Mithrandir

 Some of my favorite renditions of Gandalf from around the web !

Thranduil

Thranduil The Woodland King

Gandalf at Hobbiton

November 2015.  I arrived at Hobbiton dressed as Gandalf.  These are just a few of my favorite pictures.

 Friends from Australia

 Here some tourists thought I was a part of Hobbiton, and wanted photos with me

 more tourists

Cirdan

Thranduil

Dwarves in Bonn 2014

The Hobbit Tour Register

Red Carpet ToursVic & Raewyn James from Red Carpet Tours, send this along: Red Carpet Tours is pleased to announce that it has opened a register for LOTR fans wanting to tour at the time of the New Zealand Premiere of “The Hobbit”. We are ‘guesstimating’ that this will probably happen in December, 2011. For the Premiere of “The Return of the King” in December, 2003, 160 fans toured with Red Carpet. If you wish to add your name to ‘The Hobbit Tour 2011’ register, you can email Vic James directly. Meanwhile, Red Carpet Tours’ monthly 12 day LOTR tours continue. The New Zealand dollar is currently @ 57 cents against the U.S. dollar, which makes this a great time to visit Middle Earth!

I've signed us up. I told Vic, that if I cant get into the Hobbit, as an Extra, then I might as well go to the Premier,,,, M

In case You Forgot

Sometimes we go about our busy lives, always thinking ahead, and not remembering now, whats happening now. I catch myself doing that too,, I'm always looking to the next adventure, The next place to visit. A friend at work took me aside before New Zealand and made me promise that everyday, I would stop and just sit, enjoy the moment, remember why and how I got here. Put everything into focus. She knew I worked too hard to let it speed pass. I did that! And I'm thankful I did. ( Thanks Natasha ) 2 years have passed since that trip, And I could remember every detail. So much so that I let an important reason for going start to slip past. My love for this movie. Since coming home I haven't watched it once, bits and pieces, so I can point out where the Twins and I traveled, But never sat down and watched it end to end. Surprisingly, I don't listen to the music anymore either, I had forgotten how much I loved it. Self analysis. Maybe I didn't want to revisit LOTR because of the profound effect this trip had on me. It really did change my life. I became who I always wanted to be. Old demons and Ghosts no longer haunt. I knew the trip would be the boys and mine, last big event. They are growing up, they don't want to hang with me anymore ( Damn Girls! ). I'm not Magical for them anymore. I'm not special or as special. My books and stories don't capture their imagination like it once did. That's life. I came across this clip, and emotions flooded back. I had forgotten my love, my precious. It brought tears to my eyes. I think I'm ready for another adventure. The Road goes ever on. Namarie.

p.s. Anyone up for a movie marathon, guess whats playing!!!!

Hobbit Update

The following are excerpts from The Hobbit FAQ from The One Ring.Net. A leading Lord of the Rings Internet site. The usually have the most factual and current news on the Web! These excerpts apply to question asked about the upcoming movie" The Hobbit. I have added my two cents in blue.

1.2. What will be in the second movie?

If The Hobbit does comprise the first film. The second movie will cover some of the events in Middle-earth during the 60 years between the end of The Hobbit, when Bilbo returns to Bag End in the year 2941 of the Third Age, and the Long Expected Party that opens The Fellowship of the Ring, in the year 3001 of the Third Age. According to PJ: “At this stage, we’re not imagining a film that literally covers 60 years, like a bio-pic or documentary. We would figure out what happens during that 60 years, and choose one short section of time to drop in and dramatise for the screen.”
Possible events that could be included:
- Sauron returns to Mordor
- Gollum ventures from the Misty Mountains in search of Bilbo and ends up in Mordor
- Aragorn and Arwen meet
- Aragorn and Gandalf meet
- A young Aragorn leaves Rivendell and travels south to fight for Rohan and Gondor under the alias of Thorongil.
- The Dwarves, led by Balin, re-inhabit Moria.
There has also been mention of taking one character, such as Aragorn or Gandalf, and following their story-line over the 60 year time-frame. Essentially, the film rights include anything from the text or appendices of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. What definitely will not be included in either movie are events or characters from Tolkien’s other works including The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales and The History of Middle-earth series.

