The new Lord of the Rings TV show has been given the go-ahead to start shooting in New Zealand after 206 members of cast and crew from various productions were given exemption to enter the country following the coronavirus pandemic.
But maybe you already knew this, because you're one of the 'funky' looking people they were asking to audition for extra parts the other day?
The government of New Zealand has allowed seven overseas productions to enter the country, which will allow them to commence - or in some cases, recommence - filming in an attempt to get both the country's economy and the film industry going once again.
The influx of foreign film companies, which promises to bring 3,000 jobs and NZ$400m (£209m) into the country has irked some, who have complained at these staff members being allowed through the country's nearly closed borders while some cannot get relatives home.
As well as The Lord of the Rings, the Avatar 2 and Power of the Dog crews are already situated in New Zealand.
They'll be joined by the casts and crews of Power Rangers, Greatest Beer Run Ever, Sweet Tooth, and anime remake Cowboy Bebop.
Sian Roguski, from the NZ Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) said: "While some of the crew have already arrived, such as Avatar, the workers involved in the other productions will arrive into the country across the next six months.
"This is subject to production timing, and managed quarantine availability,
"On average the workforce on each production will be made up of 90 percent local talent. This leads to experience, upskilling, and mentorships for crews,
"It also highlights that New Zealand is leading the world in leveraging opportunities for screen and creative industries as we recover from the impact of Covid-19."
Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford signed off on the exemptions last month, and has since announced a new boost to the funding for international and domestic TV and film creators following on from the shutdown.
The NZ government plans to throw another NZ$230m (£120m) into the projects that choose to film there.
Twyford said: "Our success at managing Covid-19 gives our country an opportunity to become one of the few countries still able to safely produce screen content,
"And the inquiries and interest we are getting from international production houses tells me that the international film community sees New Zealand as something of a global safe haven.
"This is an opportunity friends that we must grab. Despite the turmoil that the world is facing, this is an exciting time for New Zealand's screen sector."
The NZ Film Commission confirmed that The Lord of the Rings has not yet started filming, but had started pre-production.
Featured Image Credit: New Line CinemaTopics: World News, TV and Film