Bay of Plenty's Bright Future

Meri Kirihimite to our wider Aoteaora Screen Media Whanau.

The Pohutukawa blossoms are bursting all through the beautiful Bay of Plenty and Hine Raumati is coming to grace this amazing country we are blessed to live and work in.

Even as the year draws to a close production is busy across the Bay.

The Māori feature film "Muru" has kicked off filming in the Eastern Bay. This sees 60+ people coming to the region and is injecting a large boost to the local economy hurt by both the Whakaari eruption 12 months ago and the COVID 19 downtown in Tourism. It is a further opportunity to grow our crew base through internships and local employment, not to mention all the local extras that are getting a taste of what it is to be on set.

TV series Vegas is about to wrap up filming of series one at the end of December and there is a lot of talk about series two, this will see another opportunity for for the region as the industry here continues to grow. The White Street Studios have been invaluable to the production with multiple sets built there and a great base for the Art and Wardrobe departments.

The work that Film Bay of Plenty has put in with both Vegas and Muru is a great example of the hands on service we provide paving the way for projects of all scales to film in the region. Please don't hesitate to contact Jade jade@filmbayofplenty.com with any queries you might have for next year.

There are a number of different projects that have already been green lit and 2021 is looking to be a busy year of production for the region. We will be continuing to build and up-skill the crew base and grow the supporting infrastructure in the region. Our tipping point of opportunity is here and we are working hard to secure the opportunities coming to the region.

Our office will be closed from the December 23rd, 2020 to January 11th, 2021.

For urgent enquiries Anton will be available by email from January 6th, 2021, anton@filmbayofplenty.com.

If you are looking to get a film permit for a project over this time please take note that Councils/DOC will also be enjoying a Xmas break but will be back at work on January 4th, 2021.

Take time to slow down and enjoy some summer moments with whanau and friends over this period. Bring on 2021!