Smaug’s Theme Music
On October 19, 2013, The New Zealand Herald posted an interview with writer-director Peter Jackson discussing the music for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. Yes, the notorious dragon has been given his own theme music, courtesy of Howard Shore and his All-Nurse Band the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Reporter Russell Baille describes the theme […]
Dragon on the Beach
What better way to promote a show with dragons? Place a dragon skull on a beach called Charmouth, on England’s Jurassic Coast, where numerous prehistoric fossils have been found. Details here and here. It took a reported six weeks for Blinkbox to make the 40-foot model and transport it to the beach. Here’s their “making […]
Designing a Reluctant Dragon
Here’s a nifty little video of artist Den Beauvais designing and sculpting a dragon as a reference model for an illustrated children’s book, The Reluctant Dragon. Here’s a painting of the creature: Gorgeous, isn’t it? This version of The Reluctant Dragon takes advantage of 21st-century technology, presenting itself in iPad and other electronic devices. Chris […]
The Eloquence of Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien is known for the eloquence in his writing. To demonstrate this, Cliff Quickbeam Broadway of TheOneRing.net has taken the time to compile some memorable passages from The Lord of the Rings. “Tolkien’s Greatest Hits – The Most Impressive Wordplay from our Favorite Author,” posted online May 8, 2013, lists tidbits such as “And […]
Wanted: A Home for Grandpa Dragon
After five months of construction, Wellington, NZ sculptor Kim Beaton and 30 volunteers have placed their creation, Grandpa Dragon, on display at Shelly Bay Wharf, after a debut last year at The Hobbit Artisan Fair at Waitangi Park. But they’re looking for a permanent home for him. Anyone want a 3-ton dragon? Grandpa even has […]
Reversal of the Heart — and Beyond
Reversal of the Heart is Carolyn Chrisman’s senior thesis film at USC, completed in 2011 after two years of production. This magnificent work of art was accomplished using Flash, After Effects and Photoshop. The story was done completely in pantomime–no dialogue, no song-and-dance routines, no butt jokes. How can such a thing be possible? See […]
Music from Blue Dragon
In a world of “swords and science,” a group of kids discover they are “Shadow Wielders” of remarkable power. Our hero Shu wants to protect mankind from the evil despot Nene. To do that, he manifests from his shadow the Blue Dragon, who can punch, slice or barbecue with his breath. The concept originated in […]
DreamWorks’ Dragons Debut
A Viking named Hiccup. A dragon named Toothless. Their adventures have so far spanned ten books by British author Cressida Cowell. DreamWorks produced a film version of How to Train Your Dragon, directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, which turned into a box office blockbuster in 2010. A trio of shorts followed: Legend of […]
Crayon Dragon
Can you believe this is a student film? Cragon Dragon, by Toniko Pantoja: CalArts, 2012.
Mark Hamill promotes Star Wars in England
Here’s a vintage interview with Mark Hamill that just popped up on YouTube. It’s from a show called Film Talk, taped in late December 1977 prior to the premiere of Star Wars in London. One clip depicts the cry of a Krayt dragon (mimicked by Ben Kenobi) as it was in the original version of […]
