NZIER’s economic modelling demonstrates that without the New Zealand Screen Production Grant, exports would shrink by $257 million, household consumption by $144 million and real GDP by $176 million.

The report also highlights the spin-off economic benefits for other industries such as tourism. Screen sector wages are growing faster than average wages and the New Zealand Screen Production Grant has attracted the kinds of high paying post-production jobs that New Zealand needs more of to lift living standards.

Industry assistance schemes are seen sceptically in New Zealand policy circles but the NZIER modelling shows that the New Zealand Screen Production Grant, as the price of admission to international screen productions, positively influences the wider economy.