The annual TORn event in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park is slated to take place on Saturday, September 23, starting at 11:30 a.m. in the Mineral Wells location we’ve been using for years.
One note for those driving in from the Valley. The North entrance to the park from the 134 freeway, past Forest Lawn and the Travel Town Railroad has major closures, so make sure to drive around to the 5 freeway, head south, and follow the directions into the park. The FB event page has directions, just visit the event page https://www.facebook.com/events/795815945664608 Simply click on the About button, then See More at the bottom of the brief description to see the full description, and driving directions.
We don’t quite know what the weather will be like, but there is usually lots of sunshine, so a popup tent, sunscreen, a hat, etc. is always a good idea. The Potluck is back, so read through the description on the FB event page for more details. If everyone brings at least enough food and drink for their party, and maybe to share with at least 3-4 other people, we should have more than enough food. But it doesn’t stop at food and drink, we will also want a supply of paper plates and cups, ice chests with ice in them, trash bags, plastic utensils, and paper towels. Beverages should be in bottles, if possible, in the case of yellowjackets, cans just can’t keep your beverage safe. There will be fun and games, as usual, with trivia and possibly some Golfimbul fun to be had. Costumes are welcome, and we will be doing the Middle-earth-themed Cake and Cupcake contest, so start considering your epic design and yumminess factor. There will be prizes for many of the games, cakes, and costumes.
To RSVP and let us know what food or supply items you intend to bring, please post on the facebook event page linked above, or email Garfeimao@TheOneRing.net.
DragonCon begins today – and of course TORn will be there! You’ll find staffers deej and greendragon at TORn’s ‘fan table’, in our usual location: in the Hyatt opposite the entrance to the Art Show. We’ll be there from Friday on, until the very end of the con! This year we have three new shirt designs and a new button, as well as some former designs, and other fun goodies at the table. Drop by and see us!
There are some exciting celebrity guests for Middle-earth lovers this weekend; read on for highlights of events of interest to Tolkien fans during DragonCon this year:
Friday 1st 10am The Wit and Wisdom of Samwise Gamgee
Gardener; friend; husband; potato enthusiast. We all need more Sam in our lives! Marriott room L401-403
Friday 2nd 8.30pm An Evening at Bree
As ever, TORn will be joining the High Fantasy track to host this long standing DragonCon tradition. Party like a Hobbit! Once again, our live acts will be fan favourites The Brobdingnagian Bards, Beth Patterson, and Landloch’d. We’ll also have the Elf Choir, and the costume contest – with a fabulous panel of expert cosplay judges. We’re thrilled that Charles Conley, Joshua Duart and Lacey Santos will be lending us their skill and judgement for the evening! If you’d like to enter the contest, please remember to sign up in advance of the evening, at the TORn fan table or the High Fantasy track room (Marriott room L401-403).
Find us at the inn of the Prancing Pony (aka Hilton Grand West)
Saturday 2nd 1pm The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Retrospective
It’s been 20 years (gasp!) since the final part of Peter Jackson’s trilogy was released. Join TORn staffers to look back and get nostalgic together! Marriott room A601-602
Saturday 2nd 4pm Rings of Power discussion
A look back at Season 1, and speculation as to what may be coming in Season 2 of Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings show. Marriott room A601-602
Saturday 2nd 5.30pm Elijah Wood and Sean Astin in conversation
Marriott Atrium Ballroom
Saturday 2nd 10pm The Tolkien Renaissance
What makes Middle-earth such an enduring favourite with fans? With more shows, movies (and maybe even a theme park) in the works, we’ll explore why Tolkien’s works are evergreen. Marriott room L401-403
Sunday 3rd 10am Hobbits, Harfoots, and More!
Exploring the origins, characteristics, and significance of our favourite hairy-footed folks. Marriott room L401-403
Sunday 3rd 1pm Andy Serkis and Elijah Wood in conversation
Marriott Atrium Ballroom
(There are also photo sessions with Astin, Serkis, and Wood throughout the weekend. Their appearances are fully in line with SAG-AFTRA guidelines, enabling actors to attend conventions but not to promote work.)
Sunday 5pm Hobbit Drinking Songs!
Join The Brobdingnagian Bards and party like a Hobbit! Hilton Grand West
Sunday 10pm Dance Magic Dance
TORn’s own deej shows us how she got her name, as she djs this 1980s themed dance party. Put on your best 80s/fantasy cosplay and come and dance the night away!
