Hobbit cast out in force at theatre opening
By Dan Parker
3news.co.nz
March 31, 2011

In contrast to its suburban surroundings, Stone Street Studios is a hive of activity.

Production on the Hobbit films is into its second week, and a plane spotter is warning noise from nearby Wellington Airport is a sure sign filming dialogue is underway.

Spotting a hobbit however is much more difficult.

Since photos surfaced on the internet of the actors fans believe are Martin Freeman - who plays Bilbo Baggins - and Andy Serkis - who plays Gollum - new security measures, including jackets and umbrellas, are being used.

Getting a look in proved more productive last night at the opening of the Roxy.

Miramar's new $7m 3D cinema was rebuilt by Sir Richard Taylor's wife Tania Rodger and film editor Jamie Selkirk.

“The whole concept of making the cinema was to get that nice nostalgic 30's feel,” says Selkirk.

Wizards, dwarves and the film's director Sir Peter Jackson, dressed as the Rocketeer, also attended, taking a brief moment of respite from the Hobbit's busy shooting schedule.

“It’s a massive film, and it's the biggest film any of us have ever done and somehow Peter, Fran and Phillipa make us feel like we are we are all part of, at the moment, a happy family,” says actor James Nesbitt.

And now the cast will have somewhere to go on their days off, especially if they want a history lesson in Sir Peter's films.

Saoirse Ronan for The Hobbit?
Virgin Media.com
March 28, 2011

Saoirse Ronan is "hopeful" she may have a part in 'The Hobbit'.

The Irish actress has previously worked with the film's director Sir Peter Jackson on 'The Lovely Bones' - which like the fantasy epic was also shot in New Zealand - and thinks she may be involved with the movie, which recently began shooting.

She said: "Pete is adding a lot of characters in the film adaption. Hopefully they have a part for me.

"It would be great to go back. I love Pete. It's such an amazing family unit down there because it's such a small country, and they use a lot of the same crew."

Although she refused to confirm what character she might play, she admitted internet site IMDB.com had her down as an elf.

Saoirse added to the Los Angeles Times: "On IMDB they say I'm playing an elf. We'll just have to figure it all out."

Martin Freeman has signed on to portray Bilbo Baggins in the movie, with comrades including James Nesbitt and Rob Kazinsky.

The majority of the cast of 'Lord of the Rings' will star in the forthcoming prequels, including Sir Ian McKellen as wizard Gandalf and Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, but Liv Tyler - who played Arwen - will not be returning for the movie.

She said recently: "I haven't heard from anybody and that makes me kind of sad."

Hobbiton red tape needs untangling
By Tom Hunt
The Dominion Post
March 26, 2011

The Hobbit film-makers are about to lose permission to film in Hobbiton, the location that bookends JRR Tolkien's classic tale - though that does not mean their quest is finished.

Documents issued under the Official Information Act show a crew of up to 450 were scheduled to descend on Hobbiton, near Matamata, for up to three weeks in February and March this year.

That was delayed after director Sir Peter Jackson required surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer.

Other speedbumps - including a high-profile industrial dispute and the departure of director Guillermo del Toro - have dogged the production, which lead actor Martin Freeman has laughingly referred to as suffering the "Hobbit curse".

Shooting of the films is now under way and is planned for next summer in Hobbiton.

The fictional Hobbiton, in The Shire, is where Bilbo Baggins begins and ends his quest in The Hobbit, as does Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings. The same Hobbiton set used in Lord of the Rings has been refurbished for the two-part Hobbit movies.

Matamata-Piako District Council corporate and legal services manager Michelle Hawthorne said resource consent required that filming be completed by the end of next month.

"If 3 Foot 7 wants to film after this date they will need approval from council to do so, they have not applied to council yet, although I understand they are aware of this requirement," she said. A traffic management plan, needed for resource consent, had still not been approved by the council.

To shoot as planned next summer the production would have to get a new resource consent.

A spokeswoman for 3 Foot 7 said shooting in Hobbiton was still scheduled for next summer, but would not give specific dates.

The company would be reapplying to film at Hobbiton.

The documents, released by the Matamata-Piako District Council, show that $1.4 million was being spent constructing new hobbit holes, a new fake tree, and the Green Dragon Inn. They have been built to last more than 50 years.

The original resource consent was issued for the construction of Hobbiton, for use in The Hobbit, as far back as December 2009.

'Hobbit' Filming Begins in New Zealand
By: Wesley Ernst
The Christian Post.com
March 22, 2011

Director Peter Jackson, who has directed all three films in the trilogy, made the announcement over Facebook on Sunday.

The first installment of the Warner Bros. and New Line Production film is not expected to be release until December 2012, while the second part is slated for release in 2013.

Tolkien, a devout Catholic, wrote The Lord of the Rings series in part to explore his religious faith but chose not to do so in an explicit way but rather to highlight moral themes and philosophies.

The Hobbit, a prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, stars Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins. Cate Blanchett, who appeared in The Lord of the Rings, will reprise her role as elven leader Galadriel, the Lady of Lothlorien in the prequel.

Props and costume production will be overseen by Weta Workshop, which has worked on King Kong, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The Chronicles of Narnia series.

A Frustrating Start:

Production for the two-part feature started after months of setbacks ranging from labor disputes to natural disaster.

Last year, Warner Bros. and New Line considered moving production from New Zealand to eastern Europe after unions threatened to strike in a row over wages.

Thousands of irate demonstrators took to the streets demanding that the production stay in New Zealand.

By the end of October 2010, the New Zealand government passed legislation to improve tax breaks and to change labor laws so that production stayed in the country.

Then in January, Jackson was hospitalized with a perforated ulcer. And in the following month, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the city of Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Men Behind The Hobbit:

Besides being an accomplished writer, J.R.R. Tolkien is noted for his longstanding friendship and rivalry with Christian author and lay theologian C.S. Lewis.

