Filming of a community-resourced feature film in the Bay of Plenty is beginning today in Maketu, with a film crew set to capture opening scenes of the feel-good action-comedy.

‘The Z Nail Gang' is based on true events about a community united in their fight against mining that threatens a small coastal town.

The first script reading for the community film.

Director and producer duo - Pukehina husband-and-wife team Anton Steel and Kylie DellaBarca Steel - announced their movie plan to SunLive last month, and has been planning and gaining community support for the film since.

Today sees the start of four week's filming, which will finish about March 16.

Te Puke Economic Development Group managing director Mark Boyle, who has been helping Anton and Kylie get community support for the film, says filming will take place in multiple locations including Paengaroa, Maketu, Pongakawa, Pukehina Beach and the Te Puke township.

'Community support is extensive. Sponsorship includes food, trucks and trailers, transport,

costumes, and includes catering from a range of community groups and accommodation.

'Crowd funding has raised in excess of $10,000 and local companies have made cash

contributions to help cover helicopter and other significant expenditure items; and actors and support staff from around the country are providing their services for free.”

Mark says ‘The Z Nail Gang' project has captured the imagination of the Te Puke community at large.

'In a very short timeframe, producer Kylie DellaBarca Steel, with help from community

Groups, has secured very significant support. The film has created excitement across the

schools of the district, the business community, the arts sector and proud residents.”

For more information, on the film, visit www.znailgang.net.nz