Auckland: Summer 2023

What a remarkable year it's been! Personally, I'm eagerly anticipating the transition to a new chapter. Opening the curtains to grey and dreary weather has become a bit monotonous, and I'm looking forward to the upcoming months bringing us longer daylight and warmer days – a perfect remedy to lift us out of any lingering doldrums.

Undoubtedly, the past three years have presented financial and mental challenges for many, not only here in New Zealand but globally. The film and television industry, a field where success often hinges on the alignment of numerous factors, has faced a series of setbacks. Despite the hurdles, there's a silver lining as we've weathered the storm together.

2023 initially promised to be a prosperous year for many in the industry, but setbacks like the writers' and actors' strikes emerged in the middle of the year. The good news is, we've navigated through those challenges, and now it appears that New Zealand is poised to reap the rewards with the arrival of multiple large productions in 2024.

Exciting developments are on the horizon, such as the resurgence of Minecraft with principal photography beginning in January. Additionally, the highly anticipated revival of the popular Starz production Spartacus is set to take place throughout the bulk of next year in the vibrant X3 Studios in south Auckland. Look out for more gems like Taika Waititi's production 'Klara and the Sun,' the captivating Blumhouse film 'Wolfman' featuring Ryan Gosling, and a Disney+ project titled 'Night & Day.' Local features, dramas, and television series will also contribute to this boom period.

For those in the industry, now is the perfect time to explore the latest version of the Blue Book, available on the Guild website, outlining the terms and conditions for working in the New Zealand industry. Dust off those CVs, engage in networking with peers, attend industry events, and consider trying out new crew if you're a head of department. The influx of work in 2024 means we'll need to train and support younger teams to meet the demands.

As I wrap up, I'm off to apply some sunscreen and indulge in half an hour of reading – while I still can. Happy holidays, everyone! Here's to a bright and bustling 2024!