Central’s landscapes are to be the backdrop for a Wānaka production company’s short film and “passion project”, but more funding is needed.

‘Planet 13’ is an environmentally driven short film by Bunker Street Film Company, which requires a further $10,000 to meet the films’ budget of $130,000.

Twelve ‘otherworldly’ Central locations, including Bannockburn, Northburn, Poolburn, St Bathans and Wānaka are going to be used in filming. The locations are a mix of private and council land.

Director and cinematographer Joe Murdie said the film is set in 2093 on the planet humans have fled to after destroying earth and follows a young couple during a 24 hour time period who are trying to survive.

“The idea kind of came from a question of if we were to take all of humanity as we are today and give us a fresh brand new planet that is untouched, would we wreck it and how long would it take?”

Joe said local film industry workers were working for free on the project and that they were well into pre-production, with the final script ready. 

“[We’re] very nearly ready to roll cameras . . . we can't afford to complete principal photography at this stage.

"It's set on a hot planet so it needs to be shot when it’s hot."

While the crew is sorted and much of the casting is complete, up and coming talent can still be involved.

Joe said the team was inviting a small number of students from the region interested in film production as a career onto set for some hands-on experience.

In keeping with the environmental theme, the entire production will have a negative carbon footprint.

Listen to the interview with Joe on The Outlet.

Find the boosted crowdfunding page here.

Find out more about Planet 13 here.

Interested students can contact [email protected] for work experience information.