The Walt Disney Studios announced today it will shoot the live-action film Pete’s Dragon in New Zealand, with production anticipated to begin in early 2015.
The production will be based at Stone Street Studios Wellington and filming will take place in several locations around the country including the Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Canterbury regions, employing hundreds of local craftsmen and crew members.
Film New Zealand, the country’s national film office, assisted The Walt Disney Studios in assessing New Zealand for the production.
FNZ CEO Gisella Carr says it is particularly significant for the country as Disney is a long-standing and valued client. “We’re delighted to welcome back Disney which has such a long history of production in this country,” she said. “During the past two years we’ve been in discussion with the Studio about returning to New Zealand and it’s great to see the combination of New Zealand’s favourable screen incentives, locations and skill base have enabled such a high-profile production to come here.”
Producer Barrie Osborne said, “New Zealand has long been a wonderful partner for film production, and in particular Wellington’s state-of-the-art facilities and filmmaker-friendly community make it an ideal location for filming Pete’s Dragon.”
“We were searching for a shooting location that captures the wonder and spirit of Pete’s Dragon,” added producer Jim Whitaker. “The New Zealand aesthetic beautifully matches what the screenplay requires, and we’re grateful to receive such tremendous support from the filmmaking community and industry in this country.”
Pete’s Dragon, a reinvention of the 1977 Disney classic, will blend live action and CGI to tell the story of the special bond between an orphan boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just happens to be a dragon. Oakes Fegley will play the titular role of Pete and Disney has also cast Oona Laurence as Natalie, a newly created character who becomes Pete’s friend.
The script was written by David Lowery and Toby Halbrooks. Lowery will also direct the film.