Press release from NZ Film Commission
Local rights to seven New Zealand feature films produced in the 1980s have been restored in an historic deal negotiated by NZ Film, who have been working for several years to secure the rights. The films, known as the ‘Mirage catalogue’ went out of circulation, then on-sold several times, following the liquidation of their original foreign sales agent some 20 years ago.
NZ Film, which is the sales arm of the NZ Film Commission, struck the deal with LA-based company, First Look Features which retains ownership of the films for the rest of the world.
It is likely the films will need some form of restoration, colour grade, picture and audio enhancement before being re-released in New Zealand on DVD and other forms of media.
The Mirage catalogue includes two Ronald Hugh Morrieson adaptations – the 1985 comedy box office hit, Came a Hot Friday, featuring Billy T James as the Tainuia Kid and the black comedy caper, Pallet on the Floor. With Predicament currently in production in the Taranaki, this means all four Morrieson novels have now been adapted for the screen (the fourth being The Scarecrow which was produced in 1981).
Illustrious Energy, a film about Chinese gold miners in 19th Century New Zealand, has also been recovered. “It’s as if we’ve finally found Chan’s gold! It seemed such an elusive quest. In the UK last year I tracked down and was shown the cans of negative in storage. It was heart breaking. I was not permitted to reclaim and restore my own film — but this can now happen" said Leon Narbey who directed the film.
The films were produced by Mirage principals, Larry Parr and Don Reynolds and are:
Came a Hot Friday – director Ian Mune (1985)
Illustrious Energy – director Leon Narbey (1987)
Pallet on the Floor – director Lynton Butler (1984)
Queen City Rocker – director Bruce Morrison (1986)
Shaker Run – director Bruce Morrison (1984)
A Soldier’s Tale – director Larry Parr (1988)
Starlight Hotel – director Sam Pillsbury (1987)