Bruce writes: Just a quick note that the new series of Supanova podcasts is now up and running and the first release features Richard Taylor from the Friday night at Brisbane 2006. The address is: supanova.joffrestreetproductions.com.

The actor who has been heavily involved in computer generated graphics in movies has transferred his knowledge for use in a new game for the Playstation 3. Andy Serkis was the actor behind Gollum in the Lord of the Rings movie, as well as being the human face behind King Kong. He is now working on his video game debut, which will come in the PS3 title Heavenly Sword, in which he will play an evil king. [More]

A repeat airing of Naomi Watts on 'Late Night with Conan O'Brien' airs tonight on NBC. If you haven't seen it, it's new to you! If you would like to see the clip, follow this link to our archives! [More]

Allen Hemberger was safely ensconced at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., teaching his first semester in the engineering department when he got the call. It was from New Zealand. There was a giant ape in the woods, and they needed his help. Hemberger hung up the phone and considered the options: stay in the Midwest teaching about visual effects or hop on a plane to the other side of the planet to work with one of the world's foremost directors, Peter Jackson, on his epic remake of the classic thriller King Kong. "It was too sweet of an opportunity for me to pass up," Hemberger recalls, "so I took it." [More]

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- Fast cars dancing to hip-hop, King Kong's Skull Island and the littered suburban scene after a 747-jet crash from "War of the Worlds" are all part of the newly revamped Backlot Tour here at Universal Studios Hollywood. In the biggest overhaul of the tour since it began in 1964, there will be assorted new attractions added to the leaping dinosaurs from "Jurassic Park" and other stalwart features. The new tour--in the works for about a year--will go into previews in early June, with an official opening on June 26. It lasts about 45 minutes--the same as the old tour--and is packed with lots of information on (and promotion for) the movies made on this working studio lot. [More]

Paul Davids writes: The June issue of HOLLYWOOD SCRIPTWRITER has a major piece on THE SCI-FI BOYS on pp. 24, 25, 29 and 30. It also has an article on p. 38 about the Lifetime Achievement Award that was given to Ray Harryhausen at a special SCI-FI BOYS screening. (PDF File) [More]
Order 'THE SCI-FI BOYS' on Amazon.com today!

Melinda writes: Chris White (WETA), who worked on the visual effects of King Kong (among others) will be giving a free lecture on June 26. The lecture is being hosted by NICTA, and will take place at the University of Melbourne. Below is a copy of the information passed to me by a NICTA colleague, and a copy of the flyer. I thought it might spark some interest especially from King Kong fans. [More]

May 28, 2006 - According to TeamXbox, the Halo movie has been changed to a 2008 release: The directorless film adaptation of Microsoft's popular video game will be executive produced by triple-Academy Award winners Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh via their WingNut Films banner. The Halo script was penned by Alex Garland (28 Days Later), who was paid $1 million by Microsoft to write a script that met Bungie's approval. [More]

Sideshow Collectibles has posted a poll asking 'Which character is the most tragic?' While the list is limited to the licenses they carry, KING KONG does make an appearance. The poll is located in the red bar on the right side of their homepage. Cast your vote![ ]

It's not quite an Oscar, but winning a Wellington Region Gold Award is still an outstanding achievement for Park Road Post. The Peter Jackson-owned post-production facility for the film industry won the award for Creative Gold at the awards two weeks ago. Marketing and brand director Gareth Ruck said: "To be seen to be within the top (of Wellington business) is very important to us". "To be recognised at the top in a city that is recognised at the top creatively: it's a big buzz." "We are proud Wellingtonians and we support Wellington film-makers." [More]

TORONTO (CP) - Peter Jackson's remake of King Kong and the final episode in the Star Wars series were the big film winners at the 2006 Spacey Awards, while the science fiction series Battlestar Galactica and Stargate SG-1 were tops in television categories. The fourth annual awards, honouring the best in sci-fi and fantasy entertainment, are the creation of CHUM Television and were to air Saturday night on CHUM's Space: The Imagination Station. In an acceptance speech recorded in New Zealand, Jackson spoke of how he felt unworthy of the award and owes a debt to King Kong, in particular the original 1933 classic that inspired him to become a filmmaker. "I make films for people exactly like you," he said to the audience through the camera. "That's who I am. I'm a fan, I'm a sci-fi, action, fantasy, adventure, horror fan. I'm a genre fan and I really appreciate the fact that other fans respond to our work." [More]

Folks from the London MCM Expo write: WETA will be making an appearance at the upcoming London MCM Expo in the UK on the 27th & 28th May 2006, they will be showcasing their upcoming and current range of products to the European fans. This is a very rare appearance from the company its self rather than a licensee. Along with their appearance a lot more is happening with guests from film and TV, stage talks and much more. Updates will come when more comes clear, more information on the event can found at londonexpo.com

"The Ellen DeGeneres Show" will feature a musical episode May 24. Entitled "Ellen the Musical," the broadcast will boast the talents of Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth and actor Jack Black. The episode, according to the talk show's official website, will be filled "with singing, dancing and laughter . . . That's right, for the first time [in] daytime history, a talk show becomes a musical." [More]

HOLLYWOOD - Hollywood funnyman Jack Black has confirmed he and musician wife Tanya Haden are to be parents. The couple are expecting a baby boy early next month. The King Kong star announced the happy news at a promotional event for new movie Nacho Libre over the weekend, and maintains he is already prepared for his next role--as a dad. [More]