2-11-05 Latest News

Hall Of Fire Live Chats This Weekend
Demosthenes @ 6:18 pm EST

'She spoke no word; but being filled with love. Elwë came to her and took her hand, and straightway a spell was laid on him, so that they stood thus while long years were measured by the wheeling stars above them; and the trees of Nan Elmoth grew tall and dark before they spoke any word.' (The Silmarillion)

What better way to spend Valentine's weekend than with this sweet and enduring love story? Tolkien has often been criticised for neglecting the more romantic elements of his history, but in this chapter of the Silmarillion, we see that romance is far from non-existent in Middle Earth. This couple, and their progeny, are deeply entrenched in every great love story of Tolkien s imagination, from Beren and Lúthien to Aragorn and Arwen.

Moving on, we see the elves at last arrive in Valinor, and are taught and blessed by the Valar. We also see how the different groups of elves continue to grow apart, laying the foundations of much future sorrow.

But for now, the lands are filled with love, beauty and the light of the two trees. So, join us this weekend in #thehalloffire as we continue our study of The Silmarillion with The History of the Silmarils; Chapter 4 - Of Thingol and Melian & 5 - Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië.

===
Place:
#thehalloffire on theonering.net IRC server. Need instructions? Go here:
http://www.theonering.net/barlimans/instructions.html

===
Chat Times:
Saturday Chat:
5:30pm EST (17:30)
[also 11:30pm (23:30) CET and 8:30am Sunday morning AEST]

Sunday Chat:
8:00 pm (20:00) CET
[also 2:00pm (14:00) EST and 5:00am Monday morning AEST]

EST = Eastern Time, USA's East Coast
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AEST = Australian East Coast

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Museum Hosts Creative Team Behind LOTR
Xoanon @ 12:24 pm EST

From the folks at the Powerhouse Museum:

Academy Award-winning special effects maestro Richard Taylor will showcase his extraordinary talents and share his experiences from the set of The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy during a weekend program exclusive to the Powerhouse Museum, 26 - 27 February.

Richard Taylor and partner Tania Rodger head New Zealand’s Weta Workshop, one of the film industry’s biggest special effects companies. In collaboration with director Peter Jackson, Weta Workshop was the creative force behind the hugely successful The Lord of the Rings film trilogy that captivated millions around the world.

Weta created the special make-up effects and prosthetics, miniatures, armour and weaponry, and provided the design, fabrication and on-set operation of the creatures that featured throughout the films as well as the full range of digital services from simple compositing through to animation of fully computer generated creatures. This unprecedented undertaking earned Richard Taylor four Academy Awards, with Weta garnering five BAFTAs and six Academy Awards to date.

Saturday 26 February, 1pm – 3pm

See Weta magic first hand as Richard Taylor transforms The Lord of the Rings actor Jed Brophy into one of the gruesome characters from the film trilogy. Jed will be dressed in the authentic costume, armour and weapons that he wore in the films as the orc Snaga and you can witness the character unfold as Richard applies the final prosthetic touches including his hair, contact lenses and teeth. Q&A session will follow. Cost: $45 adults, $40 students, $75 for both events.

Sunday 27 February, 10am – 12noon

Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger will talk about their special effects journey from the beginnings of Weta to their worldwide success and recognition with The Lord of the Rings films. Hear about the trials and tribulations of making the trilogy, the unique individuals pulled together to complete the mammoth task, the camaraderie of the cast and crew, and life beyond Middle-earth. Q&A session will follow. Cost: $45 adults, $40 students, $75 for both events.

Seats for both events are strictly limited. Book now through Ticketmaster7 on 136 100. Visit www.powerhousemuseum.com/weta for details.

This special weekend program is exclusive to the Powerhouse Museum in conjunction with The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy – The Exhibition now showing. This blockbuster exhibition takes visitors behind the scenes of the film trilogy to marvel at the costumes, jewellery, weapons and props created by the Weta team, plus hear exclusive interviews with cast and crew and discover the secrets behind the award-winning special effects.

Weta Digital Gets 'Semi-Permanent'
Xoanon @ 12:56 pm EST

Tim from Lumičre Industries writes: Thought you'd like to know about an event on interest which my website, "The Lumičre Reader", is involved with. Called "Semi-Permanent", the conference is Australasia's largest design and creative event, taking place first in Auckland, NZ (March 12), and then the following weekend in Sydney, Australia (March 18/19)

Featuring a number of international speakers from design/creative backgrounds, Weta Digital are the main draw-card as far as digital/animation/motion graphics industries are concerned – although I suspect there may be some diehard LOTR fans out there who would like to know more about Weta's appearance.

