Film Otago Southland is in a strong position to support the further growth of the screen industry in the south with the appointment of new trustees and a second full-time staff member following a review of its structure and funding.

Sam Chapman, Brad Hurndell, Fraser Liggett and Ross McRobie have been appointed to the board, joining existing trustees Michael Hesp (Chairman), Paula Jalfon, Penny Simmonds and Steve Canny.

Executive Manager Kevin (KJ) Jennings has been joined on the staff by new Film Office Coordinator Aideen Tinney.

The appointments follow the review of Film Otago Southland (FOS), which acknowledged the significant part the organisation has played in attracting productions to the south since its establishment in 2004, and the economic benefit which that activity creates. The review also recognised that more funding and staff were essential to enable FOS to work more effectively, and this was accepted by the funding partners – Queenstown Lakes District Council, Venture Southland, Southern Institute of Technology, Dunedin City Council, Invercargill City Council, Waitaki District Council and Central Otago District Council.

In the past three years, 594 productions have been filmed in Otago and Southland, with 68% of all activity in the Queenstown Lakes District. FOS acts as a single point of coordination for filming activity in the south, maximising economic benefit while also raising the region’s profile as a world class location for filming.

Chairman Michael Hesp praised the work of the retiring trustees Phil Turner, Brett Mills, Mark Gillings, Iris Weber, Bob Parr and Ross Grey. “Their many years of hard work has created a solid platform for the Film Office’s ongoing success,” he said.

The trust deed provides for two additional trustees with industry experience to be appointed.

ENDS

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