The Noldor Blog reports some big changes around Jackson’s Stone St Studios, with what looks like the beginnings of a huge new structure to replace one of the existing sheds. Read More
Thanks to many of you for pointing us to this story at The Hollywood Reporter: MGM has secured support from key lenders to allow the studio enough cash to proceed with its participation in “The Hobbit.” A recent proposal by MGM’s new CEO Steve Cooper to defer interest payments on its debt load for the next three months on Thursday won a crucial endorsement from J.P. Morgan.
Concern over MGM’s hold on “Hobbit” is at the heart of the activity. In a 50-50 rights partnership with Warner Bros.’ New Line unit, two “Hobbit” pics are being developed. The first “Hobbit” aims for theatrical release in 2011, with Guillermo del Toro on board to direct that and a sequel. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens and del Toro are writing scripts for both and are expected to deliver the first screenplay by the end of November. Read More
MGM’s financial woes continue to worsen according to Nikki Finke over at Deadline Hollywood. MGM had a conference call yesterday with its bond holders for the benefit of the lenders: “MGM made a desperate plea for money because the studio had missed its numbers and was going to be out of funds very soon. “The implication was that it’s teetering on bankruptcy,” one source told me. MGM said it needed $20M in short-term cash flow to cover overhead, and an additional $150 million to get through the end of year and continue funding its projects, and to start Peter Jackson’s Hobbit.” Read More
News is all over the place today about changes at the top of MGM, one of the studios co-financing and co-producing “The Hobbit.” There are lots of stories that tackle the business side of things. The New York Times takes a crack as does the L.A. Times while The Wrap looks at a possible takeover while Variety looks at Hollywood’s reaction and The Geek FreePress examines what it might mean for “The Hobbit,” calling this change the possible dragon for the film.
Kristin Thompson also weighed in with two seperate blog posts found here and here.
If anybody in our spy network has any further info of what this might mean, please send us word at SpyMaster@TheOneRing.net.
There is a very informative article in the Wall Street Journal today that covers the past and upcoming projects of Peter Jackson. There is a particularly interesting tidbit on his decision to not direct ‘The Hobbit’ flims:
Mr. Jackson is co-writing and producing an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” but he’s handing the directing reins to Guillermo del Toro, known for his fantastical hit “Pan’s Labyrinth.”
“In some respects, I’m still not sure if I made the right decision in not directing, because I’m enjoying it so much,” Mr Jackson says of “The Hobbit.”
Thanks to forum member Loresilme for the heads up and you can read the full article through the following link. [Read More]
A LEGAL battle is under way between the Oxfordshire family of JRR Tolkien and the Hollywood giant behind the new Hobbit film, it emerged last night. The heirs of the Tolkien estate, including the author’s daughter Priscilla Tolkien, 80, who lives in Wolvercote, claimed they have not been paid “even one cent” of the millions of pounds owed to them from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It is believed the three films generated almost $3bn in box office receipts and another $3bn in DVDs and merchandise sales. More..
Who has the best video of panels at Comic-Con? Why Comic-Con does! The folks there were kind enough (and they want some more hits too no doubt!) to send a link to their HD video with great audio over at YouTube. Of course its embeded here for your viewing ease and comfort. This was at least the third time in about 12 hours that PJ explained to an audience or press that no roles have been cast for the “The Hobbit,” the film isn’t greenlit yet and the process of handing in a finished script for the first of two films was about three or four weeks away. Enjoy!
Quickbeam and MrCere give us the latest news on Peter Jackson’s screening of District 9 and his closed door internet journalist press conference. Those two guys are lucky! Take a look at the shirts behind them too…I want one of each MrCere!
On Tuesday, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge decided that a lawsuit filed by J.R.R. Tolkien’s heirs against New Line Cinema should be brought before a jury. In the suit, filed in February 2008, The Tolkien Trust claims New Line owes them at least $220 million of the profits collected from Peter Jackson’s film trilogy (a 1969 contract promises the author’s heirs 7.5 percent of gross receipts from films and other related products). The case will go to trial Oct. 19. ‘Lord of the Rings’ lawsuit: Judge sends case to jury
Thanks to many of you for pointing us to this story at 