The men first met in 1926 during a faculty meeting, discovering a common interest in poetry, language, myth and storytelling. The two quickly became friends, bonding over their shared experiences as World War I veterans. A devout Catholic, Tolkien led Lewis’ conversion from atheism to Christianity in 1931. Lewis, however, exasperated Tolkien by accepting the protestant Anglican faith instead.

Tolkien published the Hobbit in 1936, spawning The Lord of the Rings universe. It has been noted that Tolkien’s conversations with Lewis provided some of the basis for the series.

Lewis gradually became the celebrated “everyman’s theologian” publishing the theological classics including The Screwtape Letters. This disturbed Tolkien who opted for a more quiet and devout existence.

In 1947, Lewis graced the cover of Time Magazine and his fame eclipsed that of Tolkien’s with the release of the Narnia series throughout the 1950s. Lewis forever endeared himself to modern theological thought with the release of his influential book Mere Christianity in 1952.

Besides not seeing eye-to-eye on theology and fame, both Lewis and Tolkien criticized each other's literary style.

Lewis published books as quickly as he could finish writing them. Tolkien, the ardent perfectionist, took almost 17 years to complete The Lord of the Rings series. Tolkien did his utmost to hide the religious themes within The Lord of the Rings series, while Lewis’ Narnia series was rife with Christian allegory.

Despite their differences, both authors continued to inspire each other at critical moments in their respective career.

The friendship eventually fell apart after Lewis married an American divorcee - which Tolkien disapproved because of his Catholic faith. Afterward, the men did not see each other again.

Lewis was the first to die in 1963, while Tolkien passed away a decade later.

In an ironic twist, both Lewis and Tolkien’s works have gone forward to become beloved classics read by believers and nonbelievers the world over.

Peter Jackson
The Hobbit
Set photo

PRODUCTION BEGINS IN NEW ZEALAND ON THE HOBBIT

PETER JACKSON’S TWO FILM EPIC ADAPTATION OF J.R.R. TOLKIEN’S TIMELESS CLASSIC

In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit…

Wellington, NZ, March 21, 2011 - Production has commenced in Wellington, New Zealand, on “The Hobbit,” filmmaker Peter Jackson’s two film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s widely read masterpiece.

“The Hobbit” is set in Middle-earth 60 years before Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”

The two films, with screenplays by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson, will be shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Filming will take place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.

“The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever...Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Martin Freeman takes the title role as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen returns in the role of Gandalf the Grey. The Dwarves are played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur) James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori). Reprising their roles from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy are Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Andy Serkis as Gollum and Elijah Wood as Frodo. Jeffrey Thomas and Mike Mizrahi also join the cast as Dwarf Kings Thror and Thrain, respectively. Further casting announcements are expected.

“The Hobbit” is produced by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, alongside Carolynne Cunningham. Executive producers are Ken Kamins and Zane Weiner, with Philippa Boyens as co-producer. The Oscar-winning, critically acclaimed “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, also from the production team of Jackson and Walsh, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box office. In 2003, “The Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the 11 categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

Among the creative behind-the-scenes team returning to Jackson’s crew are director of photography Andrew Lesnie, production designer Dan Hennah, conceptual designers Alan Lee and John Howe, composer Howard Shore and make-up and hair designer Peter King. Costumes are designed by Ann Maskrey and Richard Taylor.

Taylor is also overseeing the design and production of weaponry, armour and prosthetics which are once again being made by the award winning Weta Workshop. Weta Digital take on the visual effects for both films, led by the film’s visual effects supervisor, Joe Letteri. Post production will take place at Park Road Post Production in Wellington.

“The Hobbit” films are co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing being handled by MGM. The two films are planned for release in late 2012 and 2013, respectively.

ABOUT NEW LINE CINEMA

New Line Cinema continues to be one of the most successful independent film companies. For more than 40 years, its mission has been to produce innovative, popular, profitable entertainment in the best creative environment. A pioneer in franchise filmmaking, New Line produced the Oscar-winning “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which is a landmark in the history of film franchises. New Line Cinema is a division of Warner Bros.

ABOUT PETER JACKSON/WINGNUT FILMS

Peter Jackson is one of the world’s most successful filmmakers. His monumental achievement co-writing, co-producing and directing The Lord of the Rings trilogy (with fellow Academy Award winners and frequent collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens) earned a total of 30 Academy Award nominations and 17 Academy Awards. Jackson and Walsh received their first Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for their acclaimed film Heavenly Creatures. Jackson, through his New Zealand-based Wingnut Films banner, also was responsible for the globally successful 2005 remake of King Kong which earned over $500 million worldwide and 3 Academy Awards. Jackson most recently directed the Academy Award nominated The Lovely Bones; an adaptation of the acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, which to date has earned nearly $100 million worldwide; and produced the global sensation, District 9, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. He is also developing a trilogy of films with Steven Spielberg based on Tintin, the world renowned comic book series by Herge. In 2010 he received a Knighthood for his services to film.

ABOUT METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER STUDIOS INC.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit MGM.com.

'The Hobbit' Filming Finally Begins in New Zealand
By Pip Bulbeck
Hollywood Reporter
March 21, 2011

Peter Jackson's long-awaited adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's novel has suffered numerous setbacks, but everyone involved is now "raring to go," the director's assistant says.

SYDNEY -- Filming on Peter Jackson's long-awaited adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit gets under way Monday in Wellington, New Zealand, with everyone involved "raring to go," Jackson's assistant Matt Dravitski told New Zealand media.

The start of filming on the two $500 million Hobbit films -- prequels to The Lord of the Rings -- comes after setbacks that have included disputes over distribution rights to the films; financial difficulties of studios MGM and New Line; the departure of Guillermo Del Toro as director; industrial action brought about by N.Z. Actros Equity, which threatened to move the shoot from New Zealand; and Jackson's hospitalization in February for a perforated stomach ulcer.

