The Hobbit starts filming

After a problematic start of it's life, The Hobbit has finally started shooting. You are probably aware of the issues that the film have had. These ranging from the Studio, almost, going bankrupt, changes in director and almost pulling out of New Zealand due to disputes over actor's pay.

Now comes the good news! The film has started principle photography and the below two images showing the hobbit hole set and the director, Peter Jackson.

The Hobbit follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever... Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s ‘precious’ ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities…a simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-Earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

The Hobbit, Part One, will hit cinemas "Late 2012" (I would see it released in December as that was when The Lord Of The Rings films were releases)