Screen Council boosts locals.(NEW ZEALAND)(New Zealand Screen Council)

SYDNEY In 2002, a report commissioned by the Kiwi government found a strong film and TV production industry would be a key to New Zealand's economic prosperity.

It was a good year, "The Lord of the Rings" juggernaut was in full stride and smaller pic "Whale Rider" was beginning what would be a solid critical run.

The report declared that the industry should be able to achieve sustainable foreign exchange earnings of NZ$400 million ($280 million) per annum by 2008, with at least 10 companies producing annual revenue of $35 million each and at least 20 additional companies with annual rev of $7 million each.

To ensure these goals were met, the …