VOL XXV

OMNICRON NEWS, JAN/FEB 2013

A Great Kick off to 2013!

This year has literally kicked off with high kicks and feathers as Omnicron produced its first TV commercial for 2013 on the 7 January.

Omnicron was chosen to launch the brand new night spot, Encore Cabaret, a unique restaurant, bar and entertainment venue on Auckland's K Road strip.

Production included recording an original music track by renowned Kiwi producer Alan Jansson (producer of "How Bizarre") and shooting on location at the recently finished venue. The production had to be rapidly turned around from start to finish in just one week.

Encore Cabaret is a unique entertainment venue in Auckland. The best way to describe the Encore experience is a fusion of a pop concert, Moulin Rouge, Cirque Du Soleil and for those of you who remember, the legendary Burgundy’s of Parnell.

"We wanted to capture Encore's special magic and fabulosity. TV was perfect for this" says Chris Mears, Encore's Artistic Director. "Our show with dinner is the perfect indulgence for a birthday, hens or bucks party, work function or anniversary. But to sell tickets people really need to hear and see a sample of our cabaret. Omnicron was able to capture the excitement of our show and the response from our TV campaign has been fantastic."

To check out a teaser of the video, go to our 'our work' and view 'something new' from our main page or goto www.encorecabaret.co.nz

VOL XXIV

OMNICRON NEWS, DECEMBER 2012

Fletcher Building's Got Talent!

Fletcher Building was seeking something new and engaging to open their annual Health, Safety and Sustainability Awards for 2012. With this in mind, Omnicron pitched a fresh take on television's popular 'Got talent' concept. Using real staff from within the Fletcher Building group, the Omnicron creative team wrote and recorded a pop song based on safety in the work place.

The finished song was then performed on location by actual staff at a number of Fletcher Building sites. The result is probably New Zealand’s first corporate music video.

"This has been a very enjoyable and successful project to work on. The video has received a highly positive reaction from staff across the group with many requests for it to be played repeatedly during the awards night. It's also become a big hit over our intranet. A great vehicle to reinforce our values and culture within our business across all sectors." Pauline Constable, Projects Manager, Fletcher Building.

To check out a teaser of the video, go to our 'our work' and view 'something new' from our main page.

VOL XXIII

OMNICRON NEWS, OCTOBER 2012

Hunger Games

Shooting food so that it makes you feel hungry is not as easy as it sounds.

So when Farro commissioned Omnicron to produce a series of commercials promoting their quality meat, the challenge was not only to deliver a fresh creative concept but also to shoot the food in such a way that it will stir an appetite even on a full stomach.

The result is the new "Don’t go far…go to Farro" campaign.

"Our new commercials truly capture the quality of our food with all the colour, freshness and succulence. And the fact that we carefully source only the best produce from New Zealand, including a premium selection from free-range farms nationwide, brings a real meaning to "Don't go far... Go to Farro" - Janene Draper, co-owner Farro Fresh Ltd.

For some of the best looking food on TV check out Farro’s latest TV commercial Directed by Ondrej Havas and Uwe Engbers.

VOL XXII

OMNICRON NEWS, OCTOBER 2012

No Joke!

“Even though Worldnet is a well-established telco provider, it’s a modest business when compared to it’s major players like Telstra Clear and Telecom.

With an advertising budget of only a fraction of that of it’s large rivals, Worldnet’s brief to Omnicron for producing their first set of TV commercials was very simple. 'Make it economical and make it work!'

Omnicron's creative concept was based around using relatively unknown Kiwi comic talent. After several screen tests, Rhys Mathewson was selected to front the new Worldnet commercials. Rhys contributed towards the script and over fifty 15-second versions were filmed before finally deciding on 3 different performances.

In the first week of going to air, the commercials increased Worldnet’s new customer contracts 2O fold! This level of growth continued throughout the four week campaign.

'We didn’t know what to expect with our first TV commercial, but we have been absolutely blown away by the customer response. The creative concept hit the sweet spot perfectly and the production costs made it very affordable' Roy Kim, WorldNet.

VOL XXI

OMNICRON NEWS, AUGUST 2012

Air New Zealand goes 'old skool'

“When Air New Zealand engaged Omnicron to promote its engineering services to other aircraft operators overseas, we were briefed to make sure this video would be different from the predictable and safe promotional motion-media used by most engineering service providers.

