Andy Serkis talks The Hobbit

With The Hobbit now only ten months away (not that we’re counting the days or anything), cast and crew interviews are beginning to find their way back from Middle-earth.

Andy Serkis has been the latest to give an update on proceedings, and says the new technology on offer to Peter Jackson has made the set a joy to work on.

“It’s fantastic,” says Serkis of his return to New Zealand. “What’s great is that, with the technology, we can shoot on a live-action set. I don’t have to go back and repeat the process. There’s no disconnect anymore."

“When I’m acting with my fellow actor on a live-action set, it’s all for real and whatever happens between those two actors is what’s recorded,” he explains. “The live-action actor is recorded with film cameras while my performance as Gollum is recorded with performance capture cameras.”

What’s also different this time around, is that Serkis has been involved behind the camera as well. “Because I’m directing the Second Unit on The Hobbit , I feel very at home with Middle-earth,” continues the star.

“I feel equipped to be Peter’s eyes and ears on the Second Unit, which is a big operation. We’re covering a lot of stuff. We shoot everything from drama to aerial shots to battle sequences. I’m very pleased to be at this point."

And as for Gollum? Well, seeing as this film is a prequel to The Lord Of The Rings , he’s a little different to how we remember. “All I can say is that he’s 60 years younger,” says Serkis, “and a lot more handsome.”

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey opens in the UK on 14 December 2012.