>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
INTERVIEW
MONICA BELLUCI
Source: <MatrixFans.net>
Thanks to: Phildar
Phildar translated part of an interview Monica Belluci gave to a French magazine
called Studio:
“The only thing I can tell is the three main characters are still the
ones played by Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Laurence Fishburne ; that
I’m among the new characters who appear in the second movie and that I have
a very small role in the third one. I got no action scene, well only one in
fact, but one very special. Then I didn’t have to jump on walls, nor practice
martial arts like Carrie-Anne Moss who executes some unbelievable technical
valors! [...]
“Actually the first thing I do when I arrive on the set is the rehearsals. I
understand pretty quickly the Wachowski have a very definite idea of what they
want! I meet Lambert Wilson who is absolutely lovely. I meet Keanu again. I’ve
known him on Dracula (Coppola) when I started my carreer. I had only a small
role in a sublime erotic scene ; I had to jump on a bed with some other girls
and to kiss this handsome lad! And almost ten years later I have to make something
very big with him – which I can’t spoil, but it’s not bad either! [...]
“Then comes my first day of shooting. This won’t belong to the movie but to
the video game which is meant to be released with the movie! The Wachowski are
directing me... which is fun. Anyway, we shoot it like a movie. It’s cool because
it allows me to enter this universe in a soft way. The next step is the real
shooting. The place where it’s done is extremly well protected and... HUGE!
A city! Some days I’m sure more than 2000 persons are working on these sequels.
Amazing! [...]
“With the passing days, my character gets more precise. Even though the Wachowskis
didn’t tell me about her mythological nature, I have some books they brought
at my disposal. [...]
“Most of my scenes are with Keanu, Carrie-Anne, Laurence and Lambert. Lambert
is often with us. One day he had to tell a very long monologue in font of a
lot of people, he showed himself so good that at the end of the take everyone
applaused, charmed by this handsome French. [...]
The days I don’t work, I sometimes go to see the preparation of the action scenes.
I saw a mind-blowing one – but I can’t reveal anything! – I long for seeing
that on the big screen. [...]
“I’ve still not seen any images of the movie exept a few scenes I dubed in Los
Angeles for 2-3 days. There I met Joel Silver for the first time. We’ve talked
about the way the movies will be released, the marketing stuff... He would love
to make the world premiere at Cannes, for the Festival. It’s apparently going
well.” [...]
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
VISUAL
EFFECTS PROGRESS
The Matrix Reloaded and Revolutions are in post production for about a year.
Computer technicians enhance the images that were shot on set. This is a massive
and time consuming process, but the results are worth it. In 2002 the first
teaser trailer showed an explosion on a highway viewed from a helicopter. Now
that same shot returned in the Superbowl trailer, only a little different. Below
are four images which show the progress that has been made in visual effects.
In each image the top shot is from the first teaser trailer, while the ones
below are from the superbowl trailer.
Click on the thumbnails to view a larger version:
 |
 |
 |
 |
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
ENTER
THE MATRIX: DAVE PERRY INTERVIEW
Source: <OPM2>
The Dutch Official Playstation 2 magazine published an interview with the
head of Shiny, Dave Perry, who's in charge of the creation of the Enter the
Matrix videogame. Since most of you don't understand Dutch, I've translated
the interview for your reading pleasure:
Q: Several weeks ago you told us at the presentation that the game is huge.
Did you find a good solution for the data-compression or will this be the first
PS2-game on multiple discs?
A: You're right that this game -with more than an hour of filming material-
takes lots of space. But with the compression techniques we currently use, we
succeed in storing the data without any concessions in quality. It looks like
we'll get it onto one DVD (at least we hope so).
Q: At our visit we got to see some of the action elements of the game, can you
tell us more about the further aspects: the racing, hacking, flying, etc.?
A: Concerning the car part, we especially want to make clear that it's not some
ordinary race-game. In Enter the Matrix driving is part of the action in pure
Hollywood style! We're talking reckless stunts, crashes, explosions and intense
action. Let me illustrate this with an example: there's a level where you have
to get to a phone booth very fast to escape from the Matrix. On the way you'll
get across cops, 'agents' and other enemies who'll do anything to prevent you
from reaching your goal. Once back in the real world starts the flying with
the hovercraft. You'll feel the adrenaline rushing through your blood here too.
