ADHD: Out of Control Kids
Certificate for Creative Excellence, US International Film & Video Festival
Documentaries
(2010)
Out of Control Kids investigates Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
We give viewers a first hand look at the reality of dealing with children who can barely interact with family members, let alone other children or the public at large. Some children diagnosed with ADHD manifest behaviour that can seem similar to those with autism.
The documentary follows
- Nine year old Sam, recently diagnosed with ADHD, as she begins taking Ritalin to control her condition.
- Four year old Kyle, who has been on Ritalin since he was two - during the making of the documentary some doubt was raised about his diagnosis of ADHD.
- Robert, a bright child afflicted with ADHD whose parents have decided against giving him Ritalin. Instead they have chosen to work to keep him on track without drugs, a decision that requires a huge commitment and enormous patience and strength.
ADHD is usually associated with children - but these children grow up. We meet
- 31 year old Chrissy, who takes Ritalin every day and for whom a simple task, like unpacking, can turn into a nightmare as she struggles to focus on one job at a time.
- Also 31-year old Jason, who lives his life at high speed, struggling to sit still for more than a couple of minutes.
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Director | Sue Younger |
| Duration | 1 x 43 |
| Format | Beta SP / Digi Beta |
| Distribution | TVF International |
| Website | www.tvfinternational.com/ |
| inv@tvf.co.uk |
Awards
- Certificate for Creative Excellence - US International Film & Video Festival 2002
AIDS and Drugs
Certificate Of Excellence - International Television & Video Association Of New Zealand Awards
Documentaries
(1991)
The fastest route for the transmission of the aids virus is through needle sharing by drug users. This video looks at the issues surrounding AIDS and drug use in two parts.
The fastest route for the transmission of the aids virus is through needle sharing by drug users. This video looks at the issues surrounding AIDS and drug use in two parts.
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 36' |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Certificate Of Excellence - International Television & Video Association Of New Zealand Awards 1991
AIDS Babies
American Film And Television Festival – Red Ribbon Award
Documentaries
(1991)
One in 60 babies born in New York City in 1990 tested positive for the AIDS virus. Presented by Leeza Gibbons, AIDS Babies is a powerful documentary that looks behind the statistics to the moving reality of these children and the people who care for them.
One in 60 babies born in New York City in 1990 tested positive for the AIDS virus. Presented by Leeza Gibbons, AIDS Babies is a powerful documentary that looks behind the statistics to the moving reality of these children and the people who care for them.
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 58' |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- American Film And Television Festival – Red Ribbon Award 1991
All About Eve
Certificate Of Excellence – Us International Film & Television Awards, Illinois and other awards
Documentaries
(1994)
This is the story of Eve Van Grafthorst. Born three months premature, Eve contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion given to save her life. When Eve was diagnosed at age three, her family was shunned, parents kept their children away from her and the pre-school she attended refused her entry. Eve’s family was forced to leave their home in Australia and emigrate to New Zealand to start a new life.
This is the story of Eve Van Grafthorst. Born three months premature, Eve contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion given to save her life. When Eve was diagnosed at age three, her family was shunned, parents kept their children away from her and the pre-school she attended refused her entry. Eve’s family was forced to leave their home in Australia and emigrate to New Zealand to start a new life.
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 44' |
| Rights | AAC Fact |
| Contact | aacfact@allianceatlantis.com |
Awards
- Certificate Of Excellence – Us International Film & Television Awards, Illinois 1994
- Certificate Of Excellence – Lifestyles Aids Media Awards 1994
- Finalist – Health And Medical Film Festival 1995
- Finalist – Banff Television Festival
Asleep At The Wheel
Finalist Award Winner - New York Festivals
Documentaries
(2010)
It’s five o’clock … a warm summer afternoon … sun gleaming on the leaves of the trees as they race past … it’s hot, a bit stuffy, so you wind down the window to get some fresh air … you had a late night and an early start … feeling a bit tired, should stop and have a break, but you did tell them you’d be there by six … turn up the radio … not much further to go … eyes feeling heavy … you rub them, force them open … the sun’s so bright, hard on the eyes … so sleepy … eyelids heavy … slowly dropping … dropping … blackness … sleep …......death.
152 people died in car crashes caused by driver fatigue between 1999 and 2001 in New Zealand. 1,369 were injured. Last year alone, the social cost of fatigue-related crashes was estimated to be $283 million. So why is so little being done about it? Asleep at the wheel is an investigative documentary that reveals just how serious a problem driver fatigue is and what we can do about it on an individual level and as a country.
It’s five o’clock … a warm summer afternoon … sun gleaming on the leaves of the trees as they race past … it’s hot, a bit stuffy, so you wind down the window to get some fresh air … you had a late night and an early start … feeling a bit tired, should stop and have a break, but you did tell them you’d be there by six … turn up the radio … not much further to go … eyes feeling heavy … you rub them, force them open … the sun’s so bright, hard on the eyes … so sleepy … eyelids heavy … slowly dropping … dropping … blackness … sleep …......death.
152 people died in car crashes caused by driver fatigue between 1999 and 2001 in New Zealand. 1,369 were injured. Last year alone, the social cost of fatigue-related crashes was estimated to be $283 million. So why is so little being done about it? Asleep at the wheel is an investigative documentary that reveals just how serious a problem driver fatigue is and what we can do about it on an individual level and as a country.
| Director | Dan Henry |
| Producer | Laurie Clarke |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 43' |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Finalist Award Winner - New York Festivals 2005
Austism: Life Among Strangers
Silver Screen Award - US International Film And Video Festival and other awards
Documentaries
(2010)
Autism: Life Among Strangers is a documentary that looks at this little understood and rapidly increasing disability. The Henderson family’s youngest child has autism. Dale Henderson acted like any other child until he was about 18 months old. Then he began a slow withdrawal into himself. He stopped interacting and started to do bizarre things.
