A small part from one of my emails, few months back, towards Amazon.
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From the Hollywood Reporter:
"Nearly 45 years after his death, J.R.R. Tolkien scored the biggest Hollywood deal of 2017. Since the British author doesn't return phone calls anymore, it took a phalanx of lawyers and deal makers to bring to fruition what is poised to be the most expensive TV show ever. On Nov. 13, Amazon Studios beat out Netflix for a $250 million rights deal with the Tolkien estate... "
Fascinating news; as a Tolkien fan the question arises. The cash magnets are the chars of Aragorn, Gandalf and Sauron (in that order), and no... it is not Legolas for obvious reasons. So, make a movie or even two for each one of them? Probably. However, what about before that? You cannot really go the Silmarillion way; too weak.
My approach on this, is already out there. Rogue One showed the way. Although it looked like a fairy tale with no significant mythology, no force, no jedi, no complicated politics, it was a huge blockbuster.
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What do we have today?
1. Previous reports have claimed the first series will focus on a young Aragon, played by Viggo Mortensen in the films. The story will be derived from Tolkien�s appendices and notes rather than being a direct adaptation of the novel and will reportedly focus on a different character each season.
2. The Middle-earth show reportedly won�t be a straight-up adaptation of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but it will �explore new storylines preceding J.R.R. Tolkien�s The Fellowship of the Ring,� with a possible spinoff series also part of the deal.
3. Salke first confirmed that the series will not retell the main events of the Lord of the Rings novels, but also insisted that the stories will feature characters we recognise.
4. JD Payne and Patrick McKay.
NO SHIT.
So I was right all the way from the start. 5 years, 2-3 duologies/trilogies based on those three characters' backstories, plus one more with most probably Elrond-Galadriel and Celembrimbor.
I'm a huge Tolkien fan, and that was so freaking obvious.
As a newbie writer, finished my Nihilum script in less than a month (done couple of rewrites), and before it's too late, I think it's time to go after Amazon again, only if couple expert writers are willing to help with the rewrite.
I can talk all day about the various aspects of my script, but all that will post is this:
Pros
�Nihilum- A Lord of the Rings Story� is a fantastically epic and entertaining fantasy adventure with a richly realized world and often exhilarating action. Admittedly, the complex mythology can seem a little convoluted at times, and there may be a few too many MacGuffins, but the spectacle the script builds up is incredible. Along with the elves and orcs, there is no shortage of fantastical creatures about, crossing multiple mythologies, including basilisks and ifrits. The paracosm is a beautiful, even breathtaking realm, and it could be stunning properly realized onscreen. The battle scenes are ferocious and unrelenting, showing us the stakes and scope. There is the danger of the characters being overshadowed by all this background and spectacle, but the script has time to provide some stirring human moments, even when not all of the characters involved are human. The love of Kungen and Sylvana is vivid and beautiful, adding to our engagement.
Cons
There is a lot going on here, and it can be hard to keep track of everything in this complex mythology. There are times we sense that the script could do a better job with simplicity and focus. By a certain point, the excessive reliance on magical artifacts seems repetitive and even generic. It�s not just the rings, but the Sargerite band, the crystal of energy, and the other hidden, powerful artifacts Gulaf mentions. It�s unnecessary to have so many, and it can get distracting. Some of the magical creatures are underused. The audience may be excited to see the behemoth and the hydra brought into action, but it is disappointing that their appearance is so rushed and they are so easily dispatched.
Prospects
With fantastical spectacle and great action, "�Nihilum- A Lord of the Rings Story" hits its mark as an entertaining and satisfying fantasy epic. Calling this as a Lord of the Rings story is problematic, both because the connection to Tolkien's lore is hard to discern and because the rights are taken. Still, it's a riveting fantasy in its own right and could make a spectacular blockbuster, its tricky road to screen notwithstanding.
Now, I'm not sure if anyone else shares the same enthusiasm, but guys, for crying out loud, this is a huge opportunity for everyone..
Yes, the script needs a good rewrite from an expert. Does anyone want to have a discussion over this -at the very least-?