The Adventures of Tintin has launched in Europe and there have been loads of reviews and articles in international media – The Daily Mail described it as “Spellbinding”. See the best bits at the Weta website and on Facebook.

The Art of The Adventures of Tintin book has also been released alongside the film. The book is signed by Weta Workshop lead conceptual designer on the movie, Chris Guise, and also comes with the exclusive Weta gift of Red Rackham’s Treasure Map.

Weta has announced that the World Premiere of An Unexpected Journey (The Hobbit Part 1) will have its world premiere in Wellington in late November next year!

For now you can get your own taste of Hobbiton with a Bag End Collector’s Edition from The Lord of the Rings – worth $US 250, visit wetanz.com to go in the draw.

Stephen Fry recently interviewed Peter Jackson about J.R.R. Tolkien and his use of language. Check out the Youtube clip here

TVNZ Kidzone24 will feature trusted educational and inspiring content for pre-school children in an advertising-free environment. TVNZ Kidzone24 will air 24 hours a day on the SKY platform from 1 May.

Chief Executive Rick Ellis is delighted that SKY has made it possible for TVNZ to extend the popular Kidzone brand beyond the two hours that are available on public service channel TVNZ 7.

“Kidzone has been an increasingly popular collection of programming, providing educational and entertaining content for young New Zealanders, with a significant amount of locally produced programming.

“It is fantastic that we are now able to offer a commercially-viable, expanded Kidzone channel, on the SKY platform.”

The TVNZ Kidzone24 schedule features a strong focus on local programming including existing favourites like Kidzone with Kayne which features p resenter Kayne Peters and offers opportunities for young viewers to think and learn about the world around them. Other local shows include Buzzy Bee and Friends , hilarious sketch-comedy show The Giggles and f rom the creative minds of the Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop, The Wot Wots .

TVNZ Kidzone24 will also feature exciting new content including Guess with Jess (the popular cat from Postman Pat) which will allow children to learn about science and nature and Babar And The Adventures of Badou – a show centred around Babar’s eight year old grandson, Badou and speaks to the importance of diversity, acceptance and strong family values.

The channel will be located on SKY Channel 046, within the stable of family channels and will be available as part of the SKY Basic Digital Package. Select content will also be available on iSKY.

For more information please follow this link

For the sixth year now, Maori Television reveals that they will be devoting all of its Anzac day programming to the commemoration of those who gave so much for our freedom.

Anzac 2011 – Kotahi te wairua (‘One Spirit’) airs from 5.50am to 11.30pm on Monday April 25 2011, the sixth year the channel has dedicated its whole schedule to this significant day. Maori Television’s Julian Wilcox will once again share hosting duties with Judy Bailey.

The day begins with a live dawn karakia, mihi and raising of the flag from the Devonport Naval Base, then moves to the Auckland War Memorial Dawn Service. Also on the programme are four must-see new documentaries. Nga Toa o te Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa The Warriors of the Pacific: Solomon Islands and Nga Toa o te Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa The Warriors of the Pacific: Papua New Guinea reveal the untold stories of what happened in both countries as the Allies fought Japanese forces in World War Two. Dancing in the Sky (by Julian Arahanga, who played Nig in Once Were Warriors) follows the extraordinary life of William Rhodes-Moorhouse, the first airman to earn a Victoria Cross. Baptism by Fire (directed by Tiwai Reedy) sees the reunion after 40 years of six soldiers who were involved in a Viet Cong ambush during the Vietnam War. Their successful battle against all odds is revealed in this compelling account told for the first time.

Dispersed throughout the day are fascinating vignettes in which New Zealanders recount their tales of passion, bravery, humour and sacrifice. The evening is dedicated to entertainment and comedy as entertainer Chris Powley and friends present an evening of classic Maori showband nostalgia.

As in previous years, Maori Television airs the ANZAC Address, this year delivered by Sir Wira Gardiner, who had a 20-year Army career before becoming founding director of the Waitangi Tribunal.

For more information and programming  scheduling on this day please follow this link

For Shadow a homeless Aucklander who has spent most of his life on the streets. Drama has been a been a positive  and life changing experience.

“Shadow”, who says he has forgotten his real name because of years of glue-sniffing, started living on the streets in his early teens because of problems at home with his mother’s boyfriend.

Yesterday, at a national conference on homelessness, he sang and played the harmonica and with five other homeless men.

He also plays a homeless man in a TV3 series called Super City.

“They had to get a streetie to play a streetie,” he said. “I hope they do another series, I wouldn’t mind doing some more work. It was cool.”

