New Zealand
Dame Vera Lynn
07/04/10 08:50 Filed in: Announcement
Last week, as part of preparation for Warbirds Over Wanaka I had the honour and privilege of interviewing Dame Vera Lynn in London.
Sprightly at 93, she was an absolute joy to talk to.
As well as discussing her time in London during the Blitz I asker her my burning question.
“How does it feel after so many years to hear We’ll Meet Again. Is it as relevant today as it was when you first sang it”?
This was her response..........
Podcast
Sprightly at 93, she was an absolute joy to talk to.
As well as discussing her time in London during the Blitz I asker her my burning question.
“How does it feel after so many years to hear We’ll Meet Again. Is it as relevant today as it was when you first sang it”?
This was her response..........
Podcast
0 Comments
Blast from the Past
10/03/10 20:09 Filed in: New Zealand | Lord of the Rings
I am sitting here in The Shire with an incredible warmth which is the combination of an Indian Summer and a joy of my work. All of the future is personified by my image below and the beautiful aroma of Frangipani being overpowered by my Gardenia that are now flowering in abundance. My past is the bouquet of a Central Otago Pinot (Mt Difficulty).
The past also returned today with a post via my friends at TheOneRing.
The present is more exciting - with the opportunity to go to “work” every day and be amongst the future.
I guess all I can say is “Life is Good!”
Thanks to Linuxelf.....
The past also returned today with a post via my friends at TheOneRing.
The present is more exciting - with the opportunity to go to “work” every day and be amongst the future.
I guess all I can say is “Life is Good!”
Thanks to Linuxelf.....
Tropical Heat
Little did I realise that I would be living in the tropics when I shifted to Matamata. The last week haas seen 90% humidity and temperatures in the high 20’s with the heat index (what it actually feels like) around 35C. This has meant a number of things for us;
However, there are a few upsides;
So, the second list actually outweighs the first!
The image below is of my first flowering frangipani - I am very happy!
- We need air conditioning
- It is impossible to sleep at night
- There are tropical insects everywhere
- The flys are VERY annoying
However, there are a few upsides;
- The garden is flourishing
- I can grow Frangipani
- I can grow Hibiscus
- I can grow Gardenia
So, the second list actually outweighs the first!
The image below is of my first flowering frangipani - I am very happy!
First Day of Summer
The first day of summer has arrived and I look with dismay that my last update was almost two months ago. Not good for any sort of blog and for this I must apologise. Work is increasing here at Hobbiton Movie Set and that is my only excuse.
I must admit I am also trying to finish my Blurb book covering our trip to England last June and July and that is also running behind schedule.
My last two months have been gathering an image library of The Shire - some of which I have listed below. Media groups continue to visit on a weekly basis from around the world and it is just so wonderful to share the experiece of the set with them. By way of repetition a link to some text which I wrote a few weeks ago for the folks at Weta for their newsletter. Apologies if you have read it already.
In the meantime some images of the area and my first attempt at a poster for us.
And one from England.
I must admit I am also trying to finish my Blurb book covering our trip to England last June and July and that is also running behind schedule.
My last two months have been gathering an image library of The Shire - some of which I have listed below. Media groups continue to visit on a weekly basis from around the world and it is just so wonderful to share the experiece of the set with them. By way of repetition a link to some text which I wrote a few weeks ago for the folks at Weta for their newsletter. Apologies if you have read it already.
In the meantime some images of the area and my first attempt at a poster for us.
And one from England.
Living in The Shire
27/09/09 20:22 Filed in: New Zealand
This is a very brief blog. The last 4 weeks have been rather hectic with shifting house, shifting jobs, shifting Islands. But, phew, we have made it! It has been so busy getting into my work mode and learning so much about Hobbiton that it has been seven days a week but this Sunday after a lovely coffee at The Shires Rest I have finally been able to get my website up to date.
All I can say is I am having a ball. Matamata is truly the epitome of The Shire and every day I can visit Hobbiton if I want to. Absolutely fantastic.
It is not just the place or the job though. All the staff I work with are absolutely fantastic. They have made me feel so much at home. I now have a large extended family!
So, in haste, here is one image I have taken in the last few weeks as I gather images for our Hobbiton website and brochures.
Next Friday 02 October I am in Wellington at a book-signing at The Weta Cave. I will be there from 4-30pm to 5-30pm. I would love to see you there.
I am working on our new Facebook page and I do hope you can join us.
Friends of Hobbiton Movie Set
All the best,
All I can say is I am having a ball. Matamata is truly the epitome of The Shire and every day I can visit Hobbiton if I want to. Absolutely fantastic.
It is not just the place or the job though. All the staff I work with are absolutely fantastic. They have made me feel so much at home. I now have a large extended family!
So, in haste, here is one image I have taken in the last few weeks as I gather images for our Hobbiton website and brochures.
Next Friday 02 October I am in Wellington at a book-signing at The Weta Cave. I will be there from 4-30pm to 5-30pm. I would love to see you there.
I am working on our new Facebook page and I do hope you can join us.
