Looking Ahead: Optimism for a Thriving 2024 in the Auckland Screen Industry
As I sit here composing this message, a ray of hope beams through the clouds of uncertainty that have hung over us for the past few years. It feels like we've reached the bottom of the rollercoaster, and I can't help but believe that we're poised for an exhilarating upswing. Fingers crossed, my crystal ball isn't playing tricks on me, and post-elections, we'll witness a resurgence in advertising confidence. The SAG and writers' strikes in the US, I dare say, might just wrap up, causing the metaphorical cork to pop and international opportunities to flow back into the Auckland region like a never-ending stream of bubbly.
I'm putting on my fortune-teller hat and predicting that early 2024 is going to be an absolute scorcher in terms of work. In fact, we might find ourselves in the delightful predicament of not having enough crew to fill all the positions. Can you believe it? After the drought of the last nine months, it's almost hard to fathom.
In my utopian world, during the slowdown, all of you were diligently updating your CVs, expanding your professional networks, and being the pillars of support for your peers who might have faced tough times. Maybe you offered a helping hand, a dash of training, or even just some good old-fashioned emotional support. You see, in this lean period, our industry risks losing some of its brightest stars to other professions, and they might never return. We can't afford to let that fountain of experience and knowledge run dry.
Speaking of updates, the consenting process for filming on Auckland's Sites and Places of Significance has been under review, thanks to the collaboration of location scouts, producers, Mana Whenua, and Screen Auckland. The goal is to revamp the options for obtaining permission to film at these sites, making it more industry-friendly. Change is on the horizon!
Meanwhile, our trusty Guild has been hard at work launching the 2023 revised edition of The Blue Book. We also recently had a lively evening with the New Zealand Cinematographers Society, discussing the latest updates. And don't forget about the new Screen Industry Workers Act, now officially law. You should already be well-versed in signing contracts for every job you take on. If a contract doesn't land in your inbox before you start working, don't hesitate to give them a friendly nudge. It's the law, after all.
On the brighter side, New Zealand is still a hotbed of local projects, both in and around our lovely Auckland region, and beyond. If you happen to be a head of department venturing away from our bustling city, consider this your golden opportunity to champion the engagement of local talent in the towns where you're filming. It's a win-win: it keeps the economic wheels turning, and it gives fresh faces a chance to learn from the best. Plus, it's a fantastic way to expand your professional network across this beautiful land of ours.
So, here's to hoping that my crystal ball isn't just showing me pretty lights. The future seems promising, and we should all fasten our seatbelts for the exciting ride ahead. Cheers to the return of good times and flourishing opportunities in our industry!
Sioux Ferguson-Macdonald