It was another few years of trekking around doctors and specialists before dale was diagnosed with autism. This moving documentary features three adults with Aspergers Syndrome, a milder form of autism. One of these people is jen, who discovered she was autistic at the age of 42. She went to a lecture on Aspergers Syndrome and was amazed to hear herself being described. We also meet Temple Grandin, who is the subject of Oliver Sak’s famous essay “an anthropologist on mars’. Incredibly, Grandin has overcome her disability and now leads a satisfying life.
| Director | Sue Younger |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 43' |
| Rights | Network Ireland TV |
| Contact | info@network-irl-tv.com |
Awards
- Silver Screen Award - US International Film And Video Festival 2004
- Finalist - Qantas Media Awards 2001
Cinema Of Unease
Best Documentary - NZ Film And Television Award and other awards
Documentaries
(1997)
Internationally acclaimed actor Sam Neill makes a personal journey in 1995 through New Zealand cinematic history to celebrate a centenary of film in New Zealand. Co-directed by Sam Neill and Judy Rymer, Cinema Of Unease looks at the cultural and historical context from which the New Zealand film industry has sprung and explores the emergence of a national cinematic style.
Cinema of Unease is part of the British Film Institute’s international series, The Century Of Cinema, in which some of the worlds most respected directors take a personal look at their national cinema.
| Directors | Sam Neill, Judy Rymer |
| Producers | Paula Jalfon, Grant Campbell |
| Executive Producers | Vincent Burke, Colin McCabe, Bob Last |
| Duration | 1 X 52’ |
| Rights | The British Film Institute |
| Contact | www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk |
Awards
- Best Documentary - NZ Film And Television Award 1997
- Participation - 24th Wellington Film Festival 1995
Crowded House
Bronze Remi – Houston International Film Festival
Documentaries
(2010)
Moving out of home, away from Mum and Dad used to be a signal to the world that you had become an adult. But staying on with the folks or returning to the nest is now a growing trend in Western Countries.
Is this really a case of necessity or is it selfishness? Are we observing the emergence of a new selfish generation? If this is true, then what are the implications and the human and social cost of a generation avoiding the responsibilities of adulthood? We observe the lives of parents and their stay-at-home kids and join them on their emotional roller coaster ride of living in a Crowded House.
Moving out of home, away from Mum and Dad used to be a signal to the world that you had become an adult. But staying on with the folks or returning to the nest is now a growing trend in Western Countries.
Is this really a case of necessity or is it selfishness? Are we observing the emergence of a new selfish generation? If this is true, then what are the implications and the human and social cost of a generation avoiding the responsibilities of adulthood? We observe the lives of parents and their stay-at-home kids and join them on their emotional roller coaster ride of living in a Crowded House.
| Director | Kathleen Mantel |
| Producer | Alex Hogg |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 43' |
| Distributor | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Bronze Remi – Houston International Film Festival 2005
Hell For Leather
Awards Finalist - NZ Television Awards and other awards
Documentaries
(1999)
Hell For Leather is the unique story of one woman’s determination to save her business. Karroll Brent-Edmondson pulls out all the stops, does battle with creditors, keeps the tax department at bay and fights to hold on to a skeleton staff. Following a tough childhood and turbulent adolescence, Karroll established a successful business manufacturing affordable school shoes.
As her business grew so did her personal success and profile in the community and in 1995 Karroll was named Maori Businesswoman of the Year. However, the consequences of market deregulation, coinciding with a run of manufacturing problems put her business into a downward spiral. Told with passion and humour, Hell For Leather gives remarkable insight into the human drama of business failure and one woman’s determination not to let it beat her. Karroll died in 2006.
Hell For Leather is the unique story of one woman’s determination to save her business. Karroll Brent-Edmondson pulls out all the stops, does battle with creditors, keeps the tax department at bay and fights to hold on to a skeleton staff. Following a tough childhood and turbulent adolescence, Karroll established a successful business manufacturing affordable school shoes.
As her business grew so did her personal success and profile in the community and in 1995 Karroll was named Maori Businesswoman of the Year. However, the consequences of market deregulation, coinciding with a run of manufacturing problems put her business into a downward spiral. Told with passion and humour, Hell For Leather gives remarkable insight into the human drama of business failure and one woman’s determination not to let it beat her. Karroll died in 2006.
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Producer | Rhonda Kite |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 40' |
| Distributor | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Awards Finalist - NZ Television Awards 1999
- Selected for Screening - BANFF TV Festival 2000
I Am A Dancer
Silver Plaque - Intercom Awards, Chicago and other awards
Documentaries
(1991)
Now an internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer, Douglas Wright creates dances of great inspiration and beauty. This film traces Wright’s extraordinary career from his athletic beginnings as a champion New Zealand gymnast to his first ballet lesson at 21, through his work with the Paul Taylor Dance Company in New York and DV8 in London to Gloria, set to Vivaldi’s Gloria.
