Interesting news from Kristen Thompson’s blog, The Frodo Franchise:
“The Tolkien Trust and New Line are at least in talks. They have twice been able to agree on extensions in the deadline for the studio to file a response to the complaint. The two sides appear to have been in discussions since around March 7, and New Line has agreed to let the Trust look at some documents relevant to an audit, presumably regarding the income and expenses relating to the trilogy. Such moves suggest to me that both sides have some reason to believe that the case can be settled. The Trust has not filed an injunction barring New Line from beginning production on The Hobbit. The filmmakers keep hinting that the project is slowly moving toward an official start of pre-production.”
The current response date is now set for May 14. Stay tuned! Thanks to board members Compa Mighty and ArathornJax for the alert. Read More
Gloria sends in this reminder about Fantasy Festival 2008 to be held this Saturday on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City: Programming includes classes on knitted chain mail, corsets for the well-dressed elf, Beowulf presentation, foam prosthetics, wizard rock music, costume contests, children’s activities, vendor room, evening dance and much, much more. Featured speaker will be Dr. Michael Drout, editor of J. R. R. Tolkien’s “Beowulf and the Critics.” Proceeds benefit Ballet West’s Community Share program, allowing disadvantaged children to attend the Nutcracker ballet, and Reading for the Future, providing books to children. Registration begins at 8 a.m. $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for students and children. 
Message board member diedye found this interview from The Scottsman with lots of interesting updates about what Billy Boyd has been up to. From his involvement with the rugby tournament for the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, to working on a screenplay with Domanic Monaghan, to performances with his band, Beecake, and honing his surfing skills, the former Hobbit is keeping himself busy! 