Filming has just begun on the Hinuera set of the Lord of the Ring’ Hobbiton.
And after problems down south (flooding – Xo) things could not be looking better, says second unit producer Rick Porras, pictured above on location.
Mr Porras works with known Hollywood name Bob Zemekis who is perhaps best known for his part in bringing ‘Who Framed Rodger Rabbit’ to life, and being excutive producer on ‘The Frighteners’.
“but this is the greatest production I’ve been in, it’s a real opportunity to be working on this movie,” says Mr Porras whose own credits include ‘Forrest Gump’, ‘The Frighteners’ and ‘Contact’, with Jodie Foster.
The second unit’s job is to get the feeling of where the hobbits live, the friendly warmth of the scenes and so on, he says.
“The tight green hills here are perfect – you can just imagine other Hobbits and Hobbit houses just over the next hill,” says Mr. Porras, “We have timed shooting perfectly, with brilliant weather overhead, but beautiful, lush grass.”
The shots may be wide and work with 120 extras – the first unit crew will film individuals – but the film crew is working to a tight shot book.
The Hinuera film site, as were all that are used in the movie, was found by a scout who travelled the country talking to locals and searching for the perfect spot.
But while the magic is being captured on film, the long length of time spent on preperation for film will not be so easily recognised, says Mr. Porass.
“The two movies, Back to the Future parts II and III were filmed back to back, which was seen as a big undertaking, but I arrived here in May last year to start over a year’s preperation,” he says.
The Lord of the Rings is the first Hollywood production to film three movies back to back, says Mr Porras.
Unfortunately, parts of the preperation were swept away while the film was recently filmed around Queenstown.
“I was in Wanaka at the time and it set some filming back,” says Mr. Porras, “I think it was an all-time record rainfall while we were there, and Te Anau was similar.”
But judging by the film’s special effects, such concerns should not bother, he says.
“The Special effects work being done at WETA Studios (the film’s base in Wellington) is amazing.”
“Peter Jackson (LOTR Producer, Director, and driving force) and Fran (Jackson’s partner and co-worker) are amazing to watch working and they are nice people too,” says Mr. Porras, “When these movies are over he’ll be satisfied, it’ll be his life’s work.”
After a Christmas break, the first film unit will return to Hobbiton early next year, and more extras will be involved at that date.
Thanks to Captain Asparagus for the tip!
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Tehanu’s adventures in the South island continue. She reports back with some great images to think about in your mind’s eye:
“I saw a great picture taken from the air by the local paper, Mountain Scene. They’re not willing to part with it though. The image they have is of the top of some grand stone building with huge statuary on it. [More]
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“I saw a great picture taken from the air by the local paper, Mountain Scene.
They’re not willing to part with it though.
The image they have is of the top of some grand stone building with huge statuary on it. It’s being built on a knoll near Closeburn. There are blue squares that are being laid out next to it, they look like crash pads, so there might be some flying stunts planned to happen there.
Some people claim that the film co. have bought the property that this new set is on, but their publicist denies this. PJ may have bought a neighbouring bit of land here.
I saw the remains of the set by the Kawerau River, basically some polystyrene steps and bits of masonry, painted to look like slimy stone. Don’t know if they’ll rebuild in the same place. There used to be a natural stone arch or bridge there and it’s been washed away. The whole area is wasted by the floods and the water is still roaring with incredible speed and power all through the gorge, even though it hasn’t rained seriously since the floods.
Filming is still going on pretty intensively in the Paradise Valley. People reported seeing the forest filled with smoke during filming one day.”
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Well, we don’t know who it is yet. But the winner in the HMCo and New Line Cinemas, “Win a Trip to Middle Earth” contest, will be announced the week of January 24. According to Shere Thomas, Administrative Coordinator
Thanks to Scott B for the tip!
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The 1990 Elijah Wood film ‘Avalon’ will be on Encore tonight at 4 PM EST. Wood plays Michael Kaye, check out the young Frodo in action!
Thanks to Gamgee for the TV tip!
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Super Ringer Spy Eriol managed to get yours truly an interview with the President and CEO of ‘NeoPlanet’ Drew Cohen. NeoPlanet is the web design company that is doing the work for the Official Site (got a job for poor ol’ Xoanon here?) Check out what he has to say!
Xoanon: What do you do at Neoplanet?
Neoplanet: I am the President & CEO
X: When were you approached by New Line?
NP: I sought New Line out for Austin Powers – LOTR is follow-up work based on the success NeoPlanet/New Line had together with Austin
X: Are you a LOTR fan?
NP: I am a huge fan. I read Tolkien first back in Junior High (1974). I have re-read the books avery few years since. I can’t think of a better project to be associated with.
X: How many people are working on the site?
NP: New Line has a couple, plus NeoPlanet has about 3 full-time and another 6 part time depending on the specific tasks.
X: What type of input has Peter Jackson had?
NP: He get’s approval of everything. Mostly we’ve been giving him things to look at and get back to us on, but he’s so into the site that he is starting to take a more proactive role.
X: Are you planning on doing anything special with TheOneRing.net?
NP: Our plans include the following:
Feature Fan sites on the official site
Create permanent links in the LOTR version of NeoPlanet to fan sites. Right now TheOneRing.net is considered the leading fan site, but New Line is the official source for which fan sites gets featured.
X: Are you willing to do these Q & A things on a regular basis?
NP: Yes
X: What other movie sites have you done?
NP: Austin Powers, Final Destination (NeoPlanet is actually used as the browser in the movie), also NeoPlanet is on the Astronaut’s Wife DVD and the LOTR version will be on upcoming New Line DVD’s. Look for more soon.
Thanks to the very cool CEO of NewPlanet! Thanks Drew!
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