Lexicopia

Hobbit Production Diary #5

2011-12-24T17:09:00.000-08:00

Hot on the heels of the first Hobbit trailer comes another production video, just in time for Christmas!

First trailer for The Hobbit!

2011-12-20T19:45:00.000-08:00

Ten years since the premiere of Fellowship of the Ring, we have our very first trailer for The Hobbit!!! (The Hobbit premieres in December 2012, one year from now).

And here are two new images, including the first official poster for the film.

"Cold Winds" (first teaser trailer for Game of Thrones Season 2)

2011-12-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

Here is the first real teaser trailer for Game of Thrones, Season 2. It features the voice of Stannis Baratheon making his claim for the Iron Throne. Season 2 begins April 2012.

First look at Season 2 of Game of Thrones!

2011-11-21T19:15:00.000-08:00

Here are three videos that give a first look at Season 2 of HBO's hit fantasy series, Game of Thrones.

The first clip is a very brief teaser, and it features the voice of Stannis Baratheon, brother to King Robert.

This second video gives gives fans their first look at the production of the new season. There are brief glimpses of brand new characters (including Stannis Baratheon, the priestess Melisandre, and the smuggler-turned-knight Davos Seaworth), as well as some familiar faces.

The final clip is of Maisie Williams, discussing Arya's "new look".

Hobbit Production Diary #4 (and set pics!)

2011-11-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

Here is Peter Jackson's fourth production diary, from the set of The Hobbit. This installment looks at some of the technical aspects, including the 3D technology and high frame rate being used for the film.

And here are two recent photos from the set of Hobbiton!

Hobbit Production Diaries #2 and #3.

2011-07-24T19:35:00.001-07:00

Here are the second and third installments of Peter Jackson's production diaries. The third installment is particularly awesome, including glimpses of all thirteen dwarves in costume, as well as Galadriel, Elrond, and more...

All 13 dwarves!

2011-07-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

From Peter Jackson comes this composite photo of all thirteen dwarves from The Hobbit.

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

First look at The Hobbit!

2011-07-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

Here are the very first images from Peter Jackson's upcoming Hobbit films, including Bilbo, Gandalf, and all 13 dwarves!

Game of Thrones: Season 2 cast additions

2011-07-08T13:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a gallery of new additions to the cast of Game of Thrones, Season 2. It will be updated as casting news develops.

Stephen Dillane as
Stannis Baratheon

Carice van Houten as
Melisandre

Liam Cunningham as
Davos Seaworth

Natalie Dormer as
Margaery Tyrell

Gwendoline Christie as
Brienne of Tarth

Patrick Malahide as
Balon Greyjoy

Gemma Whelan as
Asha/Yara Greyjoy

Michael McElhatton as
Roose Bolton

Tom Wlaschiha as
Jaqen H'ghar

Rose Leslie as
Ygritte

Oona Chaplin as
Jeyne Westerling

John Stahl as
Rickard Karstark

Daniel Portman as
Podrick Payne

Simon Armstrong as
Qhorin Halfhand

Ben Crompton as
Dolorous Edd Tollett

Robert Pugh as
Craster

Lucian Msamati as
Salladhor Saan

Andy Beckwith as
Rorge

Gerard Jordan as
Biter

Nonso Anozie as
Xaro Xhoan Daxos

Ian Hanmore as
Pyat Pree

Laura Pradelska as
Quaithe

Ralph Ineson as
Dagmer Cleftjaw

Roy Dotrice as
Hallyne the Pyromancer

Hannah Murray as
Gilly

Karl Davies as
Alton Lannister

Kerr Logan as
Matthos Seaworth

Oliver Ford Davies as
Maester Cressen

Steven Cole as
Kovarro

Fintan McKeown as
Amory Lorch

Anthony Morris as
The Tickler

Tony Way as
Dontos Hollard

Sam Callis as
Goldcloak

Nicholas Blane as
Spice King

The Hobbit: Production Diary #1

2011-05-01T11:49:00.001-07:00

Here is the first of hopefully many production videos on the making of The Hobbit.

For ten full minutes, Peter Jackson takes viewers behind-the-scenes, giving us sneak peeks of the Rivendell and Bag End sets, as well as many props and costumes. You may also spot several familiar faces of cast and crew members who worked on the Lord of the Rings films. Enjoy!

