Justin writes: Jim Rygiel did a chat on LOTR effects on Saturday. For 3 hours he showed progression composites, green screen, digital doubles, tests, everything – it was great. [More]
Day: March 29, 2005
Justin writes: Jim Rygiel did a chat on LOTR effects on Saturday. For 3 hours he showed progression composites, green screen, digital doubles, tests, everything – it was great. A few key notes:
- 90% of all “size” issues with hobbits and dwarves were done in camera, not digitally
- The maquette scanner to digitize characters is actually a sheep carcass scanner developed in Aus, used to test slaughter imperfections
- Renderman was used as main renderer
- New Massive renderer called “GRUNT” – General Renderer of Unlimited Number of Things
- Mount Doom fireballs at end of film are simple charcoal briquettes Lava is the same gel-substance used in McDonalds shakes for consistancy – same technique from “Volcano”
- Rotoscoping team had 50-80 people at all times
- Original fire software was 100% real physics engine, but was ditched because balrog moved too fast and blew himself out like a candle. They tried turning up “pressure” and Balrog looked like the Human Torch. Finally ended up with Maya Particle simulator.
On another note, I’m starting an online fan video network, showing fan films and broadcasting live from the star wars line in Hollywood. We are currently making short fan interviews, and will be shooting several professionals like prop guys, matte painters, and all the unsung heroes of major FX films. Jim Rygiel has commited to an interview, so look forward to an in depth “fan interview” with Jim Rygiel in the coming weeks.
Eowyn writes: I wanted to let all you LOTR fans know that the LOTR Symphony is finally coming to town in the Washington D.C. area premiere!! The highly respected Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Fairfax Choral Society choruses will be performing on May 27th, 28th and 29th at the George Mason University Center for the Arts. [More]
Ian McKellen has updated the LOTR ‘E-Post’ section of his website. Take a look! [More]
Randall Miller’s “Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School,” a new film starring Robert Carlyle, Marisa Tomei, John Goodman, Mary Steenburgen, Sean Astin, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny DeVito, has been acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films. The company secured North American rights to the film that had its world premiere at Sundance this year. The company will release the film this summer. [More]
(Indianapolis) – Hollywood actor Sean Astin is at the statehouse Monday meeting with lawmakers and the governor. The star of “Rudy” and “Lord of The Rings” is lobbying along with producer Angelo Pizzo for a bill that would create tax incentives for the film industry. [More]