Momoa, Waititi, Curtis Acquire Studio West in Indigenous Leadership Initiative
Āriki Group Ltd, founded by Jason Momoa, Taika Waititi and Cliff Curtis, has acquired Studio West in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The Glen Eden facility will now operate under indigenous-led management to expand opportunities for Māori and Pacific creatives.
Leadership and purpose
The trio aim to use their global experience to grow local screen talent and infrastructure.
The initiative emphasises ownership, creative control, and building an economic base for communities.
Momoa, Waititi and Curtis acquired Studio West to launch an Indigenous leadership initiative supporting local storytellers.
Waititi said he is thrilled to join a Polynesian-led studio.
He emphasised creating jobs and opportunities for Polynesian talent and creators.
Aims from the founders
Momoa said he wants the world to see Aotearoa’s stories.
He wants to build lasting support for local crews and pathways for future storytellers.
Curtis framed the plan as a platform for communities to lead, shape and share stories globally.
He noted Jason and Taika have driven significant production activity and economic benefit.
Curtis added they have helped bring more than a billion dollars of production revenue into the economy.
Studio West’s recent work
The Glen Eden studio has hosted several international productions.
- M3GAN 2.0
- Chief of War, starring Jason Momoa
- Disney’s Zombies 4
- Power Rangers
- Xena: Warrior Princess
Momoa and Temuera Morrison are pictured sharing a hongi in Chief of War, which streams on Apple TV.
Goals and industry impact
The owners plan to create jobs and training for the next generation of filmmakers.
They want Māori and Pacific communities to exercise creative control and ownership of their stories.
Filmogaz.com will report further developments as the new leadership settles into the studio.
