Peter Jackson's offsider to make 'Game of Thrones'-style show in NZ

[Candlelight]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment...to-showcase-NZ

Sir Richard Taylor's production company is making a television drama that will showcase New Zealand's scenery around the world.
Based on New York Times bestseller The Maid, the series is yet to be named, but has been described as a Game of Thrones-style drama.
Work is expected to begin in the new year.
Taylor is the co-founder of Pukeko Pictures, which recently teamed up with international distribution company FremantleMedia to work on the series.
He described the series as ''the perfect fit for everything New Zealand has to offer''.
''From our spectacular landscapes to the award-winning team here at Weta Workshop - an epic drama that can showcase everything from conceptual design through to manufacturing; utilising all the skills we have honed on our feature work."
The series will be written by Craig Pearce, whose credits include co-writing Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge, and the upcoming The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire.
The Maid, by Kimberley Cutter, is the story of a peasant girl based on Joan of Arc who believes she is sent by God to save France.

Should be good.

[Emh]

If Craig Pearce will be involved, is it too much to hope for Baz Lurhman to direct an episode (perhaps the pilot)?

Sounds interesting but scenery and designs alone don't make a series and hopefully they'll realize that.

I know it's only based on The Maid, but if it's actually set in France, will the scenery of New Zealand look out of place?

[Beagleman]

Elfin Mischievous Humbug wrote:

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I know it's only based on The Maid, but if it's actually set in France, will the scenery of New Zealand look out of place?

Probably a better fit than southern California or Vancouver...

[Drago-Kazov]

Sounds interesting.

[Tulin]

As long as it's nothing like that fantasy series a few years ago that starred a twink who, in the books it was based on was some kind of six foot tall lumberjack type guy.

Legend of the Seeker or something?

Unfortunately, LOTR aside, NZ product is starting to resemble that "el cheapo fantasy" Hercules/Xena type thing.

[Ayelbourne]

Richard Taylor is a Sir now? When did that happen? And why?