New Zealand’s film industry is hoping the flow-on effects from the release of The Hobbit on DVD will extend beyond just increased tourism numbers.
Released in North America this week, it featured a small clip of cast interviews raving over behind-the-scenes footage of New Zealand’s landscape.
Martin Freeman, who stars as Bilbo Baggins, said New Zealand was “too perfect”.
“The backdrop is so beautiful, people will think it’s CGI,” he said.
Film New Zealand chief executive Gisella Carr said the short film would attract a lot of film-industry attention towards New Zealand as a destination.
“It is rare for a global audience to be so aware of where a production is made.”
Carr said The Hobbit showcased New Zealand’s “film-making wizardy” and the short film with the DVD would reach millions of viewers.
