PRESS RELEASE DECIPHER® FAN CLUB STUDIO 253 granby street • norfolk, virginia 23510 – 1813 norfolk • denver • los angeles
The Lord of the Rings Director Honors Fans with Their Names in Credits of film’s DVDs
The Lord of the Rings Fan Club Launches Today
(NORFOLK, Va. October 17, 2001) — Inspired by the one hundred million readers of The Lord of the RingsTM, Director Peter Jackson has become the first person in movie-making history to simultaneously write, direct and produce three films at one time. In another pioneering and Middle-earth-shattering move announced today, Jackson has decided to immortalize the most ardent Tolkien fans – charter members in The Lord of the Rings Fan Club – by placing their names in the film’s credits on the DVDs.
“This is an announcement unprecedented in cinematic history and of immense importance to The Lord of the Rings fans,” says Dan Madsen, vice president of Decipher’s Fan Club Studio. “Peter is honoring the role of the fans in this creative journey. The fact that these films are being made with such precision and care is exciting in and of itself. But, by agreeing to place fans’ names in the credits of the films, Peter is demonstrating that he truly understands what it means to be a fan of this brilliant property. This is the first time a director has acknowledged the contribution of fans to the creation of a film in this way.”
Charter Memberships
The Lord of the Rings Fan Club launches today with an innovative charter membership program on LOTRfanclub.com. In addition to having their names appear in the film’s credits on the DVDs, charter members receive an annual subscription to the bi-monthly movie magazine; special-edition, widescreen-format collector’s lithograph (featuring scenes from The Fellowship of the Ring); a 10% discount at the Fan Club’s online store and catalog; preference (two weeks before the general public) in purchasing exclusive, limited-edition collectibles; a fan mail service to link fans directly to the stars of the trilogy; and more.
The cost of a one-year charter membership is $39.95US; $69.95US for two years; and $99.95US for three. Two-year charter members will appear in the credits of the DVDs for the first two films in the trilogy; three-year charter members will appear in the credits of all three films. International memberships will also be available.
Limited-Time Offer
Charter memberships will be available for a limited time only. To sign up, fans can visit LOTRfanclub.com, or go to the official Lord of the Rings web site at lordoftherings.net and click on “Fan Club.” Regular Fan Club memberships are expected to be offered starting in December. Tolkien enthusiasts will also be able to join the fan club by calling 1-800-451-6381 (inside the United States only) or 303-856-2201 (from anywhere in the world) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. MST.
Frodo Registers as First Member
Actor Elijah Wood, who stars in the trilogy as Frodo Baggins — the legendary Ring-bearer — has signed up as the fan club’s first official member. “I think what they’re doing with the fan club is really wonderful. Since I started working on these films, I’ve been amazed by how many people have been impacted by this story and how much they care about it at a deep, emotional level. The fan club creates one big, worldwide society of Lord of the Rings fans and I am proud to be part of that. Besides, I want to be sure Peter puts my name in the credits of the film’s DVD,” Wood quipped.
Worldwide Community
Decipher’s Fan Club Studio is the worldwide licensee of New Line Cinema for The Lord of the Rings Fan Club. Through international partnerships, local chapters are expected to be introduced next year throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand and around the world. Details of these features, as they develop, will be released on LOTRfanclub.com. Whether from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Australia or Antarctica members will receive similar benefits and share the same news, updates, and intimate connection with the stars as their friends from around the globe.
World Movie Premiere Sweepstakes
In celebration of the launch of The Lord of the Rings Fan Club, visitors to LOTRfanclub.com and fans everywhere will be invited to enter a sweepstakes to win a trip for two to London, England to attend the star-studded, world premiere of The Fellowship of the Ring on December 10th. Online and mail-in entries will be accepted. No purchase is necessary. Contest details are provided at LOTRfanclub.com.
For more information about The Lord of the Rings Fan Club, go to www.LOTRfanclub.com.
For more information about New Line Cinema’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, go to www.lordoftherings.net.
About Decipher
Founded in 1983 by Warren Holland, Decipher Inc. is a worldwide leader in the collectible card game industry and fan club industry. The company’s Trading Card Game Studio produces Star Trek™, Star Wars™, Austin Powers™, and The Lord of the Rings™ (scheduled to release on November 6, 2001) trading card games. Decipher’s Fan Club Studio operates the official fan clubs for Star Trek™ and The Lord of the Rings™ which includes publishing official fan magazines and managing online stores. Decipher’s RPG (roleplaying games) & Miniatures Studio is responsible for the creation of the all-new Star Trek™ roleplaying games and The Lord of the Rings™ roleplaying games. Decipher’s Online Games Studio offers digital versions of its Star Trek™ and, soon, its The Lord of the Rings™ Trading Card Games. Decipher’s Games Studio produces leading party, card and board games such as How To Host A Murder®, How To Host A Teen Mystery™, Pente®, Scratchees™ and more. Decipher’s Boy Crazy!™ Studio markets the popular Boy Crazy!™ brand for girls which includes a magazine, web site at boycrazy.com, trading cards, and various publishing and licensing ventures (represented by the William Morris Agency).
Visit decipher.com for additional information.