Taking a lead from some of the bold promotional work produced for Air New Zealand in the last two years, such as their in-flight safety videos, the Omnicron team went to work on developing an idea outside the square.

We came up with the concept of an Air New Zealand engineers' class set in the '60s. With special effects evoking a Dr Who feel, we transport one of the young students into the future, where he is wowed by the 2012 version of Air New Zealand's capabilities.

Each division within Air New Zealand engineering will have its own detailed module, all connected back to our 'class of '64' introduction.

VOL XX

OMNICRON NEWS, APRIL 2012

St John launches new TV campaign

“New Zealand’s most trusted brand, St John, have just launched a new TV campaign to increase awareness of their medical alarm service.

Created by YRB advertising, the campaign focuses on the unique benefits of the St John offer including the fact that it’s the only medical alarm monitored by St John.

Omnicron was selected as the production company and Carol Hirschfeld was chosen as the on-screen presenter.

'Carol was brilliant to work with and she carries tremendous credibility amongst our audience. We created a 'news' feel throughout the commercial to add to the importance and urgency of the message. The end result speaks for itself and the response and enquiry level to the commercials has been fantastic.' Says Managing Director of YRB Advertising, David Taylor.

Omnicron produced 60, 45 and 30 second versions for this campaign.

VOL IXX

OMNICRON NEWS, MARCH 2012

New EXPOL TVC's produced for NZ & Australia

“Under-floor insulation company Expol's new TVCs went live in early March, just as the weather starting closing in, for good.

Omnicron produced a series of 10 commercials for both the NZ and Australian markets, each commercial promoting a specific product benefit.

'We chose Omnicron after a pitch from several companies. Omnicron's creative approach was bold and exactly what we wanted to drive business in our competitive market place' says Expol's MD Terry Mischefski.

The stories emphasise the scientifically proven heat retentive properties of Expol, its affordability; its positive impact on property value; and – in every case – its ease of installation.

'Expol is really well known in the NZ market' says Omnicron's Executive Producer Ondrej Havas. “Our job was to come up with something fresh without loosing some of the iconic elements such as the jingle and penguin. However the greatest challenge was to find local actors to play both the Australian and Kiwi roles”.

Creative director Uwe Engbers: 'We wanted an idea that would connect Expol with New Zealanders (and Australians). The dad and son concept does that and with some humour'.

VOL XVIII

OMNICRON NEWS, FEBRUARY 2012

New TV Campaign for Rainbow's End

“Rainbow’s End launched a new TV campaign featuring the young and rising Kiwi singing star Logan Walker in January.

Omnicron created a new TV concept based on family, fun and adventure, featuring Logan as a funky circus ringleader . Logan was also commissioned to write and perform the new sound track with renowned NZ producer Alan Jansson. (producer of NZ’s biggest international song, “How Bizarre”)

Omnicron’s history with Rainbow’s End extends back to 1993 when Omnicron created and produced the fun park’s new TV commercials to re-launch the brand. Many Kiwis will remember the iconic singers in bright coloured suits and the popular jingle that rang out across the airwaves for over a decade.

Since the 1990s Omnicron has continued to produce TV campaigns for Rainbow’s End including the recent “family in lift” concept which focused on the theme “the excitement lasts longer”.

Logan is also currently the subject of a NZ on Air funded documentary for Maori TV entitled “Logan’s Run” produced by Omnicron and directed by Lisa Morrison.

VOL XVII

OMNICRON NEWS, DECEMBER 2011

"Logan's Run" is up and running!

“Shooting begun this November on Omnicron’s latest TV documentary.

Logan's Run is the story of Logan Walker, a gifted 17 year old Maori singer/performer who has a chance to win the international “Voice of McDonald's” singing competition, held in Orlando Florida early next year.

With over 1.5 million employees around the world, McDonalds are running a top class singing competition for their staff. Against all odds, Logan's already won the South East Asia finals in Singapore from an initial 42 000 entries. He’s now one of 16 finalists selected from Europe, Asia, North America and Latin America.

Logan's Run will follow his quest from flipping burgers to pop stardom. This is very much a "zero to hero" story.

Will this Kiwi underdog bring home the trophy that will launch an international singing career…or will Logan go back to making burgers in Papakura?