Friends of Hobbiton Movie Set
All the best,
From Wings to Rings
This blog update is for those of you that have not caught up with my news.
A few weeks ago I handed in my notice as Director of the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum.
On the 1st September 2009 I commence my new position as Media and Communications Manager for Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours in Matamata.
The last seventeen years of my life in Wanaka have been amazing and I have thoroughly enjoyed my work and all the wonderful people I have worked with. I will miss you all.
I will continue to undertake my work for Warbirds Over Wanaka so will still be able to keep in touch with many of you.
However, I felt it was time for a change so now I move from one passion to another. The Alexander Family in Matamata have become good friends and I am really looking forward to working with them, Henry Horne and the rest of the staff.
Please excuse the brevity of this blog but I am currently half way through a journey of commentary around the English Airshow Circuit. I will be in touch with many of you upon my return late July.
For those of you who want to follow my experience of living with hobbits you will be able to check here, the Hobbiton page, Facebook and Twitter. Once I commence work I will be updating all of these regularly.
With my best regards,
Ian
A few weeks ago I handed in my notice as Director of the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum.
On the 1st September 2009 I commence my new position as Media and Communications Manager for Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tours in Matamata.
The last seventeen years of my life in Wanaka have been amazing and I have thoroughly enjoyed my work and all the wonderful people I have worked with. I will miss you all.
I will continue to undertake my work for Warbirds Over Wanaka so will still be able to keep in touch with many of you.
However, I felt it was time for a change so now I move from one passion to another. The Alexander Family in Matamata have become good friends and I am really looking forward to working with them, Henry Horne and the rest of the staff.
Please excuse the brevity of this blog but I am currently half way through a journey of commentary around the English Airshow Circuit. I will be in touch with many of you upon my return late July.
For those of you who want to follow my experience of living with hobbits you will be able to check here, the Hobbiton page, Facebook and Twitter. Once I commence work I will be updating all of these regularly.
With my best regards,
Ian
Updates Galore!
03/06/09 21:51 Filed in: New Zealand | Announcement
The months slip by and here we are in June. Sorry for the lack of updates recently but I can promise you plenty in the next month. Lack of updates equals a new book deadline and some serious changes to what I do!
The biggest news is a trip to an English summer. Next week we fly with Emirates from New Zealand across to Sydney for a nights catch up with Stephen Ryan before onwards via Dubai to London. Am really looking forward to the trip and the flights. Have only flown Emirates once across the Tasman but this time we get an A380 for the majority of the journey.
As the journey unfolds I will be able to tell you more. In reality, the temperature here has not reached +5C for the last few days so an escape sounds pretty good to me. Once in England I will be commentating at Kemble, Biggin Hill and Duxford. Phew - fun!
Before we fly I will be in Auckland for TRENZ. My great friend Russell Alexander who looks after tours to Hobbiton has a travel conference and a new baby all due in the same week so I will give him and Henry (their Sales Manager) a helping hand (TRENZ not baby).
I have just purchased a Mino HD to help tell my story so you will get moving pictures as well. I have been known to emit the occasional Tweet too!
In the meantime - watch this space - images of an A380, Emirates travel and airshows to follow!
All the best,
Ian
The biggest news is a trip to an English summer. Next week we fly with Emirates from New Zealand across to Sydney for a nights catch up with Stephen Ryan before onwards via Dubai to London. Am really looking forward to the trip and the flights. Have only flown Emirates once across the Tasman but this time we get an A380 for the majority of the journey.
As the journey unfolds I will be able to tell you more. In reality, the temperature here has not reached +5C for the last few days so an escape sounds pretty good to me. Once in England I will be commentating at Kemble, Biggin Hill and Duxford. Phew - fun!
Before we fly I will be in Auckland for TRENZ. My great friend Russell Alexander who looks after tours to Hobbiton has a travel conference and a new baby all due in the same week so I will give him and Henry (their Sales Manager) a helping hand (TRENZ not baby).
I have just purchased a Mino HD to help tell my story so you will get moving pictures as well. I have been known to emit the occasional Tweet too!
In the meantime - watch this space - images of an A380, Emirates travel and airshows to follow!
All the best,
Ian
ANZAC Day
23/04/09 21:02 Filed in: New Zealand
The 25th April is a milestone date for New Zealand and Australia. It was on this day in 1915 that the combined forces of these two countries stormed the beaches of Gallipoli to achieve a victory that was strategically impossible but created in this maelstrom of war a day to remember - a terrible day that would serve to commemorate many terrible days that would follow.
The 25th April is the day that we as a country pause and remember all of those young men and woman, a lost generation, flesh and blood, that fought for a cause that they had the courage to stand up for.
In my day job I have had the honour and privilege to know some of these people and it is a memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It is a privilege - there is no better way to say it.
Yesterday I co-hosted the TV-3 ANZAC Day programme with Oliver Driver. Oliver and I had fun- we talked - we discussed - we listened. Listen is the only important word.
Lest We Forget.
Gentlemen - thank you - our heroes.
Watch this Saturday the 25th April on TV-3 at 7-00am.
