Transmission Films has formed a new venture to manage its film distribution activities in New Zealand.
Transmission Films New Zealand (TMFNZ) will be headed by Michael Eldred in the role of general manager.
He will oversee all of Transmission’s interests in New Zealand.
Eldred will work in close association with Sony Pictures New Zealand, the current home media sub-distributor for Transmission films.
Under a new arrangement, Sony will also handle the booking of Transmission’s theatrical releases under direction from, and in co-ordination with, TMFNZ.
The move consolidates Transmission’s activities in the New Zealand market, where they have been releasing films with various local partners since 2008.
Over the intervening period the company has invested in and brought over 75 films to New Zealand audiences, including such successful local films as Boy, The Dark Horse, The Dead Lands, The Orator and Slow West.
TMFNZ under Eldred signals Transmission’s major commitment to investing in local production and releasing New Zealand films.
It is hoped, the new operation will give Transmission a dedicated and focused local presence as they work on the slate of films for 2016 which includes Awards contenders Carol, Brooklyn Suffragette and Silence from Martin Scorsese
Then there is the highly anticipated drama starring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman Lion (from Top of the Lake co-director Garth Davies), and New Zealand films currently in production from directors Toa Fraser (6 Days), Leanne Pooley (25 APRIL), Tusi Tamasese (One Thousand Ropes), plus joining forces again with director Roger Donaldson on MCLAREN, having distributed his last local film The World's Fastest Indian.
Transmission Films’ Sydney-based joint Managing Director Richard Payten said he was excited to be launching the New Zealand based operation after having so much success in the Kiwi market for many years.
"Michael Eldred is a long-time colleague and friend, and we couldn’t be happier to be working with Mike again," he said.
"We are also excited to be partnering with Sony, who will be bringing their muscle to the table across theatrical and home media. With Michael on the ground overseeing all activity, it’ll be a potent force.”
Inbound TMFNZ General Manager Michael Eldred said he had been fortunate to have worked with Transmission’s Managing Directors, Richard and Andrew in the past.
"I’ve held their company in the highest esteem since they formed it. I couldn’t be more excited to join them in this new venture in New Zealand,” he said.