The event is open to anyone, and is very much an energetic event designed more around lively presentations and interaction between guest speakers and attendees, with a youth focus. Anyway, if you want to find out more, visit the Semi-Permanent link on our website's front page – there's a brief write-up, some modest coverage on the guest-speakers to come, and enough info there to get a better idea of what I'm talking about. [More]

Ringers on x96 Salt Lake City Live Radio!
Xoanon @ 12:49 pm EST

FEBRUARY 5, 2005 -- So there we are mid-festival week in Park City at the exclusive William Morris party and all we can think of is to get out of there, go back to our log cabin and get some sleep. Our schedule was quite intense and we did not expect all the attention that we (Ringers: Lord of the Fans) were receiving. We were exhausted. Cliff and I had to wake up at the crack of dawn to do a live radio interview on x96 - Salt Lake City’s “Local, Independent, Alternative Radio from Hell.” A very progressive and hip station indeed. Carlene couldn’t attend the interview because of our 9:00am Press Screening that same day back in Park City. She had to introduce the film with Tom DeSanto and do an equipment check with Josh Mandel.

We drove 40 minutes to Salt Lake City, making sure to be early, so we could rush back to Park City afterwards to catch the end of our Press Screening for a Q & A at 10:30am...then an interview for Wired.com News at 11:00am...then an interview with Sci-Fi.com at 11:30am…and so on. Like I said - we were jamming!

We step in the sound booth and meet the morning DJ’s - Kerry Jack Jackson, Bill Allred and Gina Barberi. x96 has selected two documentary films to talk too this morning – La Sierra and Ringers: Lord of the Fans. La Sierra’s filmmakers went on first and gave a great interview. It sounded very interesting. Cliff and I both thought to ourselves “Jeez, we’re gonna sound all silly and goofy after an interview like that.” Next thing, we hear Bill Allred proclaim “And next for all you LOTR geeks, we’ll be right back with the filmmakers of Ringers: Lord of the Fans!”

We stepped in front of the microphones and instantly snapped alive. It went amazing. The DJ’s were enjoying our energy, passion and enthusiasm about our project and asked us to stay on a few minutes longer. We were ecstatic! Cliff, being the Tolkien guru that he is, provided a great deal of insight for the listeners. We also talked about being two LOTR fans ourselves: Cliff from his childhood being a huge fan of the book, and myself a fan of Peter Jackson’s trilogy and how it’s now driven me back to read the books. Then out of nowhere Bill Allred starts speaking Elvish live on the radio! We were cheering! The DJ’s were so in sync with our message and film that it almost seemed like they had seen a screener copy of it. They really got it and us because they where Ringers themselves. Then Kerry Jack Jackson cautiously asked “Not to even bring this up, but this film is not like (pause) Trekkies is it?” I replied “ No, Ringers: Lord of the Fans is as smart as it’s audience.” Bill then said “that is a perfect way to wrap this up.” We couldn’t have written a better interview.

--- Jeff Marchelletta
Ringers: Lord of the Fans - Producer
www.LordoftheFans.net

New Tolkien Material from Vinyar Tengwar
Xoanon @ 9:35 pm EST

Ostadan writes: Carl Hostetter has posted the following announcement which may be of interest to both Elvish linguists and those interested in "Elvish culture" in general.

I am pleased to announce that 'Vinyar Tengwar' 47 will be published later this month. 'VT' 47 presents the first half of "'Eldarin Hands, Fingers & Numerals' and Related Writings", a four-part collection of late texts (c. 1968) by J.R.R. Tolkien, compiled and edited by Patrick H. Wynne. Part I presents 'Eldarin Hands, Fingers & Numerals' (HFN) proper, an unfinished "historical-philological" essay that provides an account of the Common Eldarin words for 'hand' and their descendants in Quenya, Telerin, and Sindarin, followed by a brief discussion of Elvish ambidexterity. The essay then details the Eldarin names for the fingers (and toes), including children’s "play-names" that treat the fingers as the members of an imaginary family: father, mother, and children; and it concludes by showing how the finger-names were closely connected with the development of numerical stems in Common Eldarin. Included after HFN is a related text on the invention of the Common Eldarin stems for 'neter' 9, 'kanat' 4, and 'enek' 6, which serves as a sort of alternative ending for the essay. Both of these texts are supplemented in the editorial notes by extensive citations drawn from Tolkien’s contemporary unpublished writings. Parts II–IV (the contents of which are described in the Introduction to HFN) will appear in 'Vinyar Tengwar' 48. [elvish.org]

