The Auckland Screen Production Industry moved one step closer to receiving up to two million dollars in government funding last month. The Screen Production Major Regional Initiative (MRI) was ok'd to proceed to a business case by NZTE.  The Auckland Screen Production Industry moved one step closer to receiving up to two million dollars in government funding last month. The Screen Production Major Regional Initiative (MRI) was ok'd to proceed to a business case by NZTE.Film Auckland worked closely with industry and government agency, AREDS (Auckland Regional Economic Development Strategy) on stage one of the application process.

The next step is to develop a business case from the concepts developed in the first stage.

The Film Auckland Board is continuing to work with AREDS to develop the business case, and Film Auckland's objective is to ensure that the MRI is industry driven and will ultimately meet key industry needs. This industry-led principle will also be critical to the success of the implementation of the MRI should the application be successful.

A key challenge for stage two will be meeting the $300,000 cash injection requirement from industry. The contribution is a prerequisite to unlocking government funds. Film Auckland is currently working to meet this.

"A successful MRI application will provide valuable investment into industry capability" said Film Auckland Executive Manager, Tash Christie. "Naturally, this capability will add value to Film Auckland's core business of marketing the region as a screen production centre at a global level".