There are many more High Fantasy Track events which are Middle-earth related, and other events across the con which will appeal to Tolkien fans. Check out DragonCon’s app for all the details. Hope to see you here for all the fun – come and say hi!
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Oxonmoot, an annual event hosted by The Tolkien Society in Oxford, UK. The event will be available to stream live from Thursday, August 31 through Sunday, September 3.
Bear McCreary
Bear McCreary will join Oxonmoot for an exclusive chat on Friday, September 1st at 4:40pm UK-time (8:40am PDT / 11:40am EDT / 5:40pm CET), and the session will be available live to online attendees.
McCreary, a lifelong Tolkien fan, composed the 37 tracks that make up the score for Prime’s Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power. His work for the show received acclaim from fans and critics alike. The gorgeous themes he developed for the show were completely new yet still reflective of the scores that Howard Shore composed for Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings. McCreary is also know for his work on Battlestar Galactica, The Walking Dead, and Outlander, among other television series. McCreary is articulate in speaking about his methodology, and he is just plain fun in an interview.
Brian Sibley
Brian Sibley will also be a guest at Oxonmoot. His session is called “‘The Fall of Númenor’: An Editor’s Journey.” As the name of the event implies, Mr. Sibley edited the volume of J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings titled The Fall of Númenor: And Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-earth, which was illustrated by Alan Lee. Sibley will speak about the “pleasures and pitfalls” in editing the book.
Sibley has written extensively for radio dramas such as BBC Radio 4’s adaptation of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. He is well known for authoring many “making of” books about films, including those for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, as well as the Harry Potter series. He is incredibly knowledgeable about Tolkien and fascinating to listen to.
San Diego Comic Con is upon us yet again. After a huge return last year where The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power dominated the show with badges, parties, and a Hall H concert, the fans are in the driver seat this year to celebrate all things fandom.
By Popular Demand – Magic of Middle-earth Party!
TheOneRing.net, Weta Workshop, Diamond Select Collectibles, Nerd of the Rings and more are teaming up for a party of hobbit magnificence featuring food, drinks, libations, goodie baggins, artwork by Jerry Vanderstelt and a cosplay contest hosted by Weta Workshop’s Richard Taylor and Daniel Falconer!
When: Thursday July 20
Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Storyhouse Spirits, downtown San Diego
Cosplay Contest: 7:00 pm
Family: Friendly (kids allowed)
SDCCBadge: NOT required
Tickets: Required
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Thursday July 13 at 12pm Noon PT. Last year’s party sold out in 3 minutes. Link will be published on all our socials, and its highly suggested you join the TORn Discord for earliest access.
TheOneRing.net Booth 1220 – Signings and Exclusives
Find us again in the book publishers area of the show floor with new Exclusive Merch and Shirts! Limited quantities have been produced and will not be sold online. Shirt sizes available from XS – 3XL
Shire Post Mint returns to TheOneRing.net booth with officially licensed coinage and pins. We will have a selection of the most popular products.
EXCLUSIVE new secret Weta Workshop Mini Epic will be unveiled Thursday morning and we will have limited quantities available each morning of Comic-con, while supplies last.
SIGNING at the booth Thursday July 20 from 12pm noon – 2pm is Weta Workshop’s Richard Taylor and Daniel Falconer! Bring your favorite treasure (like Middle-earth Script to Screen) or rush to purchase the exclusive new Mini Epics and get them signed free.
More Signings – Jed Brophy
The man of many faces in Middle-earth returns to celebrate 20 years and counting of performing in LOTR adaptations. Pick up signed headshot from one of his many memorable characters, or just shake his hand and share a smile! He’ll be around all weekend.
Also hanging at the booth all weekend is the friendly volunteer staff from your favorite Tolkien community plus friends like Matt from Nerd of the Rings, Kaitlyn from Tea with Tolkien, and author K.M. Rice.
Tolkien Panels!
