Entries in this year's Qantas Film and Television Awards have closed with a total of 680 entries in 57 categories - exceeding industry expectations.

Strong numbers of entries were recorded in categories Best News, Best Current Affairs Series, Best Maori Language Programme, Best Documentary and Best Feature Film.

The awards are the amalgamation of the two former award ceremonies: The NZ Screen Awards and the NZ Television Awards.The awards will be judged by 70 judges who will work under the guidance of three chairs covering news and current affairs, film and documentary, and television.

Screen Directors Guild executive director and organising committee member, Anna Cahill, said the number of entries had exceeded expectations.

"The number of entries across the almost 60 categories is a fantastic endorsement of the inaugural combined awards. We're looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our industries," Ms Cahill said.

"It's particularly encouraging to see a strong showing of entries in the craft categories - for those creative skills that underpin delivery of great New Zealand film and television," Ms Cahill said.

New Zealand Television Broadcasters' Council chief executive and organising committee member, Rick Friesen, said he was pleased to announce the three chairs of judges for the 2008 Qantas Film and Television Awards.

"The chairs play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of the judging process and the smooth management of the judging. We are delighted with the expertise and experience of this year's three chairs," Mr Friesen said.

The chairs for the 2008 Qantas Film and Television Awards are:

· Head of Christchurch Polytechnic's New Zealand Broadcasting School, Paul Norris, chair of judges for the news and current affairs category

· Former Head of Development New Zealand Film Commission, Caroline Grose, chair of judges for film and documentary categories

· Chairman of the New Zealand Screen Council, Graeme Wilson, chair of judges for the television category

Entries for the 2008 Qantas Film and Television Awards opened on June 9 and closed on July 4.

Key dates for the Qantas Film and Television Awards
Tickets for the Qantas Film and Television Awards and the Qantas Film and Television Craft Awards are now on sale.

Finalists for the Qantas Film and Television Awards will be announced in Wellington on Tuesday, August 12.

The Qantas Film and Television Craft Awards will be announced during an awards lunch at Auckland's Civic Theatre on Friday, September 12.

The Qantas Film and Television Awards (including highlights from the Craft Awards) will be presented at a function at the Civic Theatre on Saturday, September 13 with a combined after party.

Media release

About the Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand

The Screen Directors Guild of New Zealand (SDGNZ) represents New Zealand Directors and Editors. The Guild creates a forum where directors and editors can define, defend and further their professional industry. Directors have a responsibility to shape and influence the collective environment they work in. It is the Guild's role to help Screen Directors and Editors work more effectively in the New Zealand Film and Television industry. For all expertise levels, from young trainees to seasoned directors, the SDGNZ is dedicated to the artistic excellence, employment opportunities and economic wellbeing of its members.

About the New Zealand Television Broadcasters' Council

The New Zealand Television Broadcasters' Council is an industry organisation representing the non-competitive interests of free-to-air television broadcasters in New Zealand. The members are TVWorks, Television New Zealand and Maori Television.

16/07/08