Now an internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer, Douglas Wright creates dances of great inspiration and beauty. This film traces Wright’s extraordinary career from his athletic beginnings as a champion New Zealand gymnast to his first ballet lesson at 21, through his work with the Paul Taylor Dance Company in New York and DV8 in London to Gloria, set to Vivaldi’s Gloria.
| Choreographer | Douglas Wright |
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 30' |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Silver Plaque - Intercom Awards, Chicago 1991
- Bronze Medal - International Film And Television Festival Of New York 1991
I Want To Die At Home
Best Film - International Film Screening Of The 8th International Congress On Care Of The Terminally Ill In Canada and other awards
Documentaries
(1990)
In May 1988 Elizabeth died after a long battle with cancer of the liver.
Her death was not unique, every year people die of cancer. What was
special about this particular death was that Elizabeth was one of a
growing number of European New Zealanders who choose to die at home.
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Associate Producer | Glenis Giles |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 X 46’ |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
| Rights | Janson Associates |
| Website | www.janson.com |
Awards
- Best Film - International Film Screening Of The 8th International Congress On Care Of The Terminally Ill In Canada 1990
- Jury Award For Best Television Documentary - Montreal Women’s Film Festival 1991
- Diplome De Participation, Cinema Du Reel 1994
It's Not A Game
Certificate Of Merit - Hugo Awards and other awards
Documentaries
(2010)
The bright lights and the happy music of pokie machines do not drown out the human harm these machines have caused hundreds of thousands of people around the world. In little pubs and clubs throughout New Zealand pokie machines are happily taking money from thousands of New Zealanders – over 2 billion dollars in 2004 from a population of only 4 million people.
The bright lights and the happy music of pokie machines do not drown out the human harm these machines have caused hundreds of thousands of people around the world. In little pubs and clubs throughout New Zealand pokie machines are happily taking money from thousands of New Zealanders – over 2 billion dollars in 2004 from a population of only 4 million people.
| Director | Kathleen Mantel |
| Producer | Laurie Clarke |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 44' |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Certificate Of Merit - Hugo Awards 2005
- Silver Award - Houston International Film Festival 2006
Kids: The Story Of A Teenage Pregnancy
Gold Remi Award - Houston International Film Festival
Documentaries
(2010)
Kids is an intimate look at the changing lives of three teenage girls and their occasional partners as they go on a nine month journey through pregnancy into parenthood. Kids is a wake up call for teenagers who think it’s easy to have a baby. The documentary follows three girls in different stages of their pregnancies to find out what life is really like for teenage parents. Kids is a documentary about pregnancy, and a portrait of at risk teenagers.
Kids is an intimate look at the changing lives of three teenage girls and their occasional partners as they go on a nine month journey through pregnancy into parenthood. Kids is a wake up call for teenagers who think it’s easy to have a baby. The documentary follows three girls in different stages of their pregnancies to find out what life is really like for teenage parents. Kids is a documentary about pregnancy, and a portrait of at risk teenagers.
| Director | Kathleen Mantel |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 44' |
| Distributor | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Gold Remi Award - Houston International Film Festival 2004
Last Western Heretic
Screenrights Best Educational Documentary - DOCNZ
Documentaries
(2010)
The Last Western Heretic is a timely and enthralling insight into the ideas and philosophies of the New Zealander described by the BBC as “the last living heretic”: New Zealand’s very own Lloyd Geering, now 89 and still deeply involved in the debate of ideas about life and religion, and latterly, the very survival of human beings and the planet to which we belong. The lively octogenarian with a sharp intellect is a NZ icon who was one of the key intellectual figures of our nation throughout the last half of the 20th century.
The documentary explores his world view in a series of controversial and richly illustrated statements, and in doing so, makes simple and comprehensible the powerful theological and cultural ideas underpinning western civilisation. This film captures the ideas and philosophy of an influential New Zealander, and offers an insight into how our beliefs and assumptions developed and where they might go in the future.
The Last Western Heretic is a timely and enthralling insight into the ideas and philosophies of the New Zealander described by the BBC as “the last living heretic”: New Zealand’s very own Lloyd Geering, now 89 and still deeply involved in the debate of ideas about life and religion, and latterly, the very survival of human beings and the planet to which we belong. The lively octogenarian with a sharp intellect is a NZ icon who was one of the key intellectual figures of our nation throughout the last half of the 20th century.
The documentary explores his world view in a series of controversial and richly illustrated statements, and in doing so, makes simple and comprehensible the powerful theological and cultural ideas underpinning western civilisation. This film captures the ideas and philosophy of an influential New Zealander, and offers an insight into how our beliefs and assumptions developed and where they might go in the future.
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 70' |
| Rights | Verve Entertainment |
| Contact | www.verveeinternational.com |
Awards
- Screenrights Best Educational Documentary - DOCNZ 2009
Leaving The Exclusive Brethren
Silver Award - Houston International Film Festival and other awards
Documentaries
(2010)
Leaving the Exclusive Brethren presents true stories of individuals and families who have fallen from grace and been excommunicated from the Exclusive Brethren. These are heartbreaking stories of men and women who are cast aside by those closest and dearest in the name of god. We meet families torn apart by this sect, a sect that ironically holds the family as the most fundamental of institutions. People who were told they could no longer be a member of their family because of their choice of partner, faith or lifestyle.