Here’s a list of panels LOTR fans may be interested in. Things have been in flux due to Hollywood union negotiations and strikes, but these panels are confirmed:
Friday 2:15pm, Room 6A – Weta Workshop Presents… you won’t want to miss this! Surprises abound
JUST ADDED!Saturday 1:00pm, Room 23ABC – Dispatches from Middle-earth with TORn and Nerd of the Rings
Saturday 4:30pm, Room 10 – Costumes of Rings of Power with Kate Hawley
Saturday 5:30pm, Room 7AB – No Man Am I: Women of Middle-earth, Hosted by TheOneRing.net with Cathy Udovch, Tea with Tolkien’s Kaitlyn Facista, and Happy Hobbit’s Kellie Rice.
Looking forward to seeing all the Ringers there at San Diego Comic Con 2023. While many anticipated a preview of new movies or TV shows from The Lord of the Rings, many fans understand and support the efforts of WGA writers and SAG actors to get the best deal that allows the best work. Future adaptations of Tolkien depend on the very best! See you in San Diego!
Today, the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards nominations were announced. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power received 6 nominations in the following categories:
Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes
Hocus Pocus 2 Salvador Perez, Costume Designer; Elizabeth Shelton, Assistant Costume Designer; Gala Autumn, Costume Supervisor
House Of The Dragon • The Heirs Of The Dragon Jany Temime, Costume Designer; Katherine Burchill, Assistant Costume Designer; Paul Yeowell, Assistant Costume Designer; Rachel George, Assistant Costume Designer; Joanna Lynch, Costume Supervisor
The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power • A Shadow Of The Past Kate Hawley, Costume Designer; Libby Dempster, Assistant Costume Designer; Lucy McLay, Assistant Costume Designer; Jaindra Watson, Assistant Costume Designer; Pip Lingard, Costume Supervisor; Jenny Rushton, Costume Supervisor
The Mandalorian • Chapter 22: Guns For Hire Shawna Trpcic, Costume Designer; Elissa Alcala, Assistant Costume Designer; Julie Robar, Costume Supervisor; Julie Yang Silver, Costume Supervisor
Obi-Wan Kenobi • Part I Suttirat Anne Larlarb, Costume Designer; Stacia Lang, Assistant Costume Designer; Lynda Foote, Costume Supervisor
What We Do In The Shadows • The Wedding Laura Montgomery, Costume Designer; Barbara Cardoso, Assistant Costume Designer; Judy Laukkanen, Costume Supervisor
Outstanding Main Title Design
Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet Of Curiosities Mike Schaeffer, Creative Director; Chet Hirsch, Director; David Rowley, Art Director; Akshay Tiwari, Designer
Hello Tomorrow! Ronnie Koff, Creative Director; Lexi Gunvaldson, Editor; Christoph Gabathuler, 3D Artist; Juan Monasterio, Animator; Lindsey Mayer-Beug, Illustrator; Fernando Lazzari, Animator
The Last Of Us Andy Hall, Creative Director; Nadia Tzuo, Creative Director; Gryun Kim, 3D Artist; Min Shi, Designer; Jun Kim, 3D Artist; Xiaolin (Mike) Zeng, Designer
The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power Katrina Crawford, Director; Mark Bashore, Director; Anthony Vitagliano, Creative Director; Fernando Domínguez Cózar, Animation Director
Wednesday Aaron Becker, Creative Director; Joseph Ahn, Designer; James Ramirez, Animator; Lee Nelson, Animator; Eric Keller, 3D Artist; Hsien Lun Su, Animator
The White Lotus Katrina Crawford, Director/Creative Director/Photographer; Mark Bashore, Director/Editor; Lezio Lopes, Illustrator; Cian McKenna, Animator
Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup
Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet Of Curiosities Sean Sanson, Special Makeup Effects Department Head; Shane Zander, Special Makeup Effects Artist; Kyle Glencross, Special Makeup Effects Artist; Mike Hill, Prosthetic Designer; Megan Many, Prosthetic Designer
House Of The Dragon • The Lord Of The Tides Barrie Gower, Prosthetics Designer; Sarah Gower, Prosthetics Makeup Co-Dept Head; Emma Faulkes, Key Prosthetics Makeup Artist; Duncan Jarman, Prosthetic Makeup Artist; Paula Eden, Prosthetic Makeup Artist
