The hobbit holes of Matamata are coming to life again. The farmer’s paddock made famous as Hobbiton in the Lord of the Rings movies is being resurrected for two The Hobbit prequel films. The Waikato set was stripped in 2002 except for the frames of 17 hobbit holes underground houses for the fictional creatures. But now fruit trees are being planted, hedgerows are being groomed and new hillocks are being marked off as the sites of more hobbit homes. More..
Category: New Zealand
Our old pal John Dybvig has created a video detailing the local flavor and culture of New Zealand. He’s done this in an effort to get Late Show host David Letterman to visit the country, Dave if you are listening, John will hook you up! Continue reading “New Zealand Calling Letterman…Come in Letterman”
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..
Good new for Wellington Hobbit fans and GDT fans, from the Noldor Blog again: Del Toro will be signing copies of his new book The Strain at Unity Books. The man seems to be everywhere these days! Read More
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..