TheFellowsHipMovie.com

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 just regular rings 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?

"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?

 

Filmmaking is a team sport, but who’s in charge? Well, there are many people who make it happen, but at the core are the producers. The producer is the one who shepherds the production from start to finish. And there are many variations of producers: executive producer, producer, co-producer and associate producer.

 

An “executive producer” is usually someone who secures at least 25 percent of the film’s budget. He or she rarely has any creative control over the project or much involvement beyond funding. An executive producer also can be involved in several projects at one time.

A “co-executive producer” generally applies to a studio exec or distributor who has financing involved as well. 

A “co-producer” works under the producer and helps with casting, financing and post-production.

 

A “line producer” is the person on set who primarily supervises the budget and business issues, generally staying clear of the creative aspects.

An “associate producer” is given usually as a position of reward or favor for a job well done. The title can be offered for many reasons from funding to incentives on set or during production.

The “producer” is the one who brings on a writer and assists with developing an idea, buys a script or secures rights. He or she often hires the director, supervises casting, and assembles a crew. The producer oversees the budget and then coordinates the post-production work—everything from editing, to hiring a person to score the film, to encouraging the talent to promote the movie however they can.
 

In the independent world, the producer is the one who finds the money and makes it all happen. There’s a new rising responsibility to the producer role for indies, however. A producer also should be someone who can keep his or her eye on the prize by helping develop an audience for the film early on in the process. He or she bangs the drum and lets the world know the film is out there.

 

The only thing from preventing you from making your project happen might be finding the right producer.

Posted by Ron Newcomb

 

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

TFH: At Look into the character Nate Bingley – Fearful to Fearless

 

**Spoilers**
Now that I (Ron) have had some time to reflect on our film, “The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers,” I find that one of the characters I really have enjoyed has been Nate Bingley, played by Cole Matson. For a film, a character changes at least three times. That’s once when you write him, once when the actor owns him and once then in the editing room by how the editor (Brian) portrays him.

Who is Nate? Nate is a scaredy-cat; one who is a momma’s boy and never wants to leave home. He’s happy where he finds himself. He’s not the adventurer… or so he thinks.

But it’s through the love of his friends and his loyalty that he is called out of his comfort zone. He must leave his safe haven to right a wrong. When he is thrown into the adventure, he is at first excited and ready for the challenge. But at the onset of his first test, he almost falls apart. With each step doubt creeps in. That is until he is introduced to the life of a hippie. There he begins to see who Nate is all about. He shows through his monologue that he has come to realize that life is meant to be lived, and he’s going to “suck the nectar out of life and drink down every last drop.”

Nate “gets it” and knows this could be the adventure of a lifetime. He who was fearful has become fearless. He begins to embrace his destiny and become the man he’s always meant to be. He puts aside the fearful gamer and begins to embrace the fearless explorer.

Isn’t that who we should strive to be like?

 

Posted by Ron Newcomb

 

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 idividuals, 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

Monday, December 17, 2012

Stay connected with us!

We are all over - how about you?

 

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

 

Friday, October 5, 2012

We have representation

 

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

 

Monday, September 17, 2012

What is a fan film?

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)

 

What’s a great one you’ve seen? Posted by Ron Newcomb

More Background On TheFellowsHipMovie.com

TheFellowsHipMovie.com was the online home of an unusually ambitious independent film project that combined The Lord of the Rings, online gaming culture, fan conventions, road-trip comedy, and the filmmakers’ own experiences as self-described geeks. The movie began life as The Fellowship, became The Fellows Hip: Rise of the Gamers, and eventually received commercial distribution under the shorter title Rise of the Fellowship.

That evolution is important to understanding the website. TheFellowsHipMovie.com was more than a conventional promotional page created after a movie had been completed. It documented a filmmaking process that stretched over several years, encouraged grassroots support, introduced cast and crew, promoted trailers and screenings, discussed independent filmmaking, and attempted to build an audience long before widespread commercial distribution.

The project was produced by Opening Act Productions, an independent production company founded by Ron Newcomb and Scott Mathias. Newcomb directed the film and co-wrote it with Mathias and Christopher Bunn. By the time the movie reached commercial audiences, its principal cast included Justin Moe as Randall Dooley, Jayme Bell/Andrews as Herbert “Squirrelly” Hastings, Cole Matson as Nate Bingley, Emma Earnest as Stacey Whitley, Wolf J. Sherrill as Baba Melvin Schnabel, Jason Krznarich as Joe, Aaron Bowman-Fields as Carl, and Eric Garner as Lucian.