Sentinels will pursue you through ancient electric tunnels and sewers. You'll
have to fly a quickly as possible or shoot the enemies, before they can clamp
themselves to your ship and pierce through the wall. For the hacking system
we got inspiration from old-school text adventures from the 80's. You can hack
your character or your console to discover secrets or unlock new game play-elements.
Q: Will there be any interaction with the environments? On PS2 Third Person
games often enact in empty and uninspiring surroundings. How do you go to work?
A: The surroundings in Enter the Matrix can be totally shot to pieces. My favorite
weapon is the shotgun. You can really gun around with that one. Documents fly
out of cabinets, light bulbs snap, paintings fall to the ground, tiles tumble
from the ceiling,… don't worry, the surroundings will be everything except empty.
The Wachowski Brothers gave us access to all the film sets and we can count
on the help of all the designers who're working on the film. This means that
the environments in the game will be exact copies of those that appear in the
second film.
Q: Will there be many non-playable characters with whom you can communicate
or will the story be unwrapped in another way? Will the storyline of the game
be as thorough as the movies?
A: The story for the game has been written by the Wachowski's. So there'll be
interaction with lots of characters from the movie. On top of that they've created
some characters that'll only appear in the game. The story is a complex interplay
between the movie and the game -there are multiple storylines that are initially
parallel to each other and cross at certain moments. You can wander about in
a game scene and a few seconds later you'll end up in a scene from the film.
Q: Will the game use any online possibilities?
A: Not in some form of multiplayer game, but you can expect some surprises in
the hacking system.
Q: At the press presentation you told us about the 'real-time bonus system'.
Do you use any other impressive techniques that can be called innovative?
A: The 'real-time bonus system' is indeed a unique feature. We think it's very
important to show the characters closely to get a more film-like direction.
Q: Another question on the hacking system: do you know the Japanese RPG .Hack?
It is a game within a game. You can destroy enemies by changing the data code
of your opponents. Will the Matrix game have anything like this? Is it possible
to change The Matrix by hacking?
A: No, it works different. You can explore the insides of your PS2 to unlock
more of your own skills. You can obtain new fighting skills for example.
Q: What kind of music will accompany the action?
A: The soundtrack design shows once again the unique collaboration between Shiny
and the Wachowski Brothers. The music will be composed by the oscar winning
team that created the music for the Matrix. Such a symbiosis between game and
movie has never existed before. It's all to thank to the genius of the Wachowski's.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
ANIMATRIX SECTION ON OFFICIAL SITE
A new section has been opnened on the
official site: The Animatrix. The first episode can be watched on www.theanimatrix.com
from February 4th, with three more folliwing in March, April and May, before
the release of the Matrix Reloaded.
On the page you can find for each episode a directors biography, a synopsis,
a gallery with snapshots of the episode, a card, and impressive downloadable
desktops in various formats. It all looks very promising and I personally can't
wait to see the episodes!
Go to <The Matrix.com>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
THE MATRIX VS CARLOS CASTANEDA
By Email:
Paul Holmes set up a page that cites
specific examples of The Matrix philosophy being mirrored every step of the
way in the works of Carlos Castaneda. The
Matrix has been compared to lots of other storylines in the past but Paul Holmes'
attempt resulted in a very comprehensive and detailed list with all kinds of
references and comparisons to the works of Carlos Castaneda.
Visit <matrixcastaneda.com>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
SOUND DESIGNER ON EFFECT RECORDING
Source: <Editors
Net>
Thanks to: <TLFC>
A short article from Editors Net on
the Oscar winning sound designer Dane Davis and his work on the next installments
of the Matrix.
Sound designer and editor Dane Davis needs little introduction. Acclaimed worldwide
for his contributions to The Matrix, which won multiple awards for best sound
and sound editing, Davis and the staff at his Danetracks facility have just
begun working on the two sequels, Matrix: Reloaded and Matrix: Revolutions.
"We do an enormous amount of sound effects recording, not only real things in
the field but also raw material recording," reveals Davis, who has amassed a
library of almost 150,000 effects during the last 25 years. To assist him in
the creation of the raw material from which he will sculpt the unique sound
effects for the Matrix sequels, Davis has been using Neumann's Solution-D digital
microphone system. The Neumann digital system, he says, outperforms even the
best analog transducers.
