This past week, the New Zealand Government and executives from Amazon TV held a meeting in an effort to address concerns about a lack of studio capacity in Auckland. This planned 5 season LOTR series is a big production that will require quite a lot of studio space for filming, post production facilities and local crews, so of course they want to make sure the resources exist that they need. It appears that a decision or deal may be made within the next month, so we don’t have long to wait. You can see the source of this story at Stuff.Co.NZ.
You may be wondering why Auckland and not Wellington, but that is easily explained by the fact that the Avatar trilogy of films currently in pre-production will soon be moving into full production. While the Amazon LOTR production will be big, Avatar is going to be much bigger, and there may or may not be enough room for both as far as studio and post-production facilities go.
This leads to a much bigger debate on whether or not this new series should look and feel much like the existing Middle-earth films or whether it should blaze its own path for design and locations. The appeal to any production of not having to look for too many new locations can’t be understated. Film and TV productions are always having to research and locate interesting places that fit what the production needs, so the fact that so many locations in New Zealand have already been established as feeling like Middle-earth is a boon. But then, there are hundreds of beautiful places around the world, and with chunks of filming now happening in studios, does it really matter where those studios are? Is it possible that Amazon can do location filming in New Zealand and Studio work in London, Hollywood or Vancouver? Or why not film in British Columbia, or Northern Ireland or Slovenia for that matter?
Let Kili and Fili give you some fun ideas for handmade gifts… but who is the mystery recipient of Fili’s gift?
In our Holiday Gift guide this year we let you know about Lootcrate’s exciting Lord of the Rings crates, which will be coming out next year – but are available for pre-order right now! The good folks at Lootcrate have contacted us to let us know that they’ve had such a great response, they’ve extended their special offer for those pre-ordering the complete set of three boxes. Order the trilogy of crates – which will contain fabulous, new Lord of the Rings merchandise – and while supplies last, you’ll receive an exclusive fleece pullover. More information can be found on Lootcrate’s website.
If you’re still doing last minute gift shopping, check out our Holiday Gift guide for more great ideas!
Welcome to The Great Hall of Poets, our regular monthly feature showcasing the talent of Middle-earth fans. Each month we will feature a small selection of the poems submitted, but we hope you will read all of the poems that we have received here in our Great Hall of Poets.
So come and join us by the hearth and enjoy!
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.net One poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
Continue reading “The Great Hall of Poets”
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.net. One poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
You’ll remember a while back we brought you news of the lovely Middle-earth inspired collection from the good folks at Oscha Slings – stunning throws, scarves, baby wraps and even mugs, all crafted with incredible elven, dwarvish and hobbity designs.
In our Holiday Gift guide we mentioned that there is now clothing available from Oscha – and we want to make sure you all know about it! They have joined forces with Teemill to create some gorgeous tshirts, tops, hoodies, bags, and more. If you’re looking for something beautiful and original for the Tolkien lover in your life (or even just for yourself), then you should definitely check out their amazing products. (The image shows their Doors of Durin design, just one of their hand-drawn illustrations.) Even better, all their products are made using 100% certified organic cotton, renewable energy, and minimal waste technology. Quick delivery is available – but the last order date to have your goodies in time for Christmas is fast approaching, so don’t delay!
Check out our Holiday Gift guide for more ideas.
