The Making of Smaug

Smaug is one of those monsters/characters that just keeps getting better every time you watch the latest Hobbit movie. And now Weta has released a short video about the making of Smaug, brought to us by the folks at the Hollywood Reporter. Jump past the break to enjoy the fascinating (and brief) film!

Learning to Love Azog

Now, I'll be the first to admit that Azog isn't exactly my favorite character in the first Hobbit movie. Not because I think he was poorly done or anything; I just don't understand why Bolg couldn't have been used in exactly the same way. But I really don't get why people are pouring so much hate on the Pale Orc. I mean, he wasn't that bad, was he?

Well, John Ruddy over at theonering.net seems to think so. He writes a good, well-reasoned argument and you should definitely take a look at it; but for me at least, his logic fails on a few points. So I've decided to play devil's (or is it "orc's"?) advocate and jot down my own thoughts on everyone's (least) favorite orc, in an unabashed effort to get you, faithful reader, to not hate the poor guy so much.

Jump past the break to read on!

An Unexpected Journey: WETA Digital Effects

Past the jump you'll find three incredibly interesting (and informative videos) about the techniques that WETA used to create the Great Goblin, Azog and Gollum. I was particularly interested to learn that switching Azog to an all-digital character was a very late-in-the-process move. Enjoy!

Hobbit Concept Art

Here are some fantastic concept art images by John Howe and Alan Lee from the new book The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Chronicles that is now for sale. Jump past the break to see the rest.