The no-contact lockdown issue! Annabelle Sheehan on the NZFC's response. Waka on the new normal. Amanda Jenkins on possible futures - AUTUMN 2020 ...
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AUTUMN 2020 | ISSUE 84
The Screen Industry Guild Aotearoa New Zealand quarterly
The no-contact lockdown issue!
Annabelle Sheehan on the NZFC’s response.
Waka on the new normal.
Amanda Jenkins on possible futures.
www.screenguild.co.nz
NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 1
EDITORIAL CONTENTS BEHIND THE SCENES With over 20 years in the film and TV industry,
Kelly Lucas is now executive officer for the Techos’ Guild.
GUILD NEWS & VIEWS Executive Officer Kelly Lucas
Hi all, 1 Behind the scenes
And welcome to the very first digital only edition of NZTECHO. Right
Kelly Lucas. Where to start this article? With the shutdown of all Please contact the guild on info@screenguild.co.nz
up until the second week of March, we had always intended to get this production and consequent complete lockdown across with any concerns, ideas, or questions you may have.
2 President’s rave
magazine into print. But the situation just moved too fast. the country, it is understandable that everyone will We want to hear from you. We will continue to email
Brendon Durey.
be feeling the pressure of where to for the industry you with the latest updates from the group to keep you
So instead, it’s been assembled from home offices and kitchen tables up from here. informed of the progress we are making. We will work
and down the country. It seems odd now, that only a week or two ago, the INDUSTRY The sector was going into a new phase, with production on your behalf at this time to make sure all crew is
phrase ‘stay inside your bubble’ wouldn’t have meant anything to us. 4 Low budget – the new normal? being more stable and international production on the represented in these talks. The guild has been talking to
And now it’s our - temporary – reality. Waka Attewell. increase. Now we are looking at an uncertain future, but the central government to advocate assistance that can
You’ll find a lot of great pieces to read in this issue, as well as a few we are not alone. benefit our members to get through this crisis.
18 Future thinking in lockdown
industry announcements that we are choosing to reproduce and pass on Amanda Jenkins. I want to send my heartfelt thoughts out to all of you We will be sending out surveys over this period to
in this format, in case you are not getting them by email. and your families at this time. While everyone is
24 Regional wrap capture the challenges the screen sector is facing
We are also debuting a new regular column from the Film Commission. isolated in their bubbles, I’ve found this is also a time and how best to assist the ongoing dialogue with the
It’s not the ideal issue to first appear in, but we look forward to future to reach out to family, old friends, and colleagues and government. We urge you to participate in these surveys,
columns as well. TECHOSPHERE check-in and see how they are doing. Everyone will be so we have a clear picture of the reality of your situation.
12 NZFC COVID-19 updates coping in different ways. I think the critical point at the
The situation we are in is completely unprecedented. A war doesn’t keep This is a time to get creative either in the garden,
moment to remember is it won’t go on forever.
people away from their workplaces. In fact, quite the opposite. Even the 16 Accessing the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy kitchen and with the kids. Taking time to get out for
film industry has its own, unique and well defined role in a war. for the Screen Sector You would have seen emails coming out from a walk, read, create online content, please share your
But a global Pandemic is different. And our industry, which entirely the guild over the last week or so, these included stories with us. We will be working through this period,
27 Newbie: Meet Graham Thompson.
relies on teams of people operating in the same spaces, has for the time some vital information and links to support our we are available on +64 09 889 9522 (always dial 09
being, basically ceased to exist. members including: – even from Auckland) or on email to answer your
questions, or if you have some ideas, you would like to
Shout out to all you digital animators out there. We’re happy that you Safe To Talk, Coping with financial stress and access to share with the broader membership let us know.
guys at least can still access the tools and the co-workers you need to the wage subsidy information:
keep on making films! With all of this said and done, the most important thing
1) Safe To Talk is New Zealand’s national mental health is keeping safe and well. We are all in this together,
For the rest of us, this isn’t going to get better anytime soon. Even when helpline number. not just here in New Zealand but globally. Let’s work
the restrictions are lifted for local business and local travel, and when
together to make a plan once we come out on the other
our TV shows and advertising industries come back on stream, we will It is free to text or call this number 1737 anytime to talk
side and get our sector humming again.
still be waiting for months before any international productions have with a trained counsellor.
reorganised themselves well enough to travel across the world to shoot Kia kaha, ngā mihi nui, Kelly
again. And we can certainly expect some studios and productions to not https://1737.org.nz/about/index.html
survive this crisis. Cover photo: Waka Attewell.
2) This pdf discusses financial stress and lists contact
On the plus side, our Government has acted quickly and pretty generously, information for various support groups and agencies.
giving New Zealand industries and workers a far softer landing than those
in many other countries are facing. We can at least remember to be thankful ISSUE 84 AUTUMN 2020 https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/assets/
for that, amid all the economic doom and gloom. Editor Advertising ResourceFinder/coping-with-financial-stress.pdf
Graeme Tuckett
But, more than that, my experience of lock-down, so far, has been a fair Advertising queries, please contact
Publisher/advertising Kelly Lucas on 09 8899522 (always dial 09), 3) If you haven’t applied for the wage subsidy, see the
amount a cheerfulness and a reassessing of priorities. People I haven’t Kelly Lucas info@screenguild.co.nz. For a copy of our ad
thought of much in years have been calling up and messaging – ‘just Design specs and rate card, please visit our website.
link below to see if you qualify. The payments are being Mick Sinclair
Jason Bowden / Anim8a Ltd. processed in between 2-7 days.
checking in’ – the queues at my local supermarket have been orderly, All contents are copyright Screen Industry Guild
Printing Aotearoa New Zealand Inc. 2017, unless indicated
well spaced and polite, with no security guards needed to tell anybody TP Printing Services Ltd. otherwise. May not be reproduced, copied or https://www.screenindustrynz.co.nz/wage-subsidy
not to be a Muppet. To tell you the truth, I’m actually liking being able Contributors transmitted in any form without permission.
to ride my bike around the city streets, without worrying every second Waka Attewell The views expressed in this publication do not
With the creation of the Screen Sector COVID-19 action
Ph +64 9 360-9995 www.sinclairblack.co.nz
Graeme Tuckett necessarily reflect the views of the Screen
whether some numpty in a ute is about to run me down, because he is Amanda Jenkins Industry Guild Aotearoa New Zealand Inc. group in the last week, many key industry guilds and
too busy texting to notice where he was on the road. Annabelle Sheehan organisations, as well as major stakeholders have come
Nobody’s going to thank us for being unrealistic, or for not thinking together to look to the future and create a plan to get our We appreciate
very hard about how we all get through this. But for now, with the sector up and running again. the support of:
situation completely out our control, worry and anxiety are pointless. www.screenguild.co.nz
If you haven’t already visited www.screenindustrynz.
