News for Jul. 09, 1999
7/09/99, 10:34 pm EST - Xoanon
(Los Angeles, July 7, 1999) - Elijah Wood has been cast in the lead role of New Line Cinema's live action, special effects-packed trilogy of films based on J.R.R. Tolkien's internationally renowned fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings, it was jointly announced today by director Peter Jackson, Michael De Luca, President and Chief Operating Officer of New Line Productions, and Mark Ordesky, President of Fine Line Features.
In joining the cast, Wood has committed to a project of unparalleled size and scope. Production on the highly anticipated serial is expected to begin by early October and principal photography will last more than a year, according to Jackson, who also serves as co-writer and co-producer of the fabled franchise.
The three Lord of the Rings films, beginning with The Fellowship of the Rings, will be produced consecutively and shot on location in New Zealand. Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Stephen Sinclair have completed their script for Part One: The Fellowship of the Rings and additional casting is currently underway.
"In casting this critical role, we knew we had to find an actor of great depth of range to take an audience on a journey through three movies," Jackson said. "While we looked at many good actors, it was clear from the moment that we met Elijah that we had found Frodo Baggins. He has an enormous natural ability to draw an audience into a story and the dramatic depth to hold them there."
Set in a mythic pre-history, The Lord of the Rings tells the saga of a desperate battle against encroaching evil - a perilous quest to save humanity which falls upon the shoulders of young Frodo Baggins (Woods), who has inherited a seemingly innocent magic ring from his elderly cousin Bilbo.
Frodo soon learns that the ring's original maker, the Dark Lord Sauron, is desperately seeking it - for it is a ring of great evil which will enable Sauron to enslave the people of this land known as Middle Earth. A hurriedly assembled fellowship of wizard, elf, dwarf and men accompany Frodo and his friends on a harrowing mission across Middle Earth in an attempt to destroy the ring by casting it into the volcanic fires in the Crack of Doom. Against them rages the monstrous power of Sauron, whose sinister emissaries ruthlessly pursue Frodo and his companions, while the omnipotent power of the ring attempts to corrupt the fellowship from within.
Currently at work on Pontus Lowenhielm and Patrik Von Krusenstjerna's Shiny New Enemies, with Salma Hayek and Jeff Goldblum, Wood will next be seen in James Toback's Black and White, a largely improvised look at the underground hip hop culture through the eyes of a film documentary crew. He also lends his voice as 'Tom Thumb' in the upcoming animated feature The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina.
Wood has been seen recently in The Faculty, Deep Impact, and The Ice Storm. His film credits also include Flipper, The War, North, The Good Son, Huck Finn, Forever Young, Paradise, Radio Flyer, Avalon, and Internal Affairs.
On television, Wood was most recently seen on ABC in Tony Bill's "Oliver Twist" as the 'Artful Dodger.' Other television credits include the NBC telefilm "Dayo," and the CBS movie "Child in the Night." Wood was named 1994's Young Star of the Year by NATO/ShowEast following his performance in The War.
New Line picked-up the rights to Lord of the Rings from Miramax Films last August. Miramax co-chairmen Bob and Harvey Weinstein serve as executive producers of the films along with Saul Zaentz. New Line's Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Suzanne Rosencrans negotiated the deal on behalf of the studio. Representing Wood is the William Morris Agency and lawyer Craig Emanuel of Loeb & Loeb.
Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry's leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units.
Bree Moot/Mythcon III Happenings...
7/09/99, 4:22 pm EST - Xoanon
Conference organizers will be arranging special visits to the Tolkien collection, and national Tolkien scholars, including conference Guest of Honor, Douglas A. Anderson, editor of The Annotated Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Verlyn Flieger, author of two outstanding books on Tolkien and receipient of the 1998 Mythopoeic Scholarship Award, John Rateliff, who is under contract to write the definitive "History of the writing of The Hobbit," and conference Chair Richard West (UW-Madison), author of A Checklist of Tolkien Criticism, will read papers and speak on panels, noting the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Tolkien's Farmer Giles of Ham. Along with the usual scholarly papers read at Mythcons, there will be plenty of programs oriented to the Tolkien fan and general fantasy readers. Fantasy authors P.C. Hodgell, Anthony Swithen and Mythopoeic Fantasy Award winner Eleanor Arnason are expected to read from or talk about their works. Conference members are invited to join in discussions of classic and new works in the Fantasy genre, show off their costumes, perform in comic skits, and participate in the traditional evening "Bardic Circles" when members tell their own stories, or recite favorite poetry, or sing traditional folk songs or "filk-songs:" (made-up and often silly lyrics to familiar melodies parodying and celebrating the worlds and characters of Tolkien's and other writers' stories).