Auckland City Mission homeless worker Wilf Holt, who helped to form the drama group 18 months ago, said it tapped the skills of people such as Shadow and guitarist Jem Pauro, 41, both regular Queen St buskers.

The group worked with professionals from The Edge to put on a show called Homeless Economics in the recent Auckland Fringe Festival.

Another member, Garry, 55, said he had known most of the members for 10 years and the drama group was “the biggest positive change I’ve seen”.

“To see them come out in front of people – wow!

“For me, it’s been the greatest distraction in my life. It takes me away from my personal issues that I can’t fathom to understand. It’s an extraordinary thing, I believe this should be part and parcel of every country’s homeless policy.”

Iris Pahau, of the Coalition to End Homelessness, which organised yesterday’s conference, said homelessness was “sadly, a growing industry”.

Auckland Night Shelter manager Corie Haddock, who co-chairs the coalition, said he was advising Tauranga police, council and churches about a planned night shelter for a growing number of rough sleepers. He will meet another group in Palmerston North in June.

He said the coalition wanted a parliamentary inquiry into all aspects of homelessness, including boarding houses, overcrowding and substandard houses as well as rough sleeping.

National MP Katrina Shanks, who chairs Parliament’s social services committee, said the committee felt the whole issue was too broad and lacked adequate research, but it was considering an inquiry into boarding houses.

“We have just done a lot of legislative changes with the Residential Tenancies Act,” she said.

“So it’s a good bit of work to see whether it’s changing what we are concerned about, which is slum landlords.”

For a full listing of this story please follow this link

Jax Hamilton and Anthony McEntee and judge Simon Gault (centre) preparing dishes for Euro relaunch party .

Things heated up last night on the latest episode of NZ master chef. The challenge was to cook for 100 vip’s at the launch of Simon Gault Euro Restaurant. The top ten impressed and judges decided to reward them with no one being sent home last night. Which forms the question is there going to be a double elimination next week?

The day started well for the contestants, boarding a party bus, believing they had a day of relaxation ahead of them.

Instead, they were told by judge Simon Gault, they were about to face one of their hardest challenges yet – cooking five-star dishes for the relaunch of Gault’s restaurant, Euro.

The group was divided into five teams of two, the first time the group had been paired up in a challenge, with each team preparing a dish for the guests.

The team with the highest score would be rewarded with a dinner at Euro, prepared by Gault himself, while one member of the losing team would be sent home.

So began a stressful day of prepping, cooking and well cooking again, as contestants faced up to the reality of preparing meals in a professional kitchen.

In the words of contestant Anthony McEntee, “We weren’t just thrown in the deep-end, we were shot out of a canon into the middle of the Atlantic and expected to swim to shore.”

McEntee, who was paired with Jax Hamilton, had the challenge of preparing duck breasts with foie gras ice cream and provided one of the more lighter moments in the kitchen when he binned several duck breasts after burning them.

That left him short of several duck breasts, but he played dumb when Hamilton counted and said they were short.

He said his main memory of the day was “fright”.

McEntee said the contestants were ”duped” into getting on a party bus but the mood quickly turned to one of terror once the challenge was laid bare.

“It was a very daunting prospect.”

And he said he has an innocent explanation about the duck breasts which ended up in the bin.

“We were only ever given 35 duck breasts to begin with and then I had to go source some more.

“We were given a chef to help us catch up for a bit, so it was blind panic because I didn’t realise that I didn’t have enough duck breasts.

“Later on, who knows what happened to them. Three or so went in the bin.

“There was no covering there, when you’re under so much pressure you just forget to do the simplest things.

“I use numbers all day, everyday in my job and I couldn’t count.”

Even making the ice cream was filled with pitfalls.

“After the first effort I was told by the chef it was not good enough and was then told off for wasting Euro’s food produce.

“To be honest I was quite intimidated and when he said ”you’ll have to make do” I assumed he meant I had to use the remaining 14 eggs.

“I didn’t realise there were trays and trays of eggs out the back I could have easily gone and used.

“I used 14 eggs and tried to alter the recipe in my head but when Gault came over and asked me if I’d followed the recipe it fell apart.”

If contestants needed anymore pressure they got it in the form of Euro’s restaurant manager Robere Pothier, who seemed to terrify everyone in his path.

“My grandmother’s been dead for 10years and she’d be faster than you tonight,” he barked at one point.

McEntee said he doesn’t think the staff were trying to be hard “it’s just the way they are as professionals”.

“Robere only accepted the best and would tell us he had seen better things on the back streets of Paris. He was intimidating.”

By the end of the service McEntee said everyone had learnt so much about what it takes to be a chef.

