Hobbit Casting News

From The One Ring. Net

New Zealand casting for “The Hobbit” to begin on Monday
December 12th, 2009 by Altaira
In the last few weeks, we’ve heard from reliable sources that casting directors for “The Hobbit” have been assigned in Great Britain, but the ball is now rolling ‘for real’ in New Zealand! MGM Studios acting-auditions.org site just posted an announcement that New Zealand casting for ‘The Hobbit” Part 1 will begin this coming Monday, December 14. Per their site:
“Casting is scheduled to begin next week, December 14, 2009, on the upcoming MGM Studios feature film “The Hobbit” Part 1. The project is now being developed as two films, and principal photography is tentatively scheduled to begin in New Zealand around May or June 2011. Please submit photos and resume by mail only. No phone calls or personal drop-offs.”

Principal Actor Casting:
Liz Mullane Casting
17 Taipakupaku Road
Karaka Bay
Wellington, New Zealand 6022

Extras Casting:
Miranda Rivers
PO Box 6479
Marion Square
Wellington, New Zealand 6022

The entry also lists associated productions companies, but emphasizes NOT to send resumes and pictures to them or they will likely end up in the trash. If you’re lucky enough to live in New Zealand, best of luck to you! If not, remember that there are requirements you must meet to be eligible to work in New Zealand. .

Time to get to work and send out my resume and photos!!!! M

Casting for the Hobbit

Terrible News. I'm sitting on my roof! I climbed up after getting notified that all the casting for the Hobbits extras, was going to be filled by New Zealanders. Due to New Zealand law, its virtually impossible to be hired as an extra if you are not a citizen. Sad day indeed. According to the Casting Director of the Narnia films, King King, the first 3 LOTR films, Liz Mullane. Simple , its the law! Not to mention it would be almost impossible with the many location changes, due to weather, film needs etc. My heart is breaking, but alas, there is still hope. Maybe,,,, Voluntary work. Im hoping that if I volunteer and not get paid, maybe I can get in with that loophole. Or something else. But, that might not be possible either. I wouldnt want totake work away from someone who needed it. BUT To live it, you must dream it, so there is always hope!
Maybe I'll come down off the roof,,, tomorrow,,, Max

Hobbit News

The Following is an entry from The One Ring. Net

The Hobbit…..TRILOGY?!
March 31st, 2009 by xoanon
For a few months now, we’ve all been wondering why there’s been such a cloud of secrecy from Guillermo and PJ regarding progress on The Hobbit. Well, today we got wind of what could be the biggest story so far about this much anticipated film: a report that negotiations are under way for a third film!
On condition on anonymity, our source revealed that some of the main sticking points include amendments to PJ and GDT’s contracts requiring an additional 3 months of principal photography, and temporarily suspending some of their other projects.
Our insider also mentioned some legal wrangling with the Tolkien Estate to acquire additional rights to materials not currently under license which would provide the bulk of the plot for the third movie. What specifically this could be is a guess, but our source seems to imply delving into the back-story of the Istari (Wizards) including Gandalf and Saruman’s youth in Valinor. The inclusion of other young wizards at the academy would provide an opportunity for cameos from LOTR actors who’s story arc doesn’t fit into The Hobbit. The latter would go a long way toward explaining recent cryptic quotes from LOTR actors about possible appearances in The Hobbit.
We’ll keep you up to date as this story progresses. Our source is sending us an update tomorrow.

The Hobbit Fund

Seriously,,I'm thinking of starting a Hobbit fund, where people can donate or perhaps purchase a signed autographed picture of me in wardrobe, from The Hobbit. Anything that I can do to raise funds to get me to New Zealand and get in this movie! Anyone have ideas. I'll only entertain legal ones of course. I'll need enough to live over there for at least a year, while providing for my bills at home here. I really want to take a leave of absence from work, but cant if I cant afford to go. Bad Timing perhaps with this awful economy and many losing there jobs and homes. But dreams don't die in dark times, they grow stronger. So all ideas are welcome,, I have 9 months to get my act together,,,, Namarie Max

