Exciting New Studio Space and Productions in Queenstown
This is more of an unwrap than a wrap...
I'm delighted to introduce Queenstown's Frame Studio Space!
Heath Patterson is the energy behind a long awaited filming space that is coming soon to add to the amazing film resources in Queenstown.
For as long as I have been local here, there has been talk of the need for a studio space, and plans afoot to build a studio space. In recent memory we have seen grand plans for a big facility near Gibbston, which has now fizzled out completely I believe? And over the hill in Wanaka plans for Hollywood styled Silverlight Studios (said to include a film school, screening theatre, exhibition centre, and up to 10 sound stages) I'm sure are ticking along, but in reality that is still a long way off (likely to start with the residential accommodation side of the business the cynic in me thinks...).
We have even had facilities built in the past for film projects, that have been deconstructed on the wrap of the show. But Heath and his team are about to deliver for us! Amazing!
Described by Heath as a 'really nice looking shed' this facility is what we need now, not what could potentially be needed in 10 years' time IF all the film industry growth stars align.
It is a building with a 1067m2 studio space, 11m ceiling height, a 30m2 adjoining office (plus shower & bathrooms etc). And great parking with flexibility for extra parking when needed. It is located in Frankton close to everything that we need, and has noise mitigation for flight noise.
Planned to be open for us in March 2024.
In other news:
Fish has been in town with a brilliantly old-school international line production for a Christmas TVC for Boots UK. Great to see this kind of job back in town. And everyone survived, just.
And Filmalot has welcomed old friends from Korea back for a TVC.
Libertine Productions is rolling out season 3 of lovely Central Otago romcom Under The Vines, shooting from 1 October to mid Dec. Perfect post ski season, pre-christmas timing!
ESA US Productions is returning to the area in October / November with Summit for more high altitude reality.
And it's raining cats-and-dogs. A State of Emergency just announced as I write this! Let's hope we are getting all our seasonal rain out of the way before we start shooting.
See you out there...
Nicola MacAllan | Art Dept Coordinator
