This morning in the U.S. the Golden Globe nominations were announced and while entertainment junkies like us enjoy the whole list, there are a couple of noms of special interest (Peter Jackson and Weta related) we wanted to point out, but we are going to make you click once to see the list: Read the rest of this entry »
The regular Weta newsletter talks about the restoration of Hobbiton as well. The team at Weta including Daniel Falconer are happily involved in modelling a collectible sculpture of Bag End at them moment, which should be ready for purchase in 2010. “>Read Weta’s “News from the Shire”.
Hundreds of items of science fiction art and collectibles created by Weta Workshop began their journey to China Friday night for a fundraising exhibition set to be visited by up to one million people. About 150 paintings by artist and Weta designer Greg Broadmore, along with props and rayguns, would be exhibited in The Exceptional Exhibition – Weta Workshop introduces the World of Dr Grordbort’s, the New Zealand Press Association reported on Friday. More..
The folks from WIFI, a network of independent film artists based in Wellington New Zealand, send this in: We recently did an interview with Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger from WETA and we thought you may or may not be interested in sharing it with the TORN community. Read the rest of this entry »
What exactly is going on with the two-part adaptation of The Hobbit? The world seems to be holding its breath in anticipation, including us, but as the calendar turned to November, we turned to a trusted rock-solid inside source and found a dragon’s treasure of updates. Read the rest of this entry »
News is on the Associated Press wire today that the founder of the pop-culture showcase, the San Diego Comic-Con, Sheldon Dorf, has died at age 76. A spokesperson for Dorf’s family, friend Greg Koudoulian, says he died at a San Diego hospital as a result of kidney failure and problems caused by diabetes. At the official Comic-Con Website there is a message from the Board of Directors, Staff and volunteers of the Comic-Con organization as they “mourn the passing of our dear friend Shel”. Read the rest of this entry »
From the folks at WETA: John Howe’s incredibly dynamic and exquisitely detailed sculpture by Daniel Cockersell is now available for pre-order in faux bronze. The edition size for this fine art collectible is a mere 300, just like the first sculpture in the range, Smaug™ the Golden which opened for pre-order in August. Check it out here!
Mia writes: I attended the KEA Luncheon [last Thursday] in Melbourne, and wanted to share a few photos with you. The luncheon was fascinating, and it was an honour to be there. Richard was extremely friendly, and gave a great speech before jetting off to Sydney!! More..
Message board member Elven was lucky enough to attend the KEA dinner in Sydney this week and sends in this great report:
“If more of us valued food and cheer above hoarded gold, unless its an Oscar, it would be a much merrier world.”
-Prof Tolkien.
I have just returned home from a wonderful night at the Danks Street Depot Cafe in Sydney after listening to KEA’s special guest speaker ‘Richard Taylor’ talk and inspire an audience. People hung onto to his every word and laughed heartily at his stories – we enjoyed it so much we almost forgot about dessert. The food was glorious – the menu designed by NZ chef Jared Ingersol, and there was plenty of wonderful NZ wines available for the tasting.
Richard spoke for a good hour on his career and the movies WETA had been involved with much passion, and gave reference and credit to those people who had helped him along the way. His presentation was punctuated with some very funny anecdotes about Oscar Couture, Meet The Feebles and Taxi Drivers – but his story held a special message regarding success and talent and doing what you do, no matter what that might be, to the best of your ability – turning your life into an art. Read the rest of this entry »
Last week I came home to discover a mysterious package propping my front door open. It seems Dr. Grordbort has made a house call all the way up from New Zealand. Seems he has a mission for me…more news on that, reviews and pictures to come soon! In the meantime..feast your eyes on ‘The Righteous Bison‘ and the ‘Victorious Mongoose‘!
This morning in the U.S. the Golden Globe nominations were announced and while entertainment junkies like us enjoy the whole list, there are a couple of noms of special interest (Peter Jackson and Weta related) we wanted to point out, but we are going to make you click once to see the list: 
What exactly is going on with the two-part adaptation of The Hobbit? The world seems to be holding its breath in anticipation, including us, but as the calendar turned to November, we turned to a trusted rock-solid inside source and found a dragon’s treasure of updates. 
Message board member Elven was lucky enough to attend the KEA dinner in Sydney this week and sends in this great report:
