Yes. Early indications from GDT were that the 3-D option had not been discussed much, so speculation was…
Continue ReadingYes. Early indications from GDT were that the 3-D option had not been discussed much, so speculation was that it would not be filmed in 3-D. However, as part of the ‘green light’ announcement made on October 15, 2010 it was announced that “Both Hobbit movies will be filmed in Digital 3-D, using the latest camera and stereo technology to create a high quality, comfortable viewing experience.”
Useful Links:
Hobbit green light and 3-D announcement
It’s likely that there will, indeed, be an official fan club set up for the Hobbit films. However, it’s also likely that it won’t be established for quite some time. To lend some perspective, the fan club for the Lord of the Rings films was established in 2001, only months before the opening of The Fellowship of the Rings, and the first issue of the magazine (the Jan/Feb 2002 issue) wasn’t published until after The Fellowship of the Ring opened. So, be patient and until then remember there are plenty of kindred spirits right here at TORn! Share your thoughts and views with them any time in our Barlimans Chator on our Hobbit Message Board.
When he was the director, Guillermo spoke extensively on how he planned to handle Smaug. Some of his most in-depth comments were made right here on TORn: “Smaug should not be “the Dragon in the Hobbit movie” as if it was just “another” creature in a Bestiary. Smaug should be “The DRAGON” for all movies past and present. The shadow he cast and the greed he comes to embody- the “need to own” casts its long shadow and creates a thematic / dramatic continuity of sorts that articulates the story throughout.” It remains to be seen how much of the original, Del Toro influenced Smaug will make it into the movies.
Useful Links:
The Dragon Solution – GDT Shares his thoughts
Guillermo del Toro, when he was the director, indicated that he will remain true to the text and that animals will talk in the movies: “I think it should be done exactly as in the book- the “talking beast” motif has to exist already to allow for that great character that is Smaug. It is far more jarring to have a linear movie and then – out of the blue – a talking Dragon.” It’s reasonable to expect PJ was in line with this and will also have the animals talk/communicate.
Part and parcel of going forward with these projects included having professional screenwriters on board, namely, the same ones who crafted The Lord of the Rings movies. Legalities prevent them from even acknowledging a screenplay from someone who isn’t already under contract, much less reading it. So, getting a screenplay or script that you’ve written seen by anyone involved in the movies is, unfortunately, not going to happen.
If you’re already a professional or semi-professional actor, you should work through your agent and/or contact talent agencies in Wellington. Other than that, the only way to become an extra in the films is to be *in* New Zealand at the time casting calls go out (and specifically *in* the city in which they need extras on the days announcements are made) and either be a citizen of New Zealand or possess a New Zealand work permit.
Calls for extras will occur much the same as they did for LOTR: ads will be published in local papers and broadcast on local radio stations and you will have to be available to work within 24-48 hours. So, unless you’re a Kiwi, or are ready, willing and able to move to New Zealand for two years, happen to be in the right place at the right time and are fully documented to work there, you’re unfortunately out of luck. If you’re lucky enough to be a New Zealand citizen or be legally working there, you’re the envy of us all!!
For any non-Kiwis who still want to give it a go, tourist visas to New Zealand are currently valid for 90 days. A number of countries have working holiday visa schemes with New Zealand; they are generally valid for 12 months and allow you to work for up to three months at a time; you also have to be aged between 18 and 30 to be eligible. See Immigration NZ for details.
Another possible option, though a bit of a long shot, is that at one time, GDT indicated that they may hold a contest or two that would allow fans to have a small role as an extra in the movies. There have been no indications since that statement that such a thing may still be in the works. However, the production is still in the early stages. If we hear anything here at TORn, we’ll be sure and post it on the Home Page!
Important note: When TORn hears of casting calls and calls for extras we post the news immediately on the Home Page. However, no one at TORn can get you cast as an extra in the movie, so emailing us with such requests is, unfortunately, futile. If you’ve read through this entry, you now know as much as we do!
Update – (3Foot7 address correction): Early in 2010, incorrect contact and address details were posted to TORN and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this caused. See link below for updated contact information fro 3Foot 7. However, note that 3Foot7 has confirmed that as of May 18, 2010, they no longer need any further applications. See link below for corrected contact information.
Useful Links:
merklynn’s post on what it takes to be an extra – from experience!
3Foot 7 extra casting update, May 18, 2010
