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TheRaider.net News Miscellaneous Archives 2004
 
2004

 

IndianaJones.com interviews Sean Patrick Flanery
Wednesday, January 7, 2004 - Gilles V

The official Indiana Jones site has published an interview with young Indiana Jones actor Sean Patrick Flanery.The interview is not new but a reprint that originally appeared at the time of Young Indy's production, conducted by the Lucasfilm Fan Club when Flanery was in between shooting the first season and second season of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. Here follows one part of the interview:

How did your family and friends react to your being cast as the young Indiana Jones?
Sean Patrick Flanery: "Well, my mom was really the only one I told. I didn't tell any of my friends that I got the part. My mom was ecstatic but, then again, I was already a star in her eyes with the first play I did at the University of St. Thomas. When the newspaper would run a picture of me and say anything about me doing a local play, in her eyes, I was bigger than Sylvester Stallone! I was THE one and only! She was always excited about anything I did."

Click here to read the full interview.

 

Apple.com talks about Indiana Jones
Friday, January 9, 2004 - Gilles V

Apple.com features 2 new Indiana Jones articles. The first is a look at the latest Indiana Jones game, Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb. And the second is a short Indiana Jones Phenomenon article about the history of the Indiana Jones character.

Click here to start reading these 2 fun Indiana Jones articles.

 

The truth behind Indy's urban legends revealed!
Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - Gilles V

The official Indiana Jones site features a new Urban Legends of Indiana Jones article. The article gives the facts of many rumor questions: Did Harrison Ford stapled his fedora to his head to keep it from flying off? Do R2-D2 and C-3PO have cameos in Raiders of the Lost Ark? and many more...

The popularity of Indiana Jones has not only garnered numerous fans, but urban legends. These rumors are passed around, changed and retold so many times that their popularity giving them a sense of truth. Remarkably, the truth behind these tales are almost as unusual and surprising as Jones' adventures themselves.

Click here to read the full article.

 

Sallah comes to the 1st London Film and Comic Con
Friday, January 16, 2004 - Gilles V

On the 6th and 7th of March 2004 Showmasters will be running their very first London Film and Comic Con mega event in London, England, and to start the event with a bang they have already signed up a selection of top actors from cult tv and blockbuster movies including John Rhys-Davies (Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade).

London Film And Comic Con promises to be a massive event, with a large number of major movie stars, comic artists, and other guest celebrities meeting fans and signing autographs, plus 750 dealers stands selling movie, comic and card related ephemera. And to keep you entertained in between meeting the celebrities and trawling the dealers areas there will be numerous talks with the guest stars. Other attractions include a display of original props and costumes from the greatest movies and tv shows ever made, and exclusive event merchandise, promos and give-aways.

Following the great successes of their other show (Collectormania) and the wide array of celebrities and companies invited to make an appearance over the two days it is shaping up to be a weekend not to be missed!

So if you want a great weekend out London Film And Comic Con is the ideal event for you. It is taking place in Wembley Exhibition Centre (next door to the famous Wembley Stadium!) on the 6th and 7th March 2004.

Check out www.londonfilmandcomiccon.com for regular guest updates, detailed maps, opening times, etc.

 

Raiders fan film article in Vanity Fair magazine
Monday, February 9, 2004 - Gilles V

Received an email from the makers of Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation fan film today. Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala & Jayson Lamb have let me know that their Indiana Jones story has been covered in Vanity Fair's - March 2004 Hollywood Issue. There is a fantastic 9,000 word article by Jim Windolf in this issue and it has already hit the stands in some states.

If you have no idea what Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation is then check out this news message.

Thanks to Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala & Jayson Lamb for letting us know.

 

Meet the Indiana Jones of the medicine world
Monday, February 16, 2004 - Gilles V

CNN.com has published an interesting article about medicine hunter Chris Kilham who is a sort of Indiana Jones of the plant world. Hired by companies that market herbal remedies for ailments ranging from the common cold to depression, Kilham has spent the past decade roaming remote areas of the globe in search of the next best botanical.

Read The Indiana Jones of the medicine world article.

Thanks to Shipwreck and Indy Benson for letting us know.

 

The Many Awards of Indiana Jones article
Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - Gilles V

The official Indiana Jones site has just been updated with a new article: The Many Awards of Indiana Jones. The article takes a look back at the accolades garnered by the Indiana Jones trilogy. Here follows an except of the article:

Indiana Jones was born on a beach, the result of a creative discussion between two friends albeit two successful filmmakers. While George Lucas and Steven Spielberg set out to create a character that captured the spirit of the old adventure serials, their action-adventure stories ultimately captured the hearts of audiences around the world rendering the films blockbusters...

Go read the The Many Awards of Indiana Jones now! It's very interesting.

 

Mola Ram; big screen baddie from Bollywood
Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - Gilles V

A regular visitor to TheRaider.net just showed me an article on the internet about actor Amrish Puri, better known as Mola Ram from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. The article Man-To-Man: Evil Genius talks about Amrish Puri's very successful acting career and why he prefers to play a villain. Here's an except of the article:

His enactment of Mola Ram against Harrison Ford in the Steven Spielberg movie, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, is history now. His picture of the high priest with his horned headgear, surrounded by skulls, is imprinted in many minds. And to think that Puri almost didn't do this film instils curiosity in any film critic.

"After reading the script Spielberg had sent, I felt it was no different from any regular Hindi masala movie... it didn't offer much challenge. I wasn't also sure if I would be able to commit my time as I was already working simultaneously on 15 films then. It was Sir Richard Attenborough, in whose Gandhi I had played a role, who convinced me to do the film, saying that it was Spielberg's technique that made his films special."

Go read the Man-To-Man: Evil Genius article now. And did you know he's still a very popular actor today, in Bollywood?!

 

StarWarsShop.com will sell Indy products
Thursday, February 26, 2004 - Gilles V

StarWars.com announced that an online retailer of exclusive Star Wars collectible merchandise is on its way soon, as beginning March 10, Lucasfilm opens the virtual doors of its very first online store at StarWarsShop.com.

This official online Star Wars store is on its way with a wide variety of Star Wars products, including new and rare exclusives not available anywhere else. But there's more!
TheForce.net had a chat with Paul Ens, director of Lucas Online, about the new online store. They asked him if they also plan to sell other LFL properties like Indiana Jones on StarWarsShop.com:

Paul Ens: "There is actually going to be one very-cool, never-before-offered Indiana Jones item on the store at launch. You'll have to visit on March 10 to check it out."

Other good news is that TheForce.net found out that this Star Wars store will ship internationally! Here's what Paul Ens revealed on that:

Paul Ens: "We're still putting the final touches on precise agreements, but the plan as of today is to be able to ship to these countries at launch: American Samoa, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States of America and Venezuela.
Again, the list is subject to minor changes before launch. There will also be occasional products that will have other shipping restrictions."

I bet every Indiana Jones fan is now looking forward very much to March 10, the day StarWarsShop.com will open its doors

 

Raiders: Adaptation filmmakers' life to be filmed!
Thursday, February 26, 2004 - Gilles V

Just read some really heartwarming Indyfan news at Ain't It Cool News! The life story of Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala & Jayson Lamb and the making of their "ultimate fanfilm" Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation will become a film on its own.

Harry Knowles from AICN reported today that Scott Rudin (Producer of The Addams Family, Wonder Boys, South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut, and School of Rock) has purchased the life rights to their story for reportedly mid-Six Figures. And if you have read (or will soon read) the story behind Raiders: The Adaptation in the current issue of Vanity Fair (March 2004 Hollywood Issue), and look at the films that Scott Rudin has produced so far, then you must see how great this film can become. Especially for those of us who grew up with the films of Spielberg and Lucas! Is this a cult classic in making?!

