Thanks to spy Jincey for sending us word that 3news.co.nz has brand new heli flyover footage of set construction happening at the famous outdoor set for Hobbiton. Seems now that the film is staying in New Zealand, people are getting busy. You do need to endure a short commercial but the footage may bring back memories for LOTR fans. You can see the whole thing right here.

Prime Minister John Key has already made it clear to Warner Bros that the Government can not go to extreme lengths to ensure The Hobbit remains in New Zealand ahead of his meeting with the company’s executives this afternoon. Mr Key will meet the executives to try to persuade them to keep the filming of the Hobbit in New Zealand. He would not discuss exactly what the Government could offer but will not rule out further tax breaks or changes to industrial laws to placate the movie company. However he said there was only so far the government could go. “From the conversations I’ve had with Warner Bros so far I’ve made it quite clear if it comes to a bidding war, then New Zealand is out because I don’t think that’s the right way to run this.” More..