James Nesbitt is preparing to start filming The Hobbit.
The actor is down in New Zealand as he prepares to take on the role of Bofur in Peter Jackson's adaptation of The Hobbit.
And while they have yet to begin filming the actor reveals that they are working hard getting ready for the movie.
Speaking to Digital Spy the actor said: "We haven't actually started filming yet. We got here quite early - we were always going to spend a number of weeks mainly kind of getting fit because it's a huge project and will involve a lot of stamina and stuff.
"And also getting used to the different types of work we'll be doing.
"We're doing lots of horse riding and stunts and stuff. We're basically playing! It's a very good way to earn a living, it's great. They're working us hard I have to say!
"But they're very down to earth. It has such a feeling of being a little company, it just happens to be a little company of thousands of people!
"But everyone is enjoying it. Every day's a little treat."
The first part of The Hobbit is scheduled for a December 2012 release.
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