“And the passion that we all thought we had, that was the true test of it.”

Stu Todd and Nadia Lim won the competition but McEntee and Hamilton found themselves in the bottom team, with Michael Lee and a very worried and teary Tracey Lee Hooton getting the second lowest score.

So it must have been pure relief when Gault announced nobody was going home.

“Euro’s my baby and you didn’t break it.”

To watch this episode of NZ Master Chef please follow this link

What did you think of this episode, let us know.

TVNZ launches U, a ground-breaking new channel which integrates online social networking with broadcast content for the first time on New Zealand screens. U is a commercial free-to-air digital channel which features a mix of real life and factual entertainment programming and is aimed at all Kiwis aged 15-24.

The channel kicks off with our first ever episode of U live – a live daily interactive entertainment music show hosted by Connor Nester, Rose Matafeo and Tim Lambourne. Packed with giveaways, guests and entertainment news, no two shows will be the same. U live airs every day between 4pm and 7pm.

TVNZ has worked closely with Facebook to create a truly interactive show. Fans of the U live Facebook app are able to comment on topics, post pictures, vote in polls and peek behinds the scenes of the show through a live stream “producer cam”. Comments will then be pulled into the broadcast and onto screen, giving viewers a chance to interact with the presenters and each other like never before.

TVNZ’s Head of Digital Media and Channels Eric Kearley says that TVNZ is delighted to bring New Zealand its first true “social television” experience through the Facebook integration.

“It’s the first true technology-driven integration of online social media with television in New Zealand.”

U tv, which starts tonight and airs every Sunday at 8.30pm, gives viewers another chance to interact with the broadcast. People can enter a competition to be the U programmer for a month via the channel’s website. The lucky winner will effectively “own” the slot, choosing what viewers watch and then, via a video link, present their choices to NZ.

The rest of the schedule is made up of a selection of shows new to New Zealand audiences that are sure to shock, inspire and entertain. Britain’s Missing Top Model explores the biggest taboo in modelling… the lack of disabled models. The Buried Life follows the real life adventure of four guys on an epic quest to prove that anyone can do anything and to challenge strangers with the ultimate question: “What do you want to do before you die?”. And G Girls follows the glitzy team behind Britain’s top glossy – Glamour magazine. This is the series that gives fashion fans the kind of inside access they can only dream of.

According to Kearley, U is an innovative step for broadcasting in New Zealand and fills a gap in the market.

“We had identified that there was an opportunity to extend the content available for young New Zealanders with new locally made and overseas programming. U will be the only fully localised youth channel in the market providing bespoke opportunities for New Zealand advertisers to speak to young Kiwis.”

U will be broadcast on Freeview/TiVo channel 6 and SKY/Telstra channel 016.

For more information about “u” Channel please follow this link to the TVNZ page or follow this link to their Face book page.

This could be you!

One of Maori Televisions most watched and favourite shows is about to hit our screens once again with a new season. Homai Te Pakipaki gives entertainers, wannabes and anyone willing to leave their inhibitions at the door and let loose on the stage. You are given your fifteen minutes of fame, and a chance to win $10,000.

From March 18, HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI will once again be broadcasting live from Maori Television’s Newmarket studios every Friday night at 8.30pm. The karaoke show’s producer, Erina Tamepo, hopes to see the verandah full to busting with keen and eager contestants as soon as auditions start at 4.30pm that day.

“From that moment it’s all go as we screen the wannabe contestants and select the ten or so who’ll go on to perform live on air,” says Erina. “It’s always an amazing experience as 90% of the kaiwaiata (singers) have never been in a studio before, so there are usually some emotional moments – for them and for us! Unlike many other television singing shows, most of our kaiwaiata aren’t here because they want to be stars; they just really love singing and dream of singing in front of an audience. Our show is unsanitised, spontaneous and fun.”

Again, unlike many other similar shows, contestants on HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI have no rehearsal, no coaching, no choreography and only a little prep. After being selected to sing, they’re through to make-up and in front of the cameras, where it’s up to them to show the text voting audience at home what they’ve got.

The 2011 season sees the return of hosts Matai Smith (Rongowhakaata, Ngai Tamanuhiri, Ngati Kahungungu) and Te Hamua Nikora (Te Tai Rawhiti), who have both seen a wide range of talent in their time on the show.

“One of the reasons HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI has been so successful is that you don’t necessarily have to be a fantastic singer to get on air, although we’ve had some phenomenal singers on,” says Matai. “There’s so much aroha emanating from our audience that as long as you do your best, that’s all that matters. I love that HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI is so raw and so real. It’s not fabricated and slick – it’s all about the talent.”

