NZ won't support Lord of Rings TV series after future production moved to UK

August 13, 2021
Amazon studios has been tight lipped on the details.

The Government is pulling the pin on support for Amazon's Lord of the Rings television series after it decided to shift production of future seasons to the UK.

“Amazon Studios advised that post-production work on season one will continue in New Zealand till June 2022," Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash said.

"However season two will be filmed in the UK as part of a strategy by the studio to expand its production space and consolidate its footprint in the UK.

“I am enormously proud of the New Zealand screen sector. The Amazon Studios’ decision in no way reflects the capabilities of our local film industry or the talents of the people who work in it. This is a multi-national company that has made a commercial choice. "

The Government is withdrawing the five per cent incentive previously offered on top of the standard 20 per cent rebate for all international film productions.

The NZ Government has pulled the pin on financial incentives after the move by Amazon Studios.

“As with every other international production, Amazon Studios is eligible for a 20 per cent rebate on its qualifying production expenditure in this country, under the terms of the International Screen Production Grant."

“It is estimated that Amazon Studios’ qualifying local expenditure totals around NZ$663.74 million so it could potentially be eligible for a NZ$132 million rebate under the 20 percent rule." 

Series one is due for release in September next year.  

Amazon spent around $650 million on series one, Newsroom reported recently, with up to 1200 people involved in production. 

Amazon said in a statement it wouldn't pursue the season one memorandum of understanding for an extra five per cent rebate.

“We want to thank the people and the government of New Zealand for their hospitality and dedication and for providing The Lord of the Rings series with an incredible place to begin this epic journey,” said Vernon Sanders, VP and co-head of TV for Amazon Studios.

It said many of its productions were already being filmed in the UK. 

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