Infrastructure Minister, Grant Robertson says the completion of upgrades to the Auckland Film Studio will provide an economic boost for the whole country.
The Government invested $30 million into the project through the Infrastructure Reference Group, with financial assistance also coming from Auckland Council.
“The investment has been transformational for Auckland Film Studios, and for our ability to host the large productions New Zealand is becoming renowned for,” Minister Robertson said.
“Screen production is a powerful driver of economic growth and employment. This new development will help New Zealand capitalise on the international demand for our hugely talented screen industry that has driven numerous recent successes like The Power of the Dog and Avatar.”
The development more than doubles the stage space at the studio enabling it to more easily accommodate multiple smaller productions.
“The revamped and expanded Auckland Film Studios will provide more creative opportunities for New Zealanders in the film and television industries,” said Associate Arts, Culture & Heritage Minister, Carmel Sepuloni.
“This will support of growth the sector – particularly creative tech and places where those businesses can collaborate, innovate, educate, and grow.”
The Government has also approved a $2 million loan from the Queenstown Economic Transformation and Resilience Fund (QET) to Target 3D Ltd to upscale the Queenstown Digital Studio, and a loan of up to $1.25 million to Loaded Reports Ltd.
“The Queenstown Digital Studio will provide diversification within the screen industry, particularly for the district which is better known for location shoots than in-studio screen production,” said Associate Arts Minister, Stuart Nash.
“The studio will include infrastructure to support virtual production which includes LED screens, motion capture, game engine servers, lighting, production equipment and staging.
“This will provide access for filmmakers, game designers and television producers to the latest technology. It also aims to encourage screen production companies to remain in the district for longer periods, therefore increasing district and regional spend,” said Stuart Nash.
Queentown-based Loaded Reports has a client base of more than 700 hospitality businesses who are using their software platform service.
“Their customers are reporting that, thanks to Loaded Reports, they feel in control of their stock and labour management, and with that has come significant increases in profits.”
“QET funding will help forecast Loaded to grow their business on a global scale within the next five years.
“As a growing innovative industry in New Zealand, digital technologies can support a shift from a low productivity base and limited qualified skills to a high-value jobs, new export revenue and increase international awareness of the success of New Zealand focused technology companies,” said Mr Nash.
