THE HISTORY OF CONQUEST

In October 2014, five young Aussies touched down at Christchurch International Airport having signed up for one of Kiwilands biggest annual airsoft events. Little did they know at the time that they were kicking off something much much bigger.

Inspired by their experiences over the ditch, the original five more than quadrupled for the same event the following year. That number doubled again for 2016 iteration of the event. For the 2017 event some 84 Australian's travelled from all states of Australia to compete in what had morphed into a much anticipated annual show down between the Kiwis and Australia.

Now, for 2018, New Zealand has let us take the reigns in organising and running our own 4 day epic event.

Above: The Australian Contingent - 'F.O.B. 13' Airsoft Event 2017 - Below: 2016

SO WHAT IS CONQUEST?

Straight to the point, I love it!

Conquest is the culmination of almost 4 years of hard work by an ever increasing team of dedicated Australian Airsofters to realise their dream of the 'land down under' having it's very own airsoft event.

The event itself will take place in Christchurch, New Zealand in October, 2018. Over the course of four days players will take part in a series of skirmish games (i.e. team elimination) plus two days of play dedicated to the main scenario event where two sides will compete for domination of the field by capturing and holding key locations interspersed with dynamic side objectives designed to throw a spanner in the works.

An Australian sights up members of an approaching Kiwi team (2016)

AND WHAT'S AIRSOFT?

Airsoft is a safe competitive shooting sport that originated in Japan in the early 80's. Several disciplines have evolved over the years with the most prevalent being Speedsoft, Target and Tacsim.

Very similar to sports such as paintball and laser tag, airsoft usually pits players against one another in a team elimination or 'capture the objective' type of play. Using airsoft guns, players fire small plastic balls at each other in order to eliminate the other team or otherwise prevent them from achieving their objective.

Members of the Australian team celebrating the capture of an objective (2016)

BUT WHY THE CAMPAIGN?

We're seeking to visually document the 'Conquest' event, to capture the players in action and to promote Airsoft as a fun and safe sport nationwide.

To achieve this we've partnered with experienced video production company Flashworks Media based in Christchurch, New Zealand to ensure the best quality product. With a stellar record of quality productions dealing with sports action and awareness causes we can't wait for you to join us on our Conquest journey.

The funding sought is to ensure this high quality product comes to life. Filming of the event will take place between October 18, 2018 and October 22 with the end film product to be released before the end of 2018 (November/December).

An Australian provides cover in the direction of the opposing team (2017)

OK... WHY NEW ZEALAND?

I'm glad I pretended that you asked! The answer is really simple - airsoft is illegal in Australia! Which is pretty strange when you think about it given the below countries in green seem to have no problem with the sport;

OUR PEOPLE AND EVENTS IN THE MEDIA

SOURCE: Today Tonight, Seven Network

SOURCE: CTV News, Star Media

SOURCE: The Star - October 27, 2016, Star Media

WHO'S WHO?

Zayne a.k.a. 'Zulu'

Since first attending in 2016, Zayne has pushed for growth in Australian player numbers and recognition of the sport as a safe and legitimate interest. In 2017, Zayne founded 'Raider Airsoft', a national airsoft community of players who share an interest in producing quality airsoft teams for events such as 'Conquest' and promoting responsible uptake. In addition to being the driving force behind this film venture, Zayne contributes to the operational leadership of MAG Australia and the running of Australian airsoft events both on the field and behind the scenes.

An avid photographer, Zayne believes that telling stories and producing quality content is the best promotion the sport can get. Zayne is keen to see the growth of the sport continue and hopes that events like Conquest will result in legalisation of the sport in Australia.

John-Jo

Founder of Flashworks Media, John-Jo is professional film maker who cut his teeth creating content amongst  the mountains of Central Otago, New Zealand. John-Jo loves what he does and which is telling stories that make a difference in communities and the world. Aside from working with a range of commercial clients, John-Jo is passionate about producing unfunded films that promote social and environmental causes that better our world. See a recent interview with John-Jo below;

PREVIOUS PRODUCTIONS

Flashworks Media has produced many high quality works for causes and clients over the years. See some recent ones below;

FUNDING STAGE 'A' - $4,000

Funding stage 'A' will result in a single day of event filming plus editing of captured footage into two short videos (with music) that provide a brief insight into the event, the people partaking and the sport.

FUNDING STAGE 'B' - $8,000

Funding Stage 'B' will result in two days of filming plus editing of captured footage into a 'story' video covering the event in greater depth with a greater emphasis on safety aspects and the reason Australians travel internationally to play. Numerous shorter videos will also be created covering different highlights of the event.

FUNDING STAGE 'C' - ABOVE $8,000

Should targets be exceeded, additional funds will go towards capturing more content (i.e. additional days of filming) and producing outputs of increased length and variety.

Note: Budgets are estimated and final figures may differ based on factors such as international exchange rates etc.