Twizel Considered For Film Location
Linsay Mutch

Twizel is being looked at as a filming location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Claire Raskind, publicist for the production company Three Foot Six, yesterday confirmed Twizel was being considered for filming in October or November, but said it was too far out to say how long a crew would be there or what parts of the films would be shot.

"They've been scouting down in the South Island pretty heavily for places that can accommodate us – our large crew – as far as housing and that is accessible for filming. I guess that was a place that looked good."

More casting sessions have been planned for South Canterbury leading up to the shooting, including one in the Mackenzie District Council office at Market Place, Twizel, on August 19. A session at the Roncalli College Hall in Timaru would be held the following day.

The production company was looking for men aged 18-50 years, of medium build, and taller than 1.75m (5'9").

Meanwhile, Dave Pullen of the Twizel business group said he was aware the film crew was interested in the area. Experts were being brought to town to educate local groups on how the community could best co-operate with production.

The film trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, reportedly has a $360 million budget. It could not be confirmed, but the Herald understands the Ben Ohau Station area is of particular interest to the location scouts.