I just recently sent the following e-mail to Sir Ian McKellen:
Sir McKellen,
I just wanted to write and let you know how pleased I am that you have decided to undertake this marvellous adventure in Tolkein’s Middle-Earth. I have seen several of your pictures and must say that if anyone can bring this role to life, it is you. I wanted also to ask a question. I was wondering if, in your research for the role of Gandalf, whether or not you watched Ralph Bakshi’s animated version of the film from 1977? I was curious as to what your view (of the way Gandalf was presented in the film) was and whether or not you envisioned him in a similar way when you first read the books (as I’m sure you have, if not for your own entertainment, then certainly in your research of the role.) I know that your portrayal of Gandalf will be a direct reflection of Peter Jackson’s direction, but what vision of the character do you see for yourself? What elements do you see yourself bringing to the role?
Sincerely,
Kenneth
Dallas, Texas, USA
PS: Best wishes for a successful shoot on “X-Men”, and very much looking forward to seeing you on the silver screen in the months ahead.
This was his reply:
dear kenneth
i generally avoid other interpretations of characters i am about to play. after all i must find gandalf inside myself – that process is just beginning and i may try and plot it out in the grey book. altho too much analysis can be harmful away from the workplace
In the true nature of all Hobbits we here at TheOneRing.net are giving away presents on a birthday! We are very happy to announce 3 big contests with amazing cool prizes!
Stay tuned later today for a link to the contest page. But for now, check out the prizes we have for you!
ICE CEASES THE PRODUCTION AND SALE OF MIDDLE-EARTH PRODUCTS
21 September 1999
Effective 22 September 1999, ICE will no longer be filling orders for Middle-earth products. Iron Crown Enterprises (“ICE”) has ceased the production and sale of its Middle-earth series of games, puzzles, and posters.
After working together for 18 years, ICE and Tolkien Enterprises have agreed to part ways. Tolkien Enterprises will be acquiring all of ICE’s inventory and work product. As the licensor of Middle-earth games and the forthcoming motion picture series, they will be reorganizing and reorienting the program. ICE will be assisting them to make sure that there is a smooth transition.
BACKGROUND
ICE has been publishing officially licensed adventure maps and games based J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings since 1982. We have enjoyed producing the line, and in the process working with some of the world’s most inspiring literature. The research, cartography, art conception, game design, and story-telling have all involved creative, exhausting, and exhilarating work. (I, for one, have enjoyed creating lots of maps.) It has been a labor of love, and we are proud of our legacy.
The gaming public has received our work with enthusiasm. ICE’s Middle-earth Role Playing Game has appeared in 13 languages. It is the second best selling role playing game of all time. ICE has sold over two and half million units of MERP and its many fine supplements. Our Middle-earth Collectible Card Game has appeared in 8 languages. It contains around 1,700 distinct images, and has generated sales of around two hundred million cards. The Lord of Rings Adventure Game and The Hobbit Adventure Boardgame are both critically acclaimed, family-oriented entertainment.
THE FUTURE
ICE will now be focusing its energies on its own, original game brands. We will be concentrating on revising and updating Rolemaster, Silent Death, and our parlor products (e.g., Fluxx), while at the same time preparing new products now in the development pipeline (e.g., Bladestorm and Space Master).
Middle-earth will now be in different hands. We are sure, though, that Professor Tolkien’s world will continue to receive the care and respect that it deserves. As for specifics, however, you will have to await further information. In the meantime, please do not contact us with questions and concerns. You should instead direct your inquiries (via mail) to the following address:
Director of Licensing
TOLKIEN ENTERPRISES
2600 Tenth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
We will, of course, try keep you posted regarding any future announcement concerning the evolution of the Middle-earth publishing program. ICE will let you know new information as it becomes available.
Good times! Today as you all know is September 22, an important day in Middle-earth. Today is Bilbo and Frodo’s birthdays!
While out here in the real world today is also an important day. A year ago today it was announced that this film was actually going to become a reality, so rumor has it that something else big might happen today. Ringers all over the world are holding their collective breath to hear something from PJ.
I say, enjoy today and when things are announced, you’ll hear about it soon enough. 🙂
Well it’s official, I just got off the phone with my contact at Sierra who wants to remail nameless. ORCS: Revenge of the Ancients is dead, no chance of any sort of comeback, moreover MEO is being ‘restructured’ as we speak, with a whole new team taking it over.
I was to scream ‘SIERRA SUCKS!!’ I want to say ‘YOU PEOPLE ARE IDIOTS!’ as I’m sure many of you do. But the truth of the matter is, Sierra is not to blame.
As much as we’d like to think that the folks at Sierra were a small bunch of cool dudes who liked to play video games it’s not true. They are, in fact, a company like all others. And they are owned by someone else, like so many other companies. Sierra is owned by ‘Havas Interactive’, which in turn is owned by ‘Vivendi’ a french company which is the 64 th biggest company in the world.
Do you think any of them know or even care about this game? No. Do you think they care that people like John Race and his Berkley team made this game their blood, sweat and tears for months now? No. And in reality do you blame them?
It’s all about money here folks, Sierra obviously wasn’t paying the bills so CHOP CHOP CHOP! And they decided that ORCS, an LOTR inspired game would not catch the video gamers eye. Forget the fact that the films, due out in the next few years will be the biggest thing EVER, forget the fact that it’ll beat Star Wars, Titanic AND Jaws.
They don’t see that far ahead, or maybe they do but they STILL think ORCS wouldn’t have been a moneymaker.
Shame on them for not taking the risk.
As for John Race and his team, they apparently are not one of the 105 people being fired. They will be moved to other tasks, if they are willing. I heard that at this very moment they are out getting drunk, good, stick Vivendi with the tab, they obviosuly have the money to pay for it now.
I will try to find more about this, right now this is what I recieved:
Sierra Cancels Babylon 5 And More in Reorganization
On the heels of another reorganization, Sierra On-Line has elected to cancel several titles it claims did not meet its success criteria. Cancelled titles include Desert Fighters and Pro Pilot Paradise at the company’s Dynamix studio, Babylon 5, a project of Sierra Studios, and Orcs: Revenge of the Ancient. The product cancellations will result in the loss of 105 jobs.
The company today also announced a reorganization into three business units: Core Games, Casual Entertainment and Home Productivity. This new structure is effective immediately. Core Games features several renowned development teams including Impressions Games, Papyrus, Sierra’s Northwest studio and the Tribes team. In addition to Valve, other third party relationships include Relic and Massive Entertainment. Core Games will focus on strategy, action, RPG and adventure games.
Casual Entertainment includes the Hoyle line, the Trophy Bass Fishing series, Professional Bull Rider, the Field and Stream Hunting series, the 3D Ultra series, Austin Powers: Operation Trivia and other similar titles. This group has a 26 percent share of the casual entertainment business. Home and Productivity will publish titles for gardening, home design, home publishing, family heritage, digital imaging and web page design.