Andy Serkis, who is returning as Gollum in THE HOBBIT films, will also be serving as the second unit director on the film as well, writes Heat Vision. Serkis told the trade mag that he understands "Peter [Jackon's] sensibility" and that the director wants people working with him that know Middle Earth.

Serkis previously directed motion capture on video games, such as HEAVENLY SWORD. He is forming The Imaginarium, a performance capture training and production company, with producer Jonathan Cavendish. The actor is looking to take the helm of a live-action feature after THE HOBBIT wraps.

Serkis has just finished his performance capture work as Gollum and has joined the live-action shoot, taking place in New Zealand.

Serkis' next performance capture roles are in RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES and THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE SECRET OF THE UNICORN.