Sites and Places of Significance to Mana Whenua - industry working group

An industry working group led by Kristian Eek and Sioux Macdonald, have been engaging with Screen Auckland to address the challenges that section D21 of the Auckland Unitary Plan brings to the industry. A second 'Locations Roundtable' meeting took place in February, where a paper was presented outlining 10 options for consideration with a view to short, medium, and long-term actions. The industry working group will present the paper to a wider industry group, before providing Auckland Unlimited with feedback. In the meantime, while solutions are being developed, Screen Auckland will continue to work with Productions on a case-by-case basis, to see what obstacles may be overcome and will consult with the industry working group on the best time to have the next roundtable.

Dame Jane Campion wins Best Director

This week the film industry celebrated the Academy Awards. We salute Dame Jane Campion for singing the praises of filmmaking in New Zealand and congratulate her for winning Best Director for The Power of the Dog. This kind of acknowledgment and recognition conveys the message that New Zealand is open and ready for filmmakers to take advantage of what we have on offer. 

Pan Sector Body

With financial support from 21 screen industry leaders (Film Auckland included), SINZ contracted Matthew Horrocks to research and evaluate a number of membership organisational structures, in order to help identify the best structure/model for the proposed pan-sector body. That research has been delivered and accepted by SINZ. The next step will entail refining the information gathered to date and designing a practical, financially viable, achievable, and inclusive model for the New Zealand screen sectors Pan Sector Body. This will then be taken to the industry for consultation.

Toi Mai Workforce Development Council

Toi Mai Workforce represents the creative sector, including filmmaking and television, for vocational education in New Zealand and our sector. The Toi Mai board has been formed and is in the process of establishing its first year of operations, which includes recruiting the necessary personnel and putting systems in place. Engagement with the screen industry is set to commence in the coming months, this will be around the vocational training needs of the industry. While it will take several years for the implementation to take place, it will happen. Meanwhile, anyone in need of assistance with skills and training can apply for capability funding to meet immediate requirements.

Greenlit

Greenlit is officially incorporated as a non-profit society. In terms of decision-making, the steering committee will operate as the society committee until Greenlit has completed the development stage and is ready to launch. The group has been working on developing a carbon calculator bespoke for the Aotearoa New Zealand screen sector, which will include a portal for productions to log in to use the calculator and other Greenlit tools, allowing them to project, monitor, and report on their environmental footprint. Work has also begun on the development of a training program for Sustainability Managers to support productions implementation of environmentally sustainable practices. You can keep up with Greenlit's progress here.

Review of Government investment in screen sector

The government is undertaking a review of funding to the screen sector. The review will ensure that Crown investment in the screen sector is effective and generates economic and cultural value for sector and for New Zealand. For more details, click here.

Covid-19 Protection Framework

The Government has announced major changes to the COVID-19 Protection Framework, including changes to My Vaccine Pass requirements and other vaccine mandates. Please check Unite against COVID-19 for the latest information. Specific business guidance will be live on business.govt.nz shortly.

How are you holding up?

The Film Auckland team understands that uncertainty is challenging for everyone and that it continues to cause significant levels of stress and anxiety. These are challenging times, but we are a resilient sector, and if we continue to work together, we will get through this. Please look after yourselves and those around you, and don’t hesitate to reach out for any assistance or advice you may need - you can reach us here.

Auckland Screen Industry Community

Joining Film Auckland is a great way to assist your screen industry with the wider picture – legislation and policy, tax incentives, infrastructure, and Auckland's promotion as the best possible filming destination.

By joining Film Auckland you will receive:

• Voting rights to the Film Auckland board.
• Invitation to any industry development sessions and discussion forums.
• Periodic updates on important issues affecting the industry.
• The knowledge that your altruism is helping Film Auckland to advocate on behalf of you for your industry.

"Our mission is to facilitate success for the Auckland screen community"