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Netflix Unveils ‘Queenstown,’ Its First New Zealand Series
Netflix has announced its first locally-commissioned series in New Zealand, marking a notable shift in the company's regional content strategy after prioritising Australian originals. The move comes following over ten years of streaming to New Zealand audiences whilst using the country primarily as a filming location for international productions.
The new series, titled Queenstown, is an eight-episode drama set within a luxury alpine resort that explores power dynamics and interpersonal conflict between an affluent family and their staff. The production unites established actors including Rufus Sewell and Frances O'Connor with New Zealand-based performers, whilst receiving financial support from the country's government film commission and production rebate programmes.
In short
- Netflix greenlit its first original series commissioned in New Zealand after over a decade of streaming there without homegrown content
- Queenstown is an eight-episode drama centred on wealthy ski-resort dynamics, featuring international and local talent with government production backing
Explained simply
Netflix has been available in New Zealand for over a decade, but the streaming giant has rarely commissioned original programmes made there, instead primarily using the country as a filming location for international productions. The service has concentrated its regional commissioning efforts on Australia rather than New Zealand.
This announcement marks a notable shift in Netflix's approach to the New Zealand market. Queenstown is an eight-episode drama set within a luxury alpine resort, focusing on the relationships and tensions between the resort's affluent owners and its staff members.
The series brings together established actors including Rufus Sewell and Frances O'Connor alongside New Zealand-based performers. The production has received support from New Zealand's government film commission and production rebate programmes, indicating official backing for the project.
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