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| 11-23-05 Latest News |
Announcing the Iron Artist Challenge
Xoanon @ 11:17 pm EST
If you are an amateur artist, looking to see if you can make it in the art world, this is the perfect event for you. We are currently looking for 3 amateur artists, one each who can do Children’s Animation, Illustration and Cartooning, to take on our professional Iron Artists. If you are interested in being a challenger on Iron Artist, send an e-mail to: Garfeimao@theonering.net or Alyse@TheOneRing.net with your name, address, e-mail address, a short history of your drawing experience (one or two paragraphs), and if possible, a sample of some of your work. (jpegs, gifs, pdf, tiff and bitmaps are all fine). Please only sign up if: a) You can work quickly, but well. (You will only have ONE HOUR to work with) The deadline for signing up to be an Iron Artist challenger is December 18, 2005, at Midnight, PST. Iron Artist FAQ 1) Just what is an Iron Artist? The Iron Artist is an artist who has shown the ability to think quickly on their feet, deal with distractions and focus on the task at hand, all the while being creative and able to finish their project quickly. 2) What is the Iron Artist contest? First and foremost, this is a competition held in the spirit of fun and entertainment. The art produced will be auctioned off for charity over the weekend. The Iron Artist contest is based on the same principles of the Iron Chef TV show from Japan. There will be professional artists on one side, and an amateur challenger for each pro on the other side. The professionals do not compete against each other, but against the challenger in their chosen specialty theme. All artists are free to use whatever medium they think they can work in the best. There will be a host, like on the TV show, who will be rather flamboyant and who narrates the event, and 2-3 judges who will make silly comments about the work or the artists. Again, this is all in the spirit of fun, but the artist challengers need to know what to expect. There will be a camera moving around on stage, looking over everyone’s shoulder, so that the audience can see what is being created. During introductions, the artists can mug for the camera and to the crowd, and are, in fact, encouraged to do just that. The theme to be drawn will be given at the beginning of the event, meaning everyone will have exactly the same one hour to plan and execute their piece. At the end of the one hour, the artwork is to be handed in, finished or not, to be judged by our panel. The panel of judges will meet, right there on the spot, while the artists are given a post event interview by the Host. 3) How will the art be judged? The judges will be looking for several factors, to include, but are not limited to: Completeness of the piece, how well it reflects the given theme, originality, complexity, aesthetics, and how well you stayed within the bounds of your specialty theme (Children’s Animation, Illustration or Cartooning). 4) What will I win? The actual prize is still in development, but if it’s ready before the event, it will be announced here. Suffice it to say, the pro’s will basically just get to keep their title as Iron Artist, while the amateurs will be showered with gifts and new found fame, or they will just be given some sort of trophy, whichever comes first. 5) What is the charity? The artwork will be auctioned off the same weekend as the Iron Artist show, and proceeds will go directly to the following charity: Very Special Arts, or VSA http://www.vsarts.org/ VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 6) Who are the Iron Artists anyhow? Our Iron Artists will be: Cynthia Cummens as Iron Artist Children’s Animation Colleen Doran as Iron Artist Illustration (undefeated in 3 contests so far) Don Flaws as Iron Artist Cartooning Other rules and things of import:
b) You are a very quick thinker; this is a fast paced event.
c) You can work under pressure and with lots of distractions; you will be working in front of an audience, a panel of judges, cameramen, and a loud and obnoxious reporter – you MUST be able to deal with all of this while you work.
c) You must be able to pencil, ink, AND color.