About New Line Cinema
Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry’s leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units. More information about New Line Cinema can be obtained at www.newline.com.
Immediate Release Decipher Unveils Product Plans for The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game License!
(NORFOLK, Va., October 16, 2001) The Lord of the Rings Adventure Game, the first of Decipher¹s roleplaying games (RPGs) for New Line Cinema¹s epic adventure, The Lord of the Rings, will hit stores December 2001, offering both RPG and movie fans the excitement and exhilaration that Tolkien¹s Hobbits, Dwarves, and Men face as they journey through the mythic expanses of Middle-earth.
The new The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Games from Decipher transport readers and game players alike to J.R.R. Tolkien¹s wondrous world of Middle-earth for the ultimate fantasy gaming experience. Featuring in-depth information about the people, places, history, creatures, and magic of Middle-earth, combined with cutting-edge graphics and game design, these games have something to offer both gamers and Tolkien fans alike.
“The Lord of the Rings Adventure Game is intended to help gaming novices and Tolkien fans who are not gamers become familiar with the world of RPGs. It will also introduce experienced gamers to the Tolkien legacy,” shares Christian Moore, head of the Decipher RPG Studio.
The Adventure Game will be followed up with a 300-page, full-color RPG core game in February 2002.
The Adventure Game includes a complete adventure narrative, Through the Mines of Moria, drawn from The Fellowship of the Ring, the first film of the trilogy. Players who choose to travel Through the Mines of Moria assume the roles of the members of the Fellowship of the Ring, and relive their dangerous and legendary adventures. Through the Mines of Moria begins at the western doors leading into Moria, takes players through several encounters with servants of the Shadow, and culminates with a climactic battle against the dreaded Balrog.
The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game
When the players finally emerge through Moria¹s eastern gates, they will have fought four distinct battles, survived using their skill, wits, and teamwork in the dark caverns of Moria, and played through the most exciting action sequence ever seen in a fantasy film. Through the Mines of Moria uses rules that are easy to understand, flexible, and fun. The instructions are designed to prepare novice gamers and Tolkien fans ages 12 and up to delve into play in less than half an hour.
The Lord of the Rings Adventure Game box contains:
The 32-page Through the Mines of Moria adventure that takes players through the most stunning action sequence of the film.
Welcome to Middle-earth, a 24-page guide to the lands and peoples of Middle-earth. EUR What is Roleplaying, an explanation of the basic principles of roleplaying games.
Full-color Character Sheets that include pictures and game data describing each character. EUR Four full color Tactical Maps for use in the major action sequences of the adventure.
Cut-outs of the characters and monsters in the adventure.
A Poster Map of Middle-earth.
In addition to the roleplaying games license through New Line Cinema and Tolkien Enterprises, Decipher proudly holds international licenses for The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game and The Lord of the Rings Official Fan Club.
The Fellowship of the Ring is set for release by New Line Cinema on December 19, 2001. The other two films in the trilogy, The Two Towers and The Return of the King will premiere December 2002 and 2003, respectively.
About Decipher, Inc.
Founded in 1983 by Warren Holland, Decipher Inc. is a worldwide leader in the collectible card game industry and fan club industry. The company’s Trading Card Game Studio produces Star Trek, Star Wars, Austin Powers, and The Lord of the Rings(scheduled to release on November 6, 2001) trading card games. Decipher’s Fan Club Studio operates the official fan clubs for Star Trek and The Lord of the Rings which includes publishing official fan magazines and managing online stores. Decipher’s RPG (roleplaying games) & Miniatures Studio is responsible for the creation of the all-new Star Trek roleplaying games and The Lord of the Rings roleplaying games. Decipher’s Online Games Studio offers digital versions of its Star Trek and, soon, its The Lord of the Rings Trading Card More Æ
The Lord of the Rings Roleplaying Game æ Three
Games. Decipher’s Games Studio produces leading party, card, and board games such as How To Host A Murder®, How To Host A Teen Mystery®, Pente®, Scratchees,and more. Decipher’s Boy Crazy! Studio markets the popular Boy Crazy! brand for girls which includes a magazine, web site at boycrazy.com,trading cards, and various publishing and licensing ventures (represented by the William Morris Agency).Visit decipher.com for additional information.
Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry¹s leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units. More information about New Line Cinema can be obtained at www.newline.com.
Kinowelt is knocked out of the ‘Ring’ First pic in trilogy to be released under new arrangement Variety Magazine, October 16th
In a blow to ailing German distributor Kinowelt, Warner Bros. will immediately assume distribution of New Line Cinema features in all German-speaking territories, Eastern Europe and Russia.
While the shift was anticipated (Daily Variety, Aug. 30), Kinowelt had planned on releasing Peter Jackson’s first installment of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Fellowship of the Ring,” in December. That film will now be the first title under the new arrangement.
Despite its financial woes, Kinowelt has been stretching to hold on to the epic. Although the distrib recently managed to pay its last $9 million installment to New Line for the pic, there were growing doubts as to whether it could find the money for the massive P&A spend required to release it.
Kinowelt originally signed a three-year output deal with New Line running from 2001-03, but in the end the German indie could only commit to the first year of that pact.
