Amazon has announced that it will produce the upcoming Lord of the Rings TV Series in the UK starting with the second season. Amazon has announced that pre-production for season 2 will start in the UK early next year, while season 1 is being shot in New Zealand.The exact location of the series is not known. According to Deadline, Amazon will ship the sets it made for the first season to the UK. It is also booking stages for them. The company has already filmed several Prime Video series in the UK, including Neil Gaiman's adaptations Good Omens & Anansi Boys.There will be controversy about the move to the UK. J.R.R. Author J.R.R.Vernon Sanders, Amazon Studios Vice President, said in a statement that we want to thank the New Zealand government and people for their kindness and generosity. We are grateful for the New Zealand Film Commission, Tourism New Zealand, Auckland Unlimited, and other partners who supported the New Zealand film industry and local economy during Season One.Deadline reports that Amazon's decision was affected by New Zealand's handling of the COVID-19 epidemic. The cast, which includes more than half British nationals, had to remain in New Zealand for two years due to quarantine and border restrictions. The cast will have a home base in the UK and may be closer to home. Producers may also be able use other European locations.Prime Video will be streaming the first season of Lord of the Rings on September 2, 2013. It is set thousands of year before the original books, and doesn't have a formal title. The production of this season alone cost Amazon $465 million. Amazon also received a 20% tax credit from New Zealand.
