TORn reported a grass roots effort by some of working folks who call Weta Workshop home. Not sponsored by the effects studio, its owners or bosses, this was an effort by “the people” with a call out to fans to demonstrate why New Zealand was the right place to make “The Hobbit.” Just as the message was set to unleash on the world, Warner Bros announced its decision. But the video lives. Read on:
Hi all,
I’m sure everyone has heard the absolutely brilliant news that the Hobbit will now be staying in New Zealand. I firmly believe this is in no small part due to the massive show of support the public of New Zealand and the world, has shown over the past week. It truly is a tribute to what the filming of The Hobbit in New Zealand means to us all.
As part of the effort to keep the Hobbit where it belongs, we asked people to send in their videos of support. As a celebration of these messages, we have cut together a short film to thank not just those who sent in their videos but, everyone who showed their support at the march, the rally, on the facebook pages, in the Newspaper message, and in all the other forms people put their hand up for our cause. Thank you all!
The video is available for viewing on the YouTube channel where the videos were uploaded here:
It’s been a long time coming, but there was finally cause for rejoicing in Middle-earth last week when director Peter Jackson announced he’d cast several key roles in his adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy novel, The Hobbit. The casting of Martin Freeman of the UK Office fame as Bilbo Baggins was widely expected, but some Tolkien fans were surprised and slightly befuddled to see English actor Richard Armitage, best known for the BBC series MI-5, cast as Thorin Oakenshield, the gruff leader of a company of dwarves. What was Jackson doing hiring a hunky actor to play a character most often depicted in illustrations — and in the 1977 animated Hobbit movie — as a squat, crabby, Wilford Brimley-ish old dwarf with a long white beard? In an interview (after the jump), Jackson tells EW the choice is actually right in line with the casting of Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn and Orlando Bloom as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. More..
Gunnar and the folks at Tree Top Media send along this great video featuring some stunning shots of New Zealand, Hobbit Holes and more! Be sure to check out the interview with Alan Lee and Ian Brodie!
The night is darkest ere the dawn… and dawn has ever been the hope of Men!
After days of closed door talks between New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Warner Bros. executives, the verdict is out today:
THE HOBBIT WILL BE MADE IN NEW ZEALAND.
Mr.John Key has only minutes ago announced at a press conference in the Beehive theaterette that Sir Peter Jackson’s Hobbit films will indeed be filmed in New Zealand.
Media outlets have yet to post links to any videos… but stay tuned to TORn for updates as more of the good news makes its way on to the interweb.
TODAY IS A PROUD DAY FOR KIWIS… AND A JOYOUS ONE FOR FANS AROUND THE WORLD.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ONE AND ALL.
For a sample of how news organizations around the world are reporting here are some links: CNN, TVNZ, Bloomberg and ABC to name just a few. Video of the announcement has been extremely slow to load. Peter Jackson’s team hasn’t released a statement yet but is expected to.
The party has already begun over at our message boards. Head over to join in the celebrations!
Below is the statement just released by Sir Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger over at wetanz.com:
On behalf of all our friends and colleagues at Weta Workshop, we send our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of the people from around New Zealand and the world who have sent us their messages of support.
Everyone here has tried to stay optimistic for a positive outcome but in the darkest days of the past week it has been the amazing support from the fans of LOTR and our family and friends which has given us the resolve to stay cheerful and positive about the outcome for these films.
It is a fantastic result reported tonight by our Prime Minister, the Honourable John Key, and we are grateful for the support of our Government in recognising the challenges our film industry was facing.
We are also very pleased that Warner Bros are happy to continue to see these films made in New Zealand – and thank them for their efforts.
Most importantly our thanks go out to Peter, Fran and Philippa, for their unrelenting efforts to see these films made in our country. We are very lucky to work with such passionate film makers.
All our best and cheers to you all.
Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger
I might add we’re lucky to have such passionate people as our friends at WETA working on these beloved stories too. Our very best wishes are with you as you embark on your journey into Middle-earth once again!
Ray writes: Here is a video I put together featuring some of the main speakers at the Hobbit rally on 25.10.10 in Civic Square, Wellington City, New Zealand. Rallies were also held in Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton, Queenstown and Matamata (where the Hobbiton sets have been built), and were set up to coincide with the arrival of the Warner Bros. executives, who will be meeting to decide where The Hobbit will be filmed. “This is where Middle Earth was born and this is where it should stay,” Peter Jackson.
It’s been a long time coming, but there was finally cause for rejoicing in Middle-earth last week when director Peter Jackson announced he’d cast several key roles in his adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic fantasy novel, The Hobbit. The casting of Martin Freeman of the UK Office fame as Bilbo Baggins was widely expected, but some Tolkien fans were surprised and slightly befuddled to see English actor Richard Armitage, best known for the BBC series MI-5, cast as Thorin Oakenshield, the gruff leader of a company of dwarves. What was Jackson doing hiring a hunky actor to play a character most often depicted in illustrations — and in the 1977 animated Hobbit movie — as a squat, crabby, Wilford Brimley-ish old dwarf with a long white beard? In an interview (after the jump), Jackson tells EW the choice is actually right in line with the casting of Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn and Orlando Bloom as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. 
