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QUEENSTOWN
Queenstown has been an established screen production centre for more than 20 years. Internationally known for its stunning locations, it offers producers an excellent range of accommodation and entertainment options as well as a full complement of well-regarded locally-based crew, equipment and infrastructure (see directory for full listings).
The Queenstown industry is sustained largely by television commercials (TVCs) and to a lesser degree by television production (documentaries, sports and reality shows). Feature films such as 'The Lord of the Rings', 'Vertical Limit'. '10,000BC', and the first two productions of 'Narnia' have had a considerable impact on the region. Beyond these sectors of the industry there is also a small but solid industry in non-broadcast filming (promotional films, local ads, corporate events etc). Queenstown is home to two-times Emmy Award winner Julian Grimmond (Amazing Race) and internationally-famed actor Sam Neill.
DUNEDIN
Screen production in Dunedin is a well-established and respected industry primarily revolving around 2 major players - Natural History New Zealand (NHNZ) and Taylormade (and various associated companies e.g. Animation Research Limited). NHNZ is primarily focused on making documentaries for the international market and a considerable portion of its filming is done offshore. However the range of programming is broadening to include reality and adventure shows/series. Taylormade has a solid base in animation, particularly for sporting events, and producing children's television but increasingly focuses on providing business solutions (e.g. 3D imaging for resource consent applications, multimedia systems for courtrooms).
Dunedin has a small local industry producing regional television and advertisements as well as educational, promotional and other non-broadcast programming. There is also a growing educational market relating to the industry in Dunedin with New Zealand's oldest tertiary institution, Otago University, offering courses in various aspects of screen production.
CENTRAL OTAGO
Experience true solitude and get close to nature in an inspiring and timeless land. First time visitors are silenced and energised by this tumble of mountain, river, rock and tussock. See the grandeur of breathtaking vistas and be moved by their surging natural power. Central’s clear light brings mountains within an arm’s reach and displays a star-studded night sky. It is a place of extraordinary contrasts, our middle earth.
Central Otago, affectionately called “Central” by those that know it well, covers an area of 10,000km˛ and has fewer than 17,000 permanent residents. You will notice a change of pace when you come here.
There is a vast range of images and views in Central.
- Autumn glows red and amber along the banks of rivers that flow to a heart founded on gold, and shaped by enterprise.
- Scorched morning rays herald a patchwork of fruit orchards alongside farms that creep toward tussock-clad hills. Magnificent mountain ranges hold vigil over the mighty Clutha river and its offshoots, safeguarding secrets of times long since past.
- Fluffy white clouds seem within reach above huge rocky outcrops and grazing farm stock while tiny pioneer settlements lay nestled and hidden within the grandeur.
- Natural light reflects off the velvet folds of magnificent mountain ranges onto pastoral valleys, rocky tors and the awesome sprawling plains. Throughout this vast landscape, remnants of a prosperous gold mining past lie in the scarred hillsides, occasional mud-brick buildings, old stone fences and lonely cemeteries.
- Hot, dry climes cultivate golden fruits and award winning wines below tawny hills, where fine-wool Merino sheep graze. Wildflowers line roadsides, and powerful rivers cut awesome gorges to a lake.
- A timeless land where the Taieri River meanders lazily, and empty roads stretch by irrigated farmlands to historic, sleepy towns.
To find out more information on the areas in Central Otago, their geographic location and their features.
Central Otago is a land of extremes: it is the coldest, driest part of New Zealand. The seasons are sharply defined: summers are hot and low in humidity; winter mornings are often misty, the days cloudless and windless and the nights freezing. To find out more information on the climate of Central Otago.
We’re away from it all but within easy distance of the main southern cities. Check out travelling times from the main southern cities to Central Otago.
The District Development team at the Central Otago District Council are more than happy to help with any queries or concerns. Please feel free to contact a staff member on the email address below.
INVERCARGILL
Mark Twain described Milford Sound as the 8th wonder of the world and this incredible fiord is one of several stunning much filmed landscapes within the Southland district. The area's main city, Invercargill, has a thriving tertiary institution (Southland Institute of Technology) offering various screen production courses through the Sir Anthony Hopkins School of Dramatic Arts. Sir Anthony put Invercargill on the map while in the city to film "The World's Fastest Indian". |
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