The Hobbit - Holy Crap!!!

From the LotR blog-feed on Live Journal...

THE HOBBIT IS BEING MADE!

from TORN:

ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER PETER JACKSON AND NEW LINE CINEMA JOIN WITH MGM TO PRODUCE “THE HOBBIT,” EAGERLY-ANTICIPATED FANTASY ADVENTURE EPIC

NEW LINE AND MGM TO CO-PRODUCE AND SHARE WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS

PETER JACKSON AND FRAN WALSH TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE TWO FILMS BASED ON “THE HOBBIT”

Los Angeles, CA (Tuesday, December 18, 2007) Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson; Harry Sloan, Chairman and CEO, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM); Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs of New Line Cinema have jointly announced today that they have entered into the following series of agreements:

* MGM and New Line will co-finance and co-distribute two films, “The Hobbit” and a sequel to “The Hobbit.” New Line will distribute in North America and MGM will distribute internationally.

* Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh will serve as Executive Producers of two films based on “The Hobbit.” New Line will manage the production of the films, which will be shot simultaneously.

* Peter Jackson and New Line have settled all litigation relating to the “Lord of the Rings” (LOTR) Trilogy.

Said Peter Jackson, “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to put our differences behind us, so that we may begin a new chapter with our old friends at New Line. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a legacy we proudly share with Bob and Michael, and together, we share that legacy with millions of loyal fans all over the world. We are delighted to continue our journey through Middle Earth. I also want to thank Harry Sloan and our new friends at MGM for helping us find the common ground necessary to continue that journey.”

“Peter Jackson has proven himself as the filmmaker who can bring the extraordinary imagination of Tolkien to life and we full heartedly agree with the fans worldwide who know he should be making ‘The Hobbit,’” said Sloan, MGM’s Chairman and CEO. “Now that we are all in agreement on ‘The Hobbit,’ we can focus on assembling the production team that will capture this phenomenal tale on film.”

Bob Shaye, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO comments, “We are very pleased we have been able to resolve our differences, and that Peter and Fran will be actively and creatively involved with ‘The Hobbit’ movies. We know they will bring the same passion, care and talent to these films that they so ably accomplished with ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy.”

“Peter is a visionary filmmaker, and he broke new ground with ‘The Lord of the Rings,’” notes Michael Lynne, New Line Co-Chairman and Co-CEO. “We’re delighted he’s back for ‘The Hobbit’ films and that the Tolkien saga will continue with his imprint. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Harry Sloan, who has been instrumental in helping us reach our new accord.”

The two “Hobbit” films – “The Hobbit” and its sequel – are scheduled to be shot simultaneously, with pre-production beginning as soon as possible. Principal photography is tentatively set for a 2009 start, with the intention of “The Hobbit” release slated for 2010 and its sequel the following year, in 2011.

The Oscar-winning, critically-acclaimed LOTR Trilogy grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide at the box-office. In 2003, “Return of the King” swept the Academy Awards, winning all of the eleven categories in which it was nominated, including Best Picture – the first ever Best Picture win for a fantasy film. The Trilogy’s production was also unprecedented at the time.

For more information about “The Hobbit” films, please visit www.TheHobbitBlog.com.

Musing on Tuesday - An English Sonnet.

.....They never turn out as pictured in the mind. :-)

.....There are reasons why things deep and spiritual are grouped in three's: the three wise men; father, son and holy spirit; heaven, hell, earth. Is it a coincidence that the usual SCA peerage grouping is as three?

With ravenous cries manna rich is sought,
Meat to bring nourishment to body long.
In blood this gift of life is dearly bought.
A Pelican's nest is an aegis strong.

Bright flames of color is thier task to tame,
A chain of knowledge is forged with strong bonds.
By artisans of vigor and great fame,
Encouraging with Laurel's woven fronds.

Nobility as shield and strength as sword.
They watch and guide all underneath their guard.
The heavy chain links remind all they ward,
Knights bind to chivalrous oaths that are hard.

Within this ring of three all do reside,
Each of their gifts is needed as a guide.

.....An English sonnet.

.....Take care all, Aaron / Arontius.

Food for the Holidays!

.....Just to get those cooks on my friends list something fun to do for the holidays. :-)

Chocolate Chirpies

2 cups sugar
2/3 cup cream
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup dry roasted crickets, chopped

In a saucepan, mix sugar, cream, chocolate and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted and sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until candy thermometer reads 234 degrees or until a small amount of mixture forms a ball when dropped into ice water. Remove mixture from heat and add butter. Cool mixture to 120 degrees without stirring. Add vanilla and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until candy is thick and no longer glossy - about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in crickets. Spread evenly in a buttered loaf pan. Cool until firm. Cut into 2-inch squares. Enjoy.

.....Mmmmmm. :-)

.....Aaron / Arontius.