BOOKS and PERIODICALS

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On Reflection: New Zealand Film Reviews from North & South 1986-1993 Author: Brian McDonnell Series Editor: Ian Conrich Centre for New Zealand Studies, Birkbeck, University of London Kakapo Books - Copyright 2007 Paperbound: - 208mm x 146mm - 74 pages ISBN: 978-0-9557564-0-5 Copies (7.50#) may be ordered from Ian Conrich at ian@ianconrich.co.uk

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"This collection was conceived with the aim of bringing together into one publication the many reviews of New Zealand films (thirty in total), that Brian McDonnell wrote for 'North & South'. 'Sweetie' and 'Map Of The Human Heart', which are technically not New Zealand films, have been included as they are significant productions by Jane Campion and Vincent Ward, respectively. The opinions on the merits of each film remain those of McDonnell. Kakapo Books is extrememly grateful to 'North & South', for their agreement in allowing these reviews to be reprinted."
- Dr. Ian Conrich, Centre For New Zealand Studies -

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Table of Contents

01 - Introduction by Brian McDonnell
05 - Queen City Rocker (February 1987)
10 - Ngati (October 1987)
13 - Utu (December 1987)
15 - Mr Wrong (December 1987)
17 - Illustrious Energy (June 1988)
19 - Starlight Hotel (June 1988)
21 - A Soldier's Tale (July 1988)
23 - Mauri (October 1988)
25 - The Navigator (March 1989)
27 - Send A Gorilla (March 1989)
29 - Zilch (March 1989)
31 - An Angel At My Table (September 1990)
33 - Sweetie (September 1990)
34 - Ruby and Rata (October 1990)
36 - User Friendly (October 1990)
37 - Flying Fox In A Freedom Tree (October 1990)
39 - Meet The Feebles (December 1990)
40 - The Returning (March 1991)
42 - Te Rua (October 1991)
46 - The End Of The Golden Weather (April 1992)
48 - Chunuk Bair (May 1992)
49 - Braindead (September 1992)
50 - The Footstep Man (November 1992)
52 - Crush (March 1993)
55 - Absent Without Leave (April 1993)
56 - Map Of The Human Heart (May 1993)
58 - Alex (June 1993)
59 - Desperate Remedies (September 1993)
61 - The Piano (October 1993)
64 - Jack Be Nimble (December 1993)

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

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New Zealand Filmmakers Edited by: Ian Conrich and Stuart Murray Wayne State University Press - Copyright 2007 Paperbound: $35us; 36eur; 23# - 229mm x 152mm - 396 pages - 51 illustrations ISBN: 978-0-8143-3017-3; 0-8143-3017-7

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"New Zealand filmmaking is in the spotlight, in the wake of the global successes of 'The Lord of the Ring' and 'King Kong'.
This very timely book wiill enlighten readers about the 'other' New Zealand cinema, with fascinating insights into the creative output of this South Pacific nation."
Geoff Lealand, Associate Professor of Screen and Media Studies at the University of Waikato, New Zealand

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FOREWORD

Now that New Zealand’s unique contribution to cinema is universally recognized, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to record an early example of its international reception. It was a matinee in 1952 at the Ionic Cinema, Golders Green, London, and the film was Broken Barrier, made by John O’Shea and Roger Mirams. Having been refused a student concession at the box office, I persisted: “Actually—I’m in this film—that’s me on the poster with Katy Ngarimu—I know it says Kay there but . . .". This was getting sad, so I paid full price for my first viewing of the film, nervously aware of what John was later to describe in his book Don’t Let It Get You as “the weight of our own inexperience” when making it. Roger, with his wide experience as a news and documentary cameraman, was quick to see the potential of anything we happened upon—even an unusually tame bird—but he had never worked on a feature film. John’s directing experience was confined to amateur theater; his passion was studying and writing about film. On location he was as shrewd as Roger. An elderly Maori woman asked me what our film was about. “A Maori and Pakeha love story,” I told her. She smiled, “Ah, and you’re the Maori boy.” It seemed my coloring could confuse audiences, so I put this to John. Hand-rolled cigarette dangling from his lip, head thrown back, eyes narrowed, he muttered, “His name was Sullivan—Tom Sullivan—an Irish name, and he had that sort of dark Irish look.” That became part of the narration of the film: there being no budget for a sound crew, no dialogue was recorded. Broken Barrier was released in the same year as Singin’ in the Rain—but we weren’t even talkin’.

