TheOneRing.net: Tales from the Two Towers: Victoria U Report. "Weta Workshop deal specifically with the models, props and miniatures – all the physical things. Weta Digital on the other hand, work with the virtual - all the 3D characters, Motion Capture and Special effects.

All the film first comes to WD and is scanned into the computer system through the use of one of two Imagica Film Scanners. These scanners can scan at 3.2 mega pixels at an amazing 64 billion colours. The speed of this is about 4.5 frames/second. The data is then fed to the storage facility along a 4 gigabit Ethernet.

The renderer alone is run 24 hours a day rendering out the 1000 odd shots that were required for TTT. It consists of 192 Dual Pentium 1 GHz and 448 Dual 2.2 GHz processors. A total of 1280 processors running at approximately 2,355 GHz.

In fact so much data is scanned in that it would be next to impossible to use it all so the mesh is then converted to a NURBS model, which smoothes most of it out. The detail that was lost is still kept and the difference between the NURBS model and the original scan is uses as a displacement map (A texture that applies bumps based on a greyscale image).

Most prominently Maya was used for the modelling and animation, Pixars Renderman was used for the rendering and finally Apple’s Shake was used for compositing the film.

The developer of Massive is under talks at the moment to release Massive commercially."

I read over twenty scripts last month. Indie production houses pay nothing and hand solicited scripts out to interns and script readers to do the coverages. I guess doing professional script coverage is not just viable option in this town.

I firmly believe that every aspiring script writer should read at least dozens of scripts before writing their own. It doesn't matter if it's the Hollywood calibre, or local writer's. I use to believe you can't judge a script by first 5 pages, but now I am a believer.

I am surprised how many of these scripts have typos, grammatical errors-even though I do not possess necessary grammatical skills, lack of screenwriting conventions, etc. Unless your story is really, really good, these small things jump out, screaming this script is not worth my time and attention. I read only THREE scripts that are quite good, one begins production this summer, one is sold, and one is a spec I read today. There are some scripts that have exceptional writings, but they don't necessary translate to better scripts. Good script is readable, understandable, and most importantly, visual. It's NOT a novel, even if you are writing a spec. Don't tell me, show me! If you want to write great speeches, you should try plays instead of screenplays. Even though actors LOVE giving speeches, you might get your movie made because of stars who fell in love with your great dialogues, it doesn't necessary make good movies. 2 hours is quite short for 5 minute monologue.

Only problem with constant script reading is that I keep setting my bar higher and higher to rise above the scripts I read. I'm honest to say I'm above 75% of scripts I've read so far, but 75% below scripts that are actually sold or made. I have only taken my second step toward long, perilous journey.

I'm currently working on two scripts: Criminal Sphere (formally titled as Fallen Angel) for The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting program and Goot Underground for The Screenwriter's Lab at Sundance Institute. I figured it will be the faster way to get my scripts read and recognized rather than writing query letters to agents and hawk at producers. I had to cast away my doubts and bang away the words. Even though I falter in words, I have good feeling about them. Although my research focus has been on Run & Gun (soon to be retitled after I'm finished) but I'm taking few steps forward and backwards to see where it all takes me.

I have written short test script for a horror spec film. I don't know if I will get the gig, but it will be nice change of pace from my usual drama/action offerings. I had perverse satisfaction of mauling people in that short piece for the killer is named Calvin. ^o^