Media release – for immediate release
14 July 2006
Miramar Sound Stage A Good Regional Investment
Camperdown Studios’ new sound stage facility at Miramar generated an additional $63 million expenditure in the
Wellington region and created an additional 218 full-time equivalent jobs during 2005, according to a recent report to
Positively Wellington Business by NZIER.
NZIER examined the economic impact of the expanded sound stage facility, which was officially opened by Prime Minister
Helen Clark in April 2005.
The world-class screen production facility was built with support from Positively Wellington Business, New Zealand Trade
and Enterprise, and Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast. The principal funders were Camperdown Studios.
The soundproofed, fully enclosed studio space is living up to original calculations of its projected value to the local
screen production industry and to the region.
NZIER reported that the facility has been generating enough revenue to provide a commercial return on the initial
investment.
It had slightly exceeded financial targets for the first year, and had been utilised at about twice the level expected
at the time the original feasibility study was written in 2003.
Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” project utilised the studio’s capacity in 2004 and 2005 above the level expected in the
feasibility study.
The NZIER report said it was questionable as to whether this level of activity would have occurred in the Wellington
region were it not for the existence of the expanded sound studio.
Philip Lewin, chief executive of Positively Wellington Business, said the additional $63 million and 218 full-time
equivalent jobs generated have justified the region’s support for creating the facility.
“The Wellington region is a hub for screen production, thanks to the excellent infrastructure here, the talent and
expertise, and the region’s willingness to make its streets, buildings, scenery and public spaces available for
filming,” Mr Lewin said.
“Positively Wellington Business is continuing to support screen production at all levels on a daily basis, particularly
through our Film Wellington business unit, because of the demonstrable economic benefits to the region.”
ENDS