In Conversation with Senior Commissioner at Sky Originals NZ, Thomas Robins
You might know Thomas Robins from his role as Deagol in Lord of the Rings. He's subsequently 'joined the dark side' as he says, in his role as Senior Commissioner at Sky Originals NZ - Windows PC and all - but what the joking comment hides is all of the incredible work he is doing pushing for authentic stories and engendering a space for collaborative co-productions.
Ahead of his appearance at Screen Forever on the Gold Coast, we spoke with Thomas about what Sky Originals NZ is looking for from pitches, how best to pitch your project, what makes a successful co-production, and answer the question of what exactly does a commissioner do.
You can watch our interview with Thomas below.
Screen Forever is coming to the Gold Coast from the 3rd to the 5th of May. You can find out more and get your tickets at the link here: https://www.screenforever.org.au/37/home
ABOUT SCREEN FOREVER
SCREEN FOREVER is a business event for the whole industry, from network executives to government agencies, financiers, commissioners, distributors, production service providers, cast and crew. The event attracts a diverse delegate mix from emerging practitioners to established vanguards. The delegates work across all genres and mediums but are united by their desire to become and remain relevant and competitive in the global market.
For 37 years, SCREEN FOREVER has unlocked opportunities for delegates to connect with other screen industry professionals, turning ideas into a reality.
Delegates will converge on the Gold Coast over three days for unmissable networking events, business meetings, inspiring thought leadership, and the SPA Connect Market. The conference will culminate with the SPA Awards, highlighting industry excellence and accomplishment. With a return to international travel, SPA is expecting the largest assembly of international buyers and partners seen in Australia for many years.
An online Global Market will take place from 9 May - 10 May, where delegates have the enviable chance to promote their screen businesses, slates, and productions to a myriad of buyers, commissioning executives, distributors, and sales agents from across the globe who aren’t physically attending this year.
ABOUT THOMAS ROBINS
Thomas is an Emmy award-winning producer / director with over 25 years’ experience in the industry. He has written, directed and producer all forms of content from interactive web series, to televisions comedies, dramas and feature length films. Highlights include the Emmy award-winning Reservoir Hill, the feature length films Catching the Black Widow, Kiwi and Written In The Stars, the documentary series This Could Go Anywhere (with cricket legends Brendon McCullum and Phil Tufnell) and the fantasy/comedy series The New Legends of Monkey.
Thomas is now the Senior Commissioner for all things scripted at Sky Originals NZ. He commissions for Sky’s premium streaming platform Neon and all Sky channels. He is always looking for brilliant, bold and big-hearted stories – especially international co-productions. Especially Australian/NZ co-productions.