Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit” Has Started Production

The Hobbit, a 1937 novel by J.R.R. Tolkien will hit the big screens as a two-part production this year. The Hobbit movies, shot in Wellington, New Zealand, will be filmed back-to-back using 3D technology.

Director Peter Jackson, who previously directed The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, is also the co-writer and producer of the film. The film was previously delayed due to the loss of director Guilleromo del Toro, who was replaced by Jackson. Also, the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit Christchurch, New Zealand in February contributed to the delay of the production.

Some of the stars in the film include Martin Freeman, who also played Tim Canterbury in the BBC version of The Office, Richard Armitage, Ian McKellan, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Saoirse Ronan and many more.

The film follows the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, who goes on a quest to claim the restoration of the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, originally conquered by a dragon named Smaug. Bilbo unites with 13 other dwarves who are led by warrior Thorin Oakenshield. On this legendary journey, the group encounters goblins, wargs, spiders, sorcerors and much more. Baggins eventually meets Gollum, where he is given possession of Gollum’s “precious ring,” which determines the fate of the Middle-Earth.

Jackson’s assistant, Matt Dravitzki, told the Sunday Star-Times, “We are very excited to be starting production. We will be shooting right through this year and into 2012. We will be filming in our studios in Miramar, Wellington, and in locations throughout New Zealand, but I can’t reveal those at the moment.”

The Hobbit movie now has a live blog where viewers can take an exclusive look into the production of the film. The blog is constantly updated by “The Hobbit Team” so be sure to check out the blog to find more updates. Also, Peter Jackson has created a Facebook page for the film, including two new photos from the film and the official Start of Production announcement.

Photo by loresui via Flickr