Game of Thrones: theme music!

2011-04-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

HBO's Game of Thrones features an amazing opening credit sequence, with wonderful music composed by Ramin Djawadi. Watch the official opening below!

And here is my own personal rendition of the opening music, on guitar. You can download the mp3 HERE. Hope you like it!

Two more GoT "Artisans" videos

2011-04-15T17:55:00.001-07:00

Here are two final Artisans videos, before this weekend's premiere of Game of Thrones.

The first video features production designer Gemma Jackson discussing the Iron Throne room.

The second video features graphic artist Jim Stanes, discussing his iconic designs for the heraldry of Westeros.

"Poison" (ninth Game of Thrones trailer)

2011-04-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

With just one week to go until the premiere of Game of Thrones, HBO has released a fourth official trailer for the show.

Making Game of Thrones

2011-04-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a wonderful 25-minute video on the making of HBO's epic fantasy series, Game of Thrones. It brings together some footage from previous production videos but also contains some new treats. Enjoy!

Extended GOT production videos

2011-03-30T12:09:00.001-07:00

Here are a few extended production videos from Game of Thrones, containing much more footage than the original "Artisans" videos.

Costumes:

Set, Costumes, Hair & Makeup:

Stunt Coordination

Weapons:

...More new photos!

2011-03-30T01:16:00.000-07:00

New Game of Thrones photos just keep rolling in!

New Game of Thrones photos

2011-03-24T19:41:00.000-07:00

Some great new Game of Thrones photos were released last week, including new character portraits, posters, and some fantastic landscape shots.

"Power" (eighth Game of Thrones trailer)

2011-03-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

The premiere of Game of Thrones is still four weeks away, but the new trailers keep coming!

Game of Thrones: The Characters

2011-03-23T00:19:00.001-07:00

It's no secret that George R. R. Martin's series A Song of Ice and Fire contains an extremely large cast of characters. New readers often struggle to keep track of who is who. New viewers who have never read the books will likely face a similar problem next month, when HBO premieres its adaptation of the first book, Game of Thrones.

For this reason, HBO has released a series of videos - character portraits - to familiarize the audience with some of the key players. Below are the links to the videos, organized according to House.

HOUSE STARK:
Ned Stark
Catelyn Stark
Jon Snow
Robb Stark
Sansa Stark
Arya Stark
Bran Stark

HOUSE LANNISTER:
Cersei Lannister
Jaime Lannister
Tyrion Lannister

HOUSE TARGARYEN:
Viserys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen

OTHER:
King Robert Baratheon
Petyr Baelish ("Littlefinger")
Khal Drogo

The Hobbit begins production!

2011-03-21T00:31:00.000-07:00

After years of delays and set backs, production on The Hobbit is officially underway! Filming began today in Wellington, New Zealand.

The Hobbit will be two films, directed by Peter Jackson and based on the classic novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. The first film is tentatively set for a December 2012 release.

Targaryens, Lannisters, and Baratheons! Oh my!

2011-03-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

HBO has released three more featurettes, introducing the members of House Targaryen, House Lannister, and House Baratheon. Enjoy!

Meet the Starks!

2011-03-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

HBO has released a video featurette introducing Game of Thrones viewers to the members of House Stark. Hopefully there will be future videos for the other noble Houses (Lannister, Targaryen, etc.). Enjoy!

"Fear and Blood" (seventh Game of Thrones trailer)

2011-03-13T23:26:00.001-07:00

Here is the second full-length trailer for HBO's Game of Thrones. This one is entitled "Fear and Blood" and features some amazing new footage!

You win or you die

2011-03-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

HBO has unveiled a gorgeous poster for Game of Thrones. The detail on the throne is amazing! (Hint: Zoom in close and you'll see the crow has a third eye!)

"The Game Begins" (sixth Game of Thrones trailer!)

2011-03-03T16:22:00.001-08:00

Today has been a great day for fans of George R. R. Martin's epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire. First, a publication date for the fifth book was revealed. Then, HBO released another "Artisans" video. Finally, here is the first official full-length trailer for the upcoming series (not counting the five teaser trailers we've had before now).

The trailer begins with a tantalizing glimpse of The Wall...

