headWETA Digital has released a brand new two and a half minute video exclusively to the The Hollywood Reporter detailing the creation of the dragon Smaug. Thanks to Ringers Makaw, Brandon, Will P., and Jesse for notifying us about the video!

The Hollywood Reporter also spoke to Smaug VFX artist David Clayton (who is nominated for an Academy Award for his work on the film) about the process of translating actor Benedict Cumberbatch’s motion capture performance into the fire-breathing creature you see on the screen in The Desolation of Smaug. Continue reading “Bringing Smaug to Life: New Making-of video from Weta Digital”

Joe LetteriIf you’re a die hard fan of Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth adaptations, chances are you probably know the name Joe Letteri. Winner of four Academy Awards, Mr. Letteri has been an instrumental part of bringing the magical world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books to life through the art of visual effects.

Now Mr. Letteri has once again been nominated for his work – this time for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The Los Angeles Times’ Cristy Lytal took some time to ask him some questions ahead of the Oscar ceremony – which will be held on March 2nd. Naturally, the interview focused mostly on the creation of the film’s visual centerpiece – Smaug. Continue reading “Oscar winning visual effects artist Joe Letteri speaks with the L.A. Times”

The SilmarillionIt’s the film project that many of us fear we may never see. Yet surely, with time, all may be possible. In this article, Rud the Spud takes a look at how a trilogy based on Professor Tolkien’s The Silmarillion might be constructed – should such a project ever come to fruition – and discusses whether or not it could possibily live up to the Professor’s massive collection of stories. Continue reading “How would ‘The Silmarillion’ fare as a film trilogy?”

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Calling all Jed Brophy Fans! On Thursday at 10:00 am (NZDT)/8:00 am (AusEDT), Jed will be answering your questions on his Facebook Fanpage live.

To check the time in your part of the world click here

So come and join in the fun at the Jed Brophy Fanpage!

 

 

Editors Note:  Please do not submit questions to us here at theonering.net, you need to submit them on the Jed Brophy Facebook Fanpage. Cheers guys 🙂

TheHobbitFlute015Ringer Khkokopelli recently had their flute decorated with images from The Hobbit by talented flute maker John Lunn .  I think you’ll agree that he did a truly amazing job 🙂

Many thanks to John, who has kindly agreed to us posting the photos he took of the flute and his comments about the images he chose.

Continue reading “The Hobbit Flute”