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Events on Monday 11 October 1999 1
1999 – 2000Principal photography -- 15 months in New ZealandPrincipal photography runs from 11 October 1999 to 22 December 2000 -- 15 months shooting all three films simultaneously at locations across New Zealand. Over 150 locations are used: Matamata (the Shire/Hobbiton), Queenstown and surroundings (various Middle-earth landscapes), Tongariro National Park (Mordor), Fiordland (various), and studio sets in Wellington. The cast and crew live in New Zealand for the duration; many form lasting bonds. The shoot is gruelling: a night shoot on Caradhras in genuine midwinter conditions; enormous battle sequences with thousands of extras; Sean Bean (afraid of helicopters) hiked to Caradhras each day in full Boromir armour.