'The Hobbit'
Over the past year, Sir Peter Jackson has been creating Middle-earth movie magic in New Zealand, along with more than 2000 New Zealanders and international cast and crew.
The three movies of The Hobbit Trilogy have been shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and sterepo technology, at Stone Street Studios in Wellington and on location throughout New Zealand.
Visitors will find many film-inspired activities and attractions in diverse regions and dramatic locations throughout New Zealand. En route fans will also discover a country that has welcoming locals, great food and wine, and activities to thrill and inspire.
When Sir Peter Jackson went looking for the perfect place to film his blockbuster adaptations of the classic books by J.R.R.Tolkien, he didn’t have to go far from home. In fact the opening sequence for the first film in 'The Lord of the Rings' Trilogy was shot overlooking the Wellington bay and peninsula where he lives and works.
The New Zealand screen industry has risen to become one of the country’s most lucrative – bringing in around NZ$3 billion in revenue per year. With one of the largest movie projects in the world today – 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' – due to premiere on 28 November in Wellington, New Zealand’s film-making capability is once more at the forefront of the global film industry.
High flying, high tech and highly important to the New Zealand economy, film-making can not only be credited with transforming the capital city of Wellington into ‘the Hollywood of the south’, but has also had some unexpected spin-offs for many industries and communities nationwide.
When New Zealand cinemas first screen 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' at one minute past midnight on 12 December, the audience will be full of fervent film fans with more than just a vested interest in the plot.
Along with some 2000 locals who were involved in filming 'The Hobbit' Trilogy throughout New Zealand, there will be lots of eagle-eyes trained on the background scenery.
It was a normal Saturday afternoon in 1998 on the Alexander family farm when there was a knock on the door that was to change lives forever. The caller was a film location scout and the tale of how he spotted this ideal setting for the Shire in 'The Lord of the Rings' Trilogy has been told many times.
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