Introduction : Film Queenstown Lakes
Film Queenstown Lakes, located in the stunning region of New Zealand’s South Island, offers filmmakers access to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. From towering mountains and serene lakes to alpine forests and rugged backcountry, Queenstown Lakes has become a go-to destination for international film, television, and digital media productions. The Film Queenstown Lakes office supports filmmakers with location scouting, permitting, and access to New Zealand’s competitive tax incentives, ensuring productions can thrive in this iconic region.
Mission and Purpose
Film Queenstown Lakes’ mission is to promote the Queenstown Lakes region as a premier filming destination, offering filmmakers access to diverse landscapes, financial incentives, and local production resources. The commission aims to attract national and international productions, supporting the local economy while showcasing the region’s extraordinary natural beauty.
Programs
Film Queenstown Lakes offers several programs and services to support filmmakers:
- New Zealand Screen Production Grant: Productions can qualify for a rebate of up to 40% on qualifying New Zealand-based expenditures, including production and post-production costs.
- Location Scouting Assistance: The Film Queenstown Lakes office helps filmmakers explore the region’s diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, and rural settings.
- Permitting and Logistical Support: The commission streamlines the process of securing permits, providing filmmakers with access to both public and private locations across the Queenstown Lakes region.
- Crew and Vendor Directory: The office connects filmmakers with experienced local production professionals, vendors, and equipment rental services.
Similar Programs
Similar programs to Film Queenstown Lakes include Film Auckland, Film Wellington, and Film Otago Southland. These commissions offer financial incentives and access to New Zealand’s stunning and diverse filming locations.
Maximize Your Film Queenstown Lakes Benefits with Vitrina

Unique Aspects
Film Queenstown Lakes stands out for:
- World-Class Filming Locations: Queenstown Lakes offers access to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, including mountains, lakes, rivers, and rugged wilderness, providing an unmatched backdrop for filmmakers.
- Competitive New Zealand Screen Grant: Productions filmed in Queenstown Lakes can benefit from up to 40% back on qualifying expenses, making New Zealand one of the most competitive destinations for international productions.
- Comprehensive Production Support: The Film Queenstown Lakes office offers tailored assistance with location scouting, permits, and connections to local talent and vendors, ensuring a smooth production experience.
Vitrina’s Project Tracker
Vitrina’s project tracker identifies the most active film commissions and grant programs, as well as the projects they support. This tool provides insights into past and current projects, helping you understand which incentives are most effective and how to apply them to your own production.
Finding Local Partners with VBN
VBN connects you with local production companies, post-production facilities, animation studios, and other service providers. These connections can help your project meet the qualifying criteria for tax incentives and grant programs, ensuring you maximize the benefits offered by Film Queenstown Lakes.
Key Takeaways
- Film Queenstown Lakes offers access to New Zealand’s Screen Production Grant, with up to 40% back on qualified production expenses.
- VBN provides access to detailed profiles and updates on global film incentives.
- Utilize Vitrina’s project tracker to find active film commissions and grant programs.
- Connect with local partners through VBN to qualify for tax incentives and grants.
- Programs like Film Queenstown Lakes are frequently updated; check their latest policies on their official site and VBN.
Always check the latest updates on Film Queenstown Lakes’ official website and their most recent projects on VBN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Film Queenstown Lakes provides access to New Zealand’s Screen Production Grant, offering up to 40% back on qualifying production expenditures.
The Queenstown Lakes region offers diverse locations, including snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, rivers, forests, and rural farmland, providing filmmakers with stunning natural backdrops.
Film Queenstown Lakes assists filmmakers with location scouting, permitting, and connecting with local crew, vendors, and production services to ensure a smooth production process.
VBN provides detailed profiles, connects you with local service providers, and helps navigate the application process for film incentives.