Weta’s special effects arm is continuing to grow with the addition of even more computing power, according to a report in Stuff.co.nz 
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Guillermo Del Toro 2In an exclusive interview with TheOneRing.net, Guillermo del Toro talks about Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Howard Shore, Animatronics vs CGI, the ‘tone’ of the upcoming ‘Hobbit’ films and much more!

We had the opportunity to chat with Guillermo del Toro this morning from his current HQ in London. He’s hard at work putting the finishing touches on ‘Hellboy II: The Golden Army’ and taking interviews from news outlets about that film, and the recent announcement that he’ll be doing ‘The Hobbit’ and a subsequent Hobbit sequel down the line.

First things first, YES, that is him on our message boards, he told me he intends to post there as often as he humanly can. And yes, he is as cool and approachable as he sounds. Take a look at my interview! Continue reading “Guillermo del Toro Chats with TORN About ‘The Hobbit’ Films!”

TORN  Cruise Garfeimao writes: With the opening of The WETA Cave, it was decided that a slight alteration of the Wellington day trip on the Cruise to Middle-earth should now include this intriguing shop. So, there will soon be a new itinerary posted for the land portion of the Hobbit and Wizard packages to reflect this change in Wellington. Just know that if you are thinking of going on the Cruise to Middle-earth, you will get to see The Cave.

And that reminds me, time is quickly running out on being able to book this cruise at the Group Discounted rates I have. Space is being pulled in a matter of days and then after that, the price of the cruise portion will go up to the Full Tariff Rate. Cabins will still be available, but the prices will no longer be stable and some of the group amenities may not be offered. Please send me an email at Cathy.u@travelstoreusa.com or call me at 800-955-7447 ext. 19812 if you want to go There and Back Again.

Massive Software Screenshot From Geek.com: If you’ve watched the “Lord of the Rings” films, then you’ve seen Massive Software’s technology in action. The huge battle scenes containing thousands of characters were all thanks to the company’s software, Massive Prime, and the same technology has been used more recently in the film “The Golden Compass.”

The key aspect that makes Massive’s products so popular is the use of intelligent agents that show realistic behavior through their animations. This allows for a battle scene to be created without having to spend hundreds of man-hours animating different attacks, defenses, and movements. Instead, agents are placed down on a scene and told to demonstrate certain behaviors, with the rest being automatic. Massive Software turns talents to architecture and robotics

WETA Updates The groovy folks from WETA write: Herewith the news updates from Weta HQ. Many of the Weta crew were on hand to support Weta sculptor Max Patte earlier this week, as his sculpture, Solace in the Wind, was unveiled on Wellington’s waterfront. Our photographer, Steve Unwin came along and took these stunning pix of the event.

Stairway to Eden – interview with our Led Zeplin loving sculptor
Doctor Grordbort’s book name checked by WIRED Mag
Weta’s prosthetics wizard interviewed on LOTR fan site
Behind the Scenes of the Omaka Advertising campaign
Doctor Who Miniature Helmet range revealed