A $280 million plan to build the country's first purpose-built large-scale film studio complex near Wanaka has the green light - but the fast-tracked process has raised concerns.
The complex, by Silverlight Studios will include 10 sound stages, production facilities and the backlots of Venice, a medieval village, Paris and New York all set around an artificial lake.
In addition to being a working film set, it'll include a film school and operate as a tourist destination.
The fast-tracked consent process was brought in midway through 2020, and an application doesn't require notification or provide for general public feedback.
Kathryn talks to two of the parties who were invited to comment on the Silverlight Studios project: Jerry Rowley, from the Mount Barker Residents' Association and Julian Haworth, president of the Upper Clutha Environmental Society.
