Once Upon A Hobbit

The Chronicles of Laurelin

2012-01-12T16:55:00.009Z

Dear Hobbits,

As my friend Samwise Gamgee once said : "It seems a terrible long time that I’ve been away..."

Though I never really went further then Hobbiton Bywater, some of you probably wandered where this hobbit was gone. Well, I have been extremely busy in the last year or so, baking pies, growing some of the finest pipe-weed in the Four Farthings , painting hobbits, writing music and poems. As I was so taken by my chores, of course lots of things happened. The Hobbit movie is currently been made in New Zealand, a land I have grown to love as much as I love the Shire. Among other things, I am now also writing about 'hobbity' things and more in a new lovely place called The Chronicles of Laurelin, So if you h have a few minutes, come and pay me a little visit there, and enjoy your stay.

Well, must dash again...pies to bake and things to do.

May the hair on your toes never fall out and take care until we meet again.

Yours Truly

Once Upon A Hobbit

Tolkien Reading Day 2011 Is All About Trees

2011-03-25T06:45:00.007Z

Today is Tolkien Reading Day so no excuses, grab your favorite Tolkien's book and read. 'Tolkien Reading Day' is a good way to introduce children or young readers to the Tolkien's Legendarium. I was only nine, maybe ten when I first came across a huge book in the house called 'The Lord of the Rings' and the rest is history. Reading Tolkien is not always easy, he uses a lot of words, names, references , but for all its complexity, his style is truly unique and its nice to have one special day dedicated to Tolkien readings and to share thoughts and opinions on his work with others. Tolkien Reading Day is an annual event that The Tolkien Society started in 2003 to encourage people to read works of J.R.R.Tolkien and this day was chosen in celebration of the fall of Sauron.

This year's theme is : Tolkien's Trees which is allied with the "International Year of Forests" and encourages you to enjoy exploring the dark confines of Tolkien's many forests as well as focussing on individual trees.

Enter Mirkwood in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, walk into the Old Forest on the borders of the Shire, and the Golden Wood of Lothlorien, or meet the Ents of Fangorn. Or why not read about and discuss the importance of trees and their meanings in “Leaf By Niggle”, or the 'Two Trees' beloved of the Elves in The Silmarillion, where there are more great forests and woods to discover, and if reading time is short, then the malice of Old Man Willow, or the symbolism of White Tree of Gondor offer plenty to think about and discuss.

The 25th of March is a very important day in Middle-earth. On this day the One Ring of Power is destroyed and the Realm of Sauron is ended for ever. Of all days, Tolkien chooses March 25 which is a very significant date also in the Catholic calender . It is , of course, the Feast of the Annunciation, the celebration of the moment when God himself became incarnate as man. In ancient Anglo-Saxon belief, and in European popular tradition March 25 is also the date of the Crucifixion. A very important day indeed and not one chosen at random by Tolkien. Middle-earth finally free from the oppression of Sauron - light replace shadows as hope replace doubts. Today (like any other day) is a good day to read, Happy Tolkien Reading Day Hobbits :)

Hobbit Filming Under Way - " In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit..."

2011-03-21T07:18:00.010Z

Its been a roller coaster ride, up and down ...one moment filming was about to start, a minute later some all was halted because of this or that problem...but there you are, we have made it and filming for The Hobbit Movie has officially started *does the happy hobbit dance* After years of wrangling and delays, Peter Jackson finally called "action" on his latest Tolkien epic "The Hobbit" in New Zealand. "Production has commenced in Wellington," Warner Bros. said in a statement. Lately there has been very little to report, not because of my lack of will , but mostly because everything around The Hobbit movie is kept secret. I promised before I would not post any *spoilers* and I shall keep my word, even if sometime one may have this or that little piece of news. New official photographs of Peter Jackson in Bag End have been released yesterday, which see a slimmer but definitely healthier Hobbit Peter.

And so it begins.....

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort."

American novelist's use of J.R.R. Tolkien's name ends up in court

2011-03-09T09:41:00.008Z

To those that think that the Tolkien Estate has no rights in contesting the unfair and unauthorised use of J.R.R. Tolkien's name and trying to protect the integrity on his literary work, just stop and think for a moment. The Tolkien Estate is currently involved in a bitter legal dispute with an American novel which sees Professor J.R.R.Tolkien as the main character.The Estate is requesting the destruction of all copies of Steve Hillard's Mirkwood: A Novel About JRR Tolkien. The 450-page work recounts a young woman's quest to find her grandfather after discovering documents given to him by Tolkien. The estate is demanding an immediate halt to further sales, and threatens legal action to obtain damages. At no point the Tolkien Estate was asked for permission to use the name and personality of JRR Tolkien in the novel....maybe because the person that wrote this book knew he was most unlikely to get such permission? Before belonging to the history of literature and fantasy, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien and his work belongs to his family, and their feelings should be respected. The Tolkien Estate's argument is that this fictional novel about the Professor is taking "unlawful commercial advantage" and that it "trivialises the name, personality and reputation of the late professor". Hillard admits to using a quote from a published Tolkien letter, but says that he has produced a respectful portrait. He also claims that Tolkien, who died in 1973, would have been on his side in the argument....a claim I personally strongly disagree with. The case will be heard in a Texan Court , Hillard's argument is that his book is on of "innumerous fictional works that contain fictional accounts involving real people", and that he has not violated any rights of the estate under UK or American law. The book cover's design is also "strikingly similar" to Professor Tolkien's publications. The novel's title "Mirkwood" is the name of a fictional place within Middle-earth and potential buyers and readers might think the book is actually set there. There is nothing wrong with wanting to use a famous person in a novel, but when at all possible ( and it was possible in this case) , the author of such novel should seek official permission from the person in question, or the family and heirs. What I personally find distasteful is trying to make money out of someone's name or work by claiming they are "celebrities" and somehow belongs to all of us. Professor Tolkien was never a 'celebrity', his wonderful work made him famous, a status he always struggled a bit to come to terms with. I shall be following this case with great interest.

New Zealand 's Darkest Day - many lives lost in massive earthquake in Christchurch

2011-02-22T11:10:00.004Z

New Zealand suffered one of its worst natural disasters when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit again the city of Christchurch. At least 65 people confirmed to have died but many more are still missing feared still trapped in collapsed buildings.This is a truly devastating event, the quake is the second major one to hit Christchurch, a city of 350,000, in five months.Prime Minister John Key has called the scene one of "utter devastation". "This may be New Zealand's darkest day" he said.

Be strong Christchurch, love thoughts to you all from Once Upon A Hobbit.

Sir Ian McKellen - Notes From lmladris

2011-02-22T10:40:00.007Z

As Gandalf would say....'A wizard is never late...' , well maybe just a little early. Sir Ian McKellen has finally arrived in New Zealand as filming of The Hobbit is due to start next month. Posting on his personal website, Sir Ian gives a little inside and personal thoughts from New Zealand. The road Gandalf took to get back to Middle-earth is not been an easy one, not it was straight. After many delays and unplanned events, The Hobbit is almost 'good to go'. Sir Ian had the chance to meet 13 dwarves but not Peter Jackson as yet as the director is still recovering from surgery at home, which is why (to use Sir Ian's words) ...

'yet again, I'm here early. Waiting for Bilbo.'

Sir Ian McKellen : Notes from Imladris

'Not on our mountain !' - The Hobbit refused permission to film on sacred mountains

2011-02-14T09:10:00.004Z

The very characteristic come of Mt Ngauruhoe in the Central Plateau of the North Island of New Zealand, played a very important role in Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings Trilogy, featuring as Mount Doom. With only five weeks left before filming of The Hobbit movie, the local Maori tribes , which are the protectors of the land, have refuse permission to use the central North Island mountains again. This all area has been entrusted and returned to the Maori as it is their ancestral homeland. legends tells of the high priest, Ngatoroirangi (Nga-toro-i-rangi) that was caught in a blizzard while climbing Mount Ngauruhoe. He prayed to his sisters in Hawaiki to send him fire to save him from freezing. The flames they sent south emerged first at White Island, then Rotorua and Taupo before finally bursting at Ngatoroirangi’s feet. Thus Ngatoroirangi is credited with bringing volcanic activity to Aotearoa, New Zealand - not as a curse upon the land, but as a blessing. Such ancient myths place these sacred mountains at the very centre of life . Having visited this incredible place a few months back, and having witnessed first-hand how much the Maori people care for their land, it does not come a surprise that permission for filming was declined. Without the option of using the central North Island mountains taken away , Peter Jackson could instead opt for Mt Taranaki and the Southern Alps.

The Hobbit cast in New Zealand

2011-02-11T08:02:00.008Z

The Hobbit cast met at a press conference in Wellington this week with the notable absence of Peter Jackson still recovering at home after surgery. Although Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett and Elijah Wood were not present, the press had the chance to meet Martin Freeman and and the 13 actors who will play the dwarves . During the last month they all said enjoyed pre-production, practising, training in the gym, and riding horses in preparation for filming. In a statement Peter Jackson said he was 'under a medical form of house arrest' but added he would be ready to start working again very soon. Martin Freeman is excited at being involved and so close to filming

"...there is no denying however I'm in The Hobbit."

Bilbo's 13 Dwarves in the photo :

Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Dwarves
Aidan Turner and Rob Kazinsky as Kili and Fili, nephews of Thorin
Graham McTavish as Dwalin, a dwarf from the blue mountain
James Nesbitt as Bofur
Stephen Hunter as Bombur, a foolish, overindulgent dwarf
Mark Hadlow as Dori, strongest of the Dwarves
Peter Hambleton as Gloin, the father of LOTR’s Gimli
John Callen as Oin, the brother of Gloin
Ken Stott as Lord Balin
Adam Brown as Ori
John Callen as Oin
Jed Brophy as Nori
William Kircher is the dwarf Bifur

Filming of The Hobbit is schedule to start on March 21.

Sir Christopher Lee to Receive Bafta Fellowship

2011-02-10T11:59:00.003Z

On Sunday 13 February the British Academy of Film and Television Arts will present Sir Christopher Lee with the Academy Fellowship at the Orange British Academy Film Awards ceremony at London’s Royal Opera House. Awarded annually by the Academy, the Fellowship is the highest accolade bestowed upon an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film. Previously honoured Fellows include Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Christie, John Barry, Stanley Kubrick, Anthony Hopkins, Terry Gilliam and Judi Dench. Last year’s recipient was Vanessa Redgrave.

Tim Corrie, Chair of the Academy said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Academy is recognising Sir Christopher Lee. He has entertained me over many years and is a bastion of British filmmaking around the globe”.

Sir Christopher Lee adds: “It’s a very unexpected but very great honour to find myself in such distinguished company to receive the fellowship".

A well deserved honour , congratulation to Sir Christopher Lee from Once Upon A Hobbit !

A bright future for Hobbiton Movie Set

2011-02-09T09:59:00.004Z

When I visited Hobbiton Movie Set last year I left a little piece of my hobbit heart there. The place is truly amazing and I was lucky to be able to see the set in all his glory and ready for filming. For months we heard rumours that the Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand was going to be left a a permanent structure and open to the public and now Sir Peter Jackson's Wingnut Films Productions and Rings Scenic Tours have signed a joint venture called Shire Tours to allow movie fans to visit the site. The set, originally designed by the art department of The Lord of the Rings films, has been completely rebuilt at the original location on the Alexander Farm on Buckland Road, Matamata.The set will now be used for The Hobbit and closed to the public during filming. In a statement Peter Jackson said today : "to be able to offer fans of the films the chance to walk around and explore this beautifully crafted set, which is a centrepiece of both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit"

Lights...Camera...Action ! The date is set for filming !

2011-02-07T10:10:00.004Z

After all these years and countless problems, The Hobbit movie will begin filming in New Zealand in a few weeks time, hopefully ending a series of delays and complications including legal issues, the MGM's saga, a director leaving, a fire at a production facility, the new director’s hospitalization and a labour dispute that threatened the project.

The first day of photography for The Hobbit will be March 21, according to Wellington-based production company 3Foot7 Ltd. Filming will take place in Wellington. "Despite some delays we are fully back on track and very excited to get started" Jackson said in a statement. Ans so it is all about to begin , fingers and hairy toes crossed, all is well in Hobbit Land and filming will now start next month. We have been waiting many years for this moment, wishing Peter Jackson and the whole production the best of luck, it is time to go back to Middle-earth.

Peter Jackson in hospital - filming of The Hobbit delayed again

2011-01-27T10:57:00.005Z

Filming on The Hobbit will be delayed again after Peter Jackson was admitted to Wellington Hospital yesterday with a perforated ulcer. He had surgery and is now resting comfortably but a spokesman has confirmed that filming will be delayed. The Hobbit movie has survived legal battles, bankruptcy fears,original director leaving, accusations racism, labour disputes, and now Peter Jackson is in hospital recovering from surgery. Although I tend not to believe in such things, to many it does look like The Hobbit is suffering from a strange case of ' incredible bad luck '. Peter Jackson has been looking stressed and tired for a long time, and The Hobbit saga and all its problems have not helped. After been almost forced to take charge last year, the production has encountered one issue after an other and this is now affecting Peter Jackson's health as stress is the major cause of perforated ulcers.

Do you remember Hobbit Peter ? Do you remember the happy, slightly round, pipe-smoking, huge glasses, curly hair hobbit that transformed Professor Tolkien's words into the most amazing vision of Middle-earth ? Dear Peter, please get well soon and take care of yourself, and I know it must be hard to sleep or eat, and even think at times, after all The Hobbit is only one of the most awaited movie of the century , but is it worth loosing your health over it ? Don't let your passion and love for Middle-earth consume you , remember to be a 'hobbit' more often, take your shoes off and go and sit in front of Bag End and watch the sunset, eat like a hobbit, sing and dance like a hobbit and let your worries behind for a while . Get well soon Hobbit Peter!

One does not simply walk back to Middle-earth - No Boromir in The Hobbit

2011-01-20T16:52:00.003Z

As Boromir would put it : " One does not simply walk back to Middle-earth " Sean Bean as revealed to the Belfast Telegraph that he is not expecting a call from Peter Jackson for a reprise of Boromir in The Hobbit movie. With filming starting in few weeks time and some of the original Lord of the Rings cast returning to reprise their roles in Middle-earth, many fans were maybe expecting to see all The Lord of the Rings cast back, but this is of course not possible and would probably not make much sense as The Hobbit is supposed to be Bilbo's adventure taking place many years before the events in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Boromir is one of those characters we will not see again, when directly asked this is what Sean Bean said...

"I don't think so. I played Boromir and I got knocked off in the end so I don't think it would be... I mean I could come back as a different character but I think he's looking for a new kind of style and maybe a new look.I know a few people who are in it and should be very exciting." (Belfast Telegraph)

Fear not if you are (like me) a Boromir's fan....Sean Bean is starring in a new fantasy TV series called Game Of Thrones on HBO which looks really fantastic , and is currently appearing in a new TV ad with the Quaker Oats So Simple Team rewarding the people who make a real difference to communities.

If only they had emails...now they do - Gandalf's inbox

2011-01-16T20:30:00.007Z

Thanks to a friend I found this excellent site called Famous Inboxes which is dedicated to email inboxes of various famous people. Amongst them here we have Gandalf's inbox ...who need the palantir when you have emails and wireless broadband in Middle-earth. Also very funny and worth s look is Sauron's inbox.

(Source : Famous Inboxes)

Happy to be Frodo - Elijah Wood excited to be back

2011-01-12T11:07:00.003Z

Elijah Wood is happy and excited at the prospect to be Frodo again and to be back in Middle-earth. IGN managed to have a few words with Elijah yesterday about his return as Frodo Baggins in The Hobbit movie that has been announced in the past few days. As Frodo is not a character in The Hobbit novel written by Professor Tolkien, Elijah thought he would never be back to Middle-earth , but as we know now Frodo ( and many more of the original Lord of the Rings main characters) , will be brought back to Middle-earth by Peter Jackson.

"we thought we were finished and the character doesn't even exist in [the book of] The Hobbit, so it was not even a pipe dream to imagine the possibility would be there for me to reprise the role of Frodo. But they've come up with something that I think is kind of interesting and I think very fitting that doesn't necessarily infringe upon the integrity of the original novel. It's great. I'm really excited. Those films marked a huge, massive experience in my life. It's been 11 years, basically, since I went to New Zealand, so it'll be a beautiful reunion and I'm just excited to go back and see everybody again" ( Elijah Wood speaking to IGN)

Sir Christopher Lee be back as Saruman in The Hobbit ?