So, let’s at least try to focus on the positives that are coming out of this.
co.nz, this website is a central hub with the latest
Stay safe, be kind. GOLD STARS & CHOCOLATE FISH information across the sector. This website will be
updated as new information comes in around the
And wash your bloody hands.
present situation. Check out the about us page for more
Love your work, N To all of us, for getting through, for staying inside, for being information or join the email list. Sioux Macdonald
smart and for knowing that tough times never last. Kia Kaha! (Vice President of the guild) and I are working with this
GT
group to represent our members and your voice.
2 | NZTECHO Autumn 2020 NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 3
PRESIDENT’S RAVE
Guild President Brendon Durey
Disruptions to the pipeline group of members with different backgrounds and out and tap into the help that is available in
skills collaborate and provide recommendations both local and central government.
Well it’s been a chaotic end to 2019 and start to to the Guild Executive to assist the decision
2020 for many members of our Guild, the wider making around key issues affecting our members - Reach out to the guild if you want to make
group that the Screen Industry represents and the and the screen sector. the training process in your company or
screen sector in general. We have had disruption department better, more structured and
to several projects recently. The fluid start date, We have several sub-committee’s currently more professional.
adjusted stand-down and prep periods with the working through solutions to:
Tolkien Job which started shooting in Auckland • Looking after our locations
this February. There was also big disruption for • Developing Guild endorsed method for
Continuous Hours in NZ. - They are the life blood of our regions and
over 400 crew with the sudden postponement cities to be viable locations for local and
to shooting for “Cowboy Bebop” due to injury • Generating a list of upcoming workshops and offshore productions. Without these we will
to the lead actor and the subsequent hiatus for a events for our members. wither and die.
predicted 6 to 9 months while he recovers. Just
recently another production “The Beast” has • Developing an updated and accessible rate-card - We all need to take responsibility of
been stalled several weeks away from shooting for our sector. making sure those that live in and near
due to production complications arising from these locations don’t have any reason
the Corona Virus outbreak. These disruptions to Both the Guild Executive, the Regional Branches to start objecting to filming in their
and the subcommittees are all made up of general
DRONES
the pipeline of work can be extremely disruptive neighbourhoods and environmental areas.
and distressing for crew. Projects take time to get members who have put their hand up to assist in
helping the Guild be part of the future direction • Having a bigger voice with central and local
off the ground and are frequently timing their
of the screen sector and giving all our members a government.
shooting around availability of location, crew and
infrastructure and when a project hits problems voice. Assisting with a subcommittee is really easy
- Guild membership and participation is what
GIMBALS
that cause it to push or even cancel it creates a and often just consists of being part of an email
we need to achieve this. What can we do as a
hole in the workflow that will generally be unable discussion group with several members, doing
guild to encourage you as members to give
to be filled in the short to medium term. Often a bit of research, talking through an issue and
feedback to the industry and participate in the
crew will need to wait until the next production or coming up with a recommendation. I encourage
guild and contribute to the smooth running of
anyone who has a screen sector issue that think
QUEENSTOWN
productions flow out of the pipeline. the industry and the future of the sector?
the guild can contribute to, contact us and put it
Is there an answer to this sort of disruption? Is forward and anyone who is interested in being on I think it is important for us all to be involved
there something a crew member can do to prevent a subcommittee to get in touch. in the process of long-term planning for our
it from happening to them or mitigate the effects? industry, as essentially the “Below the line” crew
I honestly don’t know, and if anyone has any Many of you will have heard of the Screen Sector
that make up the membership of the Screen
ideas, I’d love to hear them. What I do know is Strategy that is currently in development. It is about
industry Guild make up over 90% of those
project-based contracting always has the chance developing medium- and long-term planning for
working on most productions.
of the project hitting some headwinds that may the screen sector which is industry led. If you are
cause it to be postponed or even cancelled. While interested in the future development of the industry Brendon Durey
it’s rare for an injury to a lead actor to occur that and how it applies to you the best way is by feeding
stops a production filming as well as an apparent back your thoughts and concerns to the guild, talk to
pandemic to stop a production in its tracks your peers and get in touch to discuss it.
before it’s started, these things do happen and
The main factors that seem to be central to the Are you a member of
2020
THE DATA BOOK
this is why it’s important for contractors to have
long-term sector planning are:
contingencies in place for gaps in the work flow.
This could be a side-line job that can be fallen back
on in these situations or a portion of the annual
• Infrastructure PRINT EDITION
available
community?
income saved for these situations. All we can do is - What is needed and where is it needed. Promote your business to over 4000 national
NOW!
hope is that these shows come back online at some
• Training of new crew in many of the & international website visitors per month
stage in the future. GET YOUR FREE LISTING!
departments and disciplines
Guild Subcommittees - We have an aging workforce and the lumpy Go to our website and click on “List Your Business”
The guild will create subcommittees from time
nature of our business cycle. www.databook.co.nz
Contact listings@databook.co.nz for your complimentary copy
to time as a method of making progress on Guild - We all need to start thinking about more
initiatives and as an effective way of having a structured ways of training. We need to reach
4 | NZTECHO Autumn 2020 NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 5
IN FOCUS
Low budget–
the new
normal?
