Who is the mysterious Dr Grordbort, and what has he got to do with New Zealand’s legendary multi Academy Award® winning Weta Workshop? Well, it seems that Grordbort has reached out from his parallel universe and appointed Weta Limited to manufacture his awesome range of Rayguns.
With names such as the MANMELTER 3600ZX Sub-Atomic Disintegrator Pistol; the F.M.O.M. INDUSTRIES Wave Disrupter Gun, or even the GOLIATHON 83 Infinity Beam Projector, you know that these have been created by a truly warped mind! [More]
Iain writes: Spotted an article in my local paper (Evening Advertiser) that caught my eye immediately:
“A top scientist is to reveal the secrets behind the magic of Harry Potter. At the Cheltenham Science Festival;, in June, fans of both Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings will have the opportunity to find out how computer technology created the films’ special efforts.
At the festival presentation, sponsored by the Swindon-based British Computer Society, Andrew Fitzgibbon, the winner of the 2006 BCS Needham Award, will present Screen Magic, about the use of computer vision in creating 3D special effects for the film industry. He will illustrate how he uses technology to bend the audiences’ perception of what they are watching.
He is a senior researcher at the Microsoft Research, Cambridge, UK and researches the intersection of computer vision and computer graphics, with excursions into neuroscience, which have allowed him to work on the special effects for Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings among other films.
He will be joined by Andrew Daffy, who will explain the secrets behind the magic of his work which includes the James Bond opening titles and BBC2 tags.”
Link to specific event: cheltenhamfestivals.com
Details on Andrew Fitzgibbon
Details on Andrew Daffy (imdb)
Special effects king Richard Taylor will fly the Kiwi flag in Monaco this week amid the world’s leading entrepreneurs, a prospect he finds daunting. Attending the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year awards, after winning the New Zealand title last October, Mr Taylor will compete against 46 others from around the world in the luxury Mediterranean port. But it was the prestigious company, rather than the swanky location, that was the biggest treat. “We have always thought of ourselves as creative people, not business people. It’s a bit daunting actually,” he said. [More]
Casting is now complete for the upcoming London revival of David Storey’s 1969 drama In Celebration, which will star screen actor Orlando Bloom. Joining the previously announced Bloom (as Steven), Lynda Baron (Mrs. Burnett), Gareth Farr (Colin), Paul Hilton (Andrew) and Ciaran McIntyre (Reardon) will be Tim Healy (as Mr. Shaw) and Dearbhla Molloy (as Mrs. Shaw). Anna Mackmin will direct the production, which begins previews July 5 at the Duke of York’s Theatre with an official opening July 12. Produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, the play is currently booking until Sept. 15. [More]
Craig writes: Angus McBride has passed away. Mr McBride created a number of pieces of artwork based on Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings for Iron Crown Enterprises Middle Earth Role Playing (MERP) game and Middle Earth Collectable Card Game (MECCG). [More]
Thanks to TORnado Grammaboodawg for sending this great article about Richard Taylor. Seems our favorite Weta chief will be in Monaco this week meeting with the 46 candidates for the world title. The winner will be announced Sunday but the full story can be read right here.