The Great Return

As you all know, I'm working toward my goal to become and extra in the Hobbit, which begins filming next year 2010. If I'm unable to take a year off of work and move there, then I'm going to go down at least a month and try to get into as many scenes as I can,. That's a given. BUT a few days ago, I signed the twins and I, up to a return to New Zealand !!!! December 2011. The Red Carpet tours ( the tour company we went on in 2006) is taking reservations, for their tour for December 2011, anticipating that like with the LOTR Premiers there will be an overwhelming response. They had over 160 people attending. They are giving everyone an option to reserve your seat, before then. After much mulling and pondering. I sent in my response. The Twins constantly talk of going back, and I knew we would someday, also, its 2 years away, exactly the same amount of time it took for me to raise the money last time,, Its Fate! Not to mention, the boys will be out of high school, 18 years old, and hopefully have jobs, so they can pay their own way. I do expect them to be attending College, but they should be on Christmas break then.. I wrote Vic and Raewyn James owners of Red Carpet Tours, explaining that IF I don't make it into the movie, then the next best thing would be to attend the premier. Tom is so excited he is already planning on a Tattoo!!! Stay tuned, this blog was created to document our trials and tribulations in getting there 2 years ago,, ( that long ago! wow!). I expect the boys to start writing for the blog again, Namarie Max

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

The Extra

The Above Picture ,perfectly illustrates the need for extras. Especially those that could fit in. With my hair long, I think I could blend in. I'm a natural !

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.!!!

You must Dream it to Live it

MTV is reporting that Guillermo del Toro is planning on giving fans a chance to be in the Hobbit. ARE YOU KIDDING ME.!!!!! Is this not fate. Hopefully the link works, but if not here is a transcript.

But the biggest news? It came from a question I thought would be a joke.
“Who do I have to kill or sleep with to get a role as an extra?” user Mike Moore asked.
“Oh my god, well that’s a good question only in that it’s asked often,” del Toro said, chuckling. “[But] I believe as the film comes to happen, in either of the two films, [fans] have a good chance of being there.”
You can (and should) watch del Toro’s hilarious response to the question below. But in the meantime, consider this: Del Toro wasn’t kidding. And it won’t cost you a dime, Mr. Moore.
“Sleep with a lot of people if you can! That’s a very good piece of advice. But don’t bribe anyone. It will be wasted money,” del Toro said, laughing. “We will set some rules and some contests and some fans will definitely get the chance of being extras. Go and apply for those roles!”

When this contest starts. I'm calling in all favors. If you know me, care about me, love me, heck hate my guts, and want to see me out of this country, please enter this contest on my behalf!!! I MUST BE IN THIS MOVIE. I'm going to move Heaven and Earth. I'M GOING TO BE IN THAT MOVIE. One way or the other. I wish he would have told us who we had to sleep with. I need names !!!! At least he also gave me another chance, he says to apply for the roles,,, My New Zealand friends are going to get a phone call from me,,,,,, What time is it there ? M

Hobbit Casting

I've read that his favorite book growing up was The Hobbit. I think he would make a great Bard, the bowman who kills Smaug. We all know that The Hobbit is going to be the biggest movies of 2011 and 2012, so it's definitely not a big risk, and I think it will be bigger that 300. He loves to do characters that are costume roles, like Beowulf, King Leonidas . Gerard Butler would be perfect in it . One of my Faves. So I'm going to start the rumour now. Maybe Guillermo del Toro will cast him.

