Touch of Hollywood in the Maniototo

Hollywood A-lister Michael Fassbender outside his trailer during filming of the Light Between Oceans at Wakari Hospital in Dunedin yesterday. The film's publicist, Louise Spencer said today was the last day filming in Otago, with much of the crew already
Hollywood A-lister Michael Fassbender outside his trailer during filming of the Light Between Oceans at Wakari Hospital in Dunedin yesterday. The film's publicist, Louise Spencer said today was the last day filming in Otago, with much of the crew already in Stanley, Tasmania, getting ready for filming there. She believed shooting in Otago - which included about three weeks in Dunedin and about a week in Saint Bathans - had gone ''really well''. A release date for the film is yet to be finalised. Photo by Craig Baxter.
St Bathans has been basking in the reflected glory of Hollywood A-listers for the past week.

The Central Otago historic village has been centre stage during the filming of The Light Between Oceans which stars Rachel Weisz and Michael Fassbender, and businesses through the Maniototo have enjoyed the spin-offs.

Filming of the movie, which is set in the 1920s, has been carried out in St Bathans' main street.

Yesterday, filming took place at Wakari Hospital, in Dunedin.

St Bathans' Vulcan Hotel publican and co-owner Jude Kavanagh said the cast and crew, about 70 people, boosted business for almost a week.

''It's been great - very busy, but good. Lots of my staff were used as extras, so often we were left with just a skeleton staff, but we've managed,'' she said.

''The stars were all lovely, really down-to-earth people and it was nice they could just relax here and have a game of pool if they wanted.''

Central Otago District Council marketing and product development manager Pam Broadhead said the film activity was a boon for the Maniototo.

''The visitor centre in Ranfurly co-ordinated the accommodation throughout the region for up to 70 people and that worked well and the film people were housed across the whole of the Maniototo.

"There will be a considerable spin-off for all sorts of businesses, especially accommodation and food and beverage providers.

''Mrs Broadhead said when the movie was screened, the distinctive Central Otago landscapes would help promote the region.

''It's been just fabulous.''

 

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