Generated on May 1, 2019 at 9:41:52 AM

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    Survey results: Filming in Auckland
    September 2018

    Background

    ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) is a council-controlled organisation responsible for bringing economic growth into Auckland.

    Part of this is through attracting major film companies to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), by positioning our region as a prime location to film large-scale productions. ATEED also assists with facilitating shoots and other related activities to support production companies.

    While film production helps bring economic growth into Auckland, the general attitudes towards filming activities are not well known, apart from feedback received from members of the public inconvenienced by such activity.

    The purpose of this survey was to better understand public perceptions of filming and how negative impacts of film productions could be reduced.

    Find out more about ATEED's work with the film industry here.

    How we will use the results

    Results show that in general, Aucklanders tend to feel positively about professional filming productions taking place in Auckland, with 7 in 10 saying they'd like to see more filming in Auckland.

    However negative impacts were also noted in the survey, particularly reduced access to public areas, reduced parking, and road closures. These survey results enable ATEED to understand the extent of these issues, to ensure film productions have as little negative impact on the public as possible.

    Find out more in the Using the survey results sections within this report.

    Answers to FAQs received in this survey have also been included on the last page.

    Methodology

    • 35,332 panellists received an invitation
    • 4762 surveys were completed
    • Survey was open for 12 days (30 Aug - 10 Sep 2018)

    This survey was run on Auckland Council's People's Panel, a quick and easy way for Aucklanders to help shape Auckland by taking part in short surveys.

    View a printable version of this report

    Video summary

  • FAQs

    Thanks to everyone who completed this survey! Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions or comments that were mentioned:

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    Why is Auckland Council involved in this (filming is not a core council activity)?

    Answer: ATEED, an Auckland Council-controlled organisation, is Auckland’s economic development agency. ATEED’s purpose is to support the growth of quality jobs for all Aucklanders.

    Film is key sector in the economic development of the region, with production and post-production creating gross revenue of more than $1 billion in 2017, and more than 3500 jobs across more than 1600 businesses. ATEED ensures that opportunities to obtain economic outcomes aligned to screen infrastructure and investment are maximised. ATEED’s regional film office, Screen Auckland, supports the region’s screen sector through film attraction, and the facilitation of film production in the region.

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    You’ve said usually only 48 hours notice can be given to neighbouring properties, before filming on residential streets. Why can’t more notice be given?

    Answer: Film productions operate on short turn around from concept to delivery. Depending on the nature of the shoot, there are many moving parts (such as scripts, actors, scheduling, camera and lighting requirements) that are required to carry out on-location production. To keep filming in Auckland, in a competitive international market, film crews often have to work within short time frames. For very high impact shoots, such as those that require resource consents or road closures, timeframes are based on regulatory requirements.

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    Is council paid a fee for films produced in the area / does council receive a share of movie profits?

    Answer: Film productions pay a permit fee for the use of council public spaces. These fees are redistributed back into community via the consenting authority (including the relevant local board). Council does not receive any movie profits. However, the region benefits from the wider economic value of filming including employment, skills development, and purchasing of goods and services from New Zealand suppliers.

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    What is the benefit to the local community? Are the profits reinvested in that area?

    Answer: A typical production involves spending at numerous providers such as hotels, restaurants and caterers, petrol stations, dry cleaners, transport companies, security, equipment rental, hardware suppliers, and on labour (technical crew and tradespeople). Local communities reap economic benefits whenever film productions come to the area; and jobs are created directly or indirectly.