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(Copied and Pasted from another site :) - I don't cheat)
What transpires throughout reading the novel is a constant impression of excitement and suspense, which both induce an interesting element of fear the reader has for Frodo and The Fellowship - an evil is persistently in pursuit of the main characters; an evil which will remain 'faceless' throughout most of the story. Characters like Gandalf the White, the wise and all-knowing, make the reader wish to put himself in the shoes of such a remarkable individual. On the other hand, there are appealing characters like Legolas the Elf who joins the Fellowships after the Council at Rivendell; a charming and yet mysterious person with many hidden traits. There's a multitude of various characters and entire nations and species that can be as inspirational as the aforementioned individuals.
An exceptional group of actors was assembled to bring these significant characters to life. The whole plot, as you should know, revolves around the young hobbit Frodo Baggins, the character played by the also young Elijah Wood (well-received for his performance in Ange Lee's 'The Ice Storm' and many other movies). Frodo who's basically quite a normal hobbit, kind and dear, swiftly gets dragged into a whirlpool of events that goes on beyond his control and comprehension. Bilbo Baggins (the main characters from Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' - which precedes the tales of 'Lord of The Rings') passes on a great burden to his nephew, the burden of the Ring. 'It was long ago, during the early years of the Second Age, that Elven smiths forged rings of power: nine for mortal men, seven for the Dwarf Lords, and three for the Elven Kings. It wasn't long until the Dark Lord Sauron learned the craft of ring making and made the master ring, the One Ring To Rule Them All.' Anyone who wears it will become invisible. But, this ring had a will of its own and as soon as it was cut from the Dark Lord's hand by prince Isildur (from the mighty Kings from across the sea), it slipped from one hand to another. Eventually, the ring found itself a new master - a wretched person called Smeagol. Since he used the ring too often it corrupted his soul and misshaped his physical appearance. And so it was that it slipped of his finger and was found by Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, who brought back the ring to his homeland, the Shire. Gandalf the Wizard, who accompanied him on his journeys, also visited Bilbo in the Shire offering him advice and helping him keep the secret hidden. Sadly, such a strong force couldn't be kept a secret for long, and even the slightest exposure could put the bearer of the Ring, and those around him, in jeopardy. At the same time, nine mysterious shadows desperately roam through the land in-search for the one ring (these are the former nine mortals who possessed the nine rings and were captured by the Dark Lord and forced to search the world for the Ring).
Anyway, the most incredible cast was gathered for taking you through this amazing story: Elijah Wood (Frodo), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Sean Austin (Samwise), Billy Boyd (Pippin), Dominic Monaghan (Merry), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Sean Bean (Borromir), Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Liv Tyler (Arwen), Christopher Lee (Saruman) and it just gets better and better…
This is the Time
It seems we're living in a time in which the advanced technology allows filming such a captivating book. Computer graphics were not only utilized for well-known techniques such as multiplying troops on battlefields, animating creatures that do not exist in actuality; they have also been used as a device for planning the creation of three gigantic movies in advance. Storyboards, animations, actual scenes, were created before sets were even made and shots were even taken. Don't be discouraged and think this is just another blockbuster set to spoil a perfectly good story. The director explained that he does not intend to utilize the possibilities of today's technologies to make a flashy Hollywood hit. For example, the wizard Gandalf does have some outstanding magical powers; this doesn't mean that the sorcerer will be jumping around doing some Bruce Lee/Matrix fighting while firing bolts of lighting from his eyes. In the books Gandalf's described as an individual with a strong will and always clear head. With his powerful mind he influences deadly foes. The staff he carries around with him is not the mightiest of all weapons. On the other hand, all of this doesn't necessarily suggest that we won't see any magic - it's just that it won't be anything too colorful and corny. Other complicated matters, in relation to special effects, needed coping; as was the situation with the on-going problem of how to shrink actors to three-foot-five (Hobbit size) in order to make them look genuine. Some unpractical ideas were soon abandoned - like actors walking on stilts to make hobbits look smaller (the pre-trailer displayed some of these attempts). So, other techniques involving blue screen and green screen methods were used for solving such predicaments. Even some old-fashioned techniques were employed, such as putting hobbit-actors further away from the camera, while human-actors are pictured more closely, thus creating an illusion of actual hobbit size.
