Teams of artists have been employed to build highly detailed and ultra-realistic models of the various cities and castles exactly as described by Tolkien in his original book. In this exclusive shot, we can see the finished model of the Hornburg, the castle at the Battle of Helm's Deep. (Click on pictures to see larger versions)

The incredibly detailed Hornburg Model

Though it is difficult to believe from this picture that the castle is a model, there is one tell-tale clue if you look carefully enough; the blue screen used for compositing other images into the finished shot is just visible behind the model.

Months of meticulous research has gone into each model, ensuring that every detail is as accurate as possible. Using painstaking methods, the modellers have used every ounce of their talent to produce these miniature pinnacles of the model-maker's art.

Close up of the model

Using special effects wizardry worthy of Gandalf himself, Peter Jackson's hand-picked team of highly skilled professionals and technical experts can use the footage of this finely-tooled model to bring the scenes from the book to vivid life. After digitally adding the sky and Sir Ian McKellen the finished shot completely fools the moviegoer into thinking that they are seeing Gandalf crossing the drawbridge of an impressive castle.

The finished shot