The site and movie are particularly interesting today as artifacts of the early-2010s intersection between independent filmmaking, MMORPG communities, Tolkien fandom, social media, and convention culture.

From Opening Act Productions to The Fellows Hip

The origins of the project go back to 2007, when writing on what became The Fellows Hip began. In May 2008, Ron Newcomb and Scott Mathias launched Opening Act Productions with the intention of producing theatrical motion pictures.

The company described its goal broadly: creating innovative, entertaining films that could also be thought-provoking and inspirational. Rather than limiting itself to a particular genre, Opening Act intended to concentrate on compelling stories and professional filmmaking while paying attention to audiences and marketability.

Its first major feature was particularly well suited to that philosophy.

The basic idea involved a group of socially awkward young gamers whose virtual interests eventually send them on a real-world adventure. Randall Dooley and his friends learn about a Lord of the Rings Online gaming competition in Orlando, Florida. Their effort to reach the competition becomes a contemporary parallel to the journey structure of The Lord of the Rings.

The filmmakers weren't attempting simply to recreate Middle-earth. They transferred recognizable Tolkien and Peter Jackson motifs into contemporary geek culture. High-school outsiders substitute for hobbits; an Orlando gaming convention becomes a destination worthy of an epic quest; real-world obstacles echo encounters from Tolkien's story; and the friendships among the characters gradually become the movie's own version of a fellowship.

The result occupies an unusual territory between homage, parody, road movie, teen comedy and gaming movie.

Production and the Long Road to Completion

Production was very much an independent undertaking. Principal filming took place in August 2009, but completing the feature took considerably longer.

By July 2011, Newcomb said the film was roughly 80 percent finished, with visual effects, sound design and color correction among the remaining tasks. The extended schedule illustrates one of the realities that TheFellowsHipMovie.com helped communicate: independent features can take years to move from screenplay to finished product.

The production nevertheless aimed higher visually than its independent origins might suggest. The filmmakers used RED One digital cinema cameras, and cinematographer and editor Brian Pennington received favorable notice in several reviews for the movie's appearance.

Newcomb and Mathias repeatedly emphasized their intention to produce something that looked like a professional theatrical film rather than an amateur fan production. That ambition became part of the story marketed through the website and interviews.

IMDb currently lists an estimated production budget of $3.1 million, although independently reported budget figures should be treated cautiously unless supported by production accounting. What is clearer from contemporary interviews is that the filmmakers depended heavily on independent-production methods, networking, cooperation from other filmmakers and companies, and grassroots enthusiasm.

The Lord of the Rings Online Connection

One of the project's most distinctive accomplishments was its relationship with The Lord of the Rings Online, commonly abbreviated LOTRO.

Rather than simply imitating a fictional online game, the filmmakers obtained permission to incorporate actual LOTRO material. Turbine, then the company behind the game, cooperated with the production and provided access that allowed the filmmakers to obtain the game footage they needed.

Newcomb, Mathias and producer Shane McClung discussed the arrangement publicly. Turbine provided access to an internal server and specially prepared characters for filming. The production also worked with Middle-earth Enterprises regarding the use of Lord of the Rings-related references and imagery.

That cooperation gave The Fellows Hip something unusual for a low-budget geek comedy: a direct connection to the licensed online version of Tolkien's world.

It also helped distinguish the movie from an unauthorized fan film. Newcomb specifically addressed that distinction in his filmmaking commentary. Although The Fellows Hip was made by fans and was full of homage, he regarded it as a commercial movie rather than a conventional fan film. The filmmakers therefore paid attention to permissions and intellectual-property issues rather than assuming that being fans automatically gave them permission to use copyrighted material.

The Story and Its Audience

The story centers on Randall Dooley, a high-school gamer who works in a game shop and spends much of his spare time online. He and his three close friends exist outside the socially dominant high-school crowd, while Randall also has to contend with an older brother who bullies him and an unrequited attraction to cheerleader Stacey Whitley.

When a Lord of the Rings Online competition presents an opportunity to travel to Orlando, gaming suddenly becomes the gateway to a genuine adventure.

