March 8, 2006
Academy Awards Yet Another Boost For Flagship Industry
Last night’s Academy Award success for New Zealand movies will reap huge economic rewards says Bob Harvey, a member of
the Film Commission and Mayor of Waitakere City.
Mr Harvey says the technical category wins by the makers of King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion, The Witch
and the Wardrobe will ensure that even more international products head down under.
“They don’t come any bigger than the Oscars, and these awards are a clear demonstration that our film crews and
technicians truly are the best in the world,” he says. “I’ve no doubt that many more international projects will come
down here as a direct result of producers and directors wanting to work with our extraordinary crews.”
In the past 10 years Waitakere has established itself as the “film capital” of New Zealand. Narnia was shot largely on
location in Waitakere and at the City Council-owned Henderson Valley Studios. Currently in production in the City is
“Wendy Wu; Homecoming Warrior”, which is a multi-million dollar Disney television movie and the Bridge to Terabethia is
also being filmed at Hobsonville.
ENDS