Waka Attewell
Who are we? We work at the movie actually resides, that’s
front end of this business. the thing that doesn’t yet be
until we make it, that’s the
It’s morning. We arrive in
bit what we do; but we keep
the dark to empty paddocks,
those lofty ideals of creation
dark sound stages, obscure
and artistic prowess to
locations - nothing yet exists;
ourselves.
we park up the trucks, erect
the ‘easy ups’ – boil the urn, …it’s still only 5:37am.
unload the camera’s. The pre-
light crew have been working At $50.00 a day it sort of my job to fix productions two strangers searching for
all night, they depart - some broke even, low-budget. (as had sometimes been the lost platoon in the misty
have described this process the need), as, at times, other forest where most encounters
as ‘not work for sissies or the We carpooled. Begged and issues were wrecked in the end in a firefight with loses
faint hearted’. A little later borrowed equipment, mixed ‘fixing’ process. Putting that on both sides.
actors will stand-speak-move- the old gear with the new. It conceit behind had been a
sit-walk, open and close set felt inventive yet handmade. bit of a breakthrough not The inclusion of the
doors, all of this activity for Craft? It felt like it used to be due in a small part with a successful ‘cargo cult’ and
and in front of the camera. when there wasn’t much gear growing cultural awareness. the attitudes of extreme
They speak the lines that are or infrastructure. It was in Perhaps a hangover from the wealth that come with it has
written on a script. the summer break. Some of years where the film industry been a slow but relentless
us had other work we could pioneers from the tax break creep through the last 40
You might think the script is do in the weekends, others 80’s felt they somehow years of the film and TV
the movie, but to some who were financially supported arrogantly ruled? business. You first notice the
live in this ‘before-it-exists- by partners. This financial extremes in the hierarchy,
world’ the script is merely dexterity is at the core of We did still expect support mainly a robust and direct
those black bits on the page, freelance, and we wouldn’t from the Film Commission, way of communicating,
a code of possibilities. Some give it up for the world. supporting New Zealand which infiltrates and reaches
have been heard to whisper production being within their into all corners and aspects
that between those lines, in A few years before I’d made mandate. But, alas, support of the industry. It becomes
the white bits, is where the the decision that it wasn’t and great ideas can be the contagious.
6 | NZTECHO Autumn 2020 NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 7
forces completion with mainstream expectations.
each other; we suffer with Large projects aside, they
the ‘imposter syndrome’, seem to have become
those dark nights of doubt the realm of the offshore
when we fear we might be production. Low budget
found out? That reoccurring seems to have become the
3:00am nightmare when only way of local stories and
the weight of the work local production… low end
crumbles. The levity of the of production has just got
craft, living those freelance even more ‘Low’.
horrors, living from invoice
to invoice, having enough to Is this the new normal for
pay the rent. the start of the new decade?
It’s not that we have the need You might need to look the
to rant and rave about art or other way and accept the fact
want to shift the planet on that arts policy is being made
an axis or be famous, we just somewhere up in the lofty
want to be able to pay the heights of the food chain.
bills and not feel abandoned. The first you will know about
We like being ‘workers’. We these decisions is when the
are that community and producer tells you what the
we are loyal, the worst that going rate is, you know when
During all this growth bold style ruled this little you get told what your rate
the low budget movie has perfectly-formed-flick. And could happen is low budget
becomes the ‘new normal’ – will be.
been the bastion of the then it occurred to me. It
experimental, political, was the first time in many nah that’ll never happen. “Sorry,” they say. “There is
comedic and enthusiastic decades that I’d worked on no negotiation; my hands
The self-funded, low budget,
film maker. Perhaps artistic a film set where we shot are tied.”
no-budget film making
endeavour vs control of the the movie not the schedule,
has long been bastion of And the expectation quickly
industry is really the thing at the production changed
stake here, not the survival of my life and was one of the the political, experimental; becomes ‘it’s better than
our business but the survival best experiences… because, those little films that could, nothing’ - this seems to be
of our national cinema actually, by shooting the made on the weekends the new normal. You might
culture? movie we made the schedule with the mates (Bad Taste), get a bit of understanding
work for us; a journey of made on the streets during banter… ‘Yes, I know it’s
The low budget feature looking in through the the riots (Patu) – an insight hard’, the production
had a major upside, being window and then entering mainstream misses for manager says, and then you
nearly all self-funded from a familiar room. We had the simple fact of being spend all of your meagre
independent investors perhaps been here before, mainstream – shorts wages on the nanny because
there were no studio or before we knew too much financed by an Uncle or both you and your partner
funding body pushing the and the deal didn’t rule the family or investor-patron-of- are working to make
shoot at breakneck speed, entire process? the-arts. A proving ground ends meet.
in that, ‘time is money’ way to show the NZFC you are
that film shoots operate. It’s a delicate process this worthy of funding? …but Is this the dying echo of
Instead performance realm of the arts and the deal. alas low budget seems to neo-liberal arts funding
and inventiveness and a The nature of the business have jumped the ditch into where the funding sector
8 | NZTECHO Autumn 2020 NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 9
are doing what is normal for back. It set the benchmark
a bureaucracy and saving for budget cap with the
themselves first. promise of fame and fortune
for the few that were on the
Meanwhile out in the world bridge… but let’s keep in
of early morning starts and mind success and fame are
truck stops, living from all relative. Did the leg up
invoice to invoice, while the system work? Remember the
demands of the film business title sequence? – A wobbly
are slowly choking us as we shot of a… um err, um an
try to maintain a vital local escalator, with disembodied
working infrastructure. legs stepping onto the
Yet, in reality, the gaze is bottom step; is that a hesitant
all about offshoring the stepping, is that a bold step,
industry because that is what stride forth with hope step?
the business of the industry …. on the nose step?
demands. This is the result
of a successful cargo cult Is the low budget feature film
manoeuvre. the quintessential expression
of this struggling society of
- It’s not about supporting the kiwi battler? The suffer-
the artist it’s about the for-your-art-syndrome of the
business of the deal. kiwi way?
The big question being ‘Is To produce the smallest and
the NZFC fully funding local most profound movie still
production?’ – And - is this takes a certain minimum
low budget (under living it all begins, there is no Are our lower rates just
amount of equipment, the
wage threshold for crew). Is jumping the queue? another way that we are
expectation is a certain level
$1.2 million the new normal? of ‘production value’ for it feeding the internet monster
The powers that administer of increased demands of the
to cut through the noise of the funds might say things
As one of my post- the internet, perhaps the social media companies?
production colleagues said like you can’t have art
ultimate still being that Is this the dying death-roll
the other day ‘Is this just a without business… you could
magic-red-carpet ride of the cinema shark in the
sad case that’s worse than look them in the eye and ask
to LAX? swamp in a world where
‘the Mexican’s with cell- them to explain? Ask them
the sunset is only relevant
phones era?” A little New Zealand film to explain how the deal will
put bread in your pocket after it has been through an
that ‘made it’? instagram filter, where crew
Low Budget has a website, and send your kids to school
its official – it’s a NZFC But, as John O’Shea said - with lunch? – ask them how are all checking their phones
website and it’s a real thing. With a local film we should they manage from invoice to between takes? Just checking
Not just the slang term off be more concerned with invoice, and what is it they that the ‘making of’ feed
the streets, it has an official what they think about it in actually produce here? Go to the ODT might include
title and status. It puts in Taihape or Tolaga Bay or on this is your film industry me, to make my existence
mind that time when the Timaru than Hollywood; to, but never ask an arts more important by being in
HMS Escalator pulled away John might be correct here. administrator about their the back of shot related to a
from the wharf a few years National cinema is where weekly wage. celebrity or influencer for
10 | NZTECHO Autumn 2020 NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 11
When ‘low budget’ is the
Ian Mune writes in his autobiography
answer then the question
of the years leading up to 2000 and
has to be ‘is this now the
the first 20 years of the NZFC
new normal?’ - And – ‘is this
what we have become as the (Abridged from Rudall Hayward
New Zealand Film Industry? Lifetime Achievement Award speech).
