Eric writes: Ohakune was our destination and was to serve as two locations within Middle Earth. One of these locations was up on Mount Ruapehu, which is the tallest mountain in the North Island and very sacred lands to the local Maori Iwi (tribes). They filmed quite a lot of the Mount Doom scenes in Lord of the Rings, such as Sam carrying Frodo up the cliffs, on other parts of the mountain, but this particular area was new ground for the production. That’s not to say that Ruapehu is Mt. Doom, which is a common misunderstanding amongst touring LOTR geeks.
It’s considered disrespectful to photograph the distinctive peaks of Ruapehu, so while they filmed much of the prologue battle and the slopes of Mt. Doom scenes on Ruapehu they had to digitally construct the imposing Middle Earth landmark out of a hodgepodge of other mountains, including active Hawaiian volcanoes.
UPDATE: There are a couple of film spoiler tidbits in this report. TORn staffer Demosthenes has written some analysis after the cut, but if you want to read Quint’s report in full, then head here. If you want Demosthenes’ SPOILER analysis, head beyond the cut! You’ve been warned! Continue reading “AICN Set Report #6”
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ANNA PEARSON from stuff.co.nz: The Hobbit film crew are pulling out of the Nelson region due to lousy weather, but it is highly likely they will return next year. Production company 3 Foot 7 publicist Ceris Price said it was too wet for filming, so they were leaving. “We were relying on beautiful weather. It’s just a real shame, because everybody loves Nelson. We have been having a lovely time here, but the weather in the last couple of days has made it very difficult. It’s time for a Christmas break,” she said.
Ms Price said it was “extremely probable” they would return to film at Canaan Downs next year. The film crew packed up and left the Pelorus Bridge campground in a hurry last night. Campground manager Stephanie Neal said a team of workers were removing a scaffolding structure – a walking platform – from near the Pelorus River this morning. More..
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Millions line up at Universal Studios in L.A. for a chance to pull back the curtain and see behind the illusions of Hollywood films and television. At the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, tourists pour into the area for exactly the opposite reason: they want to step into the illusion of a film, walk around and stay there awhile.
Pure magic.
It may be the only location in history where fans can visit a dressed film set before the movie is released. The first of two films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit is due to hit theaters almost exactly a year from now but at the smallish village found between Rotorua and Hamilton, the pastoral, fictional Middle-earth is definitely open for business. TheOneRing.net is pleased to have the opportunity to bring you the first images allowed from the now dormant set. Continue reading “Exclusive photos and impressions from Hobbiton set”
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Ross sends along these great photos of the stars arriving in Nelson, NZ. Who do you see? Comment below!
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Just a really quick check in while I juggle the logistics of being a lone traveler: I know many readers have visited the Hobbiton movie set, but it is currently quite pristine after serving for The Hobbit and they may wish to go back. I was there yesterday and have a lot to write and say about and I will be allowed to publish some photos as well. Those who haven’t been, well, it is a prime experience. Wellington is rainy and chilly and full of friends of TheOneRing.net but I am here for a few days and should be able to buckle down and blog until my fingers bleed so stay tuned!
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Reporter Ian Allen on a Hobbit hunt: The Pelorus River, 60 kilometres west of Blenheim, features in a scene from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, showing barrels plunging down the scenic waterway during a perilous journey undertaken by Bilbo Baggins and the dwarfs.
Just like Elmer Fudd on the prowl for pesky wabbits, I headed to Pelorus Bridge on Friday in search of hobbits.
Being armed with Marlborough Express photographer Ben Curran, instead of Elmer’s preferred shotgun, was all that separated me from the hapless hunter.
We had received a tipoff from a source that hobbit activity had escalated in recent days as Peter Jackson’s production company 3 Foot 7 prepared the location for 10 days of filming starting from today. More..
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Eric writes: Ohakune was our destination and was to serve as two locations within Middle Earth. One of these locations was up on Mount Ruapehu, which is the tallest mountain in the North Island and very sacred lands to the local Maori Iwi (tribes). They filmed quite a lot of the Mount Doom scenes in Lord of the Rings, such as Sam carrying Frodo up the cliffs, on other parts of the mountain, but this particular area was new ground for the production. That’s not to say that Ruapehu is Mt. Doom, which is a common misunderstanding amongst touring LOTR geeks.
