A N Wilson writes: It is strange to be reminded, by a recent geological history of Rome, that the volcanic catastrophes which created the seven eternal hills occurred between two million and 500,000 years ago. It reminds us of how recent were the arrival of Aeneas or the foundation of the city in 753 BC.
That there was an old world that has now passed away, a heroic world, snatches of which we hear only in half-comprehended song, is an ever-present awareness in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. He is the only modern writer of what might be termed fantasy-literature who conveys this sense – which we find in Virgil and is also present in the Beowulf poet — of a heroic past that is slipping out of memory. [More]
Howard Webster – editor of Factory magazine writes: We will shortly be posting a free downloadable version of the Ian McKellen shoot we did for one of our recent editions on line at factory-publishing.com.
Howard’s photography site, howardwebsterphotography.com, features some preview images of McKellen. You will also see images of William Moseley – who plays Peter King of Narnia shot last year and Ken Kamins – Peter Jackson’s manager.
The prize for Best Special Effects at this year’s Imagina Awards, held in Monte Carlo on February 1, 2007, was jointly awarded to Framestore CFC and Weta Digital for the VFX work on X-Men: The Last Stand. The award – one of Imagina’s famous glass teapots – was accepted on behalf of the company by joint CEO William Sargent. X-Men: The Last Stand opened in May 2006 around the world, breaking many box-office records. Directed by Brett Ratner and starring Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry and Patrick Stewart, the film is a 20th Century Fox production. The film’s VFX Supervisor was John Bruno. [More]
Lorien “Ramen” Carney, Community Relations Specialist for The Lord of the Rings Online writes: Welcome to the first of many Developer Diary installments discussing monster play. We’ve kept the wraps on this aspect of the production for long enough, so here’s your first look behind the curtain at the geography of your monster playground! [More]
Now on eBay we have toys & authentic production items from RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS including a MINT Gollum action figure lovingly autographed by Andy Serkis! Not to mention the puzzles, film strips, and boxers shorts. Come join the bidding and own a piece of indie film history. [More]
Kerewyn writes: Melbourne LOTR fans! The Rooftop Cinema in Swanston Street will be screening ‘Fellowship of the Ring’ on Sunday February 18. There are only 200 deckchairs, so to book now at rooftopcinema.com to reserve your place on the astro-turf lawn under the stars, amongst the city’s rooftops. The rooftop bar and gourmet snack menu will make this big screen viewing of your favourite film even more enjoyable.
