An unreleased Middle Earth inspired movie [Archive]

StrawberryIcecream

03-20-2002, 05:00 PM

Anyone heard of this? I just came accross it on a tolkein website:

Ancanar is the name of a new Movie which is being developed by Elemental Films and Light Pirate Pictures with director Sam. R. Balcomb & producer Raiya Corsiglia. Ancanar is an original story written by director Sam. R. Balcomb and is set in the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is about Ancanar a man who is the sole heir to the Rammoth Valley and its fortunes. He must search the Elven city where he hopes to find the redemption for himself and his family.

Ancanar is currently in post-production. The film will be presented to various studios and distributors for aquisition, as well as possible screenings at film festivals in Los Angeles / New York theaters for 2001/2002.

The Movie's homepage www.ancanar.com is used to bring a new defenition to the term "interactive moviemaking" giving visitor's the chance to watch, hear and participate in every aspect of the production. The site has been updated on September 1st and it is now a very cool Flash enabled site. The official site, Ancanar.com, sees thousands of visitors from around the world each day, and has been awarded several online awards for its design and interactivity. Among its features, guests can view documentaries, clips from the film, interviews with the cast & crew, as well as many stills and production notes. There is a full production section which chronicles each step of the filming process, from casting to location scouting to screen tests. The Interactive section features a Q&A with the cast and crew, where anyone can send in their queries and have them answered. There is even an Interactive Script page, where you can view a page of the Ancanar script and click various hotspots on it to reveal photos and director's notes.

:confused: :confused:

Rosie-Lass

03-20-2002, 05:03 PM

Totally weird.

Actually, to me it sounds like a platform game for the Playstation.
Btw, should there be a LotR Playstation Game?
Hmm, maybe I should start that as a thread!

StrawberryIcecream

03-20-2002, 05:10 PM

Are you completely oblivious to the Gaming world Rosie?;)

There is a pc version coming out in American in Fall (Autumn to us english) so it is inevitable that there will b a playstation version.

Glorious Glorfindel

03-20-2002, 05:36 PM

strawberry, did u eat the internet or sumthing, only, u know WAYYY 2 much 4 a year 9 student! sorry, but hair gel, then all that stuff about middle earth movies, then all that computer knwledge, god knows wot else u know!!!
no offence
:) :D :) :D :p

Wayfarer

03-20-2002, 05:40 PM

I'd seen that before...

I'd care not to speculate too much...

Rosie is most likely a non-gamer, yes.

When eating the internet, it's always best to cook thoroughly and use some spices.

Rána Eressëa

03-20-2002, 05:54 PM

I've been hearing about that for months, and I'm actually very interested. I don't think a large league of Tolkien fans are going to be jumping up and down in excitement, though. I, however, would love to catch it in theatres.

Arathorn

03-20-2002, 05:59 PM

'Heard about it. I'll just wait until it comes out.

Pailan

03-21-2002, 01:05 PM

Originally posted by Wayfarer

When eating the internet, it's always best to cook thoroughly and use some spices.

I like mine grilled just this side of rare with a little BBQ sauce for dipping. :p

Kyote Fields

03-21-2002, 01:24 PM

i searched around the site a bit but I'm still confused. Did Tolkien write this story. I'm thinking no. but is it set in Middle Earth? What does Tolkien have to do with this movie?:confused: :confused:

bropous

03-21-2002, 02:28 PM

The news of this film fills me with inertia.

Here we go again, obviously the writers of the film can't create anything on their own, they have to base it on the works of someone else. I'm not familiar with this story, but if Tolkien DID write it, I'm sure Nolendil would know. Had Tolkien written the story, I probably would go see it, but I think it's pretty c-r-a-p-p-y that someone would release another Tolkien vehicle right in the middle of the release of the three films.

If Tolkien didn't write the story, then I'd not be very interested in seeing this film. I don't like unoriginal cover tunes, "illegitimization" of my favorite author's works, or cruddy cheap knock-offs capitalizing on Peter Jackson's efforts.

However, since it was slated to be shown on test screenings in 2001/2002, it is rather possible it has died a deserved death stillborn in a film company vault.

