New Trust - boost to Otago Southland film industry

 A new trust has been established which will allow the wider Southland and Otago Region to better pool and showcase resources, Film Otago Southland Trust executive manager Kevin Jennings announced today.

The new trust deed, signed in Queenstown this morning, includes representation from the Queenstown Lakes District, Dunedin City Council, Venture Southland and the Waitaki Development Board (representing Central Otago District and Enterprise Clutha).

“This is a real milestone for the southern industry,” Mr Jennings said.

The new trust had been in the pipeline for some time as the various regions came on board. Chairing the trust would be highly regarded southern film maker and photographer Dave Comer.

“There is good recognition across the regions that there are real benefits in combining resources instead of each centre competing in isolation. The trust will be a far more effective tool,” Film Otago Southland Trust chairman Dave Comer said.

The trust had a strategic plan which included promoting film activity for Otago and Southland, maximising the benefits to all areas and ensure that the experience and standards were seamless throughout the region.

“There are well know positive economic impacts from the film industry and many more intangible benefits,” Mr Comer said.

The film industry already had a strong foundation in the area with premiere feature films including the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The World’s fastest Indian, Vertical Limit, The Chronicles of Narnia, Water Horse, 30 Days of Night and Wolverine being shot in the region.

It was essential that the industry continued to grow and work together to be competitive, particularly given international competition from the likes of Argentina, Chile and South Africa, Mr Comer said.

“There is a lot of merit in our ability to now sell ourselves as a film friendly region,” Mr Jennings said.

The trust will be based out of Queenstown with a contribution from its six funding partners totalling $123,000 and overarching support from the Queenstown Lakes District Council.