Hall Of Fire Chats This Weekend
Demosthenes @ 5:38 am EST

Through long ages the Valar dwelt in bliss in the light of the Trees beyond. But in the north Melkor built his strength, and he slept not, but watched, and laboured; and the evil things that he had perverted walked abroad, and the dark and slumbering woods were haunted by monsters and shapes of dread. (The Silmarillion)

The Valar seem to have abandoned Middle-earth, but Melkor has not. He continues to work his evil purposes even as the advent of the Firstborn of the Children of Ilúvatar approaches. But not all the Valar stand idly. Most notably, Yavanna, Oromë and Ulmo continue their work and watch for the Elves.

How did the desires of Aulë and Yavanna bring about the creation of Dwarves and Ents? How did the advent of the Firstborn affect the course of history? Were the Valar wrong to call the Elves to leave Arda? And why couldn't they defeat Melkor once and for all?

Join us this weekend in #thehalloffire as we continue our study of The Silmarillion with The History of the Silmarils; Chapter 2 - Of Aulë and Yavanna & Chapter 3 - Of the Coming of the Elves and the Captivity of Melkor.

===
Place:
#thehalloffire on theonering.net IRC server. Need instructions? Go here:
http://www.theonering.net/barlimans/instructions.html

===
Chat Times:

Saturday Chat:
5:30pm EST (17:30)
[also 11:30pm (23:30) CET and 7:30am Sunday morning AEST]

Sunday Chat:
8:00 pm (20:00) CET
[also 2:00pm (14:00) EST and 4:00am Monday morning AEST]

EST = Eastern Time, USA's East Coast
CET = Central European Time, Central Europe
AEST = Australian East Coast

______________________________________________
Hof-announce mailing list
Hof-announce@theonering.net http://www.theonering.net/mailman/listinfo/hof-announce

LOTR Obsessed? Read This!
Xoanon @ 4:43 pm EST

Ashley T. Amato, Production Assistant at Vin Di Bona Productions writes: I am a prodcution assistant in southern California researching show topics for a new prime time reality special. We are seeking Lord of the Rings fans with children and are offering a large cash prize if people fit the bill. Specifically we are casting for a show about America's most outrageous parents. The goal of this show is to be a light hearted, family oriented, comedy-reality show.

We are looking for parents with interests and hobbies that their children might not share a general interest in. The Lord of the Rings following would provide a good story line and I'm sure there are countless fans who also have children, who aren't as enthusiastic about the whole phenomenon.

We ask that the people send an e-mail to vdbpcasting@hotmail.com. The producers will be going through the submissions and contacting people for further discussion. It would be great if the people who are responding would include their contact information though.

New Ancanar Trailer at Ringbearers Day 2005
Xoanon @ 4:05 pm EST

The folks from herenistarion.org write: Within the last few days we welcomed world reknown Tolkien-illustrator Ted Nasmith to the event, today we are happy to announce from ANCANAR.com: Now that Ancanar development is in full swing, a brand new trailer will be premiered at Ringbearer's Day this March, featuring a full scene from the newly completed script! Soon after, it will be screened here on Ancanar.com. In addition, a special guest composer will be providing music to the new trailer - none other than Grammy Award nominee David Arkenstone!

Stay tuned to Ancanar.com for more information as March 19th draws closer.

In regards to Ancanar from NY Tolkien Society Chairs Anthony S Burdge and Jessica Burke posted on Ancanar.com (Feb.3rd 2005)

The Road to Rammoth

Greetings All--

I just logged onto Ancanar.com and must say how happy we are to see the wonderful news regarding the Development trailer and guest composer David Arkenstone.

