Something I have noticed with the whole “hush hush” part of the movie is that it seems to have rubbed off onto the thousands of extras out there. Must be a pride factor. Oh and the confidentiality agreement they sign. But most likely the pride factor. That smug look on their faces when they tell you where they have been the last couple of weeks. It’s no fun for spies like me! I mean, surely there is at least one who can’t keep their trap shut about such a huge project.
So I thought I’d be a bit more cunning, and send out my little trainee, one who is not known in the ranks. Using her amazing powers of psycological tactics, she talks to the extras, and rubs their egos up the wrong way, and get’s all the answers.
The recent filming down in Ruapehu was indeed part of the prologue, one of those “flash-back” type of things, which will most likely happen during an interlude between Gandalf and Frodo in the first couple of minutes of movie 1. It envolved hordes of Elves, charging down a rocky hillside, running headlong into the camera style shots. Some Department Of Conservation people standing by, yelling “don’t step on the 300 year old moss!”. The actors couldn’t give a damn. If it was a choice between avioding the slimy stuff and risking slipping and falling, or trudging all over it, they’d choose the later. Naturally.
They speak of Hugo Weaving (Elrond) being on set, and what it’s like to work with a 6’4 tall person. Apparently he’s not the weed he looks like in The Matrix. Tall, big build, and looks nothing like agent Smith – once he’s doned hair extensions (he’s grown it longer anyway) and his ‘gear’. Then again, he looks remarkably short, standing next to one of New Zealand’s taller people, a 7’2 Elf. And after all that sweaty stuff, the extras are invited to have a preview of the work they have just completed. Yep, they got to see what they looked like, as millions will in 1 1/2 years time.
Then Bernard Hill (Theoden), cracking jokes during the siege of Helms Deep. A shot of all the Elves trying to hold the gates shut, and Mr. Hill yells out “c’mon chaps, it’s the Jehovahs Witnesses trying to get in!”
But all in all, the extras have reported time and time again, that two of the nicest guys to work with have been Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), who would come down to the pub afterwards with the lads for a drink, and Hugo Weaving, who lines up with the extras during dinner time. That is, no sign of Hollywood down under. Just people doing their jobs.
Finally, the extra’s confidence in the movies. Comments are dropped like “The feel is right”; or “Everything fits, costumes and casting, everything”. Sounds like PJ is doing his job, and doing it well. And this is coming from real staunch Tolkien supporters.
Here I was, mourning the loss of of Xoanona (any folks down in Virginia Beach are presently enjoying her company) and sitting watching the enjoyable film ‘Strange Fruit’ when that mysterious portal opens up next to my computer console.
At first thought, I was fully expecting Agent Mulder to fly out and steal my sunflower seeds. What did end up happening was a computer disc flew through the vortex and into my lap; after checking it out and making sure the latest version of ‘The Love Bug’ wasn’t about to be unleashed on my computer up here in good old Montreal (I’ve got enough problems, with Mafiaboy living about 15 minutes away from me, and no, I don’t know him)…
… look what I found, pictures of Saruman and Arwen in full costume!!!
