Wellywood Wins Top International Film Conference
13 July 2007
Wellington has just confirmed its status as the country’s film capital, beating international cities to win a major global film industry conference.
The city has just been confirmed as the host for the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) Cineposium in 2008, against competing offers from Spain, Korea, South Africa, China and France.
“This is a real win for Wellington,” says Positively Wellington Tourism CEO Tim Cossar. “The Lord of the Rings films took Wellington to the world, showcasing the city’s amazing scenery as well as its creative-edge. Winning this conference is testament to the world-leading work that happens here in Wellywood.”
The conference will bring up to 300 film industry executives from 30 countries to Wellington, for a week-long industry conference.
Film Wellington, the film facilitation unit for the Regional EDA Ltd, led the conference bid process, in collaboration with Positively Wellington Tourism’s Convention Bureau, Film New Zealand, Conventions & Incentives New Zealand and regional film offices.
Film Wellington’s Manager, Jean Johnston, said it was a great honour for Wellington to be able to host the Cineposium 2008 because it was generally held in the United States, and other countries were able to host it only once every three years. It has never been held in New Zealand, and only once in Australia.
“We’re delighted that our proposal convinced the international selection panel that Wellington was the most exciting place to hold the 2008 Cineposium,” Ms Johnston said. “It’s another indication that Wellington is highly-regarded in the international screen production industry.”
AFCI film commissioners are in the business of marketing their regions to attract screen production work. The Cineposium is its premier annual conference, where industry professionals shared information and knowledge.
Tim Cossar says the conference was won through strong collaboration and support from all parties involved. “This is an example of the country’s conventions industry working together to succeed in a competitive market. Wellington’s won the equivalent of the Oscar, for the conventions industry.”
The bid to host the Cineposium in Wellington was accompanied by letters of support from Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Mayor Kerry Prendergast, and Film New Zealand.
Wellington Conference Industry Facts:
- The conference industry is worth in excess of $120 million to the capital each year.
- On average, there are 1,000 people in Wellington