d) You cannot be afraid to lose – these ARE the Iron Artists, after all. (i.e., you have to be a good sport)
| 11-22-05 Latest News |
Isabel Bayrakdarian Concert News
Xoanon @ 2:23 pm EST
SOPRANO AND U OF T GRAD BAYRAKDARIAN TO PERFORM BENEFIT SHOW AT CONVOCATION HALL World-renowned soprano and University of Toronto graduate Isabel Bayrakdarian will perform a benefit concert at Convocation Hall Nov. 25 to raise funds towards the restoration of the century-old pipe organ in the historic building. Bayrakdarian, a 1996 graduate of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, decided to follow her heart and pursue a career in music. Bayrakdarian’s acclaimed career has seen her perform in opera houses in New York, Paris, San Francisco, Toronto and London. The Convocation Hall organ, a Casavant Opus 474, was manufactured by Casavant Frčres, Limitée of St-Hyacinthe, Que., in 1911 and installed in 1912. This latest round of repairs will help to complete the job begun in 1994 when two of the organ’s six mechanical divisions were replaced. An estimated $150,000 to $200,000 in funding will be needed to complete the work. Tickets are available through UofTTix.ca, at $40 to $75, $30 for students with identification. WHO: Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian (BASc 1996)
WHAT: Benefit concert for the pipe organ restoration at Convocation Hall
WHERE: Convocation Hall, University of Toronto 31 King’s College Road
WHEN: 8 p.m., Friday, November 25, 2005
| 11-20-05 Latest News |
One ring to obsess them all
Xoanon @ 6:19 pm EST
Malene Arpe writes: Dominic Monaghan, former Hobbit and currently a Lost person, understands fan obsession perfectly and when the makers of the documentary Ringers: Lord of the Fans asked him to narrate, he didn't hesitate. Understanding the drive that fuels fans, Monaghan promises he's not going to turn into obnoxious movie-star guy if an admirer wants to say hello.
"I'm a huge Star Wars fan. I'm a massive Star Wars fan. I'm an insane Beatles fan. I have a shed in my garden in Manchester that is filled with Beatles memorabilia. I'm a massive geek on the natural world, reptiles, insects. Big music collection. Big movie collection," he says through a bad cellphone connection from Hawaii. "I have a toy collection. I collect nail polish. There's a lot of stuff in my life that I'm hugely obsessed about. So it wasn't a huge stretch for me to see these people who were fans of Lord of the Rings, because I was a big fan of those movies ... if I hadn't been in them, I would still have gone and seen them and freaked out about them."
Ringers, which Sony releases on DVD this Tuesday, is a must-see for anyone who's ever wondered about the lengths to which fans will go to feed their ardour. Directed by super-fan Carlene Cordova, who through the website TheOneRing.net took fandom to new heights during the making of Peter Jackson's trilogy, the documentary is both informative about J.R.R. Tolkien's work, and immensely entertaining. Fans, including Geddy Lee and David Carradine, "ordinary" people and the cast, come very close to explaining how one can have a splendid love affair with a piece of art.
Monaghan, who played Merry in LOTR and now spends his days as Charlie Pace on Lost, is someone who knows more than most about benevolent fanaticism, thanks to being part of two projects that are perfect fodder for hardcore fandom.
"I was very lucky that a lot of fans of Lord of the Rings came over to watch me in Lost and see if I was a one-hit wonder, and have kinda stayed with me and seem to enjoy the show. It's not that different. I would say that Lord of the Rings fans are a little crazier than Lost fans; they're a little stranger. In a good way. I embrace that strangeness. Everyone is just people."
One of the most striking and wonderful scenes in Ringers has a Klingon using a convention "confessional" to declare his love of LOTR. Another amazing clip features a woman telling of selling her house in the U.S. to be able to travel to New Zealand for Return of the King's premiere.
"You've gotta applaud the sheer lunacy and crazy kinda risk that it takes to do that," Monaghan says. "I think you find often with human beings, when they believe in something with their entire being, then (sometimes) they fall flat on their faces, but the majority of the time it's almost like the world is so happy that someone is that dedicated that it rewards them in a lot of ways."
Ringers also looks at the ways fans channel their own creativity, from the woman who has retold LOTR using marshmallow figures to more — ahem — arousing fan fiction and fan art.
"We had some fun early days, Elijah and I, checking out a lot of the artistic renderings of Viggo and Orlando making out with each other, or me and Billy making out with each other, or Elijah and Sean. I don't take it too seriously," Monaghan says, referring to the boatloads of erotic art inspired by the movies.
"I never really had too much of a negative experience. If someone wants to say they like your work and enjoy what you do, you just have fun with it. I'm relatively open about who I am, I don't tend to close myself off or hide behind baseball caps or sunglasses. I've had pretty bizarre offerings from people; people you don't know inviting you back to their place. I don't tend to get into anything too intense, but if someone's in a bar or at a concert and they want to come say hello, it's not going to ruin my evening, like some other people's."
