Bay of Plenty's Film Growth
Production is year-round and as we slip into the Autumn months the enquiries and production in the Bay are ticking along more so than ever. From a Loading Doc being filmed in Kawerau next month, to international projects, a local six-part drama, and one of the TVNZ spiritual anthologies, we really are becoming the place to film. Its fantastic to see the Steambox Collective going from strength to strength producing indigenous drama, and also the utilisation of the studios in White St in Rotorua for these projects.
We are also fielding lots of emails from crew that are either moving to or back to the region from overseas. What was previously a brain drain from New Zealand is now becoming an influx of talent that has international experience.
Tauranga Independent Films is building a local film community with a regular networking evening featuring guest speakers and locally made films. Film Bay of Plenty Screenwriters Group are challenging their writers with quick-fire writing and have had some fantastic guest speakers, like Daryl Belbin and Joss King, that inspire all genres. Plus, and by no means least, there are more events coming to the region. Next month sees a two-day Combat for Film workshop for children and teens, hosted by The Martial Arts Academy and The Bay of Plenty Actors Studio.
Anton Steel