New GoT video: The Artwork

2011-03-03T16:21:00.001-08:00

Here is the latest "Artisans" video from HBO's upcoming series, Game of Thrones. In this video, supervising art director Paul Inglis discusses some of the wonderful concept art that was created for the show.

"A Dance With Dragons" publication date revealed!

2011-03-03T16:06:00.000-08:00

Today brought huge news for fantasy fans: A Dance With Dragons, the long, long, long awaited fifth installment of George R. R. Martin's epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, finally has an official release date! The book is set to hit shelves on July 12, 2011.

Below are some of the variations that the book's cover art has gone through over the years.

Potential Hobbit film titles revealed?

2011-03-02T19:29:00.001-08:00

TheOneRing.net is reporting possible titles for the forthcoming Hobbit films.

The first potential title is "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey". The second is "The Hobbit: There and Back Again".

So far, fans seem to approve of these choices. The first title is a play on the very first chapter of The Hobbit ("An Unexpected Party"), while the second is taken from the actual full title of the book itself ("The Hobbit, or There and Back Again").

Both films (whatever their eventual titles) are set to begin filming in New Zealand later this month!

UPDATE (May 30, 2011): Both film titles listed above have been confirmed as official.

Fifth teaser trailer for Game of Thrones!

2011-02-28T20:38:00.000-08:00

Here is the fifth official teaser trailer for the upcoming HBO series, Game of Thrones. It contains some footage from previous trailers, as well as some new footage. Check it out!

An Invitation to Westeros

2011-02-19T23:07:00.001-08:00

With less than two months until the premiere of Game of Thrones, HBO has released another behind-the-scenes video entitled "An Invitation to Westeros". The video contains some first glimpses of minor characters including the Old Bear, Maester Aemon, and Hodor!

An Unexpected Party

2011-02-16T22:30:00.001-08:00

Here is a great photo taken at a press conference in Wellington, New Zealand last week, featuring cast members from the upcoming Hobbit movies: Martin Freeman (far right) will play Bilbo Baggins, and behind him are all thirteen dwarves!

(The dwarves, from left to right: Aidan Turner as Kili, William Kircher as Bifur, Stephen Hunter as Bombur, Jed Brophy as Nori, James Nesbitt as Bofur, Mark Hadlow as Dori, John Callen as Oin, Peter Hambleton as Gloin, Graham McTavish as Dwalin, Rob Kazinsky as Fili, Ken Stott as Balin, Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield, Adam Brown as Ori).

New GoT Video: Maisie Williams as Arya Stark

2011-01-31T17:53:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest Game of Thrones "Artisans" video. For the first time, this video features one of the cast members: young Maisie Williams who will play Arya Stark!

In addition, here's a great photo of Arya.

Fourth teaser trailer for Game of Thrones!

2011-01-16T22:57:00.000-08:00

The Game Begins...

I think that, of the four teaser trailers released so far, this may be the best one yet. The shots of the lead characters seated on the Iron Throne are chilling!

And if that wasn't enough for you, here's a beautiful shot of the Iron Throne itself.

New GoT video: The Fighting

2011-01-16T22:48:00.000-08:00

The latest "Artisans" video from HBO features fight coordinator Buster Reeves, speaking about his approach to designing the fight scenes for Game of Thrones. The video features some great glimpses of the Clegane brothers (AKA the Mountain and the Hound!).

Eleven new Game of Thrones images!

2011-01-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

HBO has released eleven new Game of Thrones promo shots! The HBO series is set to premiere on April 17, 2010.

Preview: Inside Game of Thrones

2010-12-05T22:41:00.000-08:00

Here is an 11-minute look inside HBO's upcoming series Game of Thrones. This is the longest Thrones preview from HBO so far, and provides a first look at many of the characters and production elements of the show. Things look pretty fantastic so far!

Third teaser trailer for Game of Thrones!

2010-11-28T22:01:00.001-08:00

Tonight HBO aired the third teaser trailer for their upcoming series, Game of Thrones. The show is due to premiere in the spring of 2011. Check out the trailer below!

New GoT video: The Weapons & The Armour

2010-11-23T23:49:00.001-08:00

The latest Game of Thrones "Artisans" videos feature weapons master Tommy Dunne and armour supervisor Simon Brindle, discussing their respective areas of expertise. Take a look!

Exclusive Game of Thrones images!

