Film & Music Industry

Most people know at this point that the Lord of the Rings trilogy was not only filmed in New Zealand, but also written and directed by New Zealand natives. What a lot of people don't know is that this wasn't a first for New Zealand, nor for LOTR director Peter Jackson. The last decade has seen such offerings from Kiwiland as The Piano, Heavenly Creatures (also from Peter Jackson), and The Last Samurai (filmed partly in New Zealand).

New Zealand offers a competitive exchange rate, wonderful scenery and a skilled workforce, making it an ideal place to shoot a movie.

IMDB offers a complete list of movies filmed partly or wholly in New Zealand (though it is apparently not possible to link directly to the list)

Weta Digital Studio

Weta Digital was formed in 1993 for Peter Jackson's Heavenly Creatures by a group of young filmmakers, including Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger, et. al. The visual effects for the movie were created on a single, leased computer in an old Wellington house. Still based in Wellington, Weta has increased in size and skill and now provides a full range of special effects production, from conceptualisation to 3D digital animation.

Weta Digital and Weta Workshop Online

Music from New Zealand

Arguably the most famous musician to come out of New Zealand is Neil Finn. Finn formed his first band, After Hours, in 1976. The band did not last long, but he was soon asked by brother Tim to join his band, Split Enz. Neil penned the band's "I Got You," which virtually catapulted the band to international fame. After the break-up of Split Enz, Neil formed a new band with Paul Hester from Enz and Melbourne artist Nick Seymour. The band was originally called The Mullanes, but a stay in a cramped North Hollywood apartment while shopping for a record label inspired them to change it to Crowded House. Neil Finn was once again enjoying international fame, with hits such as "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Something So Strong." Finn's latest solo release is the CD One Nil.

Neil Finn online

Other popular New Zealand music acts include OMC, Bic Runga, Stellar, Shihad, Moana and the Moa Hunters, and King Kapisi. New Zealand Music offers mp3s and videos, as well as music news and background information, for those interested in learning more about the New Zealand music scene.