As movie fans await the release of the second film of The Hobbit trilogy – and another epic dose of Middle Earth landscapes – New Zealand has taken a cue from Hollywood by unveiling a giant pop-up book of New Zealand in Los Angeles.
The country that provided the epic scenery that backdrops The Hobbit trilogy movies has installed the world’s largest pop-up book – occupying an area roughly the size of two tennis courts and 50 feet high – in the grounds of the Beverly Hilton hotel, that shows how film fantasy becomes reality for visitors to New Zealand.
The pop-up book is on site coinciding with the Hollywood world premiere of The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug – produced and directed by acclaimed Kiwi film-maker Sir Peter Jackson. It is divided into four sets representing new filming locations from the film – Hidden Bay (Turoa, Ohakune), Forest River (Pelorus River, Marlborough), Lake-town (Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook), and Beorn’s House (Paradise, Queenstown).
With original pieces of the actual movie sets and living features of the real landscapes, the pop-up book employs multimedia production techniques and film-making wizardry to show how the film fantasy is firmly attached to the real-life Middle Earth landscapes of New Zealand.
Guests will literally step into the giant book and take a unique journey through four of the principal filming locations for the trilogy, combining the actuality of the book and the magic of the movies with the reality of the Middle Earth locations.
Authentic props used for the book include the giant wooden armchair from Beorn’s house, two-level waterside houses and a boat from Lake-town and the gigantic brooding bust of the dwarf king Thror.
It will set the stage for media activity and cast interviews with The Hobbit trilogy stars for the media junket based around the LA premiere of The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug on Monday and provide an innovative setting for New Zealand hospitality and film business events.
Jackson’s epic Tolkien-inspired productions of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies have created a legendary fan following and been at the source, over the past decade, of a film tourism phenomenon for New Zealand.
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This will be the focus of a presentation and discussion taking place at the KSU common room, University of Malta tomorrow at 2.30pm.
The event is being held by Euro Media Forum, Eden Cinemas and Occasions Replica Store in anticipation of the upcoming The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug film release worldwide and in local cinemas.
Experts, including the Tolkien researcher Luke Caruana, will delve into what inspired Tolkien to create Middle Earth and celebrate the author’s enduring legacy.
Tickets at €10 include food and soft drinks.
There will also be a Hobbit film quiz with prizes to be won.
For bookings send an SMS to 9945 4066, e-mail euro-mediaforum@gmail.com or log on to http://www.facebook.com/Euro.Media.ForumPrice .