Leaving the Exclusive Brethren presents true stories of individuals and families who have fallen from grace and been excommunicated from the Exclusive Brethren. These are heartbreaking stories of men and women who are cast aside by those closest and dearest in the name of god. We meet families torn apart by this sect, a sect that ironically holds the family as the most fundamental of institutions. People who were told they could no longer be a member of their family because of their choice of partner, faith or lifestyle.
| Director | Kathleen Mantel |
| Producer | Laurie Clarke |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 44' |
| Rights | Beyond International |
| Contact | www.beyond.com.au |
Awards
- Silver Award - Houston International Film Festival 2006
- Certificate For Creative Excellence - US International Film And Video Festival 2006
Nurses - Coping And Caring
1st Place - International Health And Medicine Film Festival
Documentaries
Following Top Shelf’s first documentary on nursing, director Monique Oomen continues to explore the ups and downs of this challenging occupation in Nurses: Coping and Caring. The documentary is a moving tribute to the many unsung heroes and heroines of the nursing profession.
Following Top Shelf’s first documentary on nursing, director Monique Oomen continues to explore the ups and downs of this challenging occupation in Nurses: Coping and Caring. The documentary is a moving tribute to the many unsung heroes and heroines of the nursing profession.
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 43' |
| Rights | Network Ireland TV |
| Contact | info@network-irl-tv.com |
Awards
- 1st Place - International Health And Medicine Film Festival
Other People's Children
Selected for Competition - 14th BANFF Awards
Documentaries
(1993)
When we talk about ‘family’ we think of Mum, Dad and the kids. But this is no longer the reality. In the West less than one third of our households live like this. Directed by Anna Cottrell, this documentary looks at one such New Zealand family and reveals the varied and often complex ways we bring up our children, the relationships in which they are unwittingly and often unwillingly a part.
A European mother, Elena, and the children of her previous marriage to Sanilli (a Samoan Lay Preacher) live with her new partner Gavin and his children in Wellington, New Zealand. Sanilli now lives in LA and Gavin’s previous wife, Christine, lives in Wellington. We look at this ‘blended’ or ‘reconstituted’ family of several adults and the children who move between households.
When we talk about ‘family’ we think of Mum, Dad and the kids. But this is no longer the reality. In the West less than one third of our households live like this. Directed by Anna Cottrell, this documentary looks at one such New Zealand family and reveals the varied and often complex ways we bring up our children, the relationships in which they are unwittingly and often unwillingly a part.
A European mother, Elena, and the children of her previous marriage to Sanilli (a Samoan Lay Preacher) live with her new partner Gavin and his children in Wellington, New Zealand. Sanilli now lives in LA and Gavin’s previous wife, Christine, lives in Wellington. We look at this ‘blended’ or ‘reconstituted’ family of several adults and the children who move between households.
| Director | Anna Cottrell |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 X 46’ |
| Distributor | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Selected for Competition - 14th BANFF Awards 1993
Speed Thrills
Platinum Remi - Houston International Film Festival
Documentaries
(2010)
Speed Thrills is a one-hour documentary that seeks to unravel our cultural fixation with risk and, in particular, speed. New Zealanders are world renown for being speed freaks and adrenalin junkies. In 2003 four people were killed in high-risk leisure activities that involved speed and three of those were in motor sports. In 2003 113 people died on the roads and 2,066 were injured as a result of speed. Now, what is wrong with this picture and why is it that our cars are the most common weapon of choice? With the help of social psychologist Niki Harre, a specialist in risk taking attitudes and behaviour, and interviews with ordinary New Zealanders, we try to get to the bottom of ‘our culture of risk’
Speed Thrills is a one-hour documentary that seeks to unravel our cultural fixation with risk and, in particular, speed. New Zealanders are world renown for being speed freaks and adrenalin junkies. In 2003 four people were killed in high-risk leisure activities that involved speed and three of those were in motor sports. In 2003 113 people died on the roads and 2,066 were injured as a result of speed. Now, what is wrong with this picture and why is it that our cars are the most common weapon of choice? With the help of social psychologist Niki Harre, a specialist in risk taking attitudes and behaviour, and interviews with ordinary New Zealanders, we try to get to the bottom of ‘our culture of risk’
| Director/Producer | Laurie Clarke |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 44' |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Platinum Remi - Houston International Film Festival 2005
Strange Vehicle Games
Silver Award - Houston International Film Festival
Documentaries
(2010)
Full Metal Challenge, Scrapheap Challenge and Junkyard Wars; these tournament style games are the Olympics of automotive engineering and mechanical combat. Teams from all over the world design and build monster machines capable of incredible feats of endurance and speed as they must out-smart and out-manoeuvre their competition, all hungry for victory. In August of 2002, Trevor, Steve and Kent decided to put their lawnmower sales and repair business on the world stage. They formed a team, won New Zealand selection and travelled to England where they competed with 27 other international teams in the Full Metal Challenge. They had to build, in less than 30 days and with a budget of two thousand pounds, an all terrain vehicle.
This documentary follows Trevor and his team as they design and build their machine that they have successfully entered into the 2004 Strange Vehicle Games in China. We see these ultimate DIY’ers working late at night in their farm shed, sweating over the design and struggling to get parts. We follow them to China where they have limited time, a tight budget and are up against some tough opponents. Is their ingenuity all it’s cracked up to be? Can three Kiwis design and build a machine that can beat teams from all over the world?
Full Metal Challenge, Scrapheap Challenge and Junkyard Wars; these tournament style games are the Olympics of automotive engineering and mechanical combat. Teams from all over the world design and build monster machines capable of incredible feats of endurance and speed as they must out-smart and out-manoeuvre their competition, all hungry for victory. In August of 2002, Trevor, Steve and Kent decided to put their lawnmower sales and repair business on the world stage. They formed a team, won New Zealand selection and travelled to England where they competed with 27 other international teams in the Full Metal Challenge. They had to build, in less than 30 days and with a budget of two thousand pounds, an all terrain vehicle.