“TV began to make New Zealand
20 years ago there was a drama Pukemanu, Close To Home, The
movement afoot to ‘get back Governor, Moynihan. History shows us
our film industry’ – Ian a corporate mind-set and subsequent
Mune willingly fronted the
control of artistic thinking quickly took
brief but somewhat bloody
over that golden era. Business started
revolution, some of us stood
making artistic decisions as to what we
near enough to be hit by the
watched on the TV.
lightening and collateral
damage and we learned to The NZFC is announced 5 years after
never question an out-of- the corporatisation of TV with a clear
touch bureaucracy as their brief to support this burgeoning new
survival is more important movie industry. Goodbye Pork Pie,
that their tasks or mandate. Smash Palace and Vigil soon followed.
20 years down the track, we are looking
Yet those words of warning at an industry in confusion… So what
from 20 years ago might
the Netflix channel? – Oh, sure such things can ever be went wrong?
still be relevant today and
the glamour of the business? timed well, as, for the simple be the thing that needs In short, the control mentality has
Yet your weekly rates are still fact, a bureaucracy has a further discussion? won the day. The Film Commission,
less than 5 years ago? function of self-preservation unsatisfied with its wobbly attempts
that is so pernicious that Meanwhile, in a camera to support the industry, chose to lead
Has this been the case where it will throw itself off the rental carpark somewhere it. Control. The first weapon and last
‘low budget’ is now the new cliff before admitting it is in Wellington I dropped by – ditch defence of the truly terrified…
normal in the New Zealand wrong or out of touch; or for the other day, the first AC was We have become a marketer-oriented
Feature Film Industry; that matter change because fitting the truck with shelves industry where the deal is more
where working for less than of the times or openly for the new movie about to important than the movie…
a ‘living wage’ is something change policy even though be shot in town. He steps The people who are in control… who
that has been imposed upon it would’ve realised behind down from the toil and wipes are even now dictating what stories
us? Are we looking at a closed doors that revolution his brow. ‘Well it’s better than
the story-tellers may tell, are neither
situation that looks more like is nigh. nothing, eh?”
film-makers nor story-tellers. They are
control than support?
A commission that loses Embrace the cinema of not leaders they are followers – of the
I was reminded the other their creative way so chooses poverty as a rite of passage. market… And because they believe that
day about the Mune instead to ‘control’ the a singular market-oriented paradigm
speech (2000) regarding industry and we are, as Mune Precariat has a new cohort? imposed upon the story-tellers from
the formation and result said in 2000, still obsessed above will work, they will sacrifice the
of the New Zealand Film with the deal rather than the very thing they are duty-bound to foster
Commission. Ian has always film; it would appear that – the clear, passionate voice of the
said it was bad timing to there are no deals now just New Zealand artist. ”
make that speech but I’m not low end toil.
12 | NZTECHO Autumn 2020 NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 13
TECHOSPHERE Monday, 23 March 2020
Advisory #2 COVID-19 Pandemic
as it Affects Production
Today the New Zealand Government has announced 2. Productions that have not yet formally closed
New Zealand Film Commission the country is now at COVID-19 Alert level 3 with an
upgrade to level 4 at midnight Wednesday, 25 March
2020. Level 4 is expected to continue for a minimum
finance or are yet to apply for funding but have a
viable finance plan.
COVID-19 update
We have consulted with industry and stakeholders
of 4 weeks. Level 4 means people are instructed to
and are committed to doing more work with industry,
stay at home and only essential services/business will
so productions are poised and ready to start when
remain open.
conditions are favourable to do so.
The ongoing COVID-19 crisis is a threat to the poised to go into production as soon as it is possible These are unprecedented times and the New Zealand
Therefore, the NZFC:
entire economy of New Zealand, and of particular and safe to do so. We are also currently reviewing Film Commission (NZFC) would firstly like to thank
and commend all the hard work the production (a) Continues to encourage and accept applications
concern to the New Zealand Film Commission how we can expand our project development, talent
community has done to ensure the health and safety from producers for production financing if they have
(NZFC) is the disruption and upheaval to the development and company support programmes
a viable finance plan; and
of their cast and crew. We are extremely concerned
screen sector, and the impact this has had on to put more funds into the development of projects,
by the serious nature of the pandemic and the (b) Continues to work on film closing documentation
the livelihood of cast, crew and other businesses people and companies during these difficult times. immediate impact it is having on the livelihood of to ensure production can commence as soon as
associated with the screen industry. Once again this is part of our strategy to have a wealth cast, crew and other businesses associated with the production dates and other relevant production
of projects ready to go when productions are cleared screen industry. details, are confirmed.