2010-11-18T00:22:00.001-08:00

Entertainment Weekly has released fourteen exclusive new photos from HBO's upcoming Game of Thrones. Here they are, in all their hi-res glory! (click photos to enlarge)

New GoT video: The Food

2010-11-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

The latest "Artisans" video features set decorator Richard Roberts discussing the food of Game of Thrones. I'm getting hungry...

New GoT video: The Costumes

2010-10-29T16:01:00.001-07:00

In this "Artisans" video (the third in the series), costume designer Michele Clapton discusses her approach to creating a unique look for the clothing of HBO's Game of Thrones.

In addition, here is a nice photo showing part of a wall from the Red Keep set. Loving the detail!

The Cast of The Hobbit

2010-10-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Now that production for The Hobbit is underway, I've started an evolving cast gallery for the upcoming films. I will update this list as news develops.

Martin Freeman as
Bilbo Baggins

Ian McKellen as
Gandalf the Grey

Christopher Lee as
Saruman the White

Cate Blanchett as
Galadriel

Hugo Weaving as
Elrond

Andy Serkis as
Gollum

Orlando Bloom as
Legolas

Elijah Wood as
Frodo Baggins

Sylvester McCoy as
Radagast the Brown

Richard Armitage as
Thorin Oakenshield

Ken Stott as
Balin

Graham McTavish as
Dwalin

John Callen as
Oin

Peter Hambleton as
Gloin

Dean O'Gorman as
Fili

Aidan Turner as
Kili

Mark Hadlow as
Dori

Adam Brown as
Ori

Jed Brophy as
Nori

William Kircher as
Bifur

James Nesbitt as
Bofur

Stephen Hunter as
Bombur

Mikael Persbrandt as
Beorn

Lee Pace as
King Thranduil

Luke Evans as
Bard the Bowman

Evangeline Lilly as
Tauriel

Stephen Fry as
The Master of Laketown

Ryan Gage as
Alfrid

Barry Humphries as
The Goblin King

Conan Stevens as
Azog

Benedict Cumberbatch as
Smaug the Dragon (voice)

Meet Bilbo Baggins!

2010-10-21T21:27:00.001-07:00

Only five days after The Hobbit films received the official greenlight, we have our first official casting announcements.

On board as the titular hobbit himself, Martin Freeman (The UK Office, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Sherlock) is officially our Bilbo! This news is sure to please the many fans who have been suggesting Freeman's name for years now. This is also a pleasant surprise, considering recent reports that suggested Freeman was no longer available due to prior commitments to the BBC series Sherlock. Thankfully, it seems the producers have found a way to work around Freeman's schedule.

After a long and troubled journey, things finally appear to be moving forward on these films. For the rest of today's casting announcements (including many dwarves), follow the link to TheOneRing.net.

The Hobbit (finally) gets the greenlight! Peter Jackson to direct!

2010-10-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

After years of speculation, delays, and seemingly endless obstacles, The Hobbit has finally received the official greenlight from the studio and will begin production early next year. In addition, Peter Jackson will be directing the two films. This is great news for Jackson fans who have wanted him to direct The Hobbit all along, and also for those who were concerned when director Guillermo del Toro left the project earlier this year.

Contrary to earlier reports, the films are also expected to be filmed in 3D. While many fans are less than thrilled about the prospect of The Hobbit in 3D, at this point they're probably just happy that the films are going to be made at all; the recent string of obstacles and setbacks had people wondering if the production was cursed!

The Hobbit will comprise two films, and is set to begin filming in February 2011. The expected release dates are December 2012 and December 2013. Still unresolved is the question of just where The Hobbit will be filmed, thanks to a recent labor dispute.

New GoT production video and promo pic

2010-10-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here is the second entry in the "Artisans" series of production videos for HBO's upcoming Game of Thrones. This time, production designer Gemma Jackson talks about the Castle Black lift.

Aditionally, here is the latest promotional photo from HBO. It's a shot of Bronn the mercenary, as portrayed by Jerome Flynn. Some fans had their reservations when this piece of casting was announced a while back, but this great image certainly relieves any concerns I may have had.

Game of Thrones production video

2010-10-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

New glimpses of HBO's upcoming Game of Thrones surfaced this past week, including a another brief production video, as well as a look at some proprs.

