Friday, November 02, 2012
Giselle leaps between stage and silver screen
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is thrilled to announce a new feature film Giselle in collaboration and supported by New Zealand Film Commission.
Filming of Giselle is already underway with the ballet production of the same name approaching opening night.
"This is an exciting collaborative project, which we expect to
be a beautiful and moving film focusing on an already well-loved
story and ballet" says New Zealand Film Commission Chief Executive
Graeme Mason. "The combination of this talented filmmaking
team, the draw of a ballet company of this calibre, and the regard
of Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel is sure to make something truly
special for cinema audiences".
Ethan Stiefel, recently retired world renowned Principal Dancer
of the American Ballet Theatre, will co-choreograph and produce
Giselle the ballet with Johan Kobborg, the
internationally acclaimed Principal Dancer of London's Royal
Ballet.
"We are delighted to have this opportunity to bring ballet to a
wider audience through film. Johan Kobborg and I have both
performed the lead male role of Albrecht many times, so it's a an
honour to be able to present our unique vision of one of the most
dramatic and beautiful ballets to the stage and then to also have
it adapted for film,' says Ethan Stiefel, Artistic Director,
RNZB.
Giselle the film will be produced by Matthew Metcalfe
(Dean Spanley, Love Birds), and directed by the acclaimed
filmmaker Toa Fraser (pictured) (No.2, Dean
Spanley). It will capture performances, rehearsals and
much more.
"Our film is an interpretation of the Royal New Zealand Ballet's
beautiful, moving production of Giselle," says Toa
Fraser. "The film will move in and out of the theatre,
through time and space, to create a truly cinematic, poetic
retelling of the story".
"Creative commercial partnerships like this are really important
for the Royal New Zealand Ballet's growth. To be
collaborating with the New Zealand Film Commission, Matthew
Metcalfe and Toa Fraser on this project is an incredible exciting
new venture for us," says Amanda Skoog, Managing Director,
RNZB.
Giselle will star Prima Ballerina Gillian Murphy, Ethan
Stiefel's fiancée and fellow star of the American Ballet
Theatre.
Giselle the ballet will premiere in Wellington on
November the 7th ahead of a seven centre tour. More details
of the schedule can be seen
here.
The New Zealand Film Commission has invested in the production
in association with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, DigiFilm and
Rialto Distribution.
For images please contact:
Andrea Tandy, Media & Communications Manager andrea@nzballet.org.nz 021
244 4450 or +644 381 9002