“Hardest I’ve Ever Known It”: Why New Zealand’s Screen Industry Is Facing a Major Downturn

A recent piece in The Post highlights a sober reality: New Zealand’s screen sector is going through what some are calling its toughest period in years. For actors, crew, and everyone in between, the headwinds are real — and understanding them is key to navigating this moment.

What’s Driving the Pain Points

During the COVID-19 era, the screen industry in Aotearoa enjoyed a boom — people left film school and found work almost immediately. 

Today, that’s changed dramatically. Many graduates are still hunting for entry-level work months after finishing their training, while even seasoned professionals (with decades of experience) are seeing leaner times. 

Part of the challenge is global disruption. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the fallout from the 2023 Hollywood strikes continues to ripple out. MFAT

Meanwhile, economic pressures are mounting. Production budgets are tightening, and firms are grappling with sustainability. 

There’s also a structural question: some in the industry worry that local production is being squeezed by global streaming giants, leaving less space (and funding) for New Zealand-origin stories. 

Why This Matters for Actors

Fewer Local Projects, Tighter Competition
With production slowing or operating on leaner budgets, there may be fewer available roles — especially in smaller local productions. That means actors might need to be more strategic about what they audition for and how they position themselves.

Career Uncertainty
For emerging actors, the promise of a “sure pipeline” from training institutions feels less secure. With fewer guaranteed entry roles, the transition from school to paid work is becoming more challenging.

Pressure on Skill Diversification
In leaner times, actors who can adapt may fare better. This could mean expanding into voice work, commercial content, or smaller digital productions — roles that might have been secondary during boom years.

Mental & Professional Toll
Downturns are not just financial — they can be emotionally exhausting. The stories from the sector reflect real hardship, but also resilience. For many, this is a test of persistence as much as talent.

Broader Implications for the NZ Screen Sector

Sustainability Is in Question: Without a rebound, the long-term health of local screen companies and crew is at risk. If big international work slows, smaller NZ-based firms may struggle to survive. 

Need for Policy Action: This moment could push for stronger, more consistent support for local content — not just incentives for international productions. 

Talent Retention Risk: If work dries up, skilled actors and crew might leave Aotearoa for more stable markets, which would damage the creative ecosystem.

What Actors Can Do in This Moment

Be Proactive About Networking: With fewer obvious roles, relationships will matter more than ever. Stay connected to casting directors, producers, and other creatives.

Develop Multiple Income Streams: Consider alternative work within screen (voice-overs, web content, short films) or related creative fields to bridge the gap.

Upskill Where Possible: Use this time to build “hard-to-pigeonhole” skills — things like motion-capture acting, audio work, or even production knowledge.

Lean into Community: Collaborate with other actors, filmmakers, and writers on grassroots projects. These can become calling cards when things pick up again.

Advocate for Change: As a screen talent, your voice matters. Support industry advocacy efforts for sustainable funding, better local content support, and long-term policy solutions.

How Collaborate Management Supports Actors Through Industry Downturns

Periods like this remind us how important strong professional support networks are. For actors represented by Collaborate Management, the focus remains on long-term career building, even when the industry tightens.

Here’s how we help talent navigate challenging cycles:

Strategic Career Planning
In quieter seasons, we work closely with our actors to refine goals, identify new areas of opportunity, and build strategies that keep momentum going — whether that’s branching into commercial, VO, digital, or international self-tape markets.

Proactive Industry Engagement
Even when productions slow, we maintain relationships with casting directors, producers, and creatives so our actors stay visible and connected. Consistency matters, especially when the market picks back up.

Support for Skill Development
We encourage and guide talent toward training that enhances their adaptability — from screen-acting refreshers to specialised areas like motion capture, dialects, or voice work.

Wellbeing & Professional Care
Downturns can be emotionally and financially tough. While we’re not counsellors, we prioritise regular check-ins and transparent communication so talent feel informed, supported, and never alone in navigating uncertainty.

Championing NZ Talent
Even when the industry shifts, our mission remains the same: advocating for New Zealand actors and ensuring their craft is positioned for both local and global opportunities.

This challenging period won’t define the future of the industry — but how actors and agencies respond to it will. At Collaborate Management, we see this moment as one where preparation, resilience, and community make all the difference.