New Zealand film production revenue still on the rise

New Zealand film production revenue increased 15% to $1.1 billion in 2017, according to Stats NZ.

Auckland's film sector led this growth in 2017, however, Wellington still remains the main player in film production.

Stats NZ business performance manager Laura O'Leary says, "New Zealand's largest city is becoming a filming destination.

"Auckland's film production revenue was estimated at $489 million in 2017, increasing 37% from 2016.

"The number of businesses involved in the screen industry in Auckland grew 9% in 2017.

While Wellington's film production revenue decreased slightly from 2016, it is still the main player in film production, accounting for gross revenue of $631 million in 2017.

O'Leary continues, "In 2017, Wellington's film production revenue was more than half (55%) of New Zealand's total, while Auckland's share rose to 43%.

"In 2017, Wellington-based production and post-production companies contributed to the making of Ghost in the Shell, Thor: Ragnarok, Blade Runner 2049, Justice League, and War for the Planet of the Apes, while Mortal Engines was shot in Wellington.

In 2017, Auckland's gross revenue in the production and post-production sector increased 16%, to more than $1 billion.

Production includes writing and filming of feature films, television shows, commercials, online-only programmes, and other forms of media.

Post-production includes editing, visual and special effects, and subtitling.

In 2017, broadcasting revenue in the Auckland region increased 8% from 2016, while revenue from film exhibition increased 65%, to $79 million.

Overall gross revenue for New Zealand's screen industry businesses increased 8% in 2017.

Total screen revenue has grown over the last four years to reach $3.5 billion in 2017.

Revenue from businesses involved in production and post-production (up 8%) was the main driver of the overall growth.

Based on the most recently available data, screen industry employment remained stable at 13,900 employees in 2016.

These employees cumulatively worked in 26,600 jobs, or contracts.