The Hobbit was directed by Peter Jackson.
Andrew Lesnie . He was best known as the cinematographer for The Lord of the Rings trilogy ( 2001 -- 2003 ) and its prequel The Hobbit trilogy ( 2012 -- 2014 ) , both directed by New Zealand director Peter Jackson . The Hobbit is a film series consisting of three high fantasy adventure films directed by Peter Jackson . Also returning for production , among others , were illustrators John Howe and Alan Lee , art director Dan Hennah , cinematographer Andrew Lesnie , and composer Howard Shore , while props were again crafted by Weta Workshop , with visual effects managed by Weta Digital .