I was recently alerted to this discussion about the distribution of films in NZ: http://www.script-to-screen.co.nz/2010/03/setting-ourselves-up-for-box-office-success-%e2%80%a6-or-failure/

It’s a discussion chaired by Vanessa Alexander (Magik and Rose), between Andrew Cornell, Michael Eldred (distributors) and Graeme Mason, CEO of the NZ Film Commission. Graeme said:

Some films come through that are just worth doing – we go with our gut feelings.” However, he admitted that sometimes films are turned down, only to become future successes at the box office. “I turned down Shine three times.

He went on to say:

If you’re making a very intense drama, you’re up against films from all over the world so it has to be very good and resonate with someone here who will choose to see your film rather than one from overseas.

It’s an interesting discussion which belies the fact that once distributors and funders move away from ‘core’ territory, they lose perspective by which to judge potential success or failure. By definition, anything which is substantially original will not fit into previous categories, and therefore will be difficult to evaluate. I appreciate Grame’s admission of the necessity of ‘gut’, because that’s what it comes down to with new material.

In prosperous times, people in the ‘business’ are more prepared to take a punt on a film that breaks boundaries – they may follow their instincts. When it works, they can be greatly successful. I last year met a development exec who had turned down Slumdog Millionaire, alongside the guy who had run with it and made millions for his company. These days, there are fewer and fewer people ready to take risks.

We’re very fortunate with The Insatiable Moon to have found a group of private investors willing to share our risk. Without them, the film would not exist. But it’s tough times for independent films, and only the stubborn and bloody-minded filmmakers survive. But if we’re looking for true originality, it’s more than likely that it will arise from the land of the indies.

Posted in news