News

Matt Horrocks, from Screen Auckland, recently discussed the Auckland Screen Taskforce (AST) and its 2024 priorities in an interview with ShowTools. The conversation delved into a very busy Auckland production sector, and the contrasting tales of local and international production. During the interview, Horrocks outlined the three key areas of focus for the taskforce: 1. Film Friendly: Helping make filming in Tāmaki Makaurau easier for production companies, filmmakers and crews. 2. Production Attraction: Aligning our promotional efforts with achievable outcomes to attract productions that best fit our capabilities. 3. VFX & Post Production: Recognising the rapid growth and significance of this sector within the industry. To learn more about these priorities and the AST's initiatives, you can watch the full interview here.

The news of the New Zealand film industry's prominent representation at Cannes this year is truly heartening. We eagerly await the release of a more formalised list from the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) in the coming weeks. As in previous years, NZFC will continue its tradition of supporting the attendance of New Zealand producers and hosting events to foster connections within the market. In addition to these efforts, NZFC is expanding its focus at Cannes this year to showcase New Zealand as a premier destination for film production.

The Big Screen Symposium (BSS) once again delivered an interesting and informative weekend in Auckland this month. Those on the FA board who attended commented that it was great to see New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) CEO Annie Murray being so forthright with information as their new strategic plan is being set. It was also great to see a diverse range of attendees, including students, guild members, and industry veterans, underscoring the event's significance in current times. Their collective presence contributed to an atmosphere of collaboration and support, making the BSS an invaluable gathering for all involved.

The industry working group (IWG) has taken steps by circulating a draft document to all screen guilds over the past month, aiming to garner industry-wide support. The feedback received has proven invaluable, and they are now set to share the document with Tāmaki Iwi. Screen Auckland has also drafted papers, which will be sent to the IWG and Tāmaki Iwi this week for feedback, outlining how the consultation process might function. The timeline is for both draft documents to be formalised and returned to Council by mid-year.

The Film Protocol review is currently being led by Screen Auckland Manager, Matt Horrocks. Recognising the importance of early involvement, Matt is actively engaging with Location Managers to gather their insights and feedback for the review process, to ensure the protocol's success and suitability. You can view the current Film Protocol here.

New Zealand's screen producers' guild Spada has called for swift and decisive action from the Government as the domestic screen industry faces a major crisis, with the country's two main television networks - TVNZ and Warner Bros Discovery NZ (Three) - making dramatic cutbacks to their spend on local production because of falling advertising revenue.

Spada President Irene Gardiner said, “We acknowledge our friends and colleagues in news and current affairs who are impacted by the broadcaster cutbacks and, understandably, it’s the newsroom cuts that have dominated media coverage to date, but it is actually the whole production sector being impacted.

"While TVNZ and Three aren't giving definitive numbers at this time, Spada has calculated that we are looking at around $50 million coming out of our sector. Ironically it is our big popular shows that will be most vulnerable - as they are what has traditionally been fully funded by advertising revenue. This creates uncertainty around the future of favourite series like Shortland Street, Celebrity Treasure Island, The Traitors NZ, Married at First Sight NZ, food shows, home shows, and more."

Gardiner said Spada had been calling for Government regulation of international streamers for some time now. "These large multinationals need to contribute to the local production industry in some way, to alleviate the market distortion they have created. This regulation is now urgent. The impact of the streamers, along with Facebook, Google and YouTube, on advertising revenue has been devastating, and has now hit a crisis point."

Spada is also asking Government to exempt screen funding agencies from the across the board 7.5% Ministry cuts. "Taking money out of NZ On Air and our other funding agencies at this time would compound the problems created by the collapse of advertising revenue," said Gardiner.

"Times are hard for everyone right now, but the Government, the sector and New Zealanders need to understand local production is at a pivotal point in time. We are not just another business. We represent the New Zealand voice - the cultural impact of us not seeing ourselves on our screens, of us not creating our own stories, will be profound, particularly at a time of social change and division."

Gardiner said there were also strong economic reasons for Government to invest in the local screen sector. "If we can keep the domestic part of the screen industry strong, we can build on the momentum we have been building up in international co-productions and sales. This is an area that makes 10s of millions in export dollars. We also need a strong domestic sector to feed and support our big money-making international sector. The screen sector is a 3.5 billion dollar industry for New Zealand, and local production is a vital part of that."

Screen Auckland has worked alongside Auckland Council, undertaking a thorough analysis of permitting fees, including comparisons with other regions, to ensure Tāmaki Makaurau remains competitive as a screen destination.

As a result, they are proposing a permitting fee increase to adjust for cumulative inflation increases since 2015 and to then continue adjusting on an annual basis.