1.9. How do I get cast as an extra in the movies? This is what I really want to know.

The only way to become an extra in the films is to be *in* New Zealand at the time casting calls go out (and specifically *in* the city in which they need extras on the days announcements are made) and either be a citizen of New Zealand or possess a New Zealand work permit. Calls for extras will occur much the same as they did for LOTR: ads will be published in local papers and broadcast on local radio stations and you will have to be available to work within 24-48 hours. So, unless you’re ready, willing and able to move to New Zealand for two years, happen to be in the right place at the right time and are fully documented to work there, you’re out of luck.
Note: tourist visas to New Zealand are currently valid for 90 days. A number of countries have working holiday visa schemes with New Zealand; they are generally valid for 12 months and allow you to work for up to three months at a time; you also have to be aged between 18 and 30 to be eligible. See Immigration NZ for details. I don't like the sound of this!
If you’re already a professional or semi-professional actor, you should work through your agent and/or contact talent agencies in Wellington. If you’re lucky enough to be a New Zealand citizen or be legally working there, you’re the envy of us all!! Somehow, I will be in this movie, If they can allow Guillermo del Toro to film and work in NZ, for 2 yrs,, they will allow me to be an extra! If need be I will write the NZ Prime Minister!!!!

Important note: If and when TORn hears of casting calls, we’ll post the news immediately on the Home Page of the site. However, no one at TORn can get you cast as an extra in the movie, so emailing us with such requests is, unfortunately, futile. If you’ve read through this entry, you now know as much as we do!

Just another update on my progress. I'm writing everyone and anyone! Rosie O'Donnell, Oprah, and even Roger Ebert. I'm going to start a petition, (maybe I should go online with that,), I'm pretty willing to do whatever it takes. My friend John who lives in California, and works as an EXTRA in movies. He was in Flags of our Fathers and Spider-man to name two. Has been informed of my desire and is on the lookout for any news or any casting calls for me,, I will fly to LA on a moments notice. I have also told my friend Billy, that I will need his services for photo's (face shots), so that I can be prepared at Talent Agencies. I have over a year to prepare.!!!

Hobbit Casting pt ll

Tom and I went to see the movie "Wanted" recently and while we both enjoyed it. We couldn't help but pay special attention to James McAvoy. Don't get me wrong, Angelina Jolie is "Devastatingly Beautiful" . Rumours are persistent that McAvoy will be Bilbo Baggins. And that my friends is of the utmost importance. I like him. He has an air of humility, boyishness and down to earth charm. And sometimes he has a smile in his eyes that lets the audience know he is in on the joke. Qualities he shares with a certain Shire dweller. He comes from Billy Boyds home country, Scotland. Also he is short, I don't think any of the Actors portraying the Hobbits were much taller than his reported 5 '7. According to IMDB he is a big Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica fan, coincidence?. I think not. Tom liked him too. I think he would be a fool to pass up this role. But what do I know. Next to nothing. Hopefully he is a nice guy, Peter Jackson only likes to work with people he likes,,, .

P. S. I will certainly post what kind of character he has, when I get to meet him, while filming the hobbit naturally,,,, fingers crossed.

An Unexpected Party

Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro are inviting fans to a live Internet chat about The Hobbit on May 24 (May 25 in Australia/NZ).
Peter and Guillermo will answer questions and hear comments about the new adventure into Middle-Earth.
Weta are excited to be hosting this one-hour live online chat on their website www.wetaNZ.com. The start time for the different time zones are below:
Los Angeles (Pacific) - Saturday, 24 May 1:00 p.m.
New York (Eastern) - Saturday, 24 May 4:00 p.m.
London - Saturday, 24 May 9:00 p.m.
Paris, Berlin, Rome - Saturday, 24 May 10:00 p.m.
Sydney - Sunday, 25 May 6:00 a.m.
Wellington, Auckland - Sunday, 25 May 8:00 am

Text of PJs letter follows:

