New Zealand – the total package for cost-effective screen production

Successful screen production for film and television requires cost-effective locations which deliver the total package. Producers demand the right mix of experienced crews, striking and varied scenery, and world-class production facilities.

New Zealand delivers this total package. It is also world-renowned for the creativity, innovation, experience and professional approach of its actors, directors and crew. These skills and attitudes ensure New Zealand film professionals are in high demand globally.

Clients around the world seek out leading New Zealand companies for their post-production and digital animation services. Our companies are supported by world-class infrastructure. State-of-the-art sound stages and production studios are connected to global production centres by high-capacity fibre-optic telecommunications services.

New Zealand delivers commercial success to screen production investors

Many multinationals and their investors already benefit from a partnership with New Zealand's innovative screen production industry.

The producers of The Lord of The Rings trilogy leveraged off New Zealand’s large pool of creative talent. This includes Oscar-winning directors, scriptwriters, special effects artists, digital animators, and costume designers. The three films won 17 Academy Awards, many of them going to New Zealanders. As the biggest and most ambitious project in film history, the trilogy also showcased New Zealand capacity to manage major screen productions.

The New Zealand industry's ability to make rapid and major advances in special effects benefited the producers of The Lord of The Rings. Software and digital animation techniques developed in New Zealand contributed to the trilogy’s artistic and commercial success, and were recognised by each of the three films winning an Academy Award for Visual Effects.

These special effects skills are now used in other fields. For example, real-time animations of sports events uses New Zealand-developed software that combines digital animation and GPS technology.

Warner Brothers chose New Zealand's beautiful Mt Taranaki to double for Japan's Mt Fuji when it filmed the Tom Cruise epic The Last Samurai. . The film company also took advantage of New Zealand’s excellent communications networks and connectivity. Executive producers were able to see dailies from the film in Los Angeles just hours after they had been shot in New Zealand.

New Zealand ’s state-of-the-art post-production facilities draw international film companies. Productions made in these facilities have been nominated for and have won international awards including Oscars©, BAFTAs© and Emmys©.

Universal Television produced the Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena : Warrior Princess television series in New Zealand. The company appreciated the professionalism and 'can-do' attitude of our crews.

Multinationals such as BMW, Sony, Vodafone, Coca Cola and Burger King have turned to New Zealand for our ability to make commercials that win awards and deliver results to clients. These companies also gained access to a stunning range of locations – everything from tropical beaches to snow-capped mountain ranges – all within two hours’ travel time of a major city.

Paramount Pictures has experienced the strong support given to the screen production industry by local and central government in New Zealand. Its feature Without a Paddle was eligible for the New Zealand government's 12.5% rebate on New Zealand production spending over NZ$15 million (US$10.5 million).

Share the success

Contact Investment New Zealand, the investment promotion agency of the New Zealand government, to find out how New Zealand can deliver increased value to your screen production.

Investment New Zealand understands the screen production industry, and has extensive international networks This means we can identify and facilitate investment and location opportunities that can deliver your production a compelling commercial advantage.

Reports & Publications

• More Reports & Publications