Rosie-Lass

03-21-2002, 04:44 PM

I AM A GAMER!

It's just that I'm more of a Gameboy Advance and Playstation person than PC!

Yes, tis true Strawberry, you did indeed swallow the internet!

Lanelf

03-21-2002, 05:23 PM

Strawberry's only a year nine student? You must live on the internet! Do you EVER sleep!?!
I'm impressed!:eek: I wish I could get those LOTR games but I'm sure they're not as good as the movies...(that's me being proud, please don't think I'm nasty... I won't hurt anyone...)
___________
A small, cute frog falls asleep at its computer after being there all night. "Zzzzzzzzzzz..."

StrawberryIcecream

03-21-2002, 05:49 PM

GG!!!! Dont give out my age on the internet!!!!!!

And no I hardly sleep at all! I do live on the internet i spend about 4 1/2 hours on it after school and on weekends i lose count. Well, I LOVE the internet. Am a big gamer as well.
Screenshots of LOTR game look amazing!

Rána Eressëa

03-21-2002, 08:47 PM

Alright, I thought Strawberry included in the summary of the film that "it is an ORIGINAL story/script" which means Tolkien did NOT write it. Period. However, the story is set in Tolkien's WORLD, Middle-earth in Arda, which of course Tolkien did create.

Let's say I create a story about a wandering person who journeys around looking for something, but I decide since I liked Tolkien's world so much I'm going to put MY character in HIS world. That's what's going on with this movie. It has nothing to do with LOTR. It is someone's character in someone's elses world, which I think is an interesting mix. We never were told about all the other people in Middle-earth, and anything's possible. You can compare this equally with RPG games based in Middle-earth, but not based on LOTR. If you like those, what's wrong with this movie?

LuthienTinuviel

03-21-2002, 09:16 PM

strawberry, don't worry about your age here... well don't worry toomuch..

really though i like my internet sushi style, raw, wrapped in seagreens and rice!..

or you could put it in a taquito...:D

Wayfarer

03-21-2002, 10:37 PM

I do live on the internet i spend about 4 1/2 hours on it after school and on weekends i lose count.

That's not bad... I'm online twice that some weekdays... and I'm ahead in my schooling.

Ñólendil

03-21-2002, 11:06 PM

Ancanar used to be Elessar and was all about Aragorn's life, but Saul Zaents and Tolkien Enterprises stepped in, because of course the film-makers of Elessar didn't have the license to make a movie based on the Lord of the Rings. They went to the Tolkien Estate for help but the Estate was silent. So they had to s-c-r-a-p it and make Ancanar, influenced but not based on Tolkien's works.

dark over lord

03-21-2002, 11:07 PM

Originally posted by StrawberryIcecream
Are you completely oblivious to the Gaming world Rosie?;)

There is a pc version coming out in American in Fall (Autumn to us english) so it is inevitable that there will b a playstation version. oh god, the horror. oh the inhumanity. put it on gamecube and they shall be forgiven:D

jerseydevil

03-24-2002, 02:28 AM

I agree with RE - there is nothing wrong with them creating a movie that is based in Middle Earth. I'll see it if it seems to be an interesting movie and something I'll enjoy.

Entlover

03-24-2002, 02:47 AM

Yes, but look at the site for Ancanar (what a poetry-less name). "We will not hew you bow and leaf"? They can't spell - okay, that I can forgive, maybe it's a typo -- but they can't write either. Read the first two paragraphs of the History and you'll know. ("hard" mountains -- please!) I dislike dumping on anyone's creative effort (I have a novel in my closet myself) but this is not great stuff. It could be construed as an insult to Tolkien, if he weren't beyond worrying.

jerseydevil

03-24-2002, 02:53 AM

If Tolkien was alive today he might have been insulted by Jackson's intreptation of LOTR and hated the movie.

This is actually the first I've heard of this movie - so I'd have to look into it. I can't really pass judgement on a film until I see more about it.

jerseydevil

03-24-2002, 03:27 AM

I looked fully at their site and I didn't see any mention of Middle Earth. No place names or anything. They only say that it was inspired by LORT.

