A scene for a Taika Waititi film is being shot at Silverlight Studios’ site near Wānaka Airport.

“The working title is ‘Tears and Rain’,” an industry insider told the Wānaka App.

The film is based on dystopian science fiction novel 'Klara and the sun' by Kazuo Ishiguro.

It is believed to be the first film to be shot at the 332ha Silverlight Studios site, which is billed to become a $280M film park.

The insider said the location was selected for the scenery, rather than any existing infrastructure.

“As far as I’ve heard it’s just for the location; it could have been the Mackenzie Country.” 

He said crew were currently building a set in a wheat field within the Silverlight Studios property.

There will be around 8-10 days of shooting, he said. 

“They’re bringing trucks and most people down from Auckland, as they do.” 

The Luggate Fire Brigade was advised of the work to be undertaken, given its location in the barley fields, the Wānaka App was advised.

The filming taking place near Wānaka is for the “front of the show” or the first part of the film, the insider said, and the remainder of the project will be shot in the North Island.

Silverlight Studios is owned by film industry veterans including Ra Vincent, Jonathan Harding and Mike Wallis.

The company has received approval for temporary buildings and facilities to undertake shoots while work to create the larger film park is underway.