2011-01-12T07:50:00.006Z

Casting news just keep coming. Here is the latest from Middle-earth ...Sir Christopher Lee has been in talks with the studios to reprise his role as Saruman and now it appears almost certain that he will be back to Middle-earth as long as his health is good. Sir Christopher is 88 years old and one of the main obstacles for him to return was the long distance travel to New Zealand for filming but this problem could be easily solved by filming his contributions here in the U.K. with a green screen. Sir. Christopher Lee looks almost certain to reprise Saruman , providing that he is in good health, he will be appearing in the movie. He is a great fan of Professor Tolkien's work and I know how much the role of Saruman meant to Sir Christopher...can't wait to see him back in Middle-earth :)

His Majesty , King Thranduil - David Tennant to join The Hobbit's cast ?

2011-01-11T20:31:00.008Z

According to several sources, this evening I am learning that David Tennant could be on his way to Middle-earth to take the role of the Elven King Thranduil. Tennant was originally linked to the role of Bilbo Baggins that eventually went to Martin Freeman. King of the Elves of Mirkwood and father of Legolas, Thranduil is a very important character in The Hobbit which would suit David Tennant perfectly. No official words from the Studios or David about a role for him in The Hobbit.

Filming of The Hobbit movie will start February 14, 2011 so I am expecting many more casting announcements in the next few days, stay tuned for more soon :)

Back to Middle-earth ! McKellen and Serkis in The Hobbit movie

2011-01-11T07:53:00.004Z

Finally the news we have been waiting for weeks, months...well maybe years. The official announcement came a few hours ago, Sit Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis will reprise their roles as Gandalf and Gollum in the movie adaptation of one of J.R.R.Tolkien best-loved novel. According to Deadline.com , Andy Serkis has finally closed the deal that will see him back as Gollum in Middle-earth. Sources are also indicating that others original members of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy are in discussion to reprise their original roles , these include Christopher Lee as Saruman and Ian Holm in the older version of Bilbo Baggins.

I am rejoicing at the news that Sir Ian McKellen will be Gandalf again, his silence on his insolvent in The Hobbit in the last few weeks was much worrying as without him as Gandalf it would been a big disaster. In his usual informal style, Sir Ian has updated his website with a statement during the night :

All I had to decide was what to do with the time that is given me.

I’m 71 and fit: though at my age who knows what accident is 'round the next corner? For a year or more, I have been arranging my professional commitments around the possibility of The Hobbit films starting at almost anytime. We brought the Waiting for Godot tour of Australia to New Zealand early 2010, assuming I would stay on to start shooting soon after. Then there was yet another delay: but in Wellington I met with Guillermo del Toro and later read his script for Part One, written with the LOTR writing team. It was true to the style, the fun and the romance of the trilogy.

When Peter Jackson, already producing, resumed the director’s chair, he kept me in touch with developments. A second screenplay was sent over, on the understanding that I would not talk about what I read in it.

After the ruckus over trade union expectations and unlikely rumours of filming outside New Zealand, suddenly crucial casting was announced, plus a start date in February 2011. Martin Freeman as Bilbo sounds perfect. As my agent continued to negotiate with Warner Brothers, I kept wondering was Gandalf what I most wanted to do, more than a new play for instance or indeed a new part? Sequels aren’t necessarily as rewarding to act in as their originals.

Could I let Gandalf go? Would anyone else care if I did? Elsewhere, does anyone care that Michael Gambon was not the first to play Dumbledore?

The deciding negotiation was not about money but about dates. Gandalf is needed on set over the next 18 months but with sizeable breaks when I can work on other projects. My worry that I could not easily escape from Middle Earth was lifted.

I am happy to say I start filming in Wellington on February 21 2011.

--Ian McKellen, London, January 2011

If The Hobbit was a painting...- Elijah Wood as Frodo in The Hobbit movie

2011-01-07T09:53:00.008Z

Let me start this by saying I absolutely and utterly adore Elijah Wood . He was the 'perfect Frodo' in The Lord of the Rings movie Trilogy. According to TheOneRing.net Elijah Wood will be cast to appear in The Hobbit as Frodo. This is not an official casting announcement by The Hobbit production or the Studios so lets remember to take this news with a pinch of salt, nevertheless, if true, it would send shock waves among most Tolkin's fans. The Hobbit is Bilbo's adventure, Frodo is not even born but apparently Peter Jackson feels necessary to bring into the movie adaptation of one of Professor Tolkien's greatest novels a other character (the other is apparently Legolas) that were not written in by the author. Although The Hobbit is the 'prequel' of The Lord of the Rings ( in book as in movie), it is a story in its own right, was written years before The Lord of the Rings and deserves to be adapted in a true-to-written word fashion. Tolkien has filled the book with wonderful material, places, action, songs, and many characters that deserve to be developed and seen, yet here we are talking again of the need to bring back the original cast of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy , like if the cast of The Hobbit was almost 'not good enough' to bring in the dollar.

Confusing as it is the way Frodo ( Elijah Wood) is allegedly going to be used in The Hobbit movie can be read on TheOneRing.net but be warned, it is a MAJOR THE HOBBIT MOVIE SPOILER so I will not re-post on Once Upon A Hobbit. Only a few weeks away from filming and still no official announcement of Sir Ian McKellen , Andy Serkis, and Hugo Weaving for the roles of Gandalf, Gollum and Elrond...wich is rather strange considering all these rumours about the original cast of The Lord of the Rings appearing in The Hobbit even though the characters (Frodo and Legolas) were not written in by Tolkien.

The Hobbit has so many interesting characters , it is a rich novel in that sense, there is so much to do , for me making this movie should be a tribute to Professor Tolkien's work and imagination, a respectful adaptation with a modern twist. I keep asking myself :" If Tolkien was still alive, how would he feel about his work been changed and modified so suit modern movie audiences? . As a comparison, I really like that painting by that famous artist on the wall...but you know what I think it could be better , so here is my paintbrush and new colours...a bit here...a bit there....oops, the new paint is dripping and look a bit odd, it is no more as beautiful as it was....mmmh, maybe it was not a good idea to change the original work of art after all....but maybe is just me :)

A toast to The Professor

2011-01-03T20:40:00.005Z

May the hair on your toes never fall out !

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PROFESSOR T.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN ! Celebrating Tolkien's 119th Birthday

2011-01-03T08:56:00.004Z

3 January 1892 - Bloemfontein (South Africa) Arthur and Mabel Tolkien welcome to the world their first son, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien in the lodgings above the bank in Maitland Street where Arthur works as a manager. In the treeless, dusty and dry plains on Africa, a tiny 'hobbit' is born on the third day of 1892. When his father died on 15 February 1896, Tolkien's mother, Mabel, took the family back to Britain to settle in the rural hamlet of Sarehole. Tolkien claimed to have few memories of South Africa, except for a vivid and scary encounter with a large spider - an experience he will never forget and that was put to good use later on in his writing about Middle-earth. Throughout his long academic life as a scholar, Professor Tolkien had made valuable contributions to his profession and had given new meanings to medieval literature. He is however best remembered today as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, adventures that takes place in the fantasy world of Middle-earth, which he profoundly created and filled it with enchanting legends, peoples and cultures, languages and histories. The magnitude of his successful achievement as a sub-creator thus earned him the title, The Master of Fantasy.

To celebrate on this day each year Tolkien fans around the world are invited by the Tolkien Society to raise a glass and toast the birthday of our much loved author at 21:00 (9 pm) your local time. To make the Birthday Toast, you stand, raise a glass of your choice of drink (not necessarily alcoholic), and say the words : 'The Professor' and then enjoy your drink, just like a true hobbit would do.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PROFESSOR TOLKIEN, and Thank You !

Pippin Took gets the Ring - Billy Boyd's wedding reunites hobbits

2010-12-30T10:20:00.012Z

Nothing better then a 'hobbit' wedding to end the year with a happy smile. Billy Boyd, best known for his role as Pippin Took in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy movies, married long-term partner Ali McKinnon in an intimate but beautiful ceremony in Glasgow. Dominic Monaghan (Merry) and Elijah Wood (Frodo) looked smart and very happy on the steps of Oran Mor converted church after the wedding. Billy's acting career has been quiet since The Lord of the Rings Trilogy but this does not make him less talented. He is ( and always will be) my favourite hobbit. I know Billy sometimes miss Middle-earth, ...don't we all ? He was never just an actor 'playing' a hobbit , he is Peregrin Took, and this is why his performance in the movies is so outstanding and credible. I want to wish Billy and Ali all the happiness in the world on the news of their wedding.

(photo courtesy of Mick McGurk via dailymail.co.uk )

Merry Yule from Middle-Earth

2010-12-17T19:20:00.011Z

Yule is fast approaching in the Shire and the hobbits are getting ready to celebrate this very special time of the year. We call this time of the year 'Christmas' but it is known as 'Yule' in Middle-earth. The most important thing for hobbits at this time is food- their pantries are well stoked for the long winter with a great supply of cheese, beacon, mushrooms, wine and ale, and of course, the very best pipe-weed they can afford. Yule is a time for families and friends, a time to share not only music, food and stories, but also gifts or mathoms, as the hobbits call them. I've been doing a bit of searching and I did find a Middle-earth inspired little house would look just nice in any Yule stoking

-Ancient Yule Lore

Yule or Yule-tide is a winter festival that was initially celebrated by the historical Germanic peoples as a pagan religious festival, though it was later absorbed into the Christian festival of Christmas.Yule, is when the dark half of the year relinquishes to the light half. Starting the next morning at sunrise, the sun climbs just a little higher and stays a little longer in the sky each day. Known as Solstice Night, or the longest night of the year, much celebration was to be had as the ancestors awaited the rebirth of the Oak King, the Sun King, the Giver of Life that warmed the frozen Earth and made her to bear forth from seeds protected through the fall and winter in her womb. Bonfires were lit in the fields, and crops and trees were "wassailed" with toasts of spiced cider

-Yule in Middle-earth

Yule time is one of the two main holidays in the Shire (the other being the midsummer holiday called Lithe.) The Yule celebrations are incredibly important for the hobbits, they last six days in total, including the two days before and the two days after the Yuledays. This time is called Yuletide, and its dedicated to feasting, big parties, food, music, stories and merriment. Hobbits come together, young and old, and celebrate in style. the word Yule comes from the word yoole which developed from the Old English term geōl which does probably mean 'renewal' or 'rebirth'.

(Photo by Once Upon A Hobbit)

After the War of the Ring, there were a considerable shortages of food before Yule in the Shire . But hobbit are clever and they discovered a large quantity of provisions and beer in the tunnels of Michel Delving and in the quarries at Scary and in other places around the Four Farthings, so they did manage to have a jolly good time at Yuletide.

"Great stores of goods and food, and beer, were found that had been hidden away from the ruffians in sheds and barns and deserted holes, and especially in tunnels at Michel Delving and in the old quarries at Scary; so that there was a great deal better cheer that Yule than anyone had hoped for." (J.R.R.Tolkien -The Return of the King)

While the whole world is getting ready to celebrate Christmas, hobbits are busy getting ready for the celebrations of Yule which will take place tomorrow. Yule is a time of hope across Middle-earth, from me on Once Upon A Hobbit, warm wishes to you all of a joyous and happy Yuletide.

♥

Remembering Tolkien - 2011 Birthday Toast

2010-12-14T09:08:00.007Z

In a few weeks time hobbits from all around the world will be celebrating J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday. John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born on 3 January 1892. To celebrate this event, on this day each year Tolkien fans around the world are invited by the Tolkien Society to raise a glass and toast the birthday of our much loved author at 21:00 (9 pm) your local time. To make the Birthday Toast, you stand, raise a glass of your choice of drink (not necessarily alcoholic), and say the words : 'The Professor' and then enjoy your drink, just like a true hobbit would do. Of course it would be fantastic if you could all come to The Green Dragon for the Birthday Toast but I know you will be there in spirit. 3 January 2011, remembering Tolkien, creator of Middle-earth :)

Tolkien Society 2011 Birthday Toast

Tinkering Tolkien ? Orlando Bloom in talks to join The Hobbit

2010-12-09T07:13:00.009Z

Tinker, Tinker little Peter...what is going on ? Have I miss the part of The Hobbit book where Legolas appears or something ? So why is Orlando Bloom (apparently) close to sign up to go back to Middle-earth ? Here we go again....first we had sexy Dwarves, then we bring back Galadriel (because there are no female roles in The Hobbit ) , now it's the turn or the most famous surfing elf in Middle-earth. In The Hobbit Legolas's father Thranduil is an important character...but (according to Professor Tolkien ) we do not meet Legolas until the Council of Elrond in The Fellowship of the Ring...he is simply not there because Tolkien did not write him in. Tinkering with the 'original' work on which the movie should be based in never a good idea, why would we need Legolas ? If we consider Elves are immortal , then the argument from The Hobbit movie's writers is probably that he could be there and look handsome ( so million of girls around the world can go 'awwww...' again ). Sorry, I am really torn on hearing this news. Here is an attempt to 'transform' a beautiful Tolkien's story into an other...The Hobbit is not The Lord of the Rings...although The Hobbit movie is starting to look like it more and more. With only few weeks to go before filming begins, still no Gandalf, Gollum , or Elrond. Sir Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, and Hugo Weaving are still in negotiation, kind of strange if you consider all three actors did express their willingness to return in the past year.

Casting Updates - Cate Blanchett confirmed for The Hobbit ( and a few more names)

2010-12-07T23:07:00.007Z

It is with great joy this evening that I can announce Cate Blanchett has been confirmed in the reprise of Lady Galadriel for The Hobbit movies. Also confirmed by New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. on the casting list are Scottish actor Ken Stott as Balin, Sylvester McCoy as Radagast the Brown, Swedish actor Mikael Persbrandt as Beorn, British actor Ryan Gage as Drogo Baggins, and New Zealand actors Jed Brophy and William Kircher respectively as Dwarves Nori and Bifur.

'Cate is one of my favorite actors to work with and I couldn't be more thrilled to have her reprise the role she so beautifully brought to life in the earlier films' Peter Jackson commented on the news of Cate Blanchett reprise of Galadriel. Jackson also welcomed the addition to the cast of Swedish actor, Mikael Persbrandt 'The role of Beorn is an iconic one and Mikael was our first choice for the part. Since seeing him read for the role we can't imagine anyone else playing this character.' And on the casting of Scottish actor Ken Stott 'Fran and I have long been fans of Ken's work and are excited he will be joining us on this journey.'

The cast is growing and things are definitely looking up for The Hobbit with filming starting early next year. We still miss the wizard ( hoping to ear some good news from Sir Ian McKellen soon) , an *official* announcement of the casting of Andy Serkis as Gollum , and Hugo Weaving in the reprise of Elrond...keeping my little hobbit ears open and I shall report back to you as soon as I get more casting news :)

The History of The Hobbit (in simple words) - Concerning Gollum Goblins, and 3 Trolls (Part 4)

2010-12-06T15:58:00.015Z

-Gollum....the 'real' once-upon-a-hobbit

Deep down here by the dark waters lived old Gollum, a small slimy creature...he was Gollum - as dark as darkness, except for two big round pale eyes...he had a little boat, and he rowed about quite quietly on the lake (extracts from The Hobbit -J.R.R.Tolkien)

But before we get to the riddles game, lets find out a bit more about the creature called Gollum. Originally named Smeagol, he is of the Stoor hobbit kind. His family migrated from Eriador and settled in the Vales of the Anduin near the Gladden Fields. Although this branch of hobbits shares many of the traits and costumes with the Shire folks, they remain nevertheless more primitive and less evolved. On March 25, 2463 , Smeagol is out fishing in Gladden Fields with Deagol ( a relation of some kind...probably a cousin) .

While trying to retrieve a fish , Deagol ends up in the water , and after few minutes he re-emerge holding a gold ring in his hand. Smeagol demands the ring for himself as it is his birthday, but Deagol refuse to hand it over. A fight between the two hobbits ends with Smeagol killing Deagol.

Smeagol returns home and soon he discovers the ring makes the wearer invisible and starts using it for malicious purposes and stealing until his family have enough of his behaviour , they rename him Gollum and ban him from the village .

