Cameras roll on The Hobbit
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Filming has started on director Peter Jackson's production of "The Hobbit" in New Zealand.
The $50 million, two-movie production has suffered from a series of problems including studio funding problems, a threatened actors' boycott and ulcer surgery for Jackson.
The director posted a studio press release on his web site on Monday announcing that production has commenced in New Zealand on the much-anticipated project.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
British actor Martin Freeman will star as hobbit Bilbo Baggins alongside Elijah Wood, Sir Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett and Orlando Bloom in twin movies of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel about a short, hairy-footed hero.
"The Hobbit" is a prequel to "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy by Tolkien that Jackson helmed to blockbuster film success.