Funded by NZ on Air, Logan's Run will go to air on Maori Television in the second half of 2012.

Watch out for Logan on TV this summer as he fronts a new national TV campaign… More on this in our next newsletter.

VOL XVI

OMNICRON NEWS, OCTOBER 2011

New TV Campaign for Lighting Direct

“When Dean Fulford, General Manager for Lighting Direct, wanted a fresh new look to launch the LED brand, he chose Omnicron Productions to shoot and direct the commercials.

“The market place rarely sees the type of product innovation that we have just launched with our LED brand. Therefore it was important to produce a commercial quite unlike anything we’ve done before. Omnicron listened and met the brief “spot on”. They’re a great team to work with and are very responsive in developing fresh creative ideas” explained Dean.

Omnicron has a dedicated production team for retail TV commercials with an extensive and successful track record spanning over 10 years.

VOL XV

OMNICRON NEWS, OCTOBER 2011

Fletcher Building Videos Win 2 Chicago Awards

“Dave’s Story”, a video produced for Fletcher Construction, won a Silver Plaque at the prestigious Chicago International Film Festival. Another Omnicron Production, “Small Tail from Hunua Quarry” produced for Winstone Aggregates was awarded a certificate of Merit.

Having won over 60 international awards since 2000, these are the first awards Omnicron has won from the Chicago Festival.

VOL IVX

OMNICRON NEWS, AUGUST 2011

Omnicron's new camera studio now available

We have now completed putting the finishing touches to our new camera studio. Ideal for web videos, TV commercials, interviews and “green screen”, the studio is available as part of our production packages or for “dry” hire by the hour.

SKYCITY was one of the first clients to experience our new facilities, which are coincidentally only 5 minutes away from their offices.

The camera studio is in our building at 10 Galatos Street Newton. It's centrally located within Auckland’s CBD with easy parking.

Check out our 'studio for hire' link on the main page or for more information or contact Ayla on 3071010.

VOL XIII

OMNICRON NEWS, JULY 2011

New TV Commercials for China

Wellington branding and design agency, Away Laughing, commissioned Omnicron to produce a series of commercials for “Bear” brand milk powder.

However their Shanghai client wanted a campaign designed for release in Mainland China.

Filmed on location amongst the luscious pastures of the Waikato, the brief was to capture the natural goodness of New Zealand dairy production. The Chinese market has a large appetite for the quality of Kiwi milk powder and production of these commercials in New Zealand was a critical part of the advertising strategy.

'Producing in a foreign language with Chinese graphics was a great challenge and certainly broadened our expertise. Funnily enough, these relatively short commercials will achieve our largest audience ever. The end result has had excellent feedback and we look forward to growing the international side of our business' says Omnicron's executive producer Ondrej Havas.

To view the commercials, visit www.omnicron.co.nz/bearmilk-tvads.html

VOL XII

OMNICRON NEWS, JULY 2011

Phunk Nation receives New York Telly Award

Phunk Nation, a 13 part TV series for Maori Television produced by Omnicron in 2010, received second place for Entertainment/TV Programs in New York's prestigious Telly Awards this July.

The series, which features dance crew “Prestige”, follows the adventures of urban hip-hop dancers as they discover rural New Zealand. The series was a top rating show for its first season and was broadcast primetime on Friday nights.

For more information, contact Ondrej today ondrej.havas@omnicron.co.nz

VOL XI

OMNICRON NEWS, MAY 2011

Extending Your Global Reach

Have you ever required to shoot video of your product, operations or offices overseas?

Since 1998 Omnicron has been the NZ member of the largest network of independent film and video makers across the world. The "IQ" network, founded in 1966, makes international shooting cost effective through it's efficient collaboration between members. "It's like having your own video crew around the world, ready to shoot anywhere - anytime. Our trusted IQ members, with local knowledge at their finger tips, eliminate the risk and uncertainty when shooting in a foreign country", says Omnicron's MD and IQ Vice President for Corporate films Ondrej Havas.

Omnicron has already shot for NZ companies in USA, Asia, South America and Europe using IQ crews, saving Omnicron's NZ clients thousands of dollars.

Released this month, the IQ capability video was actually produced by the Omnicron team from footage supplied from the 100 member IQ organistion. Visit www.omnicron.co.nz/videoshowcase-4.html to view.