The One Ring is already consuming his mind as he follows a stream to the Misty Mountains , here Gollum finds a cave which becomes his new home, and from now on he will live in darkness. For many years Gollum lives in dark and loneliness developing a strange relationship with the One Ring which he calls Precious.

No longer he resembles a hobbit, his hair falls out and so most of his teeth. The ring is prolonging his life but also consuming him slowly, although a small part of his former-self still remains inside his heart. The One Ring has a will of its own, and as the Lord Sauron regains strength, it decided to abandon Gollum , but then something unexpected happens. Lost in Gollum cave the hobbit Bilbo Baggins finds the gold ring.

-Trolls...dim, dull, and dumb

Trolls is something Tolkien borrowed from Norse and Germanic myths and fairy tales. Never the brightest of creatures, Tolkien's Trolls are black blooded humanoids of monstrous appearance that were created by Melkor in the First Age. Incredibly stupid, Trolls were often unable to learn speech, although few of them were able to grasp some rudiments of Black and Common speech. Trolls live in caverns and dark woods, kill for pleasure and eat raw meat, they are incredibly strong but fear the light of the sun which means death for them, as the sun turns them into stone.

On his adventure in The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins met three Trolls called Tom, Bert, and William Huggins . Big but with brains the size of a small pebble, Tom, Bert and Will are at least able to speak a little Common Speech. The Trolls have a cave were they keep all the treasures and weapons they have stolen - they capture Bilbo and the Dwarves but are tricked by Gandalf into arguing between themselves until sunrise when they turn into stone, and there they remained as statues.

-Goblins, dwellers of darkness

We call them Goblins but they were once known as Orcs , and were created as 'foot soldiers' of the enemies of Middle-earth. Melkor creates these creatures using Elves he captured, Goblins/Orcs are a corrupted version of one of Middle-earth noblest races. Sun light is the thing they fear the most as it cause them great pain , for this reason they live underground and they tend to move under the cover of darkness.

In The Hobbit the Dwarves and Bilbo are captured by the Goblins on the High Pass, and taken before the Great Goblin, chief of Goblin-town. The Dwarves are carrying Elven swords greatly feared by the Goblins ; soon a fight breaks and the Great Goblin is killed by Gandalf. His death angers the Goblins/Orcs of the Misty Mountains, an army is gathered and the Dwarves are tracked down at the Lonely Mountain where a great battle takes place against Wood-Elves, Lake-Men, and Dwarves.

To Be Continued....

John Hove There and Back Again - The Documentary

2010-12-05T18:44:00.007Z

Here is a very inspirational 52 minutes documentary produced by Solid Entertainment and Fragile Pictures directed by François Boetschi and Anders Banke on the life and work of John Howe, one of Tolkien's most famous illustrators. Currently John is working in New Zealand with Peter Jackson as a conceptual artist for The Hobbit movies.

J.R.R. Tolkien's on a search for 'The Real Middle-Earth'

2010-12-01T10:35:00.012Z

New Zealand is undeniably beautiful, but it is not the Middle-earth Professor Tolkien knew . The country that inspired J.R. R. Tolkien to create his mythic world populated by hobbits, men, elves, Orcs and Ents is more familiar then the dramatic landscapes of Peter Jackson's vision of Middle-earth : That country is England, Tolkien's own homeland. This fascinating documentary takes us in Tolkien's footsteps and investigates the landscapes and buildings, the places and names that helped shape Middle Earth. Sir Ian Holm narrates this fascinating exploration into an imaginary world.

The History of The Hobbit (in simple words) - Olórin, also known as Gandalf (Part 3)

2010-11-29T15:39:00.011Z

When he first appears, walking slowly towards Bag End with his wooden staff , tall pointed blue hat, dusty grey cloak, 'immense' black boots, the longest white beard you'll ever see, and a witty sarcasm , it is not clear to us who exactly is this old eccentric man Bilbo calls Gandalf. Professor Tolkien's portray of Gandalf in The Hobbit is one of a traditional fairy-tale magician, complete with pointy hat, , long cape, and of course, a wizard's staff...essential tools of the trade. Who is this strange old wizard , and what will be his role in The Hobbit ? Originally known as Olórin, he was a Maia (spirit of Arda) which was chosen to be one of the Istari (wise ones/wizards). The Istari were to assist the free peoples of Middle-earth in opposing the dark powers of Sauron. The major source of Sauron's power, the One Ring, was still believed to be in existence. Olórin (as he was still called) was given Narya (the 'ring of fire') , one of the Three Elven Rings. Known by many different names throughout Middle-earth, he was called 'Gandalf' by men.

- A Meeting In Bree (The Quest of Erebor)

On a visit to Bree in 2941, one evening Gandalf meets a dwarf called Thorin Oakenshield which had been seeking the wizard guided by visions and premonitions, the encounter is not a coincidence. Gandalf is intrigued by the dwarf Thorin , and agrees to travel together , and it on this journey that Thorin and Gandalf discuss the dragon Smaug, the Dwarves's family treasure the dragon has stolen, and a plan to recover it. Gandalf 's feelings are telling him that a hobbit should be involved in this quest, preferably a hobbit with a passion for adventures and Bilbo Baggins seems just like the hobbit Gandalf is looking for. Helping the Dwarves is the main goal of the quest although Gandalf is more interested in the demise of the dragon Smaug which is very powerful and would be a terrible weapon in Sauron's hands. Involving Bilbo, a simple hobbit from the Shire is also of great importance, Gandalf feels hobbits will have a big role to play in Middle-earth although at the times he meets Thorin in Bree not all is clear to him yet.

- Concerning ale, trolls, pipe-weed, and dragons

In The Hobbit Gandalf takes the role of guide and protector of an unlikely hero and his Company of Dwarves - but behind the fairy-tale magician , the smoke-rings competition and pints of good ale there are powerful forces at play. Monsters to be defeat, Elves to deal with, and evil powers raising in Middle-earth. The One Ring has been found, Bilbo knows nothing about the significance of his discovery , but dark powers are awaken. Olórin/Gandalf, guide of little heroes, powerful wizard, one of the Wise-Ones, and a vital thread in Tolkien's tapestry called Middle-earth.

In the next instalment of The History of The Hobbit (in simple words) : Gollum, Trolls and Goblins.

To Be Continued...

'Pale Skin-Only' and The Hobbit is accused of racism

2010-11-29T08:00:00.004Z

There is really no other way to put it, this production seems to be encountering one misfortune or problem at every turn , even when we are only a few weeks away from filming. This time is casting of people to play hobbit extra that is in the spotlight. A race row has erupted in New Zealand and Peter Jackson has been forced to issue an apology because people with darkest skin were excluded by auditioning for The Hobbit. Naz Humphreys,a British woman of Pakistani origin claims she was not allowed to audition due to her darkest complexion. In her complaint against The Hobbit casting requirements she said: "It was the opportunity of a lifetime. I would love to be an extra. But it just seemed like a shame because obviously hobbits are not brown or black or any other colour. They all look kind of homogenised beige and all derived from the Caucasian gene pool." And this is correct, in fact Professor Tolkien himself said on several occasions hobbits are based entirely on native British people which are Caucasian and very pale-skinned in colour, although it must be also noted that the Harfoots hobbits are generally described as having darkest skin. Now the question is....how much Politically Correct will Peter Jackson forced to be ? This is an unnecessary and unpleasant row.A casting agent (which will probably lose his job) placed an advertisement in a local newspaper specifying female hobbit extras "should have light skin tones" . A Wingnut Films spokesman said: "No such instructions were given, the crew member in question took it upon themselves to do that and it's not something we instructed or condoned."

Peter Jackson will use RED EPIC Cameras to film The Hobbit

2010-11-28T21:29:00.005Z

After years of rumours , misfortune and much speculation, we are finally getting closer and closer to beginning of filming of The Hobbit which is due to start early in 2011 ...only few weeks away. It's time to get the cameras ready and Peter Jackson has made his choice. The Hobbit will be filmed in 3D with 30 RED EPIC cameras which are the highest dynamic range of any digital cinema camera ever made.Jim Jannard the owner and founder of RED flew to New Zealand earlier this year with members of his team so that Jackson could test the EPIC and assess its suitability. "Everybody at RED is incredibly proud that Peter has chosen the Epic" says Jannard, "The Hobbit is a major production, and could have chosen any camera system that they wanted. The fact that they went with us is extremely gratifying."

EPIC cameras for an 'Epic' movie...Middle-earth will look amazing .

(source: collider.com)

The Hobbit Movie - Progress From Set

2010-11-26T20:01:00.007Z

The Hobbit movie is featured in Total Film UK magazine (January issue) - A brief history of the events so far, the cast and Hobbiton. Not many new' news but there are some nice aerial photos of Hobbiton movie set. The images were taken a few weeks before I visited Hobbiton , when I was there work was completed on most of the hobbit holes, and Bag End was receiving the 'finishing touches'. Orchards, flowers, and hobbit fruit trees were already planted. Sam and Rosie's home was ready. Work was still taking place at the Green Dragon across the Water, but the bridge was up and the Mill was almost completed (the water wheel was already on location but not in position). All visitor visiting Hobbiton movie set are asked to sign a 'non disclosure agreement' preventing them from publishing the photos they take, and this is why I am not able to share with you my photographs. As soon as the 'photo embargo' is lifted I will share wit you :)

http://www.totalfilm.com/

Pick Me ! Pick Me ! Michael Fassbender in The Hobbit (maybe)

2010-11-23T10:44:00.008Z

Irish/German actor Michael Fassbender has been strongly linked for a role in The Hobbit movie which is due to start filming in February 2011. Michael is on the producers wish list for the upcoming production and best known to international audiences for playing Lt. Archie Hicox in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds. Currently Michael is filming A Dangerous Method , alongside Viggo Mortensen, Keira Knightley and Vincent Cassel. Will we see him in Middle-earth ? What role could Michael play in The Hobbit ? An Elf ? Or maybe Bard the Bowman ? :)

The History of The Hobbit (in simple words) -Name : Baggins Bilbo -Status : Gentlehobbit (Part 2)

2010-11-22T08:54:00.018Z

Mr Bilbo Baggins of Bag End, the very first and 'original' hobbit created by Professor Tolkien. Bilbo Baggins was born on September 22, 2890 of the Third Age, only son of Bungo Baggins and Belladonna Took/Baggins , it is from his mother that Bilbo inherit some of the adventurousness of the Took's family. Since a very early age, Bilbo shows an unusual interest for adventures and the 'outside world' which brings him at odds with other , more traditional, hobbits. Gandalf is quick to take note of little Bilbo love for adventures on his frequent visits to the Shire - however, at the time The Hobbit 's events take place Gandalf meets Bilbo again but somehow finds him uneasy at the prospect of a real adventure.
Bilbo comes from a very well-to-do family, he is 'gentlehobbit', and seem to like nothing better then smoke his beloved pipe between meals, and will take some convincing to follow some Dwarves to a mountain to face a dragon.

-No Need For Adventures ?

Bilbo is not a 'traditional' hero, he was never to be seen as such. When we think about a 'hero' a short hobbit, round in the stomach and with hairy feet is not the first thing that comes to mind. Heroes have noble-sounding names, not funny ones like Bilbo Baggins. Professor Tolkien created the most unconventional hero and changed the notion of 'heroism' in his novels by giving 'his' hero compassion, kindness, and pity, little people that strives against all odds. If Bilbo was a 'conventional' hero he would slain Smaug , but Bilbo is not 'conventional' , Smaug is killed by Bard.
The Hobbit is not only a book about an adventure, it is also a book about Bilbo's personal journey of development. The 'gentlehobbit' we meet at the beginning of the story will gradually feel and act like a different person by overcoming his fears, and gaining confidence. By facing and killing spiders Bilbo gain the respect of the Dwarves, but it is only one part of Bilbo's transformation.
Bilbo can kill but instead will show compassion and pity towards the creature Gollum , in an act that seems of little or no significance at the moment, but one that is central to the whole history of Middle-earth. By showing pity to Gollum, Bilbo does somehow rule the destiny of his world. Gollum, still alive thanks to Bilbo's pity, will do what Frodo is unable to do at the end. Gollum destroy the One Ring on Mount Doom.

- Concerning Words and Names

And so one day the word 'hobbit' was written down on an exam paper, and this was the beginning of a wonderful adventure. " I thought I'd better find out what hobbits were like." Tolkien will note in his later writings about the origins of The Hobbit. Tolkien feels the need to seriously research this new word and give it a proper meaning and a place in his 'secondary world' which runs parallel with our world. The 'secondary world' must be described in every detail, so to make it credible, new words, names and languages are part of it.

" In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit."

Professor Tolkien is giving us an explanation in the very first sentence of his novel, as he creates an Old English sounding word 'holbytla' meaning 'hole-builder' to explain the origins of the word 'hobbit. It must also be noted that the English word 'hole' derives from the Old English 'hollow' and 'hollow' derives from the Old German word 'hobl' pronounced 'hole' .

Professor Tolkien had a passion for names and words - the origin of the surname 'Baggins' can be traced to the Middle-English surname 'Bagg' mostly found in Sommerset, which means 'money-bag'. The Baggins are very respectable and wealthy hobbits . Bilbo's father Bungo builds Bag End, one of the finest and most luxurious holes in the Four Farthings. 'Baggins' also means 'afternoon tea/snack' , something that Bilbo is very passionate about.

The name 'Bilbo' most likely comes from the name 'Balboa', a Portuguese city where very beautiful swords and blades are made. In fifteenth century England, a 'bilbo' was a very delicate sharp and deathly little sword. This is of course , a very good description of the hobbit Bilbo's blade, the Elven knife Tolkien named Sting. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End , respectable hobbit and unlikely hero - a well-to-do hobbit , with a great passion for adventures , but also for his home-comforts - Bilbo is sharp, intelligent , and even a bit dangerous, just like his very own little sword. Next week in "The History of The Hobbit'" we will learn more about Gandalf and his role in The Hobbit.

To Be Continued...

The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard in 2011

2010-11-21T09:27:00.007Z

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has announced The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard. This will be the latest expansion to the award-winning free-to-play massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG) developed by Turbine. Rise of Isengard will expand the online world of Middle-earth where players will join forces to press further eastward into the legendary region of Isengard. Rise of Isengard will be available for digital purchase in the LOTRO Store in the Autumn of 2011 with an increased level cap, the new region of Isengard including the legendary tower of Orthanc, enhancements to monster play and much more!

NEW FEATURES:

* Experience the Rise of Isengard – The Epic Story continues as the Grey Company makes its way south into Dunland, but troubles arise as their road takes them into lands where Dunlending forces, marshaled by the Wizard Saruman, prepare for war. The Rangers must seek new allies and face dangerous new foes, chief among them the traitor Saruman, whose web of intrigue threatens to endanger your quest, your friends, and your life.

* Increased Level Cap — Players will be able advance their characters up to level 70, gaining access to new traits, virtues, skills and class quests.

* Expanded Monster Play – LOTRO's monster play system will get a major revamp including opening up the feature to all players, changes to monster player skills and advancement and a brand new region for players to battle for or against the forces of evil.

I think it's time for me to get back to 'virtual Middle-earth' to get ready for The Rise of Isengard. Looking forward to face Saruman in my favorite game :)

Lord of the Rings -War in the North New Trailer

2010-11-19T08:57:00.004Z

In development by Snowblind Studios for Warner Bros. Interactive , Lord of the Rings- War in the North will bring to life a war-torn Middle-earth like you never seen it before, the game is set to release next year on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. While the ring bearer Frodo is on his quest to destroy the One Ring in the South, Sauron's forces are gathering in the North and this is where your quest begins. A new trailer has just been released for this promising action RPG.

www.warinthenorth.com

When The Hobbit meets Howard Shore

2010-11-18T10:45:00.022Z

Howard Shore is composing The Hobbit score ( theprovince.com) .That is great but not a surprise to me. It was April 2009 when I first met Mr Howard Shore in London at the Royal Albert Hall on the night of the performance of The Lord of the Rings Symphony - The Fellowship of the Ring . Before the concert Mr. Howard Shore gave a very interesting speech about how he composed the score for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and announced to the audience he was going to compose the score for The Hobbit, if the movie was ever to be made, and yes, this was April 2009. After the performance I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Shore for a few minutes . In 2010 I went back to the royal Albert Hall for The Lord of the Rings Symphony - The Tow Towers, to make it a great night out I even dressed up as Frodo. After an incredible performance I was able to meet Mr Shore again ,at the time (it was April 2010), The Hobbit movie was still in 'limbo', however when asked , Howard Shore confirmed he would work on The Lord of the Rings's prequel. Howard Shore won three Academy Awards for the scores of The Lord of the Rings's Trilogy , I can't predict the future but I have a 'hobbitishly' feeling we may see him winning a few more for The Hobbit , you read it on Once upon A Hobbit first :)

The Return of the Ring - Celebrating Tolkien in 2012

2010-11-17T10:13:00.009Z

The Tolkien Society is pleased to announce The Return of the Ring, Celebrating Tolkien in 2012, a combination of academic, fan, art, music and creative streams inspired by Professor Tolkien's work. This fantastic event will take place at Loughborough University, Leicestershire , U.K. just after the 2012 London Olympics to renew the fellowship bonds , make new friends, and celebrate the legacy of The Professor. There will be presentations on all aspects of Tolkien’s creation, a dealer’s room and an art exhibit. There will be special events planned for young Hobbits, and the ever-popular tours of Oxford and Birmingham, inspiration for Middle-earth, places dear to Tolkien's heart. The evenings will feature a variety of entertainments, including an Opening Ceremony, a Costume Masquerade, and a Ceilidh. Of course no meeting of Tolkien fans is complete without a banquet, and this one will be no exception.

