Banijay-owned Screentime New Zealand, has opened Remarkable Studios NZ.
Based in Queenstown the unit will stand as the town’s largest wet weather cover and first studio facility. Spearheaded by the production label’s CEO, Philly Delacey, the all-new offering is set to transform television and film capabilities in the area.
Famously used as the backdrop to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Queenstown has long been adored by producers for its rugged alpine landscape, pristine lakes, farms and historic towns. However, until now, producers had no option but to resort to Auckland for studio facilities in the territory, sending demand and costs soaring. In Remarkable Studios NZ, which stands within reach of the airport, Screentime NZ is offering a bespoke solution for crews both in New Zealand and beyond.
Philly de Lacey, Chief Executive Officer, Screentime New Zealand said: “Offering an unrivalled and diverse landscape, Queenstown has never struggled to attract filmmakers. However, without wet cover and studio facilities, it struggled to serve a whole production. In launching Remarkable Studios NZ, we are confident we will boost the region’s appeal beyond adrenaline tourism, driving creative economic uplift, and importantly, skills and jobs. With the local council’s strong support of the district’s film and television sector, we are proud to be delivering an ambitious first for this area and look forward to opening our doors to the world’s best content creators.”
Marco Bassetti, Chief Executive Officer, and Fred Balmary, Chief Business Officer, Banijay Entertainment comment: “Remarkable Studios NZ further demonstrates Philly’s entrepreneurialism, creative vision, and universal ambition. Standing as our tenth studios globally, but certainly first in a re-purposed department store, the groundbreaking facilities have emerged at the perfect moment – a time where production costs are soaring, and producers everywhere are looking for economical solutions. In Queenstown, producers now have the luxury of a multitude of locations, as well as a reasonable, fully functioning production complex. We have no doubt its popularity will serve positively for the region’s economic growth.”
Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Glyn Lewers said: “This news signals an exciting future for the film and television industry in Queenstown Lakes. Film has been an important contributor to our local economy for decades, thanks to our cinematic alpine locations, skilled crew base and welcoming communities. But having a dedicated film and television facility to add to that package will unlock more opportunities for our local industry. Screentime are also a key player in the New Zealand production community, so we’re thrilled that they’ve decided to establish a base here in our beautiful region.”
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