Martin Freeman, who stars in the title role as Bilbo Baggins, joked about the so-called "curse of The Hobbit" last month: "There are some bits of bad luck associated with it [but] we're ready to go -- just as soon as 2015 comes around."

The company of 13 dwarves, Baggins and the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) have been in Wellington for the last two months preparing for the films.

The Hobbit, to be made as two 3D films, follows the journey of Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of 13 dwarves led by the legendary warrior Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers and ultimately Baggins' meeting with Gollum, where he gains possession of Gollum's "precious" ring -- the simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-Earth.

Joining Baggins on the quest are the Dwarves, played by Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), Ken Stott (Balin), Graham McTavish (Dwalin), William Kircher (Bifur), James Nesbitt (Bofur), Stephen Hunter (Bombur), Rob Kazinsky (Fili), Aidan Turner (Kili), Peter Hambleton (Gloin), John Callen (Oin), Jed Brophy (Nori), Mark Hadlow (Dori) and Adam Brown (Ori).

Warner Bros. on Monday confirmed that Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Andy Serkis (Gollum) and Elijah Wood (Frodo) will reprise their roles from Lord of the Rings. N.Z. actors Jeffrey Thomas and Mike Mizrahi also join the cast as Dwarf Kings Thror and Thrain, respectively.

Filming, under the eye of director of photography Andrew Lesnie, will take place at Wellington Stone Street Studios, the village of Matamata and at other undisclosed locations around New Zealand.

The two films are said to be worth more than $1 billion to the N.Z. economy. The New Zealand government is providing incentives and tax breaks worth around $100 million to the shoot.

Also working on the films are production designer Dan Hennah, conceptual designers Alan Lee and John Howe, composer Howard Shore and makeup and hair designer Peter King. Costumes are designed by Ann Maskrey and Richard Taylor.

Taylor is also overseeing the design and production of weaponry, armor and prosthetics, which are once again being made by Weta Workshop. Weta Digital takes on the visual effects for both films, led by the film's visual effects supervisor, Joe Letteri. Postproduction will take place at Park Road Post Production in Wellington.

The Hobbit is produced by Jackson and Fran Walsh, alongside Carolynne Cunningham. Executive producers are Ken Kamins and Zane Weiner, with Philippa Boyens as co-producer.

The Hobbit films are co-produced by New Line Cinema and MGM, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing being handled by MGM.

The two films are planned for release in late 2012 and 2013, respectively.

'The Hobbit': Lights, Camera, Action -- Finally
By Rebecca Howard
Wall Street Journal
March 21, 2011

Bilbo Baggins’s journey through treacherous lands swarming with goblins and orcs, deadly wargs and giant spiders, shapeshifters and sorcerers has begun filming, at long last.

“The Hobbit” movie kicked off shooting in Wellington, New Zealand, today, “and the mood is really great,” a spokeswoman for the New Zealand production company 3Foot7 Ltd. told The Wall Street Journal on Monday.

After several delays due to financial woes and union threats to boycott the film - health problems for director Peter Jackson earlier this year put off filming for four months - the first scenes of the $500 million two-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s widely read novel are being shot at Stone Street Studios in Wellington, before crews head out on location to New Zealand’s alpine peaks, rain forests and wilderness. So far, 3Foot7 hasn’t given any details about other locations, but filming is expected to take place at Matamata on New Zealand’s North Island later this year.

“The Hobbit” takes place 60 years before in the same fantasy setting of Middle Earth as Tolkien’s epic “The Lord of the Rings,” which Mr. Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in an Oscar-winning trilogy. All three of the “Rings” movies were shot in New Zealand. Actor Martin Freeman takes the title role as Bilbo Baggins; several stars from that series will reprise their roles, including Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey, Cate Blanchett as the elf queen Galadriel, and Elijah Wood as Frodo.

New Zealand nearly lost “The Hobbit” late last year due to a union dispute but the production was deemed so vital to the economy that Prime Minister John Key stepped in and brokered a deal with filmmakers that included a wider tax rebate and changes to labor legislation. Government officials have said the movie could create more than 1,000 jobs and stimulate $1 billion in spending.

AFP: Cameras finally roll on 'The Hobbit'
March 20, 2011

WELLINGTON - After years of wrangling and delays, Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson finally called "action" on his latest Tolkien epic "The Hobbit".

The $500 million project, a two-part prequel to "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, began filming in New Zealand Monday, Hollywood studio Warner Bros. said.

"Production has commenced in Wellington," Warner Bros. said in a statement.

"The Hobbit" has been dogged by problems, prompting British actor Martin Freeman, who plays the title character Bilbo Baggins, to acknowledge last month that he had heard rumours it was jinxed.

Freeman, best known for his work in "The Office", will join "Cold Feet" actor James Nesbitt on the set, with Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Ian McKellan (Gandalf) and Elijah Wood (Frodo) reprising their "Lord of the Rings" roles.

The most serious threat to the movies erupted last October, when actors' unions slapped a global boycott on the production in a dispute over pay and conditions, prompting Jackson to look at shifting filming from New Zealand.

Warner Bros. finally agreed to keep the production in the country, which provided a stunning backdrop to the "Rings" movies, after the government changed employment laws and gave the studio millions of dollars in tax breaks.

Before that, the project was stalled for years amid rows over distribution rights, reported budget blowouts and financial woes at the MGM studio, prompting director Guillermo del Toro to quit last year.

It even became embroiled in a race row last November, when a casting agent was sacked for telling a woman with an Indian background that she was too dark to be a Hobbit.

Then, with Jackson confirmed as del Toro's replacement in the director's chair and cameras ready to roll, the New Zealander suffered a perforated ulcer and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery, leading to more delays.

Lights, camera, action for Hobbits
By Sarah Harvey
Stuff.co.nz
March 20, 2011

The shire is built, the Hobbits have arrived, and production of one of the biggest films ever to be made in New Zealand is set to begin tomorrow.

