Opportunity for the development of regional film studios in NZ

The demand for content from international channels and streamers has seen some noteworthy positive impact in New Zealand. Infrastructure developments of film studios across the country have caught increasing attention from both the private and the public sectors.

This independent report by Felicity Letcher identifies key success factors for the development of a studio complex outside of Auckland and Wellington. It outlines a possible operating model which allows for multiple income streams to support a studio venture and recognises regions like Bay of Plenty/Rotorua, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown as exhibiting strong responses to the key success factors.

Demand for virtual production stages, with LED virtual production capability, has also been accelerating internationally in the post-Covid environment. This study recommends that the regions have the capability available to set up a modular virtual production studio.