Queenstown Film Commissioner Chair of International Body

February 3, 2016

Queenstown-based Film Commissioner Elected Chair of International Body

Kevin “KJ” Jennings, Executive Manager of Film Otago Southland based in Queenstown, has been elected Chairman of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) at the annual meeting of its board in Los Angeles.

“KJ”, who was previously he organisation’s vice president, said he would continue to fit the international leadership work around his core role for Film Otago Southland. It would provide further opportunities to develop and maintain high-level international relationships that would have spin-offs for the local and national film and television production industry. Statistics New Zealand reports that the screen industry is valued at over $3 billion annually, with film tourism benefits increasing the value exponentially.

“It’s an honour to be in a position of leadership with AFCI and to continue serving the ever changing needs of the TV and Film industry on-location internationally as we have for the past 40 years,” he said. “As the leading resource for location shooting, AFCI members represent the best of the best in trained and knowledgeable film commission professionals around the world.”

Through his involvement with AFCI over several years, KJ has helped ensure that New Zealand’s film commissioners are up to date with international trends and best practice. In some areas, including filming in sensitive locations, this country has been a world leader.

Ongoing operational funding for Film Otago Southland is provided by Queenstown Lakes District Council, Southern Institute of Technology, Venture Southland, Central Otago District Council and Enterprise Dunedin. Costs associated with the AFCI Chairman’s role are covered by funding from the AFCI and Invercargill City Council. Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt said, “Contributing to the film industry is one of the most successful investments our city has made. It has led to educational opportunities for SIT students as well as iconic events such as the Burt Munro Challenge. KJ Jennings is one of the most respected and experienced representatives the New Zealand Film Industry has and we congratulate him on his new role as Chairman of the AFCI. At present we have two film projects well underway and another three proposals are under discussion. I’m sure KJ will play a pivotal role in all these developments.”

This international network provides an opportunity for increased collaboration between regions and countries. The AFCI has an advisory board of senior independent producers as well as representatives from Disney, Fox and HBO. Film Otago Southland Chair Michael Hesp said, “KJ’s elevation to AFCI Chairman is confirmation of his standing within the film industry and we are fortunate to have someone of his caliber as our regional Film Commissioner. In his capacity as Chairman, KJ will be interacting with film commissioners at the top of their game as well as senior members of the international film and television industries. This will present invaluable opportunities to increase awareness of the region and New Zealand as a film location”.

Economic Benefits for Otago-Southland from film and TV production:

Through KJ Jennings’ leadership of the New Zealand film office, the southern region has enjoyed a boost in economic development amassing a track record of big-budget feature film productions – serving as the backdrop to popular films such as The Hobbit trilogy, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 10,000 BC, The Lord of the Rings, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian and Vertical Limit as well as the television series Top of the Lake. Recently Pete’s Dragon and Light Between Oceans were shot in the south and their upcoming release is beginning to create excitement overseas.

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