Auckland’s Production Rebound Boosted by New Stages and Studio Complexes
Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefBefore the COVID-19 pandemic New Zealand was preparing a series of measures to expand on its reputation as one of the world’s top-flight filming locations. Generous subsidies, Oscar-winning crafts teams and stunning locations had made it the destination of choice for “Mulan,” “Lord of the Rings” “Mission Impossible: Fallout” and “The Power of the Dog.”While the country coped strongly with the virus, disease control measures isolated the country and caused uncomfortably long lockdowns in Auckland, its biggest city and principal film-making hub. The effect of COVID and lockdowns was to overshadow the infrastructure improvements and industry developments that continued apace.