That was a good thing because none of us had any professional acting experience. Katy, beautiful and dignified throughout the filming, had never wanted to act and never did so again. We met again in 1996 when, to celebrate New Zealand’s centenary of cinema, four postage stamps were issued. One of these featured Katy and me in Broken Barrier. In a television interview we gave at the launch, Katy revealed that she had been persuaded to appear in the film by her father, who rightly felt she would be a worthy representative of her people. Training as a teacher, Katy was free to film on the Mahia Peninsula during her summer holiday, and in Wellington at weekends. Whoever was to play Tom had to be available at these and other locations too, and no amateur actor was prepared to leave his steady job. I was doing temporary jobs to raise my fare to go to Britain in some months’ time to study drama. Asked to play Tom for six pounds a week plus food and tobacco, I agreed.

Our entire traveling cast and crew consisted of four people crammed into Roger’s Vauxhall, which towed a trailer packed with equipment. Watching the film in London, I recognized almost every camera set-up, having been needed to carry gear, hold a reflector, or push a dolly when not in front of the camera. I admired the performances of people who had appeared in the film out of pure goodwill, especially friends on our main location, the idyllic Mahia Peninsula. But surely a London audience would prefer a subject closer to home—an Ealing comedy perhaps? The final credits rolled at the Ionic Cinema—there was a murmur from the audience—then applause. Applause at a midweek matinee on a wet day in London! I felt then there would be no worries about the future of New Zealand cinema.

New Zealand cinema is now applauded worldwide for its achievements and, in this book, it is the subject of wide-ranging critical analysis. The essays here describe an incredible progression from early New Zealand films to the blockbusters of the present.They outline industrial achievements, the workings of film form, and the effect that New Zealand cinema has as part of the country’s culture. Taken together, the essays are a fitting tribute to all those who have worked in the industry.

TERENCE BAYLER

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Table of Contents

Pt. 1 - Pioneers

1 - Free Radical: The Life and Work of Len Lye by Roger Horrocks
2 - A Rough Island Story: The Film Life of Rudall Charles Hayward by Sam Edwards & Stuart Murray
3 - John O'Shea: A Poetics of Documentary by Laurence Simmons
4 - Between the Personal and the Political: Feminist Fables in the Films of Gaylene Preston by Estella Tincknell
5 - Images of Dignity: The Films of Barry Barclay by Stuart Murray
6 - Lives of Their Own: Films by Merata Mita by Geraldene Peters
7 - Ricordi! Peter Wells, Memories of a Queer Land by David Gerstner

Pt. 2 - The New Wave

8 - Between the National and the International: The Films of Roger Donaldson by James Chapman
9 - Embodying the Commercial: Genre and Cultural Affect in the Films of Geoff Murphy by Jonathan Rayner
10 - "Kiwi as ...": Ian Mune and Filmmaking as Cultural Expression by Stan Jones
11 - The Man Alone: Bruno Lawrence's Screen Performances of the Kiwi Bloke by Andrew Spicer
12 - Working in Close-Up: Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Performance, and Collaborative Film Production by Barbara Cairns
13 - Crisis and Conflict: The Films of John Laing by Ian Conrich
14 - "Carry Me Back": Time and Place in the Films of John Reid by Bruce Babington

Pt. 3 - Visionaries and Fantasists

15 - Leon Narbey: Art, Politics, and the Personal by Helen Martin
16 - Making Strange: Journeys through the Unfamiliar in the Films of Vincent Ward by Stephanie Rains
17 - Dislocations of Home and Gender in the Films of Jane Campion by Eva Rueschmann
18 - Experiments with Desire: The Psychodynamics of Alison Maclean by Kirsten Moana Thompson
19 - Bringing It All Back Home: The Films of Peter Jackson by Barry Keith Grant
20 - The Nightmare within the Everyday: The Horrific Visions of David Blyth by Stacey Abbott

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

Wayne State University Press Summary

UK Amazon website offering

German Amazon website offering

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Peter Jackson - A Film-Maker's Journey By: Brian Sibley HarperCollins Publishers - Copyright 2006 Hardbound: 240mm x 159mm - 580 pages containing 222 photographs; RRP $40nz, $32us, $21ca, 13#uk. Paperbound: $40au - 234mm x 155mm - 858 pages (length unconfirmed). ISBN: 0-00-717558-2; 0-73-227962-3

