You know, I’ve often thought if those Earth Hollywood guys would just be a bit more flexible on filming locations, they could save a ton of money on special effects.
So, I get that the whole LOTR thing happened a long time ago (I was there, remember) so the movies are historical re-enactments, much like Shakespeare’s history plays….but that being said, Middle Earth is still there (elf free now, fortunately) just think how much money they could have save filming there, on location, use real hobbit holes and such. Real hobbits and dwarves too!
But, I think the problem is that without proper trade agreements between the localverses, the studios can’t get applicable tax credits…of course, also not sure if their camera’s would work there…hmm…maybe it’s a bit more complicated.
But they could still do “science fiction” movies on location. I am pretty sure I have directions to the Xenomorph homeworld, somewhere….