Nobody has been cast in “The Hobbit,” but there are some clues that despite not being able to hire anybody, plenty of auditions are taking place. The latest example is Caroline Grace-Cassidy for the role of Primula. We aren’t announcing that she has been cast, only that she visited Los Angeles for an audition with “Lord of the Rings” casting director Victoria Burrows back in March. It might be notable that this is beyond “send in a tape” or auditioning in the UK where she is based so it could even be a second audition or an in-person follow up to a previous recorded reading. Click inside to see a larger shot and more discussion. Continue reading “Primula and other casting news / clues for ‘The Hobbit’”
Category: Studios
MGM’s lenders have granted the studio a fifth extension on its debt payment, giving the studio until July 14th to sort out its financial issues. In a statement released yesterday, a day before the studio’s fourth extension (granted around March 31st) was due to expire, MGM released a statement saying:
“… its lenders agreed to extend the forbearance period and therefore will not seek remedies in connection with the nonpayment of interest and principal due on the company’s bank debt, including the revolving credit facility, until July 14, 2010. The lenders took this action in support of the company’s ongoing efforts to evaluate long-term strategic alternatives to maximize value for its stakeholders. MGM appreciates the continued support of its lender group for the process it is undertaking.”
What this means for the two Hobbit films stuck in pre-pre-production limbo in anticipation of the elusive greenlight is anyone’s guess. Head to our messageboards to follow and partake in the discussions about the possible outcomes of this waiting and watching situation.
Universal City, California–King Kong, among the screen’s most powerful and enduring icons, will re-emerge in Summer 2010 as a new signature attraction created under the direction of Peter Jackson on the famed Universal Studios HollywoodSM Studio Tour.
“King Kong 360 3-D” Created by Peter Jackson will be the world’s largest most intense 3D experience on the planet, combining thrilling visceral effects to create a next-generation theme park experience. Continue reading “KING KONG 360 3-D – Coming Summer 2010!”
The future of the storied MGM studio is uncertain and is keeping a pair of potential “Hobbit” movies uncertain as well. Variety re-reports this morning, with some new details, that the studio wants to push back a deadline for debt payments that expires on Friday. You must subscribe to get more than a tease but The Wall Street Journal reports the studio is seeking a reprieve until the end of June or perhaps even longer while it gets its…uh…stuff together. (Don’t reward them with a click though, they want to charge for the internet!)
Debtholders hoped to sell the historical studio which includes 4,000 catalog films (including this year’s “Hot Tub Time Machine,”) future James Bond films and half of “The Hobbit” films’ earnings among other assets. TORn friend Kristin Thompson explains on her own Frodo Frachise site that Time Warner (parent company of studio Warner Bros that swallowed up LOTR studio New Line and is the other 50% of “The Hobbit”) is flush with cash and as the last bidder standing on MGM, might just buy the thing “at the right price”. Meanwhile quiet pre-pre-production continues in New Zealand, waiting for the day when the two films get the greenlight. Yup, it is a mess but we will do our best to keep you posted.
Variety: Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries has dropped out of the bidding for beleaguered MGM, leaving only Time Warner Inc. as a potential buyer. Reps for MGM and Access had no comment but a source close to the situation indicated Friday that Access has withdrawn its offer after a deadline passed to accept the bid. For Blavatnik, buying MGM would have established him as a certified showbiz player, but one who would have probably sold off the rights to James Bond and the Hobbit. MGM put itself up for sale in November, drawing a trio of binding offers in mid-March. Lionsgate bailed out of the bidding a week later. More..
The Hollywood Reporter, is, you guessed it, reporting that the debtholders of MGMs $3.7 billion shortfall may vote to give the studio’s restructuring team a fifth chance to cover its debt.
The folks who gave the loan weren’t satisfied with the sales bids which included the reportedly highest offer from Time Warner at $1.7 billion. According to the story (which contains a super annoying AT&T banner add): “The proposal is expected to pass, giving MGM at least another several weeks to work on its restructuring.”
What does this mean for the two potential Hobbit movies? Continue reading “A fifth extension on MGM’s debt?”