LOTR has departed. Covid-19 is back. What does that mean for our screen sector?

by Andre Chumko — 21.8.2021

One week after the world’s most expensive television series said it would leave New Zealand, a second curveball has been thrown at the screen sector: another Covid-19 lockdown.

It’s a fresh blow for an industry which, until Amazon’s decision to shift production of The Lord of the Rings to the United Kingdom for its second season, seemed to be unstoppable.

But those in the screen sector are taking a glass half-full approach. Many productions are ready to pivot to digital work environments if the level 4 lockdown continues, says Sandy Gildea, executive director of the Screen Production and Development Association (Spada).

“Covid-19 highlights our robust, well-supported domestic sector. Regardless of what happens, or who lands on our shores, we continue to do business.”

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