The NZFC welcomes the Government’s $12.1 billion
to move forward again. Apart from international This Advisory is to provide updated and clear
economic rescue package which includes support We are systematically working through potential
travel grants and some on-the-job career development information to producers and the wider production
to screen businesses and contractors affected by variations to our Terms of Trade that can support new
opportunities, all NZFC funding opportunities are sector about what the NZFC is putting in place to approaches to production advances and cash-flowing
the suspension of production activity nationwide,
open and available as usual. support productions until the pandemic situation is for productions that have a letter of offer and are
alongside other businesses and employees facing resolved. All our funding opportunities remain open working through the closing process.
economic hardship as a result of the pandemic. The On 23 March we issued Advisory #2 for Productions and available, other than the International Travel
which outlines the ways in which the NZFC is dealing We are also currently reviewing how we can expand
NZFC continues to work with Government agencies Grants programme which has been suspended.
our project development, talent development and
on recommendations which will support production with productions affected by COVID-19 and for those
In the immediate term, we are dealing with company support programmes.
to commence as quickly as possible, once the wishing to apply for NZFC production financing. You two distinct types of production that are being
can read Advisories 1 and 2 here. These Advisories will All NZFC existing funding programmes remain open
Government advises it is safe to do so. affected now.
and available, except for the International Travel
be a key way for the NZFC to communicate with the
It is heartening that the Screen Sector COVID-19 1. Productions that have commenced principal Grant programme.
industry on the programs we offer and any changes we photography or are in post-production
Action Group has formed so quickly to address In order to ensure that the NZFC can serve the
are making in response to COVID 19. If you would like
this issue and to collaborate across all parts of the In response to the New Zealand Government’s industry effectively through these times we have
to be added to the subscriber list for these Advisories,
sector. This pan-sector organisation is made up of COVID-19 alert level directive and advisory, all already prepared and trialled NZFC staff to work
please send your email to katel@nzfilm.co.nz. productions (as non-essential businesses) are now
representatives from key guilds and organisations as remotely and will now continue to do so under Alert
We also have set up an email address, in hiatus. 3 and 4 as required. Staff remain totally committed to
well as major industry stakeholders and has arisen
covid19impact@nzfilm.co.nz which you can use to finding concrete ways to support the industry.
out of the Screen Sector Strategy 2030 Facilitation This is obviously distressing for everyone involved.
send any feedback, comments or suggestions for us We are committed to working alongside producers
Group. To assist the Action Group in addressing the Please everyone, continue to look after yourselves and
to consider. We will also continue to update the NZFC to understand the changing environment and each other.
impact of the pandemic on the industry, we ask that
website as per usual when new funding programmes, how we can best take advantage of opportunities to
you complete this brief survey to tell them how you are Annabelle Sheehan, CEO
initiatives and opportunities are launched. commence production again when conditions are
affected, and what is important to you. favourable to do so.
Like all of you, the NZFC wants the industry up and Some useful links:
https://mailchi.mp/738dd79171b2/media-releasenz- The NZFC is reviewing films and working with
running again and we are committed to working
screen-industry-announces-covid-19-pan-sector- producers in post-production and assessing how New Zealand Government’s official COVID-19 website
with industry to achieve that. We look forward to
response-4834361?e=bc612dc191 we can best support delivery, if delayed, and other
cinemas opening and audiences returning. In the milestones related to this activity.
The Ministry of Health NZ
The NZFC itself is systematically working through meantime, we will continue to collaborate with guilds
We will continue to process post-production Screen Sector COVID-19 Action Group
potential variations to our Terms of Trade and and government in decision-making about the future
deliverables, review contractual edits and provide
processes that can support new approaches to strength of the screen industry. At the forefront of New Zealand Government's COVID-19 Employer Support
feedback, and process invoices as applicable, however
production advances and cash-flowing for productions all our discussions will be the health and safety of all all test screenings are now paused. NZFC's Advisory # 1
that have a letter of offer and are working through the those who work in the New Zealand film industry and
closing process. We want to ensure that projects are the ongoing sustainability of the wider screen sector.
14 | NZTECHO Autumn 2020 NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 15
NZ Screen Industry Announces
Covid-19 Pan-Sector Response
In response to the immediate impact of advocacy group, has added two documents on About the Screen Sector Matthew Metcalfe
COVID-19 on the New Zealand screen industry, the website, Covid-19 Health & Safety Policy COVID-19 Action Group General Film Corporation
the sector has today announced the formation and Covid-19 Contact Declaration Form*. Established in mid-March 2020 by the Screen Patricia Watson
of the Screen Sector COVID-19 Action Group These documents are intended to give Sector Strategy 2030 Facilitation Group, the WIFT NZ (Women in Film and Television)
and a screen-specific online information hub. production companies and heads of Screen Sector COVID-19 Action Group is a pan- Peter Clews
departments guidance and forms to manage sector team, made up of representatives from NZ Advertising Producers Group
While the indeterminate hiatus of a number
COVID-19 on a working production. many key industry guilds and organisations,
of large international line productions has as well as major stakeholders. Richard Fletcher
already resulted in job losses, many essential The local screen industry eco-system right now SPADA / Libertine Pictures
While the work of finalising the Screen Sector
New Zealand productions continue to strive to is very fragile, and the Screen Sector COVID-19 Sally Campbell
Strategy 2030 continues, the Screen Sector
keep cast and crew safe at work, whilst ensuring Action Group recognises the importance of South Pacific Pictures
Facilitation Group felt it was essential to
their productions remain operational. keeping domestic productions operational urgently establish a working group to address the Sandy Gildea
Now, more than ever, the screen industry needs where possible, or ready to gear back up as immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on SPADA (Screen Production &
to work cohesively for the benefit of the sector quickly as possible should an increase in the Screen Sector and to ensure that when recovery Development Association)
New Zealand’s COVID-19 Alert level happens – and it will – we are all ready to gear
at large. While progress continues on the Screen Sioux Macdonald
necessitate work stoppages. back up and get the screen industry in Aotearoa
Sector Strategy 2030, the Strategy Facilitation Screen Industry Guild of NZ / Filmcrews
humming again.
