Challenges and Opportunities in Auckland
Well, well, well, Auckland just can't catch a break, can it? The double floods on Anniversary Weekend followed by a cyclone that wiped out a lot of the west coast filming infrastructure. Talk about bad luck! But you know what they say: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And that's exactly what our kiwi crews have been doing! Despite the challenges, they've been working their magic on the Apple TV Chief of War project and proving why they're the best in the biz, re-searching new locations and making the best of the new landscapes.
Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Our beloved Auckland is facing some serious hurdles when it comes to getting permits and consents for filming. It's frustrating to see our once-favourite locations becoming off-limits and permit applications taking ages to get approved (if at all). But hey, we're a resilient bunch, aren't we? We'll keep fighting for our right to showcase the incredible landscapes, beaches, and ranges that put Auckland on the international stage all those years ago. A word of advice is to make sure that whenever and wherever you are filming outside anywhere in Auckland or its landscapes or private properties, leave it better than you found it and make the landowners and stakeholders want your crews to come back.
And speaking of fighting, let's not forget the ongoing battle for the Large Screen Production Grant decision. It's been a bit of a nail-biter, but we're confident that our industry will come out on top. And sure, a recession might be looming, but we're not ones to shy away from a challenge. Let's try and keep the drama in front of the camera instead of behind it as much as possible.
So, what's the takeaway from all of this? Well, we might be in for a slower winter than usual, but that just means it's the perfect time to network and get your admin up to date. Because let's face it, the next onslaught of work is just around the corner (as it always is!). And when it comes, we'll be ready for it, with our kiwi can-do attitude and our ability to make the best out of any situation.
Stay strong, Auckland! We've got this.
Sioux Macdonald, Guild Vice President and Executive Committee Member
