Amazon anunced on September 18 that it will film its upcoming television series Lord of Rings in New Zealand, marking a return of orcs, elves, and hobbits to country y became synymous with over course of six movies directed by Peter Jackson. Amazon Studios said it h found a great location with world-class sets and skilled staff. It said pre-production h alrey started and production on series would begin in city of Auckland over coming months.

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Payne and McKay's statements

“As we searched for location in which we could bring to life primordial beauty of Second of Middle-earth, we knew we needed to find somewhere majestic, with pristine coasts, forests, and mountains,” showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay wrote in a statement. But Amazon wouldn’t reveal extent of its plans for series. It declined to say how much it plans to spend, how many seasons show will run, or when it will debut. Some have speculated Amazon could spend more than $1 billion on series as it looks to take on or streaming services like Netflix with its Prime Video service. New Zealand’s Ecomic Development Minister Phil Twyford welcomed news, saying series would give a boost to screen industry and create hundreds of new jobs.

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It's hugely significant piece of popular culture: Twyford

“It’s a hugely significant piece of popular culture,” Twyford said. “And it w has a special place in New Zealander's hearts as well. We are part of Middle-earth.” series will be eligible for a 20% screen grant rebate that will be funded by taxpayers. conservative lobby group Taxpayers’ Union said rebate meant every New Zealand household could end up paying more than $100.“Who would seriously name Amazon as most deserving recipient of our hard-earned tax dollars?” group wrote in a release. But Twyford said it will be money well spent.“This is t a charity issue,” he said. “This is about bringing jobs, investment, and ecomic development to New Zealand.” series will be based on fantasy vels by J.R.R. Tolkien. Amazon said it would explore new storylines that precede “ Fellowship of Ring.” show won’t be connected with New Line Cinema movies, although Jackson has previously said he’d be interested in helping out. “ Lord of Rings” movie trilogy and “ Hobbit” movie trilogy combined grossed nearly $6 billion at box office.

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