August 2, 2006

GO Wairarapa Going Film Friendly

GO Wairarapa and Film Wellington are working together to give television and film-makers even more reasons to work in the region.

Stephanie Gunderson-Reid of GO Wairarapa, the region’s economic development agency, says her region wants to become ‘film friendly’.

“Wairarapa has so much to offer potential television and filmmakers,” says Stephanie.

“Our superb mountains, rugged coast, native bush, vineyards and tranquil country scenes are great backdrops, while our low population density and quiet roads are a definite plus!”

The mayors of the Carterton, Masterton and South Wairarapa Councils have signalled their commitment to making the Wairarapa ‘film friendly’, and Film Wellington’s Jean Johnston has offered her advice and experience.

The two organisations have worked together informally for a number of years.

“We want to combine Jean’s experience and our local knowledge and contacts,” says Stephanie.

“Wairarapa is a largely tight-knit farming community – people are used to helping each other out and getting the job done. Recently we facilitated a shoot out at the coast – there was no accommodation available, but we called around a few friends who put the crew up for the night.”

Jean says the benefits of working together are very much mutual.

“Locations are an obvious one – Wairarapa has lovely vineyards, rolling farmland and to be honest their weather is probably better,” says Jean.

“We can now offer more to the film and TV market, and show there’s somebody over in Wairarapa who will do the work cutting red tape and smoothing the way.

“I work closely with Film South and other film offices already, so with our combined locations and post-production and effects capabilities in Wellington city it’s a talented mix.

Film Wellington is a business unit of Positively Wellington Business.

ENDS

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