Canterbury's Growing Film Momentum

I’m currently camped out under my heat pump which is set to 18deg and snowflake mode. Summer has definitely arrived and I don’t like the heat. Could you tell?

And as the weather has been heating up, so has the features scene. December saw the very stylish 70’s-set Head South wrap a five-week shoot. It was lovely to see some old faces and meet a few new ones from out of town.

The opportunities for local crew to upskill in their departments and cut their teeth on long form wasn’t missed. And the friendly expertise imparted by those that came in for the job all helps the region build a better crew base. And that’s how we learn right? Picking up tips and tricks on set, working for or alongside others who are more experienced, or have had different experiences. It’s like "pay it forward” except rather than favours it’s knowledge, and instead of forwards it’s more like sideways or downwards… Anyway, it’s a good thing and we should all try to do it on set where we can.

The holidays loom and the phone rings constantly as everyone scampers to get things done before the break. Honestly, people are acting like Christmas/New Years is going to last for 8 weeks. But not the film industry. Two more productions kick off in early January. The Methven-based kid's film Trolgar and Me, and the thriller TV series Dark City - The Cleaner. Two more great projects for the region. Two more great opportunities for local crew. Two more chances to show how nice it is to shoot in Canterbury.

It feels like the region has picked up a bit of momentum this year. And rumour has it that it will continue through most of next year too as other productions eye up 'the little region that could.’

Stay safe, on set and on your break. Be nice. Pass on a tip every now and then to the newbies. Don’t forget your sunscreen.

Zac Beckett-Knight