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Legendary Film Producer John Barnett Dies at 73
Table of Contents
- 1. Legendary Film Producer John Barnett Dies at 73
- 2. How did John Barnett contribute to the development of local talent within the new Zealand screen industry?
- 3. John Barnett, Legendary New Zealand Film and Television Producer, Passes Away at 81
- 4. A Pioneering Career in New Zealand Production
- 5. Early Career & Establishing a Production Powerhouse
- 6. Landmark Productions & International Recognition
- 7. The Piano (1993) – A Defining Moment
- 8. Other Notable Productions
- 9. Impact on the New Zealand Screen Industry
- 10. Awards and Recognition
New zealand’s film industry is in mourning following the death of producer john barnett on Sunday night, a figure renowned for championing Kiwi stories and talent on the global stage.
Barnett, 73, leaves behind a remarkable legacy built over a half-century career. He began his work in the industry in 1973, and became a driving force behind new Zealand’s cinematic landscape, notably leading South Pacific Pictures from 1992 to 2015 as the company’s head.
His current venture, Endeavour Ventures, continued this commitment, focusing on development of both feature films and international television series. Barnett’s influence can be seen in some of New Zealand‘s most successful and globally recognized films. He served as a producer or executive producer on four of the nation’s ten highest-grossing films: Footrot Flats, Whale Rider, Sione’s Wedding, and What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?
| Film Title | Year of Release | Estimated Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Footrot Flats | 1986 | NZ$20.3 million |
| Whale Rider | 2002 | NZ$46.7 million |
| Sione’s Wedding | 2006 | NZ$25.3 million |
| What Becomes of the Broken Hearted? | 2013 | NZ$16.7 million |
Barnett’s commitment to the arts was formally recognized in 2019 when he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his invaluable services to film and television.He often cited Whale Rider as a personal highlight of his career, praising the film’s BAFTA Award win and Oscar nominations – including one for rising star Keisha Castle-Hughes – and its substantial international success, exceeding $50 million worldwide.
Beyond box office achievements, Barnett was passionate about amplifying diverse voices. He was instrumental in supporting projects that brought Māori, Pacific, and Asian stories to the forefront, and notably founded the Sundance channel (now Rialto), the country’s first dedicated art house film station.
Did you know? Barnett’s work helped pave the way for a more inclusive and globally connected New Zealand film industry.
Pro Tip: Supporting autonomous film and television is crucial for ensuring a diverse range of stories and perspectives reach audiences. Consider exploring platforms that champion independent content like Kanopy or Mubi.
Barnett’s passing leaves a significant void in New Zealand’s creative industry. His vision, dedication, and commitment to storytelling will be deeply missed.
Is it surprising considering the success of some of New zealand’s cultural exports, the funding of the arts remains a challenge? How will his legacy shape the future of film and television within the country?
How did John Barnett contribute to the development of local talent within the new Zealand screen industry?
John Barnett, Legendary New Zealand Film and Television Producer, Passes Away at 81
A Pioneering Career in New Zealand Production
John Barnett, a towering figure in New Zealand’s film and television industry, has died at the age of 81. His passing marks the end of an era for local production,leaving behind a legacy of innovation and a wealth of iconic New Zealand content. Barnett’s career spanned decades, witnessing and actively shaping the evolution of the industry from its nascent stages to the globally recognized force it is today. He was a key player in establishing new Zealand as a desirable location for international filmmakers and fostering a thriving domestic screen sector.
Early Career & Establishing a Production Powerhouse
Barnett began his career in the 1960s, initially working in television before transitioning to film production. He quickly demonstrated a keen eye for talent and a knack for navigating the complexities of filmmaking.
Early Television Work: Barnett’s initial roles involved producing and directing segments for popular New Zealand television shows, gaining invaluable experience in all aspects of production.
Founding South Pacific Pictures: In 1982, Barnett co-founded South Pacific Pictures (SPP) with Robert Mulhern. This became one of New Zealand’s most successful and enduring production companies. SPP was instrumental in producing numerous internationally acclaimed series and films.
Key Early Productions: SPP’s early successes included Gloss, a groundbreaking soap opera that captivated audiences and showcased New Zealand talent. This established SPP as a major player in the local television landscape.
Landmark Productions & International Recognition
Barnett’s influence extended far beyond domestic television. He spearheaded productions that garnered international acclaim and put new Zealand filmmaking on the world map.
The Piano (1993) – A Defining Moment
Perhaps Barnett’s most critically important achievement was his executive producer role on Jane Campion’s The Piano. This Oscar-winning film was a watershed moment for New Zealand cinema.
Oscar Success: The Piano won three Academy Awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress (Holly Hunter).
International Exposure: The film’s success brought significant international attention to New Zealand’s filmmaking capabilities and stunning landscapes.
Boosting the industry: The Piano helped attract further investment and talent to the New Zealand film industry.
Other Notable Productions
Beyond The Piano, Barnett was involved in a diverse range of successful projects:
Hercules: The Legendary journeys & Xena: Warrior Princess: These hugely popular syndicated television series, produced by SPP, became global phenomena, showcasing New Zealand locations and crew to a massive audience. These productions were significant employers for the New Zealand screen industry.
The almighty Johnsons: A more recent success, this supernatural drama series demonstrated Barnett’s continued ability to identify and nurture innovative storytelling.
Outrageous Fortune: A long-running and beloved New Zealand television drama, showcasing local talent and storylines.
Filial Piety: A critically acclaimed short film that showcased emerging New Zealand filmmakers.
Impact on the New Zealand Screen Industry
John Barnett’s contribution to the New Zealand screen industry is immeasurable. He wasn’t just a producer; he was a mentor, an advocate, and a driving force for growth.
Skills Development: Barnett actively supported initiatives to develop local talent, providing opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, writers, and technicians.
Industry Advocacy: He was a vocal advocate for government support for the film and television industry, recognizing its economic and cultural importance.
International Co-productions: Barnett championed international co-productions, fostering collaborations that brought new resources and expertise to New Zealand.
Establishing New Zealand as a Filming Location: His work on productions like Hercules and Xena cemented New Zealand’s reputation as a world-class filming location, attracting major international productions.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, John Barnett received numerous accolades for his contributions to the New Zealand screen industry.
Lifetime Achievement awards: He was the recipient of several lifetime achievement awards, recognizing his outstanding career and lasting impact.
Industry Honors: Barnett was honored by various industry organizations for his dedication to fostering a thriving screen sector.
*Queen’
