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From left, lead actors Annie Whittle, Simon Arblaster and Anna Hutchinson, photographed before lockdown restrictions came into place.
A Canadian film production company kept cameras rolling in Matakana despite the Alert Level 3 lockdown.
The company was given permission by Auckland Council to continue to shoot the film, A Love Yarn, outside the former Matakana Deli in Matakana Village.
Location manager Johnny Egdell said the film was shot in New Zealand because of its relative safety and security during the Covid-19 pandemic, compared to the rest of the world.
“We couldn’t have produced the film without the incredible support of the residents and businesses in Matakana, and we are very grateful for everyone’s patience,” Johnny said.
A Love Yarn has been produced in association with Canadian television channel Citytv, which plans to screen it. It is hoped the movie will also be shown in New Zealand next year.
The film stars New Zealanders Anna Hutchison (Go Girls, Shortland Street) and Simon Arblaster (Westside, DC: Legends of Tomorrow). New Zealander Peter Burger (Filthy Rich) directs.
The movie is set in a quaint Kiwi wool shop. Protagonist Sophie Dale gets her world flipped upside down after learning her top yarn supplier is stopping production.
Desperate to keep her shop going, Sophie convinces her supplier to give her two weeks to learn the ropes of yarn spinning and raise enough money to buy the mill from him.
With his help, Sophie comes up with a fundraising plan to host a knit-off and auction at the local market.
After the two weeks, Sophie finds herself at a crossroads – of business and romance.
Fifty crew members making the film gave Matakana an economic boost, hiring accommodation, local caterers and the closed Matakana Cinemas.