The Last Of Us • Infected Barrie Gower, Prosthetics Designer; Sarah Gower, Prosthetics Makeup Co-Department Head; Paul Spateri, Key Prosthetics Makeup Artist; Nelly Guimaras Sanjuan, Key Prosthetics Makeup Artist; Johnny Murphy, Key Prosthetics Makeup Artist; Joel Hall, Key Prosthetics Makeup Artist; Lucy Pittard, Key Prosthetics Makeup Artist
The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power • Adar Jason Docherty, Prosthetics Designer; Dan Perry, Key Prosthetics Makeup Artist; Mark Knight, Senior Prosthetics Makeup Artist; Simon Rose, Senior Prosthetic Makeup Artist
Star Trek: Picard • The Last Generation James Mackinnon, Makeup Department Head and Prosthetics; Hugo Villasenor, Key Prosthetic Makeup Artist; Bianca Appice, Key Prosthetic Makeup Artist; Kevin Wasner, Prosthetic Makeup Artist; Afton Storton, Prosthetic Makeup Artist; Kevin Haney, Additional Prosthetic Makeup Artist; Neville Page, Prosthetic Designer; Vincent Van Dyke, Prosthetic Designer
Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music
Andor Nicholas Britell, Composer
Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet Of Curiosities Holly Amber Church, Composer
The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power Howard Shore, Composer
Ms. Marvel Laura Karpman, Composer
Wednesday Danny Elfman, Composer
Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (One Hour)
Andor • The Eye David Acord, Co-Supervising Sound Editor/Sound Designer; Margit Pfeiffer, Co-Supervising Sound Editor; Richard Quinn, Dialogue Editor; Jonathan Greber, ADR Editor; J.R. Grubbs, Sound Effects Editor; John Finklea, Music Editor; Shaun Farley, Foley Editor; Shelley Roden, Foley Artist; John Roesch, Foley Artist
The Boys • The Instant White-Hot Wild Wade Barnett, MPSE, Supervising Sound Editor; Chris Kahwaty, MPSE, Dialogue Editor; Ryan Briley, Supervising ADR Editor; Jeffrey A. Pitts, Sound Efffects Editor/Sound Designer; Pete Nichols, Sound Effects Editor; Christopher Brooks, Music Editor; James Howe, Foley Editor
House Of The Dragon • The Black Queen Al Sirkett, Supervising Sound Editor; Tim Hands, Dialogue Editor; Adele Fletcher, Supervising ADR Editor; Paula Fairfield, MPSE, Sound Designer; David Klotz, Music Editor; Timeri Duplat, Music Editor; Mathias Schuster, Foley Editor; Barnaby Smyth, Foley Artist; Paula Boram, Foley Artist
The Last Of Us • When You’re Lost In The Darkness Michael J. Benavente, Supervising Sound Editor; Joe Schiff, Dialogue Editor; Christopher Battaglia, Sound Designer; Chris Terhune, Sound Designer; Mitchell Lestner, Sound Effects Editor; Jacob Flack, Sound Effects Editor; Matt Yocum, MPSE, Sound Effects Editor; Maarten Hofmeijer, Music Editor; Randy Wilson, Supervising Foley Editor; Justin Hele, Foley Editor; David Aquino, Foley Editor; Stefan Fraticelli, Foley Artist; Jason Charbonneau, Foley Artist; William Kellerman, Foley Artist
The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power • Udûn Robert Stambler, MPSE, Co-Supervising Sound Editor; Damian Del Borrello, Co-Supervising Sound Editor; Ailene Roberts, Dialogue Editor; Stefanie Ng, Dialogue/ADR Editor; Paula Fairfield, Sound Designer; Chris Terhune, Sound Editor; James Miller, Sound Editor; Michael Baber, Music Editor; Jason Smith, Music Editor; Amy Barber, Foley Editor; Jonathan Bruce, Foley Artist
Stranger Things • Chapter Nine: The Piggyback Craig Henighan, MPSE, Co-Supervising Sound Editor; William Files, MPSE, Co-Supervising Sound Editor; Jill Purdy, Dialogue Editor; Lee Gilmore, Sound Effects Editor; Ryan Cole, MPSE, Sound Editor; Korey Pereira, Sound Editor; Angelo Palazzo, MPSE, Sound Editor; Katie Halliday, MPSE, Sound Editor; David Klotz, Music Editor; Lena Glikson-Nezhelskaya, Music Editor; Ken McGill, MPSE, Sound Effects/ Foley Editor; Steve Baine, Foley Artist
Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie
Andor TJ Falls, Visual Effects Producer; Richard Van Den Bergh, Special Effects Supervisor; Neal Scanlan, Creature Effects & Droid Supervisor; Liyana Mansor, Lead Visual Effects Editor; Scott Pritchard, ILM Visual Effects Supervisor; Joseph Kasparian, Hybride Visual Effects Supervisor; Jelmer Boskma, Scanline Visual Effects Supervisor; Jean-Clément Soret, Colorist
