Spring Industry Update

Nau Mai!

Haere Mai!

And come on in to our bumper Spring issue. It feels good to be writing this at a time when the upswing we have been holding on for for most of the year has finally arrived. Long may it last.

In this issue you’ll find a whole bunch of meaty articles to wrap your lobes around. I’m especially pleased to include a piece from Annabelle Sheehan, who has been Chief Executive at the Film Commission for nine months now. I think she has a keen appreciation of how cyclical our industry can be, and is actively looking for ways in which the Commission might be able to smooth out some of the peaks and troughs. We have said it before, and we will say it again: Exterior shoots might be a seasonal industry, but there’s no need for studio based shoots to not set up shop in the shorter days of the year!

We are also running an informative piece from Katie Frost and her team at Screen Wellington within the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency. Last issue we ran a piece from the equivalent Auckland office. In our Summer issue we will be running an introduction from our friends in Te Wai Pounamu.

We are also happy to run a very informative article from industry veteran Peter Parnham on the purpose and operation of our Guild.

You will also find a fulsome tribute to broadcaster, journalist, advocate and general good bastard Bryan Bruce, from our man in Otaki, Waka Attewell. And a really excellent ‘newbie profile’ from locations legend Taulua Moimoi. Welcome Taulua, it’s great to have you here!

As well as all the usual news and views from our valued regular contributors, and a wrap up of the results from the recent SIGANZ elections. And on that note, it is time to welcome our new President Annie Weston, as well as all our other new executive members, and to express our gratitude and admiration for Richard Bluck’s work as President.

Thank you Richard you have been - and will remain - a rock for the Guild, and an absolute pleasure to work with.

Kia Kaha!

Haere rā.