If you would like to know more about Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala & Jayson Lamb and their Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation film experience I strongly advice you to read Harry Knowles' RAIDERS' shot-for-shot teenage remake review from last year and his RAIDERS' shot for shot filmmakers' life to be MOVIE news article that came online today.

And a Big CONGRATULATIONS!! to Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala & Jayson Lamb from the complete TheRaider.net crew and contributors.

 

Second article about actor Amrish Puri found
Sunday, February 29, 2004 - Gilles V

The same visitor who previously showed us an online article about actor Amrish Puri has found an other one. This second The reluctant actor article he found on Puri is similar to the earlier one but goes into more depth at how Spielberg talked Puri into playing Mola Ram.

Go read this new The reluctant actor article about actor Amrish Puri.

 

Raiders: Adaptation film, the Variety story
Sunday, February 29, 2004 - Gilles V

Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation creators Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala & Jayson Lamb have send me the original news article from Variety that was published past Thursday.
This article is the one that premiered the excellent news that Hollywood producer Scott Rudin had purchased the life rights to Chris, Eric & Jayson their life story.

RUDIN RAIDS “RAIDERS" TRIBUTE TRIO FOR PIC:
VARIETY - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26TH 2004

Scott Rudin has purchased the life rights of the trio of filmmakers who constructed the ultimate tribute movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation," to develop through his Paramount-based production shingle.

In a deal worth mid-six figures, Rudin obtained the rights from Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala and Jayson Lamb. While adolescents in Mississippi, the trio launched a shot-by-shot remake of "Raiders" in Zala's backyard while on summer vacation in 1982 and finished seven years later.

Strompolos, who starred as Indiana Jones, came up with idea when he was 10 and told his friend Zala, who was 11, about it as they rode the bus to school. Zala eventually storyboarded the 649 scenes in the film; Lamb, who was a fan of horror pics and Rick Baker special effects, shot on a VHS camcorder.

The three -- who would eventually spend somewhere between $5,000 and $8,000 -- combined ingenuity with Mississippi backwoods locales to re-create signature scenes from the 1981 blockbuster such as the rolling boulder, the live snakes and the truck sequences. A lack of coin, however, did force them to improvise, subbing a dog for a monkey, for example. After the film was completed, it remained largely unknown until it was discovered two years ago by filmmaker Eli Roth, who submitted it for a showing at the fourth annual Butt-Numb-a-Thon Festival organized by Harry Knowles in Austin, Texas, in December 2002.

That led to a letter of endorsement from director Steven Spielberg, the trio's story being pitched in Hollywood and a "Raiders of the Lost Backyard" feature in the current issue of Vanity Fair.

Many thanks to Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala & Jayson Lamb for sharing this with us.

 

Adventure Kermit coming to StarWarsShop.com
Wednesday, March 3, 2004 - Gilles V

The official Indiana Jones site has announced that the Adventure Kermit action figure made by Palisades Toys will become available at StarWarsShop.com, the official Lucasfilm online store that will open its virtual doors on March 10.

For decades, the beloved Muppets created by Jim Henson have been lampooning and celebrating movies, musicals, television and more. It was only a matter of time before they turned to the globetrotting serial adventurers that inspired the character of Indiana Jones. For this reason, Indy collectors should take note of Palisades Toys' latest convention exclusive figure in their Muppets toyline: Adventure Kermit.

With a leather jacket, fedora, pistol, satchel, bullwhip and golden Gonzo idol, Kermit is ready to explore the dark and trap-filled treasure troves that Indy often frequents. "Overall, our Muppet action figures have been hugely successful," says Michael Horn, President & CEO of Palisades Toys, "But I have to say that this is probably the coolest figures that we've made yet. It wouldn't surprise me if this became the holy grail of the Muppet line."

Head over to IndianaJones.com for more information and don't forget to pay a visit to StarWarsShop.com on March 10.

 

Indy is #7 on Greatest Movie Characters List
Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - Gilles V

The great Indiana Jones received a No 7 position on Premiere magazine's Greatest Movie Characters of All Time list. The list also contains Darth Vader who came in at No 84. Here's the full Top 10 list:

  1. Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando, "The Godfather")
  2. Fred C. Dobbs (Humphrey Bogart, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre")
  3. Scarlett O'Hara (Vivian Leigh, "Gone With the Wind")
  4. Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins, "Psycho")
  5. James Bond (specifically as played by Sean Connery)
  6. Annie Hall (Diane Keaton, "Annie Hall")
  7. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford, "Indiana Jones" films)
  8. Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver, "Alien" films)
  9. Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn, "Fast Times at Ridgemont High")
  10. Gollum (Andy Serkis, "Lord of the Rings" trilogy)

Thanks to TheForce.net for the news.

 

Actress Alison Doody is back in action!
Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - Gilles V

Irish actress Alison Doody, who played Dr. Elsa Schneider in Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, is working on a comeback.
The Hallmark Entertainment website has launched a brand new section about Alison Doody's upcoming feature King Solomon's Mines. In this new adventure film Alison Doody plays the leading lady with Allan Quatermain (played by Patrick Swayze) as her guide to King Solomon's Mines.

Hallmark Entertainment's King Solomon's Mines section contains a synopsis, a trailer, and a huge gallery containing 114 photos from the film.

King Solomon's Mines is set to debut this summer (June 6th) on HBO.

Thanks to Charles Provost for letting us know!

 

Fan made Fate of Atlantis 2 engine test
Sunday, March 21, 2004 - Gilles V

Michael Zöller of Amberfish Arts contacted me to say that they have just released the first engine test for their newly-built i-house gaming engine dubbed "IP-SCUMM 2.0".

Amberfish Arts is a group of adventure enthusiasts working on a sequel to the famous LucasArts' adventure Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis.

You can get the Windows 9x/ME/2000/XP binaries for the Fate of Atlantis sequel here. There are no puzzles to be solved, there is no dialogue (well except for a few lines) and they only set up three rooms. This release is about the engine, not about FOA2 itself. During the next days they will most likely upload new versions on a regular basis, fixing possible bugs and adding new functionality. It is likely that more versions of our engine will be uploaded in the coming days, with new functions added.

A forum thread has been opened where you can post your experiences. As Amberfish Arts released this engine test mainly for the purpose of mass testing they strongly encourage you to report any bugs/problems you might encounter and to run the engine on as many different computers and scenarios as possible. Don't be kind with it - force 'em bugs!

The engine builds are being released in the run-up to a fully interactive playable demo of Fate of Atlantis II, due to be released in the near future.

 

IndianaJones.com introduces Photo Chronicles
Thursday, March 25, 2004 - Gilles V

The official Indiana Jones site has opened a new exhibit: the Photo Chronicles. Through pictures and words, you'll explore the behind-the-scenes adventures of making Indiana Jones come to life. See intriguing images both rare and familiar, and read anecdotes direct from the talented people who helped craft the Indy legend.

This exhibit will update regularly. Begin exploring today!

 

Stunt co-ordinator of Raiders has died
Sunday, April 4, 2004 - Gilles V

I have some very sad news. Peter Diamond, stunt co-ordinator of the original Star Wars trilogy and Raiders of the Lost Ark, has died. He passed away on Saturday 27th March 2004, at Pindefields Hospital in Wakefield, South Yorkshire. Peter had experienced a severe stroke six days earlier, whilst driving home from the set of Heartbeat.

Peter spent more than fifty years working in film and television as a stunt arranger, performer, actor and director, accruing over 1,000 industry credits on the way. Condensing his extensive career into a short appreciation like this is extremely difficult. Many people will be familiar with his Star Wars connections. Peter choreographed the action in the original trilogy of films and appeared on screen in several different guises, most notably as the infamous, stick-wielding Tusken Raider. He was Stunt Co-ordinator on Raiders Of The Lost Ark as well as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and the first Highlander film - in which he once again appeared on screen, as the Immortal called 'Fasil'.