Several years ago - it seems a lifetime now - I invited 20 questions from fans right at the start of embarking on The Lord of the Rings trilogy. For me, it was an important and enjoyable moment, when I was able to begin a relationship that helped define our attitude to that unique project. It gave me a sense of responsibility that stayed etched in my brain for the next 5 years.
Well, the time has come again! With us right on the cusp of beginning pre-production on The Hobbit, and its companion movie, it seems fitting to do the same thing again.
It’s also fitting that our director, Guillermo Del Toro, will join me in answering the questions, since he will be bringing his considerable personal vision to these two movies. It’s my moment to hand the baton to Guillermo. It’s time for him to address your concerns.
So this is how it will work: we ask fans with an interest in The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings to send one question to this website. Ask us anything! Guillermo and I will select and answer the 20 most common questions, so we can both attempt to address the key issues as best we can.
Our answers will be released during a one hour live web chat, hosted by Weta, with both Guillermo and myself logged on. In addition to answering your 20 questions - for the entire hour, we’ll take additional live questions and chat about the projects with anybody who’s interested.
Please send us your questions and Register for the live chat - and we’ll talk to you in a couple of weeks.
Cheers,Peter Jackson *
*information obtained THEONERING.NET


I don't need to mention that I registered for the live chat. thank God I'm off that day. I also submitted a question. Can anyone guess what my question was? I felt a little guilty asking it. I'm not the type to be pushy or force myself on anyone. But this is really important to me. And I can't help but remember the old adage " Squeaky wheel gets the oil!". So here was my question.
What can I do, to become an Extra? I also added that I could carry coffee, make breakfast, message tired Directors feet. Being very versatile, I can pretty much do anything. I'm very good at sitting/standing around in the hot sun, cold snow or torrential downpours, doing absolutely nothing! End of Question. I think I was the first question submitted. I'm beyond the moon excited . I'm also going to send a letter to Guillermo's website, asking for the job. I will posting my letter here probably tomorrow or next. You have to register and they get back to you with a special code in order to do this. Fingers Crossed. You have to dream it, To live it. Namarie

Mt Ruapehu

Volcanic activity at Mount Ruapehu is increasing and an eruption could occur at any time, scientists warned on Tuesday. The volcano, famed as a location in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, last erupted on September 25 2007, spitting two metre boulders distances of up to two kilometres. Ruapehu’s elevated alert level has not been changed, but scientists said on Tuesday that activity within the mountain was greater, with high levels of gas spewing out, a warmer than average crater lake and ongoing volcanic tremors. “The volcano remains in a status of unrest and the possibility of further activity remains. If further eruptions occur, they may occur without warning,” Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS) said in a statement.


This is a place that we visited, when we were in New Zealand. The sites of Mordor, Emyn Muil and Mt Doom, were all filmed here. The spot where Sam and Frodo were lost amid volcanic lava flows and where they first met Gollum. Gollum's fishing pool, where Andy Serkis was careful not to plunge over the waterfall! This was the spot were we hit a blizzard. See the pics below.

Balrog

Balrog
Originally uploaded by Gandalf.

I was speculating the other day with the Twins about what exactly the powers at be plan on including in the 2 Hobbit films. Since Gandalf kept leaving Bilbo and the Dwarfs, to confront the Necromancer (Sauron) up in Angmar. I thought maybe del Toro could include a couple of Balrogs. All the dragons are gone except for Smaug, who is now in hiding under the Iron Mountain. And we know of a balrog hiding under Moria. So where did the rest go. Maybe in the battle with the Istari they were all lost. We know there was a great battle. Sauron flees Angmar to Mordor, with the Nine. So we need powerful beings to give our Istari and the remaining Numenoreans a good Battle!

Riddles in the Dark

News of the hobbit has been slow, it was announced that The Hobbit was going to be 2 movies, filmed simultaneously ala LOTR. But that is the last piece of news I have heard. Until now, Guillermo del Toro has been mentioned as a Director. No formal news has yet been announced, but he left this riddle on the website The One Ring. net. Which by the way, is my favorite for LOTR news. If you can figure it out be my guest. I hope it means news will be forthcoming.

