Hobbiton Set (file) Tyellas writes: The potter who did extensive work for the Lord of the Rings films, Mirek Smíšek, is currently having a gallery show in Waikanae, about 1/2 hour north of Wellington. This show reviews 60 years of his exceptionally graceful work, and shows us why he was chosen as the potter for Peter Jackson’s Middle Earth. Smíšek’s studio, which he shares with his partner Pamela Annsouth, who produces her own gorgeous works, can be visited by appointment, as noted here. More..

Take a look at TheOneRing.net’s extensive collection of over 150 photos from 10 years of the Hobbiton set in our one of a kind LOTR Scrapbook!

Tehanu sends this in: In an interview with NZ industry magazine Onfilm, Peter Jackson lashed out at the NZ Film Commission, accusing it of making directors and writers ‘second-class citizens’ in the NZ film industry. Jackson has been appointed to undertake a review of the Commission. PJ criticises NZ Film Commission

Oscar-winning film-maker Peter Jackson is to head a major government review of the Film Commission – a body he once accused of making poor funding decisions. The appointment was announced today by Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Chris Finlayson – with Jackson saying the review was timely in a rapidly changing international movie climate. David Court, head of screen business at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, would work with Jackson on the review. The pair will examine the Commission’s legislation and constitution, its functions, powers and finances. “The NZ Film Commission is a vital and indispensable component of our film industry,” Jackson said. More..

Celebriel sends this link to a photo gallery and article in the July National Geographic on this North Island national park featured as Mordor and Mount Doom in the trilogy. More…