More information about Peter Diamond and his career can be found on his website: PeterDiamond.co.uk.

Thanks to Ronald de Boer for letting us know.

 

The underrated Temple of Doom
Friday, April 9, 2004 - Gilles V

Film site CHUD has posted a list of the 100 most underrated movies of all time. Although this list only concerns films from the 80's and 90's. But the interesting part for us Indiana Jones fans is the film that made #41 on the list: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom!

Temple of Doom: Nothing could top the near-flawless Raiders, but this sudden diversion into violent strangeness is a more than worthy follow-up. Enough with the deliberately contrary hating.

Click here to check out the full list.

 

The new Lucasfilm.com... "It's beautiful."
Friday, April 9, 2004 - Gilles V

The official Lucasfilm website got a new design & content! And the new look fits Lucas' company perfectly. The new site got everything to fall in love with Lucasfilm, if you weren't already...

Just check it out! www.lucasfilm.com

 

StarWarsShop.com has opened its doors
Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - Gilles V

StarWarsShop.com, the official online store from Lucasfilm, has just opened its virtual doors. The online store features an extensive selection of Star Wars collectibles and memorabilia, including a record number of exclusive treasures that only Lucasfilm can offer.
And for the Indiana Jones fans, the online store also offers the Adventure Kermit figure by Palisades Toys! The famous frog dressed up as Indy is currently the only Indiana Jones related item available at StarWarsShop.com.

I asked Paul Ens, director of Lucas Online, if there are any plans to sell more Indiana Jones merchandise at StarWarsShop.com in the near future. Paul Ens responded with "We're definitely looking in to working with Disney on their Indy stuff. Other than that, there isn't much happening immediately in the world of new IJ merchandise. If and when Indy IV begins, I expect that all to change."

Enjoy shopping at StarWarsShop.com!

 

Steven Spielberg gets knighted in Italy!
Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - Gilles V

Visitor Semola Mariott has informed me that this morning Steven Spielberg has been insigned by President of Italian Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi with the title of "Cavaliere di Gran Croce dell'Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana" (Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic). This is a great merit because it's so difficult for a non-Italian to get this title.

Tonight (Italian time) Steven Spielberg will appear as a special guest at David di Donatello 2004, the Awards for Italian Movies, to collect the Special David award he won last year and Spielberg will be accompanied by actor/director Roberto Benigni.

Many thanks to Semola Mariott for the news.

 

Indiana Jones's read-along adventures
Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - Gilles V

IndianaJones.com has been updated with a new article: Indy's read-along adventures.

"This is the story of Raiders of the Lost Ark. You can read along with me in your book. You will know when it's time to turn the page when you hear the bullwhip crack like this... Let's begin now."

Head over to IndianaJones.com to read the new article that tells you everything about the Indiana Jones read-along adventures!

 

Indiana Jones reference on Kill Bill DVD
Friday, April 16, 2004 - Gilles V

TheForce.net has received the news that Quentin Tarantino mentions George Lucas and Indiana Jones on his Kill Bill DVD. Here's the original report:

Jedi Duritz sends in the following Lucas reference from the Kill Bill DVD:
I just got done watching the Making of Kill Bill on the Kill Bill DVD and Tarantino talks about George Lucas and how Lucas was inspired by the movie genre of the 30's and 40's when creating Indiana Jones, just as Tarantino was inspired by old Kung Fu movies for Kill Bill.

 

Yet another Spielberg project announced
Wednesday, April 21, 2004 - Gilles V

Variety reported today that Steven Spielberg is working on yet another film. Besides his upcoming The Rivals, War of The Worlds and Indiana Jones 4 film projects, he's also working on a film about the 1972 Munich Olympics tragedy.

In 1972, 6 Arab terrorists climbed the fence surrounding the Munich Olympic village and storm the apartments housing the Israeli contingent, killing two athletes and holding 9 others hostage. The incident ended with a shootout at the Munich airport where the 9 hostages, 5 of the terrorists and 1 policeman were killed.

The film has been scripted by Eric Roth (The Insider, Forrest Gump) and will move forward with a June production start. Casting has already commenced with actor Ben Kingsley (Schindler's List) in the lead. The film will shoot in Europe, although the filming locations have yet to be revealed. The film will be a Universal/DreamWorks co-production.

Spielberg will follow this project by directing the drama The Rivals written by Robin Swicord. Then he will reunite with Tom Cruise in a adaptation of the H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds, which David Koepp is currently writing.
And it's currently a mistery when Spielberg will be doing Indiana Jones IV but that's no reason to give up all hopes on the fourth Indiana Jones film yet! Work is continuing on the final version of the Indiana Jones IV screenplay, and once all parties have signed off on the script, shooting will begin. Spielberg promised us it'll happen!

Thanks to Empire Online and Sander for letting us know.

 

Raiders: Adaptation screening at fanfilm festival
Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - Gilles V

Chris Strompolos has let me know that there will be a very low key screening of his Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation film at the fan film festival FanzillaCon.

This is one of the rare opportunities to view Chris' Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation fanfilm! The best Raiders homage film ever made, considering that Chris and his friends Eric Zala and Jayson Lamb began making the film at age twelve and passed through puberty to finish at age eighteen. Chris and co. have recently received high praise from Steven Spielberg, and just about everyone who sees their fanfilm.

Chris Strompolos will be present at FanzillaCon as he will give a brief talk after each of four free weekend public screenings and chair a FanzillaCon panel, From Fan Films to Hollywood.

The FanzillaCon fan film festival takes place on June 11th till 13th in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Visit FanzillaCon.com for more information about the fan film festival.

 

FanzillaCon is looking for Raiders fans
Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - Gilles V

Robert Newton from FanzillaCon is looking for Indiana Jones fans that live in the New England area. Rob needs help at the FanzillaCon event, particularly in regard to the Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation film they are screening.

If you are from the New England area and interested in helping Rob at FanzillaCon you can send Robert an e-mail at robertnewton@massbayfilmproject.org.

 

Raiders named most influential modern film
Thursday, May 20, 2004 - Gilles V

This week's Entertainment Weekly magazine asks the question "What modern movie has had the most influence on other movies?".

Film critic Owen Gleiberman gave the following answer:

The one with the most revolutionary impact on the way that movies flow and feel--on what they are--is Raiders of the Lost Ark. Jaws and Star Wars remade the film industry, but they were classically designed Hollywood adventures. In crafting their ultra-revved version of the old matinee serials, director Steven Spielberg and producer George Lucas replaced the ebb and flow of dramatic suspense with a new rhythm of one climax after another: an all-sensation-all-the-time structure that became the template for every future cinematic ride, from Cliffhanger to Van Helsing. In Raiders, boulders and snake pits are simply hurdles for Indiana Jones to clear. There is physical tension, even excitement, but no conflict, just a daisy chain of action-events. Only a prig would fail to find Raiders fun, but what Spielberg couldn't have foreseen is that his experiment in zip-zip summer escapism would change, if not destroy, the DNA of storytelling as we knew it.

Source: UGO's Indiana Jones Hub

 

Behind the Indiana Jones Thrill Rides
Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - Gilles V

The official IndianaJones.com has published a new & excellent article, this time about the history of Indiana Jones Disney attractions. Here follows an except of the article:

When movie audiences first witnessed a gigantic, rolling boulder barreling down on Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) in Raiders of the Lost Ark, most people gasped with anticipation of a human pancake, but Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter could only think of one thing, "This would make a fantastic ride."