This documentary follows Trevor and his team as they design and build their machine that they have successfully entered into the 2004 Strange Vehicle Games in China. We see these ultimate DIY’ers working late at night in their farm shed, sweating over the design and struggling to get parts. We follow them to China where they have limited time, a tight budget and are up against some tough opponents. Is their ingenuity all it’s cracked up to be? Can three Kiwis design and build a machine that can beat teams from all over the world?
| Director | Laurie Clarke |
| Producer | Belinda McLeod |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 44' |
| Distributor | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Silver Award - Houston International Film Festival 2006
The Baby Chase
Festival Honourable Mention - American Film And Television
Documentaries
(1992)
Infertility is one of the last great taboos. A 21 year old woman ponders a future without children. Her only hope is high-tech medical intervention. The documentary raises the ethical questions surrounding donor insemination. We ask the question “what do you tell your children?”
Infertility is one of the last great taboos. A 21 year old woman ponders a future without children. Her only hope is high-tech medical intervention. The documentary raises the ethical questions surrounding donor insemination. We ask the question “what do you tell your children?”
| Director | Anna Cottrell |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 X 46’ |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Festival Honourable Mention - American Film And Television 1992
The Nineties
Gold Apple - National Educational Film And Video Festival, Oakland, California and other awards
Documentaries
In 1893 New Zealand women were the first in the world to gain the right to vote. One hundred years on New Zealand women celebrate the efforts of their forebears. The Nineties looks back at the lives of seven New Zealand women who have lived through many of the changes of the past century.
In 1893 New Zealand women were the first in the world to gain the right to vote. One hundred years on New Zealand women celebrate the efforts of their forebears. The Nineties looks back at the lives of seven New Zealand women who have lived through many of the changes of the past century.
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 X 46’ |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
| Rights | The Australian Film Institute |
| Contact | www.afi.org.au |
Awards
- Gold Apple - National Educational Film And Video Festival, Oakland, California
- Silver Monitor – ITVA New Zealand 1994
- Finalist – NZ Film And TV Awards 1994
Velvet Dreams
Golden Sheaf Award For Best Documentary - Yorkton Short Film And Video Festival and other awards
Documentaries
(1999)
Velvet Dreams is a titillating introduction to the world of velvet painting, a genre most noted for its portraits of topless ‘dusky maidens’ painted on black velvet. We meet velvet artists and collectors in Seattle, Arthur Leeteg’s widow in Tahiti, art historians in Auckland and finally 88 year old velvet painter, adventurer and party boy, Charles Mcphee
Velvet Dreams is a titillating introduction to the world of velvet painting, a genre most noted for its portraits of topless ‘dusky maidens’ painted on black velvet. We meet velvet artists and collectors in Seattle, Arthur Leeteg’s widow in Tahiti, art historians in Auckland and finally 88 year old velvet painter, adventurer and party boy, Charles Mcphee
| Director | Sima Urale |
| Producer | Vincent Burke, Clifton May |
| Duration | 1 X 46’ |
| Rights | AAC Fact |
| Contact | aacfact@allianceatlantis.com |
Awards
- Golden Sheaf Award For Best Documentary - Yorkton Short Film And Video Festival 1999
- Participation - Wellington Film Festival 1998
Wahine - The Untold Story
Silver Medallist - New York Festivals Film And Television Awards and other awards
Documentaries
On 10 April 1968, the New Zealand inter-island ferry Wahine sank in wellington harbour with 734 passengers and crew on board.
Despite their proximity to the rescue services, 51 people lost their lives and Wahine day has remained firmly etched in the consciousness of the nation. This documentary revisits the tragedy 25 years on. It is a gripping story of a freak storm and human error, of tragedy and heroism. This documentary is also a thorough investigation of the circumstances that led to the disaster. The story unfolds through the eyes of the survivors and rescuers, some of whom are still traumatised by the events of that day.
Despite their proximity to the rescue services, 51 people lost their lives and Wahine day has remained firmly etched in the consciousness of the nation. This documentary revisits the tragedy 25 years on. It is a gripping story of a freak storm and human error, of tragedy and heroism. This documentary is also a thorough investigation of the circumstances that led to the disaster. The story unfolds through the eyes of the survivors and rescuers, some of whom are still traumatised by the events of that day.
Even though there was a government inquiry, nobody has ever been held responsible for the worst maritime tragedy in New Zealand history. The investigative reporting style of presenter Bryan Edwards and the recollections of those personally affected by the Wahine disaster are extremely compelling.
| Director | John Carlaw |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 X 46’ |
| Rights | Network Ireland TV |
| Contact | info@network-irl-tv.com |
Awards
- Silver Medallist - New York Festivals Film And Television Awards
- Certificate Of Creative Excellence – US International Film And Video Festival 1994
- International TV Programming - The NY Festival 1993
Weightless
Finalist Award - The NY Festival
Documentaries
(1993)
Passion, sensuality, dreams and despair are captured in a compelling solo performance by Michael Parmenter after an erotic encounter in an elevator.