At last years Ringbearers Day we were all treated to a fantastic talk and showing of Ancanar footage--this year, as you can see in the news, a new trailer with a scene from the script and new music will be premiered at the event. I cannot say how exciting this is as an organizer of RBD 2005. Ancanar has always been a part of my heart and soul's journey, the work, the dedication and belief the entire cast and crew has in this project is just amazing. We, at the NY Tolkien Society, have the utmost respect for everyone involved in this project, their love for their "sub-creation" as Tolkien would put it, and the respect they have for their inspiration, Tolkien, is so heartwarming, that it brings joy and tears of glee to the soul. It is our hope that at Ringbearers Day 2005 that everyone will leave with the enchantment, joy, and awe that we feel everytime we discuss Ancanar, read its tales or watch the first trailer and footage. The work that has gone into this film, its books of lore and development, is the only film/tales, outside of Tolkien, in our opinon, that is the best representation of the Tolkien's definition of sub-creation.

'Songs of Journey's End' Review
Xoanon @ 6:27 pm EST

Lee Ann writes: Last night my family and I had the privilege of attending the world premiere of "Songs of Journey's End," a song cycle of nine of Tolkien's songs and poems with music composed by Christopher Palestrant and sung by mezzo-soprano Drea Pressley, with piano, viola, and oboe accompaniment.

The cycle includes "Upon the Hearth," "I Sit Beside the Fire and Think," "In Western Lands Beneath the Sun," "All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter," "Song of the Elves Beyond the Sea," and "Bilbo's Last Song." The three versions of "The Road Goes Ever On" were used as a ritornello (a short interlude between other songs).

The music is gorgeous; we especially enjoyed the last four selections. Ms. Pressley's voice is perfectly suited to this music, and it was clear that all the musicians enjoyed themselves. The performance was excellent!

Hopefully the cycle will be recorded soon.

More 'Ringers' Photos and Review
Xoanon @ 8:39 pm EST

Belladonna writes: Added to audiblebeauty.net are a couple dozen more photos from Ringers screenings, including the final one this last Thursday night. Despite the drizzly weather we got a pretty good turnout, and I at least both enjoyed the film again and celebrating in the great line party atmosphere.

I am proud to call myself a Ringer. Proud and happy for my fellow fans featured in the movie made by Carlene Cordova and Cliff Broadway of TheOneRing.net that has recently premiered at Slamdance Film Festival. I was lucky enough to attend two screenings, including the premiere in Park City. It has been a wonderful thing to have it here in Salt Lake and Utah at large. Through the large and lively line parties (some of the largest organized ones in the world), and various local groups I have met many wonderful people. There was much cheering in the audience whenever we spotted footage from "our" events-got to love the miniature golfing-orcs! And yep I'm pretty sure I caught a glimpse of myself and music ensemble, Dorian Mirth (woohoo!)

I myself came late to Lord of the Rings, reading the trilogy just one year before the first movie was released. Somehow I missed it all growing up; well I guess in fact I didn't care at all for that genre until finally being introduced through these stories. So it was interesting to see laid out what fandom was like say in the groovin'sixties (pipeweed, ahem) or the rockin' seventies (as many bands put their fan feelings into their music). As Dominic narrated the witty script we were taken through the decades of different generations of fans. Interspersed throughout are GREAT animation sequences that, for lack of a better comparison, are much like Monty Python's cut-out style. My personal favorite was the East Coast Ivory Tower ("let's go read Ulysses again!").

Let's see, then there is the action figure/merchandise sing-a-long and a staging of the infamous Very Secret Diaries, among other clever sequences. And I cannot wait to someday visit Hobbiton, USA.

More delightful than even that though was a best-quality version of Leonard Nimoy's "Ballad of Bilbo Baggins" music video. This cheesfest of silly backup dancers is just begging to be re-created by fans (and I know some who are interested :) Apparently Mr Nimoy was one of only two individuals approached who was not interested in an interview (the other being Ralph Bakshi). Speaking of which it was interesting to learn that David Carradine had been as horrified as many a fan to discover the animated production. He really wanted to be in a Lord of the Rings film (as Strider), but not, however, in this cartoon.

The Ringers film was at its best when talking to the fans themselves, with all the passion on display. This was not a parade of freaks, but many people talking about how Lord of the Rings had changed their lives for the better. In fact, I could have done with more from the fans themselves but that's okay. With the end of Peter Jackson's saga, the torch has been passed to many new fans that shall now have to carry on a fifty-year-old tradition, continuing to find new ways to enrich the experience. Let's see what kind of future material can be had for "Ringers 2" :)

Distribution agreements have not been made, but there are offers on the table, so hopefully everyone else can see this in a theater near you soon!