In Focus

Crew & Business Surveys: More Work, No Confidence

Both crew and businesses continue to express uncertainty about the longer-term pipeline, suggesting any increase in work is viewed as short-term improvement rather than evidence of a sustained recovery.

Published on:

June 15, 2026

Screen NZ International

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The results of SNZI March 2026 Crew and Business Surveys pointed to a sector experiencing increased activity, but still lacking confidence in the longer-term outlook.

Among internationally focused crew, 61% reported consistent work in early 2026, compared with just 21% in the July 2025 survey. However, only 38% reported confirmed future bookings and just 27% reported both consistent work and confirmed upcoming bookings. This means almost three-quarters of respondents either lacked consistent work, future bookings, or both. Despite increase in activity, confidence levels showed little improvement. Both crew and businesses continue to express uncertainty about the longer-term pipeline, suggesting any increase in work is viewed as short-term improvement rather than evidence of a sustained recovery.

The business survey revealed a similar cautious picture. While half of screen-reliant businesses reported consistent revenue in early 2026, more than 50% reported that revenue had declined compared with 12 months earlier, and investment confidence remained subdued.

Taken together, the findings suggest that while activity improved during the first quarter of 2026, many businesses and crew remain unconvinced that a stable and sustainable production pipeline has returned.