Passion, sensuality, dreams and despair are captured in a compelling solo performance by Michael Parmenter after an erotic encounter in an elevator.
| Choreographer | Michael Parmenter |
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 10'14 |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Finalist Award - The NY Festival 1993
Why Me
1st Prize Documentary Section - International TV And Video Association Of New Zealand Awards
Documentaries
(1992)
One in six couples suffers from infertility and there were warnings of an epidemic in the mid 1990’s. The question everyone asks when confronted with infertility is “Why Me?” . This video addresses the psychological and emotional stress of trying to have a baby often for years and years, without success.
One in six couples suffers from infertility and there were warnings of an epidemic in the mid 1990’s. The question everyone asks when confronted with infertility is “Why Me?” . This video addresses the psychological and emotional stress of trying to have a baby often for years and years, without success.
| Director | Anna Cottrell |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 30' |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- 1st Prize Documentary Section - International TV And Video Association Of New Zealand Awards 1992
Youth And Grief
Category Winner - International Health And Medical Film Festival, California and other awards
Documentaries
(1992)
This video looks at the unexpected and unexplored feelings and experiences of young people involved in the nursing and then the death of a relative or close family member. The video also explores the different needs and expressions of grief at various stages throughout childhood and adolescence.
This video looks at the unexpected and unexplored feelings and experiences of young people involved in the nursing and then the death of a relative or close family member. The video also explores the different needs and expressions of grief at various stages throughout childhood and adolescence.
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 25' |
| Rights | AAC Fact |
| Contact | aacfact@allianceatlantis.com |
Awards
- Category Winner - International Health And Medical Film Festival, California 1992
- Certificate Of Excellence - International Television And Video Association Of New Zealand Awards 1992
An Immigrant Nation
Finalist – Media Peace Awards
Factual Series
Like so many countries, New Zealand is a nation of immigrants. Many of these people were driven from their homes by war, famine or oppression. Others came as sojourners always intending to go home. All of them came in search of a new life.
Like so many countries, New Zealand is a nation of immigrants. Many of these people were driven from their homes by war, famine or oppression. Others came as sojourners always intending to go home. All of them came in search of a new life.
| Directors | Monique Oomen, Caterina De Nave, Anna Cottrell, Helene Wong, Jennifer Bush |
| Producers | Vincent Burke, Jennifer Bush, Anna Cottrell |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 7 x 46' |
| Distributor | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
| Distributor | HIT Entertainment |
| Contact | www.hitentertainment.com |
Awards
- Finalist – Media Peace Awards
Downsize Me Series 1 & 2
Certificate Of Merit - Chicago International Television Awards and other awards
Factual Series
(2010)
Downsize Me – series 1 and 2 is a 25 part inspirational series that follows the lives of ordinary New Zealanders as they struggle to beat the bulge and overcome their weight and health problems. The reality driven show follows the laughter and tears, and the emotional rollercoaster of the participants over eight weeks as they strive for a healthier lifestyle.
Nutrition expert Damian Kristof and personal trainer LeeAnne Wann take a new participant or participants on this life changing journey each week. Both take a hard line when it comes to sticking to the strict health plan they have prescribed. Their expertise and advice ensures this is not only an entertaining show but also educational at a time when obesity and bad eating habits are a major health concern around the world.
| Producer | Alex Hogg |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke, Alex Hogg |
| Duration Series 1 | 10 x 44' |
| Duration Series 2 | 15 x 44' |
| Distributor | Target Entertainment |
| Contact | www.target-entertainment.com |
Awards
- Certificate Of Merit - Chicago International Television Awards 2006
- Platinum Remi - Houston International Film Festival 2004
- Certificate Of Merit - Hugo Awards 2006
Flatmates
Finalist - Hugo Award
Factual Series
(1998)
What happens when six young people are thrown together in shared accommodation for a three month period?
What happens when every minute of their day-to-day lives is captured on camera?
The result is Flatmates - a glimpse into the lives of urban twenty-somethings.The resident cameraman and series author leave no interaction unrecorded from the intense and dramatic to the ongoing domestic organisation. The subjects themselves provide a startling range and contrast. They include two students, a finance consultant, a beauty pageant contestant and a cameraman.
What happens when six young people are thrown together in shared accommodation for a three month period?
What happens when every minute of their day-to-day lives is captured on camera?
The result is Flatmates - a glimpse into the lives of urban twenty-somethings.The resident cameraman and series author leave no interaction unrecorded from the intense and dramatic to the ongoing domestic organisation. The subjects themselves provide a startling range and contrast. They include two students, a finance consultant, a beauty pageant contestant and a cameraman.
| Producers | Vincent Burke, Louise Fisher |
| Duration | 5 x 23' |
| Distributor | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Finalist - Hugo Award 1998
Frontier Of Dreams
Certificate Of Merit - Chicago International Television Awards and other awards
Factual Series
(2010)
This series spans the history of New Zealand from geological origins to Maori settlement and occupation, through the colonial period, the 20th century and into the new millennium.
Frontier of Dreams is the story of myths, perceptions and dreams. However, all dreams become victims to reality. The New Zealand Story is about cultural baggage and new clothing for a different climate. It’s about keeping some things and throwing away the rest and, as new waves of immigrants arrive, it’s about the ongoing dialogue between people and place. Produced by Whakapapa Productions.
| Directors | Michael Bennett Howard Taylor Ray Waru John Milligan, Cheryl Cameron, Sue Younger , Anne Salmond |
| Producer | Ray Waru |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 13 x 50' |
Awards
- Certificate Of Merit - Chicago International Television Awards 2006
- Silver Award (Episode 10) - Houston International Film Festival 2006
- Silver Screen Award - US International Film And Video Festival 2006
- Certificate Of Merit – Hugo Awards 2006
House Trap – Series 1 & 2
Silver Remi - Houston International Film Awards
Factual Series
(2010)
An increasing number of the middle class in developed countries see property and houses in particular, as a way to becoming rich, a way to make hundreds of thousands of dollars profit, tax free – you don’t need a university education, just a degree in common sense. We all know or have heard of someone who’s made a fortune selling houses. It is tantalizingly within reach of many of us and therein lies the problem – most of us buy a house thinking it’s a simple matter to turn that investment into a profit. Most of us fall into the House Trap.
