News / Events

As New Zealand's Academy Award winners return home the Screen Production and Development Association's (SPADA) annual screen industry production survey shows total New Zealand film and television production financing holding steady at $440 million in the 2003 tax year.

The 2003 survey takes in the tail end of activity on The Lord of The Rings as well as other large off shore feature film projects such as The Last Samurai and Sylvia.

"The 2003 Screen Production Survey is being published at a time when the depth and breadth of the talent, skill and creativity of the New Zealand screen industry has become evident to the world," said SPADA Chief Executive Penelope Borland.

"New Zealanders can be justifiably proud of their screen industry and the sheer determination and unwavering vision that is required to succeed in it."

"The survey shows that underlying trends are still strong in the screen industry but there are some concerning challenges for the New Zealand industry with television production and, in particular, television drama showing a decline," said Borland.

"While the public perception can be of an industry that is awash with money and success, our industry is subject to marked economic peaks and troughs because of the time between development, raising finance and going into production.

" While there are some major feature films currently in development, we can expect a drop in investment in next year's survey now that the world's most expensive screen project, The Lord of the Rings, is a wrap and has won a truckload of Academy Awards in a ceremony that New Zealanders will never forget," said Borland.

"The success of The Lord of the Rings and Whale Rider has opened doors for New Zealand film makers," said Borland.

"One of the key challenges for the domestic industry is raising international finance for New Zealand films.

"There is a huge gap between the investment in international blockbuster features being shot in New Zealand and raising international investment for New Zealand films.

"It is these parallel screen production environments that our industry must balance and sustain for the long term success of New Zealand screen production."

Key findings of the 2003 SPADA/ Colmar Brunton Screen Production Survey are attached.

SPADA expresses gratitude to sponsors of the Survey: Investment New Zealand, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, The New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand On Air.

For further information please contact Penelope Borland (04) 939 6934