Florence Pugh to star in series filmed in Otago

Florence Pugh. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Florence Pugh. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Hollywood A-lister Florence Pugh is set to star in a Netflix series to be filmed largely in Otago.

Pugh, who is famous for her roles in Little WomenDune 2Oppenheimer and We Live in Time, is expected to be the lead in a seven-part series based on classic American novel East of Eden, written by John Steinbeck.

Details are still to be confirmed, but it is believed filming will take place in North Otago, the Maniototo, Dunedin and Auckland.

Accommodation for the production has been booked in North Otago and the Maniototo.

Naseby Lodge manager Tash Crutchley said while the film company was staying with them, she had offered them fewer rooms than they would have liked as the company required one bathroom per person, which had limited what was available.

"They had been great to deal with and had even booked other accommodation in the Dansey’s Pass."

However, while it was exciting, cycle companies moving mountainbike and trail bike riders around had also booked accommodation for December and February, she said.

Those bookings had not been confirmed yet, but they were important for the future of the business.

"We have a business to run. It’s a double-edged sword."

While the crew and cast were filling Naseby accommodation, there would still be room for those wanting to spend their summer holidays "2000m above worry level", as the town’s signs proclaimed, Mrs Crutchley said.

Naseby Holiday Park owner Beth Connell said the timing of the film crew’s bookings was fortunate as they did not want rooms during her busiest time — December 26 until January 5.

After that, there would be "something available for holiday-makers as well as the film people".

She had heard of some holiday-home owners who had rented out their houses to the company, Mrs Connell said.