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The Dominion
October 13, 1999Lord of the Rings Crew
Brings 'Circus' to Town
Filming the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy got under way in
Wellington's town belt yesterday, and some early morning strollers complained of not
having quite the freedom of passage they were used to. A woman also complained of tree
branches being cut as film crews moved in with port-a-lounges, port-a-loos and tents being
erected 'as if for a circus'. Most, however, were happy to slightly deviate where
necessary along the ample walkways still available. Film publicist Claire Raskind said she
was not aware of any problems, and the only hindrance to walkers was in the immediate area
of shooting.
Wellington City Council spokesman Richard MacLean appealed
for people to be patient, especially near the track where filming was expected to take
five days. "We would hope that people would realise this is a very big deal," Mr
MacLean said. "If we do this right, there is every chance of more (film) work for
Wellington. If a security guard asks someone not to interrupt filming, I would hope they
would understand." Of the complaint about trees being damaged, Mr MacLean said that
pines and macrocarpas in the area were not protected and were not expected to be badly
affected. "We have to give them a certain leeway in easing their passage." |