It is no surprise that Peter Jackson chose his greenish homeland, the peaceful country of New Zealand, for the main movie shooting location. Gargantuan filming sets were made and shooting began with multiple film units, principle actors, and over a thousand of extras working daily. The making of the movie officially costs over 400,000,000 big ones (rumor has it, that there were some additional costs of somewhere around 200,000,000)! Which comes close to the recent record of Lucas Film's 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.'
The publicity went on, with over 350,000,000 people visiting New Line's website, which is dedicated to Lord of The Rings. Devotees all over the world rushed to this site, and other committed fan-sites, just in hope of getting a preliminary glimpse at the whole project.
The Lord of the Rings film trilogy was started in Wellington, New Zealand, on October 11, 1999. 'The Fellowships of The Ring' is currently in post-production stage and is scheduled for release on December 19, 2001. Subsequently, on Christmas 2002 we can expect to see 'The Two Towers' and 'The Return of The King' on Christmas 2003. In addition, a thing that should keep worldwide fans happy is that the first picture will be distributed on throughout Europe, the U.S., Asia, Australia, and New Zealand simultaneously.
Also, for anyone who might be interested, we've learned (according to a recent interview with Sir Ian McKellen at Entertainment Tomorrow) that Peter Jackson's company has the rights to film 'The Hobbit' should they so desire. And as we know making prequels to epics is already very popular (you remember Star Wars, right?).
Anyhow, the first movie is being finished as we speak, and it will feature some spectacular scenery, extraordinary visual effects, and a symphonic-orchestra type of soundtrack (composed by Howard Shore) to match all that. It's been a long time since we saw a fantasy story told (or re-told) on the big-screen and let us hope that this movie-trilogy will bring back ancient Tolkien legends in an original light and present it to those of you out there who haven't read the books yet. In any case, we're looking at one of the most expensive and most complicated projects ever endeavored in movie making. Therefore we urge you not to miss such a fantastic event in December.
Oh yeah, and just to furnish you with the info that a New Line is to unveil the latest media launch for the movie at Cannes, renting a medieval castle just outside of the city. According to Eonline (www.eonline.com), A new teaser will be shown any many actors will appear to mark the beginning of the event (Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett and Christopher Lee). Be there! (umm…yeah right!).
Sheepy Thoughts - I am sure we have all read the trilogy by J.R.R Tolkein and enjoyed, with the film being released in the future, we may evern have a game to look forward to.
POWER OF THE SHEEP
What transpires throughout reading the novel is a constant impression of excitement and suspense, which both induce an interesting element of fear the reader has for Frodo and The Fellowship - an evil is persistently in pursuit of the main characters; an evil which will remain 'faceless' throughout most of the story. Characters like Gandalf the White, the wise and all-knowing, make the reader wish to put himself in the shoes of such a remarkable individual. On the other hand, there are appealing characters like Legolas the Elf who joins the Fellowships after the Council at Rivendell; a charming and yet mysterious person with many hidden traits. There's a multitude of various characters and entire nations and species that can be as inspirational as the aforementioned individuals.