'Letters to PJ' Project Update
Xoanon @ 11:12 am EST
The folks from the ‘Letters to PJ’ Organising Team write: The ‘Letters to PJ’ is a worldwide fan appreciation project, undertaken by two dedicated fans of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The ‘Letters to PJ’ book, organised, promoted and compiled throughout the year of 2005, contains letters of appreciation for the films created by director Peter Jackson and all involved. The book is a specially made, plain paged, leather bound hardcover, consisting of original contributions from all willing participants, in the form of e-mails, hand written letters, poems, drawings, photographs etc. Upon completion, the book will be delivered to New Zealand in December (2005)/ January (2006) and passed on to Peter Jackson or associates. ‘Letters to PJ’ has been a chance to show true ‘fanship’ on behalf all fans, differing in age, race, gender etc. yet bound together though their love and dedication towards the Lord of the Rings films. This project has experienced considerable success so far, garnering the attention of fans, well known supporters and even those actively involved in making the Lord of the Rings trilogy, from whom we have received greatly- appreciated and even unexpected support and assistance. Over the months, we as organisers have built a solid foundation for the major action plan of ‘Letters to PJ’ to take place effectively. During the process of this non-profit project, we have created an email account, a .com website, and mailing address, started and maintained contact with a variety of people, as well as keeping up to date with contributors and websites involved. The appeal of ‘Letters to PJ,’ a challenging but thoroughly rewarding experience, lies in the rare opportunity it presents for Lord of the Rings fans worldwide to join in appreciation and celebration of the labour of some extraordinary filmmakers. If all goes to plan, the book will be completed by the deadline and looking brilliant, full to the brim with creative and genuine expressions of the ‘fanship’ we have been fortunate enough to witness. Very professional, striking and long lasting is the look we anticipate for the finished result. The main hope we have is in the success of the final stages; the ‘Letters to PJ’ project will come to a satisfactory (and exciting!!!) close if a personal exchange with Peter Jackson is possible. What needs to be achieved is the final search and collection of contributions, the confirmation of certain participants, the organization of contributions, the confirmation of details regarding the New Zealand trip and the compilation of the book, on top of the ongoing task of responding to e-mails and contributors. As organisers, we can only give our sincerest “thank yous” to everyone involved, for every wonderful, kind, helpful thing they have gone out of their way to do! This project would not be possible without the assistance and support of the Lord of the Rings fan community. Our desire is that the ‘Letters to PJ’ project has an immeasurably awesome, long lasting effect on fans and Peter Jackson alike.
| 11-18-05 Latest News |
Hall Of Fire This Weekend -- The Seven Deadly Sins
Demosthenes @ 6:31 pm EST
This weekend in Hall of Fire we'll be discussing the Seven Deadly Sins as they can be found in Lord of the Rings. First there is Pride -- the excessive belief in one's own abilities. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity. Perhaps Boromir or Denethor could tell us about this fault? Envy is the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation. It's probably something Saruman knows a great deal about. Gluttony -- the inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires. Well, let's just consider what happens when you set a trio of Hobbits in a field of mushrooms. Lust is an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body. Does Lord of the Rings hold any lessons here? Maybe Grima Wormtongue could be our archetype? Anger is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath. Is this what leads Boromir to his downfall when he confronts Frodo on Amon Hen? Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness. Surely one of the things the Ring tempts Sam and Galadriel with. But is it found anywhere else? Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work. Lazy, lazy elves? These, of course, are just a few instances where these traits are exhibited in Lord of the Rings. During the chat, we'll explore where else they are found in the text -- in both the 'goodies' and the 'baddies'. Join us on Sunday November 20 at 2.00pm EST in the Hall of fire on the TORn IRC server as we chat about the Seven Deadly Sin in LoTR! Not sure what time the chat will be where you are? Check this little conversion table out for some help. Time and date: America: Europe: Asia-Pacific Our chats usually last 45 mins to an hour, and are very newbie friendly. Simply drop in and join the conversation! Chat happens on #thehalloffire on irc.theonering.net - the TORn IRC server. You can connect instantly via our java chat client that works inside your web browser (find it here! ) or choose to install a dedicated chat program such as mIRC on your computer. To find out more about using mIRC to connect to TORn IRC server, check out these instructions. Sun November 20 - The seven deadly sins in LoTR If you have a burning desire to discuss something in Hall of Fire, drop us a line with your topic at halloffire@theonering.net. If we like it, we'll probably give it a run in the coming weeks - you might even get to guest moderate the session! Did you know that Hall of Fire has a mailing list? Join today and get topic announcements and news delivered regularly to your inbox! Hof-announce@theonering.net
Time zone conversions
Sunday November 20
2.00pm EST (New York)
1.00pm CST (Chicago)
12.00 midday MST (Salt Lake City)
11.00am PST (Los Angeles)
7.00pm GMT (London)
8.00pm CET (Paris)
3.00am (Monday) Perth
5.00am (Monday) Brisbane
6.00am (Monday) Sydney
8.00am (Monday) Wellington
Where?
