A government deal that's upped the rebate incentive scheme for big budget movie productions and secured the next three installments of James Cameron's Avatar series is part of a longer-term solution for an industry at risk of stalling. The deal will give Avatar's producers Lightstorm Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox a 25 percent rebate for spending of at least $500 …

Convicted Ponzi scheme perpetrator David Ross is to appeal against his sentence of 10 years and 10 months, claiming it is “manifestly excessive”. Fairfax Media reports confirmation of the appeal from Ross’s Wellington barrister, Gary Turkington, who did not immediately return calls for confirmation. Wellington-based Ross built up a private investment service by word of mouth, producing regular reports for …

The government has sweetened its incentive scheme for blockbuster movies as a means to win over Lightsource Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp to make the next three instalments of the Avatar series in New Zealand. Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Chris Finlayson today signed a memorandum with 20th Century Fox and Lightstorm …