Standing Out in the Global Media Industry – Session 1

Standing out in the global media industry: What can Wales learn from New Zealand?

Two nations – both small, bilingual and punching above their weight in the media sector…

Wales’ success in high-end TV drama is growing fast, while in New Zealand the ecosystem built on the ambition of Lord of the Rings has matured, diversified and consolidated its position as a major film production centre (the Avatar film franchise currently in production there).

Over three breakfast panel discussions we’ll be hearing the story of the New Zealand production hub, looking at how it overcame challenges of rapid growth, built a successful VFX and post-production hub, diversified into games and how it is looking to maintain its position.

How did New Zealand get to where it is now, from the growth around Lord of the Rings to recent productions for Marvel and Avatar?

Speaking from New Zealand, the expert panel will discuss:

•  the symbiotic growth of the likes of WETA, Wingnut films and Parkroad Post
• the challenges of growing so fast
• the relationship with local film development and where the ecosystem is now.