Director Ward set to leave NZ over film funding problems

I'm off - Vincent Ward. Photo / Listener

Wellington - A veteran film-maker is planning to leave New Zealand because of difficulty getting funding from the New Zealand Film Commission, days after the release of a review of the organisation by Sir Peter Jackson.

Vincent Ward, who directed 2005's River Queen and was executive producer on The Last Samurai in 2003, told The Dominion Post he would 'probably' move to Australia after the Film Commission failed to even read three film proposals he submitted last year.

The two-time Academy Award nominee said other directors Roger Donaldson and Jane Campion had also left New Zealand so they could make the films they wanted to.

Donaldson, director of The World's Fastest Indian, now lived in Los Angeles and The Piano director Campion lived in Australia.

Ward said it was "virtually impossible" for experienced film-makers to tell New Zealand stories of "any ambition" because the commission was focused on nurturing new talent.

The commission was good at fostering new talent, like Boy director Taika Waititi, but was focused on funding short films and developing screenplays, many of which would never become films, he said.

He said Sir Peter's report, released on July 1, did not touch on problems established film-makers faced.

Sir Peter and Australian film academic David Court spent nearly a year interviewing stakeholders and industry experts to access the NZFC legislation and its effect in a rapidly changing industry.

Many of those interviewed were highly critical of the NZFC, saying there was an "us and them attitude".

The NZFC was also said to be out of sync with the industry it served.

The review made a number of recommendations including a move towards more talent-focused projects, a return to short film funding, a larger development team and a more flexible long-term vision.

The Film Commission's deputy chief executive Mladen Ivancic told The Dominion Post the commission was equally focused on established and fresh talent, but didn't have "a limitless pit of money".

The commission hoped established directors would be able to bring more "market money" to the table, he said.

- NZPA