Group has acted quickly to establish the The other key priority for the Screen Sector Tui Ruwhiu
A key finding of the Screen Sector Strategy 2030 is
Screen Sector COVID-19 Action Group to COVID-19 Action Group during this initial Directors & Editors Guild of NZ
the desire for a pan-sector unified voice and while
address the immediate effects of the COVID-19 phase of the COVID-19 crisis is working closely that pan sector body is some time away still, it is
pandemic on the industry. This pan-sector team with key stakeholders, including funding bodies evident that now, more than ever, our industry SCREEN SECTOR COVID-19 ACTION GROUP -
comprises many key screen industry guilds and and financiers, to explore the various ways in needs to work cohesively and it is with that in STAKEHOLDERS
organisations, as well as major stakeholders. which the domestic screen production industry mind that this working group has been formed. Domestic and international
The www.screenindustrynz.co.nz website can be supported in order to continue working The group’s members and stakeholders screen producers & productions
will act as a one-stop hub to assist screen safely during these uncertain times. are as follows:
Government ministries:
producers and industry workers find screen- Beyond this acute response, the Screen Sector
SCREEN SECTOR COVID-19 ACTION GROUP - Ministry of Culture & Heritage
specific health and safety resources, wage and COVID-19 Action Group will also be looking at
MEMBERS
earning subsidy assistance and information, funding mechanisms and networks to facilitate Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
key updates on COVID-19 as well as relevant training and development opportunities for Alice Shearman
Ministry of Social Development
news and updates from screen guilds and New Zealand Writers Guild
affected businesses as well as individual crew Ministry of Education
industry organisations. members, performers, writers and directors. Brian Finn
Weta Group Screen funding bodies:
Currently, the key focus for the wider industry These unprecedented times call for calm and
is the health and safety of those working Felicity Letcher NZ On Air
proactive decision-making in order to protect
on domestic productions and it is vital that Main Reactor
the local screen sector and to ensure that when New Zealand Film Commission
all productions in New Zealand adhere to recovery happens – and it will – the industry is Grant Baker
Auckland Screen Alliance / Film Auckland / Te Māngai Paho
Government advisories and safety measures. ready to operate at maximum capacity again
Currently, the key focus for the wider industry Images & Sound
for our domestic productions and so that Regional economic development agencies:
is the health and safety of those working international line productions can return as Hineani Melbourne
Auckland Tourism,
on domestic productions and it is vital that soon as it is viable. Ngā Aho Whakaari
Events & Economic Development
all productions in New Zealand adhere to Kelly Lucas
www.screenindustrynz.co.nz Screen Wellington
Government advisories and safety measures. Screen Industry Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand /
ScreenSafe, the industry’s health and safety ScreenSafe Regional Film Offices of New Zealand
*Documents created with thanks by Health & Safety Officer Robert ‘Gibbo’ Gibson and Producer Rebekah ‘Bex’ Kelly.
16 | NZTECHO Autumn 2020 NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 17
Accessing the
Covid-19 Wage Subsidy
for the Screen Sector
The government has released its initial Approved: • Govt licences and permits for 4. Must have taken active steps to
wage subsidy package for businesses • they’ll email and text to confirm their business needs - And mitigate the impact of Covid-19.
affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. that they have approved the • If applicable, some will, some • If you require proof of these steps
application and made a payment won’t. Provide anything you can, the guild can provide a letter
How do SIGANZ members access this • you receive the payment but don’t worry if you can’t. saying the member has actively
and what do they need to provide?
Declined: • Qualifications or registrations approached the guild for advice
The information says the subsidy • they’ll notify you for their trade or profession on mitigating the Covid-19
is accessible if you are an employer, • Guild Membership impacts to fulfil this requirement.
Self-employed application form:
contractor, sole trader or self-employed. • Any other documented 5. Must make best efforts to
https://services.workandincome.govt. qualification that may apply.
Here are details of the retain employees
nz/ess/trader_applications/new
application process. 2. Be legally working in NZ • This should be straightforward for
We feel most of our members will be • You need to be a Citizen, both sole traders and companies
Your situation is either: Permanent Resident or have a in this situation.
operating either:
• your staff are in self-isolation (or valid work visa.
caring for others), or 1. A Registered Company What do I get?
(with one employee) 3. You must have a current or expected
• your business’s revenue has The subsidy will be paid at a flat rate
30% decline in revenue over a
dropped due to COVID-19 or of $585.80 (over 20hrs per week) or
period of a month compared to the
- You can apply online and you 2. A Sole Trader (Contractor) $350.00 (under 20hrs per week).
same month last year.
will need: Contracting to various Production The subsidy is paid in a lump sum and
If you require proof of upcoming
• your IRD number Companies operating in NZ. covers 12 weeks.
contract work we can look at helping
• your business name
How do I access the Subsidy with the below suggestions: The MSD information can be
• business address
• Have a letter (or email) from accessed here:
• the names of your employees To qualify you need to: an upcoming production or
• your employee IRD numbers https://www.workandincome.govt.
1. Be registered and operating in NZ productions you were expecting to
• contact details for your business nz/products/a-z-benefits/covid-19-
• Registered Company be working on as the bulk of your
and your employees support.html
• Have a NZBN (New Zealand upcoming revenue which states
- They will then check if you qualify. Business Number) you can find the production has halted due to Employer Application form:
- They may contact you if they need what your is by searching your Covid-19. https://services.workandincome.govt.
further information regarding company here: https://www. • The Guild is attempting to get nz/ess/employer_applications/new
your application. nzbn.govt.nz/ letters which we can distribute
Self-employed application form:
• Sole Trader (Contractor) to members on request from
- They’ll do this by phone. various productions and https://services.workandincome.govt.
• Have a personal NZ IRD
- If it’s: number – and industry organisations. nz/ess/trader_applications/new18 | NZTECHO Autumn 2020 NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 19
WIDE ANGLE
Future
Christchurch producer and intense and highly informative
SIGNZ member Nadia Maxwell workshop for 15 participants
has been nominated as a held over 3 days that covered all
finalist in the WIFT NZ awards aspects of being a line producer
for Woman to Watch, and is for long format feature film
thinking in
currently in post-production on productions. The intention was
her next feature ‘Reunion’ - a to support the participants with
psychological thriller written opportunities for internships
and directed by Venice and and mentoring to develop this
lockdown
SXSW award winning Jake role actively within the screen
Mahaffy and starring Julia industry. Regular online digital
Ormond – which is due for meet ups with guest speakers
release in 2020. are also planned to be ongoing
for the rest of the year.
