TVNZ made the decision 20 years ago to divest itself of certain assets, one of these being its Set Design and Costume department. First Scene was thus formed as a private company with a staff of 3 and 50,000 items.

Jo Pilkington joined the company 6 years ago as GM, and purchased the company 3 years ago. They now have more than 20 staff and 400,000 items with 18,000 clients.

The staff are “interesting” as John Meadowcroft put it in his thank you speech, or probably more honestly, “odd” as Jo put it. They consist of musicians, actors, photographers, fashion designers – all very creative and with a passion for the industry.

40% of the clients are industry: film, theatre, TV. First Scene provides the props and scenery for top films such as “Once were Warriors” and “Hunt of the Wilderpeople”, for top TV shows such as “Jono & Ben” and “Shortland Street”, and many films that are produced in NZ every year for the world stage, many of which aren’t shown in NZ.

The other 60% of clients are the public: corporates, conferences, churches, schools and individuals. Branding is a big focus for organisations and Jo gave the Flight Centre Annual Ball as an example where they create the scene, provide the costumes and make the event for over 1,000 employees.

First Scene moved from Kingsland to a 2,000m2 premises in Avondale 2 years ago, transporting the 400k items in 58 truck loads, a huge task that took 2 weeks. This move allowed Jo to create First Scene as a showcase for itself, and also lend it to be great for tours.

   

• Have you got a lonely pair of sports shoes in your wardrobe that hasn’t seen your feet for over 6 months?
• Do you have any cycling, boxing or gym equipment that has gathered an embarrassing amount of dust?
• Do you have sports socks, shorts or shirts that you don’t want to throw out because you’ll have to admit you are never going to be that size again?
  If the answer is yes then why not donate them to support the residents of Epsom Lodge in their journey of holistic health?
  If the answer is no then why not financially sponsor a resident for a pair of sports shoes or even a cycle helmet.
  Bring your items or donation to our Rotary meeting on
  Tuesday 10 October
   
   

  For further details, contact Eric Turner Eric_turner@nzf.salvationarmy.org or phone/txt 027 504 6263