Our Approach.

The AMO approach to client projects’ is to activate the best thinkers and doers in creative and cultural practices in NZ and, together with clients, partner in the process to deliver maximum impact and results. We offer a full turn-key approach to the project, minimising client multiple stakeholder management, or can play a pre-defined consulting role in the project.

We bring the best creative talent to the table and create the best partnerships to deliver the best stories.

Option One.

AMO as Project Consultants.

AMO Studios brings a strategic and long-term approach to the growth of the creative digital sector in Aotearoa New Zealand, to ensure that together we capitalise on the global opportunities on offer.

We are a trusted and proven team with a strong understanding of the market. We provide thought leadership and navigation in the screen, tech and creative technology international market place and access to international networks.

Act as support consultants on Māori layer of brand development, in market strategy, combining the domestic and international story.
Work with NZ Tech Executive on key project decisions and, offer active and informed input on brand development, delivery and rollout.
Brains trust of the tech and creative tech story key stakeholders, on-call as consulting support for milestones such as stakeholder briefings, creative or other reviews and production and communication strategies.
Analyse and make a recommendation on reversioning UpStarter campaign and its value.

Consulting Team – Sam Witters, Nikora Ngaropo.
In support – Felicity Letcher.
‍
Time invested primarily upfront for briefings and partner intros or updates and then bi weekly meetings/reviews or suggestions suitable to client way of working.
‍
August to December 2021.

Option Two.

AMO as project lead and delivery, together with Tech NZ, working with key creative providers.

Our model is purpose-built to bring the best talent to the table, and our skills and experience ensure that we are equipped to access and execute complex multi partner projects.
‍We bring together the best of multicultural New Zealand across the entire sector, making it easy to deliver projects from anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand. We will manage all contracts, approvals, creative development and execution and communications distribution.

Support and partner with NZ Tech to identify delivery partners to produce brand design, production deliverables, activations and the “big idea”. Be the single conduit between the multidisciplinary teams and NZ Tech.
Work with NZ Tech executive, strategy and marketing team on brand identity development and market rollout.
Fully realise Maori layer of brand development, in market strategy, combining the domestic and international story.
Engagement includes management and liaison with selected key providers, and counsel and assistance in selection of specialised partners such as PR service provider (currently outside of scope).
Assistance with contracts and legal services, project planning and other professional services required.
AMO to extend to local and international regionally relevant contacts, eg Berlin School of Creative Leadership & ERA Accelerator, NYC.
Provide deep knowledge to the project as lead Creative Tech stakeholders.
Engagement includes management and liaison with selected key providers, and counsel and assistancSupport NZ Tech to develop Creative Tech and Screen Sector capability within the organization.e in selection of specialised partners such as PR service provider (currently outside of scope).

Full Team:
‍
Creative Strategy and Client Service Lead – Lauren Woolf.
Lead Advisory – Sam Witters, Nikora Ngaropo.
Project Manager – Felicity Letcher.
Administration – Cherise Mersham.
‍
August to December 2021.

Indication of fees.

This is a guide only and subject to final pitch and contract approval.

Fees Options 1.
For consultancy charges up to 15% of the total project budget exclusive of gst are applied.

Fees Options 2.
For full service charges up to 30% of the total project budget exclusive of gst are applied.

Expenses related to the project will be itemised in advance.
PR fee not included.
Does not include file format delivery.

Our Approach.

Our unique network of New Zealand’s best creative talent, combined with our expertise and global connectivity, creates the brains trust required to access and execute complex multi-partner projects.

‍

AMO Group provides the global industry with access to diverse and exciting grassroots voices not previously heard, and provides international companies with new and stimulating talent, delivering distinct and unique content.

‍

Commission Content.

We create and commission content for global companies, leveraging our rigorous discovery and production processes to ensure diversity of talent in every aspect of production.

‍

Tell us what you need, and we’ll connect you to the best of multicultural New Zealand across the entire digital production sector. We represent technology and creative businesses at the top of their game and will enable you access to an incredible breadth of creative talent.

‍

Create and Grow.

We seek out, develop, and invest in IP to grow enduring entertainment properties primarily targeting children, youth and family.

‍

Allow us to deliver your creative project, from idea to execution, utilizing our depth of experience and breadth of connection. We provide premium content with a unique voice, from world-class talent.