An exceptional group of actors was assembled to bring these significant characters to life. The whole plot, as you should know, revolves around the young hobbit Frodo Baggins, the character played by the also young Elijah Wood (well-received for his performance in Ange Lee's 'The Ice Storm' and many other movies). Frodo who's basically quite a normal hobbit, kind and dear, swiftly gets dragged into a whirlpool of events that goes on beyond his control and comprehension. Bilbo Baggins (the main characters from Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' - which precedes the tales of 'Lord of The Rings') passes on a great burden to his nephew, the burden of the Ring. 'It was long ago, during the early years of the Second Age, that Elven smiths forged rings of power: nine for mortal men, seven for the Dwarf Lords, and three for the Elven Kings. It wasn't long until the Dark Lord Sauron learned the craft of ring making and made the master ring, the One Ring To Rule Them All.' Anyone who wears it will become invisible. But, this ring had a will of its own and as soon as it was cut from the Dark Lord's hand by prince Isildur (from the mighty Kings from across the sea), it slipped from one hand to another. Eventually, the ring found itself a new master - a wretched person called Smeagol. Since he used the ring too often it corrupted his soul and misshaped his physical appearance. And so it was that it slipped of his finger and was found by Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, who brought back the ring to his homeland, the Shire. Gandalf the Wizard, who accompanied him on his journeys, also visited Bilbo in the Shire offering him advice and helping him keep the secret hidden. Sadly, such a strong force couldn't be kept a secret for long, and even the slightest exposure could put the bearer of the Ring, and those around him, in jeopardy. At the same time, nine mysterious shadows desperately roam through the land in-search for the one ring (these are the former nine mortals who possessed the nine rings and were captured by the Dark Lord and forced to search the world for the Ring).
Anyway, the most incredible cast was gathered for taking you through this amazing story: Elijah Wood (Frodo), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Sean Austin (Samwise), Billy Boyd (Pippin), Dominic Monaghan (Merry), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Sean Bean (Borromir), Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Liv Tyler (Arwen), Christopher Lee (Saruman) and it just gets better and better…
This is the Time
It seems we're living in a time in which the advanced technology allows filming such a captivating book. Computer graphics were not only utilized for well-known techniques such as multiplying troops on battlefields, animating creatures that do not exist in actuality; they have also been used as a device for planning the creation of three gigantic movies in advance. Storyboards, animations, actual scenes, were created before sets were even made and shots were even taken. Don't be discouraged and think this is just another blockbuster set to spoil a perfectly good story. The director explained that he does not intend to utilize the possibilities of today's technologies to make a flashy Hollywood hit. For example, the wizard Gandalf does have some outstanding magical powers; this doesn't mean that the sorcerer will be jumping around doing some Bruce Lee/Matrix fighting while firing bolts of lighting from his eyes. In the books Gandalf's described as an individual with a strong will and always clear head. With his powerful mind he influences deadly foes. The staff he carries around with him is not the mightiest of all weapons. On the other hand, all of this doesn't necessarily suggest that we won't see any magic - it's just that it won't be anything too colorful and corny. Other complicated matters, in relation to special effects, needed coping; as was the situation with the on-going problem of how to shrink actors to three-foot-five (Hobbit size) in order to make them look genuine. Some unpractical ideas were soon abandoned - like actors walking on stilts to make hobbits look smaller (the pre-trailer displayed some of these attempts). So, other techniques involving blue screen and green screen methods were used for solving such predicaments. Even some old-fashioned techniques were employed, such as putting hobbit-actors further away from the camera, while human-actors are pictured more closely, thus creating an illusion of actual hobbit size.
It is no surprise that Peter Jackson chose his greenish homeland, the peaceful country of New Zealand, for the main movie shooting location. Gargantuan filming sets were made and shooting began with multiple film units, principle actors, and over a thousand of extras working daily. The making of the movie officially costs over 400,000,000 big ones (rumor has it, that there were some additional costs of somewhere around 200,000,000)! Which comes close to the recent record of Lucas Film's 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.'
The publicity went on, with over 350,000,000 people visiting New Line's website, which is dedicated to Lord of The Rings. Devotees all over the world rushed to this site, and other committed fan-sites, just in hope of getting a preliminary glimpse at the whole project.