After thinking about it - I was concerned. I couldn't picture someone stumping around in Tolkien's history of Middle Earth. I know that a lot of Tolkien's history is based on his notes that Christopher put together and are in some respects very incomplete, but to have someone else change the history of Middle Earth would have been wrong.
I'll still have to reserve my final thoughts on the movie until I see more. I will, however, be keeping my eye out for it.

Evenstar_Elfstone

08-11-2002, 10:30 PM

LuthienTinuviel

08-11-2002, 11:16 PM

WHAT???????????????????????? THEY WERE GOING TO DO A MOVIE ABOUT ARAGORNS LIFE BUT TOLKIEN ENTERPRISE STEPPED IN???????????????? HOW COULD THEY???????? THAT WOULD HAVE PROBABLY RIVALED LOTR!!!!!!!!! I'M SUING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEM F***N SONS OF A B***H! D**N THEM!!!!!!!!!!!! D****T D****T D****T D****T D****T D****T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

someone must like a spicy internet sauce.

either that or their just very very .. er... perturbed

i'll have to look into the site, but to tell everyone the truth, the only fansay that i like is LOTR, i really like reading non fantasical sotires and other things. that is why im so fascinated by lotr, it's the only thing like it's kind that well likeable to be. so sadly to say, if it does turn out to be a LOTR or D&D ish film, i will have no desire to see it. one, i fear i will lose interest inLOTR, two, given the above mottled information, there is a 94% chance that i won't like it anyways.

EDIT: I WILL NOT BE SEEING THIS MOVIE. I WILL DIE BEFORE I DO!

Eruviel Greenleaf

08-12-2002, 06:01 PM

Anyone know when it's supposed to come out? I've never heard of this movie before, but it certainly looks interesting and I want to see it.

Rána Eressëa

08-12-2002, 08:02 PM

Originally posted by LuthienTinuviel

EDIT: I WILL NOT BE SEEING THIS MOVIE. I WILL DIE BEFORE I DO!

I really don't see what the big deal is. It's based in Middle-earth, but it isn't a "re-write of it's original history". It's simply a tale placed in his world, minus all his original characters and place names. It has the basic races: human, elf, dwarf, etc. and besides that the whole "in Middle-earth" thing - which is as far as I'm concerned, the only actual Tolkien name they left alone. That's all they adapted in the final version from him - so where's the sacrilege at?

So what, is was originally meant to be Elessar's life. It isn't now, is it? There really isn't much you can complain about.

Claenoic

08-13-2002, 01:19 PM

This part, though subtle and sad, gave me a laugh.

Ancanar is an original story.

No, not entirely original, if you don't mind *snort*

Nevertheless, you will NOT see me going to this movie. Not if you payed me a million dollars, no sir.

Eruviel Greenleaf

08-13-2002, 03:33 PM

Originally posted by Claenoic
This part, though subtle and sad, gave me a laugh.

No, not entirely original, if you don't mind *snort*

Perhaps not entirely original, but close enough, eh?

Nevertheless, you will NOT see me going to this movie. Not if you payed me a million dollars, no sir.

Pray tell, why not? :)

Sween

08-13-2002, 03:56 PM

You see the problem with tolkiens works is he was just so darn good. I mean the guys come up with some great ideas for movies with epic battles and elves and s***.

Why can we not make movies based in middle earth that are not directally related to tolkiens work? Not all world war 2 movies have anything to do with what acctually happened in world war 2 but they make good movies all the time. i for one have an appitete for middle earth i much prefer epic armys armed with swords and bows going into combat against the forces of evils its good stuff.

Rûdhaglarien

08-14-2002, 01:53 AM

Well, I have nothing really original to say. I don't really like the idea of a Middle-Earth based movie if it's not actually based on one of Tolkien's books. I didn't even like the idea of FotR because I was afraid that they would kill it. (As a matter of fact, the whole Arwen thing was about enough to kill me, but that's another story.) I mean, I was happy when I saw it, but, for me, making a story in Middle-Earth that Tolkien never wrote down just doesn't seem... right... I don't know... I just don't like the idea.