"We were sitting in a theater in Pasadena in 1981, playing hooky from work, waiting. Then on came Indiana Jones. I was sitting with there with Skip Lange, who did field art direction on the rides -- and we thought it would make an amazing ride experience," Baxter explains. "But there was absolutely no way that technology in 1981 existed that could support the energy and chaos that the movie delivered in cinema. That's impossible when you're dealing with safety and quality issues."

Click here to read the full article and there's also an Indy attractions poll right here.

 

Indy props on display in Chicago this summer!
Friday, May 28, 2004 - Gilles V

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago will feature props from the Indiana Jones films including a fedora, whip, jacket. ILM has said that the Ark of the Covenant, from Raiders of the Lost Ark, will also be present!

The Indiana Jones prop display will be shown at the Museum of Science and Industry from May 28th (today!) till September 8th.

Visit the Action! And Adventure in Moviemaking website for more information.

Thanks to Ryan for letting me know.

 

Indy props exhibit in Chicago update
Wednesday, June 2, 2004 - Gilles V

I have received news from Ryan that the Indiana Jones prop display, at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, also contains the following items:

  • The Ark of the Covenant
  • Jacket from the Last Crusade
  • False and real Holy Grail
  • Donovan's Head Cast

And Lisa Miner, the Media Relations Manager of the Museum of Science and Industry, has let me know that their exhibit will run through January 9, 2005! Not September 8, 2004 as previously reported.

Visit the Action! And Adventure in Moviemaking website for more information.

 

Raiders on the big screen this summer!
Wednesday, June 2, 2004 - Gilles V

Good news for the Indiana Jones fans living in the USA. Raiders of the Lost Ark will be shown on the big screen at 2 different locations this summer.

  • The Atlanta Journal Constitution will screen Raiders at the Fox Theatre on Thursday, August 12 at 8:00 PM EST during the 2004 Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival. Go to FoxTheater.org for more information.
  • The Fremont Outdoor Cinema in Seattle will be screening Raiders on a big screen outdoors on June 26th and August 28th. Check out OutdoorCinema.com for more info.

Source: Spielbergfilms.com

 

IndianaJones.com talks Indy props exhibit
Wednesday, June 2, 2004 - Gilles V

The official IndianaJones.com has published a small article about the ILM Indiana Jones models on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

If you've ever wanted to get up close to a careening mine car, a decaying Donovan, the Ark of the Covenant or other amazing models from the artists of Industrial Light & Magic, the windy city offers such an opportunity. Now playing at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is Action! An Adventure in Moviemaking, a special exhibit showcasing some of ILM's most famous models.

Head over to IndianaJones.com to read the informative article.

 

Raiders screening at Redford Theatre
Friday, June 4, 2004 - Gilles V

The historic Redford Theatre, in the Detroit, MI area, will be showing Raiders of the Lost Ark on the big screen on June 11the and 12th. Pay a visit to RedfordTheatre.com for more information.

Thanks to Indy Benson for letting us know.

 

AMC will be showing Secret of the Incas
Friday, June 4, 2004 - Gilles V

Indyfan 'Weber' has just let me know that the 1954 film Secret of the Incas will be showing on AMC (American Movie Classics) on Thursday June 10th at 6:30 AM EST.

You can read more about Secret of the Incas, starring Charlton Heston, in our Indy's Influences section where we have an article about how this film inspired Indiana Jones.

Thanks to 'Weber' for letting us know.

 

Raiders at Redford Theatre report
Monday, June 14, 2004 - Gilles V

Indy Benson was so kind to let us know that the Raiders of the Lost Ark screening at the Redford Theatre, in Detroit this weekend, went really well:

"The print was decent, and the theatre had to be close to 80 percent capacity. The crowd cheered and applauded often throughout the movie. It was like going back in time to the first time I saw it. The excitement is STILL there!!"

Thanks for the report Indy Benson!

 

Spielberg one step closer to his Tintin film
Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - Gilles V

I have some cool news about a much rumored Tintin film of Steven Spielberg. One that is even older than the Indy IV rumour! Ain't It Cool News received some news that Steven Spielberg might be one important step closer to his Tintin film.

As you might know, Hergé's Tintin comic strip adventures were a big inspiration for Steven Spielberg to make the Indiana Jones films, he even planned to make a film about Tintin in the 80's. But it never happened. And now, after 20 years, something important for the survival of this film project happened.

Here's the report Ain't It Cool News received:

Thought you might be interested in knowing that Hergé's widow, Fanny Rodwell - who is currently visiting Stockholm, Sweden - told swedish reporters that she has read and approved a first draft for the Tintin movie that Spielberg is directing. This was reported in several newspapers yesterday. Fanny Rodwell and her husband Nick Rodwell are, as most Tintin fans already know, responsible for the Hergé Foundation - who get final say on all things Tintin. Spielberg has now gotten the green light from the Foundation to go ahead with the movies. She didn't say which album he's doing though, but going from rumours, it's probably "Unicorn..." and "Red Rackham..."

Click on the link above to read the original report.

 

What are Spielberg, Lucas & Ford working on?
Tuesday, June 15, 2004 - Gilles V

One thing is certain, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Harrison Ford are too busy to begin production on the fourth Indiana Jones film this summer. Unfortunately!! But they are working on other (less) interesting projects. Here follows an overview.

What is George Lucas working on?

  • Star Wars -Episode III: of course!! He's still working on this film and will continue till the film hits theatres during the summer of 2005.

Harrison Ford will be shooting 2 films back to back this year:

  • The Wrong Element: In Harrison's next movie he plays the security chief for a global bank whose family is kidnapped. He's asked to topple his own security safeguards and steal $37 million from the bank to save his family. Then he has to stop the kidnappers, who've created a complex trail that will make him look guilty of embezzlement.
    - Release: 2005
  • Godspeed: Harrison Ford is going back to space, with James Cameron as producer! This film takes place on an international space station, where a life threatening situation develops that could kill all the inhabitants on the station.
    - Production begins this fall.

And here follows a few of Steven Spielberg's latest and upcoming film projects:

  • The Terminal: Spielberg's latest film with Tom Hanks who plays a visitor to New York from Eastern Europe, whose homeland erupts in a fiery coup while he is in the air en route to America. Stranded at Kennedy Airport with a passport from nowhere, he is unauthorized to actually enter the United States and must improvise his days and nights in the terminal's international transit lounge until the war at home is over.
    - Release date: June 18th, 2004. (this week!)
  • 1972 Olympics film: It is reported that Spielberg will begin shooting this film this month, or maybe next month. This project is about the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics tragedy when 6 Arab terrorists climbed the fence surrounding the Munich Olympic village and storm the apartments housing the Israeli contingent, killing two athletes and holding 9 others hostage. The incident ended with a shootout at the Munich airport where the 9 hostages, 5 of the terrorists and 1 policeman were killed.
    - Casting rumors are: Daniel Craig & Eric Bana.
    - Release: 2005
  • The War of the Worlds: It has been officially confirmed that Steven Spielberg & Tom Cruise will team up again to bring H.G. Wells' famous SF-story to the big screen. They might begin production this winter, or early next year.
  • Tintin: No clue where this film will fit in Spielberg's agenda but it's certain that he wants this film to be made. Maybe even 3 films about Tintin.
  • Indiana Jones IV: Well, you already know that George Lucas didn't approve Frank Darabont's script. So Spielberg can no longer begin production this summer, as was planned. And then they also have to think about Harrison Ford's other film plans. Looks like we will have to wait till summer 2005 for a 2006 release (?).

To be continued...

