Jason Momoa, left, with Cliff Curtis, centre, and Taika Waititi in New Zealand in May 2023. Photo \/ Instagram<\/p>\n
The studios, which were established in the early 1990s, have been owned by ratepayers either partially or fully since 2002, firstly under Wait\u0101kere Council and then the super city\u2019s Auckland Council.<\/p>\n
But the council has been seeking a buyer since 2022, and screen industry insiders believe that powerhouse names such as Curtis, Waititi and Momoa can advance the business, drawing even more screen projects to the country, and driving employment.<\/p>\n
Multiple, well-placed sources have confirmed that Curtis is leading the consortium; three weeks ago, he incorporated two companies which appear linked to the move.<\/p>\n
Curtis is listed as the sole shareholder of both companies – sources say Waititi and Momoa have also been working with Curtis, although their exact involvement remains to be seen. <\/p>\n
In a statement to the Herald last night, Curtis said: \u201cWe understand that the Auckland Film Studios sale and purchase process is commercially sensitive and we respect the importance of confidentiality at this stage.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Herald has reached out to Waititi through his team but has yet to hear back. <\/p>\n
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown confirmed a deal was imminent.<\/p>\n
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown with Cliff Curtis and NZ First leader Winston Peters at a boxing event in 2024. Photo \/ Getty<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very close to being announced,\u201d said Brown, adding he was \u201cvery, very supportive\u201d of the move.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nearly there. I\u2019m looking forward to announcing this shortly. I\u2019m extremely pleased \u2013 it\u2019s good that it\u2019s sold to a local consortium who are deeply involved in the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brown said he could not give further details of the acquisition, including the price, at this stage, other than to say \u201cit covers the exposure of the council\u201d.<\/p>\n
The 2.2ha property at 10 Hickory Ave was valued by the council at $34 million in 2021.<\/p>\n
Later that year, the Government invested $30m and the council $7.5m into a major expansion, with the construction of two new sound-stage buildings. These were completed in late 2022. The facility has five sound stages plus other buildings.<\/p>\n
Auckland Film Studios have been operating for more than three decades.<\/p>\n
Curtis\u2019 business moves<\/p>\n
Curtis is listed as the sole director of Auckland Film Studios GP Ltd, a company that was incorporated with the Companies Office on September 5.<\/p>\n
The company\u2019s sole shareholder is Ariki Group Ltd, which was also incorporated on September 5. <\/p>\n
Curtis is listed as the sole shareholder and director of Ariki Group \u2013 Ariki is the te reo M\u0101ori word for high chief.<\/p>\n
Curtis \u2013 one of our best-known film stars with roles in movies such as Whale Rider, Once Were Warriors and Muru, alongside a string of popular Hollywood hits including Avatar: The Way of Water and The Meg \u2013 is currently starring in Momoa\u2019s epic, nine-part Apple+ series Chief of War.<\/p>\n
The $575m production tells the story of Hawaii\u2019s turbulent history, but was primarily shot in Auckland, including a five-month reshoot at Auckland Film Studios.<\/p>\n
Cliff Curtis as Keoua in Chief of War.<\/p>\n
Several other projects that Curtis and Momoa have been involved in have also been made at Auckland Film Studios.<\/p>\n
Screen industry website Show News said that Curtis\u2019 move, if confirmed, \u201cwould represent one of the most significant transfers of New Zealand screen infrastructure into private hands in recent years\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis, one of New Zealand\u2019s most internationally recognised actors, has long championed M\u0101ori and indigenous storytelling through his production companies,\u201d reported Show News.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis involvement in Auckland Film Studios would put a high-profile creative at the helm of the country\u2019s premier production facility, a site that has hosted everything from Xena: Warrior Princess to Disney\u2019s Mulan and Netflix\u2019s Cowboy Bebop.”<\/p>\n
Industry insiders noted that studio space had become increasingly crucial for attracting international productions under the Government\u2019s screen production rebate, reported Show News.<\/p>\n
\u201cA local owner-operator with Curtis\u2019 profile could prove a strong drawcard for both offshore projects and local screen businesses seeking more sustainable workflow.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018Outcome is likely in near future\u2019 <\/p>\n
Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson told the Herald in a statement that the sale process was still under way.<\/p>\n
\u201cDue to commercial sensitivity, we can\u2019t expand further at this time.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn May 2022, Auckland councillors approved a recommendation from officials to sell the studios \u2013 but to do so in a way that best secured the future of this important industry for Auckland.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing that, a robust process has been undertaken by Auckland Council and an outcome is likely in the near future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson then added what the council has said previously: \u201cThe sale and purchase process remains confidential to protect commercial interests and maintain the integrity of the process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brown said Auckland Council should not be involved in owning film infrastructure. \u201cBut they were encouraged into it in the days of the Labour Party throwing money out the window.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brown said that, in the end, it was local interests who had acquired the facility. He said he had been \u201cvery, very supportive\u201d in getting the deal completed.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncil staff have had trips all over the bloody world to sell it and managed to make no progress whatsoever.\u201d<\/p>\n
Momoa\u2019s love for NZ<\/p>\n
Jason Momoa’s Chief of War was predominantly filmed in New Zealand. <\/p>\n
Jason Momoa, meanwhile, has made no secret of his love for New Zealand \u2013 or his desire to live here.<\/p>\n