Funding needs to be found for Kiwi movies too

While it's welcome that the filming of The Hobbit is to stay in New Zealand, the Government's tardy response shows it still has no long-term plans to respond to the review of the New Zealand Film Commission, says Labour's Arts, Culture and Heritage spokesperson Steve Chadwick.

"Sir Peter Jackson's review of the commission was released in July, but we have still heard nothing from the Government in terms of a long-term plan for the industry," Steve Chadwick said.

"Pressure will now mount on the Government to increase the funding for the Large Budget Screen Production Grant Scheme so other producers get a fair share of the cake for movies made in New Zealand.

"If John Key and Gerry Brownlee can find $33 million for one off-shore producer, then what are they going to do about increasing funding for totally home-grown productions like Boy," Steve Chadwick said.

"Clearly National hasn't even started to think about such issues, but if we are really going to build a mature film industry in this country with the marvellous talent we have available, then we need to invest in local people as well as huge overseas companies."

ENDS

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