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The LOTR Movie Site

March 9, 2000

Tidbits From New Zealand
Matthew Bass

One of TheOneRing.net's spies has picked up some interesting information which corroborates some news that Johnny Grindlay has acquired.

The spy, Galadriel, has confirmed that Sir Ian McKellen and Christopher Lee are both filming at a studio in Wellington. There is a small replica of the Helm's Deep set located there, which has not been used since Thursday. This confirmed reports from Johnny that the quarry set is not being used.

Galadriel also learned that Orlando Bloom (Legolas) around 8 wigs that cost $3000 each, so he won't be wearing a Mohawk in the film trilogy.

She also confirmed that Craig Parker is indeed Haldir, and that the actor that will play Celeborn is due to be announced on April 4th. Another interesting tidbit: Peter Jackson's cameo will be during a Prancing Pony scene.

In other news, Ain't It Cool News is still cranking out reviews of the 2 minutes of LOTR footage recently viewed at ShoWest 2000. Excerpt follows:

A quick opening shot of what appeared to be Gollum quickly dissolved to a set piece with Elijah Wood and Sean Astin--in hobbit gear, of course--talking about the production of this grand trilogy.

Director Peter Jackson also appeared, showing how some of the technical accomplishments are being handled and explaining how it is only now, with the technology available today, that a tale like Lord of the Rings could be brought to the screen. Actual film footage included shots of Liv Tyler on horseback, huge sword battles, and masses of mounted men ranging over hills in the grand epic fashion of the novel.

Scenes showing the computer-shrunk hobbits intermingling with normal-sized humans are said to be amazing, and a quick closing shot of Ian McKellan as Gandalf proved him a perfect choice for the part of the old wizard. For a second time the hard-boiled audience of exhibitors was brought to applause.

Were you one of the fans lucky enough to attend ShoWest 2000? We'd love to post your review of what you saw right here. Send us your thoughts.