The Fellowship Movie: The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers

The Road to Mordor: A talk with the crew of The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers
Justin Olivetti
07.01.11

Buzz has been increasing about an intriguing independent film that looks to blend Tolkien love, geek pride, and Lord of the Rings Online fandom into one epic adventure. Called The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers, this movie is about a group of friends who undertake a journey to a convention in order to participate in a LotRO gaming competition (and stick it to some bullies while they're at it).

Many blogs, such as LOTRO Reporter and A Casual Stroll to Mordor, have promoted this up-and-coming film, and after seeing the trailer, we too became fascinated with what could be a fun movie that puts MMO gaming front and center.

One may not simply walk into Mordor, but with the right connections, one could phone the folks up there. We got on the line with three crew members for The Fellows Hip -- Ron Newcomb (producer, director and writer), Scott Mathais (producer and writer), and Shane McClung (producer) -- to see just what type of lovable insanity would cause a group of people to throw together such a movie.

Ron: We began with a story that we could tell. It's a story that resonates with the fact that we are big Tolkien fans and gamers. It's a story we wanted to see and that we felt hadn't been told as of yet. The Fellows Hip is not a goofy parody; it is a story that reflects an epic, though comedic, journey that we all might like to go on one day.

How long has the film been in production? How much of it is complete at this point?

Ron: We started almost two years ago now and filmed in August 2009. We are about 80% complete; we just have a few more visual effects and a bit of sound design, and then we are going to complete our color correction to give it that high-cinematic look.

Scott: With writing, it started back in 2007. It's been a long but exciting road -- moments of despair and moments of great fun, just like any journey. We're the four hobbits minus one.

Did I see... Tom Bombadil in that trailer? Tell me, does he skip and sing?

Ron: Ahhh... perhaps you did! Not only does he skip and sing, but he also bandies about while flashing his huge sterling silver statement rings (his manager later corrected me, saying they were not statement rings, but rather stylish sterling silver rings via sterlingforever.com), to draw attention to the movement of his hands. Since this is not a parody but more of a parallel, many characters take on the essence and character traits of the characters we love, including Tom.

Scott: That character is a mix of Bombadil, Elrond, Gandalf and maybe even Galadriel -- all the wise characters of The Lord of the Rings. We definitely gave him a Bombadillian (is that a word?) bent, knowing Tom was a character that we and other fans missed in the films.

Shane: The fun thing is this story; you will see a lot of parallels to LotR characters, but the characters in the story will also have traits of more than just one LotR character. Many fans will also recognize parallels to some of the cult-classic '80s movies that Ron, Scott and I all grew up with.

How long have you been playing LotRO, what's your class, and what's your favorite place in Middle-earth?

Ron: I always like to play as if I were there in Middle-earth. I have tried many variations, but my main is a Human Champion. And I'm pretty simple when it comes to Middle-earth. Though I enjoy Rivendell, I believe I still go back to the noob land of The Shire. I remember seeing Aragorn for the first time at the Prancing Pony -- now that was awesome!

Scott: I'm really a noob, so my time in LotRO doesn't amount to much, though I want to spend more time there. I did, however, play a level 65 Dwarf Guardian for the film. Alas, that character was provided especially by Turbine for only a short time and no longer exists. It's hard to go back. I journeyed up around Fornost and that area for awhile. It was really cool-looking and dangerous, not something you really get to know in the books or films.

Shane: I have been playing MMOs for a long time and really enjoy the depth of the stories and characters in LotRO. This is not a hack-and-slash game; it is a game where you actually picture yourself as the character and develop many skills, crafting abilities, hobbies, friends and fellowships. You are a part of the story, and you can see how you affect the game itself. My two favorite characters are my Hunter and Rune-keeper. As for favorite places, I would have to say I really enjoy the mines of Moria; Moria has a very extensive and well-done atmosphere. However, Turbine did an amazing job with the scenery visuals in the entire realm. I find myself just stopping and looking around, seeing how the world changes from daytime and nighttime.

From the trailer, it looks like the movie is inspired by the Peter Jackson films, the online game, and game conventions. Why the blend of these three? Are you worried that the film's references will go over the heads of people who haven't played the MMO?

