What's the best city to move to in New Zealand if I want to participate in the arts?

Question

I am an aspiring actress that really wants to leave the US and move to NZ. But I am wondering if there will be enough oppurtunities for me there? Does New Zealand have a good movie industry? I really want to get into doing movies or perhaps tv shows? Maybe start out with some theatre and acting classes to improve my abilities. Is New Zealand an ok place for me to start off my acting career? Also, what city would you recommend for me?

Answer 1

I had to laugh at this.  NZ as a choice for your film career and you're American?  Are you crazy?  NZers go to the US to pursue acting careers, not the other way around!  I have family in the TV & Film industry here & yes there are alot of American productions filmed here but they bring the American accented actors with them & hire locals as extra's & that's pretty much it.  NZ makes only a few NZ films a year & why would they require someone with a USA accent in their film?   We have a few drama's, etc & one NZ soap opera on daily but again, they're unlikely to want someone with an American accent.  The creative hub of NZ is Wellington but none of them make money or anything they're all starving artists.  They have alot of theatre there but again, I don't think they'd need an American & there creative community are all struggling for parts themselves & you might even get bitterness re you trying for roles here when they think you should be back at home where all the roles are.  I'm sure alot of them would be over there if only they had the elusive green card.

Answer 2

NZ is becoming more of a sought after location for movie makers, and Peter Jackson (King Kong, Lord of the Rings) is a kiwi who is still based in NZ.  I'm not too sure on how many opportunities there would be for an aspiring actress, especially compared with the US, but there are definitely a few hollywood movies made here.  Someone who's in the industry probably has a better idea.  But if you do decide to move here, you'd probably be best to go to Wellington (bottom of the North Island).   This is probably our most "hip" and arty city... especially in terms of live theatre, and that is where Peter Jackson is based (well, near there anyhow).  The only other city would be Auckland, which is our largest city, and probably has more TV opportunities.  Sorry I couldn't be more help, but these are just my thoughts as someone who lives in NZ... I'm not in the movie/tv/theatre industry and don't know anyone in the industry or anything.