 

3 more Raiders screenings this summer
Wednesday, June 16, 2004 - Gilles V

Raiders of the Lost Ark will appear on the big screen on three more locations in the USA this summer:

  • The Tybee Lighthouse in Savannah, Georgia, will be showing Raiders on the big screen during their Summer Movies at the Lighthouse. The screening will take place at an outdoor theater behind the lighthouse. The screening is 30 minutes after sunset this Saturday, June 19th. Visit SavannahNOW for more details.
  • The Olympia Outdoor Cinema in Washington will be screening Raiders on a big screen outdoors on August 23 to benefit the Hands on Children's Museum. Check out OutdoorCinema.com for more info.
  • Raiders will be playing on the big screen at the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan, near Detroit on September 3 and 4, 2004. Visit the Landmark Theatres Detroit site for more information.

 

Indy trilogy screening in Costa Mesa
Friday, June 25, 2004 - Gilles V

All 3 Indiana Jones films will be playing at South Coast Village Theater in Costa Mesa, California in July. The schedule is as follows:

  • July 7, 2004, 9pm: Raiders of the Lost Ark
  • July 14, 2004, 9pm: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
  • July 21, 2004, 9pm: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

You can find more info at Fandango.com.

 

CHUD spoofs Raiders of the Lost Ark
Sunday, June 27, 2004 - Gilles V

The CHUD film news site features full-page color comic strips Hollywoodn't, by Nick Nunziata and Lewis Cox. These comic strips range from broad film spoofs to inside jokes to just plain weird. Really funny stuff! And their latest comic strip is really genius!! It's a spoof of Raiders of the Lost Ark that you must check out!

Click to view comic strip
Click here to view the spoof.

Source: Spielbergfilms.com

 

The Archaeology of Indiana Jones
Thursday, July 1, 2004 - Gilles V

IndyGear.com has a new and very exciting feature added to they pages. They are honored to welcome Dr. David Reynolds onto their staff and his serialized diary detailing The Archaeology of Indiana Jones.

This series of articles written by Dr. Reynolds tell about his own journeys to the many film & archaeology locations from the Indiana Jones films. In the first article, Dr. Reynolds takes a lot at the facts behind the opening sequence of Raiders of the Lost Ark. He talks about the Chachapoyan warriors and the Paramount peak that opened the film.

You don't want to miss the first part of The Archaeology of Indiana Jones! Two thumbs up for the IndyGear.com crew!

 

Alfred Molina's trouble with spiders article
Thursday, July 1, 2004 - Gilles V

Spider-Man2.comIn 1981 we were introduced to Alfred Molina as the character Satipo, the guide who betrays Indy at the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark. In that sequence we saw Molina standing petrified in the cobweb-lined passageway as Indy calmly brushes spiders from his back and shoulders. This scene was his big screen debut, by the way!

And now 23 years later, Alfred Molina is back in a BIG summer movie... again having problems with a Spider(-Man)! That's right, Molina plays famous villain Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man 2.

CNN.com has an Alfred Molina's trouble with spiders article about Molina's acting career and his troubles with spiders. Worth checking out!

 

Raiders: Adaptation creators radio interview
Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - Gilles V

Chris Stompolos had let us know that NPR's Morning Edition ran a piece on his Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation film. Unfortunately I received the news too late to warn you about the radio show in time. But that's no longer a problem as you can now listen to the Morning Edition radio interview featuring Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala and Jayson Lamb on NPR's website.

Click here to go to the website and then scroll down to the bottom of the page. There you look for the title Kids' Quest to Remake Raiders of the Lost Ark, and click on the title to listen to the streaming audio file.

Many thanks to Chris Stompolos for letting us know.

 

More Indy Trilogy screenings this summer
Friday, July 16, 2004 - Gilles V

I have received more information on more Indiana Jones films screenings for this summer. Here follows a list of new screenings:

  • Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is playing this weekend at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus, Ohio to kick off the 35th season of the CAPA Summer Movie Series.
  • On Thursday, July 22nd, Hamilton's Movies Under The Stars in Hamilton, NJ - Mercer County, will be screening Raiders of the Lost Ark. The film starts at dusk and there's no cost to attend! (Rain date: 7/29/04)
  • On Wednesday July 28th at 8pm, The Arclight in Hollywood, CA will be screening Raiders of the Lost Ark as part of the on going AFI 100 Years 100 Films retrospective. Tickets are on sale now.
  • On August 28th the Outdoor Cinema in Olympia, Washington will be screening Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Show times are at dusk but the lot opens at 7:30 PM.

Thanks to Keith Workman, John Vollaro and 'The Filmmaven' for the info.

 

The Award Showdown now online at IFILM
Saturday, July 17, 2004 - Gilles V

Joshua Meeter, creator of the clay animation fan film The Award Showdown, has let me know that IFILM is now the permanent home for his loving dedication to the filmmakers and their fans around the world.

Meetervision.comJushua's The Award Showdown animation film has also been combined with its previously unreleased sequel The Filmmakers Strike Back, and now runs to a total of 15 minutes.

The Award Showdown synopsis:
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas summon their lifetime of creations in a clash of the movie making titans. This long awaited showdown will determine who will embrace the coveted award trophy for a Lifetime of
Achievements.

Click here to view The Award Showdown online at IFILM. Or you can also go to the Comic-Con Film Festival next week in San Diego, California where The Award Showdown will also be screened.

For more details you can visit www.meetervision.com.

Thanks to Joshua Meeter for letting us know!

 

Popular Indy Trilogy actor Pat Roach died
Sunday, July 18, 2004 - Gilles V

I have received some very sad news. BBC NEWS reported that actor Pat Roach has died from cancer aged 67 yesterday morning.

Pat RoachThe British Pat Roach was a wrestler and after his first appearance in the Stanley Kubrick's film Barry Lyndon, Pat went on to gain parts in many blockbuster movies including the three Indiana Jones films, Willow, Conan The Destroyer, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Bond film Never Say Never Again. Pat also played the popular character Bomber in the drama Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, which recently screened its fourth series set in Havana, Cuba.
Pat Roach was one of Spielberg's favorite actors on the Indiana Jones films in which Pat played 4 different villains. He played the Giant Sherpa & 1st Mechanic in Raiders of the Lost Ark, he was the Chief Thuggee Guard in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and had a brief appearance in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as a Gestapo agent.

Pat Roach died during the early hours on Saturday, biographer and family friend Shirley Thompson said. "This is to confirm the news that Pat Roach passed away at 1.20am today, Saturday 17 July, 2004, after a long struggle with cancer," a family statement said.
After his battle with cancer was first revealed in January Roach's declining health meant he was unable to take part in the latest installment of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, currently being filmed in Thailand. Franc Roddam, creator and executive producer of the show said the news would be a "huge blow" for everyone involved in the production. "Pat was a wonderful, wise and gentle man much loved by all the series' other actors and we're all devastated by his death."

Thanks to Carsten for letting us know. Visit BBC NEWS for more info.

 

New Indiana Jones fansite: IndyQuest.nl
Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - Gilles V

There is a new Indiana Jones fansite online! IndyQuest.nl is a website created to aid fellow Indyfans in their quest for props. The site will be giving detailed tutorials and images assisting those who would like to make there own props.
And their first tutorial is online now. Click here to find out how you can make your own Zippo lighter, Elsa Schneider's lighter from in the Last Crusade.

IndyQuest.nl is certainly worth checking out as it will be frequently updated with new information and prop tutorials!

 

Star Wars fan film features Indy character
Wednesday, July 28, 2004 - Gilles V

'Carbonite Confusion'The AtomFilms site has a fun Star Wars fan film that is worth checking out! The film, Carbonite Confusion, is about Han Solo awakened from his carbonite slumber by a mysterious figure -- a popular character from the Indiana Jones films! And I'm not telling who! You can find out for yourself here.

The animated Star Wars fan film Carbonite Confusion is one of the finalists of the Star Wars Fan Film Awards, the official destination for spoofs and documentaries created by Star Wars fans, is operated by AtomFilms in partnership with Lucasfilm.
Click here to find out more about these awards and other finalists.

