Fans of the Lord of the Rings film know that of the three screenwriters, Fran Walsh is the one who avoids interviews and other sorts of publicity. When I was doing my research for The Frodo Franchise, I managed to talk with Peter and Philippa, but not Fran, who sent word that she was too wrapped up in working on King Kong to think back to her previous project. Fair enough, as Bilbo says in agreeing to a certain riddling game. Still, fans of the trilogy can’t help but be intrigued by this talented lady. After all, she not only helped write the LOTR scripts, but she did some directing and came up with the idea for the famous “Gollum talks to himself” scene.
But yesterday the New York Times published a substantial piece on Ms Walsh, written by Brooks Barnes, who is obviously a lucky fellow. Last summer, he says, he “largely roamed without supervision” during a two-day visit to the Hobbit set–spotting, among other things, Ian McKellen in full Gandalf mode catching a snooze between scenes.
Even so, his eventual interview with Fran had to be done via long-distance telephone. Philippa chimed in as well, which makes sense, given how closely these two collaborate on the scripts. Very closely, in fact, since they reveal that they often work in bed together in their pajamas, surrounded by dogs! (When I interviewed Philippa, she was living next door to Fran and Peter, and I suppose she still does.) It saves the trouble of commuting the short distance to the Miramar filmmaking facilities.
Here’s that “hint of Smaug” TV spot in glorious HD.
There’s also a snippet of a flashback to what seems to be the Battle of Azanulbizar — or at least some massive and bloody confrontation between hundreds of dwarves and goblins. Needless to say: spoilers! Continue reading “Hobbit TV spot #9; hello hint of Smaug!”
In Imagining Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, guest writer Eric M. Van draws together the threads of known facts, and add a dash of logic to speculate on how Peter Jackson and his crew may have imagined their version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
This third part of the series continues to analyse the unique challenges Jackson and his fellow screenwriters face adapting The Hobbit for the screen — and examines how the unusual way J.R.R. Tolkien constructs the fantasy world of The Hobbit introduces its own special set of headaches. Warning: this feature contains spoiler images. Continue reading “Imagining Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: Part Three”
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.
UPDATED: We at TheOneRing.net where lucky enough to snare a really good spot right next to the three trolls created by Weta Workshop, on the Red Carpet at the Wellington Premier of the Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey on the 28th of November. In these videos are some of the actors we met, plus a few that flew past (Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Any Serkis) like the wind! I think I can safely say it was an amazing experience for all off us.
At TheOneRing.net party two nights earlier we were able to meet a few of these actors. So they recognised us as they went past — and as luck we where at the right place at the right time.
Watch our exclusive video from the red carpet below:
Hobbit cast and crew have been arriving in Tokyo for the Japan premiere of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” According to Warner Bros., the premiere in Japan will be attended by Peter Jackson, Martin Freeman (Bilbo), Andy Serkis (Gollum), Richard Armitage (Thorin), Elijah Wood (Frodo) and Hugo Weaving (Elrond). The premiere is being held at the TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills and will be preceded by a red carpet event similar to the one held as part of the world premiere this week in Wellington, NZ. Live streaming will be available here.
Just when you thought the excitement level for all things Hobbity has reached a peak, we at TheOneRing.net are privileged to announced an giveaway to celebrate the release of ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey!’ Two lucky Ringers will walk away with a Troll’s horde of treasure from the film, ranging from a Fur Hat to a comfy travel throw! The prize list, like Bilbo’s contract with Thorin and Co., is long and diverse – check it out below. While the list of prizes is extensive, we’ve made it super easy to enter. Just fill out the form below and you are automatically entered for a chance to win. Winners are announced December 18th 2012 right here on TheOneRing.net. Good luck!
Fans of the Lord of the Rings film know that of the three screenwriters, Fran Walsh is the one who avoids interviews and other sorts of publicity. When I was doing my research for The Frodo Franchise, I managed to talk with Peter and Philippa, but not Fran, who sent word that she was too wrapped up in working on King Kong to think back to her previous project. Fair enough, as Bilbo says in agreeing to a certain riddling game. Still, fans of the trilogy can’t help but be intrigued by this talented lady. After all, she not only helped write the LOTR scripts, but she did some directing and came up with the idea for the famous “Gollum talks to himself” scene.
