WIFT NZ Events

You know the story you want to tell. We’ll help you find the content to bring it to life.

Join the Getty Images team for an insider’s look at the suite of services available to producers, from pre-production to post and beyond. Whether it’s scripted or factual, we help producers find the right content (fast), access archival gems or fresh contemporary visuals, navigate licensing and clearance, negotiating and pricing, and much more.

Cass Avery from ‘Prime Minister’ will also be joining a panel of Getty Images experts, where we will delve into her recent project and discuss how partnering with Getty Images services across archive, video and stills was utilised across production Stages.

This session will explore:

• Frame by frame: from development to distribution, support for scripted and

• factual productions with Alyssa Orvis

• A behind the scenes look at the role of a product specialist with Cathy Totten

• Reel talk with Cass Avery and Alyssa Orvis

• Lights, camera, quiz! Test your knowledge with an archival quiz

• The wrap party – networking and drinks

Our panellists are:

Alyssa Orvis: Alyssa is a Sales Executive at Getty Images focused on supporting the TV, film, broadcast and production Industry. Alyssa was a Documentary Investment Manager at Screen Australia for eight years (2013 - 2021), where she was involved in the development, funding and management of a slate of documentaries including features, television series, online shorts, new media projects and emerging filmmaker initiatives. Prior to Screen Australia, Alyssa divided her time between Sydney Film Festival and the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, where she oversaw guest and industry teams and advised on programming from 2009 - 2012. Alyssa also lived in New York for 10 years, where she worked at Tribeca Film Festival, the New York Film Festival and the Bicycle Film Festival.

Cathy Totten: Cathy is a Product Specialist at Getty Images focused on connecting TV & Film producers with major international networks including BBC, NBC, TVNZ and ITN. Prior to joining Getty in 2018, Cathy's broad and diverse background includes competing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at UNSW, running established and emerging art galleries in New York City and shooting events such as Australian Fashion week. She now enjoys helping other creatives create their stories through Getty Images + partners extensive library.

Cass Avery: Cass is EVP of Production & Development at Dark Doris. As a producer, executive producer and writer, Cass has helmed and scripted more than 40 documentaries and television series commissioned in NZ, Australia and the US. Her projects have screened on Netflix, Amazon, WBD, Hulu, SKY UK and Seven Australia. Cass produced Chasing Great, releasing in 2016 which is New Zealand’s highest ever grossing cinema documentary.  In 2019 she executive produced and wrote Jessica's Tree, and co-produced it’s companion feature documentary Girl on the Bridge. Cass also produced the Amazon original Hot Potato: The Story of The Wiggles,  the 4 part true crime documentary series Black Coast Vanishings made for Warner Brothers Discovery with Studio Canal In 2025 she executive produced the John Clarke feature documentary Not Only Fred Dagg and produced the film Prime Minister that premiered at Sundance and won the coveted Audience Award at both Sundance and at The Sydney Film Festival.

📅 Date: Tuesday 2nd September
📍 Location: Grid, Lysaght Building
🕠 Time: 6.00PM – 8.30PM

We look forward to a relaxed, insightful evening and discussing how Getty Images can support WIFT members with their upcoming/current projects.

Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Free to WIFT members and $20 for non-members. Book Your Attendance Here

✨ Special Preview Screening: Prime Minister ✨

Be among the very first to experience Prime Minister at this exclusive preview screening—ahead of its commercial release at the end of September.

This powerful new documentary offers an intimate look at the Right Honorable Dame Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s 40th Prime Minister. From navigating unprecedented crises to implementing bold policies, becoming only the second leader in history to give birth in office, and redefining global expectations of empathy and inclusivity in leadership—this is a portrait of a woman who changed the way the world sees power.

Following the screening, join producer Cass Avery in conversation as she shares insights into the making of the film.

📅 Sunday 7 September, 4pm
📍 The Bridgeway
🥂 A glass of bubbles included
🎟️ Members $20 | Non-members $25

BOOK HERE VIA HUMANATIX

Toi Pōneke Art Centre, WIFT and Massey University are proud to host a special presentation from director Rob Sarkies (Out of the Blue, Scarfies) and screenwriter Fiona Samuel (Piece of My Heart, Consent: The Louise Nicholas Story) to launch the Wellington Write Room Screenwriter's Residency for 2026. 

Proceeding the highly anticipated release of Pike River on 30 October,  Rob and Fiona will share how they brought this film to life, honouring the real people at the heart of the story.  This presentation will offer a rare look at how these two experienced storytellers crafted a dramatic piece of cinema based on a true story with integrity, courage and deep emotional truth.  

A version of this session was one of the highlights of the 2025 Big Screen Symposium and should be of interest to all Pōneke writers, dramatists, filmmakers, and artists interested in the intersection of truth and drama.  

The session will include the launch of the 2026 Toi Poneke Wellington Write Room programme (in its 8th consecutive year) and a chance for writers considering applying to discuss requirements with Write Room co-founders Vicky Pope and Rob Sarkies.

About our guests:

Rob Sarkies made his feature debut with black comedy Scarfies (1999), premiering at Sundance and becoming an enduring hit in NZ. His sophomore feature, Out of the Blue (2006) premiered at TIFF to critical and NZ box office success. His latest feature Pike River premiered at the Sydney Film Festival in June and will release in NZ cinemas on 30 October 2025. Rob’s television projects include acclaimed tele-features Consent: The Louise Nicholas Story and Jean about the early life of aviator Jean Batten. Rob has also directed episodic television including episodes of The Gulf, One Lane Bridge, Australian series Wanted and many well known commercials.

Fiona Samuel is a writer and director for television, theatre and film, an NZ Arts Foundation Laureate, and a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to television and theatre. She has made a body of work that puts the female experience front and centre, starting with her groundbreaking drama series The Marching Girls, featuring ten young female leads at the helm. Continuing through her acclaimed Sunday Theatre telefeatures is Piece of My Heart and Bliss – The Beginning of Katherine Mansfield. Fiona wrote & directed both films, which won high ratings and multiple awards.

📅 Date: Wednesday 24th September
📍 Location: National Academy of Screen Arts cinema, Dominion Museum Building, Tokomaru, Block 10, Massey University, Wallace Street, Wellington
🕠 Time: 6.00PM – 8.30PM

Presentation followed by nibbles & drinks. Cash bar available.

Free to WIFT members, Massey Students & Staff. $10 for non-members.

BOOK HERE VIA HUMANATIX