Auckland's Screen Industry Growth

Auckland has had a much busier winter this year compared to years gone by, obviously in part due to the fact that several longer-term dramas were still shooting up until the middle of the year providing much financial relief for crew who are still recovering from the slump a couple of seasons ago.

We’ve noticed a much more positive vibe amongst crew throughout the whole country, and we’ve enjoyed seeing some crew in the position of being able to start training up newer crew again. This is an important part of keeping the industry flowing in the future, as we did experience serious shortages over the last summer season and found ourselves almost having to turn away work in Auckland because crew in some departments were unavailable.

It has become quite apparent since the incentive increases in April 2014, that the industry is once again buoyant and healthy and, to top this off, the dropping of the NZ dollar against the American has once again seen us welcoming more line productions to our shores. Often finding locations to shoot it all when so much is happening simultaneously can sometimes prove a bit of a juggle.

On that note, this year Film Auckland Inc in association with ATEED have been busy investigating the possibility of creating a purpose-built studio complex at the Hobsonville Point site in West Auckland. There are so many factors about this location that would work well for the Auckland screen industry. The current plans will include space for ancillary businesses to be located within the facility or its immediate surroundings, as well as creating ample sound stages, car parking, workshops, production offices, art department and wardrobe areas.

Auckland City Council have asked for proposals to be presented to them by ATEED by the end of October 2015, so we will have more to report after these have been received and considered at that level. In the meantime, if any of you know of anyone who would consider moving their storage or business to a site within this complex, please get in touch with me and let me know. Industry support is paramount to assist this project getting the momentum it will need to happen.

Sioux Macdonald, Guild vice president and executive committee member