Inkling heaven

Via TORn comes news that New Zealand is no longer just Middle-earth: it is now officially also Narnia.

After almost a year of negotiations New Zealand has secured the multimillion-dollar Hollywood movie The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Work on the film begins next month in Auckland.

Confirmation of the movie, to be directed by Kiwi Oscar-winner Andrew Adamson, comes after almost a year of negotiations between central and local governments, Henderson Studios and American producer Walden Media.

No budget details were available. However, the Los Angeles Times reported in July that it would cost about US$175 million (NZ$300 million).

Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop has reportedly been contracted for the effects work.