This year’s SPADA industry award recipients were announced at the annual SPADA Conference today…

This November, an unprecedented series of film industry events is taking place in Auckland involving renowned members of the local and international screen industry…

SPADA Conference organisers announced today leading-edge Australian producer Joe Connor of Renegade Films will be attending conference next week. Connor will share his insights into Renegade’s longevity in the high-risk business of film and television; as well as discuss the tale of Wilfred, the Australian hit about a man and his bong smoking dog, the format of which was sold to the US and has become the highest ever opening for an FX Network comedy premiere…

SPADA’s 19th annual conference kicks off with the head of one of the world’s top factual television production houses, NHNZ Managing Director Michael Stedman, delivering the NZ On Air John O’Shea Memorial Address. In addition to producing over 1500 hours of television; Stedman has held senior positions in Australia and New Zealand including Head of Training at the Australian Film and Television School (AFTRS), Head of Features for ABC in Australia, Consultant to the United Nations and Director of Production for TVNZ…

SPADA has posted audio files to key sessions from this year’s conference on its site – the producer organisation’s way, I’m told, of giving back to those people who can’t afford the conference, as well as providing a service to those who did attend and want to catch up with the sessions they missed.

At the SPADA conference on 12 November Rob Tapert was named as 2010′s Onfilm/SPADA Industry Champion, Ainsley Gardiner and Cliff Curtis were tapped as the Crombie Lockwood/MTJ Independent Producer(s) of the Year, and Briar March was celebrated as the SPADA New Filmmaker of the Year.

This year’s SPADA conference kicks off with a hiss and a roar with The Hobbit – What Really Happened. Chaired by Russell Brown, the panel will include Philippa Boyens (co-writer The Hobbit), SPADA’s CEO Penelope Borland and Executive Member Richard Fletcher. “The past five weeks we have been focused on The Hobbit and the issues behind the dispute. We’re thrilled with the outcome, and look forward to discussing the underlying issues; as well as bringing clarity to some of the key arrangements that underpin the workings the film industry,” says SPADA CEO Penelope Borland.

Up and coming film makers are invited to apply for New Zealand Film Commission sponsorship to attend this year’s annual industry conference, held in Auckland on 11-12 November.
All applications must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 27 October.