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This is the promised Peter Jackson authorized biography, contrasted to the unauthorized biography by Ian Pryor that was released a couple of years ago (see its info below). Therefore do not expect any exciting exposes or behind the scenes dirt. You will, however, receive a great deal of background on 'Bad Taste', 'Lord of the Rings' and 'King Kong', with plenty of background on all his other projects. There are also some 223 photographs to add clarity and a useful index. Unfortunately, there is no bibliography or filmography. For those features, you need to look to the Ian Pryor book. If you are looking for as much detail as possible about Jackson and his history to date, I would suggest that you need to read both books, but if you only have time for one, this would be your best single source as the author not only can draw from his previous material that he collected for his Lord of the Rings books, but he had access to dozens of Peter Jackson's colleagues in addition to actors and crew members that have been a part of the adventure that has developed over the past two decades. Worth the wait for Peter Jackson fans and students of film-making.

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

Chris Knox's review, courtesy of the Dominion Post

Russell Baillie Review - NZ Herald

"Tehanu's" Review at theonering.net

'New Zealand Books Abroad' website

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A Journey Through New Zealand Film By: Ian Brodie HarperCollins, P.O. Box 1, Auckland - Copyright 2006 220mm x 210mm - 144 pages containing 223 photographs; Softbound. NZ RRP $39.99nz. Will become available in other markets starting 26 Jan. 2007. ISBN 1-86950-610-3

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Ian Brodie, author of the popular location guides to Lord of the Rings, decided that folks enjoyed his images of the New Zealand landscapes used for Lord of the Rings so much, he would go further and show even more of New Zealand that has been used in the many other New Zealand films. After forewards by filmmakers Roger Donaldson and Gaylene Preston, his introduction explains the book's objectives and organisation. Then follows a section dedicated to brief outlines of 31 select titles that introduce you to some films that you might consider experiencing. He then starts you on a 100+ page journey through New Zealand, illustrating, with his photographs and text, why filmmakers are selecting New Zealand for so many locations. Finally he has compiled a list of 228 feature films made in New Zealand since 1939, followed by a list of International awards those films have received. If you are interested in some specific area he has showcased, he has included some website addresses from which you can obtain further information about that area of this beautiful country. New Zealanders now have a great book, they can send to their non-New Zealand friends that are not blessed with residing in this magical land, that shows why it is so special to filmmakers. You now have the perfect gift item that is available from booksellers throughout New Zealand or order on-line from the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum Store. Definately Recommended.

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum Store

Tina White review in the Manawatu Standard

Black Magic Review

'New Zealand Books Abroad' website

Where to buy it in North America and Europe - price comparison chart

TVNZ video download of Ian Brodie Interview on the book

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White Cloud - Silver Screen: New Zealand on Film By: Bob Harvey, text; Tony Bridge, photography Exisle Publishing Ltd., PO Box 60-490, Titirangi, Auckland 1230 - Copyright 2005 250mm x 280mm - 160 pages containing 112 colour photographs; Hardbound, cased and jacketed. Suggested $60nz. ISBN 0-908988-47-8

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First and foremost, this book contains a vast number of beautiful images. It's intent is to provide "a book of landscapes themed around film locations". It does not attempt to put it's camera tripod in the same exact places as the related movie cameras did, nor does it even try to provide similiar still images of what you saw in any of the refered movies. It reminds me of a location book; it provides high quality stills of various New Zealand locations that have been used in films. Through their care in selecting scenes with a variety of lighting, moods, colour and drama, the presentors more than succeeded in providing a visually memorable book. However, if you are looking for a book presenting an in-depth discussion of most New Zealand made films, this is not your book. That is not to say that the authors do not provide basic information about many New Zealand films - they do that primarily in the nine-page introduction, but don't expect a great deal of detail. Although Mr Harvey, a man with many decades of experience within the New Zealand film industry, is quite capable of details, that is not the purpose of this book. Nor is it meant to be a textbook on New Zealand film. It is to show you the varied beauty of New Zealand from a film-makers prospective and at this they are successful. If you have a friend who enjoys New Zealand films and/or loves New Zealand, this is the perfect book gift.

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

Exisle Publishing - White Cloud Silver Screen Info

Lumiere Reader Review

Listener Review

'New Zealand Books Abroad' website

Dymocks Info and sales website

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The Making of King Kong By: Jenny Wake Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books - Copyright 2005 210mm x 275mm - 250 pages Trade Paperback ISBN 1-416505-18-0

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This "Official Guide to the Motion Picture", is basically a behind-the-scenes view of the film's production - scriptwriting, costuming, makeup including prosthetics, modeling and extensive digital effects. Andy Serkis will surly receive the industry recognition he deserves with his acting skills demonstrated through motion-capture of Kong; that is explained along with the computer-built sets and many other objects. This wonderful companion to the movie includes over 200 colour photos and illustrations to increase your understanding of what had to be done to bring this thrilling film to completion. Prices are about $20us, 13#, $27au, $30nz.

