New Zealand’s MBIE allows overseas companies to resume production of films and TV series

The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) of New Zealand has given the go-ahead to overseas companies to start or resume production of their films and TV/streaming series.

As many countries are still looking for solutions to combat COVID-19, New Zealand is allowing seven production companies to return to work since it has been very successful in eradicating the novel coronavirus.

Productions included in this border exemption include: Avatar (film sequels), Power of the Dog, The Lord of the Rings (Amazon; live-action series), Power Rangers Beast Morphers, Cowboy Bebop (live-action series), Sweet Tooth, and The Greatest Beer Run Ever.

Each production company must now “complete a registration with portal ScreenSafe in order to help the Ministry of Health with contact tracing and WorkSafe with monitoring,” according to the New Zealand Film Commission.

Overall, 206 workers are coming to New Zealand from overseas along with 35 family members, “with all meeting their own quarantine or self-isolation costs.” This will also bring about 3000 jobs for New Zealanders and $400 million to the local economy.

[Sources]: Stuff (NZ): Revealed: The six productions joining Avatar in getting border exemptions. Deadline: New Zealand Returns To Production, Paving Way For ‘Avatar’ Sequels & ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Series To Resume Filming.