Friday 7 October 2011

THERE AND BACK AGAIN

Back in 2001, I had the great good fortune to fly to the Cannes Film Festival to witness the debut screening of the first few minutes of the highly anticipated footage from Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

One of the souvenirs of this event (which recently came to light in our fitfully-conducted clear-and-pack-to-move process) was a clay LOTR pipe and a leather pouch of – now rather dry – pipe-weed: possibly Old Toby but, more likely, Longbottom Leaf...

Pipeweed

That was ten years ago; later I made three trips to Wellington, New Zealand, to write about the making of that film and its sequels – along with a life of the Ring-Master, Peter Jackson.

Tomorrow, I will be heading off there again, this time to research the first of two books on the making of the double-film prequel, The Hobbit.

Can't wait to visit Bag End again! Just hope Bilbo's got a couple of bottles of Old Winyards laid down...

Bag End

10 comments:

scb said...

"There" as in New Zealand! Lucky world traveller, you! Have an excellent trip, and enjoy the research process. Keep in touch!

SharonM said...

Hope you have a wonderful visit and manage some time to relax and 'chill out' a bit, Brian.

With a bit of luck there will be plenty of pampering and sleep during the flights.

Looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back. xxx

Geno said...

Oh man, you lucky devil! We are so anticipating the movies! Tell Peter hello for me, and you can also tell him how much we enjoy the films. We actually sat through the first showing of Return of the king in our area while wy wife was in labor. Thaddeus was born less than two hours after the credits finished rolling!

Jack said...

It'll be great to see you here, Brian... let me know if you want a free tour around Wellington (I'm a local tourguide here)...

- Jack Machiela

PS. ...and don't worry, it won't end up on my blog. :)

Brian Sibley said...

Thanks, folks. I'm here and exhausted! Hope I adjust to my out-of-sync body clock sooner rather than later.

Jack: How can I contact you?

SharonM said...

Glad to know you've arrived safely.

Pace yourself!

Brian Sibley said...

Not ENTIRELY safely. I have spent much of today at Doctor's and Hospital. Have cellulitis and have a heap of antibiotics and have to spend tomorrow in bed... :(

Arts and Crafts said...

Ooops. Take care Brian.

SharonM said...

Oh, Brian!

Hope you get better soon and that you are carefully monitored.

Healing hugs xxx

Matt Jones said...

Great to see you involved in the new films!