Production on the two-part The Hobbit, directed by Peter Jackson, will begin on March 21, 2011 [via TORn]:
This date has been chosen following practical considerations of the filming schedule requirements, actor availability and the NZ seasons. Shooting will take place at Stone Street Studios in Miramar and on location around New Zealand.
The Hobbit: Part 1″ is expected to hit theaters in December 2012 followed by ‘Part 2’ in December 2013.