A tired but jubilant Weta crew unveiled their new Gollum statue at a press function at Wellington Airport this morning. Working almost around the clock for three days, Gollum was hoisted up overnight to hover over diners at the airport’s main lounge.
A tired but jubilant Weta crew unveiled their new Gollum statue at a press function at Wellington Airport this morning. Working almost around the clock for three days, Gollum was hoisted up overnight to hover over diners at the airport’s main lounge. The 13m sculpture was designed and produced by Richard Taylor and Weta Workshop supervisors
Rob Gillies and Sarah Morris. Richard made a short speech to thank the team that made the incredibly realistic sculpture – a testament not only to their talent and hard work, but also to the technology and skills Weta has developed. He also thanked the “excellent” team at Wellington Airport, who have been a pleasure to work with in creating something that would bring delight to Wellington’s visitors. Airport CEO Steve Sanderson said the airport was proud to work with Weta and have such a magnificent sculpture on display. “Everyone will be amazed when they enter the terminal.”
The next item from United Cutlery we’re previewing this week is the sword of Gandalf himself Glamdring. Also known as Foe-Hammer, this sword is found by Gandalf in the treasure trove of items the three trolls had stanched away in their cave. Beater, as its known by the Orcs, was once the sword to the King of Gondolin and is the twin sword of Thorin’s sword Orcrist. This sword has been created in stunning detail from the prop created for Sir Ian McKellen to use as he plays Gandalf the Grey in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Fans can pre-order this piece right now for $190 from Budk.com and it will be in stock in December of this year. UC is also running a contest to win one of the cooler swords wielded by any villian in The Lord of the Rings. All you have to do is enter this awesome contest for the sword of The Witch-King which ends November 14, 2012 at 10 am EST.
Hugo Weaving speaks to Collider about the convoluted, constantly changing beast that is the film versions of The Hobbit.
I found out The Hobbit was going to be a trilogy quite recently, when everyone else found out about it. Originally, when I said goodbye to Pete [Jackson] in L.A., I said, “I’ll see you on The Hobbit,” and he said, “Well, I’m not doing The Hobbit.” And then, it was, “We are doing The Hobbit, but I’m not going to direct it.” And then, it was, “Well, I am directing it now.” And then, it was, “Actually, we’re doing The Hobbit in two films.” So, when I went to shoot it out there, there were two scripts and two films.
Now, I’ve just found out, not that long ago, when it was announced. He said, “Well, we’ve got all this fabulous material and these wonderful people.” They hadn’t filmed the final battle sequence yet, which would have been at the end of 2. For a number of reasons, they decided that there are three films in there. I hope there are. I don’t know. I was truly there for four or five weeks and enjoyed myself, and went home again. My knowledge of the workings of Middle Earth, at the moment, are very minimal.
Ringer Owain alerted us to a great deal at the Warner Bros. Shop site: they’re now offering the Lord of the Rings Trilogy Extended Edition at 40% off the regular price. The deluxe 15-disc set includes 9 special features DVDs with over 26 hours of behind-the-moviemaking material including the rare Costa Botes documentaries. The sale price of $65.85 compared to the original price of $119.98 is a great deal. If you don’t own the extended edition blu-ray set yet, this would be a great time to buy, or throw out a few hints for your holiday wish list!
Thanks to Ataahua for sending in a link to this story from The Guardian: This time last year, New Zealand was under the spell of the Rugby World Cup, with host nation enthusiasm going a long way to realising the organisers’ vision of a “stadium of four million”. In 2012, the big event features hairy feet of a different sort, with the New Zealand-made film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journeyopening with a world premiere in Wellington, the home town of director Sir Peter Jackson, in six weeks. Read more…
Ringer Karen wanted to share the news that lucky Aussies who live in or near Perth can now purchase tickets to screenings of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring with live music and chorus being presented by the Western Australian Symphony Orchestar (WASO) on June 21 and 22, 2013. From the WASO website: “Peter Jackson’s epic vision of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is supported by some of the greatest film music of all time. Howard Shore’s Academy Award®-winning score captures the film’s sweeping emotion, thrilling vistas and grand journeys through the power of a full symphony orchestra and massed voices.”
Hugo Weaving speaks to Collider about the convoluted, constantly changing beast that is the film versions of The Hobbit.