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

'New Zealand Books Abroad' website

Various US, UK & German sources for purchasing

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The Selling of New Zealand Movies By: Lindsay Shelton Awa Press, Wellington - Copyright 2005 240mm x 170mm - 240 pages softcover ISBN 0-958253-84-6

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With 22 years as marketing director of the New Zealand Film Commission under his belt, Lindsay Shelton has many tales that could be told about the growing years of the New Zealand film industry, and many such insights are contained within this peek behind the scenes. Together with John O'Shea's memories 'Don't Let It Get You', these very insightful books will provide an understanding of what has been the film scene in New Zealand during the last half of the 20th century and in the case of Shelton's book, also the first years of the 21st century. 'The Selling of New Zealand Movies' is not about movie glamour or fame; it is about determination, learning on-the-fly and dealing with disappointments. We are introduced to people that most of us have never heard of, but have been just as important in the development of New Zealand film as the more known actors and directors. But it also contains stories and insights into what the actors and directors have had to indure as well. Gratefully the book includes a filmography from 1914 thru 2005 and a separate section listing the non-New Zealand titles, from 1916 to 2005, that used New Zealand as their location site . We are indeed fortunate to have Lindsay Shelton share his experiences and insights on the develpment of the modern New Zealand film industry.

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

Awa Press 'The Selling of New Zealand Movies' website

'New Zealand Books Abroad' website

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Lord of the Rings Location Guidebooks By: Ian Brodie Harper Collins NZ - 2004 Revised Edition - 144 pages softcover ISBN 1-869504-91-7 - Suggested List $24.99nz Extended Edition - 176 pages hardcover ISBN 1-869505-30-1 - Suggested List $39.99nz

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In November 2001, timed to coincide with the worldwide release of the second in the Lord Of The Rings movie trilogy, The Two Towers, The Location Guidebook became an overnight success, selling 75,000 copies in its first five months, and enjoying 18-weeks at #1 on the New Zealand bestseller list.

While produced with the full cooperation of Peter Jackson and Newline Productions, rigid protection of images and details of the third and final movie, The Return Of The King, were not able to be included. In November 2003, with the release of the final movie, author Ian Brodie was finally able to complete his comprehensive review of the movie locations. With the first edition now supplemented with additional location information, new interviews with cast and crew, including an exclusive interview with Peter Jackson and a new forward by Viggo Mortenson, Ian has added new photographs and additional movie images from the third movie, along with the touring informaiton, GPS references and local directions which helped make the first edition such a success.

The Lord Of The Rings Location Guidebook Extended Edition is the perfect reference "coffeetable" book for everyone enchanted by the beauty of the locations in the movie trilogy. It contains valuable background information and exclusive anecdotes about the filming, with sections written specially by Peter Jackson, Alan Lee, Richard Taylor, Barrie Osborne, and contributions from many cast and crew. With 32 more pages than the standard softcover edition and in a larger format, the extended edition contains more, and larger, full colour photos in addition to much useful information for travelers.

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

LOTR Location Guidebook Official Site

'New Zealand Books Abroad' website Where to buy softcover version in North America and Europe - price comparison chart

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Peter Jackson From Prince of Splatter to Lord of the Rings An Unauthorized Biography by: Ian Pryor St. Martin's Press Hardback - 380 pages Publication Date: April 2004 ISBN0-312-32294-1

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This first in-depth biography of Peter Jackson, tells of the inspiration and the perspiration that have led to the making of the three world-famous LORD OF THE RINGS films - and the six other films that preceded them. It traces the journey of a young movie fanatic, from Sunday afternoons spent fooling around with a camera, through low-budget cult movies, to control of the most ambitious film project yet to emerge from the southern hemisphere, on what is probably the best-loved fantasy novel ever written. Details on the making of BAD TASTE; MEET THE FEEBLES; BRAINDEAD; HEAVENLY CREATURES; FORGOTTEN SILVER; THE FRIGHTENERS as well as THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy are included. Included are five appendices: Movies in New Zealand; Timeline; Filmography; Inspirations and Influences; Movies At Yet Unmade. There is an extensive Bibliography, but (unfortunately) no index. There is clarification about why this is an "Unauthorized" biography - It is primarily due to the fact that Jackson has authorized Brian Sibley to write one, and it hasn't yet come out. A paperback version of this book was released by Random House, NZ, in December 2003. Ian Pryor is a freelance journalist who specialises in film. He has followed the career and films of Peter Jackson closely since his first cinema feature BAD TASTE was released in 1988 and has been recording interviews for this book for more than eight years. An excellent resource for those desiring a detailed look into the background - to date - of New Zealand's most famous film director.