"The Solution-D had a clarity about it that is a real breakthrough," says Davis.
"There is a lot less other stuff going into the recording, in terms of thermal
noise, electronic junk, and also just the usual problems that you have between
a microphone and the A-to-D converters."
Danetracks recently put the Solution-D through its paces, using the mic system
to capture metallic, crystalline and aqueous sounds for the library and the
two forthcoming Matrix features. "Because we do a lot of extremes," Davis continues,
"in a lot of ways the Solution-D is a dream come true. We record a lot of firearms
and squealing vehicles, but also lots and lots of very quiet sounds. I'm used
to making very, very low level sounds with my mouth and my body, and with various
props, and it's very interesting to get to use a kind of microscope on it, which
is what the Solution-D is."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
BIG ANIMATRIX NEWS
Source: <Comingsoon.net>
Thanks to: <The
Last Free City>
Details as previously announced, Warner
Bros. Pictures' and Village Roadshow Pictures' groundbreaking short film "The
Final Flight of the Osiris" will accompany the worldwide theatrical release
of Castle Rock Entertainment's and Village Roadshow Pictures' supernatural thriller
Dreamcatcher, opening nationwide on March 21. Inspired by the visionary action
and innovative storytelling that power The Matrix, "The Final Flight of the
Osiris" is a nine minute computer generated short that serves as an explosive
prelude to The Matrix Reloaded.
The Final Flight of the Osiris
This spectacular fusion of CG-animation and Japanese anime is one of nine short
films that comprise "The Animatrix," a collection of stunningly visual stories
that delve further into the mind-bending world of The Matrix and the characters
who inhabit it. The film series was conceived by the Wachowski Brothers, the
creators of The Matrix trilogy, who wrote four of the nine Animatrix episodes
including "The Final Flight of the Osiris". The collection also features the
directing talents of the world's foremost anime filmmakers.
Warner Home Video and Village Roadshow Pictures will release "The Animatrix"
worldwide on DVD and videocassette on June 3, between the theatrical release
of the next two chapters in the Matrix trilogy: The Matrix Reloaded, opening
May 15; and The Matrix Reloaded, coming to theaters in November 2003.
In addition, four of The Animatrix shorts will be streamed for free at www.theanimatrix.com
prior to the collection's DVD and video release.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to offer fans unprecedented access to four of
the Animatrix shorts prior to the DVD release," said Joel Silver, producer of
The Matrix films. "The original content of the films and the clarity with which
they will be streamed is truly extraordinary."
Beginning February 4, the following Animatrix episodes will be streamed free
for fans:
"The Second Renaissance - Part 1" (Streaming February 4). Written by Larry and
Andy Wachowski; Directed by Mahiro Maeda. This epic two-part story delves into
the history of the war between mankind and the Machines and the genesis of The
Matrix itself.
"Program" (Streaming in March). Written and Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri. In
the simulated world of a Samurai training program, a soldier of Zion is forced
to choose between love and her comrades in the Real World.
"Detective Story" (Streaming in April). Written and Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe.
Film noir meets anime in this story of a hard-boiled private eye who tracks
cyber-criminal Trinity (voiced by Carrie-Anne Moss) through the looking glass.
"The Second Renaissance - Part 2" (Streaming in May). Written by Larry and Andy
Wachowski; Directed by Mahiro Maeda. The dramatic conclusion of the story behind
humanity's downfall and ultimate enslavement by the Machines.
"The Wachowski Brothers' vision for The Matrix is one that extends far beyond
the theatrical trilogy, and the world they have created is so rich that we've
chosen to tell these inter-connected Matrix-related stories in multiple mediums,"
Silver continued. "The Animatrix takes fans beyond the boundaries of the movie
screen and into the vast realm of The Matrix, introducing them to new characters
and scenarios that further the trilogy's mythology and amplify their cinematic
experience. In particular, The Final Flight of the Osiris serves as chapter
1.5 in the Matrix trilogy, giving fans an electrifying ride though the events
that occur following The Matrix and directly impact the story told in the video
game Enter the Matrix. In turn, this chain of action sets off The Matrix Reloaded.
