The film won't be out for six months but canny Internet marketing and a lift gained from the Harry Potter frenzy have made JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy best-sellers all over again.

When a 90-second trailer for the first of three films called Fellowship of the Ring and due out in December - was shown on the web it was downloaded 350 million times in three months. And in the past year, fuelled by demand for 'anything like Potter', 1.7 million Tolkien books have been sold here.

"It's a nice thing for a book that's 50 years old," says the happy markeing director of publisher Houghton Mifflin.

Weekly Cast Watch
Xoanon @ 10:09 am EST

Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn)

Walk on the Moon, A (1999) UK
Perfect Murder, A (1998) UK
Psycho (1998) UK
Thin Red Line, The (1998) UK
Prophecy, The (1995)
American Yakuza (1994)
Two Small Bodies (1993)
Ruby Cairo (1993)
Young Guns II (1990) UK
Fresh Horses (1988) UK
Witness (1985)

Liv Tyler (Arwen)

Plunkett & Macleane (1999)
Cookie's Fortune (1999) UK
Can't Hardly Wait (1998) UK
Stealing Beauty (1996)

Ian Holm (Bilbo)

Joe Gould's Secret (2000)
eXistenZ (1999)
Alice Through the Looking Glass (1999) (TV)
Frankenstein (1994)
Blue Ice (1992) UK
Kafka (1991) UK
Hamlet (1990) UK
Dance with a Stranger (1985)
Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984) UK
Alien (1979) UK
Shout at the Devil (1976)
Nicholas and Alexandra (1971)
Mary, Queen of Scots (1971)
Fixer, The (1968) UK

Hugo Weaving (Elrond)

Strange Planet (1999)
Matrix, The (1999) UK
Bedrooms and Hallways (1998)
Exile (1994) UK
Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, The (1994) UK
For Love Alone (1986)

Miranda Otto (Eowyn)

Jack Bull, The (1999) (TV) UK
Thin Red Line, The (1998) UK
Love Serenade (1996)

Elijah Wood (Frodo)

Bumblebee Flies Anyway, The (2000)
Faculty, The (1998) UK
Good Son, The (1993)
Forever Young (1992) UK
Paradise (1991)
Avalon (1990)
Internal Affairs (1990)
Child in the Night (1990) (TV)

Cate Blanchett (Galadriel)

Pushing Tin (1999) UK
Talented Mr. Ripley, The (1999)
Ideal Husband, An (1999) UK

Ian McKellen (Gandalf)

X-Men (2000)
Apt Pupil (1998) UK
Gods and Monsters (1998) UK
Rasputin (1996) (TV)
Restoration (1995)
And the Band Played On (1993) (TV)
Plenty (1985) UK
Alfred the Great (1969) UK

John Rhys-Davies (Gimli)

Secret of the Andes (1998) UK
Cyborg Cop (1994)
Sunset Grill (1993)
Seventh Coin, The (1992)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Waxwork (1988)
Perry Mason: The Case of the Murdered Madam (1987) (TV)
Firewalker (1986)
King Solomon's Mines (1985)

Andy Serkis (Gollum)

Among Giants (1998) UK

Craig Parker (Haldir)

Tommyknockers, The (1993) (TV)

Dominic Monaghan (Merry)

Hostile Waters (1997) (TV)

Bruce Spence (Mouth of Sauron)

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

Sean Astin (Sam)

Icebreaker (1999)
Kimberly (1999)
Bulworth (1998) UK
Low Life, The (1994/I)
Rudy (1993)
Encino Man (1992) UK
Toy Soldiers (1991) UK
Memphis Belle (1990)
Staying Together (1989)
War of the Roses, The (1989)
Like Father, Like Son (1987) UK
Goonies, The (1985)

Christopher Lee (Saruman)

Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Jinnah (1998) UK
Death Train (1993) (TV) UK
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Last Unicorn, The (1982)
1941 (1979) UK
Arabian Adventure (1979)
Return from Witch Mountain (1978) UK
Four Musketeers, The (1974) UK
Three Musketeers, The (1973) UK
Creeping Flesh, The (1973)
Nothing But the Night (1972)
Gorgon, The (1964) UK
City of the Dead, The (1960)
Hound of the Baskervilles, The (1959) UK
Cockleshell Heroes, The (1955)

Bernard Hill (Theoden)

Midsummer Night's Dream, A (1999) UK
True Crime (1999) UK
Loss of Sexual Innocence, The (1999) UK
Shirley Valentine (1989) UK
Bounty, The (1984)

Brad Dourif (Wormtongue)

Shadow Hours (2000)
Nightwatch (1998)
Bride of Chucky (1998) UK
Step Toward Tomorrow, A (1996)
Death Machine (1995)
Escape from Terror: The Teresa Stamper Story (1994) (TV)
Amos & Andrew (1993)
Cerro Torre: Schrei aus Stein (1991)
Body Parts (1991) UK
Jungle Fever (1991) UK
Child's Play 2 (1990)
Hidden Agenda (1990)
Exorcist III, The (1990)
Child's Play (1988)
Mississippi Burning (1988)
Ragtime (1981) UK

