The New Zealand Institute of Screen Innovation is a new representative body that will engage in local and international relationships for the advancement of the digital content sector.
It will relate specifically to entertainment and educative screen delivery and has been formed by representatives of New Zealand’s leading digital entertainment businesses.
This independent body acts as a facilitator and monitor of industry development programmes to ensure that gaps are closed, and opportunities developed and commercialized.
The Institute forms part of the strategic initiatives of the Wellington Regional Strategy as delivered by the Centres of Excellence.
Governance
It is initially structured as limited liability incorporation with key directors engaged to foster digital entertainment innovation locally, and collaboration globally.
Initial directors of NZISI are:
Michael Stephens – Specialist entertainment sector legal advisor
Mark Billinghurst – HITLab NZ
Mario Wynands – Sidhe Interactive and NZ Games Association
Andrew Smith – Weta Workshop & Pukeko Pictures
Laurence Greig – Grow Wellington
Andrew Bonica - NZICT
Role and Activities of NZISI
The NZISI develops strategies and programmes at both a micro and macro level, including communicating a vision, engaging in infrastructure development, establishing global alliances and partnerships, encouraging skills development and generally supporting the position of New Zealand as a world wide centre for screen innovation.
It sources funding from public and private parties to allow the Institute to sponsor, support or otherwise invest in projects which it considers will advance the standing and status of New Zealand as a pre-eminent screen innovation partner in the areas of interest including film, music, visual effects, games, entertainment businesses, tools and content.
The NZISI will:
- promote the industry and the development programmes through local and central government, institute member networks and international partners.
- work to develop partnerships and alliances with other national and international groups working in similar areas to accelerate the goals of the NZISI and the industry.
- work with education providers and researchers to ensure appropriate skills development and innovation is undertaken to align with New Zealand’s industry driven goals.
- develop and define benchmarks to monitor the success of the supported programmes and act as an independent quality monitor of key initiatives where public and private funding demands strategic outcomes.
- ensure representative membership to provide for optimum efficiency.
- seek representation on appropriate international groups, panels and boards which will advance the positions and achievements of the NZISI.