What follows is deliberately recognizable to viewers familiar with The Fellowship of the Ring and the broader Tolkien universe. Situations, character types and visual ideas echo the famous journey through Middle-earth without simply placing Tolkien's characters in a modern setting.

The primary audience was never a mystery. The filmmakers consciously targeted gamers, Tolkien enthusiasts, convention attendees, fantasy fans and people who identified with geek culture.

Newcomb and Mathias were unusually candid about that marketing strategy. They believed independent filmmakers often concentrated on making a movie first and worried about finding an audience afterward. With The Fellows Hip, they tried to reverse that problem by developing a film around an identifiable community that could be reached through gaming websites, conventions, social media and fan networks.

At the same time, the story was intended to remain accessible to people who didn't recognize every reference. Beneath the Tolkien jokes was a conventional coming-of-age theme about friendship, confidence and discovering that outsiders can become heroes.

The Meaning of “Fellows Hip”

Even the film's deliberately awkward title reflected that theme.

“The Fellows Hip” plays on “fellowship” while inserting “hip,” creating a joke about supposedly uncool people discovering their own kind of confidence. The filmmakers' broader message was that virtually everyone is geeky about something and that being a geek and being heroic are not opposites.

That idea gives the film more cultural context than its surface description as a Lord of the Rings comedy might suggest.

During the late 2000s and early 2010s, “geek culture” was becoming increasingly mainstream. Comic conventions were expanding, superhero movies were becoming dominant entertainment, fantasy properties attracted mass audiences, and online multiplayer games were creating enormous communities.

The Fellows Hip arrived during precisely that transition. Its protagonists are not asked to abandon gaming in order to grow up. Their enthusiasm becomes part of their identity and ultimately the mechanism through which they learn about friendship, courage and themselves.

The Website as a Grassroots Marketing Platform

TheFellowsHipMovie.com reflected the same community-oriented philosophy.

Instead of functioning only as a digital movie poster, the online presence followed the production's progress and encouraged visitors to become participants in the journey. Early material asked supporters to register their interest and help demonstrate that an audience existed for the film.

That was significant for an independent production seeking distribution. The filmmakers understood that evidence of an existing fan community could make a project more attractive to distributors and sales representatives.

The online strategy expanded beyond the primary domain. Opening Act Productions promoted the project through YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Pinterest, a Blogger site and other platforms. IMDb was specifically promoted as a destination where supporters could follow the film.

This multi-platform approach seems routine today, but it represented an increasingly important independent-film strategy at the time: build the audience while building the movie.

The website's content also expanded beyond promotion into filmmaking education. Newcomb wrote posts discussing producers, motivation, getting started in filmmaking, fan films, intellectual-property considerations and the practical difficulties of completing a feature.

Consequently, the site's audience included not only potential movie viewers but aspiring independent filmmakers.

A Website That Documented Filmmaking

One of the more unusual features of TheFellowsHipMovie.com was this educational dimension.

Newcomb discussed what producers actually do, explaining differences among executive producers, co-producers, line producers, associate producers and the central producing role. He stressed that independent producers often have to combine financing, organization, creative coordination and audience development.

Other posts encouraged aspiring filmmakers to participate in events such as the 48 Hour Film Project, connect with local filmmaking groups, volunteer for college productions and use social networks to meet other creative people.

The underlying message was pragmatic: filmmaking is something people learn by actually completing projects.

Newcomb also wrote about the emotional and financial challenges. He warned aspiring filmmakers against irresponsibly risking everything on a first feature and noted the uncomfortable reality that many independent films never return a profit to investors.

That material gave the website a second identity. It promoted one particular film while simultaneously chronicling what its creators were learning about making and selling independent movies.

Festivals, Gen Con and Recognition

The project's connection with gaming culture made Gen Con an especially important venue.

In August 2012, Wired covered The Fellows Hip as it prepared for what the filmmakers described as their biggest screenings to date at Gen Con. That was a particularly appropriate setting because Gen Con placed the movie directly in front of the gamers and fantasy enthusiasts it had been designed to reach.

The film went on to win at the 2012 Gen Con Film Festival, an achievement repeatedly cited in later coverage and reviews.

It also appeared on the independent-film festival circuit, including the Richmond International Film Festival and the Los Angeles Fear & Fantasy Film Festival.

