Written By: - Date published: 8:41 am, July 7th, 2022 - 22 comments
Remember Steven Joyce who claimed there was a $11.7 billion dollar hole in Labour’s alternative budget? Another example of his negotiation prowess has recently received media attention and the only conclusion that can be drawn is that his ability to analyse crown accounts is matched by his ability to negotiate.
Written By: - Date published: 8:15 am, June 15th, 2022 - Comments Off on Selling Henderson Film Studios is Actually Good
In 2003 Mayor Bob Harvey drove the formation of Film Auckland and the construction of the Henderson Valley Studios. Now they are being sold. But this is a good thing.
Written By: - Date published: 8:58 am, June 18th, 2021 - 23 comments
A company wants to make a film about the Christchurch mosque massacre on 15 March 2019. Maybe it should do.
Written By: - Date published: 10:57 am, February 9th, 2019 - 15 comments
Actor Albert Finney has died. His break out role as an angry young man railing against stultifying orthodoxy at the start of the sixties may be the greatest debut in film history.
Written By: - Date published: 9:35 am, February 5th, 2019 - 119 comments
Actor Liam Neeson has made a sensational confession to stalking black men with the intent to kill. No, that’s not the plot to his latest movie, it’s apparently a true story. But what is the wider truth?
UPDATE: Added video of a new Liam Neeson interview regarding the incident.
Written By: - Date published: 10:40 am, January 22nd, 2018 - 7 comments
History not forgotten.
Written By: - Date published: 10:00 am, January 10th, 2018 - 12 comments
Ad reviews the Children’s movie Coco and suggests there is something there for people of all ages.
Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, December 22nd, 2017 - 2 comments
Why the latest Star War movie may contain inspiration and meaning for left wing activists.
Written By: - Date published: 1:32 pm, November 27th, 2017 - 49 comments
There have been some great artists face some appalling allegations. Would they have been as successful if their great crimes had been exposed?
Written By: - Date published: 4:30 pm, October 25th, 2017 - 4 comments
The Australian Government just released this ad about the Great Australian Bight and it’s surprisingly honest and informative. 🌎🐋
Written By: - Date published: 11:28 am, October 9th, 2017 - 61 comments
Incognito writes about the need for a new narrative in politics and how the Green movement is providing one that takes us beyond neoliberalism and unfettered capitalism.
Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, October 5th, 2017 - 17 comments
A film review on the latest Blade Runner movie.
Written By: - Date published: 8:00 am, October 6th, 2016 - 12 comments
The Matafai aiga from West Auckland show how to campaign.
Written By: - Date published: 10:26 am, June 4th, 2016 - 5 comments
A short film by Denis Villeneuve…
Written By: - Date published: 11:18 am, April 13th, 2016 - 5 comments
Based on the breakthrough book The Spirit Level, just released film The Divide puts a human face on low wage hell. “Why aren’t we earning enough to live?”
Written By: - Date published: 5:56 pm, January 12th, 2016 - 15 comments
Te Reo Putake spins the black circle and has a listen to Bowie’s final album, Blackstar.
Written By: - Date published: 10:42 am, January 7th, 2016 - 103 comments
And now for something completely different for the Standard, a film review.
Written By: - Date published: 10:00 am, November 12th, 2015 - 28 comments
Ad poses the theoretical question of which political party the current James Bond would support.
Written By: - Date published: 9:00 am, October 10th, 2015 - 13 comments
And now for something slightly different for the Standard, a film review of the Martian.
Written By: - Date published: 11:30 am, September 9th, 2015 - 63 comments
Figures have been released showing that Warner Bros were paid NZ $191 million in tax rebates to create the Hobbit Trilogy. The films were very profitable. Why is corporate welfare for profitable activity tolerated?
Written By: - Date published: 7:02 am, July 14th, 2015 - 3 comments
Something a bit different for The Standard. A review of the film Crossing Rachmaninoff which premiers in Auckland on the 18th of July as part of the International Film Festival.
Written By: - Date published: 10:23 am, May 10th, 2015 - 2 comments
The award winning documentary Hot Air, on the politics of climate change in New Zealand, by Alister Barry & Abi King-Jones, is now free to view on Youtube.
Written By: - Date published: 2:05 pm, November 10th, 2014 - 70 comments
We often look to the first Labour Government for core left wing values, & a political way forward. As well as massively restructuring of the NZ economy, work, welfare & housing, that Government aimed to restructure NZ culture & to combat capitalist-dominated popular culture.
Written By: - Date published: 7:57 pm, August 3rd, 2014 - 144 comments
During every revolution there will be winners and losers, change can mean pain for some, especially for the bloodsucking leaches & parasites, that have entrenched their positions, after years of mediocrity. Yes the death of Hollywood and current Music industry would cause financial pain for some, including some of the arguably overpaid actors and performers […]
Written By: - Date published: 9:50 am, March 15th, 2014 - 5 comments
The West Auckland Peasants Film Club FB page says: “The greatest threat to freedom and well-being everywhere is corporate ambition: the greatest threat to corporate ambition is a well-informed public”. This week the PFC is showing, I Am (Dir. Tom Shadyac) – how to get such information seen more widely?
Written By: - Date published: 12:45 pm, December 16th, 2013 - 77 comments
The NZ government changes to NZ’s screen industry incentives is a mixed bag. Some (not fully developed) support for a sustainable NZ industry. Selling out NZ workers; bowing to Hollywood corporate, neo-colonial values.
Written By: - Date published: 2:23 pm, October 25th, 2013 - 103 comments
NZ needs government legislation & financial support to maintain local screen productions. Steven Joyce makes some hollow noises about prioritising NZ-focused productions, while allowing the Auckland industry to decline. Lucy Lawless blames Joyce for NZ Film tax rebates & prioritising BIG Oil.
Written By: - Date published: 9:51 am, October 24th, 2013 - 117 comments
The NZ screen industry is in a precarious state, unable to compete with incentives in other countries to attract the crums from Hollywood productions, impacted by the currency high dollar rate. Innovative ideas needed for an independent NZ industry, linked with public broadcasting TV & online viewing. [Updated: Maori TV & Barry Barclay]
Written By: - Date published: 12:44 pm, August 2nd, 2013 - 10 comments
A recent report claims there is little economic benefit from tax payer funding for big overseas movies. Key’s damaging love of big Hollywood corporates is seen in the complex of Hobbit laws, intellectual copyright, secret TPP negotiations, & the Kim Dotcom-GCSB-Vance saga.
Written By: - Date published: 9:57 am, June 18th, 2013 - 50 comments
Many praise Jackson and Weta for the work it brings to NZ. However, a recent US-focused survey by Scott Squires, shows how subsidies, like that for the Hobbit, plus lack of unionisation are contributing to increasing exploitation, income insecurity and competition among skilled VFX workers internationally. [Update: Squires’ response]
Written By: - Date published: 8:45 am, April 14th, 2013 - 57 comments
John Key is into networking and schmoozing with the wealthy & influential. He’s given special attention to the entertainment industries, GCSB, intellectual property & commerce. He crossed paths with Warner’s people the year before the Hobbit dispute, but never played golf with Dotcom.
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