'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' is a major milestone for Auckland
Hosting Amazon Studios’ The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is a significant milestone for Auckland's screen industry. Our region played a crucial supporting role as the main production base for the series' first season, providing stunning shooting locations, world-class studios, and a highly skilled local workforce, solidifying Auckland's position as a competitive film destination.
Behind the scenes: Stunning sets and world-class studios
Screen Auckland was involved from the inception of the production, facilitating discussions and managing various aspects, including location scouting, studio arrangements, and coordination with local suppliers.
Our main production base at Auckland Film Studios, along with the talented and hard-working local crew that supported us, was critical to successfully creating the world of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Season 1.
CALLUM GREENE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, provided 15 of the 38 scenic shooting locations including Anawhata Beach, Woodhill Forest, Muriwai and the Hauraki Gulf, the perfect backdrops for the series' magical world. Nearly 70% of the series’ filming was studio-based and much of that work was done in Auckland Film Studios and Kumeū Film Studios – operated by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited – who offered state-of-the-art facilities that catered to the extensive needs of the production. The series employed more than 1250 New Zealand crew members and cast the majority of its 80 lead and supporting roles with local talent.
Location scout and Supervising Location Manager Kevin Spring feels the series will be “an incredible showcase” of the country. “All the locations are outstanding and with the skill of our VFX department… we've created worlds that none of the other Tolkien adaptations have ever seen. It's just an incredible showcase of the country. You can understand how shows like this bring the tourists in.”
CREDIT: BEN ROTHSTEIN PRIME VIDEO - Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power 2022
Filming The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power injected a staggering $667.8 million into the New Zealand economy during its 382 shoot days in Auckland. This significant financial boost came at a crucial time during the pandemic, supporting various industries such as infrastructure, accommodation, catering, and transport. The production not only created job opportunities but also promoted the growth of the region's screen industry, a key contributor to Auckland's regional economy.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power achieved a monumental feat by building 87 elaborate sets and employing a wardrobe team of 173 to create the intricate and mesmerising costumes. The series is currently recognised as the most expensive television series ever made, which allowed for the spectacular portrayal of Tolkien's magical Middle-earth.
Additionally, Amazon Studios invested in the development of connectivity between various Auckland-based film studios, post-production facilities and visual effects studios. This investment helped create a robust pipeline of resources for local and international productions, further solidifying Auckland's position as a sought-after filming destination.
The global premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has elevated Auckland's screen industry to new heights. The economic impact of the production, along with the promotion of home-grown talent paves the way for other major productions to explore and benefit from Auckland's outstanding resources and captivating locations, further fuelling the growth of our region's thriving screen industry.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power was the largest and most expensive episodic television show in the world at the time of filming and the biggest scale of production Auckland has hosted to date.
- 15 locations and three studio facilities in Auckland
- 1250 New Zealand crew members involved
- NZ$34.4m spent on accommodation over 51,000 accommodation nights around New Zealand
- 105,000 car and truck hire days across New Zealand
- The production provided 240,000 meals to cast and crew during the shoot period
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