Porkers ready for big screen
03 Dec 2008
Move over Babe, a select group of New Zealand pigs is being primed for starring roles in a big-budget motion picture to be filmed in Wellington and the South Island next year.
The 20 Captain Cooker pigs from Waitomo in the heart of the North Island are in training for Kingdom Come, a movie about the life of Jesus Christ.
Animal boot camp
The pigs' agricultural minder Billy Black, of Woodlyn Park near Whangamomona, is also destined for the bright lights. He'll take on the role of chief pig handler and in-keeping with The Bible will have to grow a beard.
Until recently Black's pigs had never ventured out of the bush but they're now adjusting to the high life in the capital city. Black says his pigs will stay in "animal boot camp" in Wellington until Christmas before travelling to the South Island for filming next year.
"I have to get them quiet so I can get them grazing out in the countryside. We're looking at getting them to swim ... apparently they have to stampede at the end, so that should be interesting."
International production
Kingdom Come will be directed by Dean Wright, a visual effects supervisor on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian - both filmed in New Zealand.
The film is being made by South Vineyard, whose Japan-based directors Paul and Joshua Broman, and Naoyuki Baba are also executive producers for the movie.
New Zealand locations
Peter Jackson's studios in Wellington will be used for filming as well as locations in rural Falstone in central Otago, Oamaru and Motueka. Lake Benmore, near Falstone, will represent the Sea of Galilee. Some scenes may also be shot in Hawke's Bay.
The producers have also been casting "a large number" of human extras - mainly men and women aged 18 and over who are, or could pass as Middle Eastern, North African or Mediterranean, and ideally have dark hair and skin, or a tan.
More information:
Biblical epic relocates on southern NZ lake
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