Message board member Ataahua sends this in ‘hot off the press’ from stuff.co.nz:
Film-maker Sir Peter Jackson can’t guarantee The Hobbit will ever be made as concerns grow that a lack of jobs is causing movie industry workers to leave Wellington. However, a spokesman for Jackson confirmed yesterday that the second of three Tintin movies will be shot in Wellington. Jackson will direct the film, with production duties going to Steven Spielberg – a reversal of their roles from the first film, to be released next year. But Robert Baldock, of Wellington’s Westside Studios, said shooting the film may not come in time to stop the drain of the capital’s movie production talent. “If somebody was to come here with a major movie right now and wanted to get some talent, they might struggle because it’s drifted north. They’re being offered three-year contracts on [TV show] Power Rangers. It is a lower rate than The Hobbit would offer, but they’re looking for that continuity” Read the entire story here.
Arch Nemesis writes: Sir Ian talks a bit about The Hobbit in this clip from TVNewZealand. He expects an announcement imminently, but states if it doesn’t happen soon – he may not do the film as he has other things planned.
From TVNewZealand: Sarah caught up with veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen when he was in New Zealand starring as Estragon in Waiting for Gordot.
Garfeimao writes: While Guillermo may no longer be directing the Hobbit, he is much beloved, so TORn readers attending comic con may be interested in the fact that he will be appearing at the Gentle Giant booth on Saturday, July 24 to promote the new line of Pan’s Labyrinth figures. Ooh, and check out those figures, the Faun is amazing.
Meanwhile, not officially announced yet by Comic-Con but TheOneRing.net will be kicking off the annual popular culture mega-event known as Comic-Con in San Diego Thursday morning. And the good news is, turned in tickets are NOW AVAILABLE until they sell out again any minute! Click right here immediately and plan to have fun with us Thursday, July 22, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. room 7AB. More..
The Warner Brothers Shop is looking for help from the Tolkien community as they prep their next Lord of the Rings T-Shirt! Starting today and running through Monday, you can share your opinions about the ‘Green Dragon’ design and then save 20% on select merchandise throughout the weekend. The survey literally takes all of 30 seconds! Follow the link to share your opinions [T-Shirt Survey]
It’s here! KING KONG 360 3-D opens TODAY at Universal Studios Hollywood! To launch the highly-anticipated, next-generation attraction featuring the famed 25’ tall gorilla, Hollywood stars, and TORn’s very own Quickbeam, gathered at the premiere to be the first visitors to take the ride. Peter Jackson, appeared 3-D via an enormous HD flat screen monitor to introduce the ground-breaking 3D technology that is employed in the new attraction. Check out TheOneRing.net’s unfettered access to the attraction, the park and the folks on the red carpet!
And if you are in Los Angeles soon, don’t forget to take the Universal Studios backlot tour to see KING KONG 3-D for yourself! [Learn More]
The Hollywood Reporter is reporting today that MGM will potentially be requesting for a 6th extension on its debt and interest payment. Below is an excerpt from their article:
“Lenders holding nearly $4 billion in Lion debt are expected to agree to the extension, though nothing is guaranteed and a full-press effort continues to finalize a restructuring proposal sought by the lenders. The studio formally will request the latest extension about a week before the July 15 deadline on a $250 million principal payment and $200 million-plus in owed interest.
That could buy MGM at least several additional weeks to flesh out financial details of its corporate restructuring. But a proposed business plan, likely involving a corporate partnership with another film company, would help sell yet another extension of the debt forbearance to a frustrated group of more than 100 lenders.”
On the other hand, the article also states that “MGM executives would like to hold onto its share of the “Hobbit” rights as long as possible, but some lenders are lobbying for a sell-off to raise funds.”
Lastly, there’s a loose mention of shooting being set to commence in January 2011 (as opposed to the current time-frame of November 2010) but take this at face value as the article does not cite any sources on this one.
Garfeimao writes: While Guillermo may no longer be directing the Hobbit, he is much beloved, so TORn readers attending comic con may be interested in the fact that he will be appearing at the Gentle Giant booth on Saturday, July 24 to promote the new line of Pan’s Labyrinth figures. Ooh, and check out those figures, the Faun is amazing. 