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

Reed Business Information Review

'New Zealand Books Abroad' website

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The Rough Guide To Lord of the Rings Text Editors: Paul Simpson, Helen Rodiss, Michaela Bushell Staff Writer: Angie Errigo Contributors: Richard Pendleton, Shaun Campbell, Jess McAree, Sue Weekes, David Burton, Rachel Heels Production: Ian Cranna, Caroline Hunt, Lesley Turner, Kath Stathers Picture Editor: Jenny Quiggin Rough Guides/Haymarket Publishing - Copyright 2003 160mm x 115mm 308 pages softcover ISBN 1-843532-75-1

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The book's subtitle is a bit bold in saying: "Everything you ever wanted to know about middle-earth" but it certainly make a try at living up to that saying. There are chapters covering: the origins of the stories, which includes much of the life and times of JRR Tolkien; the books themselves and their myths and interpretations; background to the making of the films; details on the characters; details on middle-earth, its culture, geography and languages; details about the movie locations; a chapter on memorabilia - both the books and the movies, including related websites; and a chaper that goes into how the books have inspired computer games, politics, environmental issues and music, among various issues. Some 130 B&W photos are included as well as sidebars and other ephemera. A very handy, compact companion book to take on your trip to New Zealand LOTR locations.

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

The GreenMan Review

Amazon US including buyer reviews

Rough Guides Books Title Information

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Lord of the Rings The Making of the Movie Trilogy The official inside story on the making of the award-winning movie trilogy by: Brian Sibley Foreword by: Sir Ian McKellen Houghton Mifflin Company Paperback; 192 pages Publication Date: 11/06/2002 Illustrations: Over 300 color photographs ISBN0-618260-22-6

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An illustrated, behind-the-scenes, account of the creation of, what is proving to be, an epic film experience. Brian Sibley, author of 'The Lord of the Rings: Official Movie Guide', decided that much more should be told, and went back to New Zealand to interview many of the people who made these films possible. This is truly a biography of 'The Lord of the Rings'.
In depth descriptions of Weta Workshop; location scouting; scene development; miniature construction; props, art and stores; costumes; metalcraft design; wigs, beards and hairy feet; masks and other prostetics; and just what does a tree sound like? What is it like to be a cinematograher on such a film? Learning the languages of Middle Earth. The enormous pressure of processing 43,00 feet of film in one day; not to mention that it would take ten hours to view it. How do you set about recording several thousand Uruk-hai chanting Black Speech as they march in Helm's Deep? What is 'Massive', and how does it do what it does? There is even a chapter covering Howard Shore's scoring and recording the soundtrack, and much much more. This is the one book that all fans will want. Highly Recommended. CNE.

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Reframing Women By: Deborah Shepard Harper Collins Publishers - Copyright 2000 240mm x 185mm 286 pages softcover ISBN 1-869503-14-7

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The screen achievements of such women as Jane Campion and Gaylene Preston are well documented, but there have been hundreds of women involved in creating New Zealand's rich cinematic history. For almost a century woment have been involved in the film industry, yet many of them, particularly earlier figures, have gone largely unrecognised within official histories of New Zealand film.

Reframing Women details the diverse and frequently innovative contributions of such pioneers as Hilda Hayward, who was working in film as early as 1923, and our first woman director Margaret Thomson, right up until the end of the 20th century. It follows the rise of feminist documentaries in the 1970s, led by Deirdre McCartin, the increasing number of women creating dramas and short films, and the explosion of experimental and feature films made by New Zealand women in the 1980s and '90s. Key contributions to New Zealand film by Ramai Hayward, Kathleen O'Brien, Alison Maclean, Melanie Read, Shereen Maloney, Athina Tsoulis, Niki Caro and Sima Urale are described, as well as the work of women script-writers, editors, producers, composers and art directors.