The 25th April is the day that we as a country pause and remember all of those young men and woman, a lost generation, flesh and blood, that fought for a cause that they had the courage to stand up for.
In my day job I have had the honour and privilege to know some of these people and it is a memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It is a privilege - there is no better way to say it.
Yesterday I co-hosted the TV-3 ANZAC Day programme with Oliver Driver. Oliver and I had fun- we talked - we discussed - we listened. Listen is the only important word.
Lest We Forget.
Gentlemen - thank you - our heroes.
Watch this Saturday the 25th April on TV-3 at 7-00am.
A Fantastic March!
What an amazing month March has been. Things have been a little busy and I must apologise for no update since February!
On the 7th March our son Travis married Belinda Thomson in Queenstown. It was great to have Travis, Belinda and their friends at home with us for the ten days prior. The house was full of noise and action (as well as a few clinks of bottles).
The wedding went off without a hitch (well I guess there was one) and we all had a fantastic day.
I had been asked to be the official wedding photographer, which I accepted with some trepidation as this was really my first serious attempt at a difficult job. In the end it all worked beautifully as I had my great friend Chris Hinch with me. Chris is a brilliant photographer but he also knows how to pose people - a skill I have yet to learn.
So the “A Team” worked hard and I am pleased to post just a few of the results. I must admit the weather was perfect - overcast and dramatic clouds.
My great friends at Heliworks provided the helicopter to travel up to The Remarkables and their absolute professionalism just cemented in my mind that they are the best operators in the country.
Now all has returned to normal - well sort of. Auckland next weekend and then back again the following week as a co-host for TV-3 and their ANZAC Day coverage. Then it will only be 7 weeks until we return to England for the summer airshow commentary season. Excellent!
On the 7th March our son Travis married Belinda Thomson in Queenstown. It was great to have Travis, Belinda and their friends at home with us for the ten days prior. The house was full of noise and action (as well as a few clinks of bottles).
The wedding went off without a hitch (well I guess there was one) and we all had a fantastic day.
I had been asked to be the official wedding photographer, which I accepted with some trepidation as this was really my first serious attempt at a difficult job. In the end it all worked beautifully as I had my great friend Chris Hinch with me. Chris is a brilliant photographer but he also knows how to pose people - a skill I have yet to learn.
So the “A Team” worked hard and I am pleased to post just a few of the results. I must admit the weather was perfect - overcast and dramatic clouds.
My great friends at Heliworks provided the helicopter to travel up to The Remarkables and their absolute professionalism just cemented in my mind that they are the best operators in the country.
Now all has returned to normal - well sort of. Auckland next weekend and then back again the following week as a co-host for TV-3 and their ANZAC Day coverage. Then it will only be 7 weeks until we return to England for the summer airshow commentary season. Excellent!
Wings Over Wairarapa
14/01/09 10:31 Filed in: New Zealand | Travel
This morning I fly to Wellington and catch the train up to Masterton. The next few days I will be “hanging out” with my great friends Phil Makanna, Trevor Graham and Jim Hickey.
Then the weekend will be spent commentating at the Wings Over Wairarapa Airshow.
Really looking forward to the show. Some special aircraft will be flying, including three SE5A WWI fighters.
I believe this will be the first time three of these fabulous little aircraft have been seen in the air together since about 1925.
In the meantime, my photography has been a little sparse over the last few weeks but here is an image taken of sunset over Lake Taupo taken when we drove to Auckland last December.
Then the weekend will be spent commentating at the Wings Over Wairarapa Airshow.
Really looking forward to the show. Some special aircraft will be flying, including three SE5A WWI fighters.
I believe this will be the first time three of these fabulous little aircraft have been seen in the air together since about 1925.
In the meantime, my photography has been a little sparse over the last few weeks but here is an image taken of sunset over Lake Taupo taken when we drove to Auckland last December.
Holiday Spots
24/12/08 13:55 Filed in: New Zealand
The New Zealand Herald published my guide to the Top Ten Holiday Spots in New Zealand this morning.
You can visit the page here. I would love to hear what your ten favourites are!
I also have a photo-essay published in the latest issue of the excellent New Zealand travel magazine, Inspire. It covers my wonderful cruise aboard the Crystal Serenity earlier this year. Keep an eye out for it in all good book stores or collect one from your local House of Travel outlet.
Can I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and have a wonderful holiday.
I have a week off and then back to work for a week before travelling to Masterton for the Wings Over Wairarapa Airshow. It promises to have some aircraft that have not been seen in the air together for over 80 years. Hope to see you there.
I’ll close with one of my favourite images from that wonderful Crystal Cruise in February 2008.
You can visit the page here. I would love to hear what your ten favourites are!
I also have a photo-essay published in the latest issue of the excellent New Zealand travel magazine, Inspire. It covers my wonderful cruise aboard the Crystal Serenity earlier this year. Keep an eye out for it in all good book stores or collect one from your local House of Travel outlet.
Can I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and have a wonderful holiday.
I have a week off and then back to work for a week before travelling to Masterton for the Wings Over Wairarapa Airshow. It promises to have some aircraft that have not been seen in the air together for over 80 years. Hope to see you there.
