Peter Jackson’s famous Park Road film laboratory is set to close in June after over seven decades bringing movies to the silver screen.
The New Zealand facility built a reputation around the world for producing high quality work and they have urged filmmakers to get in touch before the doors close.
General Manager Cameron Harland said: “We have always been incredibly proud of the quality of the Lab and said we would be the last Lab standing.
“That has been true in New Zealand for the last 12 months or so, but unfortunately the shift in digital acquisition and exhibition, has meant that this part of our business has now become commercially unsustainable.
“We hope that providing notice of the closure will ensure that the key archive agencies and any filmmakers out there that need Film Lab services can get material to us quickly.”
The closure is expected to take place on June 28 and the date will mark the end of an era for film production in New Zealand. With the advancement of digital technology the demand for film laboratory services have dramatically fallen around the world.
Head of Laboratory Brian Scadden said: “I am very proud of all that we have achieved over the very long life of the Lab.
“I have been privileged to work with some of the best people in the business and we just hope we can use the remaining few months to complete some important work.
“All you filmmakers out there with unprocessed film – see us now!”
Park Road Post Production is based in Miramar, Wellington and is privately owned by Peter Jackson. The lab has been in operation since the establishment of the National Film Unit in 1941 and was New Zealand’s first post production facility.
It has worked on major films such as Lord of the Rings, King Kong, Heavenly Creatures, District 9, Boy and Came a Hot Friday.
Meanwhile, Deluxe stated that they are the only company providing film facilities in Australia but their film services are under continual evaluation.
They currently provide services such as negative processing and recording digital files onto print for cinemas.
Managing Director Alaric McAusland said: “We are one of the longest running labs in Australia. It is an important part of what we do. It is something we evaluate on a regular basis.”
Deluxe provide large digital services to the industry and McAusland said that the closure of the Park Road film lab is part of a global trend. He added: “Park Road are the latest and they won’t be the last.”