1 April 2009 PAST SUCCESSES BODE WELL FOR FUTURE FINANCING

1 April 2009

Australian and New Zealand producers with productionready projects are encouraged to apply for the No Borders CoProduction Market, a film financing forum that takes place during the annual Independent Feature Project (IFP) Market in New York City.

Film Victoria, the New South Wales Film and Television Office (FTO), and the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) have combined for the sixth year to secure places for local experienced producers at No Borders. Up to four places will be offered to attend the exclusive market, which only accepts 40 projects from around the world.

The IFP Market provides producers with an opportunity to secure financing for their feature projects through oneonone meetings, informal roundtable discussions and social events. Producers will be chosen based on the strength of their film projects in advanced development stage.

In past years producers from projects such as Clubland, Almost French and Lou presented their projects to financiers, sales agents and international television buyers at No Borders, resulting in successfully securing the finance or distribution contracts required to go into production.

Sandra Sdraulig, Film Victoria CEO, explained, “ In an economic climate where financing for feature films is more competitive it is imperative that local producers are exposed to the international marketplace. This is a vital opportunity for Victorian producers to access North American finance. Attendance at No Borders is valuable for producers and Film Victoria is pleased to give Victorians this exclusive opportunity.”

Tanya Chambers, Chief Executive of the FTO, said, “The FTO views No Borders as a tremendous opportunity for NSW producers to access the US marketplace and bring new financing partners and business opportunities to the State. We’re pleased to once again be able to offer the opportunity to one project from NSW.”

NZFC Acting CEO Mladen Ivancic commented, “Participation in No Borders continues to be a valuable experience for NZ producers: it helps them to sharpen their pitch and presentation skills, provides them with realistic feedback from serious international industry players and has resulted in a number of useful coproduction and financing relationships. “

Film Victoria, the NSW FTO, and NZFC will shortlist projects for final consideration by the No Borders IFP Selection Team.

The deadline for producers to apply is April 20 2009. For guidelines and application forms please visit www.film.vic.gov.au, www.fto.nsw.gov.au or www.nzfilm.co.nz. The No Borders CoProduction Market will be
held from 19 –24 September 2009.