The Lord of the Rings film trilogy was started in Wellington, New Zealand, on October 11, 1999. 'The Fellowships of The Ring' is currently in post-production stage and is scheduled for release on December 19, 2001. Subsequently, on Christmas 2002 we can expect to see 'The Two Towers' and 'The Return of The King' on Christmas 2003. In addition, a thing that should keep worldwide fans happy is that the first picture will be distributed on throughout Europe, the U.S., Asia, Australia, and New Zealand simultaneously.
Also, for anyone who might be interested, we've learned (according to a recent interview with Sir Ian McKellen at Entertainment Tomorrow) that Peter Jackson's company has the rights to film 'The Hobbit' should they so desire. And as we know making prequels to epics is already very popular (you remember Star Wars, right?).
Anyhow, the first movie is being finished as we speak, and it will feature some spectacular scenery, extraordinary visual effects, and a symphonic-orchestra type of soundtrack (composed by Howard Shore) to match all that. It's been a long time since we saw a fantasy story told (or re-told) on the big-screen and let us hope that this movie-trilogy will bring back ancient Tolkien legends in an original light and present it to those of you out there who haven't read the books yet. In any case, we're looking at one of the most expensive and most complicated projects ever endeavored in movie making. Therefore we urge you not to miss such a fantastic event in December.
Oh yeah, and just to furnish you with the info that a New Line is to unveil the latest media launch for the movie at Cannes, renting a medieval castle just outside of the city. According to Eonline (www.eonline.com), A new teaser will be shown any many actors will appear to mark the beginning of the event (Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett and Christopher Lee). Be there! (umm…yeah right!).
Sheepy Thoughts - I am sure we have all read the trilogy by J.R.R Tolkein and enjoyed, with the film being released in the future, we may evern have a game to look forward to.
POWER OF THE SHEEP
Sean Connery should have been Gandalf!!!!!!
Lord of the Rings rules! Fact! Absolutely stunning.
Can't wait for the films.
To give relevance to the topic being added here- EA will publish a NEXT Gen title of the trilogy. Hope it's great.
Can't wait for the films.
To give relevance to the topic being added here- EA will publish a NEXT Gen title of the trilogy. Hope it's great.
Wrong forum sorry :)
(Copied and Pasted from another site :) - I don't cheat)
What transpires throughout reading the novel is a constant impression of excitement and suspense, which both induce an interesting element of fear the reader has for Frodo and The Fellowship - an evil is persistently in pursuit of the main characters; an evil which will remain 'faceless' throughout most of the story. Characters like Gandalf the White, the wise and all-knowing, make the reader wish to put himself in the shoes of such a remarkable individual. On the other hand, there are appealing characters like Legolas the Elf who joins the Fellowships after the Council at Rivendell; a charming and yet mysterious person with many hidden traits. There's a multitude of various characters and entire nations and species that can be as inspirational as the aforementioned individuals.
An exceptional group of actors was assembled to bring these significant characters to life. The whole plot, as you should know, revolves around the young hobbit Frodo Baggins, the character played by the also young Elijah Wood (well-received for his performance in Ange Lee's 'The Ice Storm' and many other movies). Frodo who's basically quite a normal hobbit, kind and dear, swiftly gets dragged into a whirlpool of events that goes on beyond his control and comprehension. Bilbo Baggins (the main characters from Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' - which precedes the tales of 'Lord of The Rings') passes on a great burden to his nephew, the burden of the Ring. 'It was long ago, during the early years of the Second Age, that Elven smiths forged rings of power: nine for mortal men, seven for the Dwarf Lords, and three for the Elven Kings. It wasn't long until the Dark Lord Sauron learned the craft of ring making and made the master ring, the One Ring To Rule Them All.' Anyone who wears it will become invisible. But, this ring had a will of its own and as soon as it was cut from the Dark Lord's hand by prince Isildur (from the mighty Kings from across the sea), it slipped from one hand to another. Eventually, the ring found itself a new master - a wretched person called Smeagol. Since he used the ring too often it corrupted his soul and misshaped his physical appearance. And so it was that it slipped of his finger and was found by Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, who brought back the ring to his homeland, the Shire. Gandalf the Wizard, who accompanied him on his journeys, also visited Bilbo in the Shire offering him advice and helping him keep the secret hidden. Sadly, such a strong force couldn't be kept a secret for long, and even the slightest exposure could put the bearer of the Ring, and those around him, in jeopardy. At the same time, nine mysterious shadows desperately roam through the land in-search for the one ring (these are the former nine mortals who possessed the nine rings and were captured by the Dark Lord and forced to search the world for the Ring).