Christchurch writer/director
Geographically isolated and with a relatively small Gillian Ashurst’s NZFC Meanwhile, producer/director
Catalyst funded short film Slavko Martinov was about to
population. New Zealand has the potential to contain get on a plane to the Middle
The Meek is currently in post
the spread of Covid-19 and allow our workforce production, Shot on location East for a month’s recce on
to safely resume trading ahead of the rest of the in North Canterbury the short one of the films he has in
is produced by Nadia Maxwell development. Thankfully, he
world. Christchurch Branch Chair (advertising) Line and Catherine Fitzgerald decided not to get on the plane
Producer Amanda Jenkins ponders the potential for (Blueskin Films). Nadia and at the last minute and avoid
Gillian are also in advanced what would’ve been a disastrous
our screen industry if New Zealand’s isolation can be
development on feature film quarantine upon arrival. On a
transformed into a unique set of opportunities (to GNATS, which was selected for positive note, that bought him
work/service other countries’ productions by proxy) Script to Screen’s Story Camp in time to chat with international
December 2019. co-producers about their
that could set up a stronger, bolder screen sector here involvement while he continues
for a long time to come. On another note, a huge to develop the other local
congratulations must go and international projects
Before New Zealand went into protocols and now also to Christchurch Writer/ on his slate.
lockdown last week, Screen advocating for Covid-19 Director Vanessa Wells for her
CanterburyNZ (film office) recovery stimulous. selection for the 2020 FilmUp The claymation children’s
(https://www.christchurchnz. Mentorship Programme run series Kiri and Lou is animated
Meanwhile, our local producers, by Script to Screen, which will in Christchurch by a team lead
com/screen-canterburynz)
directors and crews were busy continue during the level 4 by one of New Zealand’s most
was strengthening our
with local and international lockdown. Vanessa is also in internationally successful stop
screen foundation to support
development and content pre-production on her motion animators, Antony
production with a crew list,
creation in the form of TV, second commission for Elworthy. The on-going series
image gallery and website. advertising, short films, web continues in production during
Sesame Street.
Handling national and content, Te Manga Paho funded lockdown, with sets relocated
international inquires as well content, documentaries and In February, I travelled into animators’ garages.
as promoting the region. Screen print advertising. How did that to Auckland for the Line Written and directed by Harry
CanterburyNZ is working with look? Before contemplating the Producer workshop “Share the Sinclair and produced by Fiona
private inventment projects gritty realism of our current knowledge” lead by producer Copland, the series screens on
on studio infrastructure, situation, let’s celebrate what Emma Slade and line producer, TVNZ on demand, CBS, BBC,
developing regional screen we’ve been doing this year. Victoria Dabbs. This was an ABC, as well as broadcasters20 | NZTECHO Autumn 2020 NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 21
in Europe, Scandinavia, the to get back into the game. And nimble and creative and offer NZonAir, NZFC and Doc Edge
Middle East and Africa. that starts now. Together, as the solutions to create content can help facilitate and open up
an industry, we need to start remotely as soon as possible. opportunities for connections.
But now, with disruption of the asking ourselves how we can He thinks we need to look
Covid-19 pandemic halting adapt to this crisis and create at the most effective way to Lighting technican, Zac Beckett
all international and domestic opportunities that will help provide visual information Knight thinks the sector
productions, we are all faced promote our screen industry to to the client. Whether this is should in the interim, fund
with uncertainty. Beyond the the rest of the world. live streaming with different regional stimulous packages.
shock of the immediate impact, technology applications, we also Increase seed funding. Even if
no one knows how we will be Watching with interest to need to look at the pros and that means each one gets less.
affected, or for how long. industry in the USA there cons to enable problem solving Funding supports growth. This
has been an unprecedented around what the direction we will generate physical content
As you know, fairly robust international content boom in the form of a pilot or test
take. We will have a window
conversations have been with streaming services scene but also ensure that crew
of opportunity, he adds, to
occurring throughout the disrupting the content model can participate giving them
promote our locations via video
industry. We’re all affected in by looking for authentic and a greater chance to upskill,
feed to the rest of the world and
different ways, depending on original content filmed in embrace, nurture and amplify
develop a coordinated approach
our roles and the sectors we partnership with local story the New Zealand cultural voice.
to enable delivery to the
work in, but we can all agree tellers and local crew! As well client and agency in It is briliant to see the screen
that these are unprecedented as NZ story tellers getting another country. sector strategy 2030 Facilitation
times we find ourselves in on the radar of the large
together. And that will require international brands. group enable the Screen Sector
A concern for writer/director
us to come together and use Covid-19 Action Group, a
Vanessa Wells, is the need
our creativity to come up with Let’s face it: globally, viewers, taskforce which was established
to ensure the networking
unprecedented solutions. networks and various platforms mid March, to offer a “pan-
opportunities so vital to the
are going to be starved for sector unified voice” with
industry, remain open during
Can we work through this content by the time all of this members and stakeholders
the lockdown. How will
adversity together and find ends. The question we need to working together for our
access to the gatekeepers of
ways to promote growth and answer is, how will we use this screen industry. (https://www.
networks, industry conferences,
create opportunities that didn’t time under lockdown to ensure screenindustrynz.co.nz/
governing bodies and events
exist before? Of course we can. we are ready to start creating about-us)
And we must. It’s in our Kiwi & training during this
content as soon as possible? period of lockdown work?
DNA to come together and be There seems to be a
resilient, confident, innovative, Conversations with both North Communication and ideas unanimous belief that creation
and versatile in the face of a and South Island crew in sharing is vital and connectivity of intentional regional
crisis. We thrive on it. And there lockdown have already started must be transferred to and local content needs to be
is no industry in New Zealand over the past week, with people boosted online. People will supported first, with a focus
better equipped to thrive on asking how we can collectively start to socialise more online on challenging the delivery
these unique set of challenges create an innovative action plan and be open to investing time platforms to announce how
we face that the screen sector. that sets us up for the future. into online meetings with they’re dedicating resources to
Heck, it’s part of the job Many thoughts, ideas, plans and people they haven’t met before. that for the next 6-12 months.
description on a good day! patterns have already started to This will be a positive step Of course, it must be noted
emerge and we know we need toward with collaborations and that any future planning is
No one knows when this crisis an action plan: connections that otherwise easier hoped for than actioned,
will end or what will happen mightn’t have existed before. given that this is unchartered
next. We know that. But we can Location supervisor and scout This is definitely where the territory and no one knows
be prepared to move quickly Clayton Tikao, suggests we need screen industry agencies how the next 6-12 months and
when we get the ‘green light’ to be versatile as a industry, guilds like Script to Screen, possible fluctuations in22 | NZTECHO Autumn 2020 NZTECHO Autumn 2020 | 23
spikes of infection will affect What does that mean for our
anyone’s plans. local screen sector? Not only
will our locally made content
However, let’s not overlook the find international audiences
obvious silver lining in this like never before, but with so
crisis: there is a good chance many countries still on lock
that New Zealand’s domestic down while we can get back to
economy will be able to emerge work, they will be looking to
from lockdown and get back create content somewhere, and
into business sooner than somehow, during this global
other countries, due to swift lockdown, and that somehow
action and strong leadership and somewhere can be us.
of our government creating
international market and Keep safe, start connecting,
investment confidence in Kia Kaha.
