Film NZ & Regional Film Offices set new directions

PRESS RELEASE FROM FILM NEW ZEALAND
For immediate release
16 August, 2004

Film New Zealand and Regional Film Offices set new directions

Film New Zealand (FNZ), the national agency responsible for coordinating the marketing of New Zealand as a screen production destination, has set new collaborative directions and partnerships with the country’s regional film offices.

Agreement for this was reached at FNZ’s second annual Forum with the regional film offices. The two-day meeting brought together representatives from Film Auckland, Film Dunedin, Film Queenstown, Film Venture Taranaki, Film South and Film Wellington along with Film Northland, Film Volcanic (covering Bay of Plenty & Central North Island), Film Nelson and representatives from Hawkes Bay and Central Otago. Representatives from Investment New Zealand and Local Government also participated.

The Forum focused on strategic planning for the year and developing a joint communications plan to increase the effective delivery of domestic and international services. There was agreement on joint marketing using compatible promotional material employing FNZ’s brand ‘The World in One Country’. Film New Zealand’s enhancement of its location library received endorsement.

Participants confirmed their commitment to supporting economic growth for NZ’s screen production industry, and to creating better awareness of the services available through FNZ and the regional network. Partnership Agreements with FNZ were updated and expanded to set out principles of collaboration on inquiries, marketing and branding and adherence to international business procedures. New agreements were signed by the established regional partners – Film Auckland, Film Venture Taranaki, Film Wellington, Film South, Film Queenstown and Film Dunedin. New partnerships involving Film Northland and Film Volcanic are under discussion.

The network of ‘Film Friendly’ local and district councils has expanded to include Papakura, Palmerston North, and Wanganui – making a total of 27.

FNZ’s new CEO Judith McCann says she is impressed by the energy and productive commitment of the RFOs. “Despite their diversity in size and local industry capacity, they are led by dedicated professionals who agree that by working together we can deliver results that will benefit the regions and New Zealand as a whole.”

“Our forum was refreshing”, said Ross Grey of Film Dunedin. “It’s great to see a strong new FNZ Board and experienced leadership. This contributed to all the regions agreeing to work together in a common front.”

ENDS

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