Thanks to Isaac Zisman for letting me know!

 

Raiders: Adaptation screenings in Idaho!
Friday, July 30, 2004 - Gilles V

Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation creators Chris Strompolos, Jayson Lamb and Eric Zala will be presenting their film at the Spudfest Film Festival in Idaho next week. There are three screenings of Raiders: The Adaptation planned for next week.
Here follow the show times:

  • Thursday, August 5th - 12:45PM at the Grand Targhee Resort
  • Friday, August 6th - 10:45AM at the Grand Targhee Resort
  • Saturday, August 7th - 11:15AM at Pierre's Playhouse

Visit Spudfest.org for more screening & location information and tickets.

A big thanks to Chris Strompolos for letting us know.

 

Indy parody coming: Tadeo Jones
Wednesday, August 4, 2004 - Gilles V

Adventure has a new name, and it is Tadeo Jones! Well, that's the name of the character for an animation short film 3D artist Enrique Gato is currently working on.

Tadeo JonesAs you can see on the photo here right, Tadeo is a kind of Indiana Jones, but in a funny way. The only videos available at the moment are tests that Enrique did to the character. These very promising tests videos include a facial animation test and a general animation test. Both videos can be viewed on Enrique Gato's website, as well as a few Tadeo Jones photos.

The full Tadeo Jones animation film will be online this October! And we may expect to see a new Tadeo Jones website much sooner than that. So stay tuned!

Thanks to IndyESP.net for the news.

 

The Archaeology of Indiana Jones part 2
Thursday, August 5, 2004 - Gilles V

IndyGear.com has published the second installment of Dr. David Reynolds' The Archaeology of Indiana Jones article series.

This series of articles written by Dr. Reynolds tell about his own journeys to the many film & archaeology locations from the Indiana Jones films. In this second article, Dr. Reynolds takes a lot at the facts behind the opening sequence of Raiders of the Lost Ark. He digs deeper into the facts and history of the real Chachapoyan warriors.

You don't want to miss the second installment of The Archaeology of Indiana Jones!

 

The lost island of Atlantis found?
Tuesday, August 10, 2004 - Gilles V

Reuters reported that Swedish scientist Ulf Erlingsson has a new theory on the location of the legendary island nation, Atlantis. Erlingsson, whose book explaining his theory will be published next month, says the measurements, geography, and landscape of Atlantis as described by Plato match Ireland almost exactly:

Atlantis, the Greek philosopher Plato wrote in 360 BC, was an island in the Atlantic Ocean where an advanced civilization developed some 11,500 years ago until it was hit by a cataclysmic natural disaster and sank beneath the waves.

"I am amazed no one has come up with this before, it's incredible," he told Reuters. "Just like Atlantis, Ireland is 300 miles long, 200 miles wide, and widest across the middle. They both have a central plain surrounded by mountains. I've looked at geographical data from the rest of the world and of the 50 largest islands there is only one that has a plain in the middle -- Ireland."

Click here to read the rest of this very interesting article!

 

New start date for Spielberg's Olympics drama
Wednesday, August 11, 2004 - Gilles V

Variety reported today that Steven Spielberg's untitled drama about the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics has been pushed back to summer 2005 and the script will be rewritten.

Forrest Gump writer Eric Roth wrote the original draft but Spielberg wasn't satisfied with the script. Now Spielberg has announced that Angels in America writer Tony Kushner will rewrite his untitled drama about the aftermath of the 1972 Munich Olympics.
Spielberg has also pushed back his projected start date from late this summer to June, 2005. Eric Bana remains the star of the film.

There's a chance that Spielberg will direct another project first. He's already planning on helming Tom Cruise in the David Koepp-scripted adaptation of the H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds and he's also attached to The Rivals, a drama about cat-fighting 19th century stage divas. Or maybe Indiana Jones IV? We'll have to wait and see.
Stay tuned!

Source: ComingSoon.Net

 

Mola Ram to write his autobiography
Thursday, August 12, 2004 - Gilles V

Sify.com reported that Bollywood's most vicious villain Amrish Puri is all set to pen his autobiography and bring it out as a collector's item.

The highlight of the book will be a letter sent to him by Steven Spielberg after he played the villain Mola Ram in Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in 1984. Incidentally he had shaved his head for the role, which created such an impact that he kept his head, shaved for future roles too.

Thanks to Claire from Indy-Net for letting me know.

 

Spielberg prepares for War of the Worlds
Thursday, August 12, 2004 - Gilles V

The Hollywood Reporter announced that Spielberg will make H. G. Wells classic War of the Worlds with Tom Cruise this year. Instead of the 1972 Munich Olympics film that will be rewritten.

Paramount Pictures said that instead of beginning production on Mission: Impossible 3 this summer, as had been originally planned, Cruise will instead go directly into Spielberg's modern-day adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic about a Martian invasion of Earth. War of the Worlds, which has been in development for some time, will begin filming in November for a release sometime next year.

So there we have it. No Indiana Jones IV this year. We will probably have to wait till after Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith hits the theaters in May 2005. Then George Lucas will have more time to finish that script and can everybody prepare to begin shooting Indy IV during the late summer of next year. Maybe!

 

Raiders: The Adaptation is coming to Europe!
Saturday, August 14, 2004 - Gilles V

Our good friend Chris Strompolos has let me know that there are 3 new Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation screenings planned in September. And one takes place in Germany, their European Premiere! So fellow Europeans beware as the film is not coming to us alone! Makers Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala & Jayson Lamb will also be present at the screening in Germany!

Here follow the screening details:

  • 'Raiders: The Adaptation' European Premiere:
    When: September 8th - 13th 2004
    Where: Oldenburg International Film Festival- Oldenburg, Germany
    More info: www.filmfest-oldenburg.de
    Who: Chris, Eric & Jayson will be in attendance!
  • 'Raiders: The Adaptation' homecoming festival:
    When: September 17th - 19th 2004
    Where: Ocean Springs Film Festival - Ocean Springs, Mississippi
    More info: www.geocities.com/osfilmfest/
    Who: Chris, Eric & Jayson will be in attendance!
    (This is their homecoming festival as Ocean Springs, Mississippi
    is where they grew up and made Raiders: The Adaptation.)
  • Back to back screening with the ORIGINAL 'Raiders of the Lost Ark':
    When: September 20th 2004
    Where: Coolidge Corner Theatre - Boston, Massachusetts
    More info: www.coolidge.org
    Who: Director Eric Zala will be in attendance.

Note that all of these screenings for Raiders: The Adaptation will be FREE! Many thanks to Chris Strompolos for the news! And keep an eye on TheRaider.net as more Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation and other Indy Fanfilm stuff is coming!

 

Temple of Doom's PG-13 rating turns 20
Wednesday, August 25, 2004 - Gilles V

CNN.com reported that it has been 20 years since the summer of 1984, when Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and the other Spielberg production Gremlins caused an uproar among some parents who took their young children to the PG-rated films and walked out wishing the rating had suggested more guidance than just "parental guidance suggested."

The genesis of PG-13 is directly linked to Spielberg, who in 1984 became a lightning rod for parental ire.

"I created the problem and I also supplied the solution ... I invented the rating," Spielberg, the producer of Gremlins and director of Temple of Doom, said in a recent interview.

Click here to read the full article.

 

Trompe l' Oeil painting based on Indiana Jones
Monday, August 30, 2004 - Gilles V

I have received a very special Indiana Jones painting from artist Eric Conklin.

The Adventure Continues...Eric Conklin is a Trompe l' Oeil Artist from Davidsonville, Maryland and has been an Indy fan since Raiders. He recently accepted a painting commission from a CEO of a major transportation company from Indianapolis, Indiana. The commission was for a very large trompe l' oeil painting based on the Indiana Jones character.