This series includes four commercial one hour documentaries that shed light on what we believe is a potentially destructive trend in property marketing and ownership that needs to be addressed.
An increasing number of the middle class in developed countries see property and houses in particular, as a way to becoming rich, a way to make hundreds of thousands of dollars profit, tax free – you don’t need a university education, just a degree in common sense. We all know or have heard of someone who’s made a fortune selling houses. It is tantalizingly within reach of many of us and therein lies the problem – most of us buy a house thinking it’s a simple matter to turn that investment into a profit. Most of us fall into the House Trap.
This series includes four commercial one hour documentaries that shed light on what we believe is a potentially destructive trend in property marketing and ownership that needs to be addressed.
| Producer | Laurie Clarke |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration Series 1 | 4 x 44' |
| Duration Series 2 | 4 x 44' |
| Distributor | Network Ireland TV |
| Contact | info@network-irl-tv.com |
Awards
- Silver Remi - Houston International Film Awards 2006
Survivor Files
Bronze Award - Houston International Film Festival
Factual Series
(2010)
The Survivor Files tells inspirational stories of people surviving horrific injuries. Each story has a strong focus on science – using sophisticated graphics and clear and concise commentary from experts – we look at the science behind the injury i.e. what caused it and why. We explore the medical science of the treatment and recovery process i.e. what happens to a human body when it sustains a particular injury, the healing processes that take place and the medical procedures that can be used to aid this process.
In each programme we follow one case. The personal story of recovery is blended with footage of the accident (where it exists), graphics of and stylised reconstructions of what occurred, medical footage like x-rays and records operations and sophisticated graphical representations of the injury and treatment. The specialists, doctors and physiotherapists lead us through the science of the treatment process, and the victims talk us through what they were experiencing, their pain, hopes and fears.
The Survivor Files tells inspirational stories of people surviving horrific injuries. Each story has a strong focus on science – using sophisticated graphics and clear and concise commentary from experts – we look at the science behind the injury i.e. what caused it and why. We explore the medical science of the treatment and recovery process i.e. what happens to a human body when it sustains a particular injury, the healing processes that take place and the medical procedures that can be used to aid this process.
In each programme we follow one case. The personal story of recovery is blended with footage of the accident (where it exists), graphics of and stylised reconstructions of what occurred, medical footage like x-rays and records operations and sophisticated graphical representations of the injury and treatment. The specialists, doctors and physiotherapists lead us through the science of the treatment process, and the victims talk us through what they were experiencing, their pain, hopes and fears.
| Producer | Rachel Antony |
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke, Laurie Clarke |
| Duration | 10 x 23' |
| Distributor | 10 x 23' |
| Contact | www.beyond.com.au |
Awards
- Bronze Award - Houston International Film Festival 2006
The Filth Files
Gold Remi Award - Houston International Film Festival and other awards
Factual Series
(2010)
It’s a dirty world we live in where creepy crawlies
and vermin spread filth, disease and even death.
People are messy creatures too, leaving a trail of discarded rubbish, dead cars and industrial waste for future generations to clean-up. Their pets often roam at large fouling parks, footpaths and beaches. Some of them are savage and pose a threat to safety.
People are messy creatures too, leaving a trail of discarded rubbish, dead cars and industrial waste for future generations to clean-up. Their pets often roam at large fouling parks, footpaths and beaches. Some of them are savage and pose a threat to safety.
Attacking the problems of our soiled and sullied
planet is a small and dedicated band of grime fighters, pest
controllers, pollution control experts and animal rangers.
They lift the covers on the ugly underside of human
existence and they’re out there working to make this mucky world a
better place. | Executive Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration Series 1 | 7 x 23' |
| Duration Series 2 | 13 x 23' |
| Duration Series 3 | 13 x 23' |
| Distributor | Beyond International |
| Contact | www.beyond.com.au |
Awards
- Gold Remi Award - Houston International Film Festival 2004
- Educational Instructional Adults - Hugo Awards
- Silver Remi, Episode 1 - Houston International Film Festival 2004
- Bronze Remi, Episode 2 - Houston International Film Festival 2004
- Certificate Of Merit - Chicago International Televison Awards 2005
- (The Inspectors) Silver Award - Houston International Film Awards 2006
Target, Series 12
Best NZ Information / Lifestyle Programme - Qantas Television Awards and other awards
Factual Series
(2010)
Target is a half-hour programme alerting consumers to questionable work practices and providing first rate advice on which products to buy. The last eight series of Target has been commissioned by New Zealand’s TV3 network. It is in its 9th consecutive year and is one of their highest rating weekly shows.
