Screen production location managers now have a digital tool to help them plan shoots on and around Auckland’s road corridor, thanks to a collaboration between Screen Auckland and Auckland Transport (AT).

The digital programme MyWorksites is used by road controlling authorities across the country to manage sites on their networks. Screen Auckland and the AT Special Events team have created a guide to enable location managers to access MyWorksites’ Planning Map – a virtual guide to both work and event activities on the road corridor.

The scale of construction and road works transforming Auckland is extensive and ongoing, from long term projects on motorways and the city centre to large scale developments, nationwide infrastructure roll outs such as fibre network installation, and local improvements including cycleways and footpath re-alignments.

Marie Jenkins, Screen Auckland Manager Facilitation says: “Given the level of roading work taking place, being able to use MyWorksites should be a great help to location managers with feasibility, planning and consultation for shoots on and around the road corridor in Auckland. They can see if their plans are likely to clash with other already approved filming or road work.

“The screen industry makes a huge contribution to Auckland’s economy, and we are focused on supporting its re-emergence as COVID-19 restrictions ease. The efficiency this tool will provide is another way to support productions to get up and running as fast as possible.” 

There are no screen-specific features in MyWorksites, so this guide for location managers has been created to show the easiest way to navigate the Planning Map specifically to check proposed filming sites for potential clashes, and provide guidelines for consultation with sites.
    
Use of the Planning Map does not guarantee a site is available for filming or change Council’s filming or parking permit requirements. Permits will still be assessed using the current process.

But Jeremy Dawson, AT Special Events, says: “Location managers will be better able to identify conflicts and either present alternative options, or ensure filming coexisting with other work is possible.” 

Auckland’s central city works area remains an exception due to the sheer number of work sites, and the significant large-scale civil projects entering more intense phases while substantial changes are made to site management in the Covid-19 environment.  Both filming and event proposals in this area require a longer notice period as they will still need to be presented and worked through at AT’s weekly CBD Works Coordination meeting.  

Auckland location manager Heinz Arbaugh says: “This is a useful planning tool, and it’s good to have this access to assist with the consultation process prior to site visits and permit applications.”

The quick guide for location managers navigating the MyWorksites ‘Planning Map’ function as a pre-application feasibility check can be read and downloaded here.

This should complement, but not replace, site visits and local consultation.  Full help and user guides can be found inside MyWorksites.