Eruviel Greenleaf

08-14-2002, 02:01 AM

Originally posted by Rûdhaglarien
Well, I have nothing really original to say. I don't really like the idea of a Middle-Earth based movie if it's not actually based on one of Tolkien's books. I didn't even like the idea of FotR because I was afraid that they would kill it. (As a matter of fact, the whole Arwen thing was about enough to kill me, but that's another story.) I mean, I was happy when I saw it, but, for me, making a story in Middle-Earth that Tolkien never wrote down just doesn't seem... right... I don't know... I just don't like the idea.

I take it you don't like fanfiction?

I don't mind it, I mean, from what I've seen of their site they aren't calling in Middle Earth, but saying that's what it's based on. Something like that; I could be wrong. Anyway.

Rûdhaglarien

08-14-2002, 02:04 AM

Originally posted by Eruviel Greenleaf

I take it you don't like fanfiction?

No, no, I do like fanfiction... it's just that, to me, making a movie makes it more... real... you know? Oh well, maybe I'm just odd....

Eruviel Greenleaf

08-14-2002, 02:08 AM

Originally posted by Rûdhaglarien

No, no, I do like fanfiction... it's just that, to me, making a movie makes it more... real... you know? Oh well, maybe I'm just odd....

Really? That's funny, because I can't stand fanfiction on Tolkien's works, (though I don't mind Harry Potter, but that's a different story) but I don't mind the movies. Well, that's not exactly true, but, for example, I have no objection to this particular movie.

Have you looked at the website? I've been spending rather a lot of time there in the past day or so. . .it looks like they at least got the elves more accurately than PJ...lack of pointy ears. As much as I like pointy ears, Tolkien never said they have them. Er. :D

Rûdhaglarien

08-14-2002, 02:36 AM

Yes, I have been to the website, didn't stay too long though, I just didn't like the idea, like I said... so, I read a bit, then left.... Maybe I should look into it more.
Hey, never judge a book by its cover, nor a movie by its initial review.:D Yes, I AM odd... and proud of it.

Eruviel Greenleaf

08-14-2002, 02:43 AM

Believe me, you are not very odd :D
And you should look at the website more; it's very nice :)

Rûdhaglarien

08-14-2002, 02:47 AM

I shall do that, yes, I shall.

Radagast

08-14-2002, 04:57 AM

EDIT.

Earniel

08-14-2002, 03:27 PM

My first thought was: "Ooooh the dragon." I misread Ancanar for Ancalagon. :s Wishful thinking, probably.

My second thought was: "And now the fultures come."

I'm surprised copyright allows for such a thing. I just hope they keep the middle-earth connection vague enough. We shall see.

Claenoic

09-13-2002, 09:33 PM

Originally posted by Eruviel Greenleaf

Pray tell, why not? :)

I can finally give a good answer to that. Here goes.

I don't like someone messing with the Tolkien Timeline. (That's what the Protectors of the Plot Continuum are there for.) I know it's supposed to be based on ME, but how closely? That just really bothers me. I mean, I lurve fanfiction (at least the right kind), but... Oh I dunno. How BASED ON is this going to get, if you take my meaning.

Eruviel Greenleaf

09-13-2002, 10:02 PM

It looks like they're being, in many ways, more accurate than PJ :rolleyes:

Erawyn

09-14-2002, 10:42 PM

I read a tiny bit of the "interactive script" it sucked.

Eruviel Greenleaf

09-14-2002, 11:10 PM

Originally posted by Erawyn
I read a tiny bit of the "interactive script" it sucked.

There isn't much to go by, just from that. And you didn't give a reason! Why did it suck? I thought it was fine, if a bit cheesey, but it's only what, the first part of the movie and it's not in context!

Erawyn

09-14-2002, 11:36 PM

Well yah, the writing was not good, i mean even compared to the dialogue in FOTR, and i think they used the word wan incorrectly. But you are right, it isn't a lot to go by. I wish it said somewhere what the plot was! or did it and i'm just blind?

