The stars will need to align before a massive film based at Highlands Motorsport Park featuring a couple of Hollywood big names is confirmed, but the plans are "not dead'', a film industry head says.
Film Otago Southland executive manager Kevin Jennings told the Central Otago District Council in February his organisation was targeting a "massive film ... with at least one, if not two of the top stars in Hollywood''.
Asked for an update yesterday, Mr Jennings said the plans were "not dead, so that's a good thing''.
"In this game though, you've got to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince.''
Talks were still under way about the movie, but there was "no sizzle at the moment''.
"There are people looking for prospects and we may fit the bill but the stars will have to all align first.
"I'm cautiously optimistic ...''
The Cromwell-based motorsport park was a great asset for the film industry, he said.
"It's world-class. We get a lot of car ads filmed here and Highlands is great because of the track. You don't have to close off roads to film.
"Plus, it's right on our doorstep and the Highlands crew are very film-friendly.''
In February, he told the council 185 film productions, including 83 television commercials and eight feature films, were shot in Otago and Southland in the past financial year and film tourism was worth about $3.1million annually to the district.