After a torrid few weeks at the end of last year when a spat between director Sir Peter Jackson and the New Zealand actors' union threatened to drive the film overseas, filming will now start on The Hobbit - the two-part prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The stoush last year resulted in Prime Minister John Key announcing that the government would make concessions to filmmakers Warner Bros, including a change to labour laws clarifying the status of film workers as contractors.

Overseas media have described The Hobbit as possibly the biggest movie franchise ever and Key said last year the amount being spent on the films was "off the scale", even for Hollywood.

Sets have again been created at a sheep and beef farm near Matamata and other, as-yet to be announced, locations around New Zealand will be used during the more than year-long filming.

Several of the stars of the film are already in the country, including English actor Martin Freeman who will play Bilbo Baggins. Three of Jackson's favourite actors will return to play alongside Freeman, including Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Elijah Wood as Frodo.

Matt Dravitzki, Jackson's assistant at Wingnut Films told the Sunday Star-Times: "We are very excited to be starting production. We will be shooting right through this year and into 2012. We will be filming in our studios in Miramar, Wellington, and in locations throughout New Zealand, but I can't reveal those at the moment."

The Miramar studios are also the base for Weta Studios which will create the costumes, models and props for the films.

Dravitzki said Jackson's health was "good" after a scare earlier this year resulted in his undergoing surgery for a perforated stomach ulcer. "We are all raring go to go."

In an earlier media release Jackson said: "Despite some delays we are fully back on track and very excited to get started."

The production is set to be a boon for the film industry in New Zealand. Actors Equity spokeswoman Frances Walsh said: "We are very glad [the production] has stayed in New Zealand. We were very conscious of the need for that to happen so it's great news.

"We want the industry to be a flourishing one, and to do that it needs to be a combination of these very big international studio productions and local productions." There are obvious tourism payoffs, although the actual benefit is hard to measure.

It is most obvious in Matamata where visitor numbers rose from about 50,000 a year before the release of the first Lord of the Rings film, to 364,000 people in 2004.

The first instalment of The Hobbit is expected in December 2012, while the second will be released in 2013.

- Sunday Star Times

Fill the Basin for Canterbury - Sport - NZ Herald Pictures

Fill The Basin raises more than $500,000
Stuff.co.nz
By Michelle Duff
March 14, 2011

The Prime Minister sledged a cricket star, Hobbits took turns at umpiring - and one of the biggest crowds the Basin Reserve has seen helped to raise more than half a million dollars for Christchurch.

More than 10,000 people packed Wellington's legendary cricket ground yesterday for a charity Twenty20 cricket match bringing together some past greats of New Zealand cricket as well as film stars and sporting celebrities.

The excited crowd - many wearing red and black - whooped and cheered as the Canterbury Invitation XI, led by former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, took on the Wellington Legends, captained by Martin Crowe.

Fleming, who was born in Christchurch, organised the event.

"I think we've got a bigger crowd than the Black Caps ever got," cricket great Richard Hadlee was overheard saying before he opened the bowling for Canterbury.

The innings break saw a standoff between Australian fast bowler Shane Warne and John Key, with $100,000 at stake.

After a false start, in which Warne bowled a sneaky underarm, Mr Key managed to connect for a four - netting the cash for Christchurch, courtesy of Fujitsu.

In what some might consider a brave (or foolhardy) move, Mr Key was heard to slip a cheeky sledge in Warne's direction just before the last bowl - "Liz [Hurley] says hi."

It could have been a trick of the eye, but the next ball certainly appeared faster than the preceeding five.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said he thought the people in Christchurch would be inspired and feel they are being supported by fellow Kiwis. "We are standing side by side, and that's a very important message for us to hear." As the world's eyes turned to the "horrible" Japan earthquake, it was important for Cantabrians to know they were not being forgotten.

British star Martin Freeman, who will play Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, was there in support along with Kiwi Mark Hadlow, Sir Ian McKellen, and some of the film's crew.

Asked if he was enjoying his time in Wellington, Freeman replied: "I was liking it very well until now, and now I'm terrified. I've got to be square leg umpire, whatever that means."

Actor Russell Crowe, who was "coaching" the Canterbury team, said he was playing on behalf of his dad, who was born in Christchurch.

It was his dad's birthday yesterday, but health problems had stopped him from attending. "This is my birthday present to my dad ... to come and [support] Canterbury."

More than $500,000 was raised at the match, with $130,000 in gate takings alone.

- The Dominion Post

Umpire and Bilbo Baggins Martin Freeman at the Fill the Basin charity cricket match at the Basin Reserve, Wellington. Photo / NZPA

Key smashes Warne in quake charity match
Sport - NZ Herald News
March 13, 2011

Wellingtonians came out in force to support quake-stricken Christchurch as New Zealand cricket greats were joined by a host of famous faces in the "Fill The Basin for Christchurch" Twenty20 match today.

For the record, the star-studded Canterbury Invitation 11 were able to put together a score of 226 in their 20 overs but, perhaps more importantly, Prime Minister John Key was able to hit Australian cricketing great Shane Warne for a boundary in the innings break, with Fujitsu offering $100,000 to Christchurch's earthquake appeal if the ball crossed the ropes. The "Wellington Legends" side were 135 for 2 after 12 overs of their chase.

Spectators packed the Basin Reserve, many sporting red and black in solidarity with quake-hit Christchurch, to see the Canterbury Invitation 11, led by former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and including Australian spin legend Warne, play a "Wellington Legends" side led by batting great Martin Crowe.

The event was organised by Fleming, who was born in Christchurch and played for Canterbury before moving to Wellington.

The teams were supported by a list of big names, including actor Russell Crowe, who coached the Canterbury team, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, Hobbit actors James Nisbet - who coached the Wellington team - Sir Ian McKellen and Martin Freeman, Mr Key and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, sporting his trademark orange jacket.