Eruviel Greenleaf

09-14-2002, 11:55 PM

I'm going to have to read it again, but really, there wasn't much in the way of dialogue anyway--mostly descriptive and that was good. In my opinion :D

Eruviel Greenleaf

01-07-2003, 08:24 PM

The trailer for Ancanar will be released on the internet on Friday! Personally, I'm excited. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do with this project. . .:D

Celebréiel

01-08-2003, 12:49 AM

Weeird. It all sounds fishy, just adding my two cents. ;) But I dont like the idea, I dont think its rude to Tolkien or whatever, it just sounds unoriginal. Like someone said before...fan fiction sorta. I like some but making a movie?eh..... But hey, I like fantasy, it could be good....we'll see.
~Celebréiel

Dúnedain

01-08-2003, 12:55 AM

I've never heard of the books that they are based on, are they really Tolkien works?:confused:

Eruviel Greenleaf

01-08-2003, 03:01 AM

It's not really based on a specific book--it's simply set in a world that's very much 'inspired' by Tolkien, with their own characters and basic plotline. It may be very derivitave of various works of Tolkien's, but it's not based on one or two books in particular.

Elf.Freak

01-08-2003, 02:46 PM

ok...i read on a website that Tolkien's friends and family who have seen LOTR weren't pleased with it, so i wonder what they'll think of this...

zavron

01-08-2003, 02:48 PM

I've been on Ancanar before. It's a gang of people creating their own world of Tolkien. They get people to Dress up act and they take pics of them. Then do do some Animating and VWOLA!! They've got themselves there own Interactive Gamesite!

Shadowfax

01-08-2003, 08:53 PM

I don't like the idea at all. I think that it is almost insulting to Tolkien because these people basically took his ideas of creatures and languages and geographical areas and twisted them into their own things! And there are also just some annoying similarities to names and stuff I noticed from scanning the site; I'm basically thinking, are these people trying to honour Tolkien by using his ideas or are they just jealous that they can't think up their own stuff for themselves? I mean if I wrote books and then people came and took my basic ideas (even if they said it was based on my story) I wouldn't exactly want them to make up a whole new batch of character and places, you know?

Dúnedain

01-08-2003, 09:12 PM

Originally posted by Shadowfax
I don't like the idea at all. I think that it is almost insulting to Tolkien because these people basically took his ideas of creatures and languages and geographical areas and twisted them into their own things! And there are also just some annoying similarities to names and stuff I noticed from scanning the site; I'm basically thinking, are these people trying to honour Tolkien by using his ideas or are they just jealous that they can't think up their own stuff for themselves? I mean if I wrote books and then people came and took my basic ideas (even if they said it was based on my story) I wouldn't exactly want them to make up a whole new batch of character and places, you know?

Well you can technically say the same thing for any other work that has included Elves, Dwarfs or Orcs and even down the line to all of the number of different Video Games of a similar genre. I mean there are a bunch of things out there that have used things Tolkien has created in numerous forms, but through these things that is how it lives on in other forms, or course on a lesser plain :D

Gwaimir Windgem

01-08-2003, 09:27 PM

Originally posted by zavron
I've been on Ancanar before. It's a gang of people creating their own world of Tolkien. They get people to Dress up act and they take pics of them. Then do do some Animating and VWOLA!! They've got themselves there own Interactive Gamesite!

Well, it IS a story different from that of LotR. While I am not fluent in Elvish, I know enough to tell that some of the names are from Tolkien's Elvish; this I think is a tribute to him. If they were just stealing his ideas, would they have bothered to research enough for that? I noticed they didn't portray the Elves with pointed ears...interesting...

Eruviel Greenleaf

01-08-2003, 10:06 PM

I noticed the lack of pointy ears as well.

I see it as a tribute to Tolkien, and although they may not be the best writers, etc, I respect what they are trying to do, and I look forward to seeing the movie when it comes out.

Earendil Overboard

01-09-2003, 12:11 AM

I just checked out the site and saw a film on production. The main actor says, "The script itself is poetry. It's so beautiful!"

