Happy Feet is a comedy adventure set in the land of the Emperor Penguins in the heart of Antarctica. These penguins sing, and each needs their own special song to attract a soul mate. Our hero Mumble (ELIJAH WOOD), son of Elvis (HUGH JACKMAN) and Norma Jean (NICOLE KIDMAN) is the worst singer in the world… but he can tap-dance something fierce!
The all-star ensemble cast also includes the voices of (in alphabetical order) Brittany Murphy, Hugo Weaving, Robin Williams and features the dancing of legendary tapper Savion Glover (Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk).
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Kennedy-Miller Film, HAPPY FEET, directed by George Miller. Written by George Miller, John Collee (Master & Commander), Judy Morris and Warren Coleman. Produced by Doug Mitchell, Bill Miller and George Miller. Executive Produced by Graham Burke and Bruce Berman. Music composed by John Powell (Shrek, Chicken Run, The Bourne Identity).
HAPPY FEET is scheduled to be released in November 2006 by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
Thanks to Ann
Dominic Monaghan‘s new hit show ‘Lost’ continues to get better with each episode. Catch ‘Lost’ tonight at 8PM EST on ABC. This is the first NEW episode since March 2nd! TORN’s chatroom now has a special ‘Lost’ screening room, login to #lost at 8PM and watch with fans from around the country! [ABC.com] [TORN Chat]
Justin writes: Jim Rygiel did a chat on LOTR effects on Saturday. For 3 hours he showed progression composites, green screen, digital doubles, tests, everything – it was great. [More]
Justin writes: Jim Rygiel did a chat on LOTR effects on Saturday. For 3 hours he showed progression composites, green screen, digital doubles, tests, everything – it was great. A few key notes:
- 90% of all “size” issues with hobbits and dwarves were done in camera, not digitally
- The maquette scanner to digitize characters is actually a sheep carcass scanner developed in Aus, used to test slaughter imperfections
- Renderman was used as main renderer
- New Massive renderer called “GRUNT” – General Renderer of Unlimited Number of Things
- Mount Doom fireballs at end of film are simple charcoal briquettes Lava is the same gel-substance used in McDonalds shakes for consistancy – same technique from “Volcano”
- Rotoscoping team had 50-80 people at all times
- Original fire software was 100% real physics engine, but was ditched because balrog moved too fast and blew himself out like a candle. They tried turning up “pressure” and Balrog looked like the Human Torch. Finally ended up with Maya Particle simulator.
On another note, I’m starting an online fan video network, showing fan films and broadcasting live from the star wars line in Hollywood. We are currently making short fan interviews, and will be shooting several professionals like prop guys, matte painters, and all the unsung heroes of major FX films. Jim Rygiel has commited to an interview, so look forward to an in depth “fan interview” with Jim Rygiel in the coming weeks.
Eowyn writes: I wanted to let all you LOTR fans know that the LOTR Symphony is finally coming to town in the Washington D.C. area premiere!! The highly respected Fairfax Symphony Orchestra and Fairfax Choral Society choruses will be performing on May 27th, 28th and 29th at the George Mason University Center for the Arts. [More]
Ian McKellen has updated the LOTR ‘E-Post’ section of his website. Take a look! [More]