It's not crucial that fans see Final Flight or play Enter the Matrix to enjoy
The Matrix Reloaded, but their movie-going experience will be immeasurably enhanced
and they will gain a deeper understanding of the world of The Matrix."
Written and developed The Wachowski Brothers, "Enter the Matrix" is due for
release on May 15. One example of the connection between 'Final Flight' and
"Enter the Matrix" can be seen in the game when the character of Niobe, played
in both mediums by Jada Pinkett Smith, must retrieve and relay information obtained
by the crew of the Osiris to the rebel fleet or face extinction at the hands
of the Machine Army.
"The Final Flight of the Osiris" is written by Larry and Andy Wachowski and
directed by Andy Jones. Under attack from the Machine Army, the rebel warriors
aboard the hovercraft Osiris attempt to send a vital message to the citizens
of Zion, the last human city on Earth.
"We're extremely excited to have The Final Flight of the Osiris accompany our
worldwide release of Dreamcatcher," said Martin Shafer, CEO, Castle Rock Entertainment.
"The film's highly stylized storytelling and explosive style are the perfect
compliment to Lawrence Kasdan's supernatural thriller. And as fans of The Matrix,
we're thrilled to give audiences their first theatrical glimpse at the events
that shape the next two chapters in the trilogy."
"As a huge fan of The Matrix, I'm thrilled to have Dreamcatcher be the first
place in the world for people to see The Final Flight of the Osiris," said Lawrence
Kasdan. "I've seen this incredibly seductive piece of storytelling and it ranks
up there with the original film's groundbreaking invention."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
NEXT TRAILERS PROMOTE FILMS INDIVIDUALLY
Source: <Comingsoon.net>
Thanks to: <The
Last Free City>
Variety reports that up until the Super
Bowl, Warner Bros. will have run what it calls its two-movie-sell, with print,
broadcast, theatrical and Internet spots stressing that both Matrix movies hit
theater screens in 2003. After that, however, it's all about promoting The Matrix
Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions individually.
The second film, which ends with a cliffhanger [...], will immediately be followed
by a trailer for the third installment. The studio is also mulling the idea
of releasing the sequels on a record number of screens, surpassing "Chamber
of Secret's" 3,700 locations.
Internationally, Warner Bros. is moving ahead with plans to release "Reloaded"
three weeks after it bows domestically, and make it the widest release for an
R-rated movie overseas.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
SUPERBOWL TRAILER ONLINE!
Source: <The
Matrix.com>
The Superbowl trailer is online! Download it through the links below or in
the <trailer> section. Enjoy!
<High
resolution> - 640 x 360 - 23,8 Mb
<Medium
resolution> - 480 x 270 - 14,7 Mb
<Low
resolution> - 320 x 180 - 7,8 Mb
To download: Right-click and "save target as..."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
SUPERBOWL TRAILER REMINDER!
Source: <The
Matrix.com>
A little reminder from TheMatrix.com:
THE MATRIX trailer. On TV. On your computer. Super Bowl Sunday.
When the time arrives, and to avoid any undue stress to the body, we recommend
viewers remain seated and have liquids on hand. Chips are optional.
TheMatrix.com
The trailer will be 60 seconds and available in three different sizes. It
will be up as soon as it has been aired on <this>
page.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
INFOGRAMES SHARES GAINED 30% IN JANUARY
Source: <Games
Industry>
Thanks to: Sub7
Rebound continues for European publisher as revenues climb and targets are met.
Publisher Infogrames has posted revenues of over half a billion Euro for the
first half of its financial year, marking a rise of almost €100 million over
last year, and confirmed its full-year target of 20 per cent turnover growth
- with growth in the USA during the period outstripped by a major rebound in
European sales.
The news caused a further rise in the company's share price, which has now gained
almost 30 per cent since the beginning of the year - indicating that the markets
may be starting to believe in the company's reversal of fortunes. Expectations
are particularly high for the company's Matrix franchise title, Enter The Matrix,
which is currently in development at Shiny and will be launched alongside The
Matrix: Reloaded later this year.
US sales accounted for over 60 per cent of the company's turnover, and grew
27 per cent during the period; but it was in Europe that the largest growth
was seen, with the company reversing a previous slide in its fortunes in this
territory and growing the business by 35 per cent to almost €200 million.
