Canterbury film makers are hoping the premiere of a new movie filmed in the region will encourage more overseas productions to set up in the region.
John Cho and Mia Isaac attend the Los Angeles Special Screening of Amazon's "Don't Make Me Go". Photo: Getty /Kevin Winter/THR
The deep south of the United States is not often compared to this part of the world - but for the creators of Don't Make Me Go, New Zealand was the perfect alternative.
Debuting tomorrow, the film sees a father attempting to reconcile his relationship with his daughter as they road trip from Southern California through New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.
It follows in the foot steps of Jane Campion's internationally acclaimed Power of the Dog, using Aotearoa to recreate an American landscape.
Filmed in the winter of last year, it features locations around Auckland, the Mackenzie District, and Ōtautahi.
Screen CanterburyNZ manager Petrina D'Rozario said multiple difficult locations were utilised during filming in this region, including Christchurch City Hospital, Christchurch Casino, and an entire motorway.
"We're incredibly proud and encouraged by locations and venues willingness to open their doors to overseas productions. Establishing Canterbury's highly desirable film locations relies on locals opening their doors to these initiatives and supporting crews in the often-disruptive operations."
Its executive producer Eddie Rubin said the region provided exactly what they needed.
"All within 30 minutes of each other we were able to close an entire freeway, shoot in a casino, a hospital, a beach and more. Working with cities such as Christchurch was an absolute pleasure.''
Rubin said Waitaha Canterbury hosts of the most beautiful locations in the world.
"I'm really looking forward to returning with more projects and encouraging people to explore the whole region."
Approximately $1.2 million was spent on the production locally in Canterbury.
Over 20 New Zealanders were cast for the film, including Jemaine Clement and Josh Thomson.
There were 365 crew members and 800 extras also employed.
Don't Make Me Go stars American actors John Cho and Mia Isaac and is available on Amazon Prime from Thursday.