The crowd was reminded of the serious reason they were there as they, along with the teams stood for a minute of silence for quake-hit Christchurch and for the victims of Japan's massive quake and tsunami, which struck on Friday.

Canterbury got off to a rollicking start with Nathan Astle and Mark Greatbatch smacking 100 off 54 balls before Greatbatch was bowled by Ewen Chatfield for 47 with the score on 101.

The crowd reserved some of its biggest cheers for local rugby hero and former All Black Tana Umaga when he had Craig McMillan caught off his own bowling before taking a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Dion Nash an over later.

The Canterbury team finished up with a formidable total of 226 off their 20 overs, with Astle top scoring with 61 off 29 balls.

The action did not let up in the innings break, with a "nervous" Mr Key taking on Warne with $100,000 for Christchurch at stake.

Mr Key had no reason to worry, however, and after a cheeky underarm delivery from Warne first up he hit three boundaries, the first of which narrowly missed McKellen, who was leisurely sitting in a deck chair at square-leg.

Mr Key's confidence improved after hitting his second boundary, and he narrowly missed out on clearing the ropes after boasting he was going to hit the next ball for six.

Richard Hadlee opened the bowling for Canterbury but was unable to take a wicket despite appealing almost every delivery.

Wellington got off to a good start with Matthew Bell hitting 61 off 23 balls before he was caught by Nash off the bowling of Justin Vaughan.

The teams: Wellington Legends XI: Martin Crowe (captain), Andrew Jones, Bruce Edgar, Chris Nevin, Ewen Chatfield, Gavin Larsen, Jason Wells, Jonathan Millmow, Matthew Bell, Richard Petrie, Roger Twose, Tana Umaga.

Canterbury Invitation XI: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Geoff Allott, Mark Ellis, Mark Greatbatch, Sir Richard Hadlee, Rod Latham, Craig McMillan, Dion Nash, Adam Parore, Justin Vaughan, Shane Warne.

Key smashes Warne in quake charity match
Sport - NZ Herald News
March 13, 2011

Wellingtonians came out in force to support quake-stricken Christchurch as New Zealand cricket greats were joined by a host of famous faces in the "Fill The Basin for Christchurch" Twenty20 match today.

For the record, the star-studded Canterbury Invitation 11 were able to put together a score of 226 in their 20 overs but, perhaps more importantly, Prime Minister John Key was able to hit Australian cricketing great Shane Warne for a boundary in the innings break, with Fujitsu offering $100,000 to Christchurch's earthquake appeal if the ball crossed the ropes. The "Wellington Legends" side were 135 for 2 after 12 overs of their chase.

Spectators packed the Basin Reserve, many sporting red and black in solidarity with quake-hit Christchurch, to see the Canterbury Invitation 11, led by former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and including Australian spin legend Warne, play a "Wellington Legends" side led by batting great Martin Crowe.

The event was organised by Fleming, who was born in Christchurch and played for Canterbury before moving to Wellington.

The teams were supported by a list of big names, including actor Russell Crowe, who coached the Canterbury team, All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, Hobbit actors James Nisbet - who coached the Wellington team - Sir Ian McKellen and Martin Freeman, Mr Key and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, sporting his trademark orange jacket.

The crowd was reminded of the serious reason they were there as they, along with the teams stood for a minute of silence for quake-hit Christchurch and for the victims of Japan's massive quake and tsunami, which struck on Friday.

Canterbury got off to a rollicking start with Nathan Astle and Mark Greatbatch smacking 100 off 54 balls before Greatbatch was bowled by Ewen Chatfield for 47 with the score on 101.

The crowd reserved some of its biggest cheers for local rugby hero and former All Black Tana Umaga when he had Craig McMillan caught off his own bowling before taking a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Dion Nash an over later.

The Canterbury team finished up with a formidable total of 226 off their 20 overs, with Astle top scoring with 61 off 29 balls.

The action did not let up in the innings break, with a "nervous" Mr Key taking on Warne with $100,000 for Christchurch at stake.

Mr Key had no reason to worry, however, and after a cheeky underarm delivery from Warne first up he hit three boundaries, the first of which narrowly missed McKellen, who was leisurely sitting in a deck chair at square-leg.

Mr Key's confidence improved after hitting his second boundary, and he narrowly missed out on clearing the ropes after boasting he was going to hit the next ball for six.

Richard Hadlee opened the bowling for Canterbury but was unable to take a wicket despite appealing almost every delivery.

Wellington got off to a good start with Matthew Bell hitting 61 off 23 balls before he was caught by Nash off the bowling of Justin Vaughan.

The teams: Wellington Legends XI: Martin Crowe (captain), Andrew Jones, Bruce Edgar, Chris Nevin, Ewen Chatfield, Gavin Larsen, Jason Wells, Jonathan Millmow, Matthew Bell, Richard Petrie, Roger Twose, Tana Umaga.

Canterbury Invitation XI: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Geoff Allott, Mark Ellis, Mark Greatbatch, Sir Richard Hadlee, Rod Latham, Craig McMillan, Dion Nash, Adam Parore, Justin Vaughan, Shane Warne.

- NZPA

Kiwi actors ready to role-play
By Kim Knight
Stuff.co.nz
March 13, 2011

At least half the 75 main character roles in the two Hobbit movies could go to overseas actors.

Documents obtained under the Official Information Act show Sir Peter Jackson's production company has permission to bring in 40 internationals for speaking parts.

Shooting on the two-year project begins in Wellington tomorrow week.

The Sunday Star-Times understands only 33 of the main roles - defined as those with any dialogue - have been assigned so far, with 16 spots going to Kiwis. Britain's Martin Freeman will play The Hobbit's hero Bilbo Baggins, and big- name stars Sir Ian McKellen and Cate Blanchett are back to play Gandalf and Galadriel, respectively. Local actors on the project include Mark Hadlow and Jed Brophy.

