Oct 15 (Los Angeles)——- 8X Entertainment, the Hollywood-based production company which produced the 1999 hit film, “The Omega Code,” has begun a three week film shoot in northwestern India. The historical epic, “One Night With the King,” is based on the best selling novel, “Hadassah: One Night With The King” by author Tommy Tenney.
“One Night With The King” chronicles the life of the young Jewish girl, Hadassah, played by Hollywood newcomer, Tiffany Dupont. Dupont portrays the rags-to-riches heroine who goes on to become the Biblical Esther, the Queen of Persia (400–322 B.C.), who saves the Jewish nation from annihilation at the hands of its arch enemy Haman (played by James Callis; “Helen of Troy,” 2003) while winning the heart of the fiercely handsome King Xerxes, played by Luke Goss, 36 (“Blade II,” 2002; “ZigZag,” 1999).
“‘One Night With The King’ is a multi-million dollar epic teeming with romance and imagery and complete with suspense, political war conspiracies, and religious intrigue,” says the films publicist, Susan Zahn of WDC Media.
“Having motion picture legends Peter O’Toole (the Prophet Samuel) and Omar Sharif (Prince Memucan) starring on the same bill only adds to the film’s overall mystique,” says Zahn. “Who could forget the stunning epic, ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962) and its incredible visuals!” exclaims Zahn. “Or the mirage scene in which Omar Sharif appears from the desert mist or the scene where Peter O’Toole returns in Arab garb to be cheered as a hero by his army colleagues?”
The “One Night With The King” cast includes such notable talent as John Rhys-Davies as Mordecai and John Noble as Prince Admantha. Both actors starred in the blockbuster trilogy “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” and “Return of the King.” The film also features veteran actor Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister Jr. in the lead role of Hegai. Lister has appeared in over 80 films.
“The account of Esther is a passionate story,” relates Tommy Tenney. “It’s full of reversals of fortune as the tension of the story builds. It’s rooted deeply in two basic human emotions—love and hate,” says the best-selling author.
With the film’s historical background and its majestic sets, the actors cast in “One Night With The King” provide the movie with a rich landscape of ethnic diversity. “This project naturally lends itself to being multicultural,” states Tenney. “It stretches across huge cultural divides from religion to ethnicity. Esther, as an historical figure, appeals to both the Christian and Jewish communities worldwide. The fact that the storyline unfolds in ancient Iraq and Iran is of interest to Muslims as well,” explains Tenney.
Adapted for film by screenwriter Stephan Blinn, directed by Michael Sajbel and Produced by TBN Films, 8X Entertainment and Tommy Tenney. “One Night With The King” is scheduled for theatrical release on March 25, a date that coincides with the Christian Good Friday and Esther’s Jewish Feast of Purim.
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Roheryn writes: The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly features a rundown of who the most powerful people are in the entertainment industry today. “Movie Creatives” lead the pack, and Peter Jackson is listed very high, second only to the “passion”-ate Mel Gibson. [More]
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Asphodel the PR Hobbit writes: A small farm southeast of Columbus Ohio was recently transformed into the Party Field to celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ birthday. The Ohio Ring Council fan club’s version of the Long Expected Party, held Sept. 18th, drew over 75 revelers from throughout the Shire and as far away as Ontario, and West Virginia. [More]
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Asphodel the PR Hobbit writes: A small farm southeast of Columbus Ohio was recently transformed into the Party Field to celebrate Bilbo Baggins’ birthday. The Ohio Ring Council fan club’s version of the Long Expected Party, held Sept. 18th, drew over 75 revelers from throughout the Shire and as far away as Ontario, and West Virginia. Hobbits, Elves, Men, Wizards, and even an Orc spent the day eating, dancing to live Celtic music by FinTan, eating, re-enacting scenes from the Lord of the Rings books, eating, flying kites, eating, taking pictures, getting rides on “Bill” the pony, eating, giving dramatic readings, eating, and watching fireworks.
Planning began in April, and all told, over 30 volunteers participated in one way or another—making decorations at a “BannerMoot,” “PennantMoot” and “LanternMoot,” and building a stage for the band. Gandalf’s cart—full of prop fireworks—was parked in the center of the field. Members brought Hobbit-inspired food to share, and, true to form, most Hobbits never stopped eating.
“Lass,” a young Hobbit who built the Bilbo costume worn by her father, said “It’s funny, because ORC is intended as a ‘local’ fanclub…yet a good many of our members travel great distances to participate. A fantastic fellowship? I’d say so.”
“Lady Of Lorien” agreed. “I feel like the ORCs are part of my family. So many really kind, down to earth people in one club. It’s just beautiful that this group exists where all different kinds of people can share their love of LOTR…I’m proud to be a part of it.”
A highlight of the event turned out to be dramatic readings from Tolkien’s works, including Sam’s thoughts about Frodo from LOTR, “The Lay of Luthien” from The Silmarillion, and Èowyn and Faramir’s scene atop the walls of Minas Tirith.
Most attendees arrived in Hobbit costume. Notable celebrity appearances included Bilbo, Gandalf the Gray, Eowyn, and Faramir. The party was later crashed by Sauruman, Grima Wormtongue and an Orc.
The Long Expected Party was ORC’s largest and most ambitious event to date, and the party’s success has already inspired members to start planning for LEP 2005, which will be open to the public.
As “Arwen’s Hubby” said, “I have become so much more of an enthusiast of Tolkien’s rich tapestries, in no small part due to the joyful madness you can find at any ORC event. My Lords and Ladies…I raise my mug of ale to ye!!!”
Ohio Ring Council
www.ohioringcouncil.com
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In other news of interest to fantasy fans, Sci-Fi.com’s website has some trailers for the mini-series they’re making based on Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea books. [More] Looking very good, though it’s hard to tell much in a few seconds with the usual spiel about magic and good and evil courtesy of Hollywood’s “Mr Voice.”
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Sam Loves Rosie, a friendship and matchmaking site for Middle-earth fans, celebrates its first year of operation. It sounds like it’s been a real success story. [More]
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