Posts by Simon Bennett
-
Possibly one of the reasons for opposition lack of engagement on this issue is that any whiff of Government support of the arts is not a votes winner. When every critical aspect of the country has been worn down to the bone or sold off, to talk about funding of artists is an anathema to many. Sadly.
-
All the stuff Chris Finlayson has itemised in his tweets is basic stuff that any government should be doing. At no point is there evidence of vision, enthusiasm for or recognition of the importance of the arts as a fundamental part of a healthy nation. It's bare minimum stuff: more wallspace for hanging some of the national art collection, resolving not to destroy cultural artifacts in war situations. FFS
-
Yes. Maybe the NZ tendancy to embrace amiable amateurism has something to do with John Key's success.
-
I dabble in theatre as well as television. And have been working in this sector for the last 25 years. As far as I can see, the level of enthusiasm, talent and commitment, particularly from younger practitioners, is as strong as ever. However, decades of sinking lid freezes in funding levels have seen a considerable de-professionalising of theatre. There is next to no consistent career path for actors, directors and playwrights. Outstanding people are often lucky to get one short gig a year. This means that professional standards become eroded and the vibrant imaginations eventually move away from the arts into fields where livelihoods realistically exist.
I'm sure this has always been the case to a lesser or greater extent. However I do look back on the late 80s, where there were resident theatre companies in each main centre - each employing an ensemble of actors, as well as associated crew.
There is still outstanding work being made - this is usually in spite of, rather than because of the current funding environment. And it often involves a tiny cast with minimal production values.
As you can probably gather, I consider Chris Finlayson's comment to be bulls***. Unless he counts Peter Jackson's empire as 'the Arts in New Zealand'.
-
Autumn dawn.
-
Pakiri Beach. Autumn storm clouds.
-
Autumnal Skies - just after dawn
-
New Bowie now streaming on iTunes...
-
Not to mention demanding something that it’s not within the power of the producer to offer. No single producer is able to agree to contract on the basis of ‘industry-wide contracts’ as s/he does not act for the industry as a whole.
-
Hard News: A few (more) words on The Hobbit, in reply to Russell Brown,
The sanest summary of the situation yet, in my opinion.
