3 May 2009

Film industry revenue, investment grows

1:29 pm on 3 May 2009

New Zealand film industry revenue went up 11% in the last financial year, reaching $2.743 billion.

Much of the boost to revenue, which includes sales, royalties and funding, was driven by an increase in investment. Funding from the United States more than doubled to $340 million, Statistics New Zealand figures show.

Film New Zealand chief executive Judith McCann says the level of international investment shows New Zealand is highly regarded as a film location.

Movies such as The Warrior's Way starring Kate Bosworth and The Lovely Bones directed by Peter Jackson are being filmed in New Zealand.

Spending by screen production companies in Wellington more than doubled to $285 million, while Auckland film businesses spent $491 million.