I was watching Eragon on DVD the other night marvelling at the landscapes used for the filming and yet wondering why New Zealand was not used as the location. I mean, everybody knows that there's nowhere better for filming fantasy epics involving wizards and elves and good versus evil! Which got me to thinking...what can film fans expect from next from NZ?
Well, staying in the world of fantasy, Prince Caspian the next (published) story in the Chronicles of Narnia series started filming in NZ in February. LOTR this may not be, but any excuse for sword play. In a similar vein, the current offering in cinemas, 'Bridge to Terabithia', was filmed in and around Auckland and is supposed to be a jolly fine family film. Finally, back in the real world, albeit in the past, and Peter Jackson's remake of 'Dambusters' is in production for release next year and is due to be filmed largely in Wellington. The original was such a classic I can't wait to see how the film is updated for modern audiences.
I get a buzz from watching New Zealand feature in films, but that doesn't compare to how I felt seeing the film locations for real. Pretending to fight off orcs on the full day TranzAlpine Experience was great, but visiting the towns and villages of the East Cape as featured on our 'Whale Rider' self drive tour was incredible. Next time I'm heading to Taranaki for 'The Last Samurai' flashbacks.
On a side note for fans of the genre I would definitely recommend Eragon. It's a fun romp and I look forward to the next instalment...should there be one. By the way, it was filmed in Hungary, though Weta Digital (based in Wellington and founded by Peter Jackson) was responsible for the special effects.
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