Central Otago locals were stoked with the success of Jane Campion’s film The Power of the Dog at this years Oscars after it won the Best Director award on Monday afternoon.

The film was shot on location at a sheep and beef farm in the Ida Valley owned by brothers Al and Graeme McKnight. 

A new meaning to streaming 'on location': Here's the actual farm shed used in the shot and on the McKnight family farm. PHOTO: Vicki McLean

Al McKnight said his partner Phillipa Pope marked the Oscar’s occasion with a few friends over.

“They made an afternoon of it and I joined them for a bit.

“We were a little bit disappointed it didn’t get a couple of awards around the scenery or cinematography side of things . . . but for our family it was a real privilege to be a part of it and to have it [filmed] on our farm.

“Seeing the landscape . . . it’s a good farming story, that’s what we wanted to show . . . for all farmers in the valley and the South Island high country. These special places are still here and are being looked after.

“The film’s success has given us a platform for this.

"It has wildly exceeded my expectations to be able to leverage a good farming story.”

Central Otago District Council Mayor Tim Cadogan said it was fantastic for our region.

“It’s only good news for the future of films being made in Central Otago, especially as there is a strong possibility of a studio going into Wanaka.

"We’re aware of how much The Power of the Dog put in and brought into our economy at what was a tough time. 

“[Winning this Oscar] is a great result for us and our landscape to be on the world stage again,” Tim said.

 Maniototo Community Board member Stu Duncan said it was great to showcase the scenery of the area.

Maniototo Community Board member Stu Duncan, due to be on Breakfast television today talking about the film. PHOTO: Central Otago District Council

“Several movies are being looked at that are in the pipeline . . . it was really positive having all the people here working on it.

“It was a great employer, we had kids on set and a lot of good fun while it was being made. 

“There were 300 people on set on some days and we met some really nice people,” Stu said.

Filmed entirely in New Zealand, The Power of the Dog is written, produced and directed by Dame Jane and showcases parts of the Department of Conservation's Oteake area, including the Hawkdun Ranges.

Based on the 1967 novel by Thomas Savage, the film, set in 1925, tells the story of Montana rancher Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his brother George (Jesse Plemons).​

The film also stars Kirsten Dunst, who plays George’s wife, Rose.

As well as the Oscar awarded this week, the film has received two British Academy of Film and Television Art awards (BAFTAs) - one for best director and one for best picture along with several other accolades at film festivals overseas.