I’ll close with one of my favourite images from that wonderful Crystal Cruise in February 2008.
Link Catch-Up
22/12/08 11:57 Filed in: Film | Photography | Announcement | Travel | The Hobbit | The Lord of the Rings | New Zealand
As we approach Christmas I looked at the desktop of the Mac and found some links I had put aside to post on my bog. So, without further ado here they are!
I also would like to thank all visitors to my website for your support. Have a wonderful Christmas and all the best for 2009.
NZ On Screen
A fantastic resource to help you discover the best of New Zealand television and film.
UK Photo Guides
A great idea. Personal and intimate guides to locations through England and the best places to photograph them from.
The Hunt For Gollum
This film will be free to view on the internet next year. Has a nice look and feel to it.
THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM - FULL Trailer 1 from Chris Bouchard on Vimeo.
Born of Hope
This film is currently in production and is a 60 minute Lord of the Rings inspired film that will be released free to view on the internet.
Born of Hope - 2008 Teaser Trailer one from Born of Hope on Vimeo.
I also would like to thank all visitors to my website for your support. Have a wonderful Christmas and all the best for 2009.
NZ On Screen
A fantastic resource to help you discover the best of New Zealand television and film.
UK Photo Guides
A great idea. Personal and intimate guides to locations through England and the best places to photograph them from.
The Hunt For Gollum
This film will be free to view on the internet next year. Has a nice look and feel to it.
THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM - FULL Trailer 1 from Chris Bouchard on Vimeo.
Born of Hope
This film is currently in production and is a 60 minute Lord of the Rings inspired film that will be released free to view on the internet.
Born of Hope - 2008 Teaser Trailer one from Born of Hope on Vimeo.
Books, Travel & Radio
Have just had a wonderful eight days in the North Island promoting Ian Brodie’s New Zealand. Had the great pleasure of talking to some wonderful people at some great radio stations.
We travelled by camper-van from Christchurch to Auckland which allowed me to revisit our backbone - State Highway One. I well remember as a child the slow trips through the Mangaweka but now it is all passing lanes and speed. Makes travelling easier but I think I prefer the older scenic route.
Visited the Weta Cave whilst in Wellington, a wonderful mixture of retail goodness and museum. You must visit if you are ever in our capital city.
So, my thanks to Kim Hill (National Radio), Wammo (Kiwi FM), Mikey Havoc (95 BFM), Suzy Cato (Big FM), Alice Worsley (Planet FM) and Bill Ralston (Radio Live) for your wonderful comments about by book.
The trip was a real holiday - the camera stayed in its case almost the whole time. The only chance to make a picture was at Lake Taupo (below).
Now we approach Christmas ...... phew!
Podcast (Interview with Kim Hill on National Radio)
We travelled by camper-van from Christchurch to Auckland which allowed me to revisit our backbone - State Highway One. I well remember as a child the slow trips through the Mangaweka but now it is all passing lanes and speed. Makes travelling easier but I think I prefer the older scenic route.
Visited the Weta Cave whilst in Wellington, a wonderful mixture of retail goodness and museum. You must visit if you are ever in our capital city.
So, my thanks to Kim Hill (National Radio), Wammo (Kiwi FM), Mikey Havoc (95 BFM), Suzy Cato (Big FM), Alice Worsley (Planet FM) and Bill Ralston (Radio Live) for your wonderful comments about by book.
The trip was a real holiday - the camera stayed in its case almost the whole time. The only chance to make a picture was at Lake Taupo (below).
Now we approach Christmas ...... phew!
Podcast (Interview with Kim Hill on National Radio)
Ian Brodie's New Zealand
After many months of waiting I am thrilled to announce the release of Ian Brodie’s New Zealand. It is now available in all good bookstores in New Zealand or from Amazon in the UK.
I am so pleased with the book, and very proud to have a book that shows the diversity and uniqueness of our country.
Over the next few weeks I will be promoting the book via television and radio in many towns. One interview I am really looking forward to is with Kim Hill on National Radio. If you would like to listen please tune in at 11-00am on Saturday 06 December.
I am so pleased with the book, and very proud to have a book that shows the diversity and uniqueness of our country.
Over the next few weeks I will be promoting the book via television and radio in many towns. One interview I am really looking forward to is with Kim Hill on National Radio. If you would like to listen please tune in at 11-00am on Saturday 06 December.
Morgan David Saxton
13/11/08 10:29 Filed in: New Zealand
Yesterday the funeral was held for Morgan Saxton. Tragically killed in a helicopter accident on the 1st November, Morgan was only 31 years old. Although I didn’t know him well he always impressed me with his wonderful personality and friendly smile. He made every person he spoke to seem special. He was far too young to die and the world is poorer with his passing.
This morning my Flickr friend Diane sent this poem which is very appropriate.
"But now the journey is over.
Too short, alas, too short.
It was filled with adventure and wisdom,
laughter and love,
gallantry and grace.
So farewell, farewell".
Cavafy
The image below is my tribute to Morgan.
