As most of you know, but for the sake of those who don't, NewLine Cinema, under the Direction of Peter Jackson,  is creating The Lord of the Rings for screen. It is being filmed in three parts simultaniously in New Zealand.

The wesite Imladris has posted some of the first smuggled images behind the scenes of the filming. What, You can't believe your ears? Smuggled? Now did you really think they would be kept a secret forever? Please visit Imladris for more information on the photos. Harry from Ain't It Cool News aquired the images from an Australian Magazine. Way to go Harry. Please note that all fullsize images are on the Imladris webpage and go directly there when you click them. Imladris' server may be slow at times so be patient. All links open in a new window so you won't leave here when you click them.
Elijah Wood.Liv Tyler.
A Ringwraith

Eight of the nine ringwraiths

Also found on Imladris is the following images. The first four images came originally from Ogonyuk, a Russian publication. The images depict typical Hobbit architecture. Every detail on the homes is correct down to the doors swinging in. The last image is believed to be a Hobbit summer home but if you notice the fact it is above ground and has the appearance of a public building, my guess, and many others is, it's The Green Dragon at Bywater or The Prancing Pony in Bree. The architecture tends to follow closely to what Tolkien described.

A Hobbit Home. Another Hobbit Home.
Yet another Hobbit Home. Notice a trend here?
Probably The Green Dragon or The Prancing Pony

The following images depict Bree. All of these images have convinced me that The Lord of the Rings is in quite capable hands.

"Before them rose Bree-hill barring the way, a dark mass against misty stars; and under its western flank nestled a large village. Towards it they now hurried desiring only to find a fire, and a door between them and the night."

Bree. Bree.
Bree. Bree

Timeline of NewLine Cinema's Production of The Lord of the Rings
October 7, 1999 (Los Angeles, October 7, 1999) - The Lord of the Rings film trilogy begins principal photography in Wellington, New Zealand, on October 11, 1999, under the direction of Peter Jackson, it was jointly announced today by Robert Shaye, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of New Line Cinema; Michael Lynne, President and Chief Operating Officer of New Line Cinema; Michael De Luca, President and Chief Operating Officer of New Line Productions; Mark Ordesky, President of Fine Line Features; and Jackson, who is also a writer and producer of the production. 
October 11, 1999 Principal Photography is begun.
Much more to come as I gather the gossip and headlines.

Cast of Characters

The Fellowship of The Ring (being the first part of The Lord of the Rings)

The Nine Walkers:

"The Company of the Ring shall be Nine; and the Nine Walkers shall be set against the Nine Riders that are evil. With you and your faithful servant, Gandalf will go; for this shall be his great task, and maybe the end of his labours."
 
Frodo Baggins Elijah Wood
Sam Gamgee Sean Astin
Aragorn Viggo Mortensen
Pippin ( Peregrin Took ) Billy Boyd
Merry ( Meriadoc Brandybuck ) Dominic Monaghan
Gandalf Sir Ian McKellan
Gimli  John Rhys-Davies
Legolas Orlando Bloom
Boromir Sean Bean

Supporting Characters:
 
Faramir Ethan Hawke
Galadriel Cate Blanchett
Saruman Christopher Lee
Arwen Liv Tyler
Bilbo Baggins Ian Holm
Eowyn Uma Thurman
King Theoden Kevin Conway
Denethor ?
Grima Wormtongue Brad Dourif
Elrond ?
Glorfindel ?
Eomer ?
Barliman Butterbur ?
Prince Imrahil ?
Celeborn ?
Witch King ?
Bill Ferny ?
Shadowfax ?
Ioreth ?
Bill (The Pony) ?
Fredegar Bolger ?
Ghan-Buri-Ghan ?
The Gaffer ?
Radagast the Brown ?
Ted Sandyman Brian Sergent
Gollum (voice) Andy Serkis
Sauron (voice ?) ?