"Ringers" Film Press Release
Tehanu @ 5:54 am EST

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

“Many young Americans are involved
in the stories in a way that I’m not...”
-- J.R.R. Tolkien

TheOneRing.net, in association with Planet BB, is turning the spotlight on the fans of J.R.R. Tolkien in a new feature length documentary titled "Ringers: Lord of the Fans."

There are people who claim to enjoy "The Lord of the Rings" -- as a story for the ages -- and then there are fans who camp out on the sidewalk for five miserable days, suffering cold and flash floods, in order to get the first look at "The Two Tower"s movie. "Ringers" celebrates devotees from different generations, old and young, who share a common bond. They are the lifeblood of the new Tolkien fan-movement; and their stories are funny and often moving.

TORn has witnessed the liveliest and most dynamic fan community ever to grace the Internet. Through years of covering fan events, picnics, Oscar Parties, book signings, conventions, and Line Parties, we discovered that the intimate stories fans shared on-camera were more fascinating than the actual event.

From the hippie counter-culture to the electronic age, from the Bakshi animated films to Jackson’s epic trilogy, this documentary brings together extensive interviews and footage from across the globe. With units in The Netherlands, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Oxford, England, the fans reveal what drives them to unusual acts of devotion. We highlight couples whose mutual love for "The Lord of the Rings" caused them to fall in love -- a girl who waited on the sidewalk at a busy Hollywood intersection from 5 AM to midnight to catch a glimpse of her favorite Hobbit -- armchair scholars who fight over differences between book and movie -- collectors who fill their homes with amazing toys and rare editions -- and young children who pick up their very first book -- ever -- because they are so inspired by the thrilling adventure of Peter Jackson’s films.

The filmmakers are themselves obsessive Tolkien fans. "Ringers" is directed by documentary filmmaker Carlene Cordova, produced by Danny Lukic and narrated by Cliff Broadway “Quickbeam” -- familiar to TORn readers of the Green Books online magazine and as co-author of the best-selling new book “The People’s Guide to J.R.R. Tolkien.” Shooting with the cutting edge digital format of 24P, Director of Photography Josh Mandel gives the film both a fast-moving video style and a richer, more “movie-like” presentation. Their vigorous approach to documenting the “full on experience” of fandom brings laughs and insight into a world otherwise overlooked.

"Ringers" wants you! We still have a few key positions to fill. So if you have any professional filmmaking experience and wish to volunteer to help TheOneRing.net, please send an email explaining your experience to ringers@theonering.net. We need the following positions filled: Music Supervisor, Composer. These open positions are for Los Angeles based people only: Field Audio technician, Assistant Final Cut Pro Editor, Transcriber, Production Assistant, Associate Producer.

We'll be launching our "Ringers" site soon, so keep checking on TORn for more "Ringers" news!