(L-R) Laura Marano as Izzy, Mena Massoud as Prince Thomas in The Royal Treatment.  Cr. Kirsty Griffin/Netflix © 2021

Fast Facts

28 New Zealand cast (94%)

199 New Zealand crew (94%)

14 New Zealand HoDs

25 shoot days 

(L-R)  Rick Jacobson (Director), Laura Marano as Izzy in The Royal Treatment.  Cr. Kirsty Griffin/Netflix © 2021

About Shooting In New Zealand

Netflix film The Royal Treatment was directed by Rick Jacobson, produced by New Zealander Chloe Smith alongside Laura, Ellen and Vanessa Marano. 

The Royal Treatment was shot entirely in New Zealand and showcases some of the spectacular scenery and landmarks of the South Island region of Otago.

Two historic homes take centre stage in the production; Larnach Castle standing in for the royal residence of the fictional country of Lavania, and Olveston Historic Home, where the interiors of the royal residence were filmed. The production also shot at the University of Otago, the Fable Hotel and various private residences.  

Set decoration and digital enhancements turned Dunedin’s Vogel St into New York City, while the historic precinct of Oamaru played host to the village street party.

The Royal Treatment has a majority New Zealand cast starring Chelsie Preston Crayford (Hope & Wire), Grace Bently-Tsibuah (Nude Tuesday), Cameron Rhodes (Housebound), Teuila Blakely (Sione’s Wedding), Jacque Drew (Together Forever Tea) and Amanda Billing (Shortland Street). The two leads are American actress and singer Laura Marano (Austin & Ally, The Perfect Date) and Egyptian-born Canadian actor Mena Massoud, who starred in Aladdin in 2019.

The Royal Treatment provided an economic boost to the Otago region creating jobs for nearly 70 local crew.  The spin-off was widespread with the hospitality and accommodation sectors receiving a much-needed shot in the arm.

Dunedin's famous Larnach Castle takes center stage as the royal residence. Footage courtesy of Larnach Castle and Gardens. 

  • Chelsie Preston Crayford as Destiny, Laura Marano as Izzy arriving at the royal residence.
  • Laburnum arch at Larnach Castle.
  • Laura Marano as Izzy. Street party scene shot in Oamaru's Victorian Precinct.
  • Larnach Castle at night.
There are 4 images in this gallery. View all images

  • Olveston Historic Home Grand Hall.
  • Mena Massoud as Prince Thomas. Shot in Olveston Historic Home Dining Room.
  • The Fable Hotel.
  • Chelsie Preston Crayford as Destiny, Grace Bentley-Tsibuah as Lola, Laura Marano as Izzy. Shot in Olveston Historic Home.
There are 4 images in this gallery. View all images

“This film showcases our beautiful city and its iconic locations to a global audience, via the world’s biggest streaming service. I’m sure it will inspire many viewers to visit Dunedin in the future."

Mayor of Dunedin Aaron Hawkins.
Fast Facts: New Zealand Heads of Departments

Producer: Chloe Smith

Location Manager: Simon Riley

Director of Photography: John Cavill

Costume Designer: Barbara Darragh

Hair + Makeup Designer: Deirdre Cowley

Line Producer: Matt Noonan

Production Designer: Neville Stevenson

Editor: Luke Haigh

  • The Royal Treatment. Mena Massoud as Prince Thomas in The Royal Treatment. Cr. Kirsty Griffin/Netflix © 2021
  • The Royal Treatment. (L-R) Amanda Billing as Valentina, Laura Marano as Izzy, Grace Bentley-Tsibuah as Lola, Chelsie Preston Crayford as Destiny, Elizabeth Hawthorne as Nonna in The Royal Treatment. Cr. Kirsty Griffin/Netflix © 2021
  • The Royal Treatment. (L-R) Mena Massoud as Prince Thomas, Laura Marano as Izzy in The Royal Treatment. Cr. Kirsty Griffin/Netflix © 2021
  • The Royal Treatment. (L-R) Grace Bentley-Tsibuah as Lola, Phoenix Connolly as Lauren, Chelsie Preston Crayford as Destiny in The Royal Treatment. Cr. Kirsty Griffin/Netflix © 2021
There are 4 images in this gallery. View all images

About the film

Isabella (Laura Marano) runs her own salon and isn’t afraid to speak her mind, while Prince Thomas (Mena Massoud) runs his own country and is about to marry for duty rather than love. When Izzy and her fellow stylists get the opportunity of a lifetime to do the hair for the royal wedding, she and Prince Thomas learn that taking control of their own destiny requires following their hearts.

About the New Zealand Screen Production Grant

The New Zealand Screen Production Grant (NZSPG) for International Productions is part of the New Zealand Government’s screen incentives scheme, which includes the Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Grant. Eligible productions can access a cash rebate on Qualifying New Zealand Production Expenditure (QNZPE).

The baseline International grant is 20% of QNZPE. For PDV productions, the grant is 20% of QNZPE up to NZ$25million, thereafter 18% of QNZPE NZ$25million and above.

The Royal Treatment is now streaming on Netflix.