Beyond unveils NZ distribution venture

MIPCOM NEWS – Beyond International and New Zealand TV production company South Pacific Pictures have inked a joint venture deal to set up what is thought to be NZ's first independent distribution company.

The new outfit, called Beyond New Zealand, will be based in Auckland and managed by John Barnett. It will provide a gateway to the international television marketplace for New Zealand producers by sourcing local third party programming. Beyond Distribution will handle rights internationally.

Beyond Distribution’s director of sales & marketing Ellen Lovejoy said: {Producers in New Zealand have had limited access to the international marketplace. We will be working with South Pacific Pictures to provide this service for New Zealand’s independent producers.{

John Barnett, md of South Pacific Pictures, part of the UK's Chrysalis TV Group, added: {A growing number of New Zealand companies are producing a range of programmes which could find places in international schedules.{