Twenty-four years ago, Peter Jacksons journey to bring J.R.R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings to the big screen began. Facing numerous challenges, including initial plans for just two films, Jackson secured a crucial agreement to find a new studio or Miramax would proceed with their scaled-down version. In a pivotal meeting, Jackson pitched his ambitious three-film vision to New Line Cinemas CEO, Bob Shaye, using VHS tapes and enlarged photos to showcase New Zealand as Middle-earth. Shayes response was it should be three films, a decision that proved to be one of the boldest in Hollywood history. The films were shot back-to-back over fourteen months, with Jackson essentially living in Middle-earth for seven years. The buzz around the film grew immensely, especially after a twenty-six-minute preview at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2001. The premiere was a global sensation, with thousands of fans lining Leicester Square. The Fellowship of the Ring went on to win four Oscars, gross nearly nine hundred million dollars at the box office, and revolutionize special effects. Beyond Hollywood, the trilogy had a profound impact on New Zealand, boosting tourism by fifty percent and transforming its film industry, leaving a lasting legacy for the entire nation.

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