Bay of Plenty: Autumn 2024

Summer life in the Bay has been rather delicious. With over 125km of coastline we have a lot of choices to help a production get the feel and look they want.

Not to mention the option for after work swims, surf or just enjoy some relaxing time. We have the locations and the lifestyle. December saw the completion of Tollywoods, “Kannappa” filming in the Bay of Plenty. Many beautiful locations around Rotorua, Western Bay, Whakatāne and Kawerau were used to tell their powerful story. As anticipation builds for the movie's release, so too does our curiosity and excitement for the economic opportunities it brings in regards to film tourism.

While our region may still be emerging as a hub for international film productions, it's abundantly clear that we possess the necessary ingredients to accommodate and thrive. As a renowned tourist destination, our infrastructure stands ready to support the demands of filmmaking. From a plethora of accommodations to an array of restaurants, bars, and rental services, easy permitting and film friendly councils our region can offer a lot. However, the journey towards becoming a film destination is not without its learning curves.

Businesses and crew are having to adapt to the intricacies of larger production needs. On both “The Rule of Jenny Penn” and “Kannappa” we noticed that with education they were rising to the occasion and meeting the demands of production.

Regional film offices are becoming more and more important to ensure efficiency in putting the pieces of a production puzzle together. We are committed to nurturing a thriving screen industry. By providing essential support and resources, our regional film offices empower the regions to harness the full potential of their cinematic landscapes, infrastructure and crew.

Enjoy the rest of Summer!!