In Memory of Morgan. 1977-2008
The sun reflects your mana,
the flowers reflect your personality,
the wind reflects your love of the air
and the mountains are in darkness with sadness.
I will remember you for ever..
This morning my Flickr friend Diane sent this poem which is very appropriate.
"But now the journey is over.
Too short, alas, too short.
It was filled with adventure and wisdom,
laughter and love,
gallantry and grace.
So farewell, farewell".
Cavafy
The image below is my tribute to Morgan.
In Memory of Morgan. 1977-2008
The sun reflects your mana,
the flowers reflect your personality,
the wind reflects your love of the air
and the mountains are in darkness with sadness.
I will remember you for ever..
Pubs with Personality
To be released later this month is a wonderful guidebook to some special places in New Zealand.
Entitled “Pubs with Personality”, the guide features 150 pubs in New Zealand that have that little bit extra, with a good personality and a welcoming ale.
One of the authors is my friend Peter Janssen, retired Managing Director of Reed Publishing in New Zealand. Peter started me off with the Warbirds Over Wanaka book series in 1998 and he has been a great supporter. A very witty, eloquent person - this book also reflects his great personality.
The book will be available in all good book stores. A great guide with something special for me - the cover is one of my images of “Formally The Blackball Hilton” at Blackball on the West Coast of the South Island.
Entitled “Pubs with Personality”, the guide features 150 pubs in New Zealand that have that little bit extra, with a good personality and a welcoming ale.
One of the authors is my friend Peter Janssen, retired Managing Director of Reed Publishing in New Zealand. Peter started me off with the Warbirds Over Wanaka book series in 1998 and he has been a great supporter. A very witty, eloquent person - this book also reflects his great personality.
The book will be available in all good book stores. A great guide with something special for me - the cover is one of my images of “Formally The Blackball Hilton” at Blackball on the West Coast of the South Island.
In Search of Rivendell
Last week I was visited by an American writer, Ethan Gilsdorf. He is travelling New Zealand looking at Lord of the Rings Locations and the placement of New Zealand as Middle-earth.
He has a great sense of humour and is very easy to talk to.
Most of his travels around New Zealand seem to be with a video camera glued to his eye as he captures special moments. These have then been posted onto the blog of his hometown newspaper The Boston Globe.
I found this clip on his blog of yesterday as he searches for Rivendell at Kaitoke Regional Park near Wellington.
This location is featured extensively in The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook. It is also great to see an interview with Wellington Rover Tours who undertake Lord of the Rings sightseeing tours of many Wellington film locations.
What doubled my pleasure in watching this video is the very thumbed copy of my Location Guide being used by the tour guide as a reference.
Excellent!
He has a great sense of humour and is very easy to talk to.
Most of his travels around New Zealand seem to be with a video camera glued to his eye as he captures special moments. These have then been posted onto the blog of his hometown newspaper The Boston Globe.
I found this clip on his blog of yesterday as he searches for Rivendell at Kaitoke Regional Park near Wellington.
This location is featured extensively in The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook. It is also great to see an interview with Wellington Rover Tours who undertake Lord of the Rings sightseeing tours of many Wellington film locations.
What doubled my pleasure in watching this video is the very thumbed copy of my Location Guide being used by the tour guide as a reference.
Excellent!
A Reflected Light
06/10/08 12:47 Filed in: Photography | New Zealand
St David’s Presbyterian Church
Luggate
New Zealand
This little church is at the end of our street and I have often wanted to photograph it but never found the right time. Last Thursday we had the most amazing sunset and I could see the time was right.
I was amazed at the way the light actually reflected onto the boards of the church - almost like the an inner light was emanating from the building itself.
Land for the church was donated in 1931 and the building was trucked from its original site in Hindon to Luggate.
Services are held on a regular basis.
Luggate
New Zealand
This little church is at the end of our street and I have often wanted to photograph it but never found the right time. Last Thursday we had the most amazing sunset and I could see the time was right.
I was amazed at the way the light actually reflected onto the boards of the church - almost like the an inner light was emanating from the building itself.
Land for the church was donated in 1931 and the building was trucked from its original site in Hindon to Luggate.
Services are held on a regular basis.
Ian Brodie's New Zealand Pre-Order
Although my latest book Ian Brodie’s New Zealand is not released until 01 December 2008 it is pleasing to see Amazon in the United Kingdom have it for pre-order. So, anybody in England or Europe that would like to be one of the first to receive the book please follow the Amazon Link here.
The cover has not yet even been publicly released but now that Amazon have jumped the gun here it is below. The scene was taken no more that 500 metres from my home and goes a little way to explaining why I love this country and particularly why I do live where I do.
I will have further links to shops selling the book as we get closer to the release date.
The cover has not yet even been publicly released but now that Amazon have jumped the gun here it is below. The scene was taken no more that 500 metres from my home and goes a little way to explaining why I love this country and particularly why I do live where I do.
I will have further links to shops selling the book as we get closer to the release date.
