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 The film is among a handful of
productions kicking off in New Zealand as it
begins to open up after containing the novel
coronavirus, and looks to its film industry to
give its battered economy a boost.
New Zealand's borders remain closed to
foreigners but the government gave special
permission for the 55 crew members working on
the "Avatar" sequel to jet in on a chartered
plane.
"Certainly, the fact that we are able to start
earlier than some countries is great, much as
it's distressing to see that the pandemic is
still such a challenge around the world," said
Annabelle Sheehan, chief executive of the New
Zealand Film Commission.
New Zealand's mountains, meadows and forests,
made famous by "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy,
have drawn several major film productions over
recent years.
About 47 productions were underway when Prime
Minister Jacinda Ardern imposed a tough lockdown
on March 26 to stop the spread of the
coronavirus.
It was a great success and the virus has been
almost eliminated in New Zealand, which could be
among the first countries in the world to return
to normal this week, apart from the closed
border.
Avatar producer Jon Landau posted a picture of
himself and director Cameron after landing last
week and said they would self-isolate for 14
days in line with government rules.
"Your country has become a leader in how to deal
with something like this, and I think films will
want to come," Landau told Radio New Zealand in
an interview, referring to the coronavirus
campaign.
With people around the world cooped up at home,
pressure is on film-makers and other content
creators to make new material and get it out.
But what's holding them back is the lack of safe
places to work, industry experts say. Now New
Zealand is an option.
"We've had a few international enquiries and
that's on the back of our COVID-free status,"
said Gary Watkins, chief executive of
Wellington-based Avalon Studios, which was used
for the filming of the 2017 Scarlett Johansson
starrer "Ghost in the Shell" and will also help
with the new "Avatar".
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 Wellington is home to
multi-million dollar studios and production
facilities including director Peter Jackson's
Weta Digital, where "The Lord of the Rings" and
"The Hobbit" trilogies were brought to life.
TRIGGERING JOBS
But the open door for Cameron and his crew has
raised some eyebrows. Opposition party leaders
have questioned why they breezed in while
families are still separated and businesses are
struggling without key staff.
Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford
defended the decision saying the border was only
open to a few foreigners who were important for
projects with significant economic value.
New Zealand's film industry is worth more than
NZ$3 billion a year. A six-month international
film can create an estimated 3,000 jobs.
"You only need a few international people coming
to trigger thousands of jobs," said Sheehan.
And New Zealand needs the jobs. The government
expects hundreds of thousands to be lost because
of the coronavirus.
The tourism industry, which contributes more
than NZ$16 billion and accounts for nearly 6% of
gross domestic product, has been particularly
hard hit.
But in the longer term, the films should help
pay tourism back.
"People all over the world will see these new
titles and will start seeing New Zealand in a
new light ... this will contribute hugely to
tourism," Sheehan said.
(Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by Robert
Birsel)
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