Anyway, the most incredible cast was gathered for taking you through this amazing story: Elijah Wood (Frodo), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Sean Austin (Samwise), Billy Boyd (Pippin), Dominic Monaghan (Merry), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Sean Bean (Borromir), Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Liv Tyler (Arwen), Christopher Lee (Saruman) and it just gets better and better…
This is the Time
It seems we're living in a time in which the advanced technology allows filming such a captivating book. Computer graphics were not only utilized for well-known techniques such as multiplying troops on battlefields, animating creatures that do not exist in actuality; they have also been used as a device for planning the creation of three gigantic movies in advance. Storyboards, animations, actual scenes, were created before sets were even made and shots were even taken. Don't be discouraged and think this is just another blockbuster set to spoil a perfectly good story. The director explained that he does not intend to utilize the possibilities of today's technologies to make a flashy Hollywood hit. For example, the wizard Gandalf does have some outstanding magical powers; this doesn't mean that the sorcerer will be jumping around doing some Bruce Lee/Matrix fighting while firing bolts of lighting from his eyes. In the books Gandalf's described as an individual with a strong will and always clear head. With his powerful mind he influences deadly foes. The staff he carries around with him is not the mightiest of all weapons. On the other hand, all of this doesn't necessarily suggest that we won't see any magic - it's just that it won't be anything too colorful and corny. Other complicated matters, in relation to special effects, needed coping; as was the situation with the on-going problem of how to shrink actors to three-foot-five (Hobbit size) in order to make them look genuine. Some unpractical ideas were soon abandoned - like actors walking on stilts to make hobbits look smaller (the pre-trailer displayed some of these attempts). So, other techniques involving blue screen and green screen methods were used for solving such predicaments. Even some old-fashioned techniques were employed, such as putting hobbit-actors further away from the camera, while human-actors are pictured more closely, thus creating an illusion of actual hobbit size.
It is no surprise that Peter Jackson chose his greenish homeland, the peaceful country of New Zealand, for the main movie shooting location. Gargantuan filming sets were made and shooting began with multiple film units, principle actors, and over a thousand of extras working daily. The making of the movie officially costs over 400,000,000 big ones (rumor has it, that there were some additional costs of somewhere around 200,000,000)! Which comes close to the recent record of Lucas Film's 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.'
The publicity went on, with over 350,000,000 people visiting New Line's website, which is dedicated to Lord of The Rings. Devotees all over the world rushed to this site, and other committed fan-sites, just in hope of getting a preliminary glimpse at the whole project.
The Lord of the Rings film trilogy was started in Wellington, New Zealand, on October 11, 1999. 'The Fellowships of The Ring' is currently in post-production stage and is scheduled for release on December 19, 2001. Subsequently, on Christmas 2002 we can expect to see 'The Two Towers' and 'The Return of The King' on Christmas 2003. In addition, a thing that should keep worldwide fans happy is that the first picture will be distributed on throughout Europe, the U.S., Asia, Australia, and New Zealand simultaneously.
Also, for anyone who might be interested, we've learned (according to a recent interview with Sir Ian McKellen at Entertainment Tomorrow) that Peter Jackson's company has the rights to film 'The Hobbit' should they so desire. And as we know making prequels to epics is already very popular (you remember Star Wars, right?).