As in previous years, the winner of each of the 20 heats receives $1000 and the chance to compete for prizes in the two semi finals, then $10,000 in the grand final, scheduled for August 26.

The auditions are open to anyone and whanau come from far and wide to sing their hearts out on HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI, and it’s not unusual to see familiar faces turning up.

“HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI has quickly become an institution in our nation, one I am extremely proud to be a part of. To be back to co-host the 2011 season of Homai, for me, is both a privilege and an honour. I absolutely love the job and am committed to bringing my own flavour to help with the uniqueness of Aotearoa’s favourite entertainment show” says Te Hamua.

For information on how to enter, visit the HOMAI TE PAKIPAKI page on Maori Television’s website www.maoritelevision.com

Audio Description – the visual equivalent of captioning for hearing impaired audiences – begins on March 1 with episodes of Coronation Street.

Audio description is an optional additional narrative, spoken by a neutral voice, which describes the on-screen action in between dialogue. It’s a service widely available in the UK and US.

It has been made technically possible in New Zealand by developments in TVNZ’s digital infrastructure, and financially possible with a pilot grant of $500,000 from New Zealand on Air.

At this stage the service is limited to Coronation Street, which was requested as the popular choice of the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand.

At the end of a year the success of the service will be evaluated and, depending on available funding, it is expected it will be rolled out to cover more programmes.

Audio Description will be provided on the Freeview digital platform.

TVNZ’s Head of Production Services and Technology, Helen Clifton, says the new service is the result of many years of discussion with the blind community.

“We’re very proud that the technical developments in our digital broadcasting infrastructure have at last put us in a position to help. We’ve been providing captioning for those with hearing impairments for a long time, and we can now make television an experience to be really enjoyed for those with visual difficulties.”

Pollywood Pasifica Short film Festival is now into its ninth successful year, this is an event to watch out for. With each year growing bigger and better, Pollywood has largely become a launching pad for Pasifika Film and multimedia art for the past 9 years. The core focus of Pollywood is to showcase and celebrate Pacific Island writers, Directors and Actors.  Pollywood is the leading Pacific Island short film festival in New Zealand.

Each screening will be introduced by curator Craig Fasi, and promises to please audiences from across Auckland. “I am hubled by the status of films that have been sourced  for this years festival, in light of so much that has changed over the years. I am thankful that Pollywood is still delivering quality Pacific Island art for the community”says Mr Fasi.

There is seven films which will be screened in total with just over 80 mins of heartfelt stories to be showcased. With such a varied mix of short films there is bound to be something for everyone, so get your tickets now. All are welcome.

The premiere of Pollywood Nine2011 is set for Wednesday the 16th of March At Galatos, Galatos Street, Newton 7:30pm.

For more information on this event and ticket bookings please follow this link

Danielle hayes nz next top model 2010

New Zealand’s next top model cycle three auditions are due to start on April 15, 2011. So if you think you have what it takes be there or be square. Start practicing your strut as the nationwide search for the 13 young women who will take part in the third Cycle of New Zealand’s Next Top Model begins soon!

Applicants must be at least 170cm tall and aged between 16-25 years as of April 15, 2011.

Auditions for New Zealand’s Next Top Model Cycle three will be held in:

March 19: Auckland: Botany Town Centre – Town Square: 11am-5pm.

March 20: Wellington: Museum Hotel Conference Rooms: 11am-5pm.

March 21: Napier: War Memorial Conference Centre: 3pm-7pm.

March 22: Tauranga: Sebel Trinity Wharf Hotel: 3pm-7pm.

March 23: New Plymouth: Copthorne Hotel Grand Central: 3pm-7pm.

March 24: Nelson: Rutherford Hotel Conference Rooms: 3pm-7pm.

March 25: Dunedin: Mercure Leisure Lodge McGavin Room: 3pm-7pm.

March 26: Christchurch: Heritage Hotel Conference Rooms: 11am-5pm.

March 27: Auckland: venue TBC: 11am-5pm – Information to follow

March 28: Whangarei: Forum North: 3pm-7pm.

Kelly Martin, TV3’s Director of Programming comments, “Top Model is a hugely successful format around the world and the local version has gone from strength to strength over the last two seasons. We look forward to producing a third that packs even more punch, and promises audiences more of the same quality television they are used to.”

The successful series is produced locally in 17 markets, including Australia and Britain, and has launched the modelling, television and acting careers of many of its contestants.

Go to tv3.co.nz/topmodel for more information and to download an application form.