The Hobbit Trilogy Discussion Thread

[Duffy12]

And some more news...

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October 1, 2010, 6:43 pm

Big Hairy Feet, Now in 3-D?

By MICHAEL CIEPLY

So “The Hobbit” will be in 3-D. That is a measure of how much the movie world has changed in the last year or so. In the dimly remembered recesses of, oh, 2009, people involved with the two-movie version of the J. R. R. Tolkien book, then to be directed by Guillermo del Toro, insisted that 2-D screen technology was just right for a pair of movies that were viewed as being a little more intimate than their sweeping precursors in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Then came “Avatar,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and even the much-maligned “Clash of the Titans” — one film after another proving that viewers would pay a premium for 3-D, as long as the underlying movie wasn’t an utter bust.

As “The Hobbit” now nears a green light, with the director Peter Jackson, after months of behind-the-scenes dealmaking, it emerges, according to a person briefed on the plans (but speaking anonymously, as the deal is not yet closed), with the inevitable third dimension. And never mind all the cheering at Comic-Con in July, when panelists in a Middle Earth-oriented session repeated the now-defunct promise that the picture would be 2-D.

It looks as if the first “Hobbit” film will have something else in common with “Avatar.” The plan is for a release on or about Dec. 19, 2012, approximating the Dec. 18 release date that was good to “Avatar” last year. Then again, the makers of “Avatar” probably noticed that Mr. Jackson pretty much owned that slot with his three “Lord of the Rings” films, in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

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[vegeta88]

Wow. Lots of news.
Yay for the Green lighting.
Yay for the 3D.
WTH for the fire.

Fires happen. crazy events coincide with strange times. However, I consider myself to be pretty cynical so I wouldn't rule out arson from somebody upset about what is going on here.

[Duffy12]

New York Times: Jackson to direct ‘The Hobbit’





October 1st, 2010 by Calisuri | Source: The New York Times

The New York Times is busting out major headlines today: First with the revelation that ‘The Hobbit’ films will be filmed in 3-D, and now, all but confirming Peter Jackson will direct the two ‘prequels.’ (Woo Hoo!!! – Sorry, had to get that in there) According Michael Cieply’s article, an announcement to this affect will be coming in the next few days.

Mr. Jackson, who is a producer and writer of the two “Hobbit” films, agreed also to become their director after Mr. del Toro left the project earlier this year, citing the delays. Mr. Jackson’s agreement to direct the movies has been in place but hasn’t formally closed because it depends on the studios’ willingness to begin production soon, according to people briefed on his status.

The first “Hobbit” film is expected to be released in mid-December 2012, the second a year later. Mr. Jackson has said he can direct the films only if those release dates can be met.

There are some other great details about the production in the full article over at The New York Times.

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More here.


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[Batman1980]

Wow and I know people know I'm a HUGE LoTR fan, if these are in 3D I won't be seeing them in theatres.

[vegeta88]

Originally Posted by Duffy12

More here.


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Peter Jackson should just give in and make movies of JRRT books for the rest of his life.

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

Wow and I know people know I'm a HUGE LoTR fan, if these are in 3D I won't be seeing them in theatres.

You're a LotR fan?
You wouldn't see it in 2D if it was filmed in 3D? If done right, you shouldn't even notice a difference in any way.

[Walts Ghost]

Originally Posted by vegeta88

You're a LotR fan?
You wouldn't see it in 2D if it was filmed in 3D? If done right, you shouldn't even notice a difference in any way.

Yea I'm just going to see it in 2D. As long as it's done right there shouldn't be a difference at all

That said, I'm not sure I'm excited about Jackson directing the movie I feel like he's been pushed into it. He doesn't really seem excited to make it, and I was really hoping he would get one of his proteges to direct it, mainly Neil Blomkamp. I'd love to see if he could pull it off I really hope this movie turns out alright, but at least we have a director now, even if it's not terribly surprising who it is

[ts0323]

I'm glad Jackson is directing.

Meh on the 3D.

[Josh]

Well, that is good news. Not to be the pessimist in the crowd, but there are a ton of obstacles that need to be mitigated before this film can be green-lit, and the author seems to think they will all get solved in the next few days. I think everything will get solved, but much closer to the proposed January start date.

[radagast]

Originally Posted by Duffy12

And now the BAD NEWS.












Gee...I wonder now who is BEHIND this???????

Hmmmm.


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EXACTLY the first thing that came to my mind when I saw that!!!

[radagast]

Originally Posted by Gandalf Stormcrow

Wow and I know people know I'm a HUGE LoTR fan, if these are in 3D I won't be seeing them in theatres.

You know of course, that The Hobbit will also be shown in 2D? Avatar was released to the theatres in both.

[MyBlu-rayBrotherEd]

Originally Posted by radagast

You know of course, that The Hobbit will also be shown in 2D? Avatar was released to the theatres in both.

Many people's biggest complaint about 3D is that there is no 2D alternative at their local theaters. This is the reason many of the people who don't enjoy 3D feel that it is being forced upon them.

