The tremendous outpouring of support from common New Zealanders towards all those affected by the devastating earthquake in Christchurch brings to mind the words of Gandalf concerning Hobbits during the Long Winter:
“They were very hard put to it then: one of the worst pinches they have been in… but that was the time to see their courage, and their pity one for another.”
It’s times like these when we are called to put aside all differences, stand together as one, and let our true qualities shine through. Sir Peter Jackson is no exception. The Hollywood Reporter reports today that Jackson and the rest of the Hobbit production have stepped up to offer any practical assistance they can to their fellow New Zealanders and others affected by the tragedy. In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, Jackson said:
“Everyone involved in the production of The Hobbit is shocked and saddened by the earthquake and it’s devastating aftermath. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Christchurch and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”
As reported on TheOneRing.net earlier today, you too can help no matter where you are; simply follow this link. Do keep the affected families in your thoughts and prayers.
TheOneRing.net is intimately tied to our friends in New Zealand. With the loss of life, injuries and damaged caused by the recent earthquake, we are all very concerned for our brothers and sisters. While you may be thousands of miles away, you can help. Here is a listing of charitable entities helping in the recovery efforts. We understand this is a tough economic time for many, but if you can, please support them.
Red Cross (NZ) (Redcross.org.nz) (At time of posting, not working)
If you are unable to donate, please send your well wishing and prayers for those affected by this latest tragedy. Thanks to Ringer Beowulf for posting this link list in a previous thread comments.
Fans will recall that prior to Peter Jackson’s coming down with that nasty stomach ulcer earlier this month (the man’s doing fine now, bless him!), filming of The Hobbit was supposed to begin on 14th February 2011, with Ian McKellen’s first day of filming due yesterday, 21st February 2011.
So it only makes sense that with the films’ official start date now pushed to 21st March 2011, the Grey Wizard is EARLY! He consequently took the time today to make his first blog post ‘From the middle of Middle Earth‘ in a neat little section titled Notes from Imladris on his official website. Excerpts follow:
I hadn’t intended last Thursday to arrive in Wellington for The Hobbit filming, five weeks early. Yet, what’s new? Just a year ago I had expected to start shooting in July 2010, with Guillermo del Toro in charge… A year on, filming was to start at the end of February 2011. Then, Peter Jackson had his stomach operation. The insurance company has insisted on five weeks recuperation. Which is why, yet again, I’m here early. Waiting for Bilbo.
In related news, our friend Jack who lives down in New Zealand has updated his ‘Noldor Blog‘ with an interesting post. Between running into Sir Richard Taylor and Peter Lyon, he also ran into none other than Andy Serkis this last Saturday night at a diner in Wellington.
Looks like the place is abuzz with activity with The Hobbit shoot now less than a month away!
Peeder Jigson is back with his latest video diary. Peeder is clearly working hard producing The Hobbit, talking with WB, and arguing with his mum. Personally…I like his Bilbo design..
I simply couldn’t do justice to the wit and warmth of this press conference with the cast playing Bilbo and the thirteen dwarves. Luckily, TV3 have now posted their video of the entire conference – a much longer clip than the one I posted before. ENJOY!!!
Ataahua writes: TORn discussion board member Mortimus sends in this truly beautiful graphic (by artist Alistair Hughes) of the history of the making of The Hobbit films. Alistair has kindly provided a PDF of the graphic itself – a copy of which was published in The Dominion-Post newspaper this week.
The tremendous outpouring of support from common New Zealanders towards all those affected by the devastating earthquake in Christchurch brings to mind the words of Gandalf concerning Hobbits during the Long Winter:
TheOneRing.net is intimately tied to our friends in New Zealand. With the loss of life, injuries and damaged caused by the recent earthquake, we are all very concerned for our brothers and sisters. While you may be thousands of miles away, you can help. Here is a listing of charitable entities helping in the recovery efforts. We understand this is a tough economic time for many, but if you can, please support them.