The rich fan and reader tradition of Bree Moot will be discussed by Guest of Honor Gary Hunnewell, historian of the many fan activities and collector of their publications ("fanzines") pioneered by Tolkien fans in the '60s campus craze, and continued today in web-pages and electronic discussion lists, where the most eagerly anticipated fantasy motion picture in the next millennium must be the currently filming Lord of the Rings from New Line Cinema-forget about Star Wars. More than fifty million readers are still waiting for a convincing film version of Tolkien's new, living "myth." The readers attending Mythcon/Bree Moot will be exploring ways that Tolkien's myth has become their own, shaping their lives and views, enabling them to see their lives and this world anew, and challenging them to make their own, personal myths, or in Tolkien's phrase, "sub-creations."
The art show at Mythcon/Bree Moot will feature the work of the third Guest of Honor, Sylvia Hunnewell, illustrator of many of those fanzines to be discussed by her spouse. Also on display will be some of the work of Ted Nasmith, whose paintings have appeared in recent Tolkien Calendars and last year's deluxe illustrated The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien, from Houghton-Mifflin. Artwork and many fantasy collectibles will be available for purchase in the conference dealers' room and auction. The annual Mythopoeic Fantasy and Scholarship Awards will be announced following a banquet on August 1. Although there will be at least one almost-continuous track of Tolkien programming throughout the conference, there will also be program items, papers, panel discussions, and slide presentations on other authors and subjects, such as Kenneth Morris, C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, "Fantasy themes in non-fantasy cinema," "King Arthur Lite," Phillip Pullman's The Golden Compass, Sherri Tepper's Fantasy fiction, "Dinosaur Fiction," P.C. Hodgell, Eleanor Arnason, Lord Dunsany and Ursula K. Le Guin. At-the-door registration will be $60; $50 in advance, until July 15.
Since 1967 The Mythopoeic Society has celebrated fantasy literature and its regular discussion, emulating the example of the Inklings, an Oxford University discussion group of the 1930s and 40s, which included J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams and Owen Barfield, though local discussion groups, scattered about the U.S.; a tri-quarterly journal of literary studies, Mythlore; a monthly newsletter, Mythprint; a fiction annual, Mythic Circle; an annual Conference; the Mythopoeic Fantasy and Scholarship Awards and recently, a webpage. The Milwaukee area discussion group is The Burrahobbits, contacts are Jeffrey & Jan Long, 1903 N. 118th St., Wauwatosa, WI 53226. The Mythopoeic Society web-page is at http://www.mythsoc.org/mythsoc.html Beyond Bree is the monthly newsletter of the Tolkien Special Interest Group of American Mensa. In recent years, its readers have organized a series of Bree Moots, reader-oriented conventions celebrating the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Previous Bree Moots have been in Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota.
Bree Moot was started by readers of Beyond Bree, a monthly newsletter for Tolkien fans, sponsored by the Tolkien Special Interest Group (of American Mensa). Bree Moot 4 is combined with the thirtieth annual Mythopoeic Conference, sponsored by The Mythopoeic Society.
The Mythopoeic Society is an educational and literary association devoted to the study, discussion, creation and enjoyment of fantasy in the traditions of the Inklings, especially Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams.
David Lenander
293 Selby Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102-1811
work: (612)626-3375
home: (651)292-8887
fax: (612)626-2454
e-mail: d-lena@tc.umn.edu Bree Moot 4/Mythcon XXX web-page
Release Date Pushed Back? AND Mini-Me in LOTR?
7/09/99, 1:49 pm EST - Xoanon
News for Jul. 08, 1999
7/08/99, 3:04 pm EST - Xoanon
7/08/99, 2:51 pm EST - Xoanon
"The Trilogy will be Developed by Platus Productions (Freestyle, gaming designers) and will be an RPG/adventure game. We have pondered over many times on how to incorporate the exact storyline into the game and add surprises to those who've read it while still staying true to Tolkien's masterpiece. The result is this: an RPG game that can be played through the stories exactly as they were, but allows the player to explore Middle-Earth locations not in some of the stories (such as visiting Bree while playing The Hobbit section of the game). These extra places will allow the player to recieve items and explore places that will yield rewards for those who take on these extra challenges. So, overall the game will have main path that can be left and returned to. Fighting will be similar to that of Final Fantasy 3 (basically turn-based) and all familiar items will be included (such as mithril mail, lembas, athelas, etc.). There will be many interesting puzzles you will have to solve (similar to that of the King's Quest series) and standard RPG/adventure game elements will be present (statistics, puzzles, trading items, vast cities, and exploration). Beta testers will be needed, though it will probably be free for download for those who want to try it out as well. Our web site will be up very soon and will answer questions you may have.
I've personally seen thier un-opened site and it's really great! Hop over there when it's online.
7/08/99, 8:59 am EST - Xoanon
The project marks a major commitment from Wood, since principal photographywill last more than a year on each film -- "The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Two Towers" and "Return of the King" -- andthey will be shot back to back. Peter Jackson ("Heavenly Creatures") will direct the mythical project, which tells the saga of a desperate battle against encroaching evil -- a perilous quest to save humanity that falls upon the shoulder of Frodo, who hasinherited a seemingly magic ring from his elderly cousin Bilbo.
News for Jul. 07, 1999
7/07/99, 9:36 am EST - Xoanon
Picked this up from Harry at Ain't It Cool.