Hope to see you there ! :)

Tolkien Society

The Return of the Ring 2012 (main page)

UPDATED - So, you want to be a hobbit...- Casting Calls : hobbits wanted in New Zealand

2010-11-16T12:32:00.011Z

UPDATE #1 (18 November) : The links that theonering.net is giving for The Hobbit casting calls appeared to have been taken down from the original source, therefore I am assuming all 3 calls were probably not genuine. My advice to Would-be-Hobbits in New Zealand would be to keep your eyes open for your local press, I am quite sure you will be the first to know when real Casting Calls are made :)

UPDATE #2 (19 November) : theonering.net has posted a scanned image of The Hobbit extras casting call ad as it appeared in the Bay of Plenty Times (Tauranga) .

So you always wanted to be a hobbit . You dreamed about hairy feet , mushrooms and round doors all you life, here is your chance if you live in New Zealand , your dream might just be about to come true. The One Ring.net is reporting that 3 Casting Calls for The Hobbit movie have been issued . Filming of the movie will begin early in 2011 and here are the essential requirement for all of you would-be-hobbit hopefuls

Do not shave your feet and remember to smile. Good Luck ! :)

(source : theonering.net)

The History of The Hobbit (in simple words) - ' I desired dragons...' (Part 1)

2010-11-15T19:22:00.024Z

According to Professor Tolkien himself, his very first story was written before his eighth birthday. 'It was all about a dragon' , he wrote many years later, and remembered how his beloved mother explained to him that he could not say ' green great dragon', but instead had to say 'a great green dragon'. Later in life , he would begin working on a new tale about a dragon, not green this time, but golden and very big. In his personal journey of discovery into the magical world of fantasy, Tolkien considers dragons as necessary to step into the 'Other-worlds' and create enchantment .

The dragon had the trade-mark Of Faerie written plain upon him. In whatever world he had his being it was an Other-world. Fantasy, the making or glimpsing of Other-worlds, was the heart of the desire of Faerie. I desired dragons with a profound desire. (J.R.R.Tolkien -On Fairy-Stories)

And so it happened that sometime between 1930/1933 Professor Tolkien wrote on an exam paper that he was supposed to mark :" In a hole in a ground there lived a hobbit...!" and some time later began telling his own children about a funny little creature called Bilbo Baggins, who found a magic ring that made him invisible so that he could stole a golden dragon's treasure that belonged to some Dwarves.

At the beginning Professor Tolkien did not understand why he wrote that little opening sentence, or about the creature he called 'hobbit', yet he knew it was important so he kept it in the back of his mind. Tolkien's children will remember on how in his study in front of the fireplace , their father told them a long story about a small fellow with hairy feet. The creative process is never a smooth ride and might take one on a journey of discovery. Bilbo Baggins was probably living inside Tolkien's mind for a while and the road the little hobbit was to undertake already set for him. As far as we know, the original exam paper upon which Professor Tolkien scribbled down the opening sentence of The Hobbit did not survived, however some priceless pages from the original manuscript ( 3 sheets) have been preserved.

- Concerning Mr Bilbo Baggins , Hobbit of the Shire

Unlike its sequel, The Hobbit is generally regarded as a book for young readers. Professor Tolkien himself said that the story is 'addressed to children'. First and foremost, The Hobbit is a tale of adventure about a hobbit with a very comfortable existence until one day a wizard and thirteen Dwarves whisk him off ( without his beloved handkerchief) to a Lonely Mountain, to steal a treasure from a golden dragon called Smaug. From respectable hobbit to burglar, the story of Bilbo Baggins begins in his very own home, Bag End on The Hill in the Shire. In the next instalment of "The History of The Hobbit" we will learn more about Bilbo and about his life in the Shire at the time when the events in The Hobbit took place.

To Be Continued...

Must Read : 'Looking For The King: An Inklings Novel'

2010-11-09T15:27:00.007Z

With winter fast approaching, nothing better then a good by by the fire in the evening. Here is my 'must read' for this month , a brand new novel by Dr. David C. Downing, pubblished by Ignatius Press. 'Looking For The King- An Inklings Novel' is set in Oxford in the 1940s, where two young Americans, Tom and Laura, are researching the historical evidence for the legendary King Arthur. They are helped by of the most prolific members of the Inklings, the illustrious circle of scholars, C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Hunted by dark mysterious figures, and trying to unravel Laura's dreams in the search for the truth, along the way they will make a great discovery that will change their lives forever. This an incredibly gripping novel which gives an interesting insight into Lewis and Tolkien's personalities and ideas, as well as lots of action in the search for King Arthur. Fans of Middle-earth ,Narnia , and Camelot will simply love this book. A 'must read' ! 10/10 :)

Looking For The King -An Inklings Novel

Forever Hogwarts ! Warner Bros. creating a state-of-the-art permanent UK film production base

2010-11-08T20:22:00.008Z

Allowed me to rejoice this evening . Great news for the movie industry in the United Kingdom. Both books were written by British authors. Both stories were inspired by the incredible charm and beauty of Great Britain. Both became international best-sellers and both were made into blockbuster movies. Only one of these two stories, however, will see a happy-ending in the country where it was created. After announcing that The Hobbit movie will be filmed in New Zealand a few days ago, Warner Bros. has just announced that it has bought Leavesden Studios, outside London, and will be spending £100m redeveloping the site into a state-of-the-art film making centre in the UK.

"Our multi-million pound investment in creating a state-of-the-art, permanent UK film production base further demonstrates our long-term commitment to the skills and creativity of the UK film industry." said Barry Meyer, the studio's chairman and CEO.

This is incredibly good news for the UK film making industry as it will create over 300 new jobs, and transform London in one of the biggest European movie making hubs. Many recent Warner Bros. UK productions were made at Leavesden Studios in the last few years, including all eight Harry Potter films. This move by Warner Bros. does mean also that forevermore the United Kingdom WILL BE Hogwarts. The Wizard is here to stay! As part of the new studios development, a special exhibition of the original movies sets will be built , Potter fans will be able to admire movies memorabilia. in the same place where the movies were made. Warner Bros. will also open behind-the-scenes tours to the public. Work should be completed by 2012 , so if you can't make to New Zealand for The Hobbit , you can always jump on a train and be in Hogwarts for a magical tour before lunch time :)

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer finally files for bankruptcy

2010-11-03T22:22:00.011Z

If the MGM debts saga was a movie, it would been the longest movie in the history of cinema. After what seem like an eternity, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc. has finally filed for bankruptcy protection in a very complicated deal with it's creditors which will see the debts-stricken Studios merge with Spyglass Entertainment. Papers MGM filed Wednesday include a request to keep spending money in the near future, including around $40 million to make "The Hobbit." This is the latest in a long list of troubles The Hobbit has faced in the last year or so, from the global financial crises and MGM situation, loosing a director, and issues with the actors unions and New Zealand having to do all sorts of deals and make generous offers to keep production in the country.

The Hobbit's future is almost secured , the Old Lion has finally bowed out...now let's make this movie, please :)

Oops...what about the wizard ? Sir Ian McKellen still not signed for The Hobbit

2010-11-02T20:52:00.007Z

Oops...did forget about one very important wizard ? In an interview with broadwayworld.com, Sir Ian McKellen has confirmed he is not under contract to reprise the role of Gandalf in The Hobbit movie.

QUESTION: Are you involved in THE HOBBIT?

Ian McKellen: I am not under contract, no.

So in the excitement and frenzy of the last few days...did we forget the most important wizard in Middle-earth ? I am wondering what's going on , and knowing how keen Sir Ian was to reprise Gandalf until a few months ago, this latest revelation by him comes as a bit of a surprise. There must be much more that he is not telling but one can almost read between the lines that there are some unresolved contractual issues. Pressed once more on his future roles in any movies, Sir Ian explains he is open for offers for 2011. You can re-build a movie set, you can gear up some dwarves, and give a fresh coat of paint to Bag End....but you can't re-create the 'magic' of Middle-earth without Gandalf/ Sir Ian. Will follow this development closely in the hope of good news soon.

(source : broadwayworld.com)

James Nesbitt and Adam Brown Join The Hobbit cast

2010-11-02T11:46:00.008Z

Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt has been chosen for the role of Bofur in The Hobbit movie. Nesbitt is an household name in the United Kingdom after the huge success of the comedy-drama Cold Feet (1997) and others dramatic roles since then, which brought him several nominations and awards. "James's charm, warmth and wit are legendary as is his range as an actor in both comedic and dramatic roles. We feel very lucky to be able to welcome him as one of our cast," said director Peter Jackson in a statement. Also joining Bilbo's Company is actor Adam Brown - “Adam is a wonderfully expressive actor and has a unique screen presence. I look forward to seeing him bring Ori to life ” Jackson added to his statement about the casting.

Two more names we can add to the cast already known , more names to be announced soon . Release dates for The Hobbit movies are set for December 2012 / December 2013

(James Nesbitt 's pic courtesy of ginosprio.com)

Middle-earth Inside The Heart

2010-11-01T20:20:00.013Z

I've been asking this very important question to myself in the last few weeks...'where is Middle-earth ?' After much thinking , I believe I did find the answer ...Middle-earth is inside my heart! My love and passion for Tolkien's work and my great respect for this remarkable man are the driving force behind Once Upon A Hobbit which is indeed, dedicated to his memory. To read Tolkien, to understand the meaning of his words, to learn about his legendarium and appreciate art, music and poetry inspired by it. I, like many others around the world, also love Peter Jackson's adaptation of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy which is, in my opinion, one of the greatest movies ever made - Peter Jackson is going to take us back to 'his' Middle-earth soon, The Hobbit movie will start filming in a few months time as one of the most expensive and awaited production in history , from now on, every little bit of news coming out of New Zealand concerning this movie will be broadcasts to the world many times over while anticipation grows....do we really need to know everything ? Remember how you felt the first time you saw The Lord of the Rings without knowing much about the details/cast/locations and what was going on during filming ? A week after The Hobbit movie received the green-light, there is a kind of frenzy surrounding Middle-earth, to me it feels like a laud cacophony of noise have replaced the peaceful silence of a green forest - please forgive me if I don't join the bandwagon of noise , I am a hobbit and as such I like the peace and quiet of my little Bag End. Of course I'll keep you informed of all the latest from set (when I can do so) but I solemnly promise that I will not spoil the magic of Middle-earth for you. :)

Hobbitishly Yours

Leilani Sweetrose

I sit beside the fire and think...

2010-11-01T15:58:00.005Z

I sit beside the fire and think

of all that I have seen,
of meadow-flowers and butterflies
In summers that have been;

Of yellow leaves and gossamer
in autumns that there were,
with morning mist and silver sun
and wind upon my hair.

I sit beside the fire and think
of how the world will be
when winter comes without a spring
that I shall ever see.

For still there are so many things
that I have never seen:
in every wood in every spring
there is a different green.

I sit beside the fire and think
of people long ago,
and people who will see a world
that I shall never know.

But all the while I sit and think
of times there were before,
I listen for returning feet
and voices at the door.

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Sexiest dwarves ever ! Well, next to Dopey and Grumpy, and one cute hobbit

2010-10-29T21:45:00.029+01:00

And so (as I said a looooong time ago) very talented and incredibly cute British actor Martin Freeman will be Mr Bilbo Baggins of Bag End on the Hill. I am so glad that after months...well, years of speculations, Peter Jackson picked Martin to play the leading role in The Hobbit because I personally think he is the best man to play a hobbit on a greatest adventure. With the movie finally 'good-to-go' for filming very soon, Peter Jackson has also started talking about some of the actors that will play the dwarves in the cinematic adaptation of J.R.R.Tolkien's beloved novel...and here a few surprises as some of these guys will be the sexiest dwarves on a big screen since Dopey & Co. Leicester-born,British actor Richard Armitage will be the face of "...a very important dwarf..." , Thorin Oakenshield which promise to be a very popular dwarf with the ladies.

And if Thorin was not good-looking enough, enter Fili and Kili, played respectively by Irish actor Aidan Turner and English actor Rob Kazinsky, and here I am already wondering how much make-up will be use to make these very handsome actors looking like a bunch of dwarves...remember Gimli ? No one could even dream of such a very attractive bunch of dwarves...not even Snow White.

Wait...there is more....Scottish actor Graham Mc Tavish (perfect choice) will be the face of Dwalin and has already my vote as the most handsome dwarf in the Company.

Other confirmed roles so far are New Zealand actors Stephen Hunter as Bombur, John Callen as Óin, son of Gróin, and Peter Hambleton as Glóin. This is it for the evening, more names will be announced soon so stay tuned for more :)

Well, I am back !

2010-10-29T07:08:00.009+01:00

Still jet-lagged after almost 30 hours sitting on planes, one (very busy) month in New Zealand, over a thousand photos, and memories to last me a life-time...as old Samwise once said :'Well, I am back !' You probably know the last 30 days or so have been full of events and drama surrounding The Hobbit movie, for sure it's been a very busy time in New Zealand. I was there witnessing the unfolding events and discovering 'Middle-earth', and understanding how vital this movie production is for the country as a whole, forcing the national government and Prime Minister John Key to take firm action to keep the movie in New Zealand by passing an emergency bill to clarify the position of contractors within the film industry. These new laws are somehow controversial and not supported by everybody, with some claiming the government of N.Z. is playing a 'political game' and bending to big overseas investment and pressure in order to silence the actors union and discontent. True of the matter is that The Hobbit movie is essential to boost the whole of the economy of this small country emerging from a global recession. So all is good, Middle-earth as we remember it from The Lord of the Rings Trilogy will soon be back. Martin Freeman has been confirmed for the leading role of Bilbo Baggins and I am very glad I can say..."I told you so" back in April, although I knew for a while he was the first choice for Bilbo. As for little me...well, I am back from New Zealand where I had a fantastic time, touring the whole country, visiting places connected with Middle-earth, including Hobbiton, Edoras, Rivendell, and many many more. I discovered that New Zealand is much more then movie sets, it is truly a beautiful country, welcoming and clean and it was a great honour for me to be able to meet some very special people there. So our journey through Middle-earth continues on Once Upon A Hobbit. A special thanks...kia ora to Red Carpet Tours for a great vacation, and to Weta Workshop, and WingNut Films for their kindness.

Boarding The Night Flight To Middle-Earth (New Zealand)

2010-09-27T12:37:00.005+01:00

My dearest hobbits, I think I am ready for an other adventure. I will fly to New Zealand this evening for One Adventure To Rule Them All. I am following in Bilbo and Frodo's footsteps , on a quest to discover Middle-Earth. I will try to update Once Upon A Hobbit on the road when I can, but cannot promise a running commentary as I will rely on free wi-fi. I am looking forward to share this adventure in Middle-Earth with you all :)

Me go and see Elves and all ! Horray !

Peter Jackson on his quest to save The Hobbit movie

2010-09-26T18:09:00.006+01:00

In an uncharacteristic move, Peter Jackson has released a statement concerning The Hobbit movie. Several Actor's Unions asked their members to boycott the movie , and refuse to work on The Lord of the Rings prequel because actors may be employed on inferior non-union contracts. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) says Sir Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving also support the boycott. Peter Jackson released a 4 pages statement last night to point out he is "not anti-union in the slightest" and that he "always honoured actors" . Jackson believes MEAA has a clear agenda based on money and power. Australia’s MEAA, and others have been trying to get The Hobbit production to sign Union Contracts as a safeguard for their members, however Peter Jackson thinks this in only an attempts from the Australians to gain more control over the New Zealand movie industry.