Ron: When trying to go after a customer, you try to reach as specific as you can and you end up hitting the masses (that's the plan anyway). If we were too vague, it would not hit our fans where we wanted to and would have been just another indie film on the shelf. No, this is for gamers, convention attendees, and those who love them.

I'm a huge fan of what Peter Jackson did on film, so much that I flew to New Zealand a few years back. Tolkien introduced to a huge world in my mind; Peter Jackson put meat on the bones and brought it to life for me. I'm very visual, so what Peter Jackson pulled off was amazing. If we can create an homage to Mr. Jackson -- I would be honored.

On a fun side note, we did use his name in the film, and of course we had to get permission, so we put a thank-you to Mr. Jackson in the film, which is now listed on IMDB. If you look up Mr. Jackson and scroll way down -- there we are.

Shane: Most movies have references that most people will not recognize, but they are there for those who do. But all people will enjoy the film, and you don't have to recognize or understand the references to follow the story and enjoy The Fellows Hip.

What's your favorite fan convention?

Ron: I think DragonCon does the best fan-based convention. The organizers really seem to care about their fan base and really have fun with it. Atlanta goes all out with letting them host a huge parade where they shut down the streets for them and everything. It's a blast! Though I'm looking forward to some of my more local conventions in the DC area.

Scott: That's been our favorite so far. We've only been to a couple with the film but hope to make it to more.

Shane: Agreed, love DragonCon.

Are you still pursuing a theatrical release or are going straight to DVD?

Shane: Theatrical is something we're striving for. The main thing of note, though, is there are new ways to get the film to the fans, and we will be exploring and trying to release it all the ways available: theatrical, DVD, BluRay, OnDemand, TV and all digital forms domestic and international.

Did you get permission from Turbine to use in-game footage?

Ron: Absolutely. The Turbine folks were great to work with and went above and beyond to help us out -- including putting us on our own server and decking us out with uber toons.

Scott: Well, it wasn't our server, but one of the internal test servers. They also gave us some special powers so we didn't have to die if we didn't want to. It was cool, and like Ron said, they've been great to work with. To work with us like they have shows they're really for the fans.

Shane: Turbine has been wonderful, and by extension of their license, so has been Middle-earth Enterprises;  both gave us permissions to use the LotRO and LotR references and visuals. Both companies have great people and we hold them all in high regard.

"Rise of the Fellowship" Hits Netflix on January 3rd, 2013 

© Written by Richard Propes 
The Independent Critic 

Winner of the GenCon 2012 Film Festival, Rise of the Fellowship is, as one might expect, a low-budget geek love song to the ultimate geek epic films, the Lord of the Rings trilogy (especially Fellowship of the Ring). Scheduled to arrive on Netflix on January 3rd, Rise of the Fellowship has been making some waves on the indie circuit and on DVD.

Far more a tribute than an actual parody, though I suppose one could argue it weaves together both elements, Rise of the Fellowship centers around a group of ultra-geeky friends who embark on an "epic journey" with obstacles and threats along the way. They lose a prized possession along the way, and it takes all the courage they can muster to work through everything they face.

The film has also played at the Richmond International Film Festival and the Los Angeles Fear & Fantasy Film Festival, a pretty clear sign that it's aimed squarely at the fantasy movie-going fan and will easily get the most chuckles of familiarity from those familiar with all things Tolkien. Randall (Justin Moe) is a geek surrounded by even geekier friends. He works in a game shop, not a bad gig for someone who spends all his time gaming when he's not daydreaming about Stacey (Emma Earnest, which would be a kickass geek porn name), the school's prettiest cheerleader who, of course, happens to be dating a jock/bully. He's got a mother who doesn't understand him, a brother who bullies him, and friends who are such geeks that even the game shop owner wants to keep them out.

Everything changes when Randall learns about the Lord of the Rings gaming competition in Florida, a competition that seems a natural fit for Randall and his friends and offers, just maybe, a chance for their lives to have some meaning. The film's parodying elements are at times quite strong, with a good majority of the scenes playing as awfully familiar for anyone who knows the movies. While a lot of films, especially parodies, tend to cross that line into poking fun of its subject matter, Rise of the Fellowship is clearly intended as a loving tribute to its inspiration and, even when the film falters in terms of production and performance, its overall likability keeps it afloat.

