Film NZ welcomes new Henderson soundstage

30 June 2006

Film New Zealand welcomes new soundstage development at Henderson Valley Studios

“Film New Zealand congratulates Waitakere City Council on its announcement that plans for a new purpose-built soundstage at Henderson Valley Studios in Auckland are now proceeding”, said Chairman David Madigan at the Film New Zealand Board of Trustee meeting in Wellington today.

“This development represents a very necessary addition to the New Zealand screen production industry’s infrastructure and will assist the industry in meeting growing demand from overseas and locally for high-grid major soundstage space”, he said. “As the national film office, we have been supporting the efforts of Film Auckland, regional film office, to progress the plans at Henderson Valley Studios and yesterday’s announcement by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey represents a major achievement for the region’s industry, Film Auckland and their future growth potential."

David Madigan also observed that as a sound recordist working in film and television throughout the country he had a professional interest in this development: “Recording sound in a soundproofed stage is always more efficient, and when it rains as it sometimes does in Auckland, it is indeed a blessing. “ Film New Zealand is an independent industry-led organisation with a Board of Trustees comprised of Chairman David Madigan sound recordist and former Chair of the Technicians Guild, Deputy Chair Sue Thompson for CEO of Park Road Post and now working in production and financing, Murray Francis Auckland based line producer and most recently New Zealand coproducer on 10,000 BC that shot in Wanaka, Trishia Downie South Island-based line producer currently working on 2nd unit on The Waterhorse now shooting at the Kong Stage at Stone Street Studios in Wellington after being on location in Queenstown, Don Reynolds producer of River Queen, Peter Avery of Film Venture Taranaki representing the regional film offices, Ruth Harley CEO of the New Zealand Film Commission and Paul Voigt Investment Manager, Screen Production with Investment NZ. The staff of four headed by CEO Judith McCann works closely with screen production industry members in servicing inquiries from filmmakers both nationally and internationally.

New Zealand’s film locations office receives core funding from the Ministry of Economic Development and the New Zealand Film Commission, together with project funding from Investment New Zealand for collaborative international market attendance and promotions.

For more information about Film New Zealand and filming in New Zealand visit www.filmnz.com

ENDS

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