The Eastern Screen Alliance has issued a rallying call to the region to help build its film future.
While the future of Parkhill Studios remains on hold, with two appeals in the Environment Court, those wanting to build a film industry here in Hawke’s Bay aren’t waiting around to find out.
The Eastern Screen Alliance (ESA), a regional film office, has long championed the development of a film industry in the region and has been working closely with local government, iwi, national and international partners as well as Parkhill Studios in Te Awanga, to ensure this eventuates, said President Gilly Lawrence.
The alliance is now working to secure productions to come and shoot here — and as a result it’s actively looking for people, groups, organisations and businesses that are interested in translating and developing their skills in partnership with the nascent industry.
“We all know the spectacular weather and wide variety of locations available, but with up to 85% of the production’s budget typically being spent locally, it is important for ESA to be able to assist with providing current data that the production can draw on.”
Lawrence said he wants to hear from anyone interested in working in the screen industry. This could even be a business that can provide key resources and services to support filming, or even networking groups that just want to be kept in the loop about progress.
“Builders, electricians, drivers, joiners, hair and make-up, accountants, managers, costume designers, dressmakers, caterers, personal trainers, security specialists, re-enactment groups, and any other industries that think their skillsets could transfer across to a film production.”
People who have worked in the industry before either in New Zealand or abroad are also encouraged to put their hand up so that ESA can make an appraisal of the potential talent pool already in Hawke’s Bay.
Another area of stocktaking involves establishing the availability of accommodation throughout the region.
“We encourage you to submit your information via the link on the ESA website under the article in News and Events by 1 March 2023. Personal information will not be shared publicly, and ESA will assist with connecting productions to you as opportunities arise,” Lawrence said.
As a regional film office, ESA is working to become part of RFONZ, and has a direct link to the New Zealand Film Commissions, the Screen Industry Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand, Script to Screen, and other agencies as a point of contact for any international or national productions. It promotes Hawke’s Bay as a screen production destination and provides the infrastructure for productions to filmed and produced here.
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.