Then it shows a short scene with what looks to me like pretty BAD acting:

Curugon: I know not how we are to meet the yearly standards set before us. Already we are severely taxed. They are...good people.
Other guy: Don't worry. Good people will be spared.

Poetry?

Judging from the pictures at the site, it looks like this film was made by a small group of people. I think they just had the idea of capitalizing on the interest in fantasy generated by the LOTR movies and the thirst of fans for more; so they came up with a mediocre story set in an invented area of Middle-earth (maybe in the uncharted east?) and hired 2nd rate actors. Some of the pictures look nice, but I'm expecting all show, no substance. And it won't be showy on anything like the scale of PJ's movies anyway--just on a much smaller scale that appeals only to fantasy fans or those whose curiosity is aroused by LOTR. It's probably relatively low budget. So, if they can ride the wave created by LOTR, they'll probably make a nice profit. But what will this do for the fantasy genre and chances for really good productions based on Middle-earth? If it's as cheesy as I expect, it could really turn people off and set back people's expectations of fantasy to what they were before PJ's efforts perhaps raised the standard. And that could mean that producers won't see any money in further projects.

Cheap knockoff is right. Tolkien spent decades writing his novels, enriching them. These people tell a crap story of a noble who is the last heir to a valley? Sounds like a knockoff of Aragorn on much smaller scale. And this story will have none of the depth in meaning of Tolkien. It's really completely meaningless and just takes advantage of the rich story background that Tolkien created. Pathetic. :-(

Eruviel Greenleaf

01-09-2003, 01:37 AM

I have to agree, after looking at the site again, that it is pretty cheesy. The writing is not that great. But I appreciate what they are doing, and I doubt they are trying to capatilize on people's interest in fantasy, and on what PJ is doing. Rather, I think this is a genuine attempt at honoring Tolkien's work in a way that they can. Even if the script is cheesy and the actors are second rate, it does not mean they are simply trying to make money. I know, some, what it is like to try to make a decent film on a low budget, so I can appreciate what they're trying to do. They probably cannot afford really good actors, or great special effects. So what if they can't come up with a good, original story? It's near impossible to come up with something even close to original anyway! I know I've tried! Rather than seeing it as a cheap knock-off and an attempt to capitalize, I see it as a way to honor Tolkien. It may not be the way you or I would do so, but it seems to be an honest effort. Even if the movie turns out to be terrible, I will appreciate the effort they put in to attempting to make a movie that reflects what they see in Tolkien's works.

Earendil Overboard

01-09-2003, 06:59 AM

it seems to be an honest effort. Even if the movie turns out to be terrible, I will appreciate the effort they put in to attempting to make a movie that reflects what they see in Tolkien's works.O

Well, if you put it that way,...okay. I'll also admit you have a better attitude than I do. :-)

Eruviel Greenleaf

01-09-2003, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by Earendil Overboard
Well, if you put it that way,...okay. I'll also admit you have a better attitude than I do. :-)

:D

Nurvingiel

02-11-2005, 12:16 PM

*bump*

Is this film released yet or what? Aside from being set in Middle-earth, it seems to have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Tolkien's works. This begs the question... why didn't they just make an original movie?

Maybe I read too much fanfiction, but it seems suspiciously like an "alternate universe" fanfic, but without abusing canonical Tolkien characters.

Though I have my doubts, it does look interesting and cool. From the website (http://www.ancanar.com/), I couldn't determine where or when in Middle-earth it was set. If it takes place in the east, I think that would pretty interesting.

But still... why not an original movie? How did they get the rights then?

The heck... :confused:

Elemmírë

02-11-2005, 02:33 PM

Maybe I read too much fanfiction, but it seems suspiciously like an "alternate universe" fanfic, but without abusing canonical Tolkien characters.

I think it goes farther than just being AU... There hardly seems to be anything to tie it to Tolkien except for some quasi-Elvish names. :confused: I honestly don't see the point.

I'm not too impressed by the cinematography shown by the trailers. :rolleyes:

I think doing an original story (maybe 4th Age Gondor... something set in the East during the 3rd Age, like you said, Nurvs) could have been interesting, but I have my doubts about this...