The importance of these appearances was not simply the accumulation of festival laurels. For a niche independent movie, conventions and specialized festivals provided direct access to the audience most likely to understand its references.

The film was therefore an early example of highly targeted independent-film marketing: rather than attempting to compete for everyone's attention, it concentrated on communities already enthusiastic about gaming and fantasy.

Press and Media Coverage

The movie generated meaningful coverage within its niche.

In July 2011, Engadget's MMO coverage ran an extensive interview with Newcomb, Mathias and Shane McClung discussing the project's origins, LOTRO, Tolkien influences, Turbine's cooperation, conventions and distribution ambitions.

Wired followed with substantial coverage around the 2012 Gen Con screenings. The article discussed the filmmakers' Tolkien enthusiasm, their approach to parody and homage, the use of RED cameras, LOTRO's participation and the movie's theme of embracing one's inner geek.

As commercial release approached in 2013, additional interviews appeared in outlets including Skewed 'n Reviewed, Think McFly Think and The Hollywood Outsider.

The timing of this attention was advantageous. Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy had renewed mass-media interest in Middle-earth, while online gaming and convention culture were increasingly visible in mainstream entertainment.

Sales Representation and Commercial Distribution

A major milestone arrived in 2012 when Highland Film Group became the movie's sales agent.

For Opening Act Productions, obtaining sales representation meant the project was moving beyond grassroots screenings toward professional distribution. The filmmakers had reportedly considered multiple offers before selecting Highland.

The movie was subsequently retitled Rise of the Fellowship for its broader commercial release.

Phase 4 Films handled North American distribution, with the movie arriving on DVD and digital platforms in December 2013. The physical DVD edition included supplemental material such as behind-the-scenes features, character material and audio commentary.

The film also reached major digital services. It appeared on Netflix and remains represented on services and catalogs including Apple TV, Prime Video and Google Play, although actual availability can vary by country and over time.

That distribution history represents a meaningful achievement for a first independent feature that began years earlier with a small production company attempting to cultivate grassroots support.

Critical and Audience Reception

Reception was mixed, but even negative or lukewarm reviews frequently acknowledged the movie's enthusiasm and affectionate treatment of its subject.

Rotten Tomatoes currently shows only a very small professional-review sample, making the Tomatometer unsuitable as a broad measure of critical consensus. Its audience side is more substantial, with more than 100 ratings and a 65 percent Popcornmeter score.

The Independent Critic described the movie as fundamentally a loving tribute and noted that its appeal would be strongest among viewers familiar with Tolkien. Reviewer Richard Propes praised Justin Moe's performance and Brian Pennington's cinematography while finding the script uneven.

The Stop Button similarly found the film likable and complimented Pennington's photography and Moe's lead performance, while criticizing parts of the supporting cast and screenplay.

LOTRO Players approached the movie from exactly the community it was designed to serve and responded positively to the use of LOTRO footage and Lord of the Rings parallels.

Audience reaction has likewise varied. Some viewers have praised its family-friendly quality, affectionate references, gaming elements and underdog story, while others have criticized its plotting, performances and low-budget limitations.

That division is hardly surprising. Rise of the Fellowship was created as a niche movie filled with references designed to reward a particular audience. Someone who recognizes a visual or narrative echo from Peter Jackson's films or understands the significance of LOTRO is watching a somewhat different movie from someone with no connection to either.

Popularity and Lasting Visibility

Rise of the Fellowship was never a mainstream blockbuster, and available evidence does not suggest mass-market theatrical popularity. Its significance is better measured through niche visibility.

The movie achieved festival exposure, coverage from Wired and major gaming publications, commercial North American distribution, DVD release, Netflix availability and continuing representation on major movie databases and streaming marketplaces.

IMDb currently shows more than 750 user ratings, while Prime Video displays hundreds of global ratings. Those are modest numbers compared with studio releases but meaningful evidence that the film traveled well beyond its original local filmmaking circle.

The project's longevity is also notable. More than a decade after its commercial release, it remains discoverable online, discussed on movie sites and recognizable within parts of Tolkien and LOTRO fandom.

Location and the Real-World Geography Behind the Story

The movie's fictional destination is Orlando, Florida, where Randall and his friends hope to participate in the gaming competition.

The production itself, however, grew from the Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia filmmaking community. Contemporary interviews specifically referenced the depth of filmmaking talent available around Washington and the filmmakers' connections with conventions in the D.C. region.