House Of The Dragon Angus Bickerton, Visual Effects Supervisor; Nikeah Forde, VFX Producer; Thomas Horton, VFX Producer; Sven Martin, VFX Supervisor; Mark Spindler, VFX Co-Supervisor; Mark Dauth, Virtual Production Supervisor; Sebastian Meszmann, VFX Producer; Mike Bell, VFX Supervisor; Tobias Graa Winblad, VFX Producer
The Last Of Us Alex Wang, Overall Visual Effects Supervisor; Sean Nowlan, Overall Visual Effects Producer; Joel Whist, Production SFX Supervisor; Stephen James, Visual Effects Supervisor, DNEG; Nick Marshall, Digital Effects Supervisor, DNEG; Simon Jung, Visual Effects Supervisor, WETA FX; Dennis Yoo, Animation Supervisor, WETA FX; Espen Nordahl, Visual Effects Supervisor, Storm Studios; Jonathan Mitchell, Visual Effects Supervisor, Distillery FX
The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power Ron Ames, VFX Producer; Jason Smith, VFX Supervisor; Nigel Sumner, VFX Supervisor, Industrial Light & Magic; Ara Khanikian, VFX Supervisor, Rodeo FX; Dean Clarke, SFX Supervisor; Ken McGaugh, VFX Supervisor, Wētā FX; Tom Proctor, VFX Supervisor, DNEG; Greg Butler, VFX Supervisor, Method Studios; Joe Henderson, Visualization Creative Supervisor, The Third Floor, Inc.
The Mandalorian Grady Cofer, Visual Effects Supervisor, Production; Abbigail Keller, Visual Effects Producer; Paul Kavanagh, Animation Supervisor, Production; Cameron Neilson, Assoc. Visual Effects Supervisor; Scott Fisher, Special Effects Supervisor; Hal Hickel, Animation Supervisor, Production; J. Alan Scott, Legacy Effects Supervisor; Victor Schutz IV, ILM Visual Effects Supervisor; Bobo Skipper, Important Looking Pirates Visual Effects Supervisor
Yesterday, Rings of Power also received 2 nominations from the Hollywood Critics Association in the following categories:
Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Drama Series
Bradley Whitford – The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Brent Spiner – Star Trek: Picard (Paramount+)
Chace Crawford – The Boys (Prime Video)
Edi Gathegi – For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Ismael Cruz Córdova – The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Prime Video)
Jensen Ackles – The Boys (Prime Video)
Jonathan Pryce – The Crown (Netflix)
Max Minghella – The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Rufus Sewell – The Diplomat (Netflix)
Stellan Skarsgård – Andor (Disney+)
Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Costumes
House of the Dragon (HBO)
Andor (Disney+)
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Prime Video)
Wednesday (Netflix)
The Boys (Prime Video)
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the series on all their nominations!
The 2023 Australian Production Design Guild (APDG) announced their award nominees today. The awards will be handed out on August 26 in Melbourne, Australia.
The awards recognise outstanding achievements and excellence in design for works that have been broadcast, screened or performed annually and celebrate the wonderful work of the Australian production design community.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power received 1 nomination:
Production Art Department Concept Art Award
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: “Udûn” Jason Smith, Ron Ames, Nigel Sumner, Tom Proctor, Dean Clarke
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Season 1) Daniel J Burns – Concept Artist Jonathan Lee – Production Designer
Three Thousand Years of Longing Annet Mackie – Concept Artist
Last February, Bear McCreary was nominated and won several awards for his Rings of Power score from the International Film Music Critics Association. McCreary won for Composer of the Year, and Best Original Score for Television. He also won Score of the Year, over fellow nominees John Williams and Michael Giacchino. It was the first and only TV score to not only be nominated, but to win over the nominated film scores in this category.
Next up, the 75th Primetime Emmy Award nominations will be announced on July 12. Prime Video has been campaigning hard for Rings of Power, which is likely to receive recognition in various craft and music categories.