‍

‍Cultural Advisory.

TORO’s team of highly experienced Māori-led strategic, creative, writing and design talent infuses all work that comes out of the Studios and is a key competency that AMO draws on.

‍

‍Collaborate and Strategize.

We provide strategic direction, connectivity, and we foster collaboration.

We regularly produce reports and analyses for the government, screen and creative technology industries. We’ll support you to develop and deliver complex projects and provide consultancy services to ensure creative and commercial success.

‍

Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and value-sharing is inherent in everything we do.

Our Team.

Sam Witters

CEO & Executive Producer

Sam Witters creates production businesses that succeed. She has a very clear vision on how to build a $30b Createch Industry for New Zealand and she is demonstrating this using the AMO business model. She has worked for Viacom, CBS, NBC Universal, Lionsgate Studios, Tribeca Enterprises, and Aardman Animations and has developed revenue pathways for Fortune 500 entertainment companies. Sam is a trustee of Youth Arts New Zealand, a trusted advisor to many in her extensive network, and regularly mentors start-ups around the world.

Mark Levine

AMO Studios Chair

Mark has been at the forefront of driving international growth, diversification, and expansion in media brands for over 20 years. As Executive Vice President, International Marketing and Brand Strategy at ViacomCBS, Mark spearheaded and led the marketing, and delivery partners across iconic brands Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central.

Nikora Ngaropo

Head of Academy & VFX Artist

Nikora is NZ’s premier Māori animator, leading award winning projects nationally and internationally for NZ. Nikora started his feature film career as a modeler and 3D generalist working on New Zealand feature films, then moved to Weta Digital. His work can be seen in Avatar, Tintin, Superman - Man of Steel, Iron Man 3, The Hobbit trilogy, The Planet of the Apes trilogy and The BFG. Nikora brings strong Māori-led design and animation technology leadership which inspires Māori and all New Zealanders through building capacity in education and technology.

Felicity Letcher

Partnership Manager

Felicity is a well-recognised thought leader and practicioner in NZ’s burgeoning screen production and creative technology sector. She was part of the core team who drafted for the government and screen production agencies, the 10 year Film and Screen Strategy Report. She led under Auckland Unlimited the strategy to attract Amazon and Netflix Originals to New Zealand. Felicity recently produced the Virtual Production Industry Report for NZTE that has since been adopted by stakeholder groups in the Screen Industry, private and public Investment, and Economic Development agencies.

Dan Witters

Head of Business Affairs

Dan Witters has a Law Degree, a Master’s Degree with First Class Honours in English Literature and a BA in Classical Literature and European Languages. He has worked in France, the UK and the US as a Legal and Business Advisor to a number of media companies. He has been a consultant and editor on international film scripts such as Legacy of China. He has extensive knowledge of international media contracts relating to film, television and digital rights and production. He oversees all AMO/TORO contracts and rights negotiations.

Lauren Woolf

Project Leader

Lauren has a career in advertising, marketing and the arts that spans over 20 years, most of which were spent in leadership roles in project and account management, talent, creative strategy and design. She holds an MBA from The Berlin School of Creative Leadership (Steinbeis University, Berlin) Lauren is an experienced project leader and facilitator with a a passion for teams and culture. She has a well-honed ability to think globally, strategically and towards creative impact. A significant track record of innovation, entrepreneurship and compassionate social commitment. Career-long dedication to creativity and the creative economy. Lauren is a respected speaker and facilitator. Themes and subjects that Lauren has designed and delivered include: Creative Leadership and Leading Creativity, Sharing lessons from a global Creative MBA, The Business of Creativity – a multi-day programme for creative entrepreneurs and multiple programmes on Marketing for Creative Companies and leaders. She has also delivered Masterclasses and public talks to Ogilvy. TBWA, Business of Design, Creative Mornings and many others.

Barry Soutar

Head of Technology

Barry has a 30 plus year career in tech locally and internationally. He has been an entrepreneur, NZ Trade and Enterprise Māori tech manager executing a new strategy to boost Māori companies and heads T3W. Barry was recently elected to Toi Mai Workforce Development Council for Creative, Cultural, Recreation and Technology and is the Chair of Orawa Limited, Māori economic well-being and training.