For more information on which countries are part of our network, contact Ondrej today ondrej.havas@omnicron.co.nz

VOL X

OMNICRON NEWS, MARCH 2011

Christchurch's kids need your help!

We were shocked by the sheer devastation of the earthquake last week and our thoughts were with the people of Christchurch. So when we got a call from “Variety - The Children’s Charity”, we felt we could make a real contribution in the best way we know how.

“Variety - The Children’s Charity” needed a quick response in producing a TV commercial to help raise funds for the kids affected by the devastation.

Some of these kids have suffered great loss and emotional distress, so turning this commercial around rapidly was critical in making the public’s contribution most effective.

The Omnicron team started work on the commercial immediately and the production was completed within 48 hours.

Omnicron volunteered their facilities and our staff volunteered their time. The response from our production community was equally supportive. TV3, Prime and Sky all offered free air-time. The Press and NZPA made available their images free of charge. The Inside Track did all the sound post work without a fee and even APRA, the music licensing authority, the Commercial Approvals Bureau (CAB), and DUBSAT processed the commercial at no cost.

A special thanks to our production manager Natalie Frigault for pulling this together so quickly…and a very special thanks to all the families that gave us permission to use their images.

Check out the new commercial by clicking on the 'our work' page and select 'Something new'.

VOL IX

OMNICRON NEWS, OCTOBER 2010

The Exitement Lasts Longer!

In the past few weeks you might have seen the new TV campaign for Rainbow's End. Produced by Omnicron with the creative from Publicis Mojo, the commercial is the beginning of a whole new direction for the park.

This commercial also features the new ride, "Invader". Omnicron used the new Sony wide screen HD “pencil” camera to shoot some very difficult angles and capture the high adventure excitement of the new ride.

"This is a fresh commercial with a fun story. Given the tight deadlines and budget it's a fantastic result in every respect and the feedback from the public has been awesome". says Chris Deere, General Manager Rainbow’s End.

Omnicron's association with the park goes back as far as 1993 when it produced the re-launch of the Rainbow’s End brand. Check out the new commercial by clicking on the 'our work' page and select 'Something new'.

VOL VIII

OMNICRON NEWS, OCTOBER 2010

Delivering WOW factor for Special Events

When law firm Bell Gully hosted key clients, staff, NZ media and celebs to a private premiere of the new movie "Wall Street", they chose Omnicron to produce a “prequel” to this Hollywood blockbuster.

The private screening, held both in Auckland and Wellington, featured a presentation on the big screen with Chairman Roger Partridge "speaking from New York". With the magic of special effects - and a very large "brick" phone - Roger manages to have a very interactive conversation with Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen as a prequel to the main feature.

"We wanted to do something different and entertaining for our guests. With Roger over in New York during our premiere, we took this opportunity to really work the Wall Street theme. We were impressed with how the Omnicron production team made an unfamiliar process for our staff so comfortable, easy and in the end... fun!", said a Bell Gully spokesman.

Last month ACP magazines celebrated 30 years of "Fashion Quarterly". Leading names in the NZ fashion industry such as Trelise Cooper and Kate Sylvester featured in a roller coaster montage celebrating three decades of fashion images. For many the DVD presentation was one of the night's highlights. As a late addition to the event, the Omnicron production team had to rapidly turn around this project. "The end result has been so successful we've had many guests enquiring for copies of the DVD,” says ACP spokesperson.

The Exitement Lasts Longer!

In the past few weeks you might have seen the new TV campaign for Rainbow's End. Produced by Omnicron with the creative from Publicis Mojo, the commercial is the beginning of a whole new direction for the park.

This commercial also features the new ride, "Invader". Omnicron used the new Sony wide screen HD “pencil” camera to shoot some very difficult angles and capture the high adventure excitement of the new ride.

Omnicron's association with the park goes back as far as 1993 when it produced the re-launch the Rainbow’s End brand.

Check out the new commercial by clicking here then click on the 'our work' page and select 'Something new'.

VOL VII

OMNICRON NEWS, 30 JULY 2010

New York.... New York! Omnicron wins 9 awards

This is a record number of awards for Omnicron during a single festival” says Omnicron’s Managing Director Ondrej Havas. "4 first places and 5 second places rewards what has been a very creative and busy year for our production team. It would also not be possible without our clients wanting to be innovative and allowing us to tell good stories with professional production values. The end result has been Kiwi corporate work of a truly international standard."

