Bay of Plenty: Summer 2023

Bay of Plenty's film industry thrives with major productions, local benefits, and extensive promotion.

Since our last update in Techo, the Bay of Plenty has welcomed and embraced significant productions that have tapped into our region's diverse and untouched landscapes. From crystal clear springs to dynamic waterfalls, ancient forests and endless golden beaches, all within a day’s reach, the Bay is an appealing place to film.

Hosting these substantial productions has been a catalyst, setting several gears in motion across various sectors. It's provided us with invaluable insights into the nuances of filming in regional areas, allowing us to identify areas for improvement. Local crew members have been relishing in the opportunity to work within their familiar surroundings, while suppliers have witnessed increased financial gains during what was typically considered a slower season. Educating our local stakeholders and funders and seeing them understand the extensive ripple effect a film can create across multiple sectors, has been immensely rewarding.

In addition to experiencing one of our most bustling production years, we’ve also been busy promoting our region and industry through various channels: The Film Bay of Plenty podcast, social media, newsletters and our website. Our sold-out workshops and extensive networking endeavours have been fruitful. Our world is constantly abuzz, but that’s precisely the way we thrive!

As the year draws to a close, we wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a safe, prosperous New year! Here’s to another year of growth and success in the Bay of Plenty’s thriving screen industry!