New output agreement calls for Warners to handle theatrical distribution and marketing for all New Line titles released in the U.S. through 2003 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Eastern Europe and Russia.
Warner Home Video and Warners International Television Distribution will handle the respective homevideo and television rights of these films in the covered territories.
Hard hit after the crash of the Neuer Markt stock exchange and its own inability to license an ambitious free TV package from Warners, Kinowelt is in the midst of a major restructuring and has already reduced its distribution apparatus from three divisions to one. Its inhouse production team also has been pinkslipped.
Warners currently distributes New Line films theatrically, on homevideo and on television in select territories in Latin America and Asia.
Other titles under the Warners output deal include the remaining two installments of “The Lord of the Rings,” “Rush Hour 2,” “Austin Powers in Goldmember,” “Blade 2,” “John Q,” “Life as a House” and “I Am Sam.”
On the newly created Turkish Lord of the Rings official film site, there is a list posted here of what appears to be the list of people involved in Lord of the Rings Trilogy which will appear in New York and London days before the Fellowship of the Ring goes on release internationally. Though this hasn’t yet been confirmed as a definite list, the fact that it appeared on the an official movie site itself suggests that it is very likely.
Thanks to Emre the Sorcerer for the translations.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS PRESS CONFERENCES:
17-18-19-24 September 2001 – New York Interviews with Elijah Wood, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen.
7-8-9 December 2001 – London Detailed one-to-one interviews with the director, crew and cast.
10 December 2001 – WORLD PREMIERE AND MAGNIFICENT PARTY
Live Broadcast to all of the world via satellite.
Famous stars will dazzle:
Elijah Wood Sean Astin Dominic Monaghan Billy Boyd Viggo Mortensen Sean Bean Christopher Lee Liv Tyler Orlando Bloom John Rhys Davies Peter Jackson (Director) Barrie Osborn (Producer) Fran Walsh (Screenwriter) Philippa Boyens (Screenwriter) Ian McKellen Ian Holm Hugo Weaving Cate Blanchett Howard Shore (Composer) Richard Taylor (WETA Workshop)
If there is anyone out there involved with New Line Cinema or the Trilogy who can confirm this list, please let me know!
American critics have lavishly praised Australian Cate Blanchett for her versatile and convincing acting, and say she shines in her new film Bandits which opened in the US.
Sandwiched between Hollywood heart-throbs Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton, Blanchett plays a crazed American housewife who joins a pair of bank robbers on a crime spree.
Critics say the versatile Blanchett, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Elizabeth in 1999, has delivered another scene- stealing performance.
“One of the most consistently convincing of actresses, Blanchett has chameleon-like abilities that can’t help but raise a film’s level by creating a challenge everyone has to rise to or look second rate,” wrote Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times.
The Chicago Tribune described her as “formidably talented” and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said “Blanchett gives a delicious performance”.
Blanchett was recommended for the Bandits role by Pushing Tin co-star Thornton, who also wrote the screenplay for her last movie, The Gift. “It’s a tricky role, but I knew she could do anything,” Thornton said during a promotional tour for Bandits.
“As an actress, she can make you believe anything. The idea of being in another movie with her made the actor in me feel like I would have no boundaries where my character was concerned.”
Blanchett has parts in four more films scheduled for release before the end of the year including the epic Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Shipping News – a highly touted Oscar contender with Kevin Spacey. Critics are saying Blanchett has yet to find a role she can’t play. “This Australian actress, who can play anything from an English queen to white trash, is an asset to any movie,” observed Peter Travers of Rolling Stone.
News from Circi in Greece: “The top selling Athens weekly events review “Athinorama” includes a special edition on all new films for the coming 2001/2002 season,sponsored by Village cinemas. LOTR features prominently. Frodo’s huge-eyed caricature reigns on the cover over various other film characters from such films as “A.I.”, “Moulin Rouge” and “Harry Potter”. Then on the inside there is the famous poster of Frodo holding the Ring with the caption “History becam a Legend and the Legend became a Myth”, LOTR-FOTR, December 2001. Then PJ is the only director included in an article titled “13 faces for the new year”, showing him posing as a Hobbit smoking a pipe in Bag End. Here are some quotes: “Who could open the huge cultural chapter that is called “The Lord of the Rings”, if not a true fan? The relatively unknown Peter Jackson from New Zealand, has taken over the responsibility of bringing to life the prolific vision of Professor Tolkien. The simoultaneous filming of all three films has taken epic proportions and many people wonder if the “brilliant lunatic” director of cult splatters like “Braindead”, but also of the excelent “Heavenly Creatures” can shoulder such weight. Answers shortly at a cinema near you…” The film synopsis is full of mistakes so I wont bother translating. I just hope this means we will get to see the latest trailer at the movies soon and be part of the worldwide premiere on December 19th.”
Also news from Greek Elessar: At last we have the official site in Greek!!! Everything you wish about tolkien and his work is there.(and the movies of course)
If you know Greek(or you are just curious)go there!!! [More]
American critics have lavishly praised Australian Cate Blanchett for her versatile and convincing acting, and say she shines in her new film Bandits which opened in the US.