SPADA - Screen Production and Development Association Website



			MEDIA RELEASES Screen production on a high (8 February 2000) Film, television and commercials production has increased by nearly 50 per cent according to a new report published by the Screen Producers And Directors Association (SPADA). The survey, carried out by Colmar Brunton, confirms that total annual screen production expenditure now exceeds $307 million. SPADA says the survey findings confirm the screen production industry as one of the high growth prospects for New Zealand?s economy. With foreign exchange earnings up 67% to $155 million, screen production earnings now exceed those of the wine and venison industries. "It's an industry which requires high numbers of skilled, motivated people," said Jane Wrightson, SPADA's chief executive. "Not only can this industry offer employment prospects for our young people, the New Zealand films and programmes they make can contribute significantly to our national identity." "In addition, the high-value foreign-funded films which New Zealand is seeking to attract make an enormous contribution to foreign earnings and the upskilling of our industry personnel," she said. However SPADA says the downside is a steady decline in New Zealand public funding of over $10 million over the past three years. It welcomes the Government?s support of a new film investment fund and urges close attention also be paid to the resources of NZ On Air. "There are proven returns to New Zealand with a relatively modest public investment" said Ms Wrightson. The survey does not include the two massive foreign-funded productions currently shooting in New Zealand, Wellington's The Lord Of The Rings and Queenstown's The Vertical Limit, because shooting had not commenced within the survey period. Neither does it include the sizeable levels of in-house network production of news, current affairs and sport. "The inclusion of the two film productions in next year's survey should see a billion dollar industry" said Ms Wrightson. Inquiries: Jane Wrightson Chief Executive SPADA (04) 802 4577 or 025 470 339