Auckland's film industry given vital boost

The future of film production in Auckland has been given a boost with the appointment of a Screen Production Attraction Specialist.

Film Auckland Manager, Michael Brook announced today that Harry Harrison will join the organisation fulltime in April, and will play an important role in supporting and growing the film industry in Auckland.

“Auckland’s hard working and innovative industry professionals have already contributed $2.1 billion to the local economy in 2010 alone. The creation of this role emphasises our commitment to the continuous growth of Auckland’s screen industry.

“We are very fortunate to have Harry on board. His involvement in location scouting and management has already generated economic benefits for Auckland,” says Mr. Brook.

As co-founder of a location scouting and management company Red Locations, Harry has been involved with international and local feature films and television dramas. These include 30 Days of Night, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, Spartacus; Blood and Sand, Sione’s II: Unfinished Business and Emperor.

Harry has also volunteered a lot of his time to the industry through serving on the Film Auckland Board as well as helping develop protocols and policy in relation to the screen industry.

“I am looking forward to working with fellow professionals in the screen industry and those already attracting international business to our shores,” says Mr. Harrison.

“There is much potential for further growth of the film industry in Auckland and I am grateful for this opportunity to be part of it,” he says.