Anyhow, the first movie is being finished as we speak, and it will feature some spectacular scenery, extraordinary visual effects, and a symphonic-orchestra type of soundtrack (composed by Howard Shore) to match all that. It's been a long time since we saw a fantasy story told (or re-told) on the big-screen and let us hope that this movie-trilogy will bring back ancient Tolkien legends in an original light and present it to those of you out there who haven't read the books yet. In any case, we're looking at one of the most expensive and most complicated projects ever endeavored in movie making. Therefore we urge you not to miss such a fantastic event in December.
Oh yeah, and just to furnish you with the info that a New Line is to unveil the latest media launch for the movie at Cannes, renting a medieval castle just outside of the city. According to Eonline (www.eonline.com), A new teaser will be shown any many actors will appear to mark the beginning of the event (Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett and Christopher Lee). Be there! (umm…yeah right!).
Sheepy Thoughts - I am sure we have all read the trilogy by J.R.R Tolkein and enjoyed, with the film being released in the future, we may evern have a game to look forward to.
POWER OF THE SHEEP
What transpires throughout reading the novel is a constant impression of excitement and suspense, which both induce an interesting element of fear the reader has for Frodo and The Fellowship - an evil is persistently in pursuit of the main characters; an evil which will remain 'faceless' throughout most of the story. Characters like Gandalf the White, the wise and all-knowing, make the reader wish to put himself in the shoes of such a remarkable individual. On the other hand, there are appealing characters like Legolas the Elf who joins the Fellowships after the Council at Rivendell; a charming and yet mysterious person with many hidden traits. There's a multitude of various characters and entire nations and species that can be as inspirational as the aforementioned individuals.
An exceptional group of actors was assembled to bring these significant characters to life. The whole plot, as you should know, revolves around the young hobbit Frodo Baggins, the character played by the also young Elijah Wood (well-received for his performance in Ange Lee's 'The Ice Storm' and many other movies). Frodo who's basically quite a normal hobbit, kind and dear, swiftly gets dragged into a whirlpool of events that goes on beyond his control and comprehension. Bilbo Baggins (the main characters from Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' - which precedes the tales of 'Lord of The Rings') passes on a great burden to his nephew, the burden of the Ring. 'It was long ago, during the early years of the Second Age, that Elven smiths forged rings of power: nine for mortal men, seven for the Dwarf Lords, and three for the Elven Kings. It wasn't long until the Dark Lord Sauron learned the craft of ring making and made the master ring, the One Ring To Rule Them All.' Anyone who wears it will become invisible. But, this ring had a will of its own and as soon as it was cut from the Dark Lord's hand by prince Isildur (from the mighty Kings from across the sea), it slipped from one hand to another. Eventually, the ring found itself a new master - a wretched person called Smeagol. Since he used the ring too often it corrupted his soul and misshaped his physical appearance. And so it was that it slipped of his finger and was found by Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, who brought back the ring to his homeland, the Shire. Gandalf the Wizard, who accompanied him on his journeys, also visited Bilbo in the Shire offering him advice and helping him keep the secret hidden. Sadly, such a strong force couldn't be kept a secret for long, and even the slightest exposure could put the bearer of the Ring, and those around him, in jeopardy. At the same time, nine mysterious shadows desperately roam through the land in-search for the one ring (these are the former nine mortals who possessed the nine rings and were captured by the Dark Lord and forced to search the world for the Ring).