"I can't see beyond the ugly spectre of an Australian bully-boy using what he perceives as his weak Kiwi cousins to gain a foothold in this country's film industry. They want greater membership, since they get to increase their bank balance.I feel growing anger at the way this tiny minority is endangering a project that hundreds of people have worked on over the last two years, and the thousands about to be employed for the next four years, [and] the hundreds of millions of Warner Brothers dollars that is about to be spent in our economy." Peter Jackson said.

Loosing The Hobbit would be a real blow for New Zealand - Warner Bros would lose all the money that has already been invested and would most likely never work in the country again. The Hobbit movie would go East (Europe, most likely), or it would simply be put on hold indefinitely. MEAA national director Simon Whipp said however that "all performers" are concerned about the lack of standard union contracts for The Hobbit movie. MEAA has approached all those rumored or already confirmed for roles and The Hobbit, and said to have received 'strong support' from all. Union officials offered to travel to Los Angeles to meet Studios representatives, but such offer was refused. One can't help but wander if we will ever be able to see The Hobbit made into a movie.

(source : The Dominion Post - Stuff.co.nz)

Statement regarding The Hobbit and claims by the Australian Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA):

The Australian Labour Union, the MEAA is using our production The Hobbit in an attempt to widen it's membership, and power within the New Zealand film industry. As a New Zealand filmmaker, who has nothing to hide or be ashamed about, I'm not going to see this threatening behaviour continue without some form of sensible discussion about the "facts" and "truth" behind their various allegations.

It's incredibly easy to wave the flag on behalf of workers and target the rich studios. It's not hard to generate an emotive response, nor is it hard to sway public opinion, since nobody seems to like the facts to get in the way of a good story in these situations.

Behind the claims of exploiting actors who are cast in the "non-Union" Hobbit production, and claims that various high-profile stars will refuse to take part in the films, there are clear agendas at work. As usual with these agendas, they are based on money and power.

I am not a lawyer, nor am I an expert in unions and how they operate - but I like to think I have a degree of common sense, and that's what I'm basing my observations on. Let me run over a few facts:

-- Personally speaking, I'm not anti-Union in the slightest. I'm a very proud and loyal member of three Hollywood Unions - the Directors Guild, the Producers Guild and the Writers Guild. I support the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). All these organisations (I must confess I'm not entirely sure what the difference is between a "Guild" and a "Union") do terrific work on behalf of their members.

-- Many Actors are members of SAG, but many are not -- especially younger actors and many Australian and New Zealand performers. MEAA claims we are "non-Union", but whenever we hire an actor who belongs to SAG, we always honour their working conditions, their minimum salary agreements and their residuals.

-- The SAG residuals is a small pot of money that comes from the movie's profits. The DGA and WGA have similar schemes. An agreed upon percentage of movie profits is placed in a pot, which is shared amongst the members of the guild who worked on the film in question. Despite MEAA claims that The Hobbit is "non-Union", our studio, Warner Brothers, is honouring these residuals, and making the profit sharing available to all the various Guild members - just as it did on The Lord of the Rings, and Universal did on King Kong.

-- These residuals can be worth tens of thousands of dollars to an individual if the film is successful - however the normal situation is that if an actor is not a member of SAG, they do not share in the profit pot.

-- This has always struck us as unfair, since most Kiwi actors are not lucky enough to be SAG members. For the Hobbit, Warner Brothers have agreed to create a separate pot of profit participation, which will be divided up amongst non-SAG actors who are cast in the film. This was not done because of any pressure from Guilds or Unions - it was actually Warners doing the decent thing, and New Zealand and Australian actors will be the principle beneficiaries. SAG members have their pot, and non-SAG members now have theirs. We have introduced the scheme to Kiwi agents and it's now part of all our Hobbit cast deals.

-- Whatever damage MEAA is attempting to do -- and it will do damage, since that's their principal objective in targeting The Hobbit - we will continue to treat our actors and crew with respect, as we always have.

-- As I said earlier, money and power lies behind this threatening behaviour from our Australian cousins, and to fully understand that, you simply have to step back and look at the greater picture in context.

-- It starts with "NZ Actors Equity". This is a tiny organisation that represents a small minority of New Zealand Actors. They are not a Union, and have none of the legal status of a Union. They are a ... well, a smallish group who have some New Zealand actors as members. How many actors are members of NZ Equity? They guard that information very closely, but various reports I've seen put their membership at 200, although somebody in the know swears it's nearer 100.

-- How many professional actors are there in New Zealand? Somewhere between 2000 and 4000, depending on just how you describe a "professional actor". Obviously most Kiwi actors have other employment too, but there's certainly over 2000 actors available to cast in a film production.

-- So taking the most generous numbers, NZ Actors Equity represents 200 out of 2000 Kiwi actors, or 10%. Perhaps I'm wrong, and if so, NZ Equity will no doubt reveal their real membership numbers.

- Now there's nothing wrong with NZ Actors Equity representing 10% of the actors in this country. It's great that they offer that service, and if an actor chooses, there's a supportive group they can join. Obviously the more actors that join NZ Equity, the better, since these organisations usually survive by taking a small percentage of their members acting fees. I'm guessing that Equity do something like that. Recently they have been part-funded by MEAA.

- Over the last 10 years our relationship with NZ Equity has been rocky -- whenever we cast an "overseas actor", we get a letter telling us why such and such Kiwi actor would be so much better in the role. In most cases we have already auditioned the actor in question, and formed our own opinions -- but what strikes me as unfair, is how this "helpful" service of suggesting better choices only includes the "Equity 200". If you happen to be a good actor who doesn't belong to NZ Equity (and many don't), you're automatically not good enough to be put forward.

-- What really does strike me as wrong, and this is my personal opinion, is the why that the MEAA is using NZ Actors Equity as a vehicle to represent the voices and opinions of New Zealand actors. A couple of years ago, the members of NZ Actors Equity voted to join some kind of alliance with the Australian MEAA group. At the time, there were voices of alarm at how this relationship could damage the interest of Kiwi Actors, but the merger went ahead - and now we're about to find out just how damaging it's going to be.

-- As far as I know, the membership of NZ Actors Equity was allowed into the MEAA, meaning that the Australian MEAA organisation represents 200 out of 2000 Kiwi actors. I don't believe it represents non-Equity NZ actors. It speaks on behalf of a tiny minority of our actors.

-- The management of NZ Equity are clearly happy to be used as a political football by the Australians -- but my sympathy goes to the 1800 New Zealand Actors who are not part of the "Equity 200", but who are going to suffer the fallout if this Hobbit thing goes nuclear.

-- I also feel a growing anger at the way this tiny minority is endangering a project that hundreds of people have worked on over the last two years, and the thousands about to be employed for the next 4 years. The hundreds of millions of Warner Brothers dollars that is about to be spent in our economy.

-- Why is this endangered? Because the "demands" of MEAA cannot be agreed to, or even considered - by law - and therefore the only options that remain involve closing the Hobbit down, or more likely shifting the production to Europe. It could so easily happen. I've been told that Disney are no longer bring movies to Australia because of their frustration with the MEAA.

-- The MEAA is demanding that the Hobbit production company (Warners owned, 3foot7 Ltd) enter into negotiations for a Union negotiated agreement covering all performers on the film.

-- I personally have a problem with any organisation who represent a small minority, but attempt to take control of everyone - but that's not the real issue. The complex web of NZ labour laws are the reason why this demand will never be agreed to.

-- NZ law prohibits engaging in collective bargaining with any labour organisation representing performers who are independent contractors, as film actors clearly are. The NZ Commerce Act claims it would be unlawful to engage with an Australian Union on these matters.

In closing:

My personal opinion is that this is a grab for power. It does not represent a problem that needs a solution. There will always be differing opinions when it comes down to work and conditions, but I have always attempted to treat my actors and crew with fairness and respect. We have created a very favourable profit sharing pool for the non-Union actors on The Hobbit -- and now the Union is targeting us, despite the fact that we have always respected SAG conditions and residuals.

I can't see beyond the ugly spectre of an Australian bully-boy, using what he perceives as his weak Kiwi cousins to gain a foothold in this country's film industry. They want greater membership, since they get to increase their bank balance.

The conspiracy theories are numerous, so take your pick: We have done better in recent years, with attracting overseas movies -- and the Australians would like a greater slice of the pie, which begins with them using The Hobbit to gain control of our film industry. There is a twisted logic to seeing NZ humiliated on the world stage, by losing the Hobbit to Eastern Europe. Warners would take a financial hit that would cause other studios to steer clear of New Zealand.

-- Seriously, if the Hobbit goes east (Eastern Europe in fact) -- look forward to a long dry big budget movie drought in this country.

-- Others gain from that too. SAG would much rather have it's members hired on movies -- as opposed to non-SAG actors. The easiest way to control that, is to stem what are called "runaway productions", which are American funded films made outside of America. The Hobbit is one of them, as was King Kong and LOTR. SAG, which is naturally supporting MEAA, would see it's own benefit in studios having a miserable experience in Australia/New Zealand. That may well be pushing the conspiracy theories one step too far, and it's perfectly natural that one Union would support another - but the point is that in the complex web of Hollywood intrigue, you never really know who's doing what to whom and why.

But it sure feels like we are being attacked simply because we are a big fat juicy target - not for any wrong doing. We haven't even been greenlit yet! It feels as if we have a large Aussie cousin kicking sand in our eyes ... or to put it another way, opportunists exploiting our film for their own political gain.

Peter Jackson

(NB: This represents Peter Jackson's opinion as a Kiwi filmmaker, and not that of Warner Bros or New Line Cinema, who were not consulted about this statement.)

(statement source : Deadline.com)

Actor's Unions tell members to boycott The Hobbit movie

2010-09-26T08:00:00.008+01:00

What is it with this particular movie ? Every time we seem close to a resolution of some sort, something comes up which throw shadows and doubts over the whole production again.I am learning from The Hollywood Reporter that things are not going as smoothly as I would hope with The Hobbit movie . Actors Guilds from all over the world, including SAG and AFTRA, and several others have issued an alert :"members are advised not to accept work on this non-union production." This alert comes after MGM/New Line apparently refused to come to some agreement with the New Zealand unit of an Australian actors union. The Hobbit movie has not 'officially' received a green-light (which is probably why the producers cannot enter any contract with the unions), however preparation for filming are actively continuing in New Zealand, and casting offers to actors are said to be 'imminent'. THR is reporting that this labour dispute has been going on for several weeks with letters exchanges between the International Federation of Actors (FIA), Australia’s MEAA, and others complaining that the producers have refused to sign a union contract, which prompted Actors Unions in the U.S., Canada, the UK and Australia to issue their members with a strong-worded alert on Friday. MGM , New Line and The Hobbit production have not commented on the situation. This kind of 'Do Not Work!" guidelines to actors are not a new occurrence, however it is very rare for a major production like The Hobbit to be be targeted. No matter how positive and upbeat we try to be, The Hobbit production seems to be jinxed...Bilbo is sad.

Calling All Hobbits - No Shoes Required

2010-09-24T16:22:00.004+01:00

You always need a few spare hobbits ready, just in case. Better be prepared The Hobbit movie could start production at any time between now and January 2011. BBC news is reporting that a casting call has been issued by Peter Jackson's Wingnut Films in New Zealand. Casting call is for men 123cm (4ft) to 158cm (5ft 2ins) tall and women measuring 123cm to 153cm (5ft), applicants 'must' be over 16 years of age and meet the height requirements, to be able to take part. . The movie is yet to receive the 'green-light' from the Studios, but things are clearly moving in the background. This casting call is for 'scale doubles', and further auditions for 'extras' will be held at a latter date. This round of auditions will take place Sunday at the National Dance and Drama Centre in Wellington, New Zealand.

A Long-Expected Party - Happy Birthday Bilbo and Frodo !

2010-09-22T07:30:00.007+01:00

On September 22nd, 2890 a little hobbit was born to Bungo Baggins and Belladonna Baggins (née Took). The little baby hobbit was named Bilbo, and although the exact location of his birth is not recorded it is most likely it was at Bag End on the Hill . 78 years later, on September 22nd, 2968, an other little hobbit was born to Drogo Baggins and Primula Baggins (née Brandybuck), in Buckland, the baby was named Frodo. Today we celebrate Bilbo and Frodo's birthday with a Long-Expected Party. September is a very busy month in the Shire as it is Harvest time, and hobbits are busy getting ready for the winter, Tolkien's choice of September 22nd for so many important events in not just a coincidence, he was a great believer in rural and farming life , and he knew that September 22nd is the time when farming communities celebrate the Harvest Festival. This is the time to look back on the past year and what you have achieved and learnt, and to plan for the future, so this is why so much importance is given to this month, and this particular day in Tolkien's Legendarium. Many events will take place over the years in Middle-Earth on this day , the celebration of Bilbo and Frodo's birthday in 3001 (The Fellowship of the Ring). Bilbo and the Dwarves reaching Lake-Town where they enjoy a nice feast (The Hobbit). Frodo leaving the Shire with Sam in 3018, as the journey of the One Ring begins (The Fellowship of the Ring). Samwise Gamgee leaving the Shire in 3082 , after passing the Red Book to his daughter Elanor, to make his way to the Grey Havens, and pass over Sea,into the West... last of the Ring-bearers (from the appendices). A very special day indeed.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILBO AND FRODO
From Once Upon A Hobbit

The Hobbit - 73 today !

2010-09-21T16:44:00.008+01:00

73 years ago today, a young child called Rayner Unwin, received a brand new book from his father Stanley Unwin (Tolkien's publisher) .Rayner was asked to read to book and write a review for it, he was paid the standard fee of one shilling. As he later said, "It was the best shilling the firm ever spent". The opening sentence of that book was to become one of the most famous book opening of all time :

"In a hole in the ground, there lived a Hobbit"

By Christmas that year, The Hobbit's first printing was sold-out. Professor Tolkien painted the original dustjacket in the style of William Morris, a designer he admired greatly. I was lucky enough to admire the original Tolkien's dustjacket for The Hobbit earlier this year in Oxford. It is without doubts, one of Tolkien's best illustrations which demonstrates his sense of visual design.

73 years on, translated into virtually every language on the planet, and many publications later, The Hobbit still remains one of the greatest books ever written.

The Hobbit 's First Review by Rayner Unwin (age 10):

"Bilbo Baggins was a Hobbit who lived in his Hobbit hole and never went for adventures, at last Gandalf the wizard and his Dwarves persuaded him to go. He had a very exciting time fighting goblins and wargs. At last they get to the lonely mountain; Smaug, the dragon who guards it is killed and after a terrific battle with the goblins he returned home — rich! This book, with the help of maps, does not need any illustrations it is good and should appeal to all children between the ages of 5 and 9."

The Hobbit - Published September 21, 1937

Help the Fellowship ! Support The Online Walk In Virtual Middle-earth For Charity

2010-09-21T06:23:00.012+01:00

The friends of A Casual Stroll to Mordor (CSTM), a blog and podcast about Lord of the Rings Online game, are about to embark on The Fellowship's Walk , an online fundraiser event for Child's Play charity in Lord of the Rings Online. Donations goes to Child's Play, participants will retrace the Fellowship's steps in Middle-Earth! This very special Fellowship will depart from Bag End in the Shire and following Frodo’s steps, will walk through Middle-Earth in the game The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO) by Turbine. Every donation will help the Fellowship to travel further along to reach Rivendell. This Child’s Play fundraising event will take place from September 23rd, the actual departure date of the original fellowship from the Shire, up to October 24th, when Frodo woke up in Imladris. Every night, at 9 p.m. (EST), the members of the Fellowship will walk the land on the Landroval server, moved by your generosity.

Live broadcast, special interviews and numerous giveaways await contributors and participants. For more details on the event or make a donation, visit http://www.casualstrolltomordor.com/childsplay. A Casual Stroll to Mordor (CSTM) is a fansite blog and podcast dedicated to the online video game The Lord of the Rings Online™ (LOTRO). For more information on CSTM please visit www.casualstrolltomordor.com

Child's Play is a charity supported by the gaming community since 2003. Its mission is to donate games, movies and toys to sick children in hospitals. So far, over 5 millions dollars worth of toys has been distributed through Child’s Play, helping children around the world go through hard times.

