Technology giant Amazon's TV and film business is moving production of its multi-million dollar Lord of the Rings series to the UK from New Zealand.
The as-yet-untitled fantasy epic is set thousands of years before the events in JRR Tolkien's books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
The company said the move was part of a plan to expand its production space and consolidate its footprint in the UK.
Amazon Studios spent $465m (£336.5m) on the first season of the show.
With four more seasons expected to be made, that would make it one of the most expensive series in television history.
New Zealand's dramatic landscapes were also home to Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies.
Amazon said work on season one of the show would be completed in the country before production shifts to Britain.
In a statement announcing the decision, Vernon Sanders, vice president and co-head of TV at Amazon Studios thanked "the people and the government of New Zealand for their hospitality and dedication and for providing The Lord of the Rings series with an incredible place to begin this epic journey."
New Zealand's economic development minister Stuart Nash said he was disappointed by the decision.
"I am enormously proud of the New Zealand screen sector. The Amazon Studios' decision in no way reflects the capabilities of our local film industry or the talents of the people who work in it," Mr Nash added.
Season one of the show is scheduled to make its worldwide debut on Amazon's Prime Video on 22 September next year.
The move is set to be a major boost to the UK's film and television production industry as it brings hundreds of millions of dollars into the country.
The UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden welcomed the news, telling the BBC: "Thousands of high quality jobs all across the UK will be created and supported by The Lord of the Rings television series so this is very exciting news."
Latest Stories
-
Africa Development Council urges ECOWAS action amid Togo’s constitutional crisis
1 hour -
Situate power sector challenges within the context of the 4th Republic – Jantuah
2 hours -
Empowering Youth through IT Education: IT For Youth Ghana College leads the way
2 hours -
Trump criminal case: Full 12-person jury seated in Manhattan
2 hours -
Israel Gaza: US again warns against Rafah offensive
2 hours -
Man arrested in Poland over alleged Russia plot to kill Zelensky
2 hours -
Over 100 arrested as US college Gaza protest cleared
2 hours -
Justmoh Construction begins work on dualization of Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta road
2 hours -
MGL visits Dumor family following passing of Mawuena Trebarh
3 hours -
In Pursuit of Peace and Unity: Interfaith Leaders Promote Dialogue – Chief Doli-Wura to Africa Union
3 hours -
TEWU raises concern over quality of food served in SHS
4 hours -
Ghanaian students gear up for Robotics World Championship
4 hours -
Political interference makes public sector managers appear incompetent – Dr Manteaw
4 hours -
Police arrest truck driver alleged to have caused train crash
5 hours -
CAF Confederation Cup: Dreams FC depart to Cairo ahead of semis first leg against Zamalek
5 hours