Written by new-contact on Nov 7, 2011. Posted in On Location

Hannibal Rising director announces New Zealand shoot for new feature Emperor

Peter Webber, the British-born director of features including Hannibal Rising and Girl with a Pearl Earring, has announced his next feature will be shot on location in New Zealand. The project, tentatively called Emperor, will be set in the days following Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II in 1945.

Part of the clincher in choosing New Zealand as a filming location was a familiarisation trip that was organised by Film New Zealand earlier this year. The project is currently scheduled to film in Auckland and Wellington, with additional scenes planned for Japan.

The outstanding locations and the exceptionally positive experiences filmmakers have in New Zealand offered the possibilities for making a great film in the country.

Gary Foster, Producer

Gary Foster will produce the film: “Our visit to New Zealand convinced us that the quality and talent of the industry, alongside the outstanding locations and the exceptionally positive experiences filmmakers have in New Zealand offered the possibilities for making a great film in the country.”

The New Zealand film industry is currently worth nearly NZD3 billion, according to figures from Film New Zealand. Emperor will start filming in January and is expected to be crewed mainly by locals.