The critical factor in the company's growth, it seems, has been its ability
to release successful products on next generation consoles at last - with the
three next-gens accounting for over 50 per cent of turnover during the six month
reporting period, compared to just 15 per cent a year earlier. Sales on the
PC remained high, however, accounting for 39 per cent of turnover - and with
key PC title Unreal II on the way next month, this looks unlikely to change
by the end of the year.
Although Enter The Matrix is a hugely promising title, it also poses a risk
for Infogrames. Shiny's output has often been inconsistent in terms of quality
and subject to slippage; and should the game miss its release slot or fail to
impress when it is eventually unveiled, investors are liable to desert Infogrames
in droves. It wouldn't be fair to say that the company has bet the farm on Enter
The Matrix - but it's not that far from the truth either.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
THE STAR WARS OF ITS TIME
Source: <SciFi
Wire>
Laurence Fishburne, who reprises the role of Morpheus in the upcoming two Matrix
sequels, told SCI FI Wire that the two movies won't be like other sequels. "It's
not like a regular sequel," Fishburne said in an interview. "These things are
huge, and there's more characters [and] more people."
Fishburne added that he appreciated the chance to play an ambiguous character.
"My overall experience was that it was wonderful," he said. "I'm eternally grateful
to be a part of The Matrix. It's this huge juggernaut of a thing. It's the Star
Wars of its time. I get to be Obi-Wan and f-cking Darth Vader all at the same
time. When you meet Morpheus, I don't know about you, but when I saw Morpheus
in the movie, I wasn't taking no f-cking red-pill, blue-pill sh-t. I wasn't
drinking the water. I was like, 'DON'T TRUST HIM!' He's not all good; he's not
all bad. He's not like the white knight or the black knight. He's a combination,
and therefore he is a real being."
The first sequel, The Matrix Reloaded, opens May 15. The next film, The Matrix
Revolutions, opens Nov. 7.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
NEW TRAILER
A new (Asian) Reloaded/Revolutions trailer is online! There's some unseen
footage in it and hints to the storyline, so beware of spoilers. Unfortunately
it's not yet on the official site, so you'll have to wait for the Quicktime
version. I've put the trailer onto our own server. You can download it through
the following link:
<Asian Matrix
Reloaded/Revolutions trailer> - 10 Mb (mpeg format)
To download: right-click and "save target as..."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
RELOADED RELEASE DATES
Source: <The
Matrix Online>
There's a lot of discussion on the internet concerning the release dates
of the sequels. Different sites are displaying different lists of release dates.
IMDB is always an important source for release dates, but sometimes you get
serious doubts when you see that the movie will be released in France a whole
week before it's released in the US. You can figure out yourself that this is
highly unlikely, also because movies in France are dubbed over and don't use
subtitles. So below is the lists of The Matrix Online, which is, in my opinion,
more likely:
Release dates The Matrix Reloaded (unofficial):
Argentina: 29 May 2003
Australia: 15 May 2003
Austria: 5 June 2003
Belgium: 21 May 2003
Brazil: 23 May 2003
Canada: 15 May 2003
Czech Republic: 22 May 2003
Denmark: 23 May 2003
Estonia: 23 May 2003
France: 21 May 2003
Germany: 5 June 2003
Iceland: 23 May 2003
Italy: 23 May 2003
Japan: 7 June 2003
Netherlands: 16 May 2003 (Nice! - Code 808)
Norway: 21 May 2003
Russia: 22 May 2003
Spain: 21 May 2003
Sweden: 21 May 2003
Turkey: 23 May 2003
United Kingdom: 23 May 2003
United States: 15 May 2003
Ukraine: 22 May 2003
Uruguay: 23 May 2003
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
2003: SEQUEL MANIA
Source: <Contra
Costa Times>
Thanks to: <The
Matrix Online>
An article from the Associated Press by David Germain on the enormous amount
of sequels that are coming out in 2003:
Sequels succeeded so well in 2002 that film studios have decided to do an encore.
So 2003 shapes up as Year of the Sequel, Part 2. About two dozen follow-up movies,
along with a few prequels, are in the lineup, some craved by audiences for a
decade or more, others hitting theaters less than a year after their predecessors.
