The Quiet Earth

First science-fiction film ever produced in New Zealand.

The crew was very careful during takes to not to film any activity in the background of scenes that would spoil the illusion of there being nothing living left on Earth. So much so that the assistant director would constantly stare at the background where ever the lens was pointing during takes to ensure nothing was inadvertently caught. However, as mentioned, a car can be seen in the far distance in the scene just before Zac goes into the church and again at about 1hr 3m 03sec when Api and Joanne are jogging down a foggy hill, a white car can clearly be seen driving past in the top right of the frame.

During the closing credits the scene cuts to a close up of Zac Hobson staring in stunned disbelief at what he's beholding. Then he realizes he's still holding his mini-tape recorder in his left hand, and after a moment of contemplation lets it drop to his side, as if there are no words to describe the sight.

Due to Pete Smith's Maori accent, the American VHS release of the film, as well as the DvD version, dub the lines of Api with an uncredited actor using a much deeper and stronger voice.

Featured in At the Movies: Off Beat/Echo Park/8 Million Ways to Die/The Quiet Earth (1986)