NEW YORK – The box-office performance of Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” wasn’t as chest-thumping as many expected. But to be fair, $217 million isn’t terrible, nor was the $520 million worldwide take. It was well received by critics, nominated for four Oscars and won three: visual effects, sound and sound editing. Those three aspects of filmmaking are represented on the new two-disc special edition DVD coming out Tuesday (a single disc version also is available). The features include post-production diaries that bookend the previously released production diaries of “Kong.” They are an unusual inside look on the minutiae that goes into even the biggest of movies. [More]
Category: Production
Andy Serkis helped to create two of filmdom’s most celebrated characters, but most people probably wouldn’t recognize him. That’s because the veteran actor’s breakthrough performances — as Gollum in “Lord of the Rings” and the big, misunderstood ape in the 2005 “King Kong” remake — were created using digital technology. Although computer animators relied on Serkis’ performance for the emotional center and movements of both characters, he doesn’t get any face time (aside from a small, secondary role in “Kong”). Serkis is fine with that. [More]
We admire Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep as legends-in-waiting, committing performances to film that might be referenced by future generations alongside Marlon Brando and Katharine Hepburn. We praise the lengthy careers of Steve Martin and Bill Murray, wondering if their work will live on like the Marx Brothers or Peter Sellers. However, the most significant contemporary cinematic figure of our time might be launching a career even more monumental, but we’re too busy eating popcorn and enjoying the ride to fully appreciate it. It’s OK, says Andy Serkis, because until recently, he was equally unaware. [More]
I will be heading to New Zealand next month for a 10-day vacation in and around Wellington. Ubisoft, makers of “Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie” headed a contest a while back where the winners receive an all-expense paid trip to Wellington to visit the WETA studios, and I’ll be escorting them!
My journey begins on April 6th and I arrive on the 8th (the 7th will magically disappear from my calendar thanks to the wonder of crossing a ton of time zones), I have a few things already planned, my wife and I want to take some city and LOTR location tours, and we plan on seeing some friends I have made over the years while working on Lord of the Rings, King Kong and Narnia websites. Of course I also want to do some lounging about in the pre-fall goodness that is Wellywood. I will be shooting some video to be featured on the site, so keep an eye out for those!
I plan on having a ton of photos and goodies to show you from my trip, and if you know of any cool places to visit in the area, drop me a line!
Adrian writes: I was wondering if you could mention in your news section that the film “Guerrilla Distribution” is being made available to download from www.realkong.co.uk. Guerrilla Distribution is a mockumentary about two guerrilla filmmakers who have decided that they are going to rip off Peter Jackson by making King Kong and selling it pretending it to be his version.
Set in the summer of 2005, the documentary crew follow the pair as they desperately try to meet their deadline using every trick they know. Guerrilla Distribution features appearances from Brian Sibley, Ramon Rivero and Sir Ian Mckellen. It is aimed at fans of Peter Jackson, King Kong, and Lord of the Rings and so should be welcomed by those who visit your website. [More]