The four-year wait for another installment of the sci-fi smash "The Matrix"
ends in a big way. In mid-May, Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne and Carrie-Anne
Moss continue their battle against Earth's machine conquerors in "The Matrix
Reloaded," to be followed just six months later by "The Matrix Revolutions,"
the trilogy's end.
The "Matrix" sequels were shot simultaneously, like the three installments of
Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings," whose current chapter, "The Two Towers,"
is on track to surpass the box-office bounty of 2001's "The Fellowship of the
Ring." Only 330 days of impatient pacing remain until the final chapter of Jackson's
treatment of J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy epic arrives. "The Return of the King"
opens just before Christmas, concluding the whirlwind release of all three films
within a two-year span.
To contrast, it's been 12 years since Arnold Schwarzenegger's cyborg-from-the-future
promised he'd be back. He finally returns around the Fourth of July in "Terminator
3: Rise of the Machines," battling a female cyborg babe sent back by evil machines
to snuff the now-adult savior of humanity, John Connor.
Other big sequels: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen and the rest of the superhuman
mutants in the new "X-Men" chapter, "X2"; "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle,"
reuniting chic heroes Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu; "American Wedding,"
in which some of the "American Pie" gang attend the nuptials of gross-gag victim
Jason Biggs and band geek Alyson Hannigan; "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider -- The Cradle
of Life," with Angelina Jolie back in action as the roaming hero of the video
game; and Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as narcotics cops in "Bad Boys II."
Also, "The Fast and the Furious 2," minus Vin Diesel but with Paul Walker and
loads more souped-up cars; Antonio Banderas back with his espionage family for
"Spy Kids 3," and reprising his gun-slinging "Desperado" role in "Once Upon
a Time in Mexico"; Reese Witherspoon's new day in court with "Legally Blonde
2: Red, White & Blonde"; and Ice Cube with another bad hair day in "Barbershop
2."
Then there's "The Jungle Book 2," Disney's follow-up to its animated classic;
"Scary Movie 3," the latest in the horror-spoof franchise; "Shanghai Knights,"
Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson's follow-up to "Shanghai Noon"; and "The Whole Ten
Yards," a new hit-man comedy with Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry of "The Whole
Nine Yards."
Given the success of 2002 franchises such as "The Lord of the Rings," "Star
Wars," "Harry Potter," "Austin Powers" and "Men in Black," it's hard to knock
the business sense in giving audiences more of the same. "Studios want to make
movies people want to see. It's all about getting butts in the seats," said
John Singleton, director of "The Fast and the Furious 2." "People respond to
characters they admire and love. If you've had a successful film with characters
like that, why not make a follow-up?".
Read more <here>.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
ANIMATRIX #9 IN THEATERS: MARCH 21
Source: <Hollywood
Reporter>
Thanks to: Sub7
The Final Flight of the Osiris, Animatrix episode #9 will be released in
theaters on the 21st of March:
Warner Bros. Pictures will unveil "Dreamcatcher", a supernatural thriller directed
by Lawrence Kasdan, as the closing-day film March 6 at the annual ShoWest exhibitors'
convention in Las Vegas. "We're especially pleased that Lawrence Kasdan will
be on hand to introduce the film and meet many of our exhibitor partners at
this very special event," Warners president of domestic distribution Dan Fellman
said. "Dreamcatcher," from Castle Rock Entertainment and Village Roadshow Pictures,
is based on Stephen King's novel about four young friends who perform a heroic
act and are changed forever by the uncanny powers they gain in return. It stars
Morgan Freeman, Thomas Jane, Jason Lee, Damian Lewis, Timothy Olyphant, Tom
Sizemore and Donnie Wahlberg. The screenplay is by Kasdan and William Goldman.
In a related announcement, Warners said that when "Dreamcatcher" is released
March 21, it will be accompanied by the short film "Final Flight of Osiris,"
conceived by the creators of "The Matrix" trilogy. A fusion of CG-animation
and Japanese anime, it will serve as a prelude to "The Matrix Reloaded," which
opens May 15.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
NO RELOADED MOVIE PLOT FOR VIDEOGAME
Source: <Gamers.com>
This appeared on Gamers.com. Most of it we already knew, but if you're a
new comer to the 'Enter the Matrix' game, read this:
News that Shiny had hooked up with the Wachowski brothers to produce games based
on The Matrix leaked ages ago, but things have been kept extremely quiet since
then. With only five months to go before The Matrix Reloaded hits theaters,
Shiny is finally spilling the beans on its first game, which we've been assured
we'll see the same weekend the movie hits. So what's the deal?
