The production, a Bloor Street and Disney Channel Original, was produced by Skot Bright, who says it was the geography, the craft, and the crew that make Auckland the natural choice.
“Auckland works for us because of the geography and the landscape first and foremost. But also, it is the region’s ability to host a film. The landscape and topography are all within an hour’s drive of the city centre, just outside the studio. And Auckland has the crew base and talent base we needed,” says Bright.
A land of dark and light
Nearly 15 Auckland and wider North Island locations doubled for the film’s fantastical worlds in Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires. Te Henga Bethells Beach created a stark contrast between the bright realm of the Daywalkers and the shadowy home of the Vampires. Volcanic rock, sand dunes, and native forests all played their part in shaping the supernatural landscapes.
“We needed what Auckland uniquely offers, which is dark and light. It’s got black sand beaches, white sand beaches, volcanic rock territory, sandstone formations, dunes, and forests. The fact that we could find so many different looks within an hour’s drive of the city centre was a no-brainer,” Bright explains.
Studio West in West Auckland also featured prominently Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, transforming into Camp Rayburn, the gothic summer camp where the film’s central conflict unfolds.
Kay Howe, Director Studio West, says the facility was well-suited to meet the production’s requirements.
“We were thrilled to welcome Zombies 4 as the second production to make use of our new Sound Stage 4 and offices. The young cast brought an infectious energy to the site, filling the space with creativity both on and off camera. The crew maximised every available area, adapting spaces creatively to suit their needs."
Experience meets fresh talent
Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires drew on a crew of nearly 400, the majority from New Zealand and Australia. Bright is proud to say that 18 per cent were Māori, ensuring representation in front of and behind the camera.
For Bright, Auckland’s screen workforce brought not just experience but innovation.
“The crew already had problems solved for us. How do you get a 50-foot techno crane up the side of a mountain? They already knew. They had the equipment we needed and the know-how to use it. It’s just been generally a fabulous experience with the crew here,” he says.
That expertise extended to the film’s elaborate sets, which included ancient ruins, tunnels, and rock faces – all built by local craftspeople.
“Some executives from Disney came to visit us on set, and the first thing they said was, ‘Oh my gosh, the rock looks real.’ That was made by the craftsmen here and done sustainably, using plaster instead of foam. The craftsmanship has been one of the biggest surprises and delights,” says Bright.
Alongside the experienced crew, the Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires also tapped into Auckland’s rich talent pool. Dancers from across the region joined choreographer Dondraico Johnson to bring nine new songs to life, while local actors including Lisa Chappell and John Roberts took on pivotal roles.
Matthew Horrocks, Screen Auckland Manager, says productions such as Zombies 4 showcase the depth and breadth of screen talent and infrastructure in Tāmaki Makaurau.
“From the volcanic landscapes to the studio floor, Zombies 4 drew on every aspect of what Auckland has to offer to tell a bold, imaginative story. The production is a great example of how our skilled crews, talented performers, and world-class facilities can deliver for international projects while also creating opportunities for our local industry to shine. We’re delighted the production was impressed by its experience here and has returned to Tāmaki Makaurau for its fifth instalment.”
Watch Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires on Disney+.