Scrupulously researched and sensitively written, Reframing Women is the first comprehensive overview of New Zealand women film-makers, and a tribute to some of this country's most talented artists. The text includes diary extracts and excerpts from interviews with 61 woment, and is illustrated with over 100 film stills and photographs. Of special value is a detailed appedix that provides factual information about a large number of film-makers included in the book, with biographical details, time- lines of their films and select bibliography for further reading and research.

Reframing Women evolved out of Deborah Shepard's PhD thesis at Auckland University. Deborah lives with her partner and two children in Grey Lynn and currently teaches in the Centre for Film, Television and Media Studies at Auckland University.

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Abe Books

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Don't Let It Get You By: John O'Shea Edited and produced by: Jan Bieringa and Jonathan Dennis Victoria University Press - Copyright 1999 237mm x 180mm - 210 pages softcover ISBN 0 864733-56 9

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John O'Shea gives us extraordinary frank insights into the making of such key New Zealand films as 'Broken Barrier', 'Runaway', 'Don't Let It Get You' and 'Ngati', as well as documentaries like the landmark television series 'Tangata Whenua'. The story of Pacific Films - the company he joined in 1950 and which is still going today - is seen in the social and artistic contexts of the times, and woven together with reflections on the work of other major film makers, such as Jane Campion, and the roadshow BLERTA, which instigated the careers of Bruno Lawrence, Geoff Murphy and others. Illustrated with 170 photographs, 'Don't Let It Get You' reads like an exceptionally well-edited screen documentary. O'Shea's witty and passionate text moves fluidly between present and past, between films and personal experiences such as Italy in the Second World War, between a lifetime's moviegoing and a lifetime's concern for social justice.

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Abe Books

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Bruno - The Bruno Lawrence Story By: Roger Booth Canterbury University Press - Copyright 1999 230mm x 150mm 346 pages softcover ISBN 0-908812-83-3

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His first name conjures up so many memories that the surname is just about superfluous. From the 1960's until his untimely death in 1995, Bruno was an enduring popular culture figure on both sides of the Tasman: from songs like 'Dance All Around the World'; his band and theatre troupe Blerta; to films such as SMASH PALACE, GOODBYE PORK PIE, THE QUIET EARTH, and the outstanding television series FRONTLINE...the list goes on and on.

Boundless energy, diverse talents, tremendous charm, a strong sense of fairness ... these were just some of the qualities that made him so memorable. But author Roger Booth also explores Bruno's excesses, improvidence and brushes with the law (starting with the theft of a saxophone from a shop at age eight, and later returning it).

This first biography of Bruno Lawrence will appeal to all who have enjoyed his music and films. Numerous illustrations add visual appeal to an amazing and echanting story.

Roger Booth became a family friend when teaching some of the Lawrence children at high school in Hawkes's Bay. He is now Executive Officer of the Visual and Performing Arts national standards body, and lives near Wellington.

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Canterbury Press

REVIEW

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KAKAPO BOOKS The New Zealand Films of Peter Jackson by: Barry Keith Grant Studies in New Zealand Culture No. 5 Kakapo Books, Nottingham, UK Paperback; 38 pages - Publication Date: 1999 ISBN 0-953017-74-5

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One in a series of small books, edited by Ian Conrich, Nottingham Trent University. Extremely helpful insights into New Zealand culture, especially related to the arts in general, and films specifically. Included in the series are:

1. Views From the Edge of the World: New Zealand Film
Ian Conrich
Sarah Davy

2. Cultural Questions: New Zealand Identity in a Transnational Age
Ruth Brown

3. Projecting a Nation: New Zealand Film and its Reception in Germany
Stan Jones

4. Cinema Journeys of the Man Alone:
The New Zealand and American Films of Geoff Murphy
Jonathan Rayner

5. A Cultural Assault:
The New Zealand Films of Peter Jackson
Barry Keith Grant

6. New Zealand - A Pastoral Paradise?
Ian Conrich
David Woods
(editors)

7. New Zealand Fictions: Literature and Film
Ian Conrich
Estella Tincknell
(editors)

8. An Ambivalent Archetype:
Masculinity, Performance and the New Zealand Films of Bruno Lawrence
Andrew Spicer

9. New Zealand Then...and Now: Society and Culture
Ian Conrich
Roy Smith
(editors)

10. Postcolonial New Zealand
Ian Conrich
Stuart Murray
(editors)

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

Kakapo Books website

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New Zealand Film 1912 - 1996 By: Helen Martin and Sam Edwards Oxford University Press - Copyright 1997 280mm x 210mm 220 pages softcover ISBN 0-195583-36-1

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New Zealand Film 1912-1996 is an important new reference work that provides the first comprehensive overview of New Zealand feature films. Starting in 1912 with the fictional narratives of George Melies, it surveys the development of a remarkable film industry that gained distinct momentum from the late 1970s onwards and includes such international successes as THE PIANO and ONCE WERE WARRIORS.

