The Bay of Plenty’s vibrant screen community will come together on November 28 for Film Bay of Plenty’s Christmas celebration to not only recognise the year’s achievements but also unveil new initiatives shaping the region’s creative and economic future.
Founded in 2016 as the regional screen office for the Western and Eastern Bay of Plenty, Tauranga, Rotorua and Taupō, Film Bay of Plenty operates across one of New Zealand’s most diverse landscapes.
Its mosaic of coastlines, geothermal zones, forests, volcanic terrain and rural townships has progressively garnered attention from the screen sector.
“The region has become a favourite for both national and international productions,” Film Bay of Plenty manager Jade Kent said.
Actor John Lithgow enjoying sailing on Lake Taupō, on a day off from filming The Rule of Jenny Pen. Photo / Supplied
Kent said the region’s output now stretches across a full spectrum of screen formats – from film and television to games, animation, VFX, immersive technology and branded content – reflecting both the area’s creative depth and its environmental versatility.
Valuable economic contributor
Beyond the creative impact, Kent said the screen sector is becoming an increasingly valuable contributor to the regional economy. Productions bring direct spending into BoP accommodation, transport, catering, construction, local film crew and specialist services. Visitor interest is also rising.
“Every time a project shoots here, it puts our landscapes, towns and cultural stories in front of audiences who may never have considered visiting,” Kent said.
Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and Pōhutu Geyser at Te Puia in Rotorua featured on a new interactive map ahead of the Minecraft Movie. Photo / Supplied
International examples such as The Lord of the Rings and Avatar show how screen exposure can influence travel decisions, and Kent said the BoP is beginning to see its own version of that ripple effect.
“Screen production isn’t just about storytelling – it’s an economic catalyst,” she said. “Our hotels fill, local restaurants get busier, and small businesses from equipment hire to coffee carts can feel the uplift. The tourism flow-on is very real.”
Recent projects include The Rule of Jenny Pen directed by James Ashcroft, The End of the Valley by Miro Productions, the documentary Between Two Ears by Angela Loucks Alexander, Denise Edmonds and Joel Corbett; the historical feature Ka Whawhai Tonu by Mike Jonathan, short film Pākehā by Mana Hira Davis, and the Stolen Lands series from Claire Varley.
The short film Pākehā by Tauranga writer-director Mana Hira Davis brings a deeply personal story to the screen. Photo / Supplied
The BoP region is also home to production companies, crew and creative businesses, including Jack Media, Corbie Films, Arataua Media, Local Gecko Productions, Steambox Films, Eddie Page, and Ātara Film – each helping power the region’s screen economy.
Production capacity is also expanding, with Te Piringa Studios, a new studio facility in Rotorua, and Ātea, the emerging creative hub in Whakatāne, strengthening the BoP’s infrastructure and creating new opportunities for local and visiting screen practitioners.
Elevate local talent
Kent said shoots across Waihī Beach, Kawerau, Ōpōtiki, Rotorua, Tauranga and the Western BoP continue to elevate local talent. Two Bay of Plenty teams reached the national finals of the 48Hours Film Festival this year, including an animated short by Tauranga’s The Immortal Think Tank.
A scene from Disney’s Pete’s Dragon were filmed at McLaren Falls. Photo / Supplied
Large-scale international productions and independent projects continue to choose the region, with recent activity including Predator: Badlands and Minecraft’s digital recreation of Te Puia, Rotorua’s iconic geothermal and cultural attraction. These follow earlier work on Disney’s Pete’s Dragon, Vegas, Muru, scenes from Mulan and the locally produced documentary Taking Back Our Beach.
“Music-driven screen work is also gaining national attention, with the Silver Scroll Award honouring the powerful composition work of Arli Liberman and Tiki Taane,” Kent said. “It underscores the Bay’s growing influence across both film and sound.”
As the regional film office, Film Bay of Plenty focuses on attracting and facilitating productions, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for screen professionals. Its work includes workforce development, workshops and crew support, as well as the Film Bay of Plenty Screenwriters Group, which helps cultivate new voices.
Rotorua actor Cliff Curtis in The Last Airbender. Photo / Supplied
Matthew Metcalfe
This year’s Christmas gathering will feature acclaimed producer and screenwriter Matthew Metcalfe as the guest speaker.
“He is one of New Zealand’s most prolific and respected screen producers, with more than 30 years in the industry,” Kent said. “His projects consistently showcase Aotearoa’s creative strength and help forge major international partnerships.”
Metcalfe’s credits include McLaren, Dean Spanley, Nemesis, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***, Whina, Beyond the Edge and Mothers of the Revolution.
The evening would also feature the announcement of a significant new initiative aimed at supporting BoP producers and strengthening the development of locally led stories.
A second announcement will introduce the 2026 South Pacific Pictures Internship recipient – a partnership offering one emerging BoP practitioner a rare opportunity inside New Zealand’s largest television production company, creators of Shortland Street, The Brokenwood Mysteries, Duckrockers and Under the Vines.
Collective effort
Kent said the night is about acknowledging the collective effort behind the region’s growth.
“We’ve seen incredible momentum this year, emerging film-makers testing ideas, seasoned professionals returning to the region, and partners like councils and EDAs [Economic Development Agencies] championing the value of screen activity,” she said. “This event is about honouring that mahi and setting the tone for the year ahead.”
The Film Bay of Plenty Christmas Party is from 6pm-9pm on November 28. Tickets cost $15 and include food and a drink. Visit: https://events.humanitix.com/film-bay-of-plenty-christmas-party