Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Hint of more incentives for US film-makers

Updated at 2:32 pm on 7 October 2012

Film director James Cameron says Prime Minister John Key has indicated fresh concessions might be made to lure more US film-makers to New Zealand.

Mr Key spent several days in Los Angeles last week.

Cameron told TVNZ's Q+A programme on Sunday that Mr Key informed guests at a dinner in Hollywood that New Zealand does not have the world's best incentive scheme, but is very competitive with top locations.

He also spoke highly of the work ethic and artistry of its English-speaking film crews.

Cameron said Mr Key also spoke about possible improvements to incentives for foreign film-makers including measures to mitigate the declining value of the US dollar.

Sir Peter Jackson also addressed guests in a pre-taped message.

Asked if discussion were held over the kind of changes made to labour laws to accommodate The Hobbit, Cameron said if this was done, the return would more than justify such a move.

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