Held in New York, The US Telly Awards was established in 1978 and attracts over 11,000 entries from around the world every year. The judging categories include corporate work (staff communications, marketing and health & safety), TV commercials and TV programmes.

Omnicron’s work recognised in this year’s Telly Awards included the new TV series Phunk Nation and also corporate work. Omnicron also picked up a 3rd place at the US International Film & Video Awards held in Los Angeles.

VOL VI

OMNICRON NEWS, 20 MAY 2010

New Technology Unveiled!

Omnicron has rolled out its second online finishing suite during May. The "Avid Symphony/Nitris DX" is a top line edit system designed and built in Boston Massachusetts by Avid corporation. This will more than double Omnicron’s post-production output capabilities.

"We've been closely looking at increasing our capacity for sometime now. After much consideration, we chose the Avid Symphony based on its reputation, integration and performance" says Eddie Burrow, Omnicron's Systems Manager.

Not only does the new Symphony have high speed 2.5Gbit access to a new Avid shared 48 terabyte drive system, but Omnicron's exiting 3 Avid systems can access the same data and at the same time. "We carefully examined and tested many options because it's a decision you don't want to make twice" added Eddie.

Avid systems are recognised as world leaders in the field of television and film post-production.

VOL V

OMNICRON NEWS, 06 JUNE 2010

Phunk Nation - Coming to a screen near you!

Originally conceived in 2006 and commissioned by NZ on Air and Maori TV in 2008, Phunk Nation has its debut this Friday 4 June at 8pm on Maori TV.

Phunk Nation is a "reality" type TV show that follows a world champion Hip Hop dance crew from South Auckland as they explore rural New Zealand. It's packed with action, dance, humour and good family entertainment, a near perfect cocktail for a prime time audience.

"This 13 part TV series represents two years of intense production involving a cast of seven and dozens of creative and technical production staff. It would be true to say that it has been one of Omnicron’s most complex productions to date", says the series' producer Ondrej Havas.

Lisa Morrison, director of the series, adds "It’s a TV series with heart. I think we've succeeded in telling a story that isn't just thrills and spills, it has compassion and an insight into the next generation of Kiwis and their vision for New Zealand. Phunk Nation has something for everyone".

Phunk Nation is Omnicron's second major TV series following on from Henderson to Hollywood, winner of the Air New Zealand Screen Award for Best Reality Series.

VOL IV

OMNICRON NEWS, 27 OCTOBER 2009

Safety First!

Omnicron leads the way with a series of award winning Health & Safety DVDs.

Re-creating a horrific road accident with a collapsing power pole is what the Omnicron team does before breakfast.

At least that was the case when Vector commissioned Omnicron to produce their new series of Health & Safety DVDs to be launched at the Vector Arena as part of the company's Health & Safety day.

"The Omnicron team really understood our brief well and added a strong creative concept to reach and engage our staff. It’s been a great experience working with such a clued up team of people" says Dianne Campton - Group HSEQ, Vector.

Vector, Firth, Humes and Air New Zealand are companies that are totally committed to Health & Safety in the work place and have all engage their staff.

"Health & Safety DVDs need to be more than just a shopping list of facts. We have developed the specialised skills and team to work in this area. We’re confident that we’re delivering some of the best DVDs in the country. You can't shift attitudes if you don’t tune in your audience first, engagement is our priority." Says Omnicron producer Andrew Eggelton.

VOL III

OMNICRON NEWS, 13 JULY 2009

More Wins for Omnicron in USA TV Awards

NINE AWARDS BEAT OVER 14,000 INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

Only a few weeks after two first place awards in the United States, Omnicron Productions Ltd has been advised that it has won another seven awards in the 30th annual US Telly Awards. These latest awards follow two first prizes at the annual US Film and Video Festival held in Los Angeles a few weeks earlier. Among the latest awards were a first place and six second places, all for productions featuring New Zealand organisations.

Founder and CEO of Omnicron, Ondrej Havas, said the two events in the United States, both recognise commercial, corporate and advertising work. They are held about six weeks apart. Omnicron's nine awards from the two events, were selected from over 14,000 entries from around the World.

