Television Series
Spartacus
2010–2013
Filmed In
Auckland
Towns & Areas
Mount Wellington Studios
The Story
A stylized, visceral, and highly successful historical drama that charts the legendary story of Thrace's most famous gladiator, from his capture by Rome to his leadership of a massive, bloody slave uprising.
The Stars
Andy Whitfield (and later Liam McIntyre) alongside Lucy Lawless and Manu Bennett. This ensemble carried the show's heavily stylised, effects-driven historical drama entirely from within Auckland soundstages.
Behind the Lens
Executive produced by Steven S. DeKnight and Rob Tapert. DeKnight took over as showrunner from the series' original creator, steering its visual style through to its conclusion.
Why NZ?
While the show features a heavily digitized, graphic-novel aesthetic inspired by the film 300, it was filmed entirely inside massive green-screen sound stages at Mount Wellington Studios in Auckland, employing hundreds of talented local actors and stunt professionals. The heavy use of soundstage work meant the production could control every visual detail without depending on the weather at all. Building the show entirely on soundstages meant the production controlled every element of its stylised look.
On Set
Lead actor Andy Whitfield was diagnosed with cancer during the production. He and his wife later got matching "Be Here Now" tattoos, a phrase that became closely associated with how the cast and crew remember him. The approach let every visual detail be controlled without depending on the weather at all.
Legacy
Known for its heavily stylised, effects-driven visual approach, the series became one of premium cable's more talked-about historical dramas during its original run.
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