New Zealand lost its precious Amazon series

New Zealand has long been associated with “The Lord of the Rings”, but local filming of the much-anticipated series was abruptly canceled. Amazon Inspired by the books of Prime Video JRR Tolkien, the country has become more mortal than Shire to hundreds of workers.

A major blow to the country’s small but vibrant audiovisual industry, Amazon Studios announced on Friday that it was filming the second season of its untitled original series in the UK.

“The move from New Zealand to Great Britain is in line with the studio’s strategy of expanding the studio’s production space and investing in studio space in the UK. Amazon The studios have already set up their home in Great Britain, ”the company said in a statement.

The move was a blow to many in New Zealand. One of the most expensive in manufacturing history. Amazon According to official figures, New Zealand has spent at least Rs 465 million on its first season of filming.

The series employed 1,200 people directly in New Zealand and created another 700 indirect jobs.

Denise Roche, director of Equity NZ, a union representing artists, said: “It’s a shock to everyone. Nobody has any idea. “

Roche said people were disappointed by this Amazon, The industry is opposed, he added.

Series of Amazon The events of “The Hobbit” (“The Hobbit”) and “The Lord of the Rings” and subsequent films directed by Peter Jackson take place thousands of years before the Second Age of the Middle Earth.

When filming began last year, it was postponed due to a corona virus. Post-production of the first season will continue in New Zealand until June Amazon Prime video in September next year.

The move to the UK came just four months later Amazon He filmed a deal with the New Zealand government to get an additional 5% rebate on top of the 20% tax deduction he received under the audiovisual production deal.

Many places around the world are competing for products that offer similar generous discounts.

At the time, New Zealand’s Minister of Economic Development, Stuart Nash, said the product would bring economic and tourism benefits to the country for years to come and create “a lasting legacy in our audiovisual industry”.

Nash said Friday that the government had learned just a day earlier Amazon He leaves and he is disappointed with the decision. He noted that the government would withdraw the offer to provide an additional 5%.

Amazon He said he did not expect further discounts. But the New Zealand Treasury still needs a $ 92 million rebate.

“The international audiovisual industry is incredibly competitive and highly mobile. We do not regret providing this product with government support,” Nash said. “But we’re disappointed by the local audiovisual department.”

After Jackson directed six films in the maritime country, New Zealand has become synonymous with the world of Tolkien’s Orcs, elves and hobbits. The trilogy “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” grossed $ 6 billion at the box office.

When Amazon The studios first announced that they would be shooting in New Zealand, claiming that pristine beaches, forests and mountains are the perfect place to revive the primordial beauty of the Mediterranean.

The cast of the series includes Cynthia Adai-Robinson, Morphyt Clark, Ismail Cruz Cordova, Sofia Nomwet and Lloyd Owen.