Written by on Sep 19, 2011. Posted in Incentive News

New Zealand and South Africa sign location filming co-production deal

New Zealand has signed a co-production deal with South Africa. It means New Zealand productions qualifying as official co-productions can access incentive schemes in South Africa, while qualifying South African projects will get the same treatment in New Zealand.

Authorities in New Zealand now have 11 separate co-production agreements. They’re designed to make the production process smoother and ease both the importation of equipment and temporary immigration of crew members.

This agreement provides incentives for more co-productions between New Zealand and South Africa, but now with the benefits that come through having official co-production status.

Christopher Finlayson, New Zealand Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage

Christopher Finlayson is New Zealand Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage: “This agreement provides incentives for more co-productions between New Zealand and South Africa, but now with the benefits that come through having official co-production status.”

He cited the success of gritty sci-fi feature District 9, which was co-written and directed by South African Neil Blomkamp, and produced by Peter Jackson. The agreement has the potential to lead to a surge in filming projects, given that both South Africa and New Zealand are already well established as global production hubs.