Free workshops for Bay of Plenty's aspiring film-makers

Bay of Plenty Film chief Anton Steel works with young people at last year's filmmakers' workshops on short film The Alien. Photo/Brydie Photography

The Bay of Plenty's aspiring film-makers can learn how to develop their career paths in the wider film industry at a series of free workshops across the region.

Bay of Plenty Film's free Film Industry Pathways workshops from August 9-15 will help connect local people interested in working in the film industry with upcoming film career opportunities.

Bay of Plenty Film chief executive Anton Steel said most people dreamed of becoming directors, actors, cinematographers or producers but "you can't just jump into these roles".

"It takes quite a few steps to get there, and we can help budding film-makers navigate these steps," he said.

"The industry nationwide is set to get very busy later on this year, and we are in talks with productions outside of the region to help get Bay people experience on set."

Steel said Bay of Plenty Film had received an increase in enquiries from national and international film productions.

As a result, some projects had committed to bringing their productions to the Bay, providing opportunities for an entry-level and experienced film crew.

Steel said the series of workshops would give participants an understanding of the many and varied roles on a feature film and how to map out the pathways from entry level right through to the "dream" jobs.

For more information or to register, email Bay of Plenty Film coordinator Kristy Robinson at info@bopfilm.nz

The workshops will cover:
•Intro to BOP Film and its role in the region
•The nature of the industry
•How you get into the industry
•The wide range of skills the industry is looking for
•Our short-term needs in this area and what BOP Film is doing to connect people with work in the Bay and Nationwide

Workshops:
Where: Toi Ohomai Windermere Campus, Tauranga
When: Thursday, August 9, from 1pm to 3pm
Where: Canvas Careers Expo, ASB Arena, Tauranga
When: Saturday, August 11, from 10am to 12pm

Where: Digital Basecamp, Rotorua
When: Friday, August 10, from 1pm to 3pm

Where: 25 Elliot St, Ōpōtiki
When: Tuesday, August 14, from 12om to 1.30pm

Where: Whakatāne Information Centre, Whakatāne
When: Tuesday, August 14, from 7pm to 9pm

Where: Venue TBC, Taupō
When: Wednesday, August 15, from 7pm to 9pm