The book gives a succinct summary of every New Zealand feature film. The films are arranged chronologically, and each entry is accompanied by at least one still or related image. Each film's production information, crew and cast credits are systematically recorded, followed by a brief synopsis and critical comment. Information on the film's history and critical and popular reception is also included where appropriate.

Classic films such as SLEEPING DOGS, GOODBYE PORK PIE and SMASH PALACE, which helped secure the place of cinema as a vital part of New Zealand's popular culture, are surveyed. The book captures the diversity of New Zealand film: the fascination of silents like THE TE KOOTI TRAIL, the visual sophistication of THE NAVIGATOR and DESPERATE REMEDIES, the humour of CAME A HOT FRIDAY and FOOTROT FLATS, the suspense of TRIAL RUN, MR WRONG and HEAVENLY CREATURES. The book celebrates the talent of directors such as Vincent Ward, Jane Campion, Geoff Murphy, Gaylene Preston and Merata Mita and of actors such as Sam Neill, Bruno Lawrence, Kerry Fox, Temuera Morrison, Lisa Harrow, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Annette Kellerman and Billy T. James.

Helen Martin is a freelance writer with wide experience as a teacher of film and television studies. She was film and video reviewer for the New Zealand Listener for six years. She currently edits The Big Picture, the journal of the Moving Image Centre and writes a film column for The Internet Plain and Simple.

Sam Edwards is founding chairperson of the Department of Film and Television Studies at the University of Waikato. He has conducted extensive research into the early history of New Zealand film and is also a film columnist and critic.

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REVIEWS AND RETAIL LINKS

'New Zealand Books Abroad' website

Given that this one is OOP - Check Abe Books

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Celluloid Dreams - A Century of Film in New Zealand Editor in Chief: Geoffrey B. Churchman IPL Publishing Services - Copyright 1997 286mm x 210mm 146 pages softcover ISBN 0-908876-96-3

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For one hundred years, New Zealanders have been informed, entertained and preached to by moving pictures projected onto screens inside darkened halls. The first part of this book traces the development of cinema shows in the country from the earliest flickering, jerky "silents" in makeshift premeses, through the grandeur of the 1920's picture palaces, to today's sophisticated multipleses; examines the careers of notable impresarios and entrepreneurs; and looks at the controversy of film censorship over the last eighty years.

The second part of the book covers filmmaking in New Zealand since the end of the 19th century - the various types of productions by independents, government and television, challenges that filmmakers have faced, pioneers and standout figures in the industry, and some of the notable films that have been made. An appendix provides a filmography of New Zealand feature films from 1940 through 1996.

Thoroughly researched and well illustrated, this book is a key reference to the country's cinema history.

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FILM IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND Edited by: Jonathan Dennis and Jan Bieringa Victoria University Press, Wellington - Second Edition 1996 247mm x 185mm 246pages softcover ISBN 0-864733-09-7

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'The passion that pours out of these essays will give you an appetite for "local Stuff" again. It's essential and satisfying reading'. - The Listener

This richly illustrated book is a celebration of the vitality and diversity in New Zealand film. Many of the vigorous, moving and exciting feature films of recent years are discussed, along with documentaries and short and experimental films. The focus is on the film makers themselves and the challenging social conditions of film making.

New in the 1996 edition:
Peter Calder on THE PIANO, HEAVENLY CREATURES, ONCE WERE WARRIORS and other recent features.
Jim Barr and Mary Barr on the films and film making of Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh.
Responses to THE PIANO by Annie Goldson and ONCE WERE WARRIORS by Leonie Pihama.

Plus:
John O'Shea: a personal history of post-war New Zealand film and TV.
Merata Mita: Maori film making within the dominant framework.
Geoff Murphy: a personal view through the boom years.
Barry Barclay: the issues of Maori documentary film making.
Interviews with Jane Campion, Vincent Ward and Gaylene Preston.
Major essays: Roger Horrocks on alternative film making and Russell Campbell on documentaries.
A Time Line: the key events in New Zealand film in historical context.

