Auckland’s production scene has shifted gears
So much has been happening quietly behind the scenes over the latter half of this year - finally pointing toward the long-awaited upswing many have been hoping for after the work drought of the past 24 months. The change in ownership at Auckland Film Studios has brought with it a welcome buzz, with new projects already being whispered about for the coming months. Meanwhile, KFS continues to enjoy a steady stream of work through its stages, which is encouraging for all of us.
We’ve also seen the return of commercials featuring real actors - yes, people! - bringing sound, costume, makeup and all the supporting crafts back into the fold. It’s a refreshing shift, and you’ll notice more advertising across the streaming platforms than we’ve seen at any point since Covid. Even with AI nipping at our heels, there’s still nothing quite like watching our own kind tell those 30-second stories we all know and love. It turns out audiences still crave humans over endless graphics and animation. Who’d have thought?
On a personal note, I’ve noticed a significant number of long-serving crew retiring or shifting into more secure industries, leaving a noticeable vacuum across many specialist roles. These cycles come and go, of course, and as the tide turns we welcome new faces with fresh skills that will enrich our sets and strengthen our teams. At the same time, we must acknowledge how tough the last few years have been – globally - for freelancers in our industry. Many of you have been doing it hard emotionally, and freelancing can feel incredibly isolating. It’s easy to think “everyone else” is working when that’s rarely the case. If you’re feeling this way, please remember there are places to reach out - whether that’s reconnecting with familiar teams or seeking support from a professional service. You don’t have to navigate it alone.
Late November and early December brought heartbreak, with the sudden loss of two well-loved members of our Auckland screen community. I felt genuinely proud to stand alongside so many of you during the two minutes’ silence on Friday, 5 December - honouring not only those we lost recently, but the many crew members who’ve left us in recent years. It was a small gesture, but a powerful reminder that we are, in every sense, a family - and when we lose one of our own, it is felt by all.
Looking ahead, there’s real momentum building. The TVC market is bubbling away again, with several line productions coming through Auckland and local producers securing crew left, right and centre. It’s a lovely place to be after such a long quiet spell.
Beyond that, 2026 is shaping up to be a very healthy year, with a promising slate of incoming productions alongside local television dramas scheduled well into the back half of the year. Things are looking good for a while yet, so now is the perfect time to reconnect with old contacts - or introduce yourself to the ones who should know you. Fresh CVs, gear lists, clever offerings… put your best foot forward and let people see what you bring to the table.
As I step into my 29th year of booking crew in Auckland, I want to wish each of you a safe and restorative summer, wherever the Christmas and New Year season takes you. Here’s to brighter days, fuller call sheets, and a community that continues to look after one another.
