MICHAEL STEPHENS

MICHAEL STEPHENS is a leading New Zealand film and entertainment Lawyer. Michael has been closely involved in the development of New Zealand's film production and digital entertainment industry for over 10 years. Michael is the founding principal of Stephens Lawyers and has a personal and professional interest in the future of East/West co-productions, and funding for film, animation and other digital content projects.

Michael'ss current interests include acting as a director of a number of New Zealand film and digital entertainment companies, and as the chairman of the New Zealand Institute of Screen Innovation, the Asia Pacific Film Fund and the Korean Cinerama Trust New Zealand. He is also an honorary adviser to the New Zealand/China Film Festivals and was recently appointed International Delegate for New Zealand of the Shanghai International Film Festival.