As it turns out, the Hutt Hobbit saw a lot of what happened at Helm’s Deep, and has described it to us. “I, The Hutt Hobbit, was woken from my slumber by the thunder of hooves. After rubbing the sleep from my eyes I poked my head out of my hobbit hole and peered up at Dry Creek Quarry, the location of the Helms Deep set, to see what all the fuss was about. I couldn’t believe my eyes, for there, riding down a steep bank followed by about 20 other horsemen, was none other than Gandalf himself! I grabbed my trusty binoculars, and after cunningly disguising myself as a member of the public so as not to draw attention, I made my way to the quarry and set up a discreet observation point from where I could observe the goings-on in comfort and secret. I looked over the set through my binoculars and took in all the details. There, about 30 meters in front of the Castle Door that has been often photographed, a ramp had been constructed out of rock, dirt, and gravel. This ramp was about 45 or so degrees steep, about 10 metres wide and 50 metres long. The sides were built up a few feet. The ramp was covered in a layer of loose gravel and bits of tussock had been planted at random. I heard the magic word, “Action!” and there he was – Gandalf came over the top of the ramp on Shadowfax, resplendent in white, cantering down, no saddle, no bridle, his staff held high in his right hand, his beard flying, his white cloak flapping. Behind him were about 20 others, in soldier-like outfits complete with swords, helmets and long flowing cloaks. Their horses were mostly dark brown, with a couple of greys. The dust flew from the horses’ hooves as they came down, the camera rolling, following them the whole way. At the bottom after the take, Gandalf and the soldiers regrouped, right in the middle of the front part of the quarry (Wow! Close up view!) then rode up around the right hand side of the quarry, back to the top of the ramp. The crew got straight to work. A quad bike towing a large brush-like attachment came down the ramp, brushing over the hoofprints. Several props people went down the ramp replanting the tussock, brushing out their tracks as they went. Gandalf and the Riders were lined up at the top of the ramp, outfits were adjusted, the camera on the extended boom was reset, and the ramp was ready for the next take, with no sign that 2 dozen horses had just come charging down. The front of the quarry is a bulk cement plant, so large trucks were moving about right in front of the ramp and in and out of the main gate as all this was taking place. This was no problem during takes, as the cement company trucks all stopped whenever there was a take. How considerate of them. I stayed around long enough to watch a few takes. In between takes I observed the behaviour of the humans. People driving past were slowing down and rubbernecking to get a better look. I saw some of the regular spectators talking to security. A woman carrying a clipboard came down to the main gate and talked to the security guard and some members of the public there. Apparently she thought people should not be watching. Well lady, if you have 2 dozen Middle-earth characters on horses in full view of two busy highways, a railway line and a railway station, what do you expect?? Anyway, this Hobbit’s stomach was starting to rumble, the vision of a Big Mac appeared before my eyes, so it was time for me to slip away quietly and leave Gandalf and company. Until next time, The Hutt Hobbit
Hi Tehanu, a spy report from The Hutt Hobbit “… there is a new LOTR site here in the Hutt Valley. It is located in Peterkin Street, Wingate, at the old Telecom yard, right next to the Pilkington Glass Factory. “The set appears to be the Gates of Moria. From what little I can see, it is made up of a 30 foot high, 100 foot long fake rock wall with two other sides (blue screens possibly). The main wall is facing away from the road, so only the rear scaffolding is visible. In the centre there is a huge cavern-like hole (the entrance to Moria?). Running parallel to it is one of the blank walls of the same size. Presumably it doubles as a blue screen and as a shield from prying eyes. There is a gap about 10 feet wide that various crew members and actors use to get in and out of the set on the side. There is one end open, but that faces the railway tracks and a row of houses opposite the tracks. There are about 2 feet or so of gravel piled up on the floor of the set and an artificial pond. Also inside the set are a couple of old dead trees. One night they had smoke (fake mist possibly) being pumped through the set. There were a pony and some very small actors in Hobbit gear. “Filming seems to be done only at night. The cast and crew take lunch in a well-lit building with lots of windows that happens to be right next to the road. No attempt has been made to cover the windows, so you can get a very good look at who is there. I guess because the set is down a side road in an industrial area they probably are complacent and don’t think that they will be noticed much (wrong! lol:)) Two things gave them away: little signs with ‘JAMB’ on them pointing the way, and great bright lights that can be seen for miles. “On High street you can catch a glimpse of the rock face, complete with trees, shrubs, bushes, etc, if you look between the houses that back onto the railway tracks. As I was looking directly at people’s houses to see the set I could not stay long. I don’t think the residents would like people staring in the general direction of their homes for too long! That would be rude. lol 🙂 The best view (albeit it only a brief one) of the set would be to observe it from the train, as the set is open on the railway side.
I am writing regarding these films you keep making me talk to you about. Here is my story this time.
I was running around the forest practicing my Dragon Stance and my approach techniques when I felt a grumble in my stomach.
I had a feeling for Sushi. I wondered why this was possible because I had eaten an hour previously. I could almost smell the wasabi… in fact I could smell wasabi: using my heightened sense of smell I went in search.
Once again I came across the The Lord of the Rings set of Helms Deep. Today they were filming scenes of Rohan Horsmen chasing Uruks with Body doubles of Gandalf, Legolas , Theoden, Eomer and Aragorn on horses also.