Anyway, the most incredible cast was gathered for taking you through this amazing story: Elijah Wood (Frodo), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Sean Austin (Samwise), Billy Boyd (Pippin), Dominic Monaghan (Merry), Orlando Bloom (Legolas), Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn), Sean Bean (Borromir), Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Liv Tyler (Arwen), Christopher Lee (Saruman) and it just gets better and better…
This is the Time
It seems we're living in a time in which the advanced technology allows filming such a captivating book. Computer graphics were not only utilized for well-known techniques such as multiplying troops on battlefields, animating creatures that do not exist in actuality; they have also been used as a device for planning the creation of three gigantic movies in advance. Storyboards, animations, actual scenes, were created before sets were even made and shots were even taken. Don't be discouraged and think this is just another blockbuster set to spoil a perfectly good story. The director explained that he does not intend to utilize the possibilities of today's technologies to make a flashy Hollywood hit. For example, the wizard Gandalf does have some outstanding magical powers; this doesn't mean that the sorcerer will be jumping around doing some Bruce Lee/Matrix fighting while firing bolts of lighting from his eyes. In the books Gandalf's described as an individual with a strong will and always clear head. With his powerful mind he influences deadly foes. The staff he carries around with him is not the mightiest of all weapons. On the other hand, all of this doesn't necessarily suggest that we won't see any magic - it's just that it won't be anything too colorful and corny. Other complicated matters, in relation to special effects, needed coping; as was the situation with the on-going problem of how to shrink actors to three-foot-five (Hobbit size) in order to make them look genuine. Some unpractical ideas were soon abandoned - like actors walking on stilts to make hobbits look smaller (the pre-trailer displayed some of these attempts). So, other techniques involving blue screen and green screen methods were used for solving such predicaments. Even some old-fashioned techniques were employed, such as putting hobbit-actors further away from the camera, while human-actors are pictured more closely, thus creating an illusion of actual hobbit size.
It is no surprise that Peter Jackson chose his greenish homeland, the peaceful country of New Zealand, for the main movie shooting location. Gargantuan filming sets were made and shooting began with multiple film units, principle actors, and over a thousand of extras working daily. The making of the movie officially costs over 400,000,000 big ones (rumor has it, that there were some additional costs of somewhere around 200,000,000)! Which comes close to the recent record of Lucas Film's 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.'
The publicity went on, with over 350,000,000 people visiting New Line's website, which is dedicated to Lord of The Rings. Devotees all over the world rushed to this site, and other committed fan-sites, just in hope of getting a preliminary glimpse at the whole project.
The Lord of the Rings film trilogy was started in Wellington, New Zealand, on October 11, 1999. 'The Fellowships of The Ring' is currently in post-production stage and is scheduled for release on December 19, 2001. Subsequently, on Christmas 2002 we can expect to see 'The Two Towers' and 'The Return of The King' on Christmas 2003. In addition, a thing that should keep worldwide fans happy is that the first picture will be distributed on throughout Europe, the U.S., Asia, Australia, and New Zealand simultaneously.
Also, for anyone who might be interested, we've learned (according to a recent interview with Sir Ian McKellen at Entertainment Tomorrow) that Peter Jackson's company has the rights to film 'The Hobbit' should they so desire. And as we know making prequels to epics is already very popular (you remember Star Wars, right?).
Anyhow, the first movie is being finished as we speak, and it will feature some spectacular scenery, extraordinary visual effects, and a symphonic-orchestra type of soundtrack (composed by Howard Shore) to match all that. It's been a long time since we saw a fantasy story told (or re-told) on the big-screen and let us hope that this movie-trilogy will bring back ancient Tolkien legends in an original light and present it to those of you out there who haven't read the books yet. In any case, we're looking at one of the most expensive and most complicated projects ever endeavored in movie making. Therefore we urge you not to miss such a fantastic event in December.
Oh yeah, and just to furnish you with the info that a New Line is to unveil the latest media launch for the movie at Cannes, renting a medieval castle just outside of the city. According to Eonline (www.eonline.com), A new teaser will be shown any many actors will appear to mark the beginning of the event (Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett and Christopher Lee). Be there! (umm…yeah right!).
Sheepy Thoughts - I am sure we have all read the trilogy by J.R.R Tolkein and enjoyed, with the film being released in the future, we may evern have a game to look forward to.
POWER OF THE SHEEP