Start date for 'Hobbit' announced

The first day of shooting for the 'Hobbit' movies has been set for March 21, production company 3Foot7 announced today.

Shooting was delayed by a number of factors, including director Sir Peter Jackson's hospital stay for a perforated ulcer, the departure of the original director Guillermo del Toro last year and a threatened actors' boycott.

But Sir Peter said today the film was now "fully back on track" and he was excited to get started.

The date had been chosen following practical considerations like actor availability and New Zealand's seasons. Shooting will take place at Stone Street studios in Wellington and on location around the country.