Jim Rygiel (SFX)

102 Dalmatians (2000)
Anna and the King (1999) UK
Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) UK
Desperate Measures (1998)
Starship Troopers (1997)
Cliffhanger (1993) UK
Last of the Mohicans, The (1992)
Alien³ (1992) UK
Batman Returns (1992)
Ghost (1990)
2010 (1984) UK

Howard Shore (Composer)

Cell, The (2000)
Yards, The (2000)
High Fidelity (2000)
eXistenZ (1999)
Dogma (1999) UK
Analyze This (1999) UK
Cop Land (1997) UK
Se7en (1995)
Ed Wood (1994)
Sliver (1993) UK
Guilty as Sin (1993)
M. Butterfly (1993)
Prelude to a Kiss (1992) UK
Single White Female (1992) UK
Silence of the Lambs, The (1991)
Lemon Sisters, The (1990)
Moving (1988)
Dead Ringers (1988)
Big (1988)
Fly, The (1986) UK
After Hours (1985) UK
Places in the Heart (1984) UK

To get more information, use the sites I use like:

mydigiguide.com, tv-now.com and IMDB.com

6-29-01 Latest News

Billy Boyd talks LOTR
Xoanon @ 12:28 pm EST

Ringer Spy Dauvit the Hobbit sends along word of an article from 'The Scotland Daily Record'. They chat it up with Billy Boyd (Pippin). Dauvit also sends along word that he knew Billy way back when:

'Its nice to see (Boyd) start to get recognition in his own country as there has been very little reported so far. All i can say about his college days is, that he was very quiet and unassuming most of the time, though like the rest of us liked a pint and the odd practical joke. His casting is a complete and very nice surprise (even if i am hugely jealous). I hope he does very well.'

6-28-01 Latest News

A fan meets Bilbo
Tehanu @ 9:52 pm EST

Ringer spy Dave went to meet Ian Holm [Bilbo] after his performance of a play:

"Hi lads, finally got to meet Sir Ian Holm last night.
I hung around after the play (which is sold out solid) and the very kind doorguy let me upstairs to say hello(he even told me where to wait). I was in a bit of a quandry as to what to ask him to sign,the Hobbit or the Fellowship ( I have the box set edition
of Rings with JRRT's own artwork) so I decided to bring both.

Out he came,and it was incredible! (so much so that it was a few seconds before I could say anything)in the flesh,and his own clothes,he actually looks more like I always imagined Bilbo to look,than any of the images of "his" Bilbo from the film. He's quite short,and has that aged stoop you get (he is 70 this year!) and he's got a lovely timbre to his voice. His hair is much longer too. I introduced myself ,and explained that I'm a huge fan of the books and I'm living to see these films, would he mind signing something for me?

I explained that I didnt know which book to bring so I brought both; he said it was no problem at all and brought me over to a table where he squiggled on the first page of both the Hobbit and the Fellowship. He was very enthusiastic and friendly.

I told him i keep an eye out everyday online for LOTR developments and that the online community reckon things are looking/sounding as if they are shaping up really well. He said it looks wonderful and has come across brilliantly,though he only saw a small part. He said this film will be a landmark in film-making (he referred to it as "this film" which i thought was great) and said Peter Jackson is doing a wonderful job. I told him I was more than likely seeing the play (The Homecoming by Harold Pinter)on Saturday. He said it's no "Lord of the Rings,"but it is beautiful.

I thanked him for his time and let him head to the bar. I went home with a happy glow. He really is a very nice chap. I hope you enjoyed reading this....(I mean it's BILBO!!) so I think you understand:)

____________________________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.

JVC JOINS WITH NEW LINE CINEMA TO PROMOTE "THE LORD OF THE RINGS" TRILOGY
Xoanon @ 5:41 pm EST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JVC JOINS WITH NEW LINE CINEMA TO PROMOTE "THE LORD OF THE RINGS" TRILOGY

JVC to be the Exclusive Electronics Partner in Promoting the Highly Anticipated Epic Adventure Trilogy

Wayne, NJ (June 28, 2001) - JVC, one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of sophisticated audio, video and related software products, today announced that it is partnering with New Line Cinema to establish a comprehensive co-branded marketing program. The partnership will cross-promote JVC consumer video products with the theatrical and home video releases of "The Lord of the Rings" motion pictures, and casts JVC as the exclusive electronics sponsor of the highly anticipated epic adventure trilogy.

The three year deal, with an estimated value of over $40 million in advertising and promotions, kicks off in September and represents a major initiative from the JVC Consumer Video Division and New Line Cinema that will encompass print, radio, and TV outlets. The initial stages of the campaign will kick-off with the unveiling of a JVC Times Square billboard. JVC and New Line Cinema will also collaborate to create additional sweepstakes, bounce back, and bundling opportunities.

"JVC is pleased to join its high-quality line of consumer video products with New Line Cinema's promotional efforts for 'The Lord of the Rings' to bring consumers a fully integrated experience for the enjoyment of this groundbreaking epic," said Jerry Barbera, vice president of JVC Consumer Video Division. "The creative imagery behind 'The Lord of the Rings' makes it a perfect vehicle for JVC to deliver its message of innovative technology by maximizing the consumer's visual experience with JVC video products."