Target is a half-hour programme alerting consumers to questionable work practices and providing first rate advice on which products to buy. The last eight series of Target has been commissioned by New Zealand’s TV3 network. It is in its 9th consecutive year and is one of their highest rating weekly shows.
| Executive Producer | Vincent Burke, Laurie Clarke |
| Duration Series 1-9 | 209 x 23', 1 x 44' |
| Distributor | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Best NZ Information / Lifestyle Programme - Qantas Television Awards 2006
- Finalist - Qantas Media Awards 1999
- Gold Award - Houston International Film Festival 2006
Flight of the Albatross
First Prize For Best Children’s Feature Film - Berlin International Film Festival and other awards
Drama & Comedy
(1993)
Mako (Taungaora Emile – Once Were Warriors, No 2), a young Maori boy on the verge of a criminal future, unwillingly returns to his idyllic island home off the coast of New Zealand to live with his mother and her new husband. Sarah (Julia Brendler – Moondance), a promising young musician from Germany has come to the island to spend the holidays with her ornithologist mother.
As the young pair begin to experience the fears and joys of first love they are plunged into a mysterious life and death adventure. Directed by Werner Meyer (The Children of No 67), Flight of the Albatross is a haunting love story.
Mako (Taungaora Emile – Once Were Warriors, No 2), a young Maori boy on the verge of a criminal future, unwillingly returns to his idyllic island home off the coast of New Zealand to live with his mother and her new husband. Sarah (Julia Brendler – Moondance), a promising young musician from Germany has come to the island to spend the holidays with her ornithologist mother.
As the young pair begin to experience the fears and joys of first love they are plunged into a mysterious life and death adventure. Directed by Werner Meyer (The Children of No 67), Flight of the Albatross is a haunting love story.
| Director | Werner Meyer |
| Producers | Vincent Burke, Susanne Wagner, Udo Heiland |
| Duration | Cinema 1 × 92’, Television 4 × 25’ |
| Format | 35mm / Digi Beta |
| Distributor | Portman Entertainment |
Awards
- First Prize For Best Children’s Feature Film - Berlin International Film Festival 1993
- Jury Award - Giffoni Film Festival 1997
Gordon Bennett
Platinum Remi - Houston International Film Festival
Drama & Comedy
(2010)
Cosgrove, his wife Christine and their mate Murphy run a small concrete laying company. Business is not great but they make do until one day Gordon Bennett comes to stay and, to their horror, they discover he wants to work for them. In vain Cosgrove tries to keep the upper hand, but Gordon has other plans.
Cosgrove, his wife Christine and their mate Murphy run a small concrete laying company. Business is not great but they make do until one day Gordon Bennett comes to stay and, to their horror, they discover he wants to work for them. In vain Cosgrove tries to keep the upper hand, but Gordon has other plans.
| Director | Nevan Rowe |
| Producers | Vincent Burkem Trishia Downie |
| Duration | 1 x 12' |
| Format | 35mm Film |
| Distributor | New Zealand Film Commission |
| Contact | www.nzfilm.co.nz |
Awards
- Platinum Remi - Houston International Film Festival 2005
Swimming Lessons
Finalist - BANFF Film and Television Festival Award for Best Short Drama
Drama & Comedy
(1996)
Swimming coach, Jim Sadler works hard to maintain his pool, quiet life and empty marriage.
He’s spent 25 years looking for someone he can turn into a champion and now he’s finally found that person. But the kid’s a tough customer, pressure on Jim mounts as his family and his job threaten to crumble around him. Then he makes a horrifying discovery about the world his young pupil comes from and realises for the first time in his life he must follow his heart, wherever it may lead.
Swimming Lessons is the story of how an ordinary man is forced to confront his sense of failure and how, revived by the love of a child, he can once again dream an extraordinary dream. Starring Marshall Napier.
| Director | Steve La Hood |
| Producer | Jan Hayes |
| Executive Producer | Caterina De Nave |
| Duration | 1 x 53' |
| Format | Super 16mm / Beta SP / Digi Beta |
| Distributor | New Zealand Film Commission |
| Contact | www.nzfilm.co.nz |
Awards
- Finalist - BANFF Film and Television Festival Award for Best Short Drama 1996
Home Care
Certificate Of Excellence - International TV & Video Association Of NZ Awards
Other
(1992)
Home Care provides information for people considering caring for a family member or friend with a terminal illness at home.
Home Care provides information for people considering caring for a family member or friend with a terminal illness at home.
| Director | Monique Oomen |
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 37' |
| Rights | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Certificate Of Excellence - International TV & Video Association Of NZ Awards 1992
The Gambler
Platinum Remi - 38th Worldfest Houston
Other
(2010)
These DVD/Video’s were commissioned by the Gambling Helpline and funded by the Problem Gambling Committee.
Their purpose is to provide real stories to illustrate key health messages that can help to raise awareness about gambling and gambling problems. The first The Gambler is aimed at the person with a gambling problem.The latterGambling The Flipside is aimed at the ‘significant other’ be it partner, parent, child, sibling, friend and so on who is affected by someone else’s gambling.
These DVD/Video’s were commissioned by the Gambling Helpline and funded by the Problem Gambling Committee.
Their purpose is to provide real stories to illustrate key health messages that can help to raise awareness about gambling and gambling problems. The first The Gambler is aimed at the person with a gambling problem.The latterGambling The Flipside is aimed at the ‘significant other’ be it partner, parent, child, sibling, friend and so on who is affected by someone else’s gambling.
| Producer | Vincent Burke |
| Duration | 1 x 10', 1 x 13' |
| Distributor | Top Shelf Productions Limited |
Awards
- Platinum Remi - 38th Worldfest Houston 2005
