Fans of the Lord of the Rings films are making their own movie inspired by the trilogy – and none of them are getting paid for it. Orcs take a rest from filming in Epping Forest for a new chapter based on the epic trilogy, ‘The Lord Of The Rings’ Born Of Hope, which has a £25,000 budget, is being made in the UK. But the Middle Earth subject matter has attracted people from around the globe to join the team, including some of the film’s original cast and crew. When it is released, around November 2009, the low-budget production will be free to download on the internet. The film’s backers say the trailer from the test shoot in April 2006 has been well received at many conventions and exhibitions worldwide. Orcs Back: New Rings-Inspired Film

Or the Ins and Outs of Tolkien Fandom

John Howe writes: Meeting Tolkien fans is invariably an engaging experience – occasionally delightful, sometimes moving, often a little scary – but never ordinary.

It’s not that they form an always identifiable body, like Trekkies – who I find a little frightening – I mean, to lavish such attention on costumes that look like something Yves Saint-Laurent binned as a bad idea in the 70’s is beyond me, and do we REALLY need more than one Mr. Spock ? – or the exuberant kaleidoscope of Star Wars fans. Tolkien fans come in many shapes, sizes and disguises, from über-serious comma-counters to elegant and flighty Elves. (I’ve just learned that there is debate amongst Star Trek fans as to the correct denomination; “Trekkers” being apparently preferred by those “Trekkies” who “have a life”. Why do I find this deeply perturbing?) Continue reading “John Howe’s Journal: Many Meetings”

Born of Hope is a prequel to the fantasy novels and tells the story of the Dúnedain, the Rangers of the North, before the return of the King. The 60-minute film, which will be released on the internet next year, focuses on Arathorn and Gilraen, the parents of Aragorn, from their first meeting through a turbulent time in their people’s history. Filming has already begun in Epping Forest in Essex, with the latest footage showing actors trudging through the woods dressed as sword-wielding Orcs. Kate Robinson, who is directing the film, said: “Born of Hope is a prequel to the New Line Trilogy and my aim is to make a film that can sit alongside those films without looking too out of place. Orcs are back in Lord of the Rings-inspired Born of Hope

Eowyn Rohan writes: First off, the staff and committee of A Long-Expected Party wish to thank those at TheOneRing.net for their support of our little Party, both past and current. We wanted you to know about the magic, love, and Fellowship created in the wilderness of Kentucky during the event. On the message boards here at TheOneRing is a post detailing the weekend, with several links included. A Long-Expected Party: A Wonderful Success!

Bluepilgrim writes: The 2-week-old Montgomery Cinema n’ Drafthouse in Wheaton, Maryland will be presenting the annual Lord of the Rings Movie Festival with all-three theatrical versions, costume and Gollum impersonation contests on Sunday October 26th beginning at 11:30am. This event has been held in Virginia for the last few years and it’s been a blast! If you wish to join the DC Ringers: Fellowship of the Beltway at this event, follow this link.

Vivienne sends this along: Organizers of the above weekend held annually in Birmingham ask you to pencil in next year’s diary the date of their special Tenth Anniversary Weekend. This event will take place on the 16th and 17th May 2009 within The Shire Country Park in Hall Green near to Sarehole Mill, and the home that Tolkien loved as a child. Ideas have already been forthcoming. Continue reading “The Middle Earth Weekend 2009”