The Selling of New Zealand Movies

Launching New Zealand movies at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time in 1980, Lindsay Shelton discovered the world had never heard of New Zealand, let alone its film industry. In his book he tells how the country’s talented film-makers changed this forever.

Strong personalities and even stronger ambitions are intimately detailed in this personal story of key New Zealand films and their directors – including Peter Jackson (Bad Taste, Heavenly Creatures), Geoff Murphy (Goodbye Pork Pie), Roger Donaldson (Smash Palace), Vincent Ward (Vigil, The Navigator), Jane Campion (An Angel At My Table, The Piano) and Lee Tamahori (Once Were Warriors) – and how they won international acclaim.

Breaking into the international marketplace didn’t always go smoothly. One leading director didn’t want her film shown in cinemas. Two producers stopped their films being pre-sold when buyers were queuing up for them. There were the inevitable problems with agents and distributors, including failed negotiations and company collapses.

But then came the excitement of the big box office successes – often when they were least expected…

This is a rare and absorbing look behind the glamour, to the real business of how movies are made and sold.

‘Should you happen to be interested in film, culture, self-expression, insane enthusiasm or a notion of any national identity not defined by Hollywood, this is the book for you’
SCOTT MEEK, executive producer of Velvet Goldmine, Sid And Nancy and Prick Up Your Ears

Lindsay Shelton, a former journalist, critic and broadcaster, sold films to more than 60 countries during 22 years as the New Zealand Film Commission’s first marketing director. He was made a Member of the Order of Merit for services to New Zealand film, and film-makers presented him with their industry champion award.