Despite increasing opportunities, production manager remains a difficult occupation to get into. Industry experience is an advantage for the role, with most production managers working their way up from other positions such as production assistant.

More jobs for production managers as number of New Zealand-made television programmes and films grows

Job opportunities for production managers are growing due to an increase in the number of films and television programmes being made in New Zealand. In 2008, 11,600 hours of local television content were aired, up from 6,185 in 2000.

The growth in the number of international films made in New Zealand over the last decade has also created more production management opportunities. Twenty feature films were made in New Zealand in 2008, equalling the previous record set in 2003.

In a 2007 survey of the screen industry, employers identified production manager as the eighth most difficult role to find skilled employees for, out of more than 200 listed.

Strong competition for film and television jobs

While opportunities may be increasing, there is still strong competition for film and television jobs.  There is an oversupply of students graduating with film and television qualifications, making it difficult for people to establish themselves in the industry. 

Production managers may work independently, for television and film production companies or for advertising agencies. They may work on:

• music videos
• television commercials
• corporate videos
• television productions
• Web-based video clips
• short or feature films
• documentaries. 

The film, television, radio and media industry is predominantly based in the bigger cities.

Main regions of employment for motion picture and video production workers in New Zealand (2008)

Region	Percentage of motion picture and video production workers
Auckland	65%
Wellington	13%
Otago	9%
Canterbury	6%
Waikato	2%
Source: Department of Labour, Regional Indicators Tool.