Jackson's production company 3Foot7 applied to the Department of Labour for "approval in principle" for work visas for 40 overseas actors in November after a highly public dispute with Actors Equity, which recommended its members boycott the movies.

The boycott was withdrawn a week before the films' American backers, Warner Bros, travelled here to meet Prime Minister John Key, who promised government support, including tax breaks and employment law changes.

Documentation shows Actors Equity subsequently objected to the approval in principle - granted on the same day a call for comments from the union closed. An $8400 processing fee was also waived.

"Equity is astounded that a request for 40 roles has been made at all, and in particular, made without any evidence whatsover which would go to proving that New Zealand performers are not available for these roles," the union said in its submission to the Labour Department.

"The production company has not supplied Equity with documentation by which we can assess whether they have made any effort whatsoever to engage local performers for these 40 roles, and so satisfy immigration policy."

Actors Equity said at the time of the application, immigration policy stated companies had to provide "adequate evidence" that the applicant was of international distinction or merit, or particular ethnic significance, or essential to the production; and that "appropriate consideration" had been given to employing available locals, and that no local jobs were at risk, unless wider benefits outweighed the loss of job opportunities.

Work and Income comment was sought on the approval. An email released to the Star-Times shows it supported the application, saying a search of its database, "confirmed that we have 103 people registered nationally that indicate they are seeking employment as actors. Twelve have indicated they have in excess of five years' experience in the industry".

Graham Dunster, Auckland- based actor's agent, said last week he didn't think it would be difficult to find 40 - or 75 - good actors in New Zealand.

"The more this sort of thing happens, the more actors have little choice but to leave New Zealand and work overseas or simply give up being an actor."

Ad Feedback Frances Walsh, Actors Equity industrial organiser, said the union estimated up to 95% of the country's performers were out of work at any given time. "It's high skill and high unemployment terrain." However, she said few would be on the dole.

In the 2006 census, 588 people identified themselves as performers. At the height of The Hobbit dispute, Actors Equity had 625 members.

The Star-Times understands around 600 auditions - some of them involving one actor going for multiple roles - were conducted locally, and New Zealanders were considered for all lead roles that were not reprisals of those established in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. In addition, an estimated 20,000 work days for local extras, stand-ins and doubles, would be generated by The Hobbit movies.

Casting sessions were conducted in London, Los Angeles, New York, Australia and New Zealand.

- Sunday Star Times

Hollywood meets Wellywood on cricket pitch
New Zealand.com
Tourism New Zealand
March 9, 2011

With the Gladiator, a selection of Hobbits and Gandalf defending the wickets, a Sunday cricket game in Wellington, New Zealand, is about to pitch Hollywood against Wellywood.

The celebrity cast assembled from around the world is lining up to ‘Fill the Basin for Christchurch’ this Sunday (13.03.2011) with a charity cricket match supporting Christchurch earthquake victims.

Oscar-winner Russell Crowe and The Hobbit’s Sir Ian McKellen, James Nesbitt and Martin Freeman are lending their star power to the sell-out match at Wellington’s Basin Reserve cricket ground.

New Zealand legends:

The movie stars will join a raft of New Zealand sporting legends, including former All Black captain Tana Umaga and current captain Richie McCaw, in a Twenty20 cricket match that aims to raise funds and spirits for Christchurch following last month’s earthquake.

The Basin Reserve cricket ground - commonly known as The Basin and New Zealand’s oldest first-class cricket ground - is an iconic feature of central Wellington. Once a shallow lagoon linked to the inner harbour, it was drained to provide a 9-acre green park that has hosted many famous games.

Wellington is no stranger to celebrity events, especially since local movie legend Sir Peter Jackson set up his international film empire in the city suburb of Miramar just a few minutes from The Basin.

Wellington vs Canterbury:

Spooks star Nesbitt - in Wellington for filming of Jackson’s much anticipated The Hobbit movies - will coach the Wellington Legends XI, captained by Kiwi batting legend Martin Crowe.

His team is pitted against a Canterbury Invitation XI coached by Martin’s cousin, Wellington-born Russell Crowe, known for his roles in blockbusters such as The Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind.

‘Fill the Basin’ organiser and former Blackcaps captain Stephen Fleming will captain the Canterbury side.

Australian leg spinning legend Shane Warne will also pitch in, joining the Canterbury team. Event organisers are also auctioning off the chance to be ‘Bowled Over’ by the master of spin between innings on New Zealand online auction site Trade Me.

Celebrity referees:

In Wellington to reprise his role of Gandalf, Lord of the Rings star Sir Ian McKellen will be working his magic as match referee.

The Office’s Martin Freeman - who has bagged The Hobbit’s star role of Bilbo Baggins - will share umpiring duties with McCaw, All Black Conrad Smith and fellow The Hobbit cast member Mark Hadlow.

Recent cricket internationals Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Adam Parore and Dion Nash will make up a strong Canterbury XI, while bowling legend Sir Richard Hadlee is included in the side but may take the field only briefly and instead run the collection bucket.

The Wellington Legends XI includes former heroes of the Basin such as Bruce Edgar, Ewen Chatfield, Andrew Jones, Gavin Larsen and Roger Twose.

Cricket team line-up:

Wellington XI: Martin Crowe (captain), Andrew Jones, Bruce Edgar, Roger Twose, Chris Nevin, Matthew Bell, Jason Wells, Gavin Larsen, Richard Petrie, Jonathan Millmow, Ewen Chatfield, Tana Umaga, Coach: James Nesbitt

Canterbury XI: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Mark Greatbatch, Craig McMillan, Rod Latham, Adam Parore, Dion Nash, Justin Vaughan, Shane Warne, Richard Hadlee, Geoff Allott, Marc Ellis, Coach: Russell Crowe

Background: Wellington:

Listed as the ‘coolest little capital in the world’, Wellington is #4 on the Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2011 list of top 10 cities to visit this year.

