Wellington's Film Industry Update

What a difference a year makes eh? Last Christmas, we were wondering what effect the new incentives package might have on the industry. By the end of 2014, we were crewing up two massive features, and looking forward to a few more before the year is out. For the big studio films, this is looking like the beginning of a very good run of work in Wellington. Alongside Pete’s Dragon and Krampus, we know that the Avatar trilogy is still coming, with the promise that a lot of the live action and mo cap work will be happening in Miramar. Thunderbirds is also somehow still finding the space to work at Stone Street, and we hear there’s lots of other bits and pieces going through Weta Workshop.

But, as with all the ‘big years’ in Wellington, the downside is that the TVC and TV work dries up. Too many Auckland and international producers still believe that if Miramar is busy, then there’s no other crew available in Wellington. It’s a myth, but it does damage our commercial industry, which is a pretty fragile beast at the best of times. But, if you’re a production manager looking for a place to shoot, don’t take Wellington off your short list. We can still put a world-class crew together for you down here, even when Robert Redford is in town! In other news, Wellington feature What We Do in the Shadows just opened in North America to rave reviews (92% on Rotten Tomatoes) and good box office. Bloody well done team, it’s a terrific film.

We’re looking forward to a good year down here. The New Zealand Film Commission seem to be heading in all sorts of positive directions, there’s good news afoot about new local movies getting underway, and we might even see some real TV shot here before winter. Watch this space.

Graeme Tuckett, Wellington branch member