As film permit prices have not been raised in nearly 9 years, we can appreciate the necessity for an increase; nonetheless, we invite members of the sector to review the proposed increase and provide feedback.

The proposed fee increases are outlined below:

Perhaps you have feedback that the annual inflation-based increases do not offer the sector the confidence and consistency that local and international clients want for budgeting purposes. Perhaps you wish to urge Council to continue to waive fees for low-budget and charity productions. 

The point is that it's very important for industry to provide feedback, especially when opportunities such as this arise, in order to ensure that our regional film office functions successfully for us.

In 2022, 1040 permit applications were processed, 14.5% more than in the previous year. Due to the Hollywood writers and actors strikes, statistics for 2023 are not considered typical and cannot be used as an accurate indicator of volume. An increase in revenue of around $209k per year is estimated as a result of this proposal.

You can find more detail on page 100 of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 Consultation Document and pages 339, 380 and 381 of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 Supporting Information. Or, you can see the screenshot we took from page 380 below:

Public consultation about Auckland Council’s proposed Long-term Plan 2024-2034 is open now until 28 March. Consultation is a council-led process, and you can provide your feedback at AK Have your Say

Screen Auckland Manager Matt Horrocks has also extended the option to email your feedback directly to him here as an alternative to the portal.

Ngā mihi,

Amber Wakefield | Film Auckland Executive Officer | eo@filmauckland.com

Syncposium 2024 is the hottest ticket in town. A two-day public conference, held at Auckland’s Q Theatre, it showcases the best in the business from the US and Aotearoa’s screen music industries. 

Syncposium brings together Grammy and Oscar-winning composers Pasek and Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman, Only Murders in the Building), top Hollywood television and movie executives and a group of Aotearoa’s best music talent.

Over the two days on February 23-24, Syncposium ticketholders will get a rare opportunity to gain insights, knowledge and inspiration from some of the most influential voices in the entertainment industry.

With a stellar line-up, whose talent has shaped the fabric of popular culture, Syncposium offers a rare chance for enthusiasts, professionals, and aficionados to immerse themselves in the world of music, film, and creativity. From panel discussions and behind-the-scenes anecdotes to cutting-edge industry trends, each speaker will share invaluable perspectives and experiences, making Syncposium a must-see event for anyone passionate about the intersection of music and screen.

"This gathering represents a convergence of unparalleled talent and expertise," says Karyn Rachtman, producer of Syncposium. "This isn't just a conference; it's a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of music in cinema. Attendees will walk away not only inspired but armed with invaluable insights to fuel their own creative journeys."

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of Syncposium and witness history in the making. There are only limited tickets left - secure your spot today and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Hollywood's sonic landscape. BOOK HERE.

www.Syncposium.org

contact@mindyourmusic.com

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Te Kawerau ā Maki, a west Auckland-based iwi, are collaborating to strengthen and expand the region’s creative industries sector through the development of Te Puna Creative Quarter, Te Kōpua Henderson.

West Auckland’s Henderson is renowned for its pioneers and innovators. Harnessing this strength, Te Puna Creative Quarter will attract investment, talent and visitors. It will fuel innovation through imagination and be home to Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest community of creative industries and talent, uplifting the region’s mana as a global creative capital.

Te Kawerau ā Maki has gifted the name Te Puna to a vision and economic framework designed to enhance west Auckland as a hub of creative excellence. Puna are springs in the waterways of a tribe's lands. People came together by these waters to cleanse and connect.

Te Puna speaks to the history of Henderson, and the future of a new gathering place and wellspring of inspiration and connectivity. Te Puna Creative Quarter will be a circuit of creative industries linking Henderson village, Corban Estate Arts Centre and Auckland Film Studios in Henderson Valley. Radiating out like ripples, will be integrated services and education providers, to create pathways and opportunities for talent and ideas.

Te Puna Creative Quarter will celebrate the area's indigenous, pioneering and multicultural spirits. It will support a significant community of inspired storytellers and local artists and enable visitors to experience the power of indigenous identity and multi-cultural integrity as it harnesses technological innovation and human expression.

For more information contact:

Jasmine Millet, Head of Creative Industries, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited jasmine.millet@aucklandnz.com

Delwyn Corin, Principal Advisor Te Puna Creative Quarter, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Delwyn.corin@aucklandnz.com

Hollywood’s actors union reached a tentative deal with studios on Wednesday (US time) to end its strike, bringing an end to months of labour strife that ground the entertainment industry to a historic halt.

The three-year contract agreement must be approved by votes from the union’s board and its members in the coming days, but the leadership declared the strike will end at 12.01 am on Thursday.