[New Zealand] ‘Nightmare’ for tourism industry as Lord of the Rings heads for UK

The Lord of the Rings franchise and New Zealand seem inextricably linked, thanks to Peter Jackson. But, surprisingly, the new Amazon show won't be going there and back again for its second season, leaving questions about the potential impact this could have on New Zealand tourism and its wider economy, The Week reports.

In a surprise announcement, Amazon said that the second season of its Lord of the Rings streaming series will be filmed in the United Kingdom instead of New Zealand, where production on the first season and all the films took place. The New Zealand Herald said the decision, "represents something of a nightmare scenario" for the country's tourism industry, amid fears New Zealand could lose its reputation as the series' home. 

According to the Herald’s reporting, a tourism document previously warned that if another country gained that reputation, New Zealand "should expect" its Lord of the Rings "legacy to quickly taper off."

Following the announcement, Variety said there "have been recriminations in New Zealand" and questions about why the government failed to secure a multi-season commitment from Amazon. New Zealand National Party economic development spokesman Todd McClay placed blame on Stuart Nash, the country's economic and regional development minister.

"Stuart Nash has shown a lack of interest in negotiating with Amazon, despite the huge impact the production could have on our economy," Mr McClay said. "Stuart Nash needs to be transparent with Kiwis about why he didn't even ask for future seasons of the show to be filmed in New Zealand." 

Mr Nash said Amazon's decision "in no way reflects the capabilities of our local film industry," adding that it's a "multi-national company that has made a commercial choice." 

Variety reporting suggests that blame has been attributed to New Zealand's border closure policies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as a possible reason for Amazon's move, with Deadline  noting that restrictions forced the show's cast had to remain in New Zealand "for about two years without being able to spend holidays with their families." 

The show's first season will debut in September 2022. 

Source: The Week

(Links via original reporting)

The Lord of the Rings franchise and New Zealand seem inextricably linked, thanks to Peter Jackson. But, surprisingly, the new Amazon show won't be going there and back again for its second season, leaving questions about the potential impact this could have on New Zealand tourism and its wider economy, The Week reports.

In a surprise announcement, Amazon said that the second season of its Lord of the Rings streaming series will be filmed in the United Kingdom instead of New Zealand, where production on the first season and all the films took place. The New Zealand Herald said the decision, "represents something of a nightmare scenario" for the country's tourism industry, amid fears New Zealand could lose its reputation as the series' home. 

According to the Herald’s reporting, a tourism document previously warned that if another country gained that reputation, New Zealand "should expect" its Lord of the Rings "legacy to quickly taper off."

Following the announcement, Variety said there "have been recriminations in New Zealand" and questions about why the government failed to secure a multi-season commitment from Amazon. New Zealand National Party economic development spokesman Todd McClay placed blame on Stuart Nash, the country's economic and regional development minister.

"Stuart Nash has shown a lack of interest in negotiating with Amazon, despite the huge impact the production could have on our economy," Mr McClay said. "Stuart Nash needs to be transparent with Kiwis about why he didn't even ask for future seasons of the show to be filmed in New Zealand." 

Mr Nash said Amazon's decision "in no way reflects the capabilities of our local film industry," adding that it's a "multi-national company that has made a commercial choice." 

Variety reporting suggests that blame has been attributed to New Zealand's border closure policies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as a possible reason for Amazon's move, with Deadline  noting that restrictions forced the show's cast had to remain in New Zealand "for about two years without being able to spend holidays with their families." 

The show's first season will debut in September 2022. 

Source: The Week

(Links via original reporting)