Supporting an excellent cause

It’s time to unleash the power of the Kiwi business community. Time to rally behind one of New Zealand’s most well-known industry icons.

First Scene, New Zealand’s largest prop and costume hire company, serving the nation for more than 40 years, has been massively affected by the pandemic’s impact on the film and entertainment industries over the past two years.

Writing on Facebook recently, First Scene’s director Jo Mere Pilkington (pictured below) outlined the enormous challenges the business is facing and the steps she is taking to get through the latest business slowdown, triggered by the arrival of Omicron.

Over the years her unique company has supplied costumes and props for countless film and television productions created on these shores – from the Lord of the Rings series and The Hobbit to The Luminaries and The Brokenwood Mysteries – plus the most recent blockbuster filmed locally, Jane Campion’s magnificent, multiple award-winning Power of the Dog. To name just a few.

However, a core part of First Scene’s business comes from events and functions, large and small – such as work parties, school events, church events, children’s parties, and so much more.

With the current restrictions in place around the country, Jo says it has been an incredibly tough start to the year.

“We have taken a range of actions over the past two years, and in recent times, including changing our operating hours and dramatically decreasing our staff schedules. We also have the very generous support of our amazing landlord.

“However, these changes have not been enough. For years First Scene has supported charities, schools, community groups and a range of people across all sectors. Now we’re in need of that support.”

Jo says while there is funding available for the arts, it only supports contractors and sole traders, so her business is not eligible.

Can you or your business help?

Jo has a number of suggestions for how people and businesses can get behind First Scene. Perhaps purchase a gift voucher for a future event or to pass on to a friend. Perhaps a themed morning tea in your workplace to give your hard-pressed employees something to look forward to? Have a themed gathering or party with a group of friends. Book and pay ahead for future functions beyond Omicron – that end of year function perhaps, or school centenary.

And best of all – get the word out. New Zealand is a small country and everyone is connected.

“Businesses in particular might like to consider upcoming ad and marketing campaigns well in advance, ones that require props and/or costumes,” suggests Jo.

There’s no shortage of options – with First Scene currently featuring more than 400,000 items in its inventory.

It goes without saying that without Jo’s business on the scene there would be a massive gap left in this particular service industry, and she shudders to think of the long-term effect on the country, should the current industry situation continue or worsen.

“We aren’t suggesting that you hold a large event and risk getting Omicron, but we are asking you to think about having some fun on a level that you’re comfortable with, and including us in that plan,” says Jo.

“Any support you can offer will help us keep going until we come through this current traffic light system.”

To view the extensive rage of costumes and props available at First Scene go to www.firstscene.co.nz

Article by NZBusiness editor Glenn Baker.