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 - 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.
Find out full details of the project and vote for your
favourite films at www.your-big-break.com