New Zealand. The world’s
demand for content in the Line producer @ AJ FILMS
short and medium term will Amanda Jenkins
possibly be unprecedented.
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REGIONAL WRAP
Take one – Auckland Take three – Wellington
Autumn is upon us, and along with the dark lockdown, so that as many of you as possible will walk Driving home a couple of Friday’s ago, I was happy – lucky – banks and landlords who aren’t being too
mornings comes the boring old sniffles and sore straight back into a film working environment. I but slightly concerned – to see a crew shooting a few shitty to you right now.
throats. As much as I wish not to write about it, we ask that you all continue to support your local small scenes in central Wellington. But I figure, that was the
In the coming months, as we rebuild and get rolling
cannot ignore the fact that all production as we know businesses, and keep the economy ticking as well as last time anyone got paid for handling a non-essential
again, I hope we will remember this as the time our
it has stalled, however only temporarily in New you can, so that as many businesses as possible are camera here, or anywhere else in Aotearoa.
communities became even stronger, friendlier and
Zealand in the meantime with the Level 4 lockdown still able to trade at the end of this, and will want your
So, a massive shout out to our sisters and brothers more resilient than ever.
in place. The best advice is not to panic, and to keep services to help them create advertising content.
your personal hygiene practices at an optimum level who are still shooting the news and current events, Needless to say, we have suspended all invoicing from
Common Blue Book questions lately have been about but, the rest of you, we truly hope you’re doing the Crew Wellington and Crew Auckland. We very, very
by washing your hands, and staying in your family
working on Anzac Day (which falls on a Saturday this smart thing by staying inside, maybe maintaining the much appreciate those who can pay, continuing to do
or unit bubbles. Ultimately we will feel the financial
year, but is Monday-ised). In the event of working gear, working on that script or editing that footage so. But we will not be expecting any fees for a while.
strain in New Zealand, given that markets around
across both days for the one company, you can only you’ve always wanted to craft into a documentary. Hopefully Jacinda and Grant will bail us out too!
the world are temporarily shutting down , and travel
charge penalty rates for one day or the other, but not
being limited within our borders. It is important that We are blessed with a government who won’t let us Love your work, stay safe, and wash your hands!
penalty rates for both.
you keep fit and healthy, so that we can all get back on starve during this crisis, and – maybe, if you’re very GT
track asap. The first reading of the Screen Industry Workers
Bill has been presented to parliament, and the 2030
Auckland has enjoyed a bumper summer, with
Strategy Group is soon to present its work to the
most crew that work on long form benefiting from
all the concurrent productions shooting in and
Prime Minister. Take four – Queenstown
around the city. Film Auckland, and NZAPG, along When we are finally out of this rut and back to This is written on the eve of the techo’s mag deadline, Commercial Production stalwarts including Batch
with Screen Auckland, the 2030 Strategy Group and business, remember, there has been a lot of work and therefore in the midst of Covid19 maelstrom... Film, Flying Fish, OPT, Film Construction, The Search,
other organisations have all been beavering away going on behind the scenes to help make Auckland thankfully this is a wrap of the last quarter and not a Godmother, 35mm & Big Pictures, and the quiet
in an effort to make filming in Auckland and New a more accessible place to shoot. I urge you to make forecast of the next! achievers (Zoom, Summit, Reel, Two-Bearded-Men,
Zealand more streamlined and accessible to local and sure that when you are filming in public areas you Storyworks, Local Action et al) have all also kept crew
leave the locations better than you find them, and Looking back the trend away from med/lge TVCs
international productions. I have been lucky enough and industry interested/interesting over the last few
are polite and courteous to any public that see you and towards longer format continues: Longer format
to be involved in the Screen Strategy 2030 Working months. Again and again our thanks to all the hours
working there. We are only as good as our reputation. productions ‘One Lane Bridge’ wrapped up in Dec,
Group, that has created a splinter crisis group about and hard work pitching-pitching-pitching...
and ‘The Power of the Dog’ rolled in to the region in
the Covid-19 outbreak. This is made up of all Guilds And, keep yourselves as safe as possible from any Jan. Both of these productions were filmed on location Thinking forwards... I see some silver linings :)
and Unions, along with broadcasters and funding spreading bugs. in this beautiful region, and they have left a truly great Population boom (just stating the obvious). And
bodies (NZ Film Commission, NZ On Air etc) as
Sioux Macdonald, Guild vice president and impression of film industry in some local communities. a real appetite for more ‘content’ - all this time in
well as MBIE and MCH. We are trying to stimulate
isolation will leave lots of time for watching TV, film,
the local industry ahead of coming out of Level 4 executive committee member I hope that I speak for all in the region for offering
devices, content, gaming. Surely our industry will be
up BIG THANKS to some of the people instrumental
inundated shortly!
in bringing these productions here and engaging
local industry & crew: Dame Jane Campion, Chloe See you out there.
Smith, Moira Grant, Pip Hall, Philip Smith, Raluca
Nicola Macallan
Cozariuc, Anna Randall (and equally apologies to all
Take two – Bay of Plenty the influencers un-named).
Kia ora Tātou! show that is filming through NZ right now. It was
great to see the tele-feature Runaway Millionaires CREW
After 6 months of hard work, we are stoked to Experienced and highly regarded
that was partially shot in Rotorua nominated as a
rocketrentals.com
able to share with you the Film Bay of Plenty DoPs, camera operators and sound
finalist across five categories at the 2020 New York
Production guide is a great one-stop for recordists specialisting in broadcast and
Festivals Film and TV Awards.
information on filming within our region. More commerical production.
details about this great resource below and Film Waiariki Film Studios is hiring a project manager
Bay of Plenty is always at the end of the phone or to help drive this project forward and we are Documentaries TV Series
email for any further information that you require currently sourcing warehouse stage space for a
Corporate Commercials
about our region. long-form drama looking to shoot in the region in
Spring. It’s great to see Producers looking to bring
After a relaxed January, February has been a busy
their productions to the regions and we at Film Bay
month with commercials shooting across the
region, large scale enquiries coming in, a BBC of Plenty look forward to facilitating many more.
Give us a call for quotes or enquiries
shoot in the Whirinaki Forest and Film Bay of Anton Steel Auckland 09 373 4330 Wellington 04 499 9225
Plenty also connected local crew with a NetflixYou can also read
