Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Production starts on King Kong

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Posted by Warren Smyth (Member # 1838) on 12-03-2003, 05:23 AM:

According to Wellington's Dominion Post, work has already started at the special effects companies Weta Digital and Weta Workshop on King Kong. These companies did the special effects for LOTR and according to TV3 today, has the quickest super computer next to that of the Japanese Government and the US military.

Australian Actress Naomi Watts, 35 will play Ann Darrow, the role made famous by Fay Wray. The paper went on to report that Jackson said a contract with Watts had not been sewn up "but it's looking ok - she got really excited and it was great" he said.

It is reported that Universal will pay Jackson $32 million to make King Kong. Props appeared on local TV tonight that have been purchased, including the ship which takes the expedition to Skull Island in the movie.

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 12-03-2003, 06:08 AM:

It's hard to believe that they can't find some other stories to make movies of. We've had King Kong twice now, the film industry needs to move on to other stuff. [thumbsdown]

Posted by Warren Smyth (Member # 1838) on 12-03-2003, 08:26 AM:

Jeff said

quote:
It's hard to believe that they can't find some other stories to make films of

I'm sure that many will agree with you. Apparently King Kong was the film that inspired Peter Jackson when he was young. He has always wanted to do a re-make. Whether that's a good reason to so do, remains to be seen.
The challenge will be to take an old story and make it appealing to modern audiences. The point is, unlike some of us, the young audiences haven't seen it, so it will be all new, just as Snow White was every seven years. It has been reported today that the ape will be digital so my guess is that much of the appeal of the film will be the special effects. With today's technology, the ape will be no doubt more human which would give it greater emotional depth. Who knows, it may be the very first ape to win an Academy Award. [Smile]

Posted by Andrew Lee (Member # 1330) on 12-03-2003, 08:53 AM:

Jackson is in a position now where he could remake Gigli and no one would or could stop him. It is a bit of a shame that originality of concept has left Hollywood for the time being. On the bright side, the lack of new innovative storylines always bring the young independant filmakers out in full force to fill the void.