ItalianLegolas

02-11-2005, 03:59 PM

Yeah, it sounds kind of stupid... give me a movie describing the reign of Eldarion and stuff... or a movie set in Valinor... not this.

Nurvingiel

02-11-2005, 04:56 PM

Yeah... I'm beginning to suspect that claiming they're the "true fans of Tolkien" (didn't Jackson say something to that effect?) and setting a movie in Middle-earth might just be an attempt to get more people into the theatre.

I will give them a chance, despite my misgivings. I won't necessarily go see it but I will look at their website again.

Earniel

02-11-2005, 05:15 PM

But still... why not an original movie? How did they get the rights then?
I wonder about that too. Judging from what I remember of their story (I checked the website when this thread first popped up) it could be placed in any generic fantasy world, not especially Middle-earth.

The only reason I can think of is that they want to hitch a ride on LoTR's fame wagon.

ItalianLegolas

02-11-2005, 07:03 PM

me and my dad probably won't go see it, he likes to say that we are the wheels of the LOTR bandwagon, because we knew it was awesome befor anyone else we knew at teh time

Count Comfect

02-11-2005, 07:06 PM

Someone mentioned this upthread, but if it is really set in Tolkien's world (not just, "inspired by") I'm wondering how they got copyright permission. Because Tolkien invented a lot more than just the names and events in LoTR... it's all the Tolkien Estate's intellectual property now. So they would definitely need use permission from the Tolkien Estate to claim it is in Tolkien's ME.

Nurvingiel

02-13-2005, 10:31 AM

me and my dad probably won't go see it, he likes to say that we are the wheels of the LOTR bandwagon, because we knew it was awesome befor anyone else we knew at teh time
I think a lot of people discovered the books before even the first movie came out. Many more discovered the books before Jackson's movies came out thereby exploding Middle-earth all accross the world.

I'm having issues navigating this site... where's the interactive script? :confused:

Elemmírë

02-14-2005, 01:13 AM

I'm having issues navigating this site... where's the interactive script? :confused:

I have issues navigating the site too. :evil: :mad: :p

Twista

02-14-2005, 08:23 AM

The only reason I can think of is that they want to hitch a ride on LoTR's fame wagon.

Production for this film started in 1999... Lotrs fame wasnt known then..

..but if it is really set in Tolkien's world..

None of characters seem in be middle earth related... so I assume not.

ItalianLegolas

02-14-2005, 03:35 PM

if it was started in '99, why isn't it done?? 5 years ot film a movie? It will either bomb or do really good i think. It might just do good on the LoTR-realated sticker, which would be a shame

Pytt

02-14-2005, 05:49 PM

if it was started in '99, why isn't it done?? 5 years ot film a movie? It will either bomb or do really good i think. It might just do good on the LoTR-realated sticker, which would be a shame

maybe they have abandoned the project. Maybe the movie didn't turn out good, so they just dropped it? The best solution I have..

Earniel

02-15-2005, 06:44 AM

Production for this film started in 1999... Lotrs fame wasnt known then..
Ah, that point I obviously forgot. But I believe Jackson was already filming in 1999, no?

Nurvingiel

02-15-2005, 11:40 AM

Hm... okay maybe I was unduly suspicious, but then again, one could argue Peter Jackson was cashing in on the enormous popularity of the books...

But, the teaser trailer does look very cool though. Does anyone know something about film making? The production quality of the trailer is flawless - why wouldn't they be able to do that to the rest of the movie?

I took media arts in high school, and our biggest constraint was time. Maybe that's their trouble as well.

I'm trying and failing to figure out where in Middle-earth it is set. I took this screenshot from the trailer:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v510/Nurvingiel/Random/ancanar-map1.jpg

The best I can make out are the letter "Rammoth" which seems to be the place name. Is this set in the eastern mountains? Did Men cross these same mountains to come to Middle-earth? Are they being deliberately obscure? Why do I suck at navigating this website?

