You want to Blockbuster FX? Head of New Zealand (Time.com)

When Warner Bros. proposed relocation of production of the Lord of the prequel film of two rings the Hobbit of New Zealand, due to a prolonged dispute with the actors Equity, Prime Minister John Key Union intervened personally. Connection long of the country with the franchise of the rings - an association which has been a great boon to linked to tourism - and the jobs of 2500 would create production of Bilbo the Hobbit $ 490 million was at stake. Therefore, there was relief in Wellington when filming began finally last month, with the actors and Warner Bros Thieu of the labour law reform and tax breaks respectively. Hamstrung by the cost of two large earthquakes (estimated at $ 11 billion), New Zealand needs all investments that its film industry can bring.

Locations famous scenic in the country are a great draw of Hollywood filmmakers - but they are not the only one. Large Budget screen Production Grant the New Zealand offers a 15% discount on production expenses. The producers of the Avatar, large parts which were filmed in the Studios of street stone of Wellington, has received 32 million of the grant (in return, the country received $ 307 million). Since the scheme started in 2003, overseas productions have reportedly passed 1.42 billion in New Zealand and received 189.4 million in grants. The absence of taxes of the fringe that would be incurred to the United States - such as taxes on benefits employees, compensation, and other levies - also helps reduce the overall cost of post-production. (See than the alternative of the top 10 places to film the Hobbit).

Then, there are industry of innovative visual effects (VFX) of New Zealand, which, although less than ten years now becomes a major player, contributes approximately $ 180 million in revenues for 2006-2007 film only, a survey of statistics. Companies like Weta Digital in Wellington, which won three Oscars for his work on the Avatar, and who will work on both Hobbit films, winning international praise for their work in special effects, art direction and film. "It seems to be a unique creation, New Zealand sensitivity, both artistic and technical sense here and Weta Digital certainly defines that standard,", said Gisella Carr, CEO of the new Film of the New Zealand.

The rings franchise has been a huge boost for the development of local industry of VFX, according to Mike Horgan, Director General of Digipost, digital post production company in New Zealand when it was established in 1990. "The world has always had an eye on the New Zealand film industry, through projects such as Xena, Hercules and, more recently, Spartacus, but [Director rings] certainly, Sir Peter Jackson played a huge part in putting the industry on the map"he says. ". (See why South Africa is becoming a hot film location).

And Weta, companies such as Park Road Post Production will benefit business of Jackson. Costume based in Wellington is a one-stop shop, offering audio service, the digital conversion facilities and film processing laboratories. "The Hobbit has begun production in the studios of here," says Vicki Jackways, head of marketing of Park Road.

Although there is some international hiring, this technology intensive industry depends primarily of local talent. "The majority of our artists is New Zealand and is very experienced and highly qualified to offer to high international standards," said Cree Casares, a VFX producer for house production of Images and sound. Horgan agrees: "there are a number of training institutions very functioning here which help to support and develop young creative minds", he said. I hope that the agreement recently struck between Warner Bros., actors equity and the Government will form a framework to help to maintain this nascent industry on track.