Internationally acclaimed NZ-born director Martin Campbell has been brought on board as mentor for Air New Zealand's new scholarship within the Inspiring New Zealanders programme .

The new programme will foster the next generation of filmmakers, and will include unprecedented access to Campbell, one of the world's most commercially successful filmmakers.Internationally acclaimed NZ-born director Martin Campbell has been brought on board as mentor for Air New Zealand's new scholarship within the Inspiring New Zealanders programme .

The new programme will foster the next generation of filmmakers, and will include unprecedented access to Campbell, one of the world's most commercially successful filmmakers.This will include working with Campbell on his next feature film, a short course in Entertainment and Performing Arts at UCLA Film School as well as other career enhancing opportunities.

Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe says the airline is delighted to have someone of Martin Campbell's calibre involved in the programme.

"Martin is one of New Zealand's most commercially successful filmmakers, and we are incredibly fortunate that he has agreed to make time for the Inspiring New Zealanders programme. There is no substitute for the guidance that only an experienced veteran such as Martin can offer, and he will be a great mentor for one talented filmmaker who is still at a formative stage in his or her career," says Fyfe.

Says Campbell, "Having spent a number of years living in both the United Kingdom and the United States, I hope that sharing my experience in the film and television industry can help another Kiwi reach the top."

Campbell is credited with rejuvenating the James Bond franchise. In 1995 he directed GoldenEye, starring Pierce Brosnan, which went on to gross more than $350 million. Most recently, he directed his second James Bond film, the widely acclaimed Casino Royale.

The Air New Zealand Inspiring New Zealanders scholarship in Film 2007 is open to New Zealand residents or passport holders, based not only in New Zealand, but around the globe.

The online applications and submissions (including a DVD containing a showreel or sample of an original piece of work) will be reviewed by a panel including members from the NZ Film Commission, Investment New Zealand, Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand, and Air New Zealand.

Following an initial review, a short list of candidates' entries will be sent to Campbell for review and final decision. One scholarship recipient will be selected.

Aspiring applicants for the Air New Zealand Inspiring New Zealanders scholarship in Film can apply online. Applications open 30th August 2007. The successful scholarship recipient will be announced mid-October 2007.

The inaugural Air New Zealand Inspiring New Zealanders Scholarship in Film is the latest addition to the Inspiring New Zealanders programme which currently includes scholarships in Olympic Sports, Film and Wine.

2/8/07