A compact city with a natural soul, Wellington is a harbour capital embraced by ocean and hill.

Sitting at the bottom of New Zealand’s North Island, the city sets the native and historic stories of ‘the youngest country on earth’ against a classy urban scene of world class filmmaking, coffee, cocktails and cuisine.

The gateway between the North and South islands is tucked between two of the country’s finest wine regions - Marlborough and Martinborough.

Ian McKellan Has Seen Martin Freeman As ‘The Hobbit’
MTV Movies
March 9, 2011

As if you didn't have enough reasons to wish you were Ian McKellan, here's another one: he's seen Bilbo Baggins in 3-D.

The "Lord of the Rings" and soon-to-be "Hobbit" star heard Martin Freeman, aka our next Bilbo, was doing some test shots with the production's 3-D cameras dressed up in character and decided to swing by and see how it looked. According to him, Freeman was "transmuting into a character whose reality will soon be as authentic as his own."

McKellan took to his blog to detail for his fans how "The Hobbit" would look in three dimensions. We already thought he was perfect for the role, but based on McKellan's description, we're even more excited to see what Freeman has in store for us.

"Indeed, there [Freeman] was in the open air, mostly oblivious to the camera, though turning this way and that as required," wrote the erstwhile Gandalf. "Martin improvised a hobbity gait, padding back and forth, testing his big hairy Hobbit feet, pointy ears and little tum."

McKellan also spoke to the 3-D technology he witnessed, saying: "[The] screen showed the familiar 2D image but next to it, above the director's chair, was a large colour screen in full magical three dimensions, much as it will appear in the cinema — courtesy of the spy-glasses that transform the blurred outlines onscreen to the high definition exactitude of the 3D effect."

"Three Bilbos simultaneously, two performances on screen and the actor beyond: which was the real one?" he pondered. "Martin Freeman was transmuting into a character whose reality will soon be as authentic as his own."

McKellen: Freeman's 'hobbity gait'
Belfasttelegraph.co.uk
March 9, 2011

Martin Freeman has a "hobbity gait", Sir Ian McKellen has revealed.

The Sherlock star portrays lead hobbit Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings 3D prequel, with Ian reprising his role as wizard Gandalf.

He recalled his encounter with Martin during a costume test run, writing on his official website, www.mckellen.com: "I've seen Bilbo - in three dimensions. Martin improvised a hobbity gait, padding back and forth, testing his big hairy Hobbit feet, pointy ears and little tum."

Ian was visiting friends when he heard Martin was nearby so he headed over to have a sneak peek.

"I heard Martin Freeman was just round the corner by the permanent greenscreen, done up as Bilbo, testing his costume in front of the 3D cameras," he continued.

"Indeed, there he was in the open air, mostly oblivious to the camera, though turning this way and that as required. Beneath the shade of a tent, in a sun hat, Andrew Lesnie (cinematographer) was remotely controlling the two lenses within the mighty camera which digitally records in 3D.

"His screen showed the familiar 2D image but next to it, above the director's chair, was a large colour screen in full magical three dimensions, much as it will appear in the cinema."

Ian, who is in New Zealand preparing for the shoot, added: "Three Bilbos simultaneously, two performances on screen and the actor beyond: which was the real one? Martin Freeman was transmuting into a character whose reality will soon be as authentic as his own."

More Hobbits To Play Celebrity Charity Cricket In New Zealand
By Tim Saunders
Look To The Stars.org
March 8, 2011

More stars from The Hobbit have been named to take part in this weekend’s celebrity charity cricket match in New Zealand to raise money for victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

Actor Martin Freeman – who will play Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson's upcoming films – will umpire the game, along with Kiwi actor Mark Hadlow, who plays Dori the dwarf. Ian McKellen will be match referee. And British actor James Nesbitt – cast as Bofur – will go head-to-head with Russell Crowe as a coach of the two teams, which consist of New Zealand All Blacks and other sporting greats. Even Australian cricket legend Shane Warne is set to appear.

“We’ve been blown away by the level of interest and I’d be very surprised if it wasn’t a sellout,” said Gavin Larson, Wellington cricket boss. “The ground was recalibrated three years ago and the capacity is 8000, which I get the feeling we are going to reach a lot quicker than we thought.”

The game takes place at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Sunday, March 13. Tickets go on sale today through Ticketek – $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Hobbit titles get thumbs up from fans
By Tome Fitzsimons - Stuff.co.nz
March 8, 2011

Tolkien phrases look likely to form the titles of the two Hobbit movies, according to web reports.

Fan site TheOneRing.net reports that New Line Cinema has registered two titles for the films - The Hobbit: The/An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again.

The first is a riff on the opening chapter of the book - called An Unexpected Party - in which Bilbo is visited by the wizard Gandalf and 13 dwarfs before setting off on his epic adventure.

The second, There and Back Again, is author JRR Tolkien's alternative title for the whole tale. It was also used in The Lord of the Rings as the name of Bilbo's memoirs.

Fans greeted the prospective titles warmly on internet message boards, though they almost unanimously preferred An Unexpected Journey to The Unexpected Journey for the first film.

"Almost exactly as I envisioned it back when they announced there was going to be two movies," a fan wrote.

"I can just see it now," wrote another. "The Howard Shore music slowly building as The Hobbit pops up on the screen just as The Lord of the Rings did, and then the Shire music takes over as An Unexpected Journey pops up while hobbits work diligently in the spring weather."

Some saw omens in the titles about how the movies' stories would unfold.

"Yet another clue that Film One will surely end before the company arrives at Erebor," wrote a fan. Erebor is the mountain where the dragon Smaug lives - and the object of Bilbo's adventure.

Others had clever takes on the names. "An Unexpected Journey seems exquisitely appropriate given Jackson's last-minute role shift," wrote a fan. Sir Peter Jackson took over directing the movies last year after original director Guillermo Del Toro quit.

