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VIRAL EXCLUSIVE
Oct. 4, 2024
Impact of Relocating "The Rings of Power" Production
The decision to relocate was driven by Amazon Studios’ strategy to expand its production footprint and take advantage of the UK’s tax incentives.
The
transition of Prime Video’s The Rings of Power production from New
Zealand to the UK has had a significant impact on the show’s second season.
Showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, along with co-executive producer
Lindsey Weber, have shared insights into how this move influenced the series
both logistically and creatively.
The decision
to relocate was driven by Amazon Studios’ strategy to expand its production
footprint and take advantage of the UK’s tax incentives. Payne and McKay noted
that while the move was above their pay grade, they embraced it due to the
historical and cultural ties of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work to the British Isles1.
This shift allowed the production team to reboot certain aspects of the show, bringing
in new crew members while retaining the original cast and leadership.
One of the
major challenges faced during this transition was maintaining cohesion across
multiple continents. Filming was split between various locations in the UK and
the Canary Islands, with some scenes shot in Tenerife’s Teide National Park.
This geographical spread required meticulous coordination, with up to four
units filming simultaneously at times. Despite these challenges, the UK crews
brought a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge that benefited the
production in ways that were both tangible and intangible.
The move also
presented creative opportunities. The diverse landscapes of the UK and the
Canary Islands provided fresh and visually stunning backdrops for
Middle-earth1. For instance, the volcanic terrain of Mount Teide offered a
unique setting for the Rhûn scenes, while the coastal pool of Charco de la Laja
served as the location for a Númenórean Sea Trial. These new environments
helped to enrich the visual storytelling of the series.
The relocation of The
Rings of Power production to the UK has been a complex but ultimately
rewarding endeavour. It has allowed the showrunners to tap into new creative
resources and bring fresh perspectives to the beloved world of Middle-earth.
