It was reported on April 16 that New Zealand’s authorities would give Amazon extra rebates on its expenses for the filming of "The Lord of the Rings" TV series in the country. By granting NZ$116 million to Amazon, New Zealand’s government hopes to accrue long-term benefits for the economy and tourism. Amazon will receive an extra 5% in addition to the 20% of New Zealand's Screen Production Grant. Amazon is estimated to spend NZ$650 million ($465 million) on the filming of the first season of LOTR. The show will be broadcast on the Amazon Prime streaming platform. This means the company would be eligible for a rebate of around NZ$162 million. "The agreement with Amazon generates local jobs and creates work for local businesses. It will enable a new wave of international tourism branding and promotion for this country, " Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash said in a statement. The production of the first season of "The Lord of the Rings" began in Auckland in 2020. Some 1,200 people were employed.
