Monday 21 May 2012

Bilbo's green and pleasant land: First look at the magical film set of The Hobbit (so just why did he want to go off on all those adventures?)

By Cassie Carpenter
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The Lord of the Rings was one of the most successful film series in history, and fans worldwide fell in love with the picturesque Middle Earth sets.

In these just-released aerial shots from the set of Sir Peter Jackson's eagerly anticipated film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, not only can you get a glimpse at the reconstructed set of Hobbiton but, if you want, you can actually take a commercial tour of the site.

These aerial photos are the latest in a drip-drip feed of material showing fans what they can expect when the big budget films are finally released December 13.
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Enlarge   Fit for a hobbit: In these just-released aerial shots from the set of Sir Peter Jackson's eagerly anticipated film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, not only can you get a glimpse at the reconstructed set of Hobbiton
Fit for a hobbit: In these just-released aerial shots from the set of Sir Peter Jackson's eagerly anticipated film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, not only can you get a glimpse at the reconstructed set of Hobbiton

Jackson teamed up with Rings Scenic Tours Limited to allow movie fans to visit the newly reconstructed and permanent film set which is located in the North Island of New Zealand near Matamata. 

'We are really excited to be able to offer fans of the films the chance to walk around and explore this beautifully crafted set, which is a centerpiece of both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit,' said Jackson.

Since the first tour in 2002, an estimated 200,000 visitors have been to visit the location.
Magical world: These aerial photos are the latest in a drip-drip feed of material showing fans what they can expect when the big-budget films are finally released December 13
Magical world: These aerial photos are the latest in a drip-drip feed of material showing fans what they can expect when the big-budget films are finally released December 13
Meet Bilbo: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, starring The Office's Martin Freeman, is the first of a two-part prequel to the popular trilogy
Meet Bilbo: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, starring The Office's Martin Freeman, is the first of a two-part prequel to the popular trilogy

Jackson first began the nine-month construction at the Alexander family farm on Buckland Road in 1999, thanks to the emerald rolling hills untouched by 20th century clutter such as roads, buildings, or power lines.

The initial construction involved planting Barberry hedges, trees, and gardens. 37 hobbit holes were created and The Mill and double arch bridge were built.
The large established tree placed in front of the lake was already perfect for the Hobbiton landscape, and it was renamed the 'party tree' since Hobbits are a merry folk who love nothing better than a good party.
The Shire: Jackson first began construction at the Alexander family farm in 1999, thanks to the emerald rolling hills untouched by 20th century clutter such as roads, buildings, or power lines
The Shire: Jackson first began construction at the Alexander family farm in 1999, thanks to the emerald rolling hills untouched by 20th century clutter such as roads, buildings, or power lines

Making Middle Earth: The initial 1999 construction involved planting Barberry hedges, trees, and gardens, and 37 hobbit holes were created as well as The Mill and double arch bridge
Wanna sleep in Bag End? Jackson teamed up with Rings Scenic Tours Limited to allow movie fans to visit the newly reconstructed and permanent film set which is located in Matamata, New Zealand

Despite the parade of movie stars on and off the set, the site is still a working sheep and beef farm, where tourists have the opportunity to cuddle and bottle feed the pet lambs.

The newly-slimmed down director said that people can actually stay the night in Bilbo's home, Bag End.

'We did keep the original Bag End, but in the intervening 10 years we've turned it into a guest house so people can actually live and sleep in Bag End. It's up on a farm that we've got so it wasn't really possible to drag it back in the studio,' he said.
On the farm: Despite the parade of movie stars on and off the set, the site is still a working sheep and beef farm, where tourists have the opportunity to cuddle and bottle feed the pet lambs
On the farm: Despite the parade of movie stars on and off the set, the site is still a working sheep and beef farm, where tourists have the opportunity to cuddle and bottle feed the pet lambs
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is the fourth film in director Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film franchise and the first of a two-part prequel to the trilogy, which became among the biggest blockbusters ever.
The film follows home-loving hobbit Bilbo, who is guided by the wizard Gandalf and a company of 13 dwarves on a dangerous adventure that sees him become an unlikely hero.

English acting legend Sir Ian McKellen is reprising the iconic role of Gandalf, and has been seen in his full wizard regalia and flowing grey beard.
Real-life literature: The film follows home-loving hobbit Bilbo, who is guided by the wizard Gandalf and a company of 13 dwarves on a dangerous adventure that sees him become an unlikely hero
Real-life literature: The film follows home-loving hobbit Bilbo, who is guided by the wizard Gandalf and a company of 13 dwarves on a dangerous adventure that sees him become an unlikely hero
Epic tale: Many characters will return from Lord of the Rings including Gollum, Frodo, Elrond, Galadriel, and Legolas
Epic tale: Many characters will return from Lord of the Rings including Gollum, Frodo, Elrond, Galadriel, and Legolas

Like the Oscar-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit is filmed in New Zealand under the expert eye of director Peter Jackson.

The title role of the J.R.R. Tolkien tale is played by Martin Freeman, who has previously starred in Hot Fuzz, Love Actually and the original British version of The Office.

The unlikely hero is visited by Gandalf the Grey who tricks him into hosting a party for Thorin and his band of 12 dwarves, who sing of reclaiming Lonely Mountain and their treasure from the dragon, Smaug.
Many characters will return from Lord of the Rings including Gollum, Frodo, Elrond, Galadriel, and Legolas.
Hobbit hole: Director Peter Jackson walks through Bilbo Baggins' home, Bag End, on the New Zealand set
Hobbit hole: Director Peter Jackson walks through Bilbo Baggins' home, Bag End, on the New Zealand set
J.R.R. Tolkien's first foray into Middle Earth has been split into two films, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: There and Back Again, and the cast and crew endured a mammoth 254-day shoot to recreate the thousand-plus pages.
Jackson said: 'You just get in that state of tiredness and stay there, but that's OK. The movie keeps you going.



'We're working with much of the same crew as Lord of the Rings and obviously some of the actors like Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, and Andy Serkis are back so it's like a reunion.

'Plus we've got all the new boys.'Along with Freeman, new stars include Barry Humphries, a.k.a. Dame Edna as the Goblin King, and Evangeline Lilly as beautiful elf Tauriel.'

Jackson revealed that Martin Freeman has slipped easily into the Hobbit feet of his predecessor,  Ian Holm.

He said: 'He fits the ears, and he's got some very nice feet. I think he's got the biggest Hobbit feet we've got so far.'

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