Don't expect a game that follows the movie's plot. Apparently, the Wachowskis
wrote an entirely new story for the game that runs concurrently with Reloaded
and actually gives gamers an insight into how some scenes in the movie are set
up. Playing as either Niobe (Jada Pinkett-Smith's part in the flick) or the
mysterious character known as Ghost, you get to explore many of the locales
that you'll see in theaters this May. But you'll get to see them at a different
time and in different states of disrepair. In terms of gameplay, early indications
point to something along the lines of Max Payne with added kung fu. From what
we've seen, there will be plenty of Metal Gear Solid-like peeping around corners
and shooting to look forward to, as well.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LECTURE: MY MATRIX EXPERIENCE
Source: <Shiny>
Thanks to: <MatrixFans.net>
Stuart Roch, Executive Producer of Shiny Entertainment, will be doing a lecture
at this March's Game Developer's Conference called: My Matrix Experience: A
Survival Guide to Working with Movie Licenses. This is the description of what
this lecture is going to be about:
When working on the upcoming "Enter the Matrix" title, Shiny quickly learned
that the Matrix property was no typical movie license. Rather than working within
the usual licensed property model, Shiny was afforded an opportunity to work
directly with the film’s production company and directors rather than just the
movie's licensing company.
While this offered Shiny an unprecedented level of access to the Matrix sequels
and the support system therein, it also meant new challenges to both the game
developers and the film production in thinking outside the box.
So unique was this direct approach to licensing that one Warner Brothers executive
commented, "Either all movie licenses will be done this way in the future, or
none ever will be again."
Through trial and error both the film and Shiny learned new ways of collaborating
in an attempt to create the closest marriage of film and game. Easy? Hell no!
Challenging? Very! Worth it? The experiences are incredibly valuable for the
future.
Based on production experience working on the Matrix project for the past two
years, a good portion of which was spent on-location with the films, this talk
highlightsthe ingredients to a successful pre-production phase through to the
main production cycle.
The talk not only covers the issues facing a development team internally but
also cover the challenges a team faces walking onto a Hollywood movie set. Working
with talent, relationship management, and set etiquette are among the topics
covered.
High level overview and pointers are provided for budgeting, planning, and executing
typical movie related asset gathering including script approvals, motion capture,
facial capture, cyber-scanning, ADR, costume design, prop design, set scanning,
and digital photography.
With the marriage of film and game becoming more popular this lecture will serve
to help other teams avoid costly mistakes when working with a Hollywood production
partner.
Idea Takeaway: Plan pre-production properly, identify and avoid pitfalls during
production, gain a general understanding of typical movie license related assets,
and learn the proper protocol of working on-location with the film production.
Intended Audience and Prerequisites: This lecture is suitable for all audiences
though it is mainly geared toward those in the industry without previous licensed
product experience.
Speaker(s): Stuart Roch
Time/Date: TBD
Format: 60-minute Lecture
Level: Beginner
Also, on the Advisory Board for the Conference is Shiny's Dave Perry.
In 1993 Perry formed Shiny Entertainment based in Laguna Beach, retaining around
40 staff. He's won numerous "Game of the Year" awards, including the prestigious
European Golden Joystick Award for "Best Console Programmer." Shiny's "Earthworm
Jim" game became a Universal Cartoon Studios/Warner Kids Network television
hit, a toyline, comic book and other licenses. Perry is also an active advisory
board member of The Game Developers Conference and has had nearly 20 years of
industry experience.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
NEW TEASER DURING THE SUPERBOWL?