A riddle for you all

Half familiar, half unknown.

A thing it is, ¨It almost is-¨

This thing all things devours: Birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
Gnaws iron, bites steel;
Grinds hard stones to meal;
Slays king, ruins town,
And beats high mountain down.

The day of the moon will be
when all is revealed to thee
Questions will cease
Answers will please
We´ll learn of the Shire
and all you desire.
At ten minus Three.
Joining to be
Ten minus Eight
Add to the slate
of the two dozen princes
that die without winces.
And add to each day
of the week.

Meet Uncle Max

This is A Repost of an Earlier Post from the Old Blog.

Wednesday, June 14th, 2006
There is a man that is tall, smart, with a lot of blonde hair, mostly one of the handsome kinds you see walking down the street. If you ever see him, he may be buying a box of new comic books, just like he does every month. He’s been reading comics since he has been a little boy. If you ever get to meet him, he will be a really nice gentleman, saying thanks, holding the door and all the other stuff, or if you meet him when you go see a movie that he may like, he may be the cool guy in a costume. He really doesn’t care what people think about him, as long as you have fun, he says. He always loves to dress up , He loves the Lord of The Rings as a passion, just like my brother and I. He likes Star Trek, a lot less than The Lord of The Rings. He will watch the movies everyday: I love that about him because he is the one that got me into the Lord of The Rings. He loves playing Tennis and Ping-Pong. Even though I beat him all the time, when he wants to play me. He loves his job as a dispatcher. He got the call about Chris Farley overdosing on drugs.One day my Uncle took me to the movie theatre to see Star Wars, it as about 12:00 am. We saw the movie the day before it really came out. We both dressed up as Jedi’s. With our brown cloaks that felt so comfortable with it’s warmth, and with our colorful fake light sabres that make noise when you hit them against something. We drove to the movie theatre, when we got in, we saw tons of people that cheered for us, because we dressed up. I was so delighted because I had butterflies in my stomach that people will be laughing at us. My Uncle almost started crying. He was so thrilled. We bought our tickets and sat in the theatre. A girl next to us dressed up in the same warm cloak that will always keep someone warm. I remember that night where I almost made an accident in my pants. I know my Uncle will always remember that day for the rest of his life. Mostly every show we see we go to Toys R Us. We go there just to buy more LOTR action figures. Those days were one of the best days of my life. Seeing those isles and isles of toys were one of the best sights I ever seen. Then putting all the LOTR toys in the cart made me really happy. Seeing the cashier put them in the bag made me want to cry in joy, so I can put them in my collection, even my Uncle was excited because he had a collection too. My Uncle is a very special person in my life. He always wanted the best for me, and he still does. We’ve always spent mostly every weekend together. Every time it was Friday I wanted to run out of school to see my Uncle. My Uncle always had a big mind and he also has a big heart. Timothy A
Period 4 May 3, 2006

The Greatest Thing

This post was initially posted March 19th, 2007 from Thomas
Hello there,
It has been four months since I was able to smell the flowers in hobbiton, climb and see the mountains, and been able to live a lifetime chance. Many things have changed since New Zealand. I still have been doing good in school. I’m about to go to High school. I just got done with a basketball league and my team came in first. I’m in baesball now, I just tried out for a team. I don’t know what team I am on. I still miss New Zealand and I always think about it and I wish I could go back to it. I look at pictures and I almost start to cry because I miss it so much. Some people still ask me how much fun my trip was. I say it was the greatest trip of my life. It was the greatest trip cause I was with two of the greatest people in the world. I met some of the coolest people I could meet. I think when I get older I will go back and smell the flowers of hobbiton. The people I miss in New Zealand is Vic and Raewyn, they were the greatest tour guides in the world. I miss Heather and Vivian too though. They were two fun people to hang out with. The greatest thing I miss is, my Uncle successfully guiding two young hobbits through Middle - Earth. Namarie.
Your Friend, Thomas
P.S. I love you very much Uncle Max… you are The Greatest Uncle in the world.