Auckland Film Studios to be NZ base for US movie
Filming will begin in January 2012 once casting is confirmed.
Auckland Film Studios has been chosen as the New Zealand film base for Emperor – a US production by director Peter Webber (Girl with a Pearl Earing).
Emperor (the movie’s working title), a political drama set amidst the tensions and uncertainties following the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II, is inspired by true events.
Filming will begin in January 2012 once casting is confirmed. The film’s production company Corn Cob Limited is already constructing sets at the Henderson studios.
The movie is the first major production to be filmed at Auckland Film Studios since Auckland Council Investments limited (ACIL), an Auckland Council council-controlled organisation, took a 100% shareholding in the studios in August.
“It’s a major coup for Auckland and Auckland Film Studios; it will allow us to further develop our strong foothold in the New Zealand film industry and support Auckland Council’s vision for film,” says Chief Executive of ACIL, Gary Swift.
“The film will create many jobs locally and will pump money into the domestic economy. It highlights Council’s wisdom in purchasing the remaining shares in the studios.
“Securing the film also helps to build New Zealand’s reputation as a world-class film location,” he says.
Two days of filming will take place in Wellington, with some scenes also being shot in Japan.
Emperor will be produced by Yoko Narahashi (The Last Samurai), Gary Foster (Ghost Rider, Sleepless in Seattle, The Soloist), Eugene Nomura (Tajomaru, Surely Some Day) and Russ Krasnoff (The Soloist).
Auckland Film Studios was the home of Xena: Warrior Princess and Hollywood movies including The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and The Warrior’s Way featuring Kate Bosworth and Geoffrey Rush.
NBR staff
Mon, 05 Dec 2011
Mon, 05 Dec 2011
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Auckland Film Studios to be NZ base for US movie
18132