The script, from director Ron Newcomb along with Scott Mathias and Christopher Bunn, is inconsistent but occasionally quite funny and, once again, never less than likable. Among the key players, lead Justin Moe is the most effective and seems like the kind of young man you'd have found in some of the early John Hughes films. Those who surround him are a bit more hit-and-miss, though Ms. Earnest has a winning screen presence and Wolf Sherrill definitely gives the film some abundant laughs.

D.P. Brian Pennington lenses the film quite nicely use the RED One , while Dale Clay's music is effective throughout in doing a sort of wink at the LOTR films while giving the film a rhythm all its own.

While there's nothing about Rise of the Fellowship that's going to blow you away, those who would like a rather easygoing and breezy latenight view on Netflix may very well appreciate what Newcomb and his cast and crew have accomplished. For more information on the film, visit its website linked to in the credits.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

How to find out who’s really in charge of a film?

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Monday, February 18, 2013

Earn the Title. Stay Motivated. Be Responsible.

 

Through the years of being a filmmaker, I’ve met several self-proclaimed filmmakers. Upon further investigation, I find out they actually have never made a film, but really want to. Well, I hate to disappoint, but in my book that’s not a filmmaker; it’s more of a film enthusiasts. You have to earn the title by doing a film. It’s hard work, and it’s better not to take that title for granted. Filmmakers give up so much to make a film. They struggled, worked hard and power through to make a film. I’m convinced that unlike the “one ring” in “Lord of the Rings” “wants to be found,” as Gandalf describes, a film is just the opposite. A film doesn’t want to be made; it fights you at every step of the way. Only the few complete a true full-length feature film (narrative or documentary). Those few know what I’m talking about. It’s not for the faint of heart, nor is it a simple title given away and used lightly; it’s one that is earned.

And, being a filmmaker is like working out at the gym. I was looking around this weekend at all the many other people in the gym with me. They weren’t the elite bodybuilders. Most of them were out of shape, but there they were going for it right along with me. No matter how out of shape they were, it was their effort that motivated me. I actually had a better work-out because of their exerted effort. Surround yourself with motivated individuals, and you will find yourself rising to new heights. Filmmaking is tough, so it’s critical that you stay motivated. You got to go for it, but in the right way. Wildly going for it is a crazy persons’ game and for the young.

I’m not 21 anymore. When it comes to working out, I have to ease in, not just jump in all crazy like. I have to go into working out, and filmmaking, with responsibility. Lately, I’ve talked to filmmakers that are willing to go “all in” on their first shot. They are willing to give up everything and risk their family’s welfare along with it. This is just rash, and even false bravado. I fully understand the urge and desire to prove you have what it takes, but, keep in mind, most films will never return a profit to their investors. I know we think we have “the one” idea that will change the way film is done, but in case you don’t, there is nothing showing a little responsibility when you make a film.

If you do these things, it still won’t be easy, but before you know it you might just have a film and be a filmmaker.

 

Posted by Ron Newcomb

 

 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

What do I need to do to get (re-)started in filmmaking?

 

A friend of mine recently reached out to me and asked, “Help, I don’t know how to get back involved with filmmaking!” She is a great writer, but due to life’s circumstances, she has not written anything for a long time. She is now married with two small children that demand her attention. She had given up her writing to pursue her dreams of becoming a wife and a mother – very noble things. But, the passion in her heart for filmmaking never ceased. She was able to keep it at bay for awhile, but recently it’s called her gently out of her Hobbit hole. She does not share this same calling with her family, so it takes being around other creative people to help foster this longing.

 

I can totally relate, but for people like us we can never leave filmmaking on the altar for long. It’s more of a calling than a desire to just do film. Our goal is not a hobby, but a profession. But, she had been out of it for so long, she no longer knew where to look. Here’s what I offered her, which can be for a writer, actor, or filmmaker:

 

1. Find the local 48 Hour Film Project in your area. http://www.48hourfilm.com/ - they have them all over the world. People take them very seriously and really give it their all. I was very impressed about the team I found myself on. Or there are others, like the 168: http://www.168project.com/

The point here is really to surround yourself with filmmakers – reach out and make connections. Plus, you get to say you actually completed a project – how many writers/actors/filmmakers can say that?