"Prior to starting the large painting I wanted to familiarize myself with the details of the props that were used, so I purchased just about every prop there was from their original sources. Wested Leathers, MBA Costumes (before Noel retired), Herbert Johnson, David Morgan, etc., etc. I even made a trip to England to talk with some of the makers."

The title of Eric Conklin's finished artwork is 'The Adventure Continues...' and is accepted for an exhibit of Trompe l' Oeil Paintings from the Salzer Collection and the Trompe l' Oeil Society of Artists and will be on display at the Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa, Oklahoma from September 12 - November 7, 2004.

Click here for a page dedicated to this Trompe l' Oeil painting containing more information.

A big thanks to Eric Conklin for sharing this fantastic artwork with us!

 

New impressive Indy fan film in the making!
Wednesday, September 1, 2004 - Gilles V

Big Indiana Jones fan Ken Gawne is currently trying to make the biggest Indiana Jones fan film ever. The title of the film is Indiana Jones and the Treasure of the Templars and Ken intends for it to be feature length. So far the first section of the film has been shot in the desert in California. The remainder of the film will be shot in Scotland, where Ken lives.

Ken Gawne: "For the last 6 months or thereabouts, I have been working on a project. In simple terms it is to shoot an Indiana Jones fan film. Now when most people hear the term ‘fan film' they think of something shot on a home video recorder in their backyard. This is precisely what I don't want to produce - I have much more vision for this film and have been going to every length possible to ensure that this is the biggest Indiana Jones fan film ever made."

This certainly sounds ambitious, but take a look at Ken's official website at www.treasureofthetemplars.com! And certainly at the large collection of production photos & film screenshots. Ken is serious! And he might even succeed as the screenshots so far look very, very professional & exciting!

Screenshots for Indiana Jones and the Treasure of the Templars.

Ken Gawne can use some help as the film is still in production. And we can all support him and his film. Check out the 'help' section at the official Treasure of the Templars site to see what positions are still available. Even if there is nothing specific listed which you think you could contribute to, the film is always looking for people to help with transport, accommodation and, of course funding.

Stay tuned as TheRaider.net will follow the production of this film very closely. And also keep an eye on our Treasure of the Templars page for updates!

Good luck Ken Gawne!

 

Raiders: Adaptation on Special Edition DVD?
Friday, September 3, 2004 - Gilles V

The latest September issue of Total Film magazine mentions the possibility of a Raiders of the Lost Ark: Special Edition DVD that could include the fan made shot-for-shot remake Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation.

Total Film: The ultimate compliment still awaits. Paramount is considering including their homage on a Raiders DVD Special Edition. Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase Indy-pendent cinema.

September 2004 issueIt's unclear where Total Film got this information from. Chris Strompolos, maker of the above mentioned Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation film has already let me know that this is the first time he hears about a possible Special Edition DVD including his own film!
And this information is certainly not coming from Spielberg either as this same Total Film magazine issue also contains an interview with the director, in the same article! And this quote isn't part of the interview. More info about that interview here.
So it's best to consider this a big rumour.

This isn't the first time the idea of a Raiders of the Lost Ark: Special Edition DVD emerges. Back in February 2002, our partner Dreamworks SKG Fansite spoke with Frank Marshall who then said they wanted to give Raiders a Special Edition. But that turned out to be nothing as the films got released on DVD last year without any Special Editions. You can read this original news message here.

You can find this information along with an interview of Spielberg and reviews of all his films in the latest, September 2004, Issue 93 of Total Film magazine.

 

Spielberg awarded France's Legion d'Honneur
Sunday, September 5, 2004 - Gilles V

Director Steven Spielberg was awarded France's Legion d'Honneur (knight in the French Legion of Honor) by French President Jacques Chirac during a ceremony at the head of state's Elysee Palace in Paris today.

President Chirac with SpielbergPresident Chirac praised Spielberg's ability to touch people and said films such as Schindler's List ensured the world did not forget about acts of heroism in dark periods of history.

"In this difficult time when intolerance, racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism and fanaticism are on the rise again, it is essential that cinema, which touches each one of us deep inside, recalls the horror of what is unutterable," Chirac said at a ceremony in the presidential Elysee Palace. "It is essential that this form of eminently popular expression and creativity reminds everyone of the disastrous effects of hatred, intolerance and the rejection of others."

Accepting the award, Spielberg hailed France's efforts to fight anti-Semitism. The country has witnessed a wave of attacks against Jews and Muslims and their property in recent months.

"We have to work very, very hard to make people understand that we have to celebrate people's differences and not condemn them," Spielberg said.

The Legion d'Honneur was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It recognizes military, cultural, scientific or social contributions to France, including people who aren't French citizens. Spielberg entered the legion as a knight, the lowest of five rankings.

Steven Spielberg was accompanied by his wife Kate Capshaw (who also appeared in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) and actress Gwyneth Paltrow(Spielberg's god-daughter) at the ceremony.

Source: Yahoo!

 

Reference to Indy in Get Fuzzy comic strip
Tuesday, September 7, 2004 - Gilles V

The comic strip Get Fuzzy at Comics.com recently referenced to Indiana Jones. Click on the image to read the funny reference to Indy.

Get Fuzzy comic

Thanks to Jared Barrett for letting me know.

 

Official Tadeo Jones website is online!
Thursday, September 9, 2004 - Gilles V

The official website of the Indiana Jones parody animation film Tadeo Jones is online! Tadeo Jones is the name of the main character for a 3D animation short film artist Enrique Gato is currently finishing.

The short 3D animation film is about Tadeo Jones, a fearless adventurer who decides to face a challenge, a great challenge. A risky situation that is going to get extremely difficult to be solved. He's going to enter a very complex pyramid where he's going to find curious and dangerous surprises.

On the official Tadeo Jones site you will find information about the film, its history, the characters and also screenshots. The video section on the site will be completed later this month with a teaser and later also a trailer of the short film. The full animation short film will be released for the first time in cinemas, in Spain, during the month of October. The exact date and place will be announced soon.

Visit the official site at www.tadeojones.com.

 

Ocean Springs Film Festival rescheduled!
Saturday, September 18, 2004 - Gilles V

Chris Strompolos has let me know that the screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation at the Ocean Springs Film Festival in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, this weekend has been postponed due to the hurricane on the Gulf Coast until next weekend, September 24th - 26th.

Go to the Ocean Springs Film Festival site for more information.

 

German Raiders: Adaptation feature online
Saturday, September 18, 2004 - Gilles V

Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala & Jayson Lamb have just returned from their first European adventure! At the Oldenburg International Film Festival in Germany they had their first European screened of Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation this week.

Along with the first screening of their Raiders: The Adaptation came some media attention from the German television.TagesThemen has done a story on the film that can be viewed online now! The video feature contains interviews with Chris, Eric & Jayson and comments from people who have just seen the film. And yes, the feature also shows bits of the film itself!

Click here to view the feature from TagesThemen online. The feature is completely in German though.

Many thanks to Chris Strompolos for letting me know! And stay tuned as more Raiders: The Adaptation stuff is coming!

 

Drew Struzan to sign new poster collection book
Tuesday, September 21, 2004 - Gilles V

Drew Struzan, creator of posters for film classics such as the Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Harry Potter & Back to the Future series, will sign copies of his The Movie Poster Art of Drew Struzan book at 7PM Tuesday September 21th, at Vroman's Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd.

The 120 pages The Movie Poster Art of Drew Struzan is Struzan's first book and will be released on 30th September, 2004.

Another volume, Drew Struzan: Oeuvre, will become available in November. This 300 page book will feature more poster work but also include paintings, book and album covers and other creations.