An Unexpected Party

The Live Internet chat with both Peter Jackson and Guillermo Del Tor on Saturday May 24Th, went very well. At least I thought so. The twins were a little disappointed, that none of our questions were answered at least directly. Most of the questions we had were credited to other questioners. That's OK, They literally had thousands online with us, participating in the chat. Tom and I, wrote down the questions we wanted asked before the star of the chat, and all of those questions were answered. I'll add them here with the answers at the end. Timmy had a previous engagement, so he couldn't come over. But we had him on conference call with us, so he would not feel left out. I did not specifically ask, other than a comical question, about actually being in the film. I didn't think it would be fair to other participants and felt it would also be inappropriate to the forum. But at the end of the chat, Guillermo did comment about few asking to be in the film, which to me says that he is aware of my pestering and desire to work on the Hobbit. Here is a brief summary. New Zealand will again be used (perfect) as the setting for Middle -Earth. Both men prefer using actual sets as opposed to CGI. Guillermo commented on using both seamlessly as optimal. Jackson claims that Bilbo has NOT been cast (Internet rumour has Martin Freeman cast). And Sir Ian McKellen also has claimed he has already been approached. According to Guillermo, anyone in the LOTR Trilogy will be asked to reprise their roles in The Hobbit, if the script for F2 (film two) requires it. The scripts have not been written yet, so commenting on Cast news would be premature. Matamat will once again be used for Hobbiton, bigger and better than ever according to Jackson. Guillermo spoke eloquently when referring to bringing Smaug to life. Even going so far as to name Malificent as a favorite Dragon. (everyone knows she was/is my favorite Disney villain) . In ending. Del Toro said and I quote" But I can say that only a FEW asked "How can I be an extra?" so my heart swell with pride with the many questions that you were kind enough to submit-More chats and wandering in the message boards await us-See you soon. " Note. I submitted a question 2 weeks or so ago, asking how I can participate in the making of the movie, ie perhaps an extra or foot messager. Do you think this comment was a slap or derogatory comment towards me? I hope not. My intention was because of my love and passion for the story and all its characters. i read the Hobbit when i was 7 years old. LOTR soon followed soon afterwards.My favorite book of all time. I have read it more than any other. Period. The movies to me are perfection, lightning in the bottle. The look, the feel, the sound, the costumes, the casting even, simply perfection. I took the Twins to NZ, to be on a LOTR tour, that alone should prove my passion for Middle Earth. I just want to be involved somehow. What an incredible chance, perhaps a life altering experience. I will keep trying. I have a til filming starts in 2010, to save my money and make the long journey back to Middle Earth. You have to Dream it, To Live It....Here is a brief audition, lol .Namarie


p.s if you care to read the Entire Trancript go here

Hobbit casting News

According to several sources Sir Ian Mckellen has been asked to reprise his role of Gandalf in The Hobbit. Now I'm reading the Andy Serkis and Viggo Mortenson have been approached. Fantastic news. Please please please Viggo say yes. Aragorn can't be played with someone else. Gollum wouldn't be the same also, Andy must come back. ( Rumours say Serkis has already signed). Viggo, I beg you, plead with you, pray you sign on. I have also just read the Bilbo will be played by Martin Freeman, I don't know who that is, but that could be a good thing. He can create the role, and bring a fresh perspective to it. I'm sorry , but I do feel Sir Ian Holm is too old to play a young Bilbo. more news soon to come. Namarie

2 More Days/Variety

Two more days, until the Internet hour, with Guillermo and Peter Jackson. It's Saturday at 3, and I'm nervous and excited. If I get the chance, I'm going to ask Jackson, why he felt the need to have a scene in Return of The King, Where Gandalf and The Witch King have an encounter, and The Witch King basically instill fear and breaks Gandalfs Staff! Never happened in the Book. And while I understand for filming purposes, the need to embellish or add something to move the story along. But was that really necessary? I don't think so. The only small blemish in otherwise a perfect movie. I'm thinking of putting out an Ad in Variety. Does anyone know how expensive that is? An open letter to Guillermo del Toro,,,,Can I be in the Hobbit? Then I can list my reasons. That idea has a certain appeal, can you imagine who will read it. And who will read my name and my story. All of Hollywood reads Variety. Next I will write Guillermo a letter and post it to his blog. I will definitely post it here also,, Namarie for Now.

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

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!

The Hobbit

The Hobbit has a director , Guillermo del Toro. Variety is reporting, that he has signed the dotted line. While I'm ecstatic that The Hobbit is finally going to be made, I'm sad that Peter Jackson will not be directing. Nothing against del Toro. I enjoyed Pans Labyrinth, and Hell Boy. But the Look and feel of LOTR under Jackson, was absolutely beautiful. I'm nervous the Hobbit will look and feel completely different. like the cartoons. The Bakshi and the other one. Different directions, and completely different looks. The set up is 2 movies leading up to the Fellowship of the Rings, which I think is cool, some of the same actors can be in it, Mckellan, Mortenson and even Orlando Bloom. I think the Hobbits would be too old, by now. But 2 movies hopefully hitting the big screen in 2011 and 2012. no script written yet, and post production sometime next year. Plenty of time to get my butt down there, and get in as an extra. Fingers Crossed!

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.