Written by on Jun 13, 2014. Posted in On Location

New Zealand film agencies create umbrella entity to boost production industry

Three of New Zealand’s film bodies have created a ‘virtual agency’ to bring them all closer together and boost the country’s production industry. The new agency, Screen NZ, could help New Zealand attract more big-budget productions like James Cameron’s Avatar sequels.

Film New Zealand, NZ On Air and the New Zealand Film Commission have created the new entity, which will focus on joint marketing and research.

Screen NZ will promote New Zealand’s production industry and the recently-boosted filming incentive internationally, and will guide industry growth. While the new agency is intended to unite Film New Zealand, NZ On Air and the New Zealand Film Commission more closely, initiatives will not always involve all three of them.

“The three agencies already share an interest in screen sector growth and ensuring great films and television are made,” said New Zealand Film Commission Chief Executive Dave Gibson: “This formalises our shared interest and will increase the work we already do together.”

Added Film New Zealand Chief Executive Gisella Carr: “Film New Zealand, as the country’s national film office, works to attract international film and television production by promoting the New Zealand screen industry overseas. This joint venture between the three agencies will benefit the New Zealand screen industry and enhance our ability to promote it.”

New Zealand’s new Screen Production Grant – a boosted version of its existing filming incentive – was announced in December and came into effect in April. The country now offers a base 20% incentive, or 25% for high-profile productions like the Avatar sequels, and is intended to make New Zealand more competitive as an international filming location.