What does it take to build Middle Earth?  Fans at Calgary Expo 2013 found out at a panel featuring Weta Workshop co-founder Richard Taylor, actor Craig Parker (Haldir), Mark Ferguson (Gil-Galad), and Weta model-master David Tremont.   Palomino A-E, April 27th, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.

FlipOnTV has posted a video of the panel here.  Disclaimer: Profanity.

Watch and learn:

How did Richard Taylor remember all the dwarfs?  Mark and Richard re-enact a centaur from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.  Richard talks about preparing makeup and prosthetics in  accommodating the 48-fps rate in The Hobbit films. Also, what is the importance in giving the armor, weapons and costumes great detail?  What is it like wearing the armor?  What is Richard’s favorite dressing story?  How has technology impacted acting and hand-skilled work?  What does it take to succeed–The passion of making:  Passion, enthusiasm, tenacity and talent, in that order.  Who does Weta turn to for their research?  Craig answers the question, If Dumbledore got into a death match with Gandalf, who would win?  Richard discusses the intimidation involved in adapting Tolkien’s work.   David Tremont talks about working on his dream project, Thunderbirds.  Craig imitates a Mysteron. And, David impersonates a Dalek.  Scary!

The next day, Richard Taylor and David Tremont presented a behind-the-scenes look at The Hobbit and the history of Weta Workshop.  Thanks again to FlipOnTV, their presentation is viewable online here:  Palomino A-E, April 28, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.

John Rhys-Davies with Richard Taylor at the Weta booth at Calgary Expo 2013. Photo by David Tremont.