Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) film office has announced it will dedicate $10,000 toward permit fee relief for film production activity taking place on council land. 

The council said the move was a COVID-19 recovery initiative to help attract film production back to the district and to support the local film community, which has been hit hard by the impacts of COVID-19.

Fees for filming on QLDC land are typically $500 per day for filming and $300 per day for photography of a commercial nature.

“This relief scheme will allow productions an initial two days’ fee-free filming on council land,” QLDC said in a statement.

The cost for fees will be reimbursed from the QLDC economic development budget dedicated to film support. Productions will still be required to obtain an approved film permit through the regular process via APL Property.

“The idea was sparked by conversations with the local film industry, and we’re pleased to be able to offer this support,” QLDC film office coordinator Kahli Scott said. 

“...we want to roll out the welcome mat to productions looking to film in the district.”

The Queenstown Lakes district has welcomed and supported film production for over thirty years, from big-budget feature films to international television commercials. 

They have included everything from the Lord of the Rings series to Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time and the New Zealander directed Top of the Lake television drama series.

Film generates work for local film crew and vendors and creates flow-on business for hotels, restaurants, retail and more, council said.

PHOTO: Wanaka App