|
Up until the present time, the technology needed to make film versions of J. R. R. Tolkien’s massive epic novels simply did not exist. Now, with the recent amazing advances in computer technology in the movie industry, it is entirely possible to visually recreate Tolkien’s landscapes, locations, and creatures for the screen. With the proven power of the source material, the limitless possibilities offered by computer technology, and the sheer amount of talent amassed for the project, it is abundantly clear that there has never been a better time than the present to bring these stories to life. And the fact that the studios financing the films are almost assured a wealth of profit from both the movies themselves and promotional tie-ins doesn’t hurt, either. Instead of micromanaging the project and overseeing every small detail, Jackson has delegated some of the responsibility to others, although he does still have the final say. The three movies are not being shot in sequence, one after another, but are instead being filmed at the same time. This method of shooting the movies will save both time and money in the long run. Jackson is controlling the main unit for filming, and full second and third units are also working on various scenes in different locations. Jackson maintains control of the other two units via satellite videoconference. The third movie of the Lord of the Ring trilogy will be released in December 2003.
|