"Virtually all of the major ad agencies and commercial film companies enter both awards so we've been recognised in the best company," said Ondrej. "Right now we feel very proud to have represented New Zealand's television talent and have it acknowledged on the world stage." Omnicron’s most recognised work has been a film for Pernod Ricard, the French multi-national that owns the New Zealand Stoneleigh wine brand. The film was produced for international export markets to explain how Stoneleigh's wine quality is influenced by the grapes that are intentionally grown in stony ground in New Zealand.

SHORTLAND STREET STAR

Working with Ondrej on this production, was Shortland Street actor, Andrew Eggelton, who plays Detective Inspector Bill Lamont in that series. Andrew produced and served as on-screen presenter. Ondrej said Andrew is gaining valuable experience behind the camera that complements his many years of experience as an actor. "Andrew's time in front of the camera has given him an edge as a young producer and this experience has definitely contributed to these awards," said Ondrej.

Omnicron's entries covered a range of industries including local Government, health, airlines, community services and property development. Ondrej said the relatively small market of New Zealand forces television producers here to be inventive and adaptable to a wide variety of industries. "“We were up against American and European production companies which work in selected industries and with far bigger budgets, so we're very surprised and pleased with the awards," he said.

The US Telly awards for Omnicron were:

FIRST PLACE:

- Pernod Ricard- "Stoneleigh. Stonegrown"

SECOND PLACES:

- Community Patrols New Zealand –"Building Safer Communities"

- Silver Bay- Queenstown development- also won a first place at the US Film and Video Festival.

- New Zealand Trade & Enterprise- "Inside Enterprise September 2008"

- Metro Water – "Clean Harbour"

- Air New Zealand- "Our Expectations, Your Well-Being"

- Waitemata District Health Board – "Making a Healthy Difference"

VOL II

OMNICRON NEWS, 29 JUNE 2009

Omnicron picks up 2 awards in L.A.

The 2009 U.S. International Film and Video Festival awarded two Gold Camera trophies to Omnicron Productions of Auckland. Gold Cameras are awarded to international first place getters in their categories. The 42nd annual awards in Los Angeles attracted over 1200 entries from 22 countries.

Omnicron's awards were first place in Direct Marketing for "Silver Bay," which features Queenstown as a holiday destination and first place in agriculture for "Stoneleigh; stonegrown," which tells the vintage story of New Zealand wine company, Stoneleigh wines, part of the multi-national Pernod Ricard group. Ondrej Havas, founder and CEO of Omnicron, a company he established in 1980 as a teenager, said his studio has enjoyed consistent recognition in the USA. The company now holds a total of over 50 awards for its commercial productions and TV documentaries from both local and international festivals including the Los Angeles Telly Awards, often described as the commercial sector's Oscars. In New Zealand, the company is just concluding the filming of a new 13 part reality TV series, Phunk Nation, which will screen on Maori television next year.

Working with Ondrej on both winning productions, was Shortland Street actor, Andrew Eggelton, who plays Detective Inspector Bill Lamont in that series. Andrew produced and served as on-screen presenter on both award winning productions. Ondrej said Andrew is gaining valuable experience behind the camera which complements his many years of experience as an actor. "Andrew's time in front of the camera has given him an edge as a young producer and this experience has definitely contributed to these awards," said Ondrej. Andrew said he wants to gain production and direction experience as part of his long term plan. "Ondrej is one of the most experienced mentors you can get in New Zealand for this kind of work," said Andrew.

VOL I

OMNICRON NEWS, 15 MAY 2009

Phunk Nation Advances South

Omnicron's second original TV series, "Phunk Nation", heads into the final phase of shooting this month.

Described as a "Heartland" meets "Flight of Conchords", "Phunk Nation" offers a unique insight into rural New Zealand through the adventures of a group of young urban dancers.

"We invested many hours in planning our New Zealand filming tour so by the time we arrived at each destination, people had the welcome mat out," said Lisa Morrison, Omnicron's Director for the series. "They have understood our desire to make rural New Zealand relevant to a young national audience. We have excellent footage which is both entertaining and educational."

The 13 part series due to screen on Maori Television early next year will bring a fresh perspective on rural New Zealand – through the eyes of New Zealand's internationally known hip hop dance crew, Prestige.Final shooting in Invercargill is scheduled for the end of May.