That regional independent-film environment was important to the production because an ambitious feature requires far more than actors and a director. Camera crews, sound professionals, editors, makeup artists, production designers, costumers and volunteers all contributed.

The finished credits demonstrate how large even an independent production can become. In addition to Newcomb, Mathias and the principal cast, the project involved numerous producers, associate producers, technical specialists and supporting performers.

Ownership and the Opening Act Productions Connection

The film originated with Opening Act Productions, the company associated principally with Ron Newcomb and Scott Mathias. Contemporary interviews identified both men as owners of the independent production company.

Newcomb served as director, producer and co-writer. Mathias was a writer and producer, while Christopher Bunn shared screenplay credit. Producers associated with the released movie included Michel Aboudib, Newcomb, Mathias and Shane McClung, with additional executive, co-producer and associate-producer credits.

The commercial-release copyright information also identifies OAP The Fellowship, LLC, reflecting the production entity associated with the project.

TheFellowsHipMovie.com should therefore be understood primarily as an official project website associated with the filmmakers and their production rather than as an independent fan site about the movie.

Website Navigation, Content and Purpose

Unlike a restaurant or retail website, TheFellowsHipMovie.com had no conventional product “menu.” Its functional menu was the collection of film information, production updates, filmmaking articles, promotional material and connections to the project's wider social-media presence.

Visitors could learn what the film was about, watch promotional material, follow its development, read about characters and filmmaking, discover screenings and distribution news, and connect with Opening Act Productions through other online channels.

Its goals changed as the production matured.

Early in the process, the site needed to prove that an audience existed and build grassroots enthusiasm. During production and post-production, it documented progress and maintained contact with supporters. During the festival stage, it promoted screenings and recognition. Once sales representation and distribution arrived, it helped direct attention toward the commercially released movie.

In that sense, the website itself provides a compact case study in the life cycle of an independent film.

Cultural and Social Significance

The lasting interest of TheFellowsHipMovie.com comes from more than the quality of the finished movie.

The project captures a particular period when several previously separate cultural communities were converging. Tolkien fandom had been dramatically enlarged by Peter Jackson's movies. MMORPGs had created large online social worlds. Comic and gaming conventions were expanding. Digital filmmaking technology was making feature production more accessible. Social media allowed small producers to speak directly to audiences without relying entirely on traditional advertising.

The Fellows Hip brought all of those developments together.

It treated online gamers not simply as punch lines but as protagonists. It acknowledged geek identity while making fun of it affectionately. It borrowed the structure of an enormously famous fantasy adventure to tell a much smaller story about friendship and belonging. And its creators openly discussed the commercial challenge of converting an enthusiastic niche audience into enough momentum to distribute an independent feature.

The result was never likely to compete with the Hollywood fantasy movies it referenced. That was not really the point. Its accomplishment was getting made, getting noticed, obtaining cooperation from the people behind a major licensed online game, reaching festivals and conventions, winning recognition at Gen Con, obtaining sales representation, and ultimately securing commercial distribution.

The Legacy of TheFellowsHipMovie.com

Viewed retrospectively, TheFellowsHipMovie.com is most valuable as the record of a filmmaking journey.

The movie started with writers who were passionate about Tolkien and gaming. It developed into an independent feature shot in 2009, spent years in post-production and grassroots promotion, gained attention within MMO and fantasy communities, screened before its natural audience at Gen Con, won festival recognition, secured professional sales representation and ultimately emerged commercially as Rise of the Fellowship in 2013.

The website documented much of that transition.

It also preserved the filmmakers' philosophy: know who your audience is, respect the material that inspires you, seek permission when working around other people's intellectual property, build community before release, and understand that making a feature requires persistence well beyond shooting the movie.

For Tolkien enthusiasts, the project remains an affectionate curiosity. For LOTRO players, it is an unusual piece of gaming history in which the actual online world became part of a feature-film narrative. For independent filmmakers, its website provides a revealing look at how one production attempted to turn enthusiasm, networking, grassroots promotion and niche fandom into a commercially distributed movie.

And for anyone studying early-2010s geek culture, TheFellowsHipMovie.com preserves something even broader: a moment when being a gamer, convention attendee or Tolkien obsessive was moving decisively from the cultural margins toward the center of popular entertainment.

TheFellowsHipMovie.com