The skeleton that remained of the set has been a very popular tourist attraction. We also know that it has since been rebuilt for The Hobbit – and that this time it won’t be removed once filming is completed. It’s been designed to last 50 years.
But what surprises me is that the public can visit the rebuilt set right now before the cameras roll.
Ian Brodie, author of the detailed and very handy Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook, is the media and communications manager for the Hobbiton movie set.
He told me that multiple tours continue to visit the set each day. “The only thing they [visitors] have to do is sign a non-disclosure agreement.
They can take as many photos as they want, they just can’t post them up online or do those sorts of things. Certainly they are seeing it at its best.”
intheshire writes: Interestingly the ad place by 3foot7 on 12 august on NZ website trademe.co.nz originally called for elf extras:
“We are currently looking for slim men 17-30 years and between 165cm – 178 cm or 5’5” -5’8” AND slim women 17-30 years between 165cm – 173cm or 5’5” to 5’8” to play ELF extras,”
It’s now been changed and is asking for:
“We are currently looking for MEN based in the Wellington region aged 30 plus, medium – large build, 5’8″ – 6 foot (175cm – 183cm) Character faces, beards, missing teeth – all good”
Dave from HeyUGuys writes: I had a good old natter with John Rhys Davies last week about a new movie and asked him about The Hobbit. Sounds like he’s had a change in heart. By no means anything certain but he’s basically asked PJ to put him in somewhere. Guess we’ll see if he does! More..
samdir discovered this little gem while on hobbitontours.com:
“Hobbiton Movie Set will be closed for all tours from Wednesday 05 October 2011 to Tuesday 08 November 2011 inclusive. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Could this be a sign that the production is heading to the Hobbiton set for a month worth of filming? Stay tuned!
On this episode of Hobbit in 5, we take a look at Andy Serkis the man the myth the legend, Weta Workshop sponsors the Great Race, James Nesbit takes us out on a date, and Benedict Cumberbatch reveals excitement regarding upcoming mo-cap work.
Dave from 
samdir discovered this little gem while on hobbitontours.com: