HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA — Friday, JULY 16, 2004 – The man behind the ‘Gollum,’ actor Andy Serkis, has been interviewed for the upcoming independent feature documentary, RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS. Mr. Serkis shared many remarkable insights into the nefarious character he portrayed in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film trilogy — widely regarded as a watershed moment in film history that perfectly married the skills of thespian performance with digital artistry.
Mr. Serkis has a significant stage resume, including Iago in Braham Murray’s 2002 production of Othello at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. He played Factory Records producer Martin Hannett in Michael Winterbottom’s 24 Hour Party People; and starred opposite Jennifer Garner in the recent comedy smash, 13 Going on 30. He has appeared on American television in The Arabian Nights; and stole every scene in which he appeared as John D’Auban in Mike Leigh’s modern classic, Topsy-Turvy. His “motion capture” performance for the creature Gollum also included playing his hobbit counterpart, Sméagol, seen in the final installment, The Return of the King. Mr. Serkis is a co-recipient of the “Best Acting Ensemble” award from both the National Board of Review and the Broadcast Film Critics Association; also winning the Screen Actor’s Guild Award (Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture) for his work in the Rings Trilogy. He will feature prominently in Peter Jackson’s upcoming King Kong, where more of his “motion capture” work will support the CGI creation of the titular ape.
About the documentary:
Very funny yet often moving, Ringers: Lord of the Fans shows the hidden power behind Tolkien’s books — and how after 50 years a single literary work continues to spark the minds and hearts of millions, across cultures and across time. Ringers explores the real foundations of Middle-earth; a community of true fans who share a common bond. Moving beyond “cult classic” and over several different generations, the film unearths academics, musicians, authors, filmmakers, and a plethora of pop junkies — the people gathered under the banner of ‘Ringer.’
RINGERS: LORD OF THE FANS spent 16 months shooting on three continents. Produced in association with the popular Tolkien fan-site TheOneRing.net, Ringers stands as the most comprehensive film document of the ongoing fandom of “The Lord of the Rings.”
“Ringers” Official Website:
Current “Ringers” Interviewees include:
Actor – Sir Ian McKellen, Actor – Dominic Monaghan, Actor – Andy Serkis, Actor – Sala Baker, Author/Filmmaker – Clive Barker, Writer/Director/Producer – Cameron Crowe, Actor – David Carradine, Author – Terry Pratchett, Author – Peter S. Beagle, Author – Terry Brooks, Musician – Lemmy Kilmister, Musician – Geddy Lee, Tolkien Scholar – Dr. Jane Chance, Chairperson of the Tolkien Society – Christine Crawshaw, Author – Colin Duriez, Filmmaker/Critic – Chris Gore, Writer/Publisher – Forrest J. Ackerman, Actor – Bill Mumy, Author/Broadcaster – Brian Sibley, Illustrator/Author – Colleen Doran, Illustrator/Author – Jill Thompson, Great-Grandson – Royd Tolkien, and hundreds of Tolkien fans!
For additional information, contact:
Melanie Marquez, Publicist
9220 Sunset Blvd Suite 220
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Office: +1 323-669-1173
