Director James Cameron is set to become a New Zealand citizen next year.
The Canadian filmmaker made the revelation as he addressed the Screen Production and Development Association (SPADA) annual conference in Wellington today as its keynote speaker.
The director, who has helmed three of the four highest-grossing movies in history, also revealed that he plans to make all of his future movies here and wants to give back to the local industry.
“It brings so much into the economy here, it brings so much prestige to the country culturally, and it's an opportunity for so many young people coming up to think of themselves as empowered on the world stage, we can do it here."
Cameron said that the 25% tax rebate, which brought him here with 2009’s Avatar in the first place, was a crucial incentive.
“I think consistency there is very important, you know because we are competing with other countries like Australia for example that's at 40%."
SPADA president Irene Gardiner said that it wants international streaming platforms to contribute more to the local film industry.
“They don't pay any tax, they don't face any broadcasting regulation, and they actually use New Zealand broadband infrastructure which was paid for partially by the Government and taxpayers, so they're actually getting a pretty good ride here, and they're not contributing back to the industry that they are a part of.”
A levy on streaming platforms’ New Zealand revenue has been floated by SPADA to help fund homegrown productions.
Cameron also spoke about his experience living in New Zealand, telling the audience that he loved the capital and considered it as his home.
“I love being a Wellingtonian. I love telling all my pals back in the States that it’s the windiest city in the world. Really, no shit, the windiest city in the world.”
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