A group of industry leaders and screen companies have joined forces to officially launch Screen NZ International, an industry body focused on strengthening international production investment in Aotearoa.
The not-for-profit organization’s purpose is to ensure New Zealand remains a globally competitive screening destination by advocating for competitive incentives, building relationships with clients, providing research and insight, and promoting New Zealand internationally. We look forward to working with governments, government agencies and industry partners.
The founders and supporters will be responsible for physical production, finance, studio infrastructure, equipment supply and service, post-production, and VFX.
Ground Control producer Mel Turner is the organization’s executive chair, Xytech Group business development manager Harry Harrison is executive vice chair, Acclime director Phil Gore is executive financial controller and unit production manager Pip Gillings is executive manager.
Other executive committee members include Andy Archer, Executive Director of Acryme, Axel Payton, Producer of Ground Control, David Lowell, Financial Manager, Honor Byrne, Producer, James Brooks, CEO of the Department of Posts, Mike Urban, CEO of The Rebel Fleet, Neil Radley, CEO Director of Pro Services, and Simon Umbridge, Unit Production Manager.
Screen International NZ points to projects like the Netflix series Sweet Tooth as demonstrating the value of international productions to New Zealand’s economy. Every NZ$1 rebate generates NZ$6.91 of GDP, with over 1,180 jobs and 950 New Zealand businesses directly benefiting during the six-month filming period.
Additionally, the NZ Government’s 2025 budget document shows that over 10 years, the $1.5 billion in rebates generated $7.5 billion in economic activity in New Zealand, resulting in a five-fold return to the overall economy.
“International film production has been a major contributor to New Zealand’s economy and global brand for decades, contributing billions of dollars in export revenue, jobs and innovation, but it remains one of our country’s lesser-known stories,” Mr Turner said.
“What has been missing until now is a permanent organization formed by industry dedicated to supporting and championing New Zealand’s international screen sector businesses. Screen NZ International exists to fill that need.”
Mr Harrison added: “International film production dollars are effectively export dollars, allowing foreign direct investment to enter the New Zealand economy and benefit a wide range of industries beyond the screen sector.”
The fledgling organization conducted a crew survey in July and received more than 900 responses. Its key finding was that production in 2025 was significantly reduced by more than 70% compared to 2024. More than 80% of the crew had inconsistent work throughout the first half of this year and had no confirmed job opportunities for the remainder of 2025. The findings were provided to the Department for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Minister for Finance and Economic Growth Nicola Willis.
But Screen NZ International’s goal is to remain forward-looking, regardless of business cycles and global changes in production.
“This is not an organization born out of short-term pressure,” Turner said.
“This is about creating strong, independent and lasting leadership for New Zealand’s screen industry that will ensure global film production companies continue to invest and deliver results in New Zealand into the future.”
