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The Green Book / Screen Auckland

General Information

People

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe © Disney Enterprises, Inc and Walden Media | Photo Credit : Phil Bray

The Auckland region is home to almost a third of all New Zealanders. It has a population of 1.25 million and is New Zealand's largest city. Auckland's ethnic make-up is diverse. Europeans (Pakeha) represent the majority of the population, followed closely by Maori, Pacific Islands and Asian communities. There are also growing African and Middle Eastern populations. Auckland has the largest Polynesian population in the world. Click here for more information on Auckland's population and casting capabilities.

Language

Official: English and Maori
Other common dialects: Cantonese, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Samoan, Tongan

Climate

Auckland's climate is temperate. Vivid blue skies, unrestricted by smog, characterise clear winter and summer days. Tables about the Auckland climate for sunshine, temperatures and rainfall can be found at www.climate.co.nz/akld.html and weather forecasts can be found at http://metservice.co.nz/default/index.php

Time Zone

Auckland, as with all of New Zealand, is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Our daylight saving period [when clocks go forward by one hour] is from the first Sunday in October to the third Sunday of the following March.

Currency Conversion

The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar.
For current conversion rates visit : Westpac Banking Corporation

How do I obtain a film permit/consent?

Permits can usually be approved within a few days. Shoots requiring road closures can take a little longer. We recommend location managers discuss preferred locations with the Permit officers, prior to formal application. Contacts for each region are:

Auckland City Council
Auckland Regional Council
Franklin District Council
Manukau City Council
North Shore City Council
Papakura District Council
Rodney District Council
Waitakere City Council

How can an experienced/inexperienced person get into the Auckland screen production industry?

There are a number of career paths in the industry. We recommend you start by visiting the Databook; a comprehensive guide of film industry businesses and individuals whom you can make contact with to seek opportunities/work experience. Alternatively you can try contacting local Guilds for further direction.

Does Film Auckland offer any opportunities for work experience/internships?

Unfortunately we do not have the capacity to do so. The office is small and very busy so we are not able to take on interns.

What productions are shooting in the Auckland region?

This is often sensitive/confidential information, if you have a specific media enquiry please Contact Film Auckland as we may have production press release information that we can pass on.

Do you have a Film Auckland DVD that you could send me?

Contact Film Auckland for a copy of The Film Auckland DVD.

Still have a burning question?

If there's a question that we haven't answered, please do Contact Us

What services does Film Auckland provide?

Film Auckland is the marketing and facilitation office for screen production in Auckland. Contact us with your production/location query now.

What incentives/grants are available for incoming screen productions?

Information on the screen production grants available, can be found at the Film New Zealand website.

Can I get all the equipment I need in Auckland, New Zealand?

You can rent all the equipment your production requires in Auckland, there is no need to bring in your own gear. Please see our Equipment section of this website.

Does Auckland have any sound stages/studios?

Auckland has a world class Sound Stage, and a variety of other studios and warehouse facilities for filming. Please see our Infrastructure section of this website.

What work visas do I need to film in Auckland, New Zealand?

Cast and crew who do not hold New Zealand or Australian passports will require a work permit. For further details/application forms visit NZ Immigration Service, and contact your local Guilds for letters of non-objection. Your Auckland line producer or production support person will be experienced in work visa applications.

How can I secure funding for my production?

New Zealand projects may be eligible for funding from several different sources. Projects from outside of New Zealand may be developed as an international co-production, see the Film NZ website for detailed information ...More