We are indeed conceiving these two films as part of a larger entity AS WELL as representing the book within them.

Therefore the HOBBIT narrative and beats and tone etc will not exist as a standalone but will have "long lines" that will actually be carried through the existing Trilogy and will illuminate it in a different way.

I believe this can be done. The experience of seeing both Hobbit movies will contain the same iconic beats that exist in the book but they will be enhanced by the Dol Guldur / Necromancer moments.

This i not an "This OR That" but a "This AND That" point of view, since, inevitably, for most people, this films will exist as part of a larger Geopolitical landscape and in our minds this exponentially grows the appeal of the tale-

Think about it- In a strange way that's what happens the further you dive into the Tolkien Universe... things form an astonishing "Mandala" of characters and places and facts. That was an experience that, in my case, sent shivers down my spine every time I came to a fork on the road and I was able to see the connective tissue and the astonishing possibilities behind it.

The experience of reading the book, for all of us, is encapsulated in a place and a time that solidifies it forever. That "imprint" is unique to each reader the world around and, like fingerprints, it becomes distinctive and irreplaceable.

The same goes for the films- many a Tolkien fan in recent years got his / her start with the movie PJ and the gang made so the Hobbit has, by imprimatur, a double allegiance and at the same time the duty to expand and present things anew-

So- in this I am going by my compass but hand-in-hand with them... I am trying to explore the avenues that enhance my memories of reading that book or my love for the LOTR films and I'm doing it with the best team possible. Nothing we are adding feels (to any of us) as a minus but rather a plus

So, my vows-

It is my solemn duty to make THE HOBBIT the best film viewing experience that the medium can provide. We want to make these movies as unique and powerful and new for you and your children as our group of artists and craftsmen can. We want to challenge all of us into creating something we've never sen, rather than solely reproducing it- and perhaps, in some measure, rather than looking back and arguing about what was or could have been, we may smile in luring more and more readers and viewer into experiencing the Universe created long ago by the Professor.

_________________
"I was made a mercenary
In the legions of Hell
Now I'm king of pain, I'm insane, yeah"

We ARE working on both screenplays but we plan to deliver the FIRST one in the next few weeks- wrap that up- and then tackle the second one for DELIVERY.

About the TWO HOBBITS I was delighted that the way Peter chose to put it in words was so closely reflects what we've been discussing in these boards for the past few months- check all my past postings.

Oh, BTW the WETA Smaug bronze is a WETA bronze and NOT the film design.

But make no mistake- as I have said before- we have stunning images and models and monsters and oodles of gorgeous gorgeousity my friends. We've been designing and proofing for so long, meeting with WETA for months DAILY and then "slowing down" to TWO TIMES a week.

I was glad to at least greet you all there on a small video... I would have loved to be at COMICON but- we will meet down the road.

ALL THE BEST

GDT

_________________
"I was made a mercenary
In the legions of Hell
Now I'm king of pain, I'm insane, yeah"

Thorin & Co repeatedly go:

BANQUET-TRAPPED-FREED (Trolls, Goblins, Spider, Elves)

This is not a criticism but a marked characteristic we have to deal with when structuring the films.

In fact, part of Fairy Tale narrative is to be episodic since- many a time- it is structured around a series of quests that don't seem to escalate as much as accumulate.

In fact, when studying for PANS LABYRINTH, I found out that the "predictable outcome" of these episodes is part of the charm of this particular form of tale. So, don't be afraid, we are truly trying to preserve the charm of it- the whimsy of it-

Anyway- as you know, I cannot divulge much but I can discuss generalities of approach... So...

We need to make sure there are "long lines" emotionally (growth, friendship, etc) amongst Thorin & Co and dramatically (how episodes "build" upon each other ) that will make everything feel more fluid.

That, plus Dol Guldur, which makes the "comings and goings" of Gandalf have their own storyline throughout the two films.

All the Best

G

_________________
"I was made a mercenary
In the legions of Hell
Now I'm king of pain, I'm insane, yeah"

So, now that PJ's Lovely Bones tour is almost over, I thought it wise- seeing how some can whip up into a frenzy- to drop by and chat a bit.

A) About ONLY 3 actors returning: I think the emphasis on "only" is what slant the news the wrong way. I cannot imagine Gollum being played by anyone but Andy and in the second script there is still much in discussion to lock everything for now. Both PJ and I chime in on things "as they are at the moment" and, of course, things change.

I, for one, understand where Peter's coming from since 30% of my STRAIN tour questions, HELLBOY II, ORPHANAGE promotion questions, etc, etc where about the Hobbit. At different time we have been closer in locking on a piece of casting or hoping to get a script delivered, etc and things simply changed as we went along. So, don't etch this in stone or anything we both have said in the past, in stone since we communicate what we can when the window of exposure to the press and fans happens.

I still prefer to keep the dialogue open- inexact as it may get- that to remain mum or one-sided with the community that can really understand this project.

