$17m film studio on cards
A $17.7 MILLION film studio in Dunedin could become a reality within a year, the Dunedin City Council hopes.
Responding to a government request to suggest 10 major infrastructure projects each valued at more than $10 million, which could get started in six to 12 months, a film studio development was identified.
Enterprise Dunedin director John Christie said the project would repurpose an existing 2000sq m councilowned warehouse in Parry St.
‘‘The surrounding land provides ample land for screen production requirements and includes councilowned offices that are available for production offices,’’ he said.
The space would be suited to television production or independent film production, and had already been used as offices and wardrobe storage when Netflix film The Power of the Dog filmed in Dunedin earlier in the year.
Mr Christie said the addition of an industrystandard studio alongside highquality postproduction at NHNZ meant all aspects of screen production could be offered in Dunedin.
‘‘The city could realistically be considered a base for projects that want to film in the diverse locations in Dunedin and across the region.
‘‘We really see the studio as a regional facility that could improve work flow for existing crew and screen businesses across Otago, activate the existing creative talent in the city and offer opportunities through education and training for talent to enter the industry.
‘‘Our locations, heritage and modern architecture, wilderness, accessible beaches, rural and urban settings would feature in numerous productions, leading to opportunities in tourism and more.’’
The $17.7 million budget would cover soundproofing, highvoltage electricity, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and a lighting grid.
‘‘It would include a set construction and propmaking workshop, wardrobe space, production offices and more, depending on the amount granted,’’ Mr Christie said.
If supported by government agencies managing the Crown Investment Fund, the studio could be ready within 12 months.
The facility could be used by anyone, but in particular by local, national and international production companies, film studies courses run by the education sector and productions such as iD Fashion and business events, and as a rehearsal space for the performing arts.
Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins last week talked about the benefits of the identified projects for funding.
“Fasttracking more than $300 million worth of key infrastructure projects in Dunedin would help fuel the region’s economic recovery when the Covid19 lockdown lifts, and create hundreds of new jobs across the city.”