Green Middle-earth Aotearoa
23/09/08 14:30 Filed in: Photography | New Zealand
Had a great trip to Gore last weekend to talk at the “Books and Bubbles Event” at Paper Plus Gore. A good number of attentive listeners made it a pleasure to talk. The bubbly Kerre Woodham who acted as MC and also gave a wonderful speech certainly made the evening go fast.
The Paper Plus store in Gore (no rhyme intended) is the largest in the country and certainly has a great spread of books (if you are passing).
On the drive back home on Saturday it was really brought home to me how verdant this country is in Spring. Some places stay this colour longer than others - here at Raes Junction green will soon become brown but not before this tree sends out its tendrils.
The Paper Plus store in Gore (no rhyme intended) is the largest in the country and certainly has a great spread of books (if you are passing).
On the drive back home on Saturday it was really brought home to me how verdant this country is in Spring. Some places stay this colour longer than others - here at Raes Junction green will soon become brown but not before this tree sends out its tendrils.
Three reasons I know Spring is on the Way
At this time of the year there is a distinct nature gear-change as the cold winter weather is overtaken by the Spring Equinox. There are three things in Wanaka that tell me it is Spring.
1. The mad-dog nor-wester begins to blow and the rain comes but the south-wester that follows just doesn’t seem to have the polar bite with it. The mountains take on a tinge of green as the spring rain irrigates the tussock for a brief time before the heat of summer arrives.
2. The pale slivers of trees that have stood ghost-like for the last 4 months start to show tendrils of green.
3. The Winter-Rose stands defiantly against any frosts and demands attention from its simple colours of green and white.
1. The mad-dog nor-wester begins to blow and the rain comes but the south-wester that follows just doesn’t seem to have the polar bite with it. The mountains take on a tinge of green as the spring rain irrigates the tussock for a brief time before the heat of summer arrives.
2. The pale slivers of trees that have stood ghost-like for the last 4 months start to show tendrils of green.
3. The Winter-Rose stands defiantly against any frosts and demands attention from its simple colours of green and white.
The First Day of Spring
01/09/08 12:05 Filed in: New Zealand | Photography
The first day of spring has arrived in the Southern Hemisphere. Typical spring weather in Wanaka is north-west winds as the sun moves down to our part of the world. As if on cue this morning I awoke to that “typical” weather.
These two images were taken this morning as cloud formed from an approaching front. As the front edges closer the orographic effect of the Southern Alps means the West Coast receives considerable rain and we receive wind. Edging closer the rain then starts to fall but in that window of fine the most wonderful clouds can appear.
The lenticular billow cloud is a common site in Central Otago. A glider pilots delight - we know rain is on its way.
These two images were taken this morning as cloud formed from an approaching front. As the front edges closer the orographic effect of the Southern Alps means the West Coast receives considerable rain and we receive wind. Edging closer the rain then starts to fall but in that window of fine the most wonderful clouds can appear.
The lenticular billow cloud is a common site in Central Otago. A glider pilots delight - we know rain is on its way.
The Water Horse: Film Locations
The Water Horse - Legend of the Deep was released in the USA on Christmas Day 2007.
In this multi part Blog I will identify the locations used in Scotland and New Zealand and then follow up with a look at the similarities between the two countries both in mythology and culture.
As the synopsis explains, the film follows Angus, a young Scottish boy, who finds an enchanted egg. Taking it home, he soon finds himself face-to-face with an amazing creature: the mythical "water horse" of Scottish lore. Angus begins a journey of discovery, facing his greatest fears and risking his life to protect a secret that would give birth to a legend.
The film is based on the book by Dick King-Smith, an English author who also penned another well-loved book Babe, The Gallant Pig. Babe was the basis of another very successful film (of the same name) which was released in 1995. Shot entirely in Australia, Babe had a number of connections with blockbusters made here in New Zealand. Hugo Weaving (Elrond in The Lord of the Rings) voiced Rex the Male Sheepdog, Andrew Lesnie (DoP The Lord of the Rings, King Kong) filmed and Roger Ford (Production Designer The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Prince Caspian) headed Production Design.
The Water Horse story takes place entirely in the Scottish Highlands, but the film adaptation had locations split between Scotland and the “Highlands” of the South Island of New Zealand.
The resultant location mix comes together seamlessly showing the scenery similarities of the two countries and also because of the fantastic work of Joe Letteri and his hard working team at Weta Digital in Wellington.
Locations use in The Water Horse were;
New Zealand
Mt Nicholas Station
1. Main Base Camp
2. Gun Emplacements
3. Military Encampment
3. Roads around the Loch
Note the departure point for boats travelling across to Mt Nicholas with cast and crew was Twelve Mile Delta which was a location in The Lord of the Rings (notably where Sam cooked the coneys).
Stone St Studios (Wellington)
1. Interior shots
2. Water shots
General
1. Coastal Scenery
Click on the TomTom button below to download the Queenstown locations to your TomTom GPS.
Scotland
Ardkinglas Estate
1. Killin Lodge
2. Military Encampment
Drumnadrochit
1. Loch Ness Visitor Centre
Click on the TomTom button below to download the Scottish locations to your TomTom GPS.