Upcoming topics:
Sat November 26 - Silmarillion Ch 15: Of the Noldor in Beleriand
Sun December 4 - Silmarillion Ch 15: Of the Noldor in Beleriand
Got a topic? Let us know your idea!
Join HoF Announce!
http://www.theonering.net/mailman/listinfo/hof-announce
LOTR Play News
Xoanon @ 4:32 pm EST
BE THE FIRST TO GET A SNEAK PEEK OF “THE LORD OF THE RINGS” STARTING THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 World Premiere at The Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. Visit Playbill.com for the first look at the all-new THE LORD OF THE RINGS television commercial spot beginning this Sunday, November 20, followed by exclusive “making of” footage over the next three weeks. THE LORD OF THE RINGS is the biggest, most ambitious theatrical production ever staged by an international creative team led by critically acclaimed director Matthew Warchus, award-winning designer Rob Howell and celebrated choreographer Peter Darling, who have combined all three books into one unmissable theatrical event. With a thrilling score and spectacular design, THE LORD OF THE RINGS features an ensemble of over 70 actors, singers and musicians. Visit Playbill.com on Saturday, November 26 and Saturday, December 3 for two additional exclusive video segments featuring an impressive behind-the-scenes look at what is sure to be a landmark production. A Kevin Wallace Limited Production, THE LORD OF THE RINGS has book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus, and a score by India’s most popular composer A.R. Rahman and the renowned Finnish group Värttinä, collaborating with Christopher Nightingale. THE LORD OF THE RINGS is presented by Kevin Wallace and Saul Zaentz in association with David & Ed Mirvish and Michael Cohl. A Kevin Wallace Limited Production. Based on the Lord of the Rings trilogy of books by J.R.R. Tolkien. Written and produced under license from The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises (SZC). THE LORD OF THE RINGS and the names of the characters, events, items & places therein are trademarks or registered trademarks of SZC and are used under license. All rights reserved. © Kevin Wallace Limited 2005 For more information on THE LORD OF THE RINGS, visit the official website at lotr.com VISIT: playbill.com/lotr
Performances begin February 2, 2006
| 11-17-05 Latest News |
Ringers: Lord of the Fans Premiere: Los Angeles
Xoanon @ 7:26 pm EST
Ringer Celebriel writes: Ringers celebrated the November 22 launch of Ringers: Lord of the Fans with a Hollywood screening and party Wednesday night. The screening took place at the Vista Theatre on Sunset Boulevard, where so many Los Angeles Lord of the Rings events have taken place. The theatre itself even appears a few times in the film. Fans gathered outside for a line party featuring costumed elves, hobbits, and even a wizard. Two elves held up a sign to passing traffic that read “Honk if you love hobbits!” Lots of Ringers who appear in the film, some interviewed, others flashing by in montages, were also present.
Hal Eisner from LA Channel 13 (UPN) interviewed fans outside the theatre for the 11 o’clock news, assisted by cameraman Robert Howard. Inside, Eisner introduced the people who made Ringers possible: Carlene Cordova, Cliff Broadway, Tom deSanto, Jeff Marchelletta, and Director of Photography Josh Mandel. During the screening, there were lots of yells and applause when people recognized themselves or friends in the film.
After the screening, there was a 20 minute Q&A with the filmmakers. In response to one question, Cliff made clear the differences between “Ringers” and “Trekkies,” saying of fandom, “We celebrate it not exploit it.”
