Ape in Beverly Hills

King Kong has been at the centre of New Zealand's movie industry celebrations in Beverly Hills.

4 March 2006
The great ape King Kong has been at the centre of New Zealand's movie industry celebrations in Beverly Hills. Oscar nominees from King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia joined the cream of New Zealand's film industry at the Beverly Hills Hotel to celebrate our industry's continued success.

The event has a King Kong theme, with a ballroom being converted into a virtual Skull Island. Minister of Economic Development Trevor Mallard has been mixing and mingling with the glitteratti, and says Peter Jackson has made a major contribution to making the world more aware of New Zealand. Mr mallard says that is what this event is all about: promoting New Zealand as a great place to make movies.

Locally-produced movies King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia are up for seven Academy Awards, and with other notable productions coming from our shores this year, Mr Mallard says there is a lot for our film industry to show off.

The daily Show's John Stewart hosts The 78th Annual Academy Awards, being announced on Monday afternoon (NZ time).

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