Role of Regional Film Offices

I’m often asked what a regional film office (RFO) does. Note: RFO’s are commonly referred to, offshore, as a film commission. The size and shape of them vary, however there are a few things that we generally have in common. We try to attract production to the region, we try to make it easy to shoot (film friendly) and we try to ensure that at the end of the shoot the community is positive about the experience.

Repeat Cycle.

Here in NZ we have enjoyed a co-operative and collegial relationship amongst the RFO’s that eventually led to the formation of Regional Film Offices of New Zealand (RFONZ). We are working together to provide a consistent client-focused approach to our work. Though our remits are similar, we do have somewhat different areas of focus. There are three main RFO’s.

In the Otago, Southland region we are reliant on access to locations. I spend a large amount of time ensuring we are able to deliver on this by way of engagement and lobbying at a local and national level. Once the rules are established via management strategies and guidelines I liaise where necessary to keep the wheels turning and respond to ever-changing industry needs. I believe that, if properly managed, the film industry can be a good user of Crown land and that this land can be an absolutely renewable resource.

My colleagues in Wellington and Auckland also work to attract, enable and facilitate but also have other areas of focus.

In addition to attracting production, Screen Wellington is focused on developing intellectual property by way of nurturing talent and peripheral businesses that support the industry. They are also fortunate to have the Miramar powerhouse keeping Wellington at the cutting edge and on the global radar.

Screen Auckland have a strong focus on attracting as well as servicing a massive number of productions including TV dramas, feature films and TVC’s. There is a strong business development push as well, and we wish them luck with the hard work they are doing to develop much-needed studio infrastructure.

Under the leadership of Michael Brook for the last nine years, Screen Auckland has become a prime example of what a RFO can achieve. Michael has recently announced his resignation to take on another post at Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development. During his tenure he has delivered success after success for the Auckland industry, most of the time working quietly behind the scenes with many people unaware of the tireless effort required to effect positive change. He was responsible for producing the Auckland Film Protocol, a seminal piece of work that required a solid understanding of the industry as well as being able to navigate a challenging political environment (read Super City) whilst maintaining the demeanour of Ghandi. The protocol is now the standard reference for the rest of us. Michael is the consummate team player and has developed a fantastic group to take the reins where he has left off. I look forward to working with the team in the years to come to build on the successful legacy Michael has left behind. He will be missed in the South.

Kevin Jennings, Queenstown branch member