The trust includes representation from the Queenstown Lakes District, Dunedin City Council, Venture Southland and the Waitaki Development Board - the latter also acting for the Central Otago District and Enterprise Clutha.
The trust had been in the pipeline for some time as the various regions came on board.
Chairing the trust will be highly regarded southern film-maker and photographer Dave Comer.
"There is good recognition across the regions that there are real benefits in combining resources instead of each centre competing in isolation,'' Mr Comer said. "The trust will be a far more effective tool.''
Its strategic plan includes promoting film activity, maximising the benefits to all areas and ensuring the experience and standards were "seamless'' throughout the region.
"There are well-known positive economic impacts from the film industry and many more intangible benefits,'' Mr Comer said.
The film industry already had a strong foundation in the area with feature films including the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The World's Fastest Indian, Vertical Limit, The Chronicles of Narnia, Water Horse, 30 Days of Night and Wolverine being shot in the region.
He said it was essential the industry continued to grow and work together to become competitive, particularly given international competition from the likes of Argentina, Chile and South Africa.
Mr Jennings said there was merit in being able to sell the area as "a film-friendly region''.
The trust will be based in Queenstown with a contribution from its six funding partners totalling $123,000 and overarching support from the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