Tours are available in Scotland showcasing the locations there as well as (obviously) visiting Loch Ness. In New Zealand, Mt Nicholas Station is not able to be visited but as you drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy it is possible to look across the lake to the station.
Scottish Tours
Ardkinglas Estate
The Trail of the Water Horse
Family Travel Scotland
Dooley Vacations Water Horse Tour
The Water Horse Locations in Google Earth
View of Lake Wakatipu from Mt Nicholas. (C) Ian Brodie All Rights Reserved.
The Scottish Crofters hut built by Dan Hennah and his team at Mt Nicholas. (C) Ian Brodie All Rights Reserved.
Gun Emplacement (Mt Nicholas). (C) Ian Brodie All Rights Reserved.
Filming at Ardkinglas Estate
The military encampment at Ardkinglas. (C) Ian Brodie All Rights Reserved.
In this multi part Blog I will identify the locations used in Scotland and New Zealand and then follow up with a look at the similarities between the two countries both in mythology and culture.
As the synopsis explains, the film follows Angus, a young Scottish boy, who finds an enchanted egg. Taking it home, he soon finds himself face-to-face with an amazing creature: the mythical "water horse" of Scottish lore. Angus begins a journey of discovery, facing his greatest fears and risking his life to protect a secret that would give birth to a legend.
The film is based on the book by Dick King-Smith, an English author who also penned another well-loved book Babe, The Gallant Pig. Babe was the basis of another very successful film (of the same name) which was released in 1995. Shot entirely in Australia, Babe had a number of connections with blockbusters made here in New Zealand. Hugo Weaving (Elrond in The Lord of the Rings) voiced Rex the Male Sheepdog, Andrew Lesnie (DoP The Lord of the Rings, King Kong) filmed and Roger Ford (Production Designer The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Prince Caspian) headed Production Design.
The Water Horse story takes place entirely in the Scottish Highlands, but the film adaptation had locations split between Scotland and the “Highlands” of the South Island of New Zealand.
The resultant location mix comes together seamlessly showing the scenery similarities of the two countries and also because of the fantastic work of Joe Letteri and his hard working team at Weta Digital in Wellington.
Locations use in The Water Horse were;
New Zealand
Mt Nicholas Station
1. Main Base Camp
2. Gun Emplacements
3. Military Encampment
3. Roads around the Loch
Note the departure point for boats travelling across to Mt Nicholas with cast and crew was Twelve Mile Delta which was a location in The Lord of the Rings (notably where Sam cooked the coneys).
Stone St Studios (Wellington)
1. Interior shots
2. Water shots
General
1. Coastal Scenery
Click on the TomTom button below to download the Queenstown locations to your TomTom GPS.
Scotland
Ardkinglas Estate
1. Killin Lodge
2. Military Encampment
Drumnadrochit
1. Loch Ness Visitor Centre
Click on the TomTom button below to download the Scottish locations to your TomTom GPS.
Tours are available in Scotland showcasing the locations there as well as (obviously) visiting Loch Ness. In New Zealand, Mt Nicholas Station is not able to be visited but as you drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy it is possible to look across the lake to the station.
Scottish Tours
Ardkinglas Estate
The Trail of the Water Horse
Family Travel Scotland
Dooley Vacations Water Horse Tour
The Water Horse Locations in Google Earth
View of Lake Wakatipu from Mt Nicholas. (C) Ian Brodie All Rights Reserved.
The Scottish Crofters hut built by Dan Hennah and his team at Mt Nicholas. (C) Ian Brodie All Rights Reserved.
Gun Emplacement (Mt Nicholas). (C) Ian Brodie All Rights Reserved.
Filming at Ardkinglas Estate
The military encampment at Ardkinglas. (C) Ian Brodie All Rights Reserved.
Winter Returns to Wanaka
13/08/08 11:12 Filed in: New Zealand
I am on a bit of a spring thing at the moment. Winter in Wanaka this year has been the wettest since we shifted here 17 years ago. I know I shouldn’t complain as most other parts of the country have had in worse than us. I couldn’t live in an equatorial climate of continuous heat either so another reason not to complain as there is something about the changing of the seasons that lets you appreciate them better.
However, I need spring!
On a bit of a flower kick at the moment and I am really enjoying processing some images that I took last summer. The advent of Adobe Lightroom 2 is partly to blame. The other reason is the wonderful book Scott Kelby’s 7-Point System for Adobe Photoshop CS3. With these two new tools a whole new world of photography is opened up. It’s fun!
The peony below was worked in Lightroom 2 before a final tweak a la Scott in CS3. I am pleased with the result.
However, I need spring!
On a bit of a flower kick at the moment and I am really enjoying processing some images that I took last summer. The advent of Adobe Lightroom 2 is partly to blame. The other reason is the wonderful book Scott Kelby’s 7-Point System for Adobe Photoshop CS3. With these two new tools a whole new world of photography is opened up. It’s fun!
The peony below was worked in Lightroom 2 before a final tweak a la Scott in CS3. I am pleased with the result.
The Lord of the Rings Locations Documentary
08/08/08 19:42 Filed in: The Lord of the Rings | New Zealand
As part of updating my website I came across this piece that was played on TVNZ when my first Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook was released.
