Next Three Avatar Films to be Made in New Zealand

20th Century Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment will make the next three Avatar films in New Zealand. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the two companies and the New Zealand government earlier today also guarantees that a minimum of $414m (NZ$500m) will be spent on the upcoming projects.

Other requirements in the memorandum include:

• New Zealand hosting at least one official red carpet premiere, and a featurette on New Zealand being included in DVDs and Blu-rays.
• An offer by Cameron to serve as a founding member of a new screen advisory board, which will provide advice and guidance to New Zealand screen and film makers looking to succeed internationally. Marketing and promotion of New Zealand and its film industry.

The announcement comes after the New Zealand government increased tax rebates on film productions from 15% to 20%.

The New Zealand government will also offer an additional 5% rebate for films "that had significant economic benefit and would strengthen the local industry." The upcoming Avatar films will be eligible for this rebate.



James Cameron