The music sounds very, very cool. And isn't it neat that the composer's name is David Arkenstone? :D

I signed up for the message board, as Nurvingiel, naturally. :D Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought him back! ;)

Beruthiel's cat

02-15-2005, 12:20 PM

Aside from a quick glance at the website and reading this thread, I'll just make a few quick comments and get outta here...

First, regarding the music...David Arkenstone has been around for years and is very well known if you are familiar with "new age" music. I've been a fan of his for a long time and he's got a very large body of work.

Second, I can't help but wonder if this project is a very well organized fan project. Back in the dark ages (when I was involved in a couple of science fiction fandoms), it was not uncommon for the larger fan clubs to make amateur films and videos (often comedic or satirical) that were shown at conventions. I suppose they could have gotten in trouble for copyright infringement but those were the days before Napster...

If this is indeed a fan project, there would be no distribution to theaters and the organizers tread the fine line of copyright culpability (if they don't profit from or charge admission to see it, maybe they think they'll be safe. I doubt it, if they don't have I's dotted and T's crossed...)

I would not get worked up about this being a "Major Motion Picture." It's not. Arkenstone's participation (if legit and the filmmakers are not just "borrowing" from his previous work...) may indicate that it is a small, indie film at best. But it still has the fan-feel about it for me. (This is one reason it could be taking so long to complete the project...lack of time and lack of funds...)

This is not to say it can't be polished and professional-looking. The organizers may well have a background in film making and production. I'm just saying let's not get too riled up about this. For all the good intentions of the organizers, this project may never see the light of day.

Wayfarer

02-15-2005, 12:47 PM

A new movie, you say?

Funny. I could swear that site has been around for years.

ItalianLegolas

02-15-2005, 03:56 PM

at least since 99 apparently

Nurvingiel

02-15-2005, 07:12 PM

At the board I asked about the Middle-earth connection. This movie is an original fantasy movie - it's not set in Middle-earth at all!

They are "inspired by Tolkien" in the same way many fantasy authors are like Terry Brooks, Robert Jordan, and a host of others.

I hope that clears some things up because I know I was heartily confused. :D

Twista

02-16-2005, 12:09 PM

maybe they have abandoned the project. Maybe the movie didn't turn out good, so they just dropped it? The best solution I have..

I think they only made a trailer on a low budget then ( sorry if someone mentioned that above ^ ). More resently they are able to make it fully, with a studio style budget.

Ah, that point I obviously forgot. But I believe Jackson was already filming in 1999, no?

Yeh I belive he was Earny, however nothing was released at that point... so they wouldn't of had much to go on.

EarthBound

02-24-2005, 09:07 AM

ugh! how many pictures of sword making can they put in their gallerys! Seems like a lot of hype but no delivery on something worth writing home about, as they say. Just a "gut" feeling.

Nurvingiel

03-03-2005, 09:18 AM

I am quite hopeful about this project, but EarthBound is wise. I hope you're wrong this time EB. :)

Should this thread be re-named? Since it is a new fantasy movie rather than being set in Middle-earth. (Their "true fans of Tolkien" thing confused the heck out of me. I have no idea why they said that.)

azalea

03-05-2005, 01:15 PM

How's that for an updated thread title? :)

Nurvingiel

03-28-2005, 09:19 AM

Nice 'Zales! :D

Actually I still have a couple quibbles... Shouldn't this be in the Entertainment forum? I also think we should take "Middle Earth" right out of it, since this is a huge source of confusion.

The makers of this movie probably don't mind being mistaken for a Tolkien film, but I don't think we should help perpetuate the mis-information. Because it actually has nothing more to do with Middle-earth than Brook's "The Sword of Shannara" does. (Both are heavily influenced and inspired by Tolkien's works, but they are not actually set in Tolkien's world.)

azalea

03-31-2005, 07:04 PM

I may move it, but I'm leaving ME inspired for two reasons. One is that I think it says somewhere in the trailer or something that it is inspired by ME, also that it is the reason this thread was started. Plus, if I took that out, the title would just be "An Unreleased Movie." :P

azalea

03-31-2005, 07:15 PM