Ringer Spy LOTR extra sends in her take on the Hobbiton fire. I hid the text for those who don’t want spoilers, but since it’s such a small paragraph I posted it here.

!!!Spoilers!!!

Highlight to read:

The hobbiton fire was one of the best sets I have ever seen, the green dragon in went up in smoke. It’s ok because the fire service were standing by. there was six hours of rehersals, we had only one green dragon in to incinerate, we had to get it right. Never the less we managed to get about six takes in total quick fire one after the other, the night was a total success.

So it seems that Tongariro is not out of the running after all,we shall see what develops from this.

March 5th 2000

Rings to film at Tongariro

By Oskar Alley

Permission for crucial scenes of Lord of The Rings to be filmed at Tongariro National Park is expected this week. It is understood Kiwi director Peter Jackson has the green light to film in the area around Mt. Ruapehu, although the Department of Conservation was unwilling to confirm this. Tongariro senior community relations officer Dave Wakelin said the protection of the area’s natural beauty was vital.

“It’s a world heritage park which we’re very proud of and naturally you have in this situation conditions which have been set and we obviously want to keep it that way.”

It is understood the Rings team will be granted permission to film on Maori and army land, though some concessions may have to be made. Filming on the $360 million project had already been completed on conservation land in the South Island without incident. Producers had to pay a $50,000 bond, which could be increased to film in Tongariro. Wakelin said the good record would be taken into consideration. “These film companies are very experianced. They know the game, and I think we’ve had good co-operation from them, which is great.”

Rings producer Barrie M Osbourne said he was confident a deal would be struck, but he was happy to follow the application process. He confirmed Tongariro, with it’s mountains, desert and rolling mist, was a crucial filming location and not getting permission would be a hindrance. Osbourne said filming in the area would pump millions of dollars into the local economy, with more than 600 cast and crew required at times and local jobs created.

Thanks to Jeffrey for the news!


Click here to view some images of Tongariro NP

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It seems our very own Ian McKellen had time to hop over to neighboring Australia to take part at the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

From: David

Ian McKellen (Gandalf) had a quick interview with one of the street interviewers on the telecast of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. LOTR was briefly mentioned.

Also thanks to Shaun, RD, and Jesse for the news.

Hello again faithful friends! This is Gamgee, with some news for all of you. I have decided to expand our little trivia section! Here is how it will run:
1) Tolkien Trivia Question
2) Scrambled Tolkien name (person, place, or thing)
3) Who Said This? (Tolkien Quote)
The 1st person to mail me with all 3 answers in one letter will be the winner, so lets see how it goes!
Our winner from yesterday was Anne Fruguglietti, Wonderful job Anne!! The correct answer was “Roac”.
Now for todays Tolkien Fun Section:
1) “What did the dwarves call Belegost?”
2) “ebehobecn”
3) “Come! Speak and be comforted, and shake off the shadow! What has happened since we came to this grim place in the grey morning?”
So, what do you think? Do you have the Tolkien knowledge to answer these brain ticklers? Email me with all 3 correct answers, on one page, and you will have your name posted here tomorrow! Good Luck!

Attention Tolkien chat fans! A new topic has been chosen for the next Hall of Fire. Bring your references and ideas to explore the fate of the Orcs!

Are they immortal? Do they go to the Halls of Mandos when they die, or the Void? Was Morgoth’s corruption enough to alter their fate?

This topic’s sure to raise a few eyebrows, so don’t miss out! Your feedback is always welcome, so contact Gandalf or Tookish with Hall of Fire comments or suggestions.

See you Saturday, March 11, at 5:30 EST.

Hi again, This is Gamgee. I want to ask you all a small favor. I would like to know if you all like the trivia questions, and if you can help me think of some other daily features that might be nice for the page. I was thinking of adding a daily Tolkien quote, or perhaps a “guess that character” type of thing. What do you all think? If you like those ideas, or have some of your own, email me and let me know.