Thank you for your help and support! :)

The day Tolkien met the Pope

2010-09-19T10:13:00.008+01:00

Today is the day when Tolkien met Pope Benedict XVI at a special Mass in Cofton Park, Birmingham. Tim Tolkien, great-nephew of J.R.R. Tolkien, was commissioned to sculpt a very special statue of Cardinal John Henry Newman. The Pope will today beatify Cardinal Newman in Cofton Park, a place J.R.R. Tolkien loved and used to visit in his early years in Birmingham. The strong connection between Tolkien and Cardinal Newman don't end here. Professor Tolkien was taught by Brother Francis Xavier Morgan from the Birmingham Oratory , founded by Cardinal Newman. Just before her death Tolkien's mother Mabel, assigned the guardianship of her sons, John and Hilary Arthur, to Brother Francis Xavier Morgan , so the boys could be brought up as devoted Catholics. Brother Francis became a very important figure and role model in the lives of the two young boys growing up in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham. Cardinal Newman's statue will be installed in Cofton Park, just a few meters away from where it was blessed by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.

The Neverendig Saga - MGM granted a new payment extension

2010-09-16T08:03:00.004+01:00

The Old Lion sat there, staring in the distance and lost in it's thoughts. And so it is told that MGM was granted a new extension for the repayment of debts. Seven times more time was asked, seven times more time was granted. Seasons had come and gone, once more Summer became Autumn, with no sign of an ending in the ' You'll never see our money' saga. October 29, 2010 is the 'new' pay day...but let's be honest, repayment of MGM's huge debts will most likely never happen. This Old Lion is expected to slowly make it's way to a bankruptcy court, unless a credible plan to restructure the Studio is presented. Last week Spyglass Entrainment signed, sealed, and delivered a letter of Intent to take over MGM, and lenders have now until the end of October to approve of this plan. What about The Hobbit movie , then ? In the past week we had once more heard of a possible January 2011 date for filming to start, but we still not know 'officially' who will helm the project although Peter Jackson seem to be in charge, for now at least. If at this point you can hear The Neverending Story's tune playing in your head, be reassured you are not alone.

The charm of a dark Lord of the Rings in Finnish

2010-09-15T19:52:00.008+01:00

Today I came across (via io9.com) an old and very intriguing version of The Lord of the Rings in Finnish entitled Hobitit. This was a nine-part Finnish television series, from 1993, of J.R.R Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Narrated by Sam, that covers the whole trilogy. I must admit I really like the sound of the Finnish language , I remember once a friend from Finland telling me how Finnish is one of the most difficult languages to learn, yet somehow to me, it does sound familiar. Professor Tolkien was a scholar with a deep knowledge of old languages. Tolkien's Quenya (the language of the High Elves), was inspired by Finnish. Tolkien taught himself Finnish in order to read the Kalevala, a 19Th-century compilation of old Finnish songs and stories .

Personally I enjoyed watching this old Finnish version of The Lord of the Rings, which really look great considering it was a low-budget production. I like the 'dark' atmosphere, and the acting is really good. Here is part 1 with English subtitles, enjoy!

Billy Boyd is hoping for a 'small scene' in The Hobbit

2010-09-13T13:20:00.006+01:00

The guys of entertainment.stv.tv had the chance to chat with Billy Boyd about The Hobbit movie. Of course we all know that the character of Pippin was not born when the events of The Hobbit takes place, so sadly we would not see Billy again...right? Maybe not, but Billy is still hoping for a phone call from New Zealand :

'Knowing Pete, and if we are all free...we may show up as each other's fathers or something..in a sort of...you know...a quick scene. I hope we do something like that but I certainly could not reprise Pippin, because he wouldn't be born.' (Billy Boyd)

Now, this is not the first time members of the original cast of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy express their wish of working together again , in New Zealand under the direction of Peter Jackson, and talks of some kind of 'bridge scene' to link The hobbit to it's sequel remains a dream and a hope many fans cherish. Billy Boyd, gracious and wonderful as ever conclude the interview with the most heart-felt statement about Peter Jackson. You are a star Billy! :)

'To work for Peter Jackson again ?...Yes, I would not need to read the script. If he ask me to work in any of his movies I'll be there!' (Billy Boyd)

Video interview with Billy Boyd

source : entertainment.stv.tv

The Hobbit in Under 2 Minutes

2010-09-11T20:26:00.004+01:00

The most concise version ever of The Hobbit in like, under 2 minutes by the Brothers Grim & Grimy . Something to make you smile on the weekend....

There once was a little dude that lived in a cosy hole....

Neill Blomkamp will direct The Hobbit ? (news coming out of New Zealand)

2010-09-10T21:03:00.006+01:00

flicks.co.nz is reporting that South African/Canadian director Neill Blomkamp (District 9) will helm The Hobbit movie. Really....? Mmmh tell you what, I keep remembering Peter Jackson's mantra while reading this latest apparent scoop : 'Never believe what you read on the Internet' . It is my personal opinion that The Hobbit is so important and valuable for MGM and New Line Cinema for them to be happy to hire such a young and relatively unknown director. Then again, I might just be wrong, maybe hard financial times call for difficult choices. Would his style fit The Hobbit ? Would he be able to follow in Peter Jackson's steps and deliver the same epic Middle-Earth? My hobbit's heart is telling me he would not be as good ...but my hobbit's head is reminding me that Peter Jackson's input would still be there as a producer ...but would that be enough to deliver the same epic awesomeness of The Lord of the Rings ? Blomkamp has been linked to The Hobbit since June, when fansite theonering.net first mentioned District 9 director as a possible candidate to take over Guillermo del Toro, after his abrupt departure. Just an other rumor or the truth ? You decide.

Spyglass signs a letter of intent to take over MGM

2010-09-08T22:32:00.005+01:00

The Los Angeles Times and Reuters are reporting that Spyglass Entertainment has signed a 'non biding' letter of intent to take over the management of movie studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The signed letter must now be approved by the creditors and board of directors. The deadline for MGM debts repayment is next week, therefore we can expect a resolution of some sort before then. I would hope the creditors and directors will now approve this deal that would free the studios to start working again on several projects, including of course, The Hobbit movie.

Maybe Bilbo ! Or how Martin Freeman could still land the leading role in The Hobbit

2010-09-08T21:09:00.006+01:00

Well...glad you did follow my advice yesterday, Martin! This evening news is reaching me that Martin Freeman could still end up playing as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit movie, after all. Entertainment Weekly is reporting that according to sources close to The Hobbit movie production, the filming schedule could be adjusted so to allow Martin Freeman to honour his previous commitment with the BBC in the TV series 'Sherlock'. Negotiations are ongoing, so keep your hairy toes crossed...if all goes well , Martin Freeman will be Bilbo! :)

Did Martin Freeman 'really' turn down Bilbo Baggins ?

2010-09-07T11:20:00.009+01:00

This morning the news is all about Martin Freeman and how my first choice to play Bilbo Baggins has (apparently) turned down the lead role offered to him by Peter Jackson. As always with every news about The Hobbit movie, this new revelation by an 'unspecified' source is spreading like wild fire across the Internet. So why do I feel a bit sceptical about it ? Maybe is because it comes from The Sun, or maybe because, in my heart I am still hoping to see Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins. Let's analyze The Sun article to understand exactly what the newspaper is claiming....first thing first, the article opens by stating that 'loyal' (strange choice of word ) Martin Freeman has turned down a seven-figure salary to play Bilbo in order to keep playing as Dr. Watson in the TV series 'Sherlock'. The article continues stating that the offer came too late for Martin Freeman as he had already signed for an other series of 'Sherlock' episodes next year, pointing out that to turn down the role of Bilbo was one of the most difficult decision Freeman had to take in his life....I bet it was, c'mon Martin Freeman...we are talking about Bilbo Baggins in J.R.R. Tolkien's novel adaptations , surely one could find a way out of contract with ' Sherlock' , surely you must know that this could be the best chance of your life as an actor. I cannot believe that anyone would turn down Bilbo and the chance to work with Peter Jackson on what will be an other 'epic' production. Talking from the heart, Martin...I've been a strong supporter of you as Bilbo since last year, I am convinced you are the best man/hobbit for the job, and deep down you know that too. Now, please (if you still have time) reconsider, and give Peter Jackson a call in New Zealand.

So this 'unspecified' source also told The Sun that now the hunt for Bilbo is again on and that Peter Jackson is now looking for a 'for a hidden gem' . That gem is still called 'Martin' in my heart....sorry to see you walking away from a dream :(

(source: The Sun)

'Not a bad fellow as wizards go' Will Radagast the Brown (Sylvester McCoy ?) get a 'Bigger' Role in The Hobbit ?

2010-08-30T07:51:00.015+01:00

Sylvester McCoy has been rumored already in connection with casting for The Hobbit, now some sort of confirmation of this rumor has emerged from the Scottish newspaper Dunoon Observer and Argyllshire Standard. McCoy was the Chieftain of the Cowal Games and Gathering and while there he confirmed he is to take a role in The Hobbit. Sylvester McCoy was originally one of Peter Jackson's favorites for the role of Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy , role that eventually went to Sir Ian Holm. This connection with Bilbo and McCoy meeting with Jackson a few weeks ago in London , led to speculations he was to take the role of the beloved hobbit in the movie.

"I am being cast in The Hobbit. We're currently in negotiations - there are two of us under consideration. It's not the Bilbo role, but could be bigger." (Sylvester McCoy)

A BIGGER role then Bilbo in The Hobbit? Wait a minute... who in Middle-Earth could be bigger then Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit? Gandalf...maybe? McCoy told the Scottish newspaper that he will not be Bilbo but he is been considered (with an other unknown actor) for a role as one of the wizards in The Hobbit. So here is where the mystery thickens. In the Hobbit the main character is Bilbo. As wizards go, we have Gandalf of course (role that belongs to Sir Ian McKellen), a second wizard in mentioned only briefly in the book, Radagast the Brown, (Gandalf calles him " my cousin'). Radagast is associated with nature, he is a master of shapes, and guardian of animal and plant lore, and lives in Rhosgobel on the western border of Mirkwood. He is known to Beorn, the skin-changer who lived to the north near the Carrock. Radagast the Brown is a very interesting character however his role in The Hobbit is not 'bigger' then Bilbo or Gandalf , (unless someone is re-writing the book from scratch for the movie), nevertheless a character that deserves to be develop further, I think. One thing is for sure...it is nice to be able to put an other 'face and name' to the cast list for The Hobbit which, (MGM's debts troubles permitting), will start filming early next year.

(source: Dunoon Observer and Argyllshire Standard)
(picture: Radagast the Brown by Ajraan on Deviantart)

Still Uncertainty On The Hobbit - Peter Jackson Talks About His Dreams and Hopes

2010-08-25T22:40:00.006+01:00

The Hobbit movie is still shrouded in uncertainty although a resolution should be 'reached soon' according to the latest news coming directly from Peter Jackson. In a long chat with The Dominion Post, P.J. is hopeful for some news about The Hobbit movie in the next few weeks. As we stand, The Hobbit has no 'official' Director and all work has stalled while the MGM's debts saga is dragging on. In the meantime, Jackson talks about his dream to make a movie about the Anzacs (Australia and New Zealand Army Corp), a project that has been close to his heart for many years. Although The Hobbit movie is and still remains in 'limbo', a few auditions are still taking place which gives me some hope . The next deadline for MGM's debts repayment is in September, and my guess would be that we shall know by then what the future holds for our very unlucky The Hobbit.

(source: The Dominion Post/Stuff.co.nz)

A Bit More On Billy Boyd - Or How Easily Things A Hobbit Say Are Taken Out Of Contest On The Internet

2010-08-25T09:00:00.017+01:00

Do you remember I told you the other day that Billy Boyd had no money after reading the news on the Iternet ? I just found out this is indeed not correct , Billy's quote (form a much longer interview) was taken completely out of contest, and as often on the Internet, the 'Chinese whispers' that followed on many other websites/blogs , was blown out of proportion. So here is the REAL story , directly from No.1 Magazine.co.uk which was (I discovered) the original source of Billy's quote about money. Billy was born in Glasgow, Scotland where he graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, where he earned a diploma in Dramatic Arts, but also worked as a book-binder for 7 years, Curiously one of the book he did bind was Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings , a few years later he was to become Peregrin 'Pippin' Took in Peter Jackson's Epic Trilogy. Billy is a talented musician and even wrote the melody for the song 'The Edge of Night' which features in The Return of the King.

As he prepares for a U.K. tour of Sunshine on Leith-The Musical, he had the chance to have a chat with No.1 Magazine.co.uk about his past and future work, his wonderful family, his life in Scotland and more. To a direct question about the money he made while working on The Lord of the Rings , Billy explain that at the time he was an unknown actor ,'we did it for peanuts, and for food.' which is the quote that was taken out of contest. The fact that he did not make any money from The Lord of the Rings, does not mean he is broke as other sites/blogs are reporting.

Always remember Peter Jackson's view on the the World Wide Web : 'Never ever believe what you read on the Internet!' I strongly advise you to go on No.1 Magazine.co.uk and read the full interview with Billy because there is so much more there about our favorite hobbit. One of the thing I admire most about Billy is that he made the choice to keep living with his family in Scotland, the place where is was born and that he loves. It is not always easy for an actor to live away from Los Angeles or London but Billy puts the happiness of his family before anything else. Billy Boyd is a wonderful person (hobbit), talented actor and great family man and even is it turns out he has 'a dime or two' he still has all my love. Sweet of a Took! :)

Billy Boyd full interview on No.1 Magazine.co.uk

'The Edge of Night' (Great Cover) Words by J.R.R.Tolkien- Melody by Billy Boyd

UPDATED: Sweet Of A Took ! Billy Boyd Has No Money ...But He Has All My Love!

2010-08-23T17:06:00.008+01:00

READ UPDATE

My favorite hobbit and Scotsman has recently revealed (Yahoo Movies U.K.) he has no money despite starring as sweet Peregrin 'Pippin' Took in one of the greatest movies ever. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy made over £2 billions since it's release. Billy calls himself a "struggling actor ".

"I don't have any money. We were unknown actors. We did it for peanuts, and for food." (Yahoo Movies U.K. )

There is however no bitterness or regret in his frank statement about his finances and career prospect , and he is at peace with the thought that the role of Pippin in Peter Jackson's adaptation of Tolkien greatest novel, will most likely be the biggest film he ever stared in. 'Never say never' my sweet hobbit - although you may not be as wealthy of successful as some of the other main cast actors from The Lord of the Ring, you have my love and respect for giving a wonderful face and a great heart to my favorite hobbit. Money comes and goes, bank accounts gets big and then small ...but 'once a hobbit...always a hobbit'! You'll never be alone 'Sweet of a Took', fans of Tolkien and of the Trilogy all over the world will always be there for you ...and I'll be the first in line :)

(source: Yahoo Movies U.K.)