Another fan thought the titles might be lengthened further - for the worse. "What makes me think this is going to have a title like The Lord Of The Rings: The Hobbit: Part I: The Unexpected Journey?" he wrote.

A Hobbit spokeswoman refused to comment on the titles.

Meanwhile, she said Jackson's recovery from stomach surgery in January was going well, with the director starting to do some work. Plans to start filming on March 21 were still on track.

"He's around the studio occasionally. He's fine . . . We have no concerns."

As a thank-you for Wellington Hospital's care, Jackson gave a coffee machine to its intensive care unit.

With winter approaching, filming at the Hobbiton set in Matamata has been put off until summer.

Matamata-Piako Mayor Hugh Vercoe said he was relaxed about the later date. "It's not causing us a lot of bother. It will be great when it does start."

Ad Feedback Russell Alexander, general manager of Shire Tours, said filming was due to start at the Hobbiton set late in the year. Tours would continue until then.

Sir Ian Holm left out in the cold as The Hobbit starts filming
By Tim Walker
The Telegraph.co.uk
March 3, 2011

Sir Ian Holm tells Mandrake that the producers of Peter Jackson's film, The Hobbit, have gone quiet on him.

Britain has few more respected actors than Sir Ian Holm, but Mandrake hears that the veteran of the Royal Shakespeare Company has still to be accorded the courtesy of being notified whether or not he will be required on the set of Peter Jackson’s eagerly awaited film The Hobbit.

“I don’t know what’s happening,” the 79-year-old actor admitted to me at the Saatchi Gallery. “I haven’t heard anything for weeks.”

Sir Ian had been in talks with the film’s producers about reprising his role as Bilbo Baggins, which he had played in the first and the third of the Lord of the Rings films, and in many newspapers and countless websites it is reported as a fact that he is included in the cast of the latest of Jackson’s J R R Tolkien’s adaptations to be made in New Zealand.

“I had great fun playing Baggins in the first two films and the plan had been, with Martin Freeman playing Young Baggins, I would be the Old Baggins,” he adds. “I suppose the earthquake in Christchurch couldn’t have helped with communications.”

Sophie de Stempel, Sir Ian’s wife, tells me: “I worry that the film has run into so much bad luck that they might have missed their chance altogether.”

Sir Ian’s fellow knight, Christopher Lee, 88, is also widely reported to be a member of The Hobbit’s cast, but he will say only that he follows such reporting “with great interest,” but says he has no more to add than that.

Melissa Booth, a spokesman for the company making the film, tells me simply: “Filming starts on March 21.”

James Nesbitt - James Nesbitt Enjoying Hobbit Time Off
Contactmusic News
March 3, 2011

James Nesbitt had spent two months in New Zealand waiting to start work on 'The Hobbit' and has been training to get ''strong'' in that time.

James Nesbitt has had "lots of time off" while in New Zealand waiting for production on 'The Hobbit' to start.

The Northern Irish actor is set to play dwarf Bofur in the Peter Jackson-directed project, and he admits the many delays it has experienced have meant he has not had much to do while in the the country.

He said: "We haven't started filming, we got here mid-January and we were supposed to rehearse, doing lots of horse-riding and framing and stunts and all that, but then Peter got ill, he had a perforated ulcer, so filming was delayed for a few weeks.

"Filming starts in about three weeks and I start in a month, but it's been great, so I've had lots of time off."

Despite having lots of time off, James confesses he is undertaking a lot of training - or "playing".

He told Absolute Radio's 'Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show': "So a typical day will be little bit of training, doing a bit of that, trying to get strong, and then doing lots of stunt fights and movement, then going out and horse-riding. I mean, it's basically playing is what we're doing."

Filming on 'The Hobbit', which stars Martin Freeman as the titular character, has been delayed since last year when first choice director Guillermo del Toro pulled out and acting unions across the world urged members not to take part.

Possible Titles for THE HOBBIT
By Adam Chitwood
Collider.com
March 2, 2011

Director Peter Jackson is finally returning to Middle Earth later this month when filming begins on the two-film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit. While most assumed that the two-parter would simply be titled “The Hobbit”, it looks like there may in fact be a subtitle. TheOneRing.net was hipped to the fact that New Line Cinema recently registered two film titles: The Hobbit: There and Back Again and The Hobbit: An/The Unexpected Journey.

These sound about right. Though, when you tack on the Part One and Part Two, the titles become rather long (I guess Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring isn’t exactly curt). Nevertheless, Peter Jackson is directing The Hobbit, Howard Shore is returning for the score, and the cast includes Martin Freeman as Bilbo, Ian McKellan, Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett, Elijah Wood, and many more. Shot in 3D, the first part of The Hobbit is slated for a December 2012 release, with the second part following a year later in December 2013.

There and Back Again, a 'Hobbits' title by New Line Cinema?
By Anthony Pearson
Monsters and Critics
March 2, 2011

It appears New Line are not keen on the idea of calling the two upcoming "Hobbit" movies part 1 and part 2. TheOneRingNet are reporting that the films will go by the titles of "The Hobbit: There and Back Again", and "The Hobbit: An/The Unexpected Journey."

The Lord of the Rings website has confirmed that a reliable source to the site has informed them New Line Cinema have officially registered the two titles for the two Peter Jackson Middle-Earth movies.

The news though still not officially confirmed by the studio or Peter Jackson will mean that the titles of "The Hobbit: Part I", and "The Hobbit: Part II" will become redundant.

The first of the two film's is expected for a worldwide release date in December of 2012, while the second will likely hit screens exactly a year later.

The films are an adaptation of the 1937 published J. R. R. Tolkien' fantasy classic "The Hobbit."

Confirmed cast for movies so far include Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Saoirse Ronan, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Rob Kazinsky, Aidan Turner, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Jed Brophy, Mark Hadlow, Adam Brown, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, Mikael Persbrant, Sylvester McCoy and Elijah Wood.

Email: lmr909@hotmail.com