News for Jan. 31, 2006

NZ has rivals for Narnia sequel

1/31/06, 6:42 pm EST - Xoanon

New Zealand faces competition from Ireland as location for the filming of the next movie in the Narnia series, Prince Caspian. According to the Irish Independent newspaper, Ireland is being looked at as a likely location for the sequel to the Christmas movie blockbuster The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. "Disney scouts are here checking out locations in several counties for Prince Caspian," the paper reported. Irish film industry chiefs said they hoped Disney would opt for Ireland. Ireland offers tax rebates for co-productions which amount to 18 per cent of 60 per cent of the gross spending by a production in Ireland. More than $NZ360 million was spent on the production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, directed by New Zealander Andrew Adamson, which has already grossed ($NZ1.08 billion) worldwide since its December release. [More]