Builders start work on Hobbiton
21 Jul 2009
Hobbit holes and hedgerows have appeared on one of New Zealand’s most celebrated farms as work begins on rebuilding Hobbiton for filming the The Hobbit movies.
Tourst photos show bulldozers working on the Alexander farm - in Buckland Road near Matamata - re-creating Hobbit holes, planting fruit trees, creating orderly English-style hedgerows and re-cutting the path in front of Bag End.
The Hobbit story will be told in two films to be shot back-to-back next year, with a budget of NZ$474 million.
Hobbiton revisited
The farmer’s paddock made famous as Hobbiton in The Lord of the Rings movies was stripped bare in 2002, except for the frames of the 17 Hobbit holes that made up the village.
The former film location continues to attract tourists from all over the world, and Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours managing director Russell Alexander says it’s business as usual at the farm.
While Alexander says he’s not sure when filming will begin, the effect the new movies will have on the local Matamata district is causing a lot of excitement.
Hobbit fans
Photos posted on fan website theonering.net have caused a stir internationally, and news of the Hobbiton reconstruction has attracted more than 500 comments.
One fan said: "I think it’s great to see how the new Hobbiton is born. Like Gandalf was sent back to finish his work in Middle-Earth, Hobbiton is back to finish its work in Middle-Earth."
Interest in The Hobbit is growing daily and companies like Red Carpet Tours based on The Lord of the Rings say they are getting a lot of enquiries regarding New Zealand tours for next year and 2011.
The Matamata farm that became Hobbiton is owned by the Alexander family. It was found by film location scouts in 1998, and was the site of three months filming with up to 400 people involved.
Bilbo rumours
Meanwhile rumours that there could be a major casting announcement for The Hobbit at Comic-Con in San Diego next week, have been quashed by executive producer Peter Jackson.
There had been speculation that the actor to play ‘Bilbo Baggins’ would be named, with Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy and David Tennant listed as front-runners.
But Jackson says there will be no announcement for a while.
"We’re starting to think about casting, but we’re knee-deep in the script right now. And when we do go to actors they’re probably going to ask to see a script so we’re powering ahead with getting the first draft done," he said.
More information:
Hobbit fans eye up Middle-Earth
Finding the real Middle-Earth
The Hobbit moves into Wellington
Video news release:
Interview with Guillermo del Toro on The Hobbit movies
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