Kiwi screen sector forms industry lobby group focused on global interests

Natalie Apostolou, C21 Media

A broad range of New Zealand screen sector stakeholders have aligned to launch an industry organisation that aims to advocate for the businesses that serve New Zealand’s international screen sector.

Screen NZ International (SNZI) features initial membership from production houses, VFX and post-production studios, financiers and screen sector-aligned service professionals.

SNZI said its core remit is championing the sector’s long-term interests and ensuring that New Zealand is a globally competitive, sustainable and future-focused screen destination of choice.

“International screen production has been a critical contributor to New Zealand’s economy and global brand for decades, contributing billions in export earnings, jobs and innovation, yet it remains one of our country’s lesser-known stories,” said SNZI executive chair Mel Turner.

Speaking to C21, Turner said the group was formed with the core focus of representing the interests of the international screen businesses that serve the international screen sector in New Zealand.

“We want to promote policies and an environment that ensures New Zealand is one of the top filming destinations of choice. SNZI will remain focused on the sector’s success, regardless of economic cycles or global shifts in production,” she said.

Turner added that the implementation of the group’s agenda would include building relationships with key business, professionals and organisations, including central government in tandem with building its membership base and addressing the concerns and needs of members.

“Overall, we want to represent the interests of the international screen sector in New Zealand, to work with businesses, organisations and government agencies to promote the international screen sector’s contributions and ensure New Zealand is and remains competitive in what is an increasingly globalised and fiercely competitive sector.”

SNZI’s long-term strategy aims to build a trusted organisation that will “advocate for competitive incentives, building lasting relationships with international clients, providing credible research and insights, and promoting New Zealand’s screen excellence both locally and globally, SNZI will help secure a consistent pipeline of international production investment that will give New Zealand screen businesses stability.”