Composer Robin DiMaggio was also introduced. Robin created the film’s music, incorporating all the different music styles in the film. Cliff spoke of the magical feeling of working in the Capitol Records building, where so many famous artists worked before.
The “Ringers” project goes back to 2001, to the early days of TheOneRing.net, when Cliff and other staff members would go to conventions to interview people involved in the films. They started talking to fans at the conventions as well, and “Ringers” grew from there. It was a matter, Cliff said, “of being in the right place at the right time.” In the course of that journey they started their own production company and shot 186 hours of film, which were edited down to 97 minutes for the finished film. It’s all been digitized, so there’s plenty available for future projects.
It was also announced that noted fantasy author Peter S. Beagle, who attended the screening and party, was working on a “Ringers” companion book. Mr. Beagle will work from the production team’s extensive research and those 186 hours of film.
In other breaking news, Cliff announced that in honor of the film’s DVD street date on November 22, he will get his first tattoo, with the experience broadcast live on radio. (Perhaps the location of the tattoo limited the possibilities for live television.) There’s still talk of “Ringers” sound track album and maybe in future a Special Edition.
When asked about their best experiences working on the project, Colleen said it was working with her fellow filmmakers and going to New Zealand, which she described as “a magical world, totally gorgeous.” Tom added, “Lord of the Rings fans have a soul and spirit that’s incredible.” Jeff described the fan community as “warm, earthy, caring, and compassionate.”
Had they sent the finished film to Peter Jackson? Yes, said Carlene, but they haven’t heard anything yet, as he’s working round the clock finishing “King Kong.”
Many great segments had to be cut from the final film either because of time constraints or rights issues. Segments that were hard for the filmmakers to cut included Elijah Wood’s interview on The Tonight Show and footage of the Middle Earth campus at UC-Irvine.
The party took place across from the Vista at Rudy’s Barbershop and featured a silent auction of posters, books, jewelry and a very famous part of pants, as well as costume contest, music, food and drink. Hal Eisner did a live segment with partygoers on the 11 o’clock news in addition to showing segments filmed earlier in the evening.
| 11-16-05 Latest News |
'Ringers' Clips Online!
Xoanon @ 9:26 am EST
Sony has released 4 clips from 'Ringers: Lord of the Fans', due in stores NEXT WEEK! Take a look! Hippies and Hobbits Official Paperback Hobbiton, USA Frodo Love Trailer
| 11-15-05 Latest News |
Help for Giant Sequioas
Xoanon @ 4:54 pm EST
Sűlien writes: This has little to do with Tolkien, except for the fact that he loved trees and forests. However, I think many in the Tolkien community will find this of interest! Apparently, logging rights for some areas of giant sequoias in the Giant Sequioa National Monument were sold before the monument status took effect. A judge has placed a temporary injunction stopping the logging, but it is only a matter of time before the Forest Service and the logging companies try to overturn this. Read the MSN article here.
I have taken the liberty of composing a letter to my elected officials, and it would be great if all Tolkien fans and environmentalists contacted their elected representatives to tell them that we will not stand for this and asking them to draft or co-sponsor a bill banning logging in the National Monument permanently! The text of the letter is below, as well as URLs to look up the contact information for your elected officials (just type your zip code and hit go).
www.senate.gov
or
www.house.gov
Here is the address for Congressional Representatives (the info for Senators is already in the letter):
Honorable (Congressperson's name)
2467 Rayburn House Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515
Last Chance for RINGERS Premiere tickets!
Xoanon @ 9:35 am EST
Today is your LAST DAY to buy tickets to the RINGERS: LORD OF THE You can win the RING in Dom's hand on the RINGERS DVD cover! We'll Or to buy tickets to this exclusive and star-studded event, click here!
FANS world premiere and party! In addition to screening our award -
winning film, we'll be having a silent auction with some fantastic,
one-of-a-kind prizes! (To benefit the National Center for Family
Literacy, one of Sean Astin's favorite charities.)
also be having a costume contest and the first prize is a 50th
Anniversary Edition of "The Lord of the Rings" courtesy of Houghton
Mifflin. To win a true replica of Frodo's ring and more -- check out
our silent auction and prizes page!