Chan Edits TVNZ OnDemand Series The Pact

Secrets, terminal illness, and differing opinions threaten to tear the Simpkins family apart in the The Pact, edited by DEGANZ member Brendon Chan. Described by Stuff.co.nz as a “thought-provoking and charming” series, The Pact comes right off the tail of last year’s euthanasia referendum. It follows a flawed but loving family as they are faced with tough questions and even tougher decisions when a family member decides to end their life after a terminal illness diagnosis.

The series explores a range of sensitive topics, including euthanasia and suicide. It was designed as a show to “open up conversations” by placing euthanasia at the forefront. The Pact examines how the decision to end one’s life impacts not only the individual concerned, but for those closest to them.

The Pact is available to watch now on TVNZ OnDemand.

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Postponement Update: Directors Toolkit for Emerging Pan-Asian Directors

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I’m sorry to share with you all that we are going to need to postpone the Directors Toolkit for Emerging Pan-Asian Directors. The likelihood of Auckland reaching Level 2 before November 20-21 (the event dates) looks improbable.

Since our last workshop update, the Government has announced the new Covid-19 Protection Framework. Once 90% of eligible Aucklanders are fully-vaccinated, Auckland can expect to move to Red. From our perspective, Auckland will most likely move to Red from Level 3.

If Auckland moves to Red, there is a chance that we’ll be able to host the workshop in-person in mid-December with actions to keep participants and staff safe. Rob Sarkies is Wellington-based so, if regional travel is restricted, we are well-equipped to have Rob teach via video call to a room of participants.

Based on public health advice, you can expect safety actions to include:

  • Staying home if you are sick or required to self-isolate
  • Mandatory face coverings
  • Record keeping and QR scanning
  • Physical distancing
  • Proof of vaccination

More on the last point — to hold the workshop at Red, we would need to use vaccination certificates. As of today, DEGANZ is waiting for further advice from ScreenSafe before we make that decision. If Rob Sarkies is on video call, we will have a Zoom option for participants who are either unvaccinated or would feel more comfortable attending online.

In summary, this is an indication of what we anticipate as of today, and this could change as new public health advice emerges.

Finally, we will most likely need to reduce the class size slightly (12 – 15 people) depending on venue size and physical distancing requirements. As we will only consider applicants who have completed their applications, please remember to apply if you wish to be considered. I am extending the final application deadline to Monday 8 November, 9AM.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kia kaha,

Tema Pua
Events & Marketing Manager

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McKenzie Directs Episode of Docu-Series I Am for TVNZ OnDemand

I Am a Cult Survivor, directed by DEGANZ member Karen McKenzie, follows the story of 17-year old David Ready and his journey escaping the religious cult, Gloriavale. After the death of his younger sister, David took on the leaders of the religious community, and was subsequently expelled from the only home he had ever known.

I Am a Cult Survivor – I Am David Ready is part of the third season of I Am, produced by Screentime New Zealand. It follows the tragic yet inspiring real-life stories of five local New Zealanders who have overcome adversity. The series, which has finished airing on TVNZ 1, is free to watch now on TVNZ OnDemand.

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Show Me Shorts Announces the DEGANZ Best Editor and Best Director for 2021

Congratulations are in order for the winners of the DEGANZ Best Director and DEGANZ Best Editor awards at the 2021 Show Me Shorts Film Festival. The award for Best Editor went to Peter Roberts and Dwayne Cameron for June. Isaac Bell took out the prize for Best Director for his short film Space Invader.

A tale of raw despair, carnal natures, and transcendent occurrences, June follows the story of Willow and David as their world disintegrates while trying to grapple with the news of a serious diagnosis from their doctor.

Isaac Bell’s comedy Space Invader follows young Max, a small boy with a big imagination, and his co-pilot father. Feeling threatened by the addition of a new woman in his father’s life, Max must do whatever it takes to confront this intruder before his father is lost forever.

Since 2009, the Guild has proudly sponsored both of these awards at Show Me Shorts, an Academy Awards-accredited festival.

Check out the full list of this year’s winners at the Show Me Shorts Facebook page here.

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Jan Oliver Lucks Signs with Top Talent Agency in the US

Jan Oliver Lucks, DEGANZ member and director of the critically acclaimed documentary There Is No I in Threesome, has signed with ICM Partners, a Los Angeles based talent and literary agency with offices in New York, Washington D.C and London. Including representing clients in motion pictures, ICM also has clients in television, music, publishing, live performance and new media.

Having premiered on HBO Max earlier this year, There Is No I in Threesome, a film about an open relationship, is having its theatrical release at this year’s Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF).

Jan Oliver has a new series in the pipeline, a road trip buddy comedy that follows him and his best friend, Wilbur, as they embark on a quest to discover healthy masculinity.

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