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Shadows on the Wall A Study of Seven New Zealand Feature Films By: Barbara Cairns & Helen Martin Longman Paul Ltd. - Copyright 1994 247mm x 185mm - 340 pages softcover ISBN 0-582860-64-4

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This study of seven New Zealand feature films is the first to look at New Zealand films from the point of view of text, cultural context and production process. The reader will gain an insight into how to study a film and into the business of filmmaking. Interviews with key personnel give a behind-the-scenes view of many elements of the process such as: direction, production design, sound, special effects, and performance. The films used for the study are: GOODBYE PORK PIE, BAD TASTE, NGATI, RUBY AND RATA, AN ANGEL AT MY TABLE, THE END OF THE GOLDEN WEATHER and THE FOOTSTEP MAN. This book is written primarily for senior secondary English and media studies students. Tertiary students studying New Zealand film will also find the text invaluable. 1995 Winner of the New Zealand Library Association's 'Young Peoples Non-Fiction Award'. Unfortunately, this book is currently out-of-print, but see below.

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' Wonderfully clear and informative in showing how films can be "read" closely, from a variety of different angles. The authors know the local industry well and at the same time understand exactly what's needed in the classroom. This book is a marvellous resource for schools and future filmmakers, and at the same time it has much to offer any general reader with an interest in local films.'
Roger Horrocks
Film and TV Studies
University of Auckland


'There is no excuse for not teaching film once you have this book. It shows student and teachers how to read film as a medium in its own right. A cunning selection of New Zealand films, extensive interviews with members of the film industry, and an exhaustive rnage of activities in which everyone finds something to their taste and learns something new. An important new resource, even if you thought you knew all about film teaching.'
Shona Hearn
HOD English
Birkenhead College

Given that this book is OOP; Abe Books is an excellent source

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Footrot Flats - The Making of the Movie Written by Lesley Stevens Design by Brian Moss; Photography by Paul Roy; Cell Photography by Bob Evens; Production Assistant - Tim Carthew; Design Assistant - Marcel Tromp Magpie Productions Ltd. - Copyright 1986 273mm x 203mm 114 pages softcover ISBN 0-864640-78-1

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"The thought of an animated film of Footrot Flats had crossed my mind before 1981 but I'd seen it as a series of short television spots rather than a full-length feature film. Then out of the blue two people rang in the space of a week wanting to make a Footrot Flats feature. One of them was Pat Cox. I didn't know him but he was an Irishman; he sounded very logical and he rang me on Monday morning when I'm at my best." - Murray Ball
Loaded with illustrations, this book takes you from the initial concepts , through script development, finding financing, finding the character voices and writing the music plus animation production and all the details of establishing style, storyboarding, timing, backgrounds, painting, rendering and camera work. In the end some 200 people were involved in putting together New Zealand's (with some help from Australians) first, and so far, only feature length animated movie. This book is the background story of how it was done.

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A Decade Of New Zealand Film By: Nicholas Reid John McIndoe Ltd. - Dunedin - Copyright 1986 240mm x 180mm 146 pages softcover ISBN 0-868680-87-7

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Over 60 feature films have been shot in New Zealand from the mid-1970's to the mid-1980's. Nicholas Reid lists all of them in A DECADE OF NEW ZEALAND FILM, with synopses and critical comments on each. From this comprehensive catalogue he selects 12 major films and discusses each in depth. The book is lavishly illustrated with striking black and white stills, and a colour section. The whole is introduced by an authoritative history of New Zealand cinema from its beginnings.

Not everyone will agree with Nicholas Reid's selection or his judgements, but no-one will question the value of his book. As the first comprehensive study and reference work on the subject, Nicholas Reid's contribution has made history.

Nicholas Reid has been commenting on New Zealand cinema since he was at university. He was film reviewer on the Auckland Star for ten years, and since then he has written regularly on film and video for a variety of national publications.

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Sequence Edited by: David Lindsay Registered at POHQ, Wellington as a publication ISSN 0111-1701

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Sequence is a monthly magazine of the Wellington Film Society that was published monthly and issued as part of the membership privileges. It was available to persons outside the membership area for an annual subscription. Was, because it is no longer in publication. Copies of past issues can be purchased from the editor, David Lindsay, via the website indicated below.

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Sequence website

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Alphabetical List * Chronological List * News * Soundtracks * Buy-Sell-Rent * DVD List
What is A New Zealand Feature Film * First Choices * Books * Misc * Links * Directors

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