Mr English made the observation to the Queenstown Times at a social gathering of more than 50 representatives from film, politics, conservation and the media in the Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa on Thursday night.
"Under the new Government, they're becoming a more outward-looking organisation," he said.
"The film industry is one way we can share our wonderful environment and I think Doc are becoming more pragmatic."
Mr English said he heard opinions from film-makers on how the existing support from central and local Government and agencies was working to help the domestic film industry.
He heard about the manhunt thriller Tracker, being shot on location in the Wakatipu, from producer Trevor Haysom; who previously worked on In My Father's Den and bro'Town.
Doc Wakatipu area manager Greg Lind said on Friday he would refer to the department's ongoing review of the Mt Aspiring National Park management plan in response to Mr English's comments.
Mr Lind said film-makers lodged some very strong submissions about the perceived loss of access to the country's third largest national park.
"We have considered them seriously , but we also have had to balance the submissions we received from user groups who were strongly against more commercial use in Mt Aspiring, including filming.
"A lot of submissions were wanting to maintain the natural quiet and we needed to be mindful of that. We have to walk the tightrope between the two interest groups."
Mr Lind said the draft management plan had gone to the Otago Conservation Board, but the amended plan would not be released until the New Year.
He could not comment yet on what changes could be made to accommodate film crews.
In his speech, Film New Zealand chairman Julian Grimmond applauded Film Otago Southland for being the third largest production centre in the country and contributing to the $1.2 billion national industry.
However, Mr Grimmond said investment in infrastructure was needed.
The third Chronicles of Narnia movie, with a $100 million spend, went to Queensland because New Zealand did not have a $5 million water tank.
"We're not asking for handouts, but sometimes we need Government assistance - public private partnerships, for example . . . to support us in our long game."
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Clive Geddes said the council would continue to support film-makers through the Film Otago Southland trust and Otago Forward.
The film industry was a significant employer.
