Avatar films generate dozens of new jobs for Wellington

A scene from Avatar: The Way of Water. Photo: Supplied

Work on the Avatar sequels is helping to create hundreds of new jobs in film industry in Wellington, and the local film industry says it will be a much-needed boost for the capital.

Screen Wellington says at least 150 visual effects jobs are expected to move from Los Angeles, as production of the Avatar sequels is consolidated in New Zealand.

More work is also expected for Wētā FX as well as other visual effects, animation and gaming companies in New Zealand.

It is expected to be a boost for the capital, which has suffered the most from sweeping public service job cuts.

Screen Wellington spokesperson Mark Westerby told RNZ it was expected to be a good time ahead for the film industry in Aotearoa.

"Obviously we've had our share of suffering like others, but it's good to see there is lots more on the horizon for us."

The local industry is also expected to get a major boost from two new Lord of the Rings films, announced earlier this year.

Westerby said it was great news for the country's graduating students, with a whole lot of different jobs becoming available as a result.

He said Wellington had always punched above its weight in the quality of screen work it had been able to deliver.

"The National government says they want to double the value of exports in 10 years and I think that exports like VFX, gaming and animation are a big piece of that puzzle.

"And we're seeing a lot of new companies starting up in the Wellington region to be able to provide that service."