the New Zealand film industry, with over a decade of curatorial experience. Luke's appointment reflects Madman's ongoing commitment to New Zealand content production and distribution."
Murray, who will report to Gm of theatrical Nicole Titheridge, will manage theatrical sales functions while working with exhibitors. He will also collaborate with producers from the early stages of film projects through to theatrical release.
Following on from the recent success of What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Madman.s upcoming Kiwi slate includes Jackie van Beek and Madeline Sami.s The Breaker Upperers, which Taika Waititi is executive producing, plus Tony Simpson...
Former head of programming and acquisitions at Rialto Channel Luke Murray is joining Madman as New Zealand theatrical sales manager.
.We are very fortunate to have Luke join the Madman group,. said Madman Chief Executive Paul Wiegard. .Luke has been a key taste maker in the New Zealand film industry, with over a decade of curatorial experience. Luke's appointment reflects Madman's ongoing commitment to New Zealand content production and distribution."
Murray, who will report to Gm of theatrical Nicole Titheridge, will manage theatrical sales functions while working with exhibitors. He will also collaborate with producers from the early stages of film projects through to theatrical release.
Following on from the recent success of What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Madman.s upcoming Kiwi slate includes Jackie van Beek and Madeline Sami.s The Breaker Upperers, which Taika Waititi is executive producing, plus Tony Simpson...
- 4/6/2017
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
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