Auckland played a major supporting role as the main production base for season one, which delivered a huge boost for the region’s economy and a multitude of screen production jobs.
As the region’s film office, Screen Auckland was involved every step of the way from early discussions about the production’s extensive requirements to facilitating public access needed for the numerous location and studio shoot days. Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland provided 15 scenic shooting locations including Anawhata Beach, Woodhill Forest, Muriwai and the Hauraki Gulf.
Council-owned Auckland Film Studios and Kumeū Film Studios (operated by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited) provided the production with world-class studios for the series.
Ben Rothstein/Prime Video
Providing a significant boost to our region at a difficult time during the pandemic, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brought $667.8 million into the New Zealand economy during its 382 shoot days in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Pam Ford, Director Investment & Industry at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says, “We are tremendously proud of the role Auckland’s top-notch screen industry played in bringing this epic production to the screen.”
“The economic benefits to Auckland included infrastructure, accommodation, catering and transport, alongside the employment of 1250 New Zealand crew and the majority of the 80 lead and supporting cast. The series is a fantastic showcase of our impressive home-grown talent.”
To create the fantasy world of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power the production built 87 detailed sets, with the elaborate costumes requiring a huge wardrobe team of 173 people. It’s currently the most expensive television series ever made with its huge budget bringing Tolkien’s magical Middle-earth to life in a spell-binding way.
Productions of this scale are important to support Auckland’s thriving screen industry and allow the region to compete with other film destinations around the world. The screen sector has grown significantly year on year and has become a crucial contributor to Auckland’s regional economy.
Pam Ford says, “The release of the first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is a significant milestone for Auckland’s screen industry and will encourage other major productions to film in our outstanding region.”
Season one of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will be simultaneously released in 240 territories around the world, and is available on Amazon Prime Video in Aotearoa New Zealand.
