Film and TV still floundering under Alert Level 1

Covid-19 has put a damper on the New Zealand’s television and film industry, with Alert Level 1 providing little relief.

Many are looking forward to things going back to normal, but it’ll take a while for some to get back to the way it used to be.

Zanthe Curtis, a hair and makeup artist, was assisting other makeup artists with prosthetics and special effects on extras.

She lost her job on a major film production when Covid-19 hit New Zealand.

“Due to coronavirus, I was unable to work… and hence the production went under,” she said.

Hear more about Ms Curtis’ story here.

Talent agencies are also feeling the brunt of job losses and lower volume of work due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

KAM Talent agent Olivia Flavell said few productions have been able to resume.

“Shortland Street and Ahi Taora and some commercials” have been able to restart “but pretty much everything has been affected.”

She’s hopeful other local productions will restart but she imagines they will be restricted “seeing as the border isn’t open yet.”

Ms Flavell talks more about how Covid-19 shut down productions here.