When Gamling Meets Brodo - Bruce Hopkins Talks To Kiwi Legend Ian Brodie

2010-08-23T14:03:00.017+01:00

We all remember Bruce Hopkins's as Gamling in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (The Two Towers -The Return of the King). The role of Gamling was added later in production of the films, yet he has left a mark. These days , Kiwi actor and former dancer Bruce Hopkins lives happily in New Zealand with his family and run his own radio show on RadioLIVE NZ. Last week Bruce had the chance to talk to Kiwi legend Ian Brodie about his many interests and passions, including of course, Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, his life in New Zealand and more. Ian Brodie is one of the greatest selling non-fiction authors in New Zealand , his most famous publication , The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook is a 'must-have' for all those (like me) that are planning to visit New Zealand and the locations where Peter Jackson's filmed his epic Trilogy. Ian now lives in Hobbiton, and enjoys the beauty of The Shire like any respectable hobbit would do after a life full of adventures. Listening to Ian talking about New Zealand and his passions will give the listener a rare insight on his life and some funny facts about Peter Jackson, the filming of the Trilogy and one very special vest...and I shall stop here because I don't want to spoil it for you. Hit the link to Ian Brodie, the legend! and enjoy :)

Pictures curtesy of Bruce Hopkins on RadioLIVE and Ian Brodie.net

Hobbiton Reborn (but not yet completed)

2010-08-16T20:39:00.008+01:00

Just a few word this evening on the work-in-progress on the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, New Zealand. Yesterday I came across some pictures on the Internet taken in the last 2 weeks on the site showing some incredible transformation, the old white boards are gone and in their place , fully finished and beautifully crafted hobbit homes, complete with brick chimneys and little fences. Now not all the holes are complete , but some are and judging by the pictures I've seen most of the holes should be completed in the next two or three months (maybe even less). Tonight I am learning from The Dominion Post that , although there are still no 'official' words on this, it is understood that Peter Jackson will direct The Hobbit, news that does not come as a surprise to us ; more interestely however is the fact that some of the CGI (computer-generated imagery) experts that worked on The Lord of the Rings Trilogy have arrived in Wellington. A spokesman for Peter Jackson have made very clear however, that there are still no words on when or how the production of The Hobbit movie will begin. Peter Jackson and his team 'remain positive' but there are no official green-light for production to begin, nor an 'official' director or a full cast. Matamata District Council did grant permission for work to begin on Hobbiton Movie Set last year with he understanding filming was scheduled for 10 to 15 days in January or February next year, with 350 people on set, but this cannot be confirmed until The Hobbit receives a green-light from the studios. The good news is that apparently these structures will be permanent this time. After filming Hobbiton should remain complete for visitors to enjoy. Still to be built are the Green Dragon pub, watermill, bridge, jetty, Bag End, Bag Shot Row and Bag End Tree, so there is quite a bit yet to go before completion. I am very much looking forward to my visit to Hobbiton in few weeks time ...it is always good to go back home once in a while :)

MGM Latest : Take-Over Negotiations NOT Sealed Yet

2010-08-14T08:38:00.005+01:00

The news that Spyglass Entertainment's Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum would take the reins of troubled MGM has rekindled hopes for Tolkien's fan all over the world but it is important to understand these negotiations are very delicate and complex and that they could still collapse due to the number of the creditors involved. Variety is reporting that a deal with Spyglass would most likely result in the closure of its domestic theatrical distribution in the US. The article continues giving a detailed explanation of the negotiations stressing very clearly that because of the number of creditors and parts involved negotiations could still fall apart.

Because of all the creditors involved, knowledgeable sources stressed that the Spyglass/MGM negotiations could still fall apart.
(Variety)

On the positive side we can report that negotiations are at lest still continuing and have not stalled, so hairy-toes crossed :)

Spyglass Entertainment In Sight of Middle-Earth

2010-08-11T20:36:00.005+01:00

'I spy with my little eye something beginning with 'H'...Hobbits...and Dwarves, and Eagles...and Goblins. Will not raise your hopes too much (well not yet ) but keep your hairy toes crossed because Reuters is today reporting that Spyglass Entertainment is nearing an agreement to run Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. Am I right into say that we can almost see the end of the MGM's saga? The hairs on my toes are curling in excitement and that is always a good sign. I am really looking forward to the day when I will finally be able to stop posting about MGM and concentrate exclusively on The Hobbit and all other Middle-Earth related matters...it will happen, so stay tunes and don't lose your hobbitish's faith. Spyglass is ready to took over as soon as the film studio restructures $4 billion of debt this summer through the bankruptcy process, so now the 'ball' is once more in the hand of MGM and the creditors.Hope they had a good Summer and some relaxing vacations because now the time has come to get back to work and sort this mess once and for all! Stay tuned for more :)

(source : Reuters)

Once Upon A Hobbit Now Also On Tumblr

2010-08-08T13:56:00.006+01:00

Dearest readers, followers and hobbit friends, as you know lately we are experiencing a frustrating lack of 'real' news concerning The Hobbit movie so while we wait for the news to start flowing again and I prepare for my greatest adventure in Middle-Earth, (I'll be in New Zealand at the end of September), I decided that the time has come for Once Upon A Hobbit to expand a little. Tumblr is a new blogging platform that allows users to post text, images, videos, links, quotes and audio to their tumblelog which is a short-form blog. From today you will be also able to follow Once Upon A Hobbit on Tumblr where I will be sharing with you all thoughts, photos, art, music, little notes and more concerning hobbits, Middle-Earth and more. The new Tumblr site will run together with Once Upon A Hobbit main site where news and important fact about The Hobbit movie will be posted as soon as they are reaching me. Looking forward to welcome you on our new mini-blog and share with you :)

Once Upon A Hobbit on Tumblr

On How All Went Quiet About The Hobbit Movie....'Are We There Yet ?'

2010-07-30T07:57:00.010+01:00

My dear hobbits....please do not think for one second I have forgotten about you or about my beloved Middle-Earth. Every new sunrise brings hope of news which lately are practically non existent on the making of The Hobbit movie. 'Why is that ?', I can hear you asking...' is this a good or bad sign ?' I do not have definitive answers but my hopes are pinned on the fact that Peter Jackson appears now to be in complete charge of the project and he is not one known for talking much about his work...especially on the Internet. With the fate of The Hobbit so closely associated to the fate of MGM is no surprise all has gone very quiet after the Studios were granted a new extension for the payments of their huge debts, however I want to believe , ( knowing how Peter Jackson usually works), that things are happening behind the scenes and away from the eyes of the press. It is undeniable that the abrupt departure of Del Toro from The Hobbit and his hints this departure was (maybe) not only to blame on MGM financial troubles, is only adding fuel to wild speculations in Middle-Earth , was he pushed or was this a personal decision ? We will probably never know the full story but one thing is certain...one does not leave a project like The Hobbit lightly. With Peter Jackson now (allegedly) in command things will be (eventually) done although the date of 2012 for the release of the first part of The Hobbit is more and more unlikely every day that passes. One of the reasons why Peter Jackson did not want to direct The Hobbit originally was that he did not want to go in competition with 'himself' after directing the epic The Lord of the Rings Trilogy , so for him personally to take charge of Middle-Earth once more is a mixed blessing, to be forever bound to Tolkien's world. Looking back we can say that maybe he should take charge from day one , The Hobbit would been probably delayed anyway, but at lest we would avoid all the drama, gossip, and speculations and problems the departure of Del Toro has generated. The Hobbit has not been lucky this far but this does not mean we will never go back to Middle-Earth again. I tell you what....It is time to have a proper look 'on location' therefore I shall be traveling to New Zealand very very soon. Can't promise you my journey will mark the beginning of The Hobbit filming, but at least you will be rewarded with a funny story of this little hobbit' greatest adventure to Middle-Earth ...and if Peter Jackson want to meet when I am there I shall be happy to share a cup of tea, and my best pipe-weed with him. 'Put the kettle on, Peter !' :)

Comic-Con 2010: The Hobbit News That Never Was

2010-07-23T07:51:00.009+01:00

And so for days we were lead to believe we would be granted with some fresh news about The Hobbit movie at Comic-Con 2010. Now that was going to be great, worth a long queue with dozen of others fans, journalists, and occasional hobbit alike...and guess what ? This was the news that never was. . All that was said ( announced?) was already known for weeks...a director leaving, an old wizard getting tired of waiting, MGM's situation holding back the project, Peter Jackson ready to save the day (if given the chance) and no 3-D for The Hobbit. Then it was explained that Mr Del Toro had declined an invitation to come and see The Hobbit fans , such decision makes very much sense to me...why should he keep dwelling upon a Middle-Earth he will never work on? Why was he invited in the first place ? Surely not much he can say or do now about the movie. As I said before...he decided to leave and it is time to move on. It was definitely not an happy occasion for the 300 or so fans/press/hobbits in the room....looking around one could see some trying to put a brave face and stay positive but there was really little to smile about . So there they all were ...waiting and hoping to hear some news about The Hobbit and Middle-Earth when Mr. Del Toro decided to make a surprise appearance to talk about The Hobbit and about how let down many fans felt when he left ? Of course not! He came to announce (to Middle-Earth fans) the subject of his next big movie project: Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion.From Middle-Earth to Disneyworld....good luck to him , but I hope you will forgive me if I will not talk about his new project again...this is the Shire after all :)

Peter Jackson Shares His Early Work In London

2010-07-18T19:04:00.012+01:00

I just found a little gem on Geektyrant.com . Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson was very recently in London for some casting of The Hobbit but also to attend a special BAFTA ceremony in honour legendary animator Ray Harryhausen whose work inspired Jackson to develop his very unusual interests as a teenager. A softely spoken and always humble Peter Jackson started his little speech : "When I was 12 or 13 I had this very strange hobby....monsters!" then shared with the audience and Ray Harryhausen some previously unseen footage of himself as a 14/15 years old re-creating some of the iconic scenes from Harryhausen's film The 7Th Voyage of Sinbad. The footage is not only funny (due to Peter Jackson's own running commentary) but also quite good, the young emerging talent to come can be seen...a little stop motion of a skeleton in a cave did somehow remind me of some scenes inside Moria . Enjoy ! :)

(Video) Peter Jackson Presents Ray Harryhaunsen With A Special Award via geektyrant.com

Doctor Who Sylvester McCoy Ready To Time Travel To Middle-Earth (?)

2010-07-17T10:00:00.011+01:00

Happy Saturday from the Shire, Hobbits! You know things are looking up when brand new rumors and speculations about the cast of The Hobbit are once more starting to appear on the Internet, and here is one that I really really like : screenrush.co.uk exclusively reveal that Scottish actor Sylvester McCoy may have just landed the greatest role of all in The Hobbit, Mr Bilbo Baggins of Bag End the Shire. If true, this is fantastic news. McCoy is the famous face of the Seventh Doctor after taking over the lead role in Doctor Who in 1987. One of his trademarks is a very characteristic natural Scottish accent which would make him the perfect Bilbo. McCoy's agent refused to deny or confirm this rumor with a 'No Comment!' statement which lead me to believe this indeed could be true and did you know that Sylvester McCoy was the second choice to play the role of Bilbo Baggins in the Peter Jackson The Lord of the Rings film trilogy? Now you do :) McCoy has also worked with Sir Ian McKellen, and visited New Zealand before on tour. You know what? I really think (hope) we are looking at the face of Bilbo Baggins :)

(source:screenrush.co.uk)

MGM Latest: A New Debt Extension (Feel Free To Cry But Do Not Panic)

2010-07-14T20:01:00.013+01:00

Yes you did read correctly...Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has just been given a new extension for the payment of its huge debts. I've kind of lost the count now, I think this is extension number 6 and still no end in sight. Next deadline has been moved forward to September 15 , one full year since MGM troubles with debts came to life. MGM, owns half the rights to The Hobbit movies, and owes about $4 billion to its creditors...so why are they been granted this new extension ? Why are they holding on for dear life (and shiny dollars) ? Well, yesterday Lions Gate Entertainment made a new offer to MGM and my guess is that this was one of the main reasons why this new extension was given. I would not necessarily take this news as a 'bad news' , my hope is that MGM is now in such a dire state they will be forced to accept Lions Gate's offer which should (if all goes smoothly) free The Hobbit :)

(source: Associated Press)

Ready...Steady...Cast ! Peter Jackson Meets Actors

2010-07-14T07:39:00.005+01:00

In a week that has seen the James Bond movie cancelled and little or no proper news coming out from the wire concerning The Hobbit , I must admit I was preparing myself for some kind of doom and gloom announcement concerning hobbits...yet here it is (maybe) ...a little ray of sunshine in the Shire. According to THR, Peter Jackson is quietly meeting with potential cast members in Los Angeles, London and New York . Although the movie has not received a green-light yet, this news does surely come as a relief for all of us. Warner Bros. is ready to take complete charge of financing The Hobbit and the only thing stopping production is MGM which does own a part of The Hobbit's rights. Since Saturday Peter Jackson has been in Los Angeles working on getting together a big international cast for the movies but he has also express his concerns about timing and making clear to the studios he will not commit unless The Hobbit enters production/filming soon for a 2012 and 2013 releases. So we cannot relax yet, deals are still to be signed , until then The Hobbit remains in a very fragile state...but there is hope :)

(source: THR)

Sir Ian McKellen : " My Time Is Running Out!"

2010-07-05T06:41:00.006+01:00

A Wizard arrives precisely when he means to and he says precisely what he means to. In an interview with the Good Morning program in New Zealand Sir Ian McKellen has just confirmed his time is running out as far as The Hobbit movie (1 and 2) are concerned.

Well I’m not under contract and my time is running out and I’m enjoying working in the theatre and frankly, I would like to race after doing Waiting For Godot, get on with doing another play but we’ll have to see. I don’t give the producers the impression that I’m sitting waiting. (Sir Ian McKellen)

Lets make one thing very clear...a director can be replaced and it is really irrelevant which Studio does end up financing the project but without Ian McKellen (Gandalf) there will be no going back to Middle-Earth. A few weeks ago, while talking with friends about the movie I remember mentioning that Sir Ian was not going to sit and wait forever....and I was right. He is the greatest Tolkien's fan of all, he adored his role as Gandalf and he is ready to do it once more time but how long can we honestly expect him to wait? He is not getting any younger and can't just sit around waiting for a phone to ring. That's it...this is kind of the last straw really, if we lose him there will be no going back to Middle-Earth and forevermore The Hobbit will be remembered as the greatest movie (NEVER) made :(

To Let The Hobbit Go ? MGM Requesting Sixth Debt Extension

2010-07-03T08:29:00.006+01:00

Oh dear...oh dear...I can barely believe I am sitting here writing this. MGM will request a sixth extension on debts and interest payments due in a few days THR is reporting. I really think the time has come for MGM to let the rights of The Hobbit go! It was back in March this year I first hinted it was time to sell off...that time is now! Warner Bros. is ready to take over and when they do the project will finally be able to take off once and for all.

Meanwhile, speculation continues about whether the studio will sell off its share of rights to "The Hobbit" to co-production partner Warner Bros., whose New Line is overseeing project development with director Peter Jackson; shooting is set to begin in January. MGM executives would like to hold onto its share of the "Hobbit" rights as long as possible, but some lenders are lobbying for a sell-off to raise funds. (source THR)

Sell them...please, just give them to people that are willing and ready to take over this project and make this movie at last. As much as I dislike this whole saga, I also have a feeling that maybe...just maybe we are getting close to a resolution. Finally we have Peter Jackson willing and ready to talk about directing The Hobbit and it would be a real disaster if due to a few greedy MGM lenders we were to loose him too. Life goes on and it is an other beautiful and sunny day in the Shire so in wishing you all a great week end , I shall keep my fingers and hairy toes crossed for a resolution that is well over due.

Time Running Out For The Hobbit ?

2010-06-30T07:26:00.008+01:00

There is no other way to put this to you : time is running out for The Hobbit and MGM constant diddering and procrastination is seriously threatening the whole project. When news broke a few days ago that Peter Jackson was in hard negotiations to direct The Hobbit, fans all over the world started hoping for a positive resolution and for the long overdue announcement that the movie was finally to go ahead, however new dark clouds are fast approaching once more. Deadline.com is explaining the situation much better then I could ever do , it all seem very complicated but the bottom line is that the Studios (MGM and Warner Bros) need to find a way to finance the movie and make money at the same time. So while complicated negotiations are continuing behind closed doors , I hope some common sense will prevail , deadline.com makes very clear that the MGM creditors will suddenly wake up tomorrow and realize things are getting pretty urgent ....as far as Middle-Earth is concerned decisions are needed now. If a decision about budgets is not taken soon , the December 2012 deadline for the release of the first part of The Hobbit will slip away and this frankly would be nothing less then a disaster for everyone. The MGM creditors are after their money and little they care about hobbits, they have demonstrated this time and time again in the past few months but this project cannot wait any longer.

(source: deadline.com)

Andy Serkis In 'Rise Of The Apes' - Because Monkey Around Is Cool.