This video features production designer Gemma Jackson, talking about her role in designing the entire look of the show, "from the floor to the sky". Exciting stuff!

As for props, the first image is a pile of scrolls on a desktop; fans have deciphered the words "AEGON TARGARYEN, the fourth of his name, KING OF THE ANDALS and of the FIRST MEN" written on one of the scrolls.

The second image shows the council chair where the Hand of the King sits. This chair was seen briefly in the most recent teaser trailer for the show. In the words of the producers, "Maybe not as intimidating as the Iron Throne...but every bit as dangerous."

New Game of Thrones teaser, production vid, and promo pic!

2010-09-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a bonanza for fans of the upcoming HBO fantasy series, Game of Thrones. Not only were they treated to a second teaser trailer, but they also got a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the show! These videos offer the first real glimpse of many of the characters, costumes, sets, and props.

In addition to the two new videos, HBO released a third promo image (Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen), and unveiled an online production diary to keep fans informed of progress on the set. Winter is indeed coming...

Will Peter Jackson direct The Hobbit?

2010-06-25T23:00:00.000-07:00

Several insider websites are reporting that Peter Jackson is in talks to replace Guillermo Del Toro as director of the The Hobbit.

While some fans had been looking forward to seeing someone else's vision of Middle-earth, many others would be delighted if Jackson were to return. A few years ago Peter Jackson seemed like the only possible choice, before legal disputes with New Line began a process that ended with him handing over the reins to Del Toro.

Jackson has several other projects in the pipeline, including directing one of the upcoming Tintin films. One of his conditions for directing The Hobbit may be to ensure that filming starts as soon as possible, so as not to delay his other projects any longer than necessary (echoing Del Toro's own sentiments).

The next few days are supposedly crucial to deciding Jackson's involvement, and the future of these films. More on this as it develops...

The Hobbit pre-production still plodding along

2010-06-24T22:32:00.001-07:00

Despite MGM's ongoing financial woes, and last month's news that director Guillermo Del Toro had left the project, pre-production on the upcoming Hobbit films is still moving forward, slowly but steadily

Recently, there were reports that Neill Blomkamp (District 9) had been chosen to direct. These were followed quickly by reports that denied the whole thing.

There have also been casting rumours, concerning some of the dwarf roles. English actor and comedian Bill Bailey is reported to have auditioned for the role of Gloin, the father of Gimli from The Lord of the Rings. Australian actor Simon Westaway is rumoured to have auditioned for the part of Thorin Oakenshield. (Last fall there were similar rumors that Brian Cox and Stephen Fry had also auditioned as dwarves). At this point there is still no confirmation on any of these actors, nor have there been any recent hints as to who will eventually play Bilbo Baggins.

Lastly, construction appears to be proceeding nicely on the Hobbiton set!

Game of Thrones cast gallery (Season One)

2010-06-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

Here is an evolving cast gallery for HBO's Game of Thrones, with fan art by Amok (and a couple other sources) for comparison. The show will feature a huge number of characters, and this list will be updated as news develops.

The pilot episode was filmed in Scotland and Morocco in October 2009. The first season began filming in Northern Ireland and Malta on July 26, 2010. The series will air on HBO in spring 2011.

Sean Bean as
Eddard Stark

Michelle Fairley as
Catelyn Stark

Kit Harington as
Jon Snow

Richard Madden as
Robb Stark ("The Young Wolf")

Sophie Turner as
Sansa Stark

Maisie Williams as
Arya Stark

Isaac Hempstead-Wright as
Brandon Stark

Art Parkinson as
Rickon Stark

Ron Donachie as
Rodrik Cassel

Jamie Sives as

Jory Cassel

Charles Dance as
Tywin Lannister

Peter Dinklage as
Tyrion Lannister ("The Imp")

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as
Jaime Lannister
("The Kingslayer")

Lena Headey as
Cersei Lannister

Ian Gelder as
Kevan Lannister

Eugene Simon as
Lancel Lannister

Jack Gleeson as
Joffrey Baratheon

Aimee Richardson as
Myrcella Baratheon

Callum Wharry as
Tommen Baratheon

Mark Addy as
Robert Baratheon

Gethin Anthony as
Renly Baratheon

Harry Lloyd as
Viserys Targaryen

Emilia Clarke as
Daenerys Targaryen

Jason Momoa as
Kahl Drogo

Iain Glen as
Jorah Mormont

Aidan Gillen as
Petyr Baelish ("Littlefinger")

