21 December 2001
Make The Most Of Lord Of The Rings Opportunites, Industry New Zealand Urges Businesses
Industry New Zealand is encouraging New Zealand businesses are being encouraged to capitalise on the increased exposure
this country is likely to receive resulting from the release of Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The first of the three movies, The Fellowship of the Ring, had its world premiere in London on December 10 and its New
Zealand premiere on December 19.
The trilogy gives New Zealand business a unique opportunity to show we are a nation of talented, creative entrepreneurs,
says Industry New Zealand Chief Executive Neil Mackay.
"The trilogy will not only show our outstanding scenery, it will show that we are a nation of highly skilled people in
the wide range of industries involved behind the scenes in the making of the film - from the makeup artists, prop design
and construction staff to the stunning visual effects created by technology wizards."
Some businesses have already felt the benefits, particularly in the creative industry sector. Like the Wellington-based
visual effects, animation, post production studio, Oktobor.
"Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings created an enormous opportunity for not only Oktobor, but also for our artists who
contributed to a world-class feature film project," says Oktobor's Geoff Dixon. Oktobor's visual effects and animation
are being used by film and television companies around the world.
But the opportunities offered through this increased attention on New Zealand are not just there for our film and
creative industries, they are across the broad spectrum of industry, Mr Mackay said.
"So whether you are an IT company wanting to attract overseas clients or you are selling primary produce offshore there
are tremendous opportunities to be seized," Mr Mackay said.
"If, for example, your business is considering a marketing drive in the United States next year, then why not time it
around the release of the second movie in the trilogy, The Two Towers or around activities associated with the trilogy?"
Industry New Zealand is working with other government agencies to maximise the benefits from the trilogy for this
country. A number of events are being planned over the coming months which could provide the platform for marketing
opportunities for New Zealand business, he said.
They include activities at film trade markets in Los Angeles, Cannes and London, technology and innovation workshops in
Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and Seattle focused on the special effects in the trilogy and an exhibition of film models
and props created for the trilogy. If the movie is nominated for an Oscar a reception is planned for up to 100 senior
Hollywood and foreign film makers at a prestigious Los Angeles location featuring New Zealand, food, wine and displays.
Industry New Zealand is contacting business directly and posting a timeline on its website (www. Industrynz.govt.nz) of
all events that could provide spin-offs for New Zealand businesses.
" I encourage everyone in business to look at ways they can benefit from this unique opportunity," Mr Mackay said.
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