Darth_Vader-Anakin posted:

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Even if Jackson doesn't direct, considering the absolute joy Shore seems to have for writing the music of Middle Earth, I can't imagine him saying no.

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Doug Adams posted:

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As everyone knows, in today’s climate no score is a sure thing until you’re in the theater and those speakers pop on. But I’ll tell you what I know…

Howard Shore is not currently signed on to this film. That’s not in any way bad news. Before today, there was no film! In fact, I spoke with Shore about The Hobbit just last Monday, and though he thought wheels were moving, he didn’t have any more information than that. But composers don’t sign on to projects until projects exist, so this is totally normal.

The better news is that Shore is interested. He’s been very public about this, so I’m sure it comes as no surprise—what’s great, however, is that Shore’s interest is likely to be very much fueled by New Line’s involvement. Remember, a film composer doesn’t work just with the director on a large project such as this. The “suits” become a large part of the process. (“Suits” seems a somewhat derogatort term, but I certainly don’t mean it as such. Just a convenient shorthand.) They ensure the composer has proper resources, proper materials, proper time. They make sure the budget exists to hire a fine orchestra, good recording engineers, noteworthy soloists. Composers and directors can be as creative as they want, but this sort of infrastructure is essential to realizing the final product. The Lord of the Rings’ score became what it was largely do to the support offered by such people as Paul Broucek, Rick Porras… and yes, Bob Shaye—all producers attached to New Line. Ever wonder why Shore, in the middle of an opera, a touring schedule and a number of demanding concert commissions agreed to score the little-known The Last Mimzy? With the support of New Line and Bob Shaye (who acted as director on this one) he knew he’d be in a comfortable working environment that nurtured his creativity. With New Line involved in The Hobbit, we’re almost certain to see many of these same behind-the-scenes people return, and that’s fantastic news. What’s more, there won’t be any sort of intellectual property issues regarding the LOTR themes and motifs that may find appropriate usage in The Hobbit’s score. Everything is already under one roof.

So short story, nothing is yet announced from Shore’s camp. He’ll have something to say when he has something to say. But I will note that the planets seem to be perfectly aligned for The Hobbit score we’re all hoping for.

-Doug

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Strilo posted:

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Under no circumstances should John Williams score these films. They are for Howard Shore only, in my opinion.

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