Conleth Hill as
Varys the Eunuch ("The Spider")

Julian Glover as
Grand Maester Pycelle

">Ian McElhinney as
Barristan Selmy
("Barristan the Bold")

Alfie Owen-Allen as
Theon Greyjoy

Finn Jones as
Loras Tyrell
("The Knight of Flowers")

Rory McCann as
Sandor Clegane ("The Hound")

Conan Stevens as
Gregor Clegane
("The Mountain that Rides")

John Standing as
Jon Arryn

Kate Dickie as
Lysa Arryn

Lino Facioli as
Robin Arryn

David Bradley as
Walder Frey

Clive Mantle as
Jon Umber ("The Greatjon")

James Cosmo as
Jeor Mormont ("The Old Bear")

John Bradley-West as
Samwell Tarly

Peter Vaughan as
Maester Aemon

Joseph Mawle as
Benjen Stark

Owen Teale as
Alliser Thorne

Francis Magee as
Yoren

Josef Altin as
Pyp

Mark Stanley as
Grenn

Natalia Tena as
Osha

Jerome Flynn as
Bronn

Miltos Yerolemou as
Syrio Forel

Sibel Kekilli as
Shae

Mark Lewis Jones as
Shagga

Mia Soteriou as
Mirri Maz Duur

David Michael Scott as
Beric Dondarrion

Joseph Dempsie as
Gendry

Ben Hawkey as
Hot Pie

Wilko Johnson as
Ilyn Payne

Roger Allam as
Illyrio Mopatis

Donald Sumpter as
Maester Luwin

Margaret John as
Old Nan

Kristian Nairn as
Hodor

Susan Brown as
Septa Mordane

Dominic Carter as
Janos Slynt

Emun Elliott as
Marillion

Brendan McCormack as
Vardis Egen

Rob Ostlere as
Waymar Royce

Roxanne McKee as
Doreah

Amrita Acharia as
Irri

Dar Salim as
Qotho

Elyes Gabel as
Rakharo

Esmé Bianco as
Ros

Antonia Christophers as
Mhaegen

Sahara Knite as
Armeca

Ian Beattie as
Meryn Trant

Jefferson Hall as
Ser Hugh of the Vale

Ciaran Bermingham as
Mord

Andrew Wilde as
Tobho Mott

Rodri Hosking as
Mycah

Eros Vlahos as
Lommy Greenhands

Brian Fortune as
Bowen Marsh

Luke McEwan as
Rast

Mark Coney as
Lord Glover

Gerry O'Brien as
Lord Bracken

Vincent McCabe as
Lord Karstark

Dermot Keaney as
Gared

Bronson Webb as
Will

Stephen Don as
Stiv

Susie Kelly as
Masha Heddle

Simon Lowe as
Wineseller Assassin

Lalor Roddy as
Assassin

Hugo Culverhouse as
Stableboy

First Thrones images

2010-06-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Here are the first official promo images from HBO's Game of Thrones:

This is our first glimpse of Sean Bean as Eddard Stark. I've included Amok's artwork for comparison; the two images are so similar, from the pose, to House Stark's ancestral greatsword Ice, that I almost wonder if this was done intentionally.

And here is an earlier image that HBO released a couple of months ago. This scene is based on the book's prologue, and is expected to be the first scene of the show's pilot episode.

Game of Thrones first teaser trailer!

2010-06-14T17:34:00.001-07:00

Fans of the upcoming fantasy drama Game of Thrones finally got their first glimpse of the highly anticipated show. Last night HBO aired a very short teaser trailer, immediately before the premiere of True Blood Season 3.

The teaser (a scant 22 seconds in length) shows us a wooded forest descending into winter, as we hear Sean Bean mutter the Stark family words, "Winter is coming". There are a few quick flashes of Dothraki fighters, Stark bannermen riding on horseback, Ned Stark unsheathing Ice, and some brothers from the Night's Watch encountering something in the woods. Most of this, of course, can only be discerned by a frame-by-frame analysis (which obsessive fans were quick to do). In fact, the almost excessively fast cutting between shots suggests that HBO knew that was exactly what the fans would do.

