Allen Simpson & The Fellowship Gang send this along: Here are some AWESOME reviews for “Fellowship!” the Musical Parody of “The Fellowship fo the Ring.” The first is from Backstage West, and the second is from the LA Times.

We had a lot of fans come out opening weekend. It was a HUGE success! We’re still trying to make sure the rest of the run is filled out though as we are inviting investors to come see it. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the reviews, and if anyone wants tickets, just call the Falcon Theatre at (818) 955-8101.

Sean AstinBelleferret writes: You may want to report that (not unexpectedly) Sean Astin will be providing the voice of Samwise Gamgee for the backstory for the upcoming game, LOTR: Aragorn’s Quest. More..

Hollywood Director Guillermo del Toro will be launching his first novel, The Strain, with a book signing at the Weta Cave. The Strain is the first volume in a trilogy of books, co-written with thriller writer Chuck Hogan, about a vampiric virus that invades New York.

Guillermo is currently in New Zealand to direct The Hobbit , the prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He is one of the hottest directors in Hollywood, after directing an array of visionary movies such as The Devil’s Backbone, the Oscar winning Pan’s Labyrinth and the two Hellboy movies. He will be signing books and collectibles at this exclusive Weta Cave after-hours event.

Wednesday 17th June | 6-8 PM
The Weta Cave, Cnr Camperdown Rd/Weka St, Miramar, Wellington

Christopher LeeAs you may be aware, The British honours system is a means of rewarding individuals’ personal bravery, achievement, or service to the United Kingdom. Bestowed by the Queen, it is one of the highest honours a citizen of the UK can achieve. We already have a few other knighted cast members from The Lord of the Rings, and now we are happy to report Christopher Lee will be joining their ranks. Lee needs no introduction to The Lord of the Rings community, as his portrayal of Saruman in The Lord of the Rings community has been widely praised and well-received among fandom. Congratulations Sir Christopher Lee! Thanks to all the Ringers sending in the link. [Read More]

Peter JacksonFrom marketsaw.blogspot.com: I had the honor of speaking with 3ality Digital Systems CEO Steve Schklair at the Produced By conference last Sunday. Steve is one of the few true trailblazers of modern stereoscopic 3D, and his depth of knowledge and many years of experience shooting stereo put his company on the bleeding edge of the 3D industry.

3ality Digital’s series of “firsts” include the first concert movie shot completely in digital live-action 3D (U2 3D), the first live 3D broadcast of an NFL game, the first live 3D sports broadcast available to consumers (BCS Championship, Jan. 8th, 2009), and the first episode of a scripted television series shot in live-action digital 3D (Chuck vs. The Third Dimension, aired on NBC on Feb. 2, 2009).

Steve’s passion for achieving the best possible 3D experiences for his audiences is infectious, and I learned a great deal from speaking with him. He also gave me the exclusive scoop that Peter Jackson is committing to shoot all his films in 3D, and will be working with 3ality Digital’s rigs and technology to do so. More..