Auckland possesses US horror movie fans

Media release

10 April 2013

Auckland possesses US horror movie fans

A movie dubbed ‘the most terrifying motion picture you will ever experience’ – featuring Auckland’s Woodhill Forest – has had movie goers fainting in the aisles as it screamed to number one at the US Box Office.

Evil Dead sees five 20-something friends holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, prompting a harrowing fight for survival.

The remake of the 1981 cult horror classic was filmed on location in Woodhill Forest as well as Riverhead, and an East Tamaki warehouse.

The movie is another hit project by acclaimed Auckland-based producer Rob Tapert of Pacific Renaissance Pictures, in partnership with Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell.

“Auckland is a world-class film location and Woodhill Forest was a natural fit for the gruesome storyline. It was easy to create the darkest horror film possible amongst the depths of the forest,” says Mr Tapert.

Evil Dead was shot over 70 days in winter 2012, attracting a talented local crew to create practical effects and deliver traditional film making. Auckland businesses were contracted to positions the shoot created, such as catering, transport and accommodation.

“Cast and crew always enjoy shooting here and the experience Auckland offers international cast is like no other. But to grow the region’s screen industry to the next level, with capacity for larger productions, requires a serious look at the studio infrastructure available.”

Evil Dead and Rob Tapert’s box office success is music to Mayor Len Brown’s ears.

“The international success of Rob’s work is huge for Auckland – it reinforces the region’s reputation as a unique, versatile and film friendly location. It also showcases the skills and technical capability of the region’s film industry,” says Len Brown.

“We need to keep developing Auckland’s thriving screen sector, and the new Auckland Film Protocol is a key step. We are exploring Auckland Council’s involvement in the development a significant film studio for the region to attract larger productions.”

Film Auckland, the region’s screen industry voice, is delighted that a film shot entirely in Auckland has reached number one at the US Box Office in its opening weekend.

“Evil Dead grossed US$26 million and debuted in the top spot over the weekend. This is an incredible result,” says Michael Brook, Manager Film Auckland.

“Rob Tapert is a visionary, an internationally acclaimed producer who has chosen Auckland as home. He helped to put Auckland on the world stage as a film location with Hercules, Xena, and more recently, Spartacus.”

Auckland’s screen industry employs over 6000 people in more than 1400 local businesses. It is a high performing sector earning gross revenues of about $2.2 billion each year.

Ends

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