Neill Blomkamps New Sci-Fi Film is Called Elysium; Reps Say He Wont Direct The Hobbit
OK, first up, no great surprise that when Neill Blomkamps representatives finally spoke up about the rumor that he would direct The Hobbit, their response was, uh, no.
At the end of last week a report from The One Ring, firmly characterized even there as rumor, suggested that Blomkamp was the choice to direct The Hobbit. Easy to see where that would come from, given his prior experience working with Peter Jackson on District 9. But Vulture talked to an insider from Blomkamps agency, WME, who said that he isnt directing and hasnt even been contacted.
But the more interesting news to come out of Vultures report is that the sci-fi film Blomkamp has talked about over the past year is called Elysium. A recap on details about that one after the break.
Vultures report that nixes the Blomkamp in the Shire rumor says that hes working on Elysium, an original sci-fi script of his, for Media Rights Capital.
That makes Elysium the name of the film that he mentioned back in October,
"Hopefully, this will be a bit unique, very much a reflection of me. It is absolutely another science fiction film, quite different from `District 9, but some of the blending of genres and the tone might be within the same realm."
Which also seems to be the same film he discussed at Comic Con last year when premiering District 9,
"Ive got one science fiction idea that Im absolutely in love with, which Im pretty sure is going to be my next film. 99% sure Its totally original, its my own story Its set on another planet, but its cool. Its violent, very violent, and very unique hopefully. Well see."
Hes also said of the film,
"it is science fiction and it has many sociopolitical ideas that interest me. Those ideas are wrapped up inside something that is like a Hollywood action film The setting for the next film takes place 150 years from now. There are two cities that Im choosing between. They would play as themselves. They are not in South Africa."
That last comment seems to contradict the set on another planet aspect, but no big deal. Its his story things can change.
More important is the Media Rights Capital part of the equation, which cant really be over-emphasized.
When that deal was announced, we heard that not only would MRC finance the film, the company will give Blomkamp creative freedom and an ownership stake in the film. Thats a big deal. That sort of deal is also part of why hes expressed a lack of interest in doing massively-budgeted studio films. Why work on a $200m production with a dozen suits looking over your shoulder every day when you can have total freedom on your own project? Sure, Elysiums last budget report pegged it as being in the $30-40m range, but we saw what Blomkamp can do with that budget on District 9. Hes in perfect territory.
Link: http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/06/23/neill-blomkamps-new-sci-fi-film-is-called-elysium-reps-say-he-wont-direct-the-hobbit/
OK, first up, no great surprise that when Neill Blomkamps representatives finally spoke up about the rumor that he would direct The Hobbit, their response was, uh, no.
At the end of last week a report from The One Ring, firmly characterized even there as rumor, suggested that Blomkamp was the choice to direct The Hobbit. Easy to see where that would come from, given his prior experience working with Peter Jackson on District 9. But Vulture talked to an insider from Blomkamps agency, WME, who said that he isnt directing and hasnt even been contacted.
But the more interesting news to come out of Vultures report is that the sci-fi film Blomkamp has talked about over the past year is called Elysium. A recap on details about that one after the break.
Vultures report that nixes the Blomkamp in the Shire rumor says that hes working on Elysium, an original sci-fi script of his, for Media Rights Capital.
That makes Elysium the name of the film that he mentioned back in October,
"Hopefully, this will be a bit unique, very much a reflection of me. It is absolutely another science fiction film, quite different from `District 9, but some of the blending of genres and the tone might be within the same realm."
Which also seems to be the same film he discussed at Comic Con last year when premiering District 9,
"Ive got one science fiction idea that Im absolutely in love with, which Im pretty sure is going to be my next film. 99% sure Its totally original, its my own story Its set on another planet, but its cool. Its violent, very violent, and very unique hopefully. Well see."
Hes also said of the film,
"it is science fiction and it has many sociopolitical ideas that interest me. Those ideas are wrapped up inside something that is like a Hollywood action film The setting for the next film takes place 150 years from now. There are two cities that Im choosing between. They would play as themselves. They are not in South Africa."
That last comment seems to contradict the set on another planet aspect, but no big deal. Its his story things can change.
More important is the Media Rights Capital part of the equation, which cant really be over-emphasized.
When that deal was announced, we heard that not only would MRC finance the film, the company will give Blomkamp creative freedom and an ownership stake in the film. Thats a big deal. That sort of deal is also part of why hes expressed a lack of interest in doing massively-budgeted studio films. Why work on a $200m production with a dozen suits looking over your shoulder every day when you can have total freedom on your own project? Sure, Elysiums last budget report pegged it as being in the $30-40m range, but we saw what Blomkamp can do with that budget on District 9. Hes in perfect territory.
Link: http://www.slashfilm.com/2010/06/23/neill-blomkamps-new-sci-fi-film-is-called-elysium-reps-say-he-wont-direct-the-hobbit/
