Wellington's economy has seen an $85 million boost from new film Ghost in the Shell, starring Scarlett Johansson.
Weta Workshop's Sir Richard Taylor says the film will be critical for the future of the capital's film industry.
He expects the city will see a tourism boost and ongoing business opportunities including merchandising, Fairfax reports.
Mr Taylor cited a Government screen grant as a major factor in the film being shot in Wellington.
Ghost in the Shell was shot at Stone Street Studios, Avalon Studios and on location on Victoria Street, which doubled for a futuristic Hong Kong.
It is the first time urban New Zealand has been used as a sci-fi setting.
By the numbers:
A total of US$120m (NZ$170m) was spent in New Zealand on the film, according to Paramount pictures, and US$60m (NZ$85.2m) was spent in Wellington.
- $9.5m - art and costume materials
- $7.1m - accommodation
- $2.3m - vehicle hire
- $440,000 - second-hand vehicles
- $750,000 - vehicle modifications
- $340,000 - bike modifications
- 720 domestic flights booked
- 90% of the film took place in New Zealand
Jobs
- 718 of 777 crew were Kiwi
- 30 of 48 actors were Kiwi
- All 315 extras were from Wellington
- 800 individual vendors/ suppliers used
Paramount's version of the popular science fiction franchise has faced fierce criticism for having the original Japanese characters played by white actors.
It premieres in New York on March 29 and will hit New Zealand screens the next day.
Newshub.
