Action finally called for The Hobbit in New Zealand

Feuer Frei! · 03-21-11, 12:04 AM

THE troubled big budget production of The Hobbit will finally start filming today, the New Zealand Herald reported. After months of wrangling, delays, financial woes and health problems for Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson, the two-film 3D project will start filming at Wellington's Stone Street Studios, one of two confirmed locations.
Work at the second location - the site of the imaginary Hobbiton near the North Island town of Matamata - has reportedly been delayed until the southern hemisphere summer.
The $500 million prequel to The Lord of the Rings has been dogged by problems, including a union threat to boycott the movie.
The studio agreed to keep filming in New Zealand after the government changed employment laws and granted the studio millions of dollars in tax breaks.
Even before the industrial dispute, the project was stalled by fights about distribution rights, budget blowouts and the financial woes of the MGM studio.
It was further delayed when Jackson was rushed to the hospital complaining of stomach pains and underwent surgery for a perforated ulcer, however his return to health and resolution of the other issues has allowed the project to get underway.
Confirmed cast members for The Hobbit include Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, Elijah Wood as Frodo and Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf.
McKellen blogged about his return to rehearsals last week, describing the project as being "as close to bliss as an actor can get".
The first installment of The Hobbit is expected in December 2012, while the second will be released in 2013.

SOURCE

Gargamel · 03-21-11, 12:23 AM

At first I thought it said Morgan Freeman as Bilbo.....

I can't wait!

razark · 03-21-11, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gargamel

At first I thought it said Morgan Freeman as Bilbo.....

We had a fun discussion in our office the day I made the same mistake. We figured out quite a cast for the movie.

TarJak · 03-21-11, 04:36 AM

Well at least we know where nikimcbee will be for the next few months.

I did wonder whether this would ever get off the ground or not. If LoTR is anything to go by it will be 2015 before we see this released.

kiwi_2005 · 03-21-11, 08:21 AM

Yeah the unions man total pricks imo they just about ruin it for Peter Jackson, some actors especially one who thought it a good idea to back the union is now going to find it very hard to find work as an actress here. She was in LOTRs only small parts, but the word is she will never act again in NZ as no director will bother to hire her.

03-21-11, 12:04 AM	#1
Feuer Frei! Navy Seal Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Valhalla Posts: 5,295 Downloads: 141 Uploads: 17	Action finally called for The Hobbit in New Zealand THE troubled big budget production of The Hobbit will finally start filming today, the New Zealand Herald reported. After months of wrangling, delays, financial woes and health problems for Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson, the two-film 3D project will start filming at Wellington's Stone Street Studios, one of two confirmed locations. Work at the second location - the site of the imaginary Hobbiton near the North Island town of Matamata - has reportedly been delayed until the southern hemisphere summer. The $500 million prequel to The Lord of the Rings has been dogged by problems, including a union threat to boycott the movie. The studio agreed to keep filming in New Zealand after the government changed employment laws and granted the studio millions of dollars in tax breaks. Even before the industrial dispute, the project was stalled by fights about distribution rights, budget blowouts and the financial woes of the MGM studio. It was further delayed when Jackson was rushed to the hospital complaining of stomach pains and underwent surgery for a perforated ulcer, however his return to health and resolution of the other issues has allowed the project to get underway. Confirmed cast members for The Hobbit include Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, Elijah Wood as Frodo and Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf. McKellen blogged about his return to rehearsals last week, describing the project as being "as close to bliss as an actor can get". The first installment of The Hobbit is expected in December 2012, while the second will be released in 2013. SOURCE __________________ "History is the lies that the victors agree on"- Napoleon LINK TO MY SH 3 MODS

03-21-11, 12:23 AM	#2
Gargamel Lucky Sailor Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Rome Posts: 4,273 Downloads: 81 Uploads: 0	At first I thought it said Morgan Freeman as Bilbo..... I can't wait! __________________ Luck is a residue of Design.

03-21-11, 08:21 AM	#5
kiwi_2005 Eternal Patrol Join Date: May 2004 Location: Aeoteroa Posts: 7,382 Downloads: 223 Uploads: 1	Yeah the unions man total pricks imo they just about ruin it for Peter Jackson, some actors especially one who thought it a good idea to back the union is now going to find it very hard to find work as an actress here. She was in LOTRs only small parts, but the word is she will never act again in NZ as no director will bother to hire her. __________________ RIP kiwi_2005 Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others.

03-21-11, 04:36 AM	#4
TarJak Fleet Admiral Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 17,052 Downloads: 150 Uploads: 8	Well at least we know where nikimcbee will be for the next few months. I did wonder whether this would ever get off the ground or not. If LoTR is anything to go by it will be 2015 before we see this released.