Film New Zealand

This will be the shortest of my posts as Im in New Zealand AND using a German keyboard to type which makes it somewhat difficult...long story. Since Ive been here I did have a chance to tour the studio facilities of South Pacific Pictures, the largest film production facility in New Zealand. They produced Whale Rider and currently film several longstanding tv series that air domestically in New Zealand... including Outrageous Fortune and Shortland Street. I will have to see if I can watch them online somewhere as neither of them air in the States. However, both shows are incredibly popular here. Shortland Street has been on the air for 15 years! Now that Im beginning to see more of New Zealand, I cant imagine why there isnt more filming here...the filming community seems to be extremely accommodating and the landscape is incredibly varied! Some parts remind me of Flagstaff, Arizona with all the pines and then other portions remind me of Scotland and Hawaii...New Zealand is such of mixture. I want to film here so I can come back!!!! So...FILM NEW ZEALAND!

Off To Kiwi-Land

I am leaving for New Zealand TODAY! I'm in dire need of an adventure and New Zealand seemed to be the most appropriate place ( and farthest away! ) While I'm away, I am not sure how often I will be able to post. Although, I'll be a world away, I'll be back quicker than I'd like to be, I'm sure. Be sure to visit my travelogue at travelpod
( See the travel pod link on the left of this page.)

I'll have the chance to explore South Pacific Picture's Studios in Auckland, home of the largest film production facilities in New Zealand and explore this amazing, magnificent country.

From a location standpoint, please take a look at some of the tremendous films that have come out of New Zealand ( besides the obvious Lord of the Rings Trilogy.)

My recommends would include:

The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
Based on a true-story, this film follows 67-year-old grandfather and New Zealander Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) as he flies across Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats on his customized Indian Scout motorcycle.

Whale Rider (2003)
A Maori tribe must contend with the distinctly non-traditional concept of having a female leader.

The Piano (1994)
Holly Hunter (who won a Best Actress Oscar) plays a strong-willed 19th century Scottish expatriate who arrives in New Zealand with her daughter (Anna Paquin) and her beloved piano. Although betrothed to a farmer (Sam Neill), Hunter falls for former Maori tribesman Harvey Keitel.

Once Were Warriors ( 1994)
A disturbing drama about a woman who fights tooth and nail to keep her family intact with her marriage a shambles and her psyche bruised and betrayed.