Peter Jackson has revealed he didn’t want to direct The Hobbit, because it would be too much pressure. The Oscar-winning filmmaker, who directed the films in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, chose not to direct the two-part prequel of Tolkien’s novels but will be revising the script with wife Fran. More..

Celebrities and news-makers are grilled by Matthew Stadlen in exactly five minutes in a series for the BBC News website. This week, actor Sir Ian McKellen talks to Matt about the appeal of Shakespeare, the difference between working in theatre and film, the importance of having a child’s imagination and how Newsnight helps him relax after a show. More..

Glorfindel writes: We went to Hobbiton yesterday to check out what was going on but nothing much seems to have changed. Everything’s being irrigated therefore the hedgerows are a bit bushier and the apple trees are fruiting (although the pears aren’t doing so well). Gandalf’s cutting has been restored.

I did think some of the gardens would be planted up by now, with the supposed start date in a few months – it doesn’t cost much to sow a few seeds after all – but I guess they do have to wait for that elusive greenlight. Also they may leave filming Hobbiton towards the end of the shoot. Who knows? Anyway it was a beautiful day and although the Hobbit holes look somewhat dejected it is a lovely spot and we did feel the first tinglings of excitement! Continue reading “New Hobbiton Pics..and a Report!”

Celebriel writes: Attention UK Ringers: Bernard Hill, a Suffolk area resident, is organizing fundraisers for February 26 and March 7. So far Andy Serkis has also committed to attend and may perform a musical number. More..

CNN’s Becky Anderson talks with stage and sceen legend Ian McKellen about his 40 years of acting.

Ian McKellen is on CNN International’s ‘Connect the World’ programme tonight as ‘Connector of the Day’. This is a segment of the programme that encourages viewers to send their questions online at connecttheworld.blogs.cnn.com, which are then asked by host on air.