"The New Line-JVC relationship is rich with history and success," said Rose Polidoro, executive vice president of national promotions of New Line Cinema. "Our Lord of the Rings partnership affords us the opportunity to build a strong marketing presence over a three year period and maximize this first-ever release pattern."

J.R.R. Tolkien created "The Lord of the Rings," which takes place in the mythical world that is "Middle-earth." It's a story of good versus evil that features extraordinary heroes and wondrous creatures. The trilogy will debut December 19th with the first movie in the series, "The Fellowship of the Ring." JVC will provide promotional support for both theatrical release and the video edition scheduled to debut on shelves in 2002.

JVC will launch its promotional efforts with limited edition co-branded DVD player and VCR packaging featuring a custom compilation DVD or VHS version of "The Lord of the Rings" trailers, never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, and an exclusive limited edition "The Lord of the Rings" sticker. The co-branded DVD player and VCR packages are scheduled to be in stores by September.

JVC will also sponsor a retail sweepstakes for tickets to the premiere of "The Lord of the Rings" in December.

The JVC Consumer Video Division develops and markets products such as Digital Video Camcorders, VHS-C Camcorders, Digital Still Cameras, Super VHS VCR's, VHS VCR's, and Digital Video Disk (DVD) players.

For more information on JVC, the JVC/"Lord of the Rings" promotion or JVC products, contact Donna Austi or Fernando Cruz (212) 320-3288/3262 of TSI Communications Worldwide at or Jessica Olsen of JVC at (973) 315-5000, ext. 5312, or visit JVC's Web site at www.jvc.com.

"The Lord of the Rings" is directed by Peter Jackson and produced by Barrie M. Osborne. The films feature a strong international cast that included (in alphabetical order) Sean Astin, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Brad Dourif, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Ian McKellen, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, and Elijah Wood.

About New Line Cinema

Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry's leading independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures. New Line licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast television as well as to international venues. The company, which is a subsidiary of AOL Time Warner Inc., operates several divisions including in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television, acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units. More information about New Line Cinema can be obtained at www.newline.com.

About JVC JVC, headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a leading consumer electronics manufacturer. The company distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment including DVD players and changers, camcorders, VCRs, color televisions, home and portable audio equipment, mobile entertainment and recording media.

6-27-01 Latest News

BookExpo America Report - Treebeard!
Calisuri @ 12:15 pm EST

Ringer Garm was at the BookExpo America in Chicago and sends in this report! (They got to see Treebeard! I'm jealous!!!)

"The new issue of Publishers Weekly (June 11) covers the BookExpo America, the annual publishing trade show which was held in Chicago over the weekend of June 1st. There isn't any discussion in the PW article about the Houghton Mifflin Lord of the Rings coverage, but they do have a nice photo, taken at the Houghton Mifflin booth. Sean Astin (Sam Gamgee) is second from the right, while Richard Taylor (of Weta) stands tall in the center. Clay Harper of Houghton Mifflin is the third person from the left. The real treat of the show was on Friday night, when Houghton Mifflin hosted a special presentation on the forthcoming films. Clay Harper was the emcee. Sean Astin discussed what it was like acting in the films, and Richard Taylor delighted the audience with stories about producing them. The biggest highlight was the video clips. First they showed the footage screened at ShoWEST. Later, we got to see a long set of action sequences, which Peter Jackson had put together just for this presentation (we got a glimpse of Treebeard!). And finally we got to see the second preview, which was then just being released. Quite an impressive presentation, and there was considerable buzz afterwards. Houghton Mifflin generously gave away (one per person) stylish Lord of the Rings tote bags and a copy of the new movie tie-in one volume Lord of the Rings paperback. Many folks got their book signed afterwards by Sean Astin and Richard Taylor. All in all, quite an evening!"

Thanks Garm for the report!

What's going down Down-Under
Strider @ 5:32 am EST

From:Josh

I'm not sure if you have recieved information about this or not so I will tell you anyway. Just recently I came across a shop in the Brisbane CBD (a major city in Australia). The shop is called Royal Selangor and is at Shop 154, The Myer Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia. In it I was delighted to find a large range of crafted Pewter Silver Lord of the Rings products. It is all officially liscenced and consists of a Lord of the Rings Chess set with all major characters from LOR. There is also a range of Goblets with different characters and themes crafted in many and various ways for each respective Goblet. These Goblets are based on LOR caharacters and scenes, The Hobbit characters and scenes, and even some based on The Silmarillion. There are also shops in Sydney and Melbourne and overseas (though I'm not sure where). If you want to check out more their website is www.royalselangor.com. I also have a full colour brochure of products available if you you would like me to send it to you.

One more thing, I noticed a few weeks ago you mentioned that a new LOR board game is available in the States at Target stores. This is also the case in Australia, I just brought one from Target the other day.

Thanks, Josh

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