Film Industry Update
The months and years seem to be slipping by faster and faster as we get older, and projects that feel like they were shot only a year or so ago in fact took place at the beginning of the decade, like The Hobbit for example. Speaking of The Hobbit, as part of the Government’s Working Group assisting the Minister with recommendations in regards to contractors vs employee status within the NZ film industry, I have been pleasantly surprised at the collaborative and constructive approach that has been taken by those in the group. The group is made up of representatives from the likes of the Screen Industry Guild, SPADA, the Stunt Guild, Directors and Editors Guild, the CTU, and Actors Equity to name a few. Any disagreements have so far been nutted out, and platforms have been created where we feel we are at a point of mutual benefit for most possible employment scenarios. We are due to present our recommendations to the Minister for Workplace Relations within the next month or so. Any changes made to what is known as the “Hobbit Law” will be for the benefit of ALL THOSE working in the New Zealand film and television industry.
On a work note, television commercials have been the slowest we’ve seen in many years, with many crew not securing much work since before Christmas. The first few months of the year were filled mostly with Line Production commercials, and a couple of features being shot in Fiji.
We are now enjoying a few more long form dramas looking for crew, and with Mulan, Avatar and Power Rangers finally in full pre-production swing the drought seems to almost be over for many of you.
The ATEED/Auckland Council Kumeu Studios management tender has fallen through, meaning that the studios will continue being operated by ATEED in the foreseeable future, which is disappointing, and a situation that we hope will be rectified as soon as possible. As a city, we are so lucky that a private investor has put so much into turning this property into a workable and functioning studio facility, it would be a shame not to see it operating to its full potential with the help of proper marketing and management by an independent body. As a Guild we will continue to encourage the Council and ATEED to re-tender this position urgently.
To conclude, after what felt like a rocky and slow start to the year, it now seems that things are shaping up nicely for the last half of 2018. What we are going to need is more members joining the Guild, so that our voice is heard on upcoming projects, so get out there and show people the magazine, and tell them about all the benefits of belonging to the Screen Industry Guild before you take on your next job!
