Hawke's Bay could be lending its landscapes to more big and small screen productions, through the work of a new regional film office.
Film Hawke's Bay is gathering public and business support for its efforts encouraging more film, television and commercial productions to film in the Bay.
An event was held at Black Barn winery on Wednesday evening to introduce the not-for-profit organisation's's work to the wider community.
Film Hawke's Bay was established in November with seed funding from Venture Hawke's Bay.
The office, run by experienced film and television industry professionals Tessa Tylee, Gilly Lawrence and Mirabel Brook, will assist local and overseas producers in finding locations in the Bay, getting permits and setting up production.
The spin-off for the local economy would be significant, Ms Tylee said.
"When a film comes here, the film crew will need somewhere to live, they need to rent cars, they eat, they use caterers, they use security firms, communications," she said.
"They pour money into the region. In Queenstown each year roughly $38 million goes into the economy from the film industry."
Featuring Bay locations in high-profile productions would also bring tourists, as Lord of the Rings has done elsewhere, she said.
The office's main focus in the coming months will be in establishing an image gallery of Hawke's Bay and East Coast locations, along with a directory of local suppliers, businesses and industry professionals.
Ms Brook said those who attended Wednesday's event were positive about Film Hawke's Bay's work.
"That was really evident at the end of the night, there was a really good buzz there."
The team is already speaking to producers of one local film and two American productions, with one director coming to the Bay in the next fortnight for a pre-shoot.
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