December saw Screen Auckland, in partnership with New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), host a delegation of US studio executives, giving them a firsthand look at the incredible production opportunities on offer in Tāmaki Makaurau and creating an opportunity for 60 members of the local screen industry to meet with them.
A warm welcome and shared aspirations
At a breakfast event at the Park Hyatt in Auckland’s innovative Wynyard Quarter, a warm Kiwi welcome and manaakitanga (hospitality) were extended to the visiting executives from 20th Century Studios, Legendary, Paramount Pictures and Annapurna.
Philippa Mossman, Head of International Attraction and Marketing at NZFC opened with a whakataukī encouraging ongoing collaboration and shared ambition between the United States and Aotearoa New Zealand production communities.
Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata; ko te pae tata, whakamaua kia tina – seek to bring the distant horizons closer and cherish them.
A region committed to being film friendly
Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson buoyed the room with her enthusiasm for screen production in Tāmaki Makaurau and spoke of Auckland Council’s commitment to ensuring the region is film-friendly saying, “Our country loves film production, and our region particularly loves film production. We want you to know that Auckland Council’s door is always open to assist you cut red tape and provide opportunities for you to do what you do so well.”
Screen Auckland Manager Matthew Horrocks highlighted Auckland’s urban landscapes that regularly double for a range of international locations, from Honolulu to Seattle to New York. He also shared the new approach led by iwi and hapū, Screen Auckland and the screen industry for filming on sites and places of significance to mana whenua through the film permit process.
Industry voices highlight capability and depth
The delegation then heard from local screen leaders including producer Mel Turner, lighting designer Sean O’Neill, location manager Clayton Tikao, costume designer Ngila Dickson, production designer Nick Bassett, The Rebel Fleet’s Mike Urban, Department of Post’s James Brookes and Studio West’s Kay Howe.
A panel conversation facilitated by MC Kate Rodger showcased the strengths of Tāmaki Makaurau’s film ecosystem including the support of the Auckland Council Group, depth of creative talent, range of locations, dedication of crews, local professionalism and work ethic, studio infrastructure, excellent connectivity and New Zealand’s favourable time zone.
The event closed with Waikato Screen and Screen Northland presenting what is available on Auckland’s doorstep.
Waiheke Island
Experiencing the region by land, sea and sky
The US studio executives also toured Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland by sea, land and sky in glorious weather. A day trip to Waiheke Island saw them enjoy Poderi Crisci, a destination vineyard and restaurant, and a trip to Auckland’s screen heartland out west allowed them to take in Te Henga Bethells Beach, Studio West and Kumeū Film Studios, before viewing the city by helicopter.