Source: Pasadena Star-News

 

Raiders: Adaptation film update & interview
Tuesday, October 5, 2004 - Gilles V

Chris Strompolos just told me that they finally solidified their Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation bio-film deal with Scott Rudin and Paramount Pictures after about 8 1/2 months of negotiation. And it's a mutually beneficial deal that 'The Raiders Guys' are happy with!

And last night on ABC, on the program Enough Rope with Andrew Denton, they did an interview with Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala & Jayson Lamb via satellite. The program also showed some footage from their Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation film.
A transcript of the interview can be found at the Enough Rope page of the ABC site.

Thanks to Scoot for the interview link.

 

Harrison Ford appearance in snowboarding docu!
Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - Gilles V

Just received a very cool story from Chris Strompolos, maker of Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation, we just have to share! Here it comes:

When Eric, Jay and I, “The Raiders Guys," were in Idaho for Spudfest screening our Raiders Adaptation, we met a very cool guy named Willie McMillon.

Willie owns and runs a company called Bluebird Wax - a snowboarding company that is a favorite among the world's top snowboarders. They are all friends of Willie's and often go to Idaho and Wyoming to visit, hang out and get in some kick ass snowboarding.

Willie made a snowboarding documentary / movie called Water to Wine - it's a snowboarding DVD that has a light narrative. In it, one of the kids who is the top snowboarder in the world gets put in jail. On the day of his release, he is picked up in the snowboarders party van where he is met by all of the other top snowboarders. To celebrate, they all go up the mountain in the van to snowboard and party. All of the snowboarders are the real guys and the story is true.

Well…guess who is driving the van, hanging out with the snowboarders and knows all of the cool “snowboarder" handshakes?

Harrison Ford. Yep - the man himself.

How did this happen? Well - Harrison's son, Malcolm, loves to snowboard. Harrison's ranch is in Wyoming. Willie's company is in Wyoming. Willie asked Malcolm if his dad Harrison would be in the movie and he said YES - but only under the name of JETHRO.

Here is the DVD, there are some cool behind the scenes shots of Harrison when they are shooting. It is a piece of Harrison memorabilia that all Indy fans should totally have. Willie is an awesome guy and he asked me if I could plug it and let all the fans know. So that's what I'm doing.

Click here to go to the official Water To Wine page and view the trailer that includes Harrison Ford.

A big thanks to Chris Strompolos for sharing this great story with us.

 

New Indy Goods feature at IndianaJones.com
Thursday, October 14, 2004 - Gilles V

The official Indiana Jones site has published a page about new Indiana Jones merchandise.

To celebrate the popularity of the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular attraction, Disney has recently released new Indiana Jones Adventure themed merchandise including T-shirts, tank tops, hats and pens, which are currently available only at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida.

Click here to go to the new Indy goods page at the official website. The page also contains photos of the new merchandise.

 

Lucas to Receive AFI Life Achievement Award
Sunday, October 17, 2004 - Aaron H

George Lucas has been selected by the American Film Institute's (AFI) Board of Trustees to receive the 33rd AFI Life Achievement Award, the highest honor for a career in film, it was announced by Sir Howard Stringer, chair of the AFI Board of Trustees.
The award will be presented to Lucas at a gala tribute in Los Angeles in June 2005.

We here at TheRaider.net congratulate George Lucas on this great honor. His hard work and never ending imagination has brought to the screen some of the best movies ever made...not to mention, Indiana Jones.

Click here to read more about this news.

 

Raiders: The Adaptation biopic Poll
Monday, November 1, 2004 - Gilles V

The website Movies.com is currently taking a poll about Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala, and Jayson Lamb's Raiders of the Lost Ark tribute film. This film poll, to be made by Scott Rudin and Paramount Pictures, is being posted to see who'd like to see it, how popular it'd be.

This untitled biopic tells the stories of Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala, and Jayson Lamb, who as kids launched an ambitious project: a shot-by-shot remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark using only crude special effects and a VHS camcorder. They finished seven years and nearly $8,000 later. Their film, Raiders of the Lost Ark: An Adaptation, was eventually seen and endorsed by Steven Spielberg himself.

Click here to view the Poll and to place your vote.

Thanks to Chris Strompolos for letting us know!

 

Raiders is a scary film, especially for kids
Monday, November 1, 2004 - Gilles V

Movies.com's latest Cinema Files lists "The 10 movies you gotta see that scared the crap out of us when we were kids". The Exorcist is number 1 on the list, and Stanley Kubrick's The Shining is on spot 2. But it's the film on spot 6 that is the most interesting, it's Raiders of the Lost Ark! And here's their explanation why:

The scene in which Indy fights off thousands of snakes with his torch was scary enough, but when the Ark of the Covenant was opened and everyone's face melted, we pretty much burst into hysterical tears and didn't stop crying until a week later.

Head over to Movies.com to view the full list.

 

Raiders: Adaptation biofilm writer & title known!
Tuesday, November 2, 2004 - Gilles V

The Hollywood Reporter announced today that Cartoonist-turned-screenwriter Daniel Clowes (Ghost World, Art School Confidential) will write Backyard Resistance for producer Scott Rudin and Paramount Pictures.

Backyard Resistance will become the biographical film about the young Chris Strompolos, Eric Zala, and Jayson Lamb when they made the shot-by-shot remake Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation.

Earlier this year, Rudin secured the life rights to Chris, Eric and Jayson after Vanity Fair published an article about them.

Click here to read to original news announcement.

Thanks to Chris Strompolos for the news!

 

Raiders' quote nominated for AFI's 100 Movie Quotes
Friday, November 19, 2004 - Gilles V

The American Film Institute has announced that AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movie Quotes will be the theme for AFI's eighth annual celebration of 100 years of American movies. Among the 400 nominated film quotes is one from Raiders of the Lost Ark!

Quote # 289 is Indiana Jones famous line: "Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?".

You can view the fill list of 400 nominated film quotes here.

 

Tadeo Jones trailer is online!
Wednesday, November 24, 2004 - Gilles V

The first trailer of the Tadeo Jones shortfilm is now online and can be downloaded at TadeoJones.com.

This short 3D animation film by Enrique Gato is about Tadeo Jones, a fearless adventurer who decides to face a challenge, a great challenge. A risky situation that is going to get extremely difficult to be solved. He's going to enter a very complex pyramid where he's going to find curious and dangerous surprises.

Head over to TadeoJones.com for more information plus the first trailer!

 

Forbidden Temple's 10th anniversary event
Thursday, November 25, 2004 - Gilles V

With the Indiana Jones and the Forbidden Temple's 10th anniversary coming up on March 3rd 2005, Indy will be holding his own event to celebrate the anniversary!

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction the Disneyland Resort will take guests back in time to the 1930's, as your favorite archeologist prepares to embark on a journey through the remote jungles of India in his quest for the Temple of the Forbidden Eye. Guests will determine their fate by choosing one of the following event packages:

Temple of the Forbidden Eye Event Package

    • One night accommodation at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel(night of 3/3/05 only)
    • Breakfast at a Disneyland Resort Hotel Restaurant (maximum dollar limit and other restrictions apply)
    • Entry into Disneyland park (on 3/3/05 after 8:30 p.m. for event)
    • Ancient Grub
    • Exciting ride through the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction
    • Opportunity to Pre-Purchase Limited Edition Themed Event Merchandise
    • Commemorative Photo Opportunity
    • Commemorative Gift

Lost Delta Event Package

    • Entry into Disneyland® park (on 3/3/05 after 8:30 p.m. for event)
    • Ancient Grub
    • Exciting ride through the Indiana Jones™ Adventure attraction
    • Opportunity to Pre-Purchase Limited Edition Themed Event Merchandise
    • Commemorative Photