Wellington, New Zealand — Hobbits, elves and dragons appear to be luring tourists to New Zealand as fans await their first glimpse of the second movie in "The Hobbit" trilogy.
Figures released this month by government agency Tourism New Zealand show that international vacations to the South Pacific nation rose 10 percent from January through April when compared to the same period last year. The agency said a survey indicated that 8.5 percent of visitors cited "The Hobbit" as one reason for coming and that 13 percent took part in some kind of hobbit-themed tourism like visiting a film set.
Warner Bros. announced Monday it will release the first teaser-trailer of "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" at 1 p.m. Edt Tuesday. The second film will premiere Dec. 13 in Los Angeles.
The trilogy is directed by New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson and shot in his home country. The opener "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,...
Figures released this month by government agency Tourism New Zealand show that international vacations to the South Pacific nation rose 10 percent from January through April when compared to the same period last year. The agency said a survey indicated that 8.5 percent of visitors cited "The Hobbit" as one reason for coming and that 13 percent took part in some kind of hobbit-themed tourism like visiting a film set.
Warner Bros. announced Monday it will release the first teaser-trailer of "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" at 1 p.m. Edt Tuesday. The second film will premiere Dec. 13 in Los Angeles.
The trilogy is directed by New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson and shot in his home country. The opener "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,...
- 6/10/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Wellington, New Zealand — A crate full of sushi arrives. Workers wearing wetsuit shirts or in bare feet bustle past with slim laptops. With days to go, a buzzing intensity fills the once-dilapidated warehouses where Peter Jackson's visual-effects studio is rushing to finish the opening film in "The Hobbit" trilogy.
The fevered pace at the Weta Digital studio near Wellington will last nearly until the actors walk the red carpet Nov. 28 for the world premiere. But after "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" hits theaters, there's more work to be done.
Weta Digital is the centerpiece of a filmmaking empire that Jackson and close collaborators have built in his New Zealand hometown, realizing his dream of bringing a slice of Hollywood to Wellington. It's a one-stop shop for making major movies – not only his own, but other blockbusters like "Avatar" and "The Avengers" and hoped-for blockbusters like next year's "Man of Steel.
The fevered pace at the Weta Digital studio near Wellington will last nearly until the actors walk the red carpet Nov. 28 for the world premiere. But after "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" hits theaters, there's more work to be done.
Weta Digital is the centerpiece of a filmmaking empire that Jackson and close collaborators have built in his New Zealand hometown, realizing his dream of bringing a slice of Hollywood to Wellington. It's a one-stop shop for making major movies – not only his own, but other blockbusters like "Avatar" and "The Avengers" and hoped-for blockbusters like next year's "Man of Steel.
- 11/25/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Whistleblowers allege that production company's neglect was responsible for up to 27 deaths on farm in New Zealand
Animal handlers involved in the making of the Hobbit film trilogy claim the production company is responsible for the deaths of up to 27 animals, mainly because the creatures were kept at a farm filled with bluffs, sinkholes and other "death traps".
The American Humane Association (Aha), which is overseeing animal welfare on the films, says no animals were harmed during the actual filming. But it also says the handlers' complaints highlight shortcomings in its oversight system, which monitors film sets but not the facilities where the animals are housed and trained.
A spokesman for the trilogy's director, Peter Jackson, acknowledged on Monday that horses, goats, chickens and one sheep died at the farm near Wellington in New Zealand where about 150 animals were housed for the movies, but he said some of the deaths were from natural causes.
Animal handlers involved in the making of the Hobbit film trilogy claim the production company is responsible for the deaths of up to 27 animals, mainly because the creatures were kept at a farm filled with bluffs, sinkholes and other "death traps".
The American Humane Association (Aha), which is overseeing animal welfare on the films, says no animals were harmed during the actual filming. But it also says the handlers' complaints highlight shortcomings in its oversight system, which monitors film sets but not the facilities where the animals are housed and trained.
A spokesman for the trilogy's director, Peter Jackson, acknowledged on Monday that horses, goats, chickens and one sheep died at the farm near Wellington in New Zealand where about 150 animals were housed for the movies, but he said some of the deaths were from natural causes.
- 11/20/2012
- The Guardian - Film News
Excitement is mounting for this December's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which will kick off a new trilogy of stories in Middle Earth and maybe give younger geeks their first chance to visit Tolkien's world on the big screen. But fantasy fans who are animal lovers might now need to pause before they buy their tickets. Though many of the creatures in The Hobbit are fantastical and created from CGI, many of them are real too-- and may have suffered through "death traps" for their participation in the movie. According to a report at CBS News, animal wranglers involved in making the film claim the production is responsible for the death of 27 animals, including horses, goats, chicken and one sheep. Peter Jackson's spokesman, Matt Dravitzki, agreed that two of the horse deaths were avoidable, but also argued that some of the deaths were from natural causes, though it's not...
- 11/19/2012
- cinemablend.com
Animal wranglers involved in the making of The Hobbit trilogy are say the production company is responsible for the deaths of up to 27 animals, alleging the New Zealand ranch near Wellington where the animals were kept included bluffs, sinkholes and a variety of "death traps" that resulted in injuries to the animals and/or their death. Wrangler Chris Langridge said he was hired as a horse trainer in November 2010, overseeing 50 or so horses and while he tried to improve the grounds by filling in sinkholes and building fences it proved an impossible task. As many as three horses, six goats, six sheep and a dozen chickens are said to have died while two more horses suffered severe injuries but survived. "When I arrived at work in the morning, a miniature pony named Rainbow was still alive but his back was broken. He'd come off a bank at speed and crash-landed,...
- 11/19/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Animal rights groups are up in arms over a recent report that an estimated 27 animals died during wrangling for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
Though no animals were harmed during production, the American Humane Association, which oversees animal welfare on the films, says it was the treatment of the animals while being housed and trained for the film that led to so many deaths. According to The Associated Press, Hobbit director Peter Jackson's spokesperson Matt Dravitzki acknowledged the deaths of the animals, but added that some of them were from natural causes. Over 150 animals were being housed at a Wellington farm and included horses, chickens, goats and one sheep.
Related: Hobbit Trailer
"We made safety recommendations to the animals' living areas. The production company followed our recommendations and upgraded fence and farm housing, among other things," an Aha spokesperson commented. Jackson's rep says that once two horses were found dead, the production...
Though no animals were harmed during production, the American Humane Association, which oversees animal welfare on the films, says it was the treatment of the animals while being housed and trained for the film that led to so many deaths. According to The Associated Press, Hobbit director Peter Jackson's spokesperson Matt Dravitzki acknowledged the deaths of the animals, but added that some of them were from natural causes. Over 150 animals were being housed at a Wellington farm and included horses, chickens, goats and one sheep.
Related: Hobbit Trailer
"We made safety recommendations to the animals' living areas. The production company followed our recommendations and upgraded fence and farm housing, among other things," an Aha spokesperson commented. Jackson's rep says that once two horses were found dead, the production...
- 11/19/2012
- Entertainment Tonight
Wellington, New Zealand — Animal wranglers involved in the making of "The Hobbit" movie trilogy say the production company is responsible for the deaths of up to 27 animals, largely because they were kept at a farm filled with bluffs, sinkholes and other "death traps."
The American Humane Association, which is overseeing animal welfare on the films, says no animals were harmed during the actual filming. But it also says the wranglers' complaints highlight shortcomings in its oversight system, which monitors film sets but not the facilities where the animals are housed and trained.
A spokesman for trilogy director Peter Jackson on Monday acknowledged that horses, goats, chickens and one sheep died at the farm near Wellington where about 150 animals were housed for the movies, but he said some of the deaths were from natural causes.
The spokesman, Matt Dravitzki, agreed that the deaths of two horses were avoidable, and said the...
The American Humane Association, which is overseeing animal welfare on the films, says no animals were harmed during the actual filming. But it also says the wranglers' complaints highlight shortcomings in its oversight system, which monitors film sets but not the facilities where the animals are housed and trained.
A spokesman for trilogy director Peter Jackson on Monday acknowledged that horses, goats, chickens and one sheep died at the farm near Wellington where about 150 animals were housed for the movies, but he said some of the deaths were from natural causes.
The spokesman, Matt Dravitzki, agreed that the deaths of two horses were avoidable, and said the...
- 11/19/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Animal wranglers involved in the making of The Hobbit movie trilogy say the production company is responsible for the deaths of up to 27 animals, largely because they were kept at a farm filled with bluffs, sinkholes and other “death traps.”
The American Humane Association, which is overseeing animal welfare on the films, says no animals were harmed during the actual filming. But it also says the wranglers’ complaints highlight shortcomings in its oversight system, which monitors film sets but not the facilities where the animals are housed and trained.
A spokesman for trilogy director Peter Jackson on Monday acknowledged that horses,...
The American Humane Association, which is overseeing animal welfare on the films, says no animals were harmed during the actual filming. But it also says the wranglers’ complaints highlight shortcomings in its oversight system, which monitors film sets but not the facilities where the animals are housed and trained.
A spokesman for trilogy director Peter Jackson on Monday acknowledged that horses,...
- 11/19/2012
- by Associated Press
- EW - Inside Movies
After a long delay, "The Hobbit" may come to production soon. Sources familiar with the matter tell Los Angeles Times that Warner Bros., its subsidiary New Line Cinema, and partner Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer are close to give green light to two parts of the "Hobbit".
Several problems like rights issues with J.R.R. Tolkien's estate have been settled while recent union issues which threaten the filming in New Zealand are reportedly close to be solved. Additionally, the site mentions that the studios nearly finalize a deal with Peter Jackson to serve as director, producer and co-writer for the two films.
However, MGM still has to settle its financial problem. The company, which is set to co-finance both films, is expected to approach a number of potential investors, including 20th Century Fox which already has a deal with MGM to release its movies overseas. Other solutions are outside financial investors or Warner Bros.
Several problems like rights issues with J.R.R. Tolkien's estate have been settled while recent union issues which threaten the filming in New Zealand are reportedly close to be solved. Additionally, the site mentions that the studios nearly finalize a deal with Peter Jackson to serve as director, producer and co-writer for the two films.
However, MGM still has to settle its financial problem. The company, which is set to co-finance both films, is expected to approach a number of potential investors, including 20th Century Fox which already has a deal with MGM to release its movies overseas. Other solutions are outside financial investors or Warner Bros.
- 10/2/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
The Hobbit Studio Hit By Blaze
A movie studio in New Zealand which was due to host filming of The Hobbit has been wrecked in a serious fire.
The Portsmouth Miniatures Studio in Wellington was used to film iconic scenes for Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings trilogy and his monster movie remake King Kong, and had been booked for use on the upcoming blockbuster, which the director will produce.
Fire crews were called to the building on Friday afternoon and they spent three hours tackling the monstrous blaze, which caused extensive damage to the structure. No one was hurt, according to local reports.
Matthew Dravitzki, a spokesman for Jackson's Wingnut Films production company, has confirmed they had been due to film scenes for The Hobbit there.
He tells Nzpa, "It would have been used in the shooting of The Hobbit, yes. It's a specialist miniatures shooting facility, it's one of the only ones in the world, and I can't comment at this point as to whether (the damage) will cause a problem. I probably won't know that until after the weekend."
Dravitzki also revealed items of "commercial sensitivity" relating to the project were stored in the building.
The news is the latest in a long line of setbacks to hit The Hobbit - the film has been languishing in pre-production due to the ongoing financial problems at MGM Studios, and director Guillermo Del Toro quit due to the lengthy delays.
The movie hit headlines again last week (ends26Sep10) when a New Zealand actors' union announced plans to boycott the film over working conditions for local performers. The action has prompted movie bosses to consider moving the shoot away from New Zealand if the dispute is not resolved.
The Portsmouth Miniatures Studio in Wellington was used to film iconic scenes for Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings trilogy and his monster movie remake King Kong, and had been booked for use on the upcoming blockbuster, which the director will produce.
Fire crews were called to the building on Friday afternoon and they spent three hours tackling the monstrous blaze, which caused extensive damage to the structure. No one was hurt, according to local reports.
Matthew Dravitzki, a spokesman for Jackson's Wingnut Films production company, has confirmed they had been due to film scenes for The Hobbit there.
He tells Nzpa, "It would have been used in the shooting of The Hobbit, yes. It's a specialist miniatures shooting facility, it's one of the only ones in the world, and I can't comment at this point as to whether (the damage) will cause a problem. I probably won't know that until after the weekend."
Dravitzki also revealed items of "commercial sensitivity" relating to the project were stored in the building.
The news is the latest in a long line of setbacks to hit The Hobbit - the film has been languishing in pre-production due to the ongoing financial problems at MGM Studios, and director Guillermo Del Toro quit due to the lengthy delays.
The movie hit headlines again last week (ends26Sep10) when a New Zealand actors' union announced plans to boycott the film over working conditions for local performers. The action has prompted movie bosses to consider moving the shoot away from New Zealand if the dispute is not resolved.
- 10/1/2010
- WENN
Hollywood director Guillermo del Toro said Monday that production delays have forced him to quit the planned film version of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," a two-part prequel to New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson's blockbuster trilogy "Lord of the Rings." "In light of ongoing delays in the setting of a start date for filming The Hobbit, I am faced with the hardest decision of my life," del Toro told a "Lord of the Rings" fan website."After nearly two years of living, breathing and designing a world as rich as Tolkien's Middle Earth, I must, with great regret, take leave from helming these wonderful pictures," he said, noting the film still hadn't been given the green light by MGM, the struggling Hollywood studio. Matt Dravitzki, a spokesman for "Hobbit" producer and "Lord Of The Rings" director Jackson,...
- 5/30/2010
- Filmicafe
Peter Jackson's cameo, Saoirse Ronan's 'transcendent' audition tape and much more about the book-turned-movie.
By Larry Carroll
Peter Jackson
Photo: MTV News
When Alice Sebold's bestseller "The Lovely Bones" hit bookshelves in 2002, readers thought they had died and gone to literary heaven, much like the novel's main character: a recently deceased 14-year-old girl named Susie Salmon. Now, "Lord of the Rings" filmmaker Peter Jackson is unveiling a much-anticipated film version this weekend and hopes to give audiences a similarly transcendent experience.
But before you see the flick, be sure to read our list of the Top Five Things You Didn't Know About "The Lovely Bones." From deleted plotlines to hidden symbolism to canine cameos, we've got the scoop on details that will make your moviegoing experience even more heavenly.
A Hitchcockian Helmer
Some people might be surprised to learn that Jackson has a cameo in the movie...
By Larry Carroll
Peter Jackson
Photo: MTV News
When Alice Sebold's bestseller "The Lovely Bones" hit bookshelves in 2002, readers thought they had died and gone to literary heaven, much like the novel's main character: a recently deceased 14-year-old girl named Susie Salmon. Now, "Lord of the Rings" filmmaker Peter Jackson is unveiling a much-anticipated film version this weekend and hopes to give audiences a similarly transcendent experience.
But before you see the flick, be sure to read our list of the Top Five Things You Didn't Know About "The Lovely Bones." From deleted plotlines to hidden symbolism to canine cameos, we've got the scoop on details that will make your moviegoing experience even more heavenly.
A Hitchcockian Helmer
Some people might be surprised to learn that Jackson has a cameo in the movie...
- 12/11/2009
- MTV Movie News
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