Source: <Film
Jerk>
Film Jerk posted an article titled: "Films Advertising During the Super
Bowl: A Better Picture Emerges". They also mentioned The Matrix Reloaded:
“The Matrix: Reloaded” (Warner Bros.): Studio sources have confirmed to
FilmJerk.com that a 30-second teaser for the next installment of “The Matrix”
franchise will premiere at this year’s Super Bowl. When the original teaser
debuted at the 1999 event, it was heralded as the break-out winner among the
films competing—no one had heard of it before that time. Look for the teaser
here to ratchet up awareness as well, and stroke a fervent fanbase.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
WIN ALL 7 MATRIX RELOADED POSTERS
Source: <Empire
Online>
Thanks to: Sub7
As covetable a possession you cannot find. Be still your beating hearts, contain
that escalating blood pressure and just pull yourselves well and truly together
for a prize to beat all prizes. For loth to offer a measly one or two of the
rather fantastic new Matrix Reloaded posters to our dear readers, our friends
at <moviemarket.co.uk>
have only gone and given us a glorious full Reloaded set comprising seven of
the little darlings to dish out to one extremely fortunate winner.
Worth a whopping £79.99, the understated and pretty darn cool collection devotes
an entire poster area to each of the Matrix Reloaded's central characters. So
Neo, Trinity and Morpheus - complete with a rather awesome pair of guns - are
most certainly back weighing up against Agent Smith alongside his new counterparts,
the evil Virii and the movie's extra injection of female talent, Niobe and Persephone
played by Jada Pinkett Smith and Monica Bellucci respectively.
So if your dreams are full of Neo et al throwing the best kicks possible in
tight leather outfits and fancy plastering the walls of you humble abode in
strikingly similar manner, simply answer the fiendish question below and you
could be transporting yourself to Matrix heaven.
For which huge movie trilogy did Agent Smith - aka Hugo Weaving - have to grow
his hair long, develop some rather pointed ears and adopt a rather ornate crown?
Click <here>
to enter
Competition closes 27 January.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
AMC RELOADED PREVIEW: HIGHWAY ACTION
Source: AMC
Thanks to: <MatrixFans.net>,
<The Matrix Online>
AMC visited the set of the Matrix Reloaded/Revolutions and broadcasted some
behind the scenes footage of the custom built highway and some of the action
that we can expect in the two movies. It's really great stuff although the image
and sound aren't optimal. The two images below give you an idea of the quality.
Download the movie in the making of.. section of this site by clicking <here>.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
PRE-ORDER ENTER THE MATRIX
Source: <EB
Games>
Thanks to: <MatrixFans.net>
You can pre-order Enter the Matrix at EBGames.com. Here's their discription:
Enter the Matrix features awesome gunplay and spectacular martial arts that
bend the rules of the Matrix, insane driving and stunts, and the chance to pilot
the fastest hovercraft in the fleet. This game isn't just set in the Matrix
universe - it's an integral part of the entire Matrix experience, with a story
that weaves in and out of The Matrix: Reloaded, the sequel to the Academy Award-winner.
Enter the Matrix is the story-behind-the-story.
- Highly original
blend of the best-selling game genres: Action/Exploration/Fighting/Driving
- Game script written and directed by the Wachowski Brothers’, the writing-directing
team behind the Matrix movie trilogy.
- Nearly one full hour of exclusive, NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN Matrix footage using
the film’s actors and crew.
- Likeness and voice-overs of key characters from The Matrix Reloaded, including
Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), Morpheus (Lawrence Fishburne),
Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving), Niobe (Jada Pinkett Smith), Ghost (Anthony Wong),
Sparks (Lachy Hulme) and Persephone (Monica Bellucci).
- Truly authentic, photo-realistic Matrix “look” based on unparalleled collaboration
with the actual movie-making production crew.
- Contains incredible visual effects, including advanced particle engine and
world destruction as seen in the Matrix movie.
- Players will see, only after playing the game, that their actions can actually
have an effect on the movie The Matrix Reloaded. When seeing the movie gamers
will realize how what they see on screen actually ties in with the game they’ve
played.
- Same musicians and SoundFX in-movie AND in-game.
There
will be versions for Playstation 2, GameCube, XBox, and a normal and special
DVD edition for PC. View all products <here>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
DISTURBED ON SOUNDTRACK
Source: <Rock
Rage>
Thanks to: Sub7
Rock Rage reports that Chicago based modern rock band Disturbed will contribute
to The Matrix Reloaded soundtrack. This adds to a list that includes such bands
as Linkin Park, The Prodigy, Deftones, and Zack de la Rocha, formerly of Rage
Against The Machine. Although this has been reported in the past, this unofficial
confirmation of their involvement in the project.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
© 2003 Code 808