Studio West has been a cornerstone of Auckland’s film production landscape for more than 25 years, serving as a key part of the region’s film infrastructure.

Situated in Glen Eden, near Te Kōpua Henderson, this locally owned and operated screen production facility has recently developed Auckland’s largest purpose-built soundstage. 

Studio West has been home to three sound stages ranging from 3315 to 7530sq ft for some time, alongside comprehensive production facilities including mill space for creating sets, and support services facilities such as office space. 

The development of Studio 4 in 2021 to add a state-of-the-art soundstage covering 36,570sq ft, represented a significant expansion for Studio West, further developing west Auckland’s already-impressive film infrastructure. 

Studio 4 has already hosted high-profile projects, including Chief of War – a Hawaiian historical drama starring Jason Momoa – Blumhouse’s M3GAN 2.0 starring Jermaine Clement, and Disney’s Zombies 4. 

Before we built the new studio, we couldn’t have looked after productions like this,” says Studio West owner Kay Howe. “It’s changed the profile of Studio West…it moved us from being boutique to something that can handle bigger productions.

The decision to resume construction on Studio 4 in April 2021, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated Studio West’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for production facilities in New Zealand.  

This move has paid off, allowing Studio West to accommodate large productions that require extensive set-building capabilities, complementing west Auckland’s existing strengths in location-based shoots. 

This has helped make west Auckland a magnet for international screen productions, bolstered by competitive production incentives and a skilled local workforce, but Studio West isn’t stopping there. 

Looking ahead, Kay Howe says further expansion is already underway, including the construction of a fifth stage of more than 25,800sq ft: “We are hoping to have this completed in early 2025, and this will level up Studio West even further to take on bigger things.” 

Kay is also excited by the potential impact that the Te Puna Creative Innovation Quarter can have on Studio West and west Auckland’s already-thriving screen and creative industries. 

It will be great to have a central point for the creatives that are already involved not just the film industry, but all of the creative industries,” she says in conclusion. “For us to have a focal point in west Auckland, which is already a screen hub, will be really good.