For the folks at Weta to be successful they need super talented people to help bring the world of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to life. These folks are responsible for making the award-winning armor, weapons, costumes, and, of course, digital effects that have gained them so much acclaim. I thought for you all it would be great if we could sit down with one of these amazing individuals to find out what it’s like to help bring these worlds to life.

Well, Daniel Falconer one of the key artists at Weta has been kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions for everyone. As many of you may know Daniel been apart of amazing pieces like Bag End, Rivendell, Treebeard’s bust, and books like The Art of District 9. Having had a chance to own or see many of these pieces I was quite eager to sit down with Daniel and get his thoughts on being apart of helping Weta create  these amazing things. After, reading this Q&A I would suggest to all the readers to get one of these great collectibles Daniel and Weta have created. Continue reading “Collecting the Precious: Interview with Weta’s own Daniel Falconer”

Fans of PBS’s ‘Antiques Roadshow‘ will want to catch the upcoming El Paso episode, just filmed yesterday in the historic Texas City. From the El Paso Times:

A book by J.R.R. Tolkien and an Andy Warhol pop art collection were among the most expensive items appraised at Saturday’s PBS “Antiques Roadshow” at the Judson F. Williams Convention Center.

“The most expensive item appraised (Saturday) was a first edition of ‘The Hobbit’ with original dust jacket and the signature of J.R.R. Tolkien,” said Judy Matthews, for the “Antiques Roadshow.” “It was appraised at between $80,000 and $100,000.”

[Read more] [Photo on Antiques Roadshow Facebook]

HarperCollins Publishers New Zealand and Weta Workshop sign landmark publishing agreement

In what is a landmark move for both companies, HarperCollins Publishers New Zealand and Weta Workshop have entered into an agreement to publish works which will showcase Weta’s remarkable creativity and talent.

There are major opportunities for both companies in this agreement. The most significant is the global publication of beautifully produced movie tie-in volumes written and designed by Weta’s own creative people, illustrating the amazing skills and talents of the Weta team. Traditionally, the authors of movie tie-in books are several steps removed from the making of the movie, and the books are last minute additions to the movie merchandising plans. However, these books, which will be published under the management of HarperCollins New Zealand’s experienced publishing and production teams, will give a real insight to the creative genius that Weta brings to the projects it is involved with. Continue reading “WETA & HarperCollins Join Forces”

The Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature is given to the fantasy novel, multi-volume, or single-author story collection for adults published during 2010 that best exemplifies the spirit of the Inklings. Books are eligible for two years after publication if not selected as a finalist during the first year of eligibility. Books from a series are eligible if they stand on their own; otherwise, the series becomes eligible the year its final volume appears. The Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children’s Literature honors books for younger readers (from Young Adults to picture books for beginning readers), in the tradition of The Hobbit or The Chronicles of Narnia. Rules for eligibility are otherwise the same as for the Adult Literature award. The question of which award a borderline book is best suited for will be decided by consensus of the committees. Continue reading “2011 Mythopoeic Awards Finalists”

Over the Hedge goes geek with utiki-kilt jokes. I say what’s wrong with a utili-kilt?! I’m wearing one right now! Thanks to Nairn for the link! More..