FAQs

Thanks to everyone who completed this survey! Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions or comments that were mentioned:

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Why is Auckland Council involved in this (filming is not a core council activity)?

Answer: ATEED, an Auckland Council-controlled organisation, is Auckland’s economic development agency. ATEED’s purpose is to support the growth of quality jobs for all Aucklanders.

Film is key sector in the economic development of the region, with production and post-production creating gross revenue of more than $1 billion in 2017, and more than 3500 jobs across more than 1600 businesses. ATEED ensures that opportunities to obtain economic outcomes aligned to screen infrastructure and investment are maximised. ATEED’s regional film office, Screen Auckland, supports the region’s screen sector through film attraction, and the facilitation of film production in the region.

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You’ve said usually only 48 hours notice can be given to neighbouring properties, before filming on residential streets. Why can’t more notice be given?

Answer: Film productions operate on short turn around from concept to delivery. Depending on the nature of the shoot, there are many moving parts (such as scripts, actors, scheduling, camera and lighting requirements) that are required to carry out on-location production. To keep filming in Auckland, in a competitive international market, film crews often have to work within short time frames. For very high impact shoots, such as those that require resource consents or road closures, timeframes are based on regulatory requirements.

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Is council paid a fee for films produced in the area / does council receive a share of movie profits?

Answer: Film productions pay a permit fee for the use of council public spaces. These fees are redistributed back into community via the consenting authority (including the relevant local board). Council does not receive any movie profits. However, the region benefits from the wider economic value of filming including employment, skills development, and purchasing of goods and services from New Zealand suppliers.

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What is the benefit to the local community? Are the profits reinvested in that area?

Answer: A typical production involves spending at numerous providers such as hotels, restaurants and caterers, petrol stations, dry cleaners, transport companies, security, equipment rental, hardware suppliers, and on labour (technical crew and tradespeople). Local communities reap economic benefits whenever film productions come to the area; and jobs are created directly or indirectly.

Question 3C How could the film crew have reduced the negative impact/effect on you?

Notification prior to filming, even if in local newspaper etc.

Large trucks parked on residential street, was difficult to drive past without crossing centre line. Not sure where else the trucks could have parked

Probably not too much. They were very obliging, and it turned out to be an excellent movie which highlighted our area well

They just takeover the locale - need to be less intrusive

They did all they could in that area. Signs leading up suggesting avoiding that street would be useful.

Advertised the closure on social media

Filming outside of peak times eg avoid school holidays and weekends

Only by not being there. I didn't mind. I just had to travel slowly.

Knowing public places are for everyone not just for them and filming.

They should have had better sound proofing when recording sound effects as all neighbouring offices work days were impacted/disturbed by the loud explosion & gun fire sounds

Not much they could do, was only for a day or so, no major issue

Just a letterbox drop of some info on what was happening, time it would last, what to expect, who to contact for any issues

Not much. I guess that they had to restrict external noise so either ran a Stop/Go position or closed the road completely. They used the option that had a reduced impact.

The crews always seem so large and they so much gear - not to mention generators

Not be arrogant as if there time is more important than everyone elses

More for the businesses affected- the blocked parking meant fewer customers and the production company did its own catering so there was no business from them either

Due to space restrictions not all comments are displayed in this report. The above is a selection of responses to this question.

 Using the survey results:
Reducing the negative impact/effects

A common theme in the comments was the impact of film productions on parking. ATEED is currently working through how the feedback around this (and other negative impacts/effects) can be incorporated in the permitting process for film productions.

As some background, when filming on location, trucks are used to transport equipment and on-hand supplies, and this can contribute to parking issues. As Auckland grows as a destination for filming, ATEED with continue to focus on minimising the impact of film productions on parking. For example, for larger shoots this may mean setting up unit base areas away from the filming location, in spaces where businesses and residents in the immediate area will not be affected by parking being restricted. 

 Using the survey results:
Notifying residents about filming on their street

Currently ATEED uses letter box flyers to notify residents when there will be filming on their street. With 84% of survey respondents choosing this as the most preferred method of contact, ATEED will continue notifying residents in this way.

Outdoor signage/posters may also be used sometimes (this was selected by 44% of respondents) however it will depend on a case-by-case basis, and the team are aware some residents may not want signage put up on their street or near the front of their house. 

 Using the survey results:
Information to be included in notifications

ATEED will take these results into consideration when notifying residents of filming on their street, focusing on including information on the days/times the production will be there, contact details, and what impacts to expect. Where possible the team will also share general details about the production. 

Question 5A Your name:
Leave blank if you prefer not to say.

This question was asked to pannellists who had not yet provided their name. Responses for this question are not displayed in this report. 

Question 5F Do you have any other comments about professional filming in public places or about this survey?

Respect others privacy

Keep it up!! Good for NZ and Auckland.

Filming does need to be managed in public places or when impacting on public places. Where possible, film crews should actively seek to generate benefit to those directly impacted e.g. through local catering for crews, using locals as extras, by inviting affected groups to advanced screenings or my contributing to local projects. The higher the impact, the more comprehensive the local return should be.

Its so interesting to watch. Creates a positive and friendly atmosphere between neighbours.

As long as it is well managed and surrounding businesses and residents are given fair notice of anticipated disruptions, I have no issues.

Film crews and Council giving permission need to be culturally aware of permissions required to film places like churches even if the buildings are in the distant background.

There needs to be more film productions in nz to help create jobs and benefit tourism

Ok if my rates are NOT subsiding it.

If they are impacting the local infrastructure they should be paying it. I know they are impacting the local economy, but it is hard to see where the money is going and how they are helping local business people and locals get ahead.

I believe that good filming/recording of our current locality/community is always good to have for our history and economy.

As filming I have seen has generally only taken place for less than a day I have never thought of it as a potential problem. Would be interesting to have information from filmmakers and others (e.g. Council) on benefits they think we get (as a country and as a local community). Thanks

Due to space restrictions not all comments are displayed in this report. The above is a selection of responses to this question.

This survey was run on Auckland Council's People's Panel, a quick and easy way for Aucklanders to help shape Auckland by taking part in short surveys.

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