B) The target for production. Its simple: we may say what we want but until there are two scripts delivered and budgets and schedules to support them we will be all under a yellow light of development. THAT we have not stopped. As I have reported in the past, we are scouting, designing (my last 3 hour meeting with Weta was this morning) and will not stop. BUT the greenlight and thus commencement can only be granted by the studio. Pete as producer and me as director will do everything we can in the meantime.

C) Is there any trouble brewing with WB? Not at all. All I can say is that they reacted to our delivered script with great delight and we have been receiving strong support in our development.

Smaug is being animation tested, we are editing the previs, doing final selections on Dwarven War Artifacts and Gear and starting many fabrication tests for armies, prosthetics and wardrobes, etc

However, I do plan to be less and less in the public spotlight for two simple reasons: One: I am damn busy prepping this two Behemoths. Two: quite likely, I'll have very limited, if any, promotional time for "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" or "The Fall" (Second Strain book) myself but fear not- I will drop in as much as possible, as always.

Love

GDT

_________________
"I was made a mercenary
In the legions of Hell
Now I'm king of pain, I'm insane, yeah"

Going into my SECOND year in this project (I moved to NZ so long ago...) i must say that my calendar has also been adjusted. Since DEVIL'S BACKBONE I have made it a point to come out with a film every 2 years. TH is already an exception.

But news- all news-, from everyone, ever- are shifting until we get the green light. In this project we have seen- so far- the negotiations for a settlement, the change of guard at a studio (NL) and the decline and tribulations of another (MGM) these are no small factors and then you must add many, many other complications concurrent with the project and everybody's calendars and deals, etc

Monumental even before we shoot a single frame.

As the greenlight approaches, PJ and I will be on the spotlight at different times with different things (DBAOD, THE FALL book, etc) at different events (Conventions, festivals, promotions, etc) and news will be demanded about TH. And our versions and claims may change and shift simply because of the unique nature of this project. No one does it intentionally or because of misinformation.

Much is happening and much more will occur before production starts. We've made an effort to keep the project from becoming inert. I read so much speculation on the net (Bilbo being a CG character, the film being 3D, David Tennant as Bilbo) and meanwhile our lives over here are also quite interesting and busy. I would love to share much, but then wild surges occur and deadlines are bypassed.

Suffice to say, we are all progressing strongly and, as a director, my own vision for the movie (both parts) gets stronger every day. At this stage I have seen it in my head and I am full of unholy fire. I dream of it. Every single night.

I would love to "transcript" it soon- immediately- so we can all watch it together. Alas, the "transcript" is the thing, to poorly paraphrase the Bard.

Best

GDT

_________________
"I was made a mercenary
In the legions of Hell
Now I'm king of pain, I'm insane, yeah"

Guillermo left this message on TORn this evening:

"So, here I am again. As promised, I am posting a longer message before the week's end.

I have to thank those of you that have supported me from the start as well as those that converted along the way. And even say farewell to those that never did convert or believed.

I will miss Mr. Crere, the faith of Compa and Sir DennisC, the wisdom of Voronwe, the joy of Grammaboodawg, the support of Kangi Ska and so many, many others

Now, Pasi, et al- that is what is quite uncommon even on big films. Pete and co stuck to LOTR for years, I've developed films for years and I have shot many a movie on location... but rarely do you relocate for such massive amount of time specially when you have to do major ironclad agreements to put in deep freeze other contractual obligations with multiple studios.

My commitment to the project demanded enormous sacrifices both in personal and professional terms. The consequences of which will ripple for years. I relocated my entire life and family to New Zealand and first came on board in 2008.

So- while the cited delays, contractual complexities or obstacles, cannot be attributed to a single event or entity - you will simply have to believe that they were of sufficient complexity and severity to lead to the current situation. Trust me on this, Pasi- leaving NZ and the Hobbit crew is extremely painful.

As stated before- a wealth of designs, animatics, boards and sculptures is left behind representing accurately my ideas for Mirkwood, Spiders, Wargs, Stone Trolls, etc, etc and everyone (PJ, FW, PB and myself) has the same goal in mind: to try and ensure the best possible transition of the movie to a new director.

I believe these films will happen. Preproduction continues as we speak. The writing team of PJ,FW,PB and myself will keep moving the screenplays forward.

Perhaps even sooner than we may anticipate we will all look at the finished film and then- I will tear up whenever I recognize a set or a creature or a quirk created under my supervision. Everyone on these boards will get two movies. Me? I will be watching filmic family albums. Photos of my children from far away.

I hope you will understand how delicate the subject is for me.

I will drop by now and then, I will read the boards with interest and do hope to see some of you around at SDCC and many other places.

I am not here, however, to provide a blow-by-blow of what happened, but to assure you, as I have, that it has been the toughest situation of my life.

Beyond that- I am simply no longer an official voice for these projects. Be good, be well- and I invite you all to follow me into the next phase of my filmmaking journey.

Sincerely

GDT"

_________________
"I was made a mercenary
In the legions of Hell
Now I'm king of pain, I'm insane, yeah"