It is a bit of a blast from the past, having featured just before The Two Towers came out in 2002. Who would have though six years has passed by!
I had an absolute ball writing the guidebooks and it was also great fun sharing this part of the journey with Hamish Clark who did a wonderful job of the documentary piece. We travelled to just a few of the locations but came across tourists looking for that right spot at virtually every one we visited. It gave me confidence that somebody might want to buy my book. The couple at Isengard were just randomly there, it was totally unscripted!
Since the guidebooks were first released in 2002 I have sold over 350,000 copies, so that is total proof of the power of the subject we all love.
I hope you enjoy it,
It is a bit of a blast from the past, having featured just before The Two Towers came out in 2002. Who would have though six years has passed by!
I had an absolute ball writing the guidebooks and it was also great fun sharing this part of the journey with Hamish Clark who did a wonderful job of the documentary piece. We travelled to just a few of the locations but came across tourists looking for that right spot at virtually every one we visited. It gave me confidence that somebody might want to buy my book. The couple at Isengard were just randomly there, it was totally unscripted!
Since the guidebooks were first released in 2002 I have sold over 350,000 copies, so that is total proof of the power of the subject we all love.
I hope you enjoy it,
Middle-earth Returns to NZ
25/04/08 12:52 Filed in: The Hobbit
Finally today the news we have all been waiting for. Guillermo del Toro will direct The Hobbit and it will be made in New Zealand. More can be found on this announcement from my friends at TheOneRing.net.
Now I start thinking about the possible locations that could be used in the two films (The Hobbit and the prequel to The Lord of the Rings).
It was obvious to me that New Zealand again had to be a major star. This country and its remarkable scenery has become the embodiment of Middle-earth to millions of people. The media hype from the three films may have lessened but the fans have not. Sales of my location guide continue and the books have become one of the five biggest sellers in this country. I mention this because it proves the popularity of Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings - fans will visit Middle-earth Aotearoa for many years to come. The Hobbit will reinforce that.
Where will they film? The crossover between the books does create some locations that have to be the same.
Hobbiton and Rivendell are two that immediately spring to mind. The vision of these places was created by Tolkien and then turned into three dimensions by Peter Jackson and his team. The journey Bilbo undertakes between these two points is the same almost that Frodo and Sam take some seventy seven years later. I can't imagine that they could look any different in the new films.
We do have a number of new locations in The Hobbit to ponder though but luckily Tolkein did describe some of these locations vividly;
We have a journey through the Misty Mountains via a different route.
Goblin Town
The Clearing
Eagles Eyrie
The Carrock
Beorn's Farmstead
Mirkwood
Thranduil's Realm
Lake-town
Ruins of Dale
The Lonely Mountain
Then we must look at the prequel and here we need a Palantir for some whilst other locations we have already seen.
Dol Goldur
The establishment of Barad-dur
Balin re-colonising Moria
Saruman and Isengard
The journeys of Aragorn
Gollum and his search for The Ring
I have no doubt that many of these locations will be found in the unlikeliest of places. Who would have imagined The Great East Road traversing the pine trees near Tarras for example.
There is one thing we can be assured of though, we have the right team to find the locations and the right team to translate them into Middle-earth.
Now all we have to do is wait.
Beorn's Meadows
Now I start thinking about the possible locations that could be used in the two films (The Hobbit and the prequel to The Lord of the Rings).
It was obvious to me that New Zealand again had to be a major star. This country and its remarkable scenery has become the embodiment of Middle-earth to millions of people. The media hype from the three films may have lessened but the fans have not. Sales of my location guide continue and the books have become one of the five biggest sellers in this country. I mention this because it proves the popularity of Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings - fans will visit Middle-earth Aotearoa for many years to come. The Hobbit will reinforce that.
Where will they film? The crossover between the books does create some locations that have to be the same.
Hobbiton and Rivendell are two that immediately spring to mind. The vision of these places was created by Tolkien and then turned into three dimensions by Peter Jackson and his team. The journey Bilbo undertakes between these two points is the same almost that Frodo and Sam take some seventy seven years later. I can't imagine that they could look any different in the new films.
We do have a number of new locations in The Hobbit to ponder though but luckily Tolkein did describe some of these locations vividly;
We have a journey through the Misty Mountains via a different route.
Goblin Town
The Clearing
Eagles Eyrie
The Carrock
Beorn's Farmstead
Mirkwood
Thranduil's Realm
Lake-town
Ruins of Dale
The Lonely Mountain
Then we must look at the prequel and here we need a Palantir for some whilst other locations we have already seen.
Dol Goldur
The establishment of Barad-dur
Balin re-colonising Moria
Saruman and Isengard
The journeys of Aragorn
Gollum and his search for The Ring
I have no doubt that many of these locations will be found in the unlikeliest of places. Who would have imagined The Great East Road traversing the pine trees near Tarras for example.
There is one thing we can be assured of though, we have the right team to find the locations and the right team to translate them into Middle-earth.
Now all we have to do is wait.
Beorn's Meadows