The film industry is pumping billions into the economy and Helen Kelly wanted to stop all this happening:
New Zealand’s film and TV industry has risen to become one of our most lucrative – reeling in more than $3.23 billion last year.
The sector’s contribution to gross domestic product was $2.78 billion, representing 1.4 per cent of New Zealand’s total GDP, a PricewaterhouseCoopers report found. The sector also supported 21,315 fulltime-equivalent jobs.
It is unconscionable that Heln Kelly and her union thug mates tried to hold the industry to ransom:
The industry compared favourably with the New Zealand wine industry, which contributed $1.52b to GDP in 2008.
Film and TV’s gross earnings had risen by four per cent since 2008, the Economic Contribution of the New Zealand Film and Television Industry 2012 report indicated.
Film production made up a large share of total gross revenue, raking in $1.4b.
Film Auckland chairman Pete Rive welcomed the study as an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the local screen community.
He hailed Spartacus, Mr Pip, Emperor, starring Matthew Fox, and The Hobbit as examples of recent successes.
“We have built a global brand recognisable for its success in creating and producing world-class content,” Mr Rive said.
“This report validates the work of more than 21,000 New Zealanders who are the bedrock of, and are supported by our screen industry.”
Michael Hawkins, executive director of National Association of Cinema Operators for Australia and New Zealand, said the report was timely.
