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11thth Jan July -- 17 July 2014 2017 27 3rdthFeb
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Doors are wide open The Queenstown region is no stranger to the international screen – made famous by the likes of Lord of the Rings, countless car adverts, the upcoming Mission Impossible 6, and more. Given the area’s stunning natural beauty, beyond-scenic roads, and dynamic topography there is no question as to why Hollywood has taken a liking to Queenstown. So why doesn’t this town have as prominent a reputation in the film industry as ‘Welly-Wood’? What needs to happen to really put Queenstown on the map as an international creative hub? There is a tremendous pool of talent in Queenstown. In my short time here, I’ve already come across top-notch photographers, videographers, writers, bloggers, entrepreneurs, innovators, builders, filmmakers, producers, and presenters. The world’s first professional grade unmanned aerial vehicle was invented by a Queenstown company, along with gyro-stabilized helicopter camera platforms that are used widely throughout the film industry. The Wakatipu has a distinct wild energy that inspires creativity and ingenuity. Perhaps a film production university is what Queenstown needs to solidify its status as a movie-making centre. Similar to the Queenstown Resort College association with the tourism industry, a film production school could piggyback off Queenstown’s film production activity. Film Otago Southland has taken the reins in building up the region’s film industry, facilitating the shooting of international television commercials and large budget films. But I feel the region has a capacity to expand even further, be it through a university or construction of more physical film infrastructure (thinking of Wellington’s Weta Studios). There’s enough here to attract talent – an international travel destination, snow sports, all four seasons, wilderness galore, and a fresh and vibrant community – who wouldn’t want to live here indefinitely? Additionally, New Zealand makes it very easy for young professionals from all over the world to come here and work. Why not create something to motivate all these diversely talented people to do more than make coffee, wait tables and clean hotel rooms for minimum wage? A film school would really put Queenstown on the map as a creative hub, and would ensure a consistent influx of fresh minds and talent to fuel the industry. It would unite and nurture all the creative designers, business minds and technology brains in town and further connect Queenstown with the rest of the world and welcome diversity and ingenuity. The possibilities available to Queenstown are undeniable. The development of a film school and the expansion of Queenstown’s film industry would raise wages as the traditional low wage tourism and hospitality sectors compete with the higher wage film industry for workers. It takes an army to film a car commercial and even more to facilitate Tom Cruise and the Mission Impossible franchise currently being filmed here. Kiwi entrepreneurs have been setting up shop in Queenstown since the gold rush days, now the doors are wide open to the world of film and television – it’s there for the taking.
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Lakes Weekly Project Manager Reuben Das with Queenstown NZ App Competition winner Joe Armour. Congratulations Joe! (Photo: Jodi Walters)
Haley Turner, Californian in Kiwiland
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Few Snow Snow Showers & Cold Southerlies Showers Clearing
JOHN RAVENS WEATHER Last week John was 100% correct
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