 

2. I was a little skeptical about this next idea, but when I attended one – I found 25 other local filmmakers just like me.

The group had gear and desire – they are still meeting today making projects.

 

3. Just about every college out there has some type of film program. Look within their communications department. You can either a) take a class, or b) volunteer for student projects. Just reach out to them, let them know what you can do, and be a contributor when you get a chance.

4. Use social media to find filmmakers – from YahooGroups, to Google+, to Facebook (of course). Filmmakers know other filmmakers.

 

I have found most people out there have a desire to make things as professional as they can and they are willing to sacrifice for it. If you can't find a group in your area, I encourage you to step up and start a group then (be a producer). You never know, you might find yourself taking 30 days off work and doing a feature!

 

Here’s to making next year about doing projects!

 

What other advice would you have offered? Leave a Comment and share! 

 

Posted by Ron Newcomb

http://www.TheFellowsHipMovie.com
http://www.OAPFilms.com
http://pinterest.com/ronnukem/the-fellows-hip/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40256188@N08/
https://twitter.com/OpeningActProd
http://www.youtube.com/oapfilm
http://thefellowshipmovie.blogspot.com/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1669814/
http://thefellowshipmovie.com/film.html
http://ronnukem.tumblr.com/

Posted by Ron Newcomb

The Highland Film Group has joined the team as our sales agent. We reviewed offers from several distributors and sales agents, but HFG was a cut above the rest. We’re excited about this partnership and looking forward to good things to come. Fellows Hip distribution is now in full swing!

Keep the buzz going! Encourage everyone to visit our IMDB page and YouTube trailer. Invite them to join our Facebook fan page too and follow us on Twitter.

Thanks for being with us on the journey, and be on the lookout for the latest distribution news!
Posted by Ron Newcomb at 7:39 AM No comments: Links to this post
Labels: distribution, Film, lord of the rings, movies, ron newcomb, Tolkien

Posted by Ron Newcomb

Fan Films are films that work off someone else's created content. I would suggest a true fan film, is one that does not spoof or act as a parody, but rather is a love of the content, and the film is an extension of that. It uses the same world and perhaps the same characters, but it’s not a remake.

They are generally not full length in time or scope as well - as they are not meant to be viewed as a feature, but more of a "side story"; with the goal of being a homage to the creator of the original content. 

A parody is generally something that runs along the same story, but creates a funny take on it. These are expected to be cheesy and pokes fun at the content directly.

Why make a fan film?

There are many reasons to make a fan film. If you are an aspiring filmmaker, but do not have much of a story yourself – it’s a great way to dive into an all ready known world, like Middle Earth, which helps you establish certain rules. It is also very easy to garner a strong fan base for the content, as someone has all ready done that for you. You just need to tap into them. Many times, if they are well done, they will really make the rounds.

The main reason I like this, as indie filmmakers struggle with building a fan base. This allows you to do that.

A big note. You must proceed with caution in developing a fan film. As this is not yours! You might make an original story off of something established, but you are riding on the success of the film (or comic, or book) you love, such as from Tolkien. And in doing this, those people that do have the legal rights to create the content, could, and sometimes do, take issue with you making a fan film. If it’s just a few friends in your back yard, it’s probably not that big of a deal, ut the more professional it becomes the more it will get on their RADAR. Regardless – there are legal issues with fan films.

It does not matter if you do not plan on showing this to make money. This does not negate your responsibility to seek permission for what you are doing. Many times, they won’t mind you doing a fan film, but will simply give you a few things you will have to agree to.

What makes a good fan film?

Exactly what makes a great film! The story, the production value, and then how close can you get to the original content. So your props/wardrobe needs to be superb. Then your acting will speak volumes.

Some great Lord of the Rings fan films are: Halifirien, The Peril to the Shire, TheHunt for Gollum, and Born of Hope.

Our film however, “The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers”, is for fans, but not a fan film. It's commercial in nature with the goal being an ROI.

You can find some other great fan films at: http://www.fanfilms.net/

(another good resource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_film)