[TheWildWhelk]

After reading those articles, there is no clear indication if the films will be shot in 2D and converted or lensed in 3D. The reason is that Jackson wasn't impressed with the Sony F950 to shoot King Kong in High Def, and if he is going to maintain the 2.35 aspect ratio (something he asked Del Toro to do, even though Del Toro prefers 1.85) then i can't see him shooting in 3D.

Probably a 2D conversion. Good news about Jackson directing as well. Now we need to work out a way to ditch the Master Of Morose Mr Martin Freeman!

[Duffy12]

Phillipa Boyens: Other Countries now bidding for “The Hobbit”


October 3rd, 2010 by Altaira

Phillipa Boyens gave an interview to New Zealand’s National Radio’s Nine to Noon show today. In it, she said other countries, including Canada, Scotland, Ireland and Australia are throwing in their hats to be considered as the filming location for “The Hobbit,” some offering big government rebates. According to Phillipa, the employment of thousands of New Zealanders has been put in jeopardy. “Actors should have begun work a fortnight ago,” she said.

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Ian McKellen Waiting for “Hobbit” Papers




Sir Ian McKellen was one of the many celebs at the “Les Miz” 25th anniversary show on Sunday night at London’s O2 Arena.

Just finished with a stage production of “Waiting for Godot,” Sir Ian is now Waiting for Peter Jackson. He’s supposed to appear in Jackson’s “Hobbit” movie, and is hopeful that the lawyers involved will have papers for him to sign soon so he can reprise the pivotal role of Gandalf.

“It’s still a matter of MGM and Warner Bros. sorting things out, but I’m told they’re close.”

Sir Ian also told me that he’s never heard a word from anyone about the upcoming reboot of “X Men.” McKellen has played Magneto in the first three films.

“The last I heard, nothing was happening. Then I read about the new production.” Likewise, he hasn’t heard about the new “Wolverine” or anything new from the Marvel-Fox productions.

Sir Ian was busting with pride about “Les Miz” and the fantastic 25th anniversary show put on Sunday night by Cameron McKintosh. “And it’s British!” he declared. “Americans aren’t the only ones who can do musicals.”

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[Duffy12]

Hobbit announcement expected by Friday


Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:42a.m.



Sir Peter Jackson met with Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee this morning to discuss the future of his Lord of the Rings prequel, The Hobbit.

Sir Peter, accompanied by his wife Fran Walsh, talked with Mr Brownlee in a closed meeting inside the Minister’s office.

3 News understands an announcement on the film will be made by the end of the week.

The future of The Hobbit has been thrown into disarray following a highly-publicised spat between Mr Jackson and an Australian actors union.

The stoush erupted when the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), asked actors to boycott filming of The Hobbit until a standard employment agreement was reached.

The union was concerned actors on the film were being employed on inferior non-union contracts.

In response to the union pressure, Sir Peter threatened to take filming of The Hobbit overseas to Europe.

Co-producer and co-writer for The Hobbit, Phillipa Boyens, told Radio New Zealand this morning that several countries were currently vying for the film.

"Get this, Australia, [are] making a huge play for this production," Ms Boyens told Radio NZ.

Ms Boyens said filming was due to begin in January, but has now been delayed by the actors’ stoush.

"It's not a game because right bow, in America, Warner Brother's studios are running the numbers on five to six different locations. That's very real - and that has put at risk the livelihoods of countless thousands of New Zealand industry workers," Mr Boyens says.

Prime Minister John Key said this morning on TV One’s Breakfast that he was confident progress had been made between the two parties.

He said the Government was more then happy to facilitate talks and expressed concern over the movie moving overseas.

"I would be greatly concerned if the The Hobbit movies weren't made in New Zealand, this a $3 billion industry, it employs a lot of people, it's great for New Zealand it's a great way for marketing New Zealand. If you can't make The Hobbit here frankly what movies are you going to make here?"


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[kjacobs03]

That is just re-freaking-diculous that Australia wants the Hobbit to move there.

[vegeta88]

I really hope this ends up filming in New Zealand. Not only for continuity, but because NZ is perfect for filming The Hobbit.

[Josh]

That is hilarious that Australia wants the Hobbit to be filmed there. Didn't this whole union thing start with the Australian unions? I'm sure they will eventually settle and film in New Zealand - there are just too many jobs and revenue for the country at stake. Its definitely one of those things than every politician can get behind and make sure happens.

[radagast]

Originally Posted by Josh

That is hilarious that Australia wants the Hobbit to be filmed there. Didn't this whole union thing start with the Australian unions? I'm sure they will eventually settle and film in New Zealand - there are just too many jobs and revenue for the country at stake. Its definitely one of those things than every politician can get behind and make sure happens.

The government of New Zealand should sue the MEAA AND SAG. It might prove a good precedent.

[Monolithium]

These films must be filmed in New Zealand.

[Duffy12]

Originally Posted by Grand Bob

Good point, as the songs were very important in the book. The Dwarves song in the beginning at Bag End is mandatory.

Hey Bob, maybe they can work in Nemoy's classic 'Ballad of Bilbo Baggins' into the film.


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