After perpetual delays, financial woes, health problems, and other miscellaneous issues, The Hobbit officially began production some three-and-a-half weeks ago. Peter Jackson is once again at the head of this new cinematic adventure in Middle-Earth – and he seems all the more happy to be doing so.
Jackson posted a fairly detailed note online the other day, explaining why these films are being shot at a higher frame rate, and now he’s unveiled a much more tantalizing gift for fans: a ten-minute long video that includes footage of some familiar sets from the Lord of the Rings trilogy – along with the first official day of filming on The Hobbit.
One of the things I love about Jackson’s trilogy (and I know I’m not alone, in this regard) is the way it integrated detailed costumes, props, practical sets, and the unusual New Zealand geography with more modern digital tools to create Middle-Earth. That approach made the fantastical world feel all the more alive and natural – as opposed to films that rely too much on CGI settings and green screen effects (Star Wars prequels, still looking at you).
The Hobbit will continue the tradition of Lord of the Rings and this behind-the-scenes video that Jackson posted offers a look at the technical crew as they develop actual costumes, tools, and props for the two-film project – as well as some gorgeous sets both familiar (Rivendell from Fellowship of the Ring) and new (the goblin tunnels beneath the Misty Mountains).
Check out the video (via Facebook) below:
There’s something infectious about the energy, passion, and adoration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s source material, which the cast and crew of The Hobbit clearly possess. Jackson has assembled a collection of talents who are not only aware of what a big deal these films are to (literally) millions of people, but also love the story of Bilbo Baggins themselves and want to do it justice on the big screen.
Hobbit cast members include Martin Freeman as a young Bilbo Baggins, Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey, Andy Serkis as the creature Gollum, no less than thirteen notable thespians as a pack of dwarves led by the warrior Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), and some additional familiar faces reprising their roles from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Sounds like a good time so far, no?
The Hobbit: Part 1 will reach theaters in December 2012, followed by Part 2 a year later in 2013.
Source: Peter Jackson
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I love this !
Yay! I’m so excited!
The Hobbit can not get here fast enough. I love the book and I can’t wait to see the big screen adaptation. I have a lot of faith in Jackson’s ability to get this right. Can’t wait!!
My inner nerd just cheered!
I think it was meant to be, Jackson at the helm, guilerrmo moved on. It “feels” right. The question is, can lightning strike twice? LotR has earned its place in cinematic history, but what about Hobbit? I’m still apprehensive about the split, I hope pt. 1 has a satisfactory finale. I hope Jackson learned something from Harry Potter 7 pt. 1. Both films need to be equally awesome. That’s what I loved about LotR, each of the 3 films were stand alone, I don’t know which I liked better. FotR had wonderful, innocent and illuminating moments, Two towers split the group and had an ominous cresendo, RotK was the greatest medieval battle ever. Let’s hope Hobbit 1 & 2 will be just as distinct from one another.
Well, considering LotR was actually 3 completely separate movies, I would say lightning has already struck 3 times. Mr. Jackson understands the material and as far as I’m concerned is beyond reproach when dealing with Middle Earth. Silmarillion anyone???!
Awesome!
/squeals like a little girl….“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeee!”
oh, sorry
smile on face.
I think a tear went down my face, I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS.
Looking forward to this! Attn: Peter – may I please play an elf? (i know – me and a million others want to )
If that is you on the profilepicture, you can be my elf, sweetie
I can’t express how much it means to the fans of Middle-Earth and all of it’s story’s, that Mr. Jackson will be directing this with such passion and confidence. He brought the stories to life better than imaginable. So very excited for this. Plus Martin Freeman is absolutely perfect to play Bilbo.
jackson is one funny dude did you see the look he gave gandalf At 6:07
this video gave me a small erection lol
I have to tell you how envious I am for Peter – especially this time around. That the hurdles and rollercoasters of just getting started are done are one thing. Seeing the reverence, magic, and whole-hearted spirit that fills Peter while showing us the sets in this piece is easily as magical (I think more so for me) than actually seeing the films. I can TASTE his want to make this film from this short, and that means I simply cannot wait to take in the next two lightning bolts that will strike hearts world wide.
Ka kite ano Hei konei ra, Peter and Company…
This is fantastic to see the making of a great book, I love the complete openness to show and reveal the set, the cast its terrific. Peter jackson seems so generous with showing us the detail of what to expect,he seems to be real down to earth no egos or nothing. He’s as humble as a hobbit God bless him, Its great to see a great work of been brought to life by Jr Tolkien who was a devoted catholic, I can see so much of the faith in Lord of the rings, its incredible. Others might not agree but thats fine thats your view and I accept that theirs no prbs there we all come from many backgrounds.
On its own the whole Lord of the rings is fantastic entertainment, intriguing,inspiring it captures us all. I think it speaks to the child of wonder and exploration in each of us. It bring us back to something that is child like in its journey to adventure. At the same time there is powerful morals here, the ring what is it for you,me, its incredible how Tolkien devised such an amazing series of books. Heres a question to put to all the experts in who really know the whole Lord of the rings,, would you be able to tell me ,, did Tolkien get his idea for hems deep from his experience of world war 1 in the trenches, and can any of you Tolkien experts point out to me in Lord Of the Rings where he references his faith in charictors and situations in the series,, all the best thanks
Wow. I just got so pumped! Great blog video (i especially liked the scene with Ian McKellan). I can’t wait to see more of these blogs!
To say that I’m stoked about this would be a huge understatement.
It’s nice to see that the movie has finely gotten the ball rolling. And I’m glad that Peter Jackson is making it, not that I have any thing against Guillermo Del Toro, I like his movies I just feel like Jackson should be the one making the Hobbit movie.
I burst out into a grin when I saw Kili and Fili’s names written in Wardrobe…Wow…can’t wait
alright im excited!