Well folks, here's the latest from the wonderful world of rumor concerning LORD OF THE RINGS. I have no idea who this actor is, and a check on him reveals only that he played a small role in Urban Ghost Story, which I did not see...And I do believe I found a pic of the man from Urban Ghost Story for you folks to judge his Hobbit-ness!
Good news, even if you don't know it yet. I've heard that Billy Boyd, a Scottish actor, is to play the part of Pippin for the duration of the Cycle, currently estimated at 18 months. Billy is probably an unknown to most but for those who have seen him on stage the words 'kick arse' are only fit to describe him. Those going to the Edinburgh Fringe this year can see him in 'The Speculator' by David Greig at The Traverse theatre.
If this is the calibre of casting of 'wee' parts, then we are in for a top treat of a film.
Steelzo
News for Jul. 06, 1999
Concept Art from Platus Productions
7/06/99, 11:55 am EST - Xoanon
...If you are familiar with Tolkien's books you are going to be our toughest critic. While this is one of the largest Tolkien games created, we can't fit in every place in Middle Earth into this game. At the same time, we didn't want to clone Tolkien's World directly into the game and have everyone who knows the book be ble to easily solve the game.
You'll find plenty of new encounters, new characters, and even a plot twist or two, that aren't included in Tolkien's epic fantasy. The reason that we did this was not to 'improve' Tolkien's work (this would be extremely arrogant and stupid of us to say), but to challenege the computer player who is familiar with Tolkien's work. Expect to be surprised.
For those of you who know who JRR Tolkien is, you'll recognize the friendly world of Middle Earth, in this compacted and challenging Role Playing Game. Follow Bilbo to Rivendell onhis conquest for the ring, or battle the forces of Mordor in deep contact, for the ring, and you 'the player' will become the Lord of the Rings."
-John F.
News for Jul. 04, 1999
7/04/99, 2:46 pm EST - Xoanon
My buddy Joram picked up a few interesting bits of news:
I'm mailing you to tell you of a new game that will based on The Hobbit,and the Lord of the Rings - The Trilogy.
Develped by Platus Productions, (Freestyle, gaming designers) it will be RPG based, and will conduct a lot of effort to get things straight. Right now were in beta stage 4, and will be going up to at least six. Our site is under construction, so look for an update with that, and a few screenshots.
Now, I would have to tell you that this isn't a 3d adventure, but somewhat 3d traights similiar to Final Fantasy 3. Next of all, we will be looking for some beta testers, for Beta 4.1, there will be a sign-up application and an FAQ when we finish our site.
The Trilogy we have cinimatic lighting effects and shading.. character designs and graphics are all original. There will be a battle system that's turned based, weapons can have magic traights and they will show up on your character during battle.
There will be cinimatic scene's like the destroyal smaug with quite a large effect that will take place.. which means extra time on our side ;). The land will be HUGE.. you may spend 1-3 hours in Hobbiton itself.. doing quests and getting different things before you set out for your journey. The first part is actually the Hobbit, we will be doing the Lord of the Rings with the Hobbit, under the same name, but as a separate game. There will be great music and will be keeping the very same story-line you all adore, but adding a bit more too it.. like quests and different areas.
We will have more information in the future.
Harry over at Ain't It Cool had this to say on LOTR
Orcs - The Orcs and Uruk-hai are going to be the scariest creatures seen on film! Our perception of how we see the orcs will be changed in such a drastic measure, so disturbing, that even Harry says he still has bad dreams about them!
Composer - The composer has not yet been found, so you'll have to keep watch for this. Keep on speculating though, you never know who may be watching your suggestions.
Costumes and Props - Utterly amazing work, a return to just plain kickass prop design and attention to detail. Every ounce of effort is being put into making the Orcs and Elves look right at home in their apparel.
Shooting Style - Peter Jackson has gone back and looked at what was done right in the old films, he has made a renewed effort to use what worked in the past to keep costs down on the current movies. He wants to get the most bang for his buck. He has also developed multiple new styles of filming to ease the use of CGI in the films.
DVD Edtion - Hell yeah! It's going to be a whopper!
News for Jul. 03, 1999
No Business Like Snow Business?
7/03/99, 7:38 pm EST - Xoanon
'Mia' has sent me an interesting piece of information, it seems like she may have found what company will be doing the snow effects for the Caradhras scene:
"Watching Sky TV's news channel, I saw a report on "Snow Business", an English firm specialised in creating artificial snow for films and such. They are said to have over 140 different types of snow, etc., but that's not what caught my attention - it was this sentence:
"... 'Nothing Hill' (the 'winter' scenes are done by Snow Business - the snowy Portobello Road) was a relatively easy job for a team that will soon be going off to New Zealand to make a few avalanches in artificial snow".
It looks like Caradhras is going to make it on the Big Screen. First the composition artwork and now this piece of related information! My thanks to 'Mia' for an excellent sleuthing ability and a nose for the news!
7/03/99, 12:29 am EST - Xoanon
News for Jul. 01, 1999
7/01/99, 4:09 pm EST - Xoanon