Game of Thrones is based on the best selling books by author George R. R. Martin. It is scheduled to air on HBO in April 2011.

Guillermo Del Toro leaves The Hobbit

2010-06-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Fans were shocked and disappointed last month when it was announced that Guillermo Del Toro had stepped down from directing the two upcoming Hobbit films. Del Toro made his decision (which he called the "hardest decision of my life") in response to the ongoing delays and difficulties that have postponed production on the eagerly anticipated films.

There is already much speculation as to who might take Del Toro's place, including names like Alfonso Cuaron (Children of Men) and Neil Blomkamp (District 9). Even producer Peter Jackson has said that he could direct the films as a last resort.

The two Hobbit films had been scheduled for release in December 2011 and December 2012, but with filming pushed back to at least this fall, 2012 may be the earliest we can hope to see the first Hobbit film in cinemas.

Sun Through a Window

2009-10-05T22:59:00.001-07:00

This is a song I wrote on the weekend, with my friend. It's about sunshine, windows, parents and their sons, and all the love and pain that make up this little thing we call life. Enjoy!

The Beatles - 40 years later, and they're still #1!

2009-09-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

Finally, after a 22 year wait, the entire Beatles catalogue has been re-mastered and re-released. The remasters sound better than the original 1987 CD releases, which suffered from slightly harsh and tinny sound (due to the fact that they were transferred to CD in the early days of digital technology).

The most improvement seems to be with The White Album and Abbey Road, but all of them sound great. The difference, however, is subtle, and unless you are an audiophile or a hardcore Beatles fan, you may not even notice it. The biggest differences are the much louder low-end/bass, the crisper and warmer-sounding instruments, and the vocals in particular, which are much clearer (it's easier to discern the separate voices, especially in the harmonies). But perhaps the nicest thing about the re-masters, for those who still appreciate buying physical albums, is the all-new packaging which contains historical notes, recording notes, and a ton of beautiful photos (all of which are sorely missing from the original 1987 CD releases).

Some might call it a cash grab by EMI or The Beatles, but for serious fans these re-masters are essential. As for my old CD's... anyone need some Beatles albums?

Who will play Bilbo Baggins?

2009-08-28T20:37:00.001-07:00

In light of the recent hints that Bilbo may have been cast, rumors continue to abound.

Fan favourites for the role of Bilbo Baggins include Martin Freeman (The Office, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) and James McAvoy (Wanted, Atonement, The Chronicles of Narnia). Far more frightening, however, is the new rumor that Tom Cruise could possibly be playing the lead role! Please...god...no! This rumor surfaced in response to the news that Cruise is currently visiting Peter Jackson in New Zealand. Let's all pray that this is for some other, non-Hobbit related role!

No 3-D for the Hobbit

2009-08-28T12:36:00.000-07:00

In response to the recent 3-D craze (thanks to James Cameron and his upcoming Avatar film) there have been rumors that the Hobbit films could be in 3-D. The overwhelming reaction from Tolkien fans was "No thank you!"

In response, director Guillermo del Toro has said this: “I can safely say that, as of this moment, there are absolutely NO conversations about doing the HOBBIT films in 3D.”

Oct. 2010 UPDATE: Reports are now saying that both films will be shot in 3D.

Will the real Gollum please stand up?

2009-08-26T23:34:00.001-07:00

It's hard to tell who looks more like Gollum, Pope Benedict, or Lindsay Lohan?

I found the Lindsay image online, but the Pope/Gollum comparison is my own (...my preciousss!)

Movie Poster Mashups

2009-08-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

I made these with Photoshop, just for fun. Enjoy!

The Hobbit is (slowly) getting closer!

2009-08-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

The Hobbit films are still at least at least two years away, but the ball is rolling!

The latest updates over at TheOneRing.net (confirmed by Sir Ian McKellen) claim that the first draft of the script has been delivered, and that Bilbo may even have been been cast (but not yet announced). The Hobbiton set in New Zealand is now being rebuilt, and filming may begin as early as next April (2010).

"The Hobbit" will be two films, directed by Guillermo Del Toro & produced by Peter Jackson. Currently, the release dates are estimated to be December 2011 and December 2012.

Blog, blog, blog...

2009-08-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

I made a blog!

I'm not sure why, since I don't really have anything to blog about. But who knows, it could be interesting...