I noticed that there was a blue screen up that day, 5 meters in height and 15 meters across to be exact. At this point I was suspicious so I went in for a closer look. Thankfully the Riders of Rohan came close to where I was so I grabbed one and dressed in his costume. Complete with helmet with blonde hair glued onto the back, I rode closer to the Director’s tent to take a look.
I jumped off the horse and looked at the LCD screen showing test shots of the previous take. And this they would never know: that their security is no match for a Koga Ninja.
I had noticed that there were a lot of PNS, or Provisional Stunts (Fighter), but still that did not explain the extremely large blue screen. Hunting around for more information I watched as Uruk Hai extras lined up in formation: pikesmen, swordsmen, and crossbowmen, all who have distinctly different armor.
I waited a while longer until one of the Assistant Directors started yelling things at the Uruk Hai. What he said would interest you.
‘ok all, Gandalf has arrived! You are very scared; we need you to run towards the blue screen, because you have just noticed a forest appear behind you in the last five minutes so you are running for shelter.’
He shouted across the quarry. What I was more interested in at this time was the ear pieces most of the Assistant Directors and heads of each division had.
But then I thought, ‘These are Ents coming at the end of the Battle.’ The Ents had arrived!! Obviously they will be in the movie, so all can rest their Tolkien hearts.
I left my horse which I called ‘POOKY’ and made my way for the female toilets. Grabbing a lady who appeared to me as an A.D. I tied her with toilet paper and took her ear piece. Over it I heard a lot.
*Due to weather conditions the new Helms Deep sets will be filmed in studio along with the retreat to the glittering caves.
*Minas Tirith will be erected in the same quarry and will be in production around spring.
*From Wednesday-Friday this week, elves will be used in studio for the Helms Deep studio sets.
*Torrential rain has slowed down the production at Haywards Hill and they are missing vital shots which they can only do at the outdoor sets.
*Ents are completely CGI with the help of WETA visuals, apparently they look more tree-like than human-being-like but somewhat transform from tree into walking being.
*Other scenes included huge battles between Uruk Hai and Rohan warriors in front of the 3 scale miniature of Helms Deep castle; using lighting and camera trickery it looks like the battle field is dense with fighters and the castle will look like it is in the distant background.
This concluded my day at the Helms Deep set. I headed back to the Dunharrow set because I had dropped one of my favorite Vials of Poison and it was the last I had so I needed it desperately.
Dunharrow consisted of many tents with Rohan and Dunedain warriors, Viggo Mortensen was doing a small scene where he walked from one tent to another with many background Rohirrim behind him. This was interesting because not only have I seen him speak Elvish on screen at Helms Deep, but I also admired his acting skills.
I managed to slip off the set using my Ninja skills of invisibility and deception. Moments later I was back in the forest practicing my Dragon Stance again.
What happened next is between me and my gods… and maybe you.
They speak of Hugo Weaving (Elrond) being on set, and what it’s like to work with a 6’4 tall person. Apparently he’s not the weed he looks like in The Matrix. Tall, big build, and looks nothing like agent Smith – once he’s doned hair extensions (he’s grown it longer anyway) and his ‘gear’. Then again, he looks remarkably short, standing next to one of New Zealand’s taller people, a 7’2 Elf. And after all that sweaty stuff, the extras are invited to have a preview of the work they have just completed. Yep, they got to see what they looked like, as millions will in 1 1/2 years time. 
Then Bernard Hill (Theoden), cracking jokes during the siege of Helms Deep. A shot of all the Elves trying to hold the gates shut, and Mr. Hill yells out “c’mon chaps, it’s the Jehovahs Witnesses trying to get in!”
But all in all, the extras have reported time and time again, that two of the nicest guys to work with have been Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), who would come down to the pub afterwards with the lads for a drink, and Hugo Weaving, who lines up with the extras during dinner time. That is, no sign of Hollywood down under. Just people doing their jobs.
The NZ Listener has scored themselves an interview with our very own Liv Tyler (Arwen). In the interview Liv discusses LOTR and other projects.
The Mirror of Galadriel