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Filming in Mirama - Source: ONE News -
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With production on the Hobbit films to begin in the next couple of weeks, business owners in Miramar, the home of Sir Peter Jackson's studios, are gearing up for what they believe will be a very busy season.
Since the Lord of the Rings hit the big screen, the town of Miramar has been a hive of activity, with blockbusters like King Kong and Avatar also being produced there.
And now from doggy daycare to cafes and stores, Miramar business goers are preparing themselves for the arrival of hundreds more animators, set builders and film crew.
Allan Probert of Enterprise Miramar Peninsula said it is expected business will increase 25 to 30 percent as a result of the film industry being in Miramar.
"They're [film workers] always looking for places to eat, looking for places to hang out, they're looking to spend money," he said.
And there are predictions Jackson's two Hobbit films will pump $2 billion into the national economy.
Many business owners were anxious though following fears last year that Hollywood would move the production of the Hobbit offshore.
But when the government secured the films with employment law changes and extra tax breaks business owners were over the moon.
"It was almost like a celebratory mood in the place. Every shop you walked into, everybody was talking about it," cafe owner David Thurlow said.
Pre-production of the Hobbit begins next month.
