Auckland Unveils Latest Screen Production Gem
Auckland region adds to a growing list of world-class screen production facilities with the most state-of-the-art post
production facility in the Southern Hemisphere.
Department of Post is known for pushing the boundaries of technology, to ensure every storyteller has access to the best
tools and talent, regardless of project scale or budget. With the increased focus on International Screen Attraction to
Auckland, a complimentary post production facility to accommodate productions using the new Kumeu Film Studios is poised
to bring significant overall economic benefit to the region.
The new central-city facility will house a DCI-compliant 30 seat screening theater, with New Zealand's first Christie
CP4325-RGB Laser projector, making it future-proof as an industry standard HDR capable facility, both for television and
feature film finishing.
Department of Post is also bringing Auckland its first full-size Dolby Atmos far-field audio mix theater. Formal
partnerships with a number of much-loved boutique Audio facilities and freelancers add both talent and technology to the
company. The building will house ADR, Foley, Edit and Mix rooms with secure, high-speed connectivity worldwide.
CTO and company co-founder James Gardner went the extra mile, seeking out new and emerging technology products to add
unique value to the project:
“We are a small, kiwi business. But we knew it was important to not just build another post facility, we had to invest
in the most ground-breaking, state-of-the-art technology the industry has to offer. We have to punch above our weight,
to remind the world how innovative and unafraid we are down here in New Zealand.”
New Zealand Film Commission grants and incentives make international productions more willing to extend their spend here
in New Zealand, with services such as dailies, editorial, VFX and other post production services. Until now, Auckland
has lacked many of the resources locally to provide options for productions brought here by International Screen
Attraction efforts.
While 70% of New Zealand’s filmmakers and crew are Auckland-based, lack of high-end resources has forced 78% of post
production work to Wellington in recent years. Filmmakers and storytellers have suffered from lack of competition in the
sector, while the Auckland region has lost millions of dollars in jobs, revenue and flow-on economic benefits.
“Too many of our local filmmakers have had to take time away from their homes and families, and been at a further
economic disadvantage from lack of competition across service providers in high-end feature film post production. We
have built a home for kiwi storytellers,” says Department of Post Head of Operations, Katie Hinsen.
The new home of New Zealand’s screen industry will open in December 2017.
The new Department of Post facility includes:
End-to-end HDR and cinema workflows, including the latest Christie RGB 4K Laser Projector, in a 30-seat DI Theater. The
only fully industry-standard HDR-compliant post production facility in New Zealand, with the world’s highest quality
projection of your production in post.
Full audio post production facilities, including Auckland’s only full-size Dolby Atmos far-field mix theater.
Spacious, comfortable production offices, meeting rooms and entertainment areas, to make you feel at home in a
fully-secure facility. With plenty of car parking, you can work comfortably amongst Ponsonby’s best bars, restaurants
and cafes.
ENDS