2010-06-30T06:42:00.008+01:00

Andy Serkis has been cast for the role of Cesar the monkey in 20th Century Fox's "Rise of the Apes" which is the prequel of the famous "Planet of the Apes". The movie is planed for release in June 2011, a year away from now with filming starting very soon. This project will see Andy Serkins work with Weta Digital. Weta's role will be to render photo-realistic apes for the production. Although I am over the moon to learn Andy will star once more in a big movie, I can't help but wonder how this news will affect his role of Gollum in The Hobbit which I still hope will start filming at some point later this year (maybe...hopefully...welll keeping everything crossed here) . Maybe I just worry too much but The Hobbit movie's saga is like being on a never ending roller-coster ride, ups, downs, people yelling, and screaming, people jumping off because they had enough, etc etc....I am sure you got the point , still the end is not in sight. I like monkeys, I really do , they have hairy feet and funny faces but they are no hobbits. In wishing Andy all the best for new role, I shall sit here munching on a banana and wait and hope to have some 'good' news to report about The Hobbit :)

(source: Variety)

Pack Your Bags...Next Stop : Middle-Earth! Peter Jackson In Talks To Direct The Hobbit

2010-06-25T21:12:00.005+01:00

The news is spreading on the wire like wild fire. Several sources are reporting tonight Peter Jackson is in advance negotiations to direct The Hobbit after the project was left direct-less by the abrupt departure of Del Toro. We learned over the past year to take any piece of news about The Hobbit with a pinch of salt however this is the 'news we were waiting for' so let me be hoptimistic. A hobbit heart is a hobbit heart and I am glad to see that both the Studios and Peter himself realized how vital his presence is for the success of J.R.R. Tolkien beloved prequel of The Lord of the Rings :)

Because 2 Lions Are Better Then 1 - Lions Gate In A Possible Merge With MGM

2010-06-24T10:01:00.008+01:00

It is rather intriguing to think that from the demise on one old lion (MGM) we may actually end up with 2. Lions Gate Entertainment is to held merger talks with MGM according to Bloomerang.com . The Los Angeles Times reported Lions Gate’s renewed interest in MGM yesterday however very few details are known as this stage as talks and negotiations are continuing in private as requested by all those involved. MGM is up for sale and struggling to find a buyer ready to pick up the bill for the studio $3.7 billion debt. Lions Gate Entertainment has been interested in the debt-stricken Studios for sometimes but as they are also in a takeover bid, were unable to start merger talks with MGM until now. So talks between the '2 Lions' are hopefully to begin very soon and this could mean (finally) some good news for The Hobbit.

'The Lord Of The Cutest' Must Have New LOTR Plush Dolls

2010-06-22T08:29:00.004+01:00

'The Lord of the Cutest' I can almost hear you going :" Awwwww..." are they cute or are they cute? As cuteness goes, you will not find anything more adorable then these little plush dolls. Frodo, Gandalf, Legolas and one Orc will be available from September from here . These lovely little dolls are made by Funko a toy company that specializes in bobbleheads dolls and plush dolls resembling cartoon characters, or movie characters. The Lord of the 'Cutest' characters will fly off the shelves so if you want one (or 4) you'll have to be fast. I can easily see myself spending many happy hours playing with them :)

Frodo: Gandalf, I'm glad your cute.
Gandalf: So am I dear boy. So am I...
Legolas: Something adorable draws near. I can feel it.

Happy Midsummer Day From Middle-Earth

2010-06-21T09:00:00.001+01:00

Time to celebrate, time to rejoice as today it is Midsummer day in Middle-Earth. According to Tolkien's calender today is 1 Lithe in the Shire. Every seven years during the Lithe celebrations an election is held for the office of Mayor of Michel Delving. A very special time not only in the Shire but in Middle-Earth as well as on Midsummer day we remember the union of Arwen Undómiel daughter of Elrond and Celebrian , Evenstar of Her People, and King Elessar also known as Aragorn/Strider son of Arathorn II and Gilraen , that were married on Midsummer's Eve of 3019. Why is Midsummer such an important day in Tolkien's legendarium ? Midsummer was a very important time for farming and rural communities in ancient Britain , it was usually celebrated on the 23Th or 24Th although the longest day on the year is the 21st of June. The importance of this celebration can be traced back in time, many stone circles and other ancient monuments are aligned to the sunrise on Midsummer's Day. The most famous alignment is that at Stonehenge, where the sun rises over the heel stone on Midsummer morning. In ancient times midsummer fires were lit in high places all over the countryside. Animals were blessed with fire, generally by walking them around the fire in a sun-wise direction, while people would jump high through the fires to bring luck to their own harvest. Tolkien's love for rural life and knowledge of ancient farming traditions and methods contributed to his decision to make this day a very special one for the people of Middle-Earth :)

Neill Blomkamp To Direct The Hobbit ?

2010-06-19T08:16:00.009+01:00

30 years old , from Johannesburg, South Africa, Canada-based Neill Blomkamp is , according to The One Ring .net , the new director for The Hobbit although the site is making clear this is not an official announcement as they have not been able to verify their sources. Neill Blomkamp has a background in animation and visual effect, he was chosen to direct his first feature-length film, an adaptation of the Halo video game just before the project was halted for lack of money. Peter Jackson was originally to produce Halo but after the project was abandoned he decided to produce District 9 , an adaptation of Blomkamp's earlier short film Alive in Joburg. How does his style of directing fit Tolkien's Middle-Earth is currently something I am trying to understand, considering his favorite choice of subjects and settings, you would not naturally associate Blomkamp with hobbits, dwarves and Middle-earth. The One Ring. net's opinion is that this information is correct and that Neill Blomkamp will direct The Hobbit although officially MGM and New Line Cinema still would like Peter Jackson to direct...but he does not want to do it :( Incredibly work on The Hobbit is continuing even though the project is (for now) without a director. As we know construction work is taking place in Hobbiton and casting is also underway. So basically the new director, whoever he or she may be, will arrive to find everything ready including screenplay, sets, casting, etc etc. Personally I think a director for any movie (and we are talking here of a Tolkien's adaptation) should be there from day one, writing the script, taking creative decisions, designing the sets and casting the people he or she think fit for the movie...exactly what Guillermo del Toro was doing before walking away. For the sake of continuity and considering the importance of adapting one of J.R.R.Tolkien's greatest work into a movie I was (and still am) convinced Peter Jackson is the right director to helm The Hobbit. I fear the all project is getting muddled into decision-making behind the scenes , I truly hope these decisions will be the right ones.

UPDATE: Latest Pictures Of Hobbiton...Now You See Them...Now You Don't

2010-06-18T16:15:00.008+01:00

I must admit I was really surprised when I first saw the pictures in question yesterday as as far as I know people are asked not to reproduce or distribute pictures of the construction work taking place in Matamata. The German fansite Herr-Der-Ringe-Film.de published 8 very recent pictures (taken at the end of May) which showed specifically the construction progress on some of the hobbit holes in preparation for The Hobbit movies, work that is taking place at Hobbiton Movie Set in New Zealand. Publishing such pictures prompted a number of other sites to re- post and the news of the new pictures did spread fast across the Internet, however today the 8 pictures have been removed from Herr-Der-Ringe-Film.de . The original pictures where originally posted on a Flickr's photostream which has also been removed overnight. Once Upon A Hobbit did make the decision not to reproduce or re-post such pictures as I was not able to contact the person that allegedly took them, and it turned out to be a wise move because as I said all the pictures have now been removed from the original first source. I understand the need for this work to be kept as private as possible due to copyrights issues and I would hope that everyone would do the same however surely one can also understand that some people travel half away around the world to New Zealand and visit this movie site :)

No One Wants To Helm MGM ...Surpise Surprise

2010-06-16T07:53:00.005+01:00

Passed the 'ooh..ah ah...MGM has some financial problems' stage , we are really and truly into the 'This is NOT funny anymore guys' stage where every little piece of news about MGM coming out seem to be a bit worst then the one that came before. Reuters is reporting today that the CEO candidates that MGM's had chosen have made clear they have no interest in helming the debt-stricken studios. Interest from others CEO prospective candidates also seem to have died out....basically no one really want the job of been in charge. Tiny little piece of (maybe) good news is that there are some still interested in investing $500 million and more in MGM for a stake of the equity. This injection of capital would at least allow MGM to continue with the projects that are currently halted , the James Bond movie, and of course The Hobbit, but make no mistake...the situation is now critical at MGM headquarters. One insider told Reuters "We'd be sitting in a meeting with all these problems and $4 billion of debt, and we'd be talking about that night's Lakers tickets" ...well thanks , I hope you got your tickets and had fun watching the Lakers but can we now find some kind of solution for this problem ?

(source: Reuters)

Team 'Middle-Earth' - A Journey To South Africa

2010-06-15T17:18:00.007+01:00

Please do not think you landed on the wrong blog by mistake...this is still Once Upon A Hobbit and we mostly talk Tolkien and Middle-Earth.So what does the Fifa Football World Cup in South Africa have to do with hobbits, I hear you asking....well as it happens, team Middle-Earth, also known as All Whites from New Zealand is taking part in the tournament. Today did play their first match against Slovakia which ended 1-1. As the BBC commentators said in their introduction before the match, New Zealand is a small country but with a great heart and here is the Middle-Earth connection, a fantastic little World Cup montage dedicated to New Zealand with a 'Tolkien' twist :)

MOST WANTED! Peter "The One Director To Rule Them All" Jackson

2010-06-15T16:26:00.006+01:00

Wanted by everyone for helming The Hobbit. Last seen smoking his pipe somewhere in New Zealand . This is the man Tolkien's fans all over the world want and hope for so an extra effort should be made by the Studios that own The Hobbit's rights to hire him even if that means paying him a fair fee for his work. This is the face of the man MGM and New Line Cinema must aim for if they want The Hobbit to fill their pockets again as PJ has the 'Midas Touch' when it comes to Tolkien and Middle-Earth. Talent and genius cannot be undervalued or overlooked , Sir Peter Jackson is a top class director which brought Middle-Earth to life for us before. Many years ago he had this crazy idea about translating Tolkien's work into movies and originally The Hobbit was going to be filmed first ...then he decided to go for 'the big one...or three' and gave us The Lord of the Rings Trilogy instead, won three Oscars and became a legend. C'mon....we cannot settle for anyone else now, it was meant to be him and I am quite sure Tolkien's fans would not go for anything less. The studios have a choice here and they should really consider it carefully as anyone else would at this point not very warmly received after Del Toro's departure. Big Studio folks must now be brave enough to understand that The Hobbit is going to give them a huge return ....but only with the right man (hobbit) in charge so invest a few moments in thinking. It will pay good interest :)

From Hogwarts To Hobbiton ? David Yates Linked To The Hobbit

2010-06-14T22:13:00.007+01:00

Always remembering to take any new Internet speculation or rumor with a pinch of salt , here is the latest from Hobbitland : British director David Yates is currently named as one of the possible replacements to helm The Hobbit after the sudden departure of Guillermo Del Toro. David Yates is best known for the last four Harry Potter films for Warner Bros. , including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I and the series grand finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II that has just been completed last week and will see one of the greatest movie franchises ever come to an end. Ok...I must confess I am a huge fan of J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter but I think this latest rumor is more wishful thinking then solid truth really . If true , he'll be fine as long as he remembers that hobbits do not play Quidditch nor fly on brooms and that the guy with the long white beard is called Gandalf and not Albus Dumbledore ....but I still think Peter Jackson is the man ...I mean 'right hobbit' for the job :)

The Hobbit Casting To Start Next Month According to Ian McKellen

2010-06-11T17:18:00.002+01:00

Reports are reaching me that Sir Ian McKellen has been talking again about The Hobbit, this time with an Australian Radio Station (novafm.com.au). Sir Ian has revealed that casting for The Hobbit shall start next month (July?) and that fans should not worry as filming will most likely begin before the end of the year.

"The sets are ready, the script is ready and the movie is going to be cast this month. Fans are not to get worried. The films will get made and I suspect we'll start shooting at the end of this year." (Sir Ian McKellen to novafm.com.au)

If true this is a bit of a surprise so close to Del Toro departure that makes me speculate that Peter Jackson has indeed agreed to helm The Hobbit himself instead of finding a new director for the films. I shall be following developments, so stay tuned for more news as soon as they reach me.

Concerning Hobbits One Year On -Happy 1st Birthday Once Upon A Hobbit

2010-06-11T08:20:00.007+01:00

And here I am, one year on and still talking about hobbits, Tolkien, Middle-Earth and more. It seems like only yesterday when I wrote my very first post yet one full year has passed and the Shire does feel more welcoming and homely then ever. Once Upon A Hobbit is very dear to me, just like a hobbit, it is simple and small but has a great heart. There is no point in great fanfare or celebrations so I shall keep this post 'short and sweet'. Thank you to all my readers , I hope you enjoyed my little hobbit ramblings as much as I enjoyed writing them. 'There and back again...' there is so much more to be told, tea and cake are always ready if you wish to come and visit :)

Now...where to begin (again) ...awww yes :

CONCERNING HOBBITS...

Wear It With 'Hobbitish' Pride ! Weta New Hobbit Ears

2010-06-11T07:36:00.003+01:00

Some great news that will make you smile with joy this morning , Weta Workshop has now some magnificent 'real' hobbit ears for sale and I really need a pair (or two) so they are now on the list of 'things-to-buy' when I travel to New Zealand later this year. Depending on which size best suit you, you can get now hold of Frodo's ears (which are smaller) or Samwise's ears (which are larger). The ears are based on the original molds created for Frodo Baggins (Elijah Woood's ) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin's) . I mean...this is really good news, it was about time because if there is something that a respectable hobbit cannot do without is a nice pair of ears . I shall wear mine with pride :)

Weta Hobbit Ears : Frodo Baggins (smaller)

Weta Hobbit Ears : Samwise Gamgee (larger)

The Hobbit That Could Have Been But Will Not Be - Time To Move On!

2010-06-07T21:32:00.010+01:00

The history of the world is not made of 'if' or 'but'. Looking back with hindsight it's easy but history will not change once it has been written, this argument is perfectly valid as far as The Hobbit movie and the decision by Guillermo Del Toro to step down as director are concern. Although his explanation for leaving The Hobbit was quite easy to understand in his departure statement, Del Toro felt the need to talk again about his decision on the message boards of TheOneRing.net. Reading through his new explanation I find myself a bit more confused then before about his decision to step down . When he originally signed to direct the adaptation of the much-loved Tolkien prequel of the Lord of the Rings he knew he was in for a long run and he had to relocate to New Zealand and back then he appeared to be very happy about it but yesterday he said:

“I’ve developed films for years and I have shot many a movie on location, but rarely do you relocate for such a massive amount of time, especially when you have to do major ironclad agreements to put in deep freeze other contractual obligations with multiple studios….”

Yes, well...ok, but one does know all of this before signing on a dotted line and tide himself to a film production, and back in the days when he announced he was to direct The Hobbit I remember him talking of a 'massive commitment and responsibility that can take many years' ...confused ? So am I. Things and relationships between the people working on The Hobbit definitely changed over the last few months due to a numbers of factors, mostly because of the never ending and ever worsening situation with the MGM studios that still own part of The Hobbit rights . MGM have been on the verge or bankruptcy for what feels like an eternity , holding major projects back including the latest James Bond movie and , of course, The Hobbit movies . I am really sad [but not surprised] at Del Toro departure, I even predicted it a few weeks back while talking with some friends. Things have been said, decisions have been made, Del Toro must now move on with his life and his career and I wish him well from the heart.

We will never see Middle-Earth through his eyes as he has chosen not to share that vision with us and maybe just maybe it was meant to be. Middle-Earth is not a brand new universe that has to be created from scratch, we have been there already through the eyes of Peter Jackson which is (and still remain) the only one that should take us there in my humble opinion. To be linked so closely to Tolkien's Legendarium, The Hobbit and Middle-Earth should be an honour , to be remembered as 'could have been but will not be' it is an other matter. The Hobbit will be made and years from now people will talk about Guillermo Del Toro as the guy that left The Hobbit just when it was ready to be filmed. Someone once said "Experience has taught me this, that we undo ourselves by impatience..." and I think he was right. Time to move on now :)

Weta's Richard Taylor Is Knighted While Cutting An Onion

2010-06-07T07:37:00.007+01:00

Number 1, Weka Street, Miramar, Wellington, New Zealand, home of Weta Workshop, inside ....Middle-Earth! Weta is Richard Taylor and vice versa, the two are impossible to separate, he is a co-founder and Creative Director of the Weta Workshop. Over the years he (and Weta) have been awarded five Oscars, four BAFTAs , and several other prizes in recognition of the incredible work Weta does in make up, costume and visual effects. News are reaching me from New Zealand this morning , Richard Taylor has been knighted in this year's Queen's Birthday honours list for his charity work, which includes the Neonatal Trust and Dyslexia Foundation and his contribution to New Zealand . As one does he was busy cutting an onion in the kitchen when his wife Tania broke the news to him....because onions do not always make you cry , sometimes they make you smile with happiness :)

(source: Dominion Post - Stuff.co.nz)