"If we were trying to do this this year it would never have got made." "It's really hard to compare those things so it's harder to get shows off the ground especially in this economic environment. So the ratings are still determined by how many people watch it when it's on the air. The show does incredibly well on these online carriers which are very tough to monetarise - iTunes and all that, there is very little money there. There are so many more outlets for people to view things. "You can't even really compare," says Tapert." Though it's a much different world in which to make and sell a show than it was in the Herc/Xena days.
#How to watch legend of the seeker online series
"So that actually has helped us in terms of being able to attempt things and take them in the fantasy world without getting a cheesy aura attached to it."Īs the series heads to New Zealand's airwaves this Sunday (8.35pm, Prime) it has also been picked up by more than 60 international markets. " Now we can get motion picture quality effects for television prices.
" we knew the special effects were going to be lacking and a little bit cheesy because we didn't have the money or the technology. "We really tried to differentiate, yet play to some of the strengths that Herc and Xena once did," he says. This is a post- Lord of the Rings/Narnia television series. The tone is more earnest and the special effects are many generations on.
Only Seeker isn't another Herc or Xena and it doesn't star Mrs Tapert, Lucy Lawless. Legend of the Seeker represents a double return - to the world of fantasy television and a big New Zealand-based production. Credited with creating both Xena and Hercules with producing partner Sam Raimi (director of the Spider-Man movies), he is the ultimate authority on sword-swinging fantasy.Ī call to Tapert finds him navigating the traffic to Sylvia Park where his next ancient world series, Spartacus, is about to roll. So maybe they won't like the show," she laughs. "Rob Tapert says Kiwis don't like it when they put on American accents. "It will be interesting to see once the show's on," says Regan. Which is of slight concern to the cast, who were warned Kiwi audiences don't take well to local actors putting on a West Coast drawl. To New Zealand ears, however, most of the characters do sound American. "If we all sounded like we were from California, it would be pretty distracting." It adds a little bit of 'Where is this? Where is this world?'," she explains. "I think it's kind of cool that they're a bit grey and a bit vague. So it doesn't hurt to have a few muddled accents in the mix, according to Regan. They play an assortment of wizards, woodsmen and confessors (mysterious women with magical powers - but not witches) in a classic fantasy tale of good against evil.Ĭreated by the producers of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess, the story is based on the The Sword of Truth novels by Terry Goodkind and has already earned a loyal following in America, where it began screening last November. I'm all over the place."įortunately, his leading lady Bridget Regan, who plays Kahlan, is a San Diego native and more than adept at keeping his intonation in check, as he stars opposite fellow Aussie Bruce Spence and a host of Kiwi actors, including Craig Parker, Jay Laga'aia and David de Lautour. "I play an American, I'm surrounded by Kiwis. "I'm losing my Australian accent," he laughs. After all, he's an Aussie, playing an American (he plays the title character, the Seeker) in the fictitious realm of the Midlands, filmed in West Auckland. Horner - a strapping, bronzed 25-year-old from Brisbane - is the first to see the humour in the situation. He's actually just up the road in Herne Bay but there are procedures to be followed such is the nature of a big budget American production.Įven if they do mean paying international rates for a local phone call. The phone clicks as Legend of the Seeker star Craig Horner comes on the line, connected via his Los Angeles publicist.
Joanna Hunkin talks to the stars and creator of Legend of the Seeker Now a new locally-made fantasy series is upon us. Xena and Hercules once held sway in these lands.
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