Hobbit film calls for faces with character

Hobbits are wanted for the two remaining films in the series following the completion of An Unexpected Journey last year. Photo / Supplied

New Zealanders with "character faces" are being sought as hobbits.

A casting call has been placed online by production company 3 Foot 7 Ltd for Wellington-based male and female actors with their eyes set on a part in the next film in The Hobbit series.

The ad, listed on Tuesday, requested only applicants with "character faces" that had not applied previously.

Hobbit hopefuls also needed to be over 17, have a flexible schedule until late July and be a New Zealand citizen or hold a valid work visa.

Calls for Middle Earth extras have caused casting frenzies in the past. Last January, elfin extras were turned away from a Lower Hutt audition when 3000 hopefuls turned up for auditions, forcing them to finish early.

Judging by the popularity of the Trade Me listing - that had more than 12,300 page views by 5 last night - part-seekers will have stiff competition to secure the small roles.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first movie in Sir Peter Jackson's trilogy, premiered in New Zealand in November and will be followed by The Desolation of Smaug and There and Back Again to be released this year and next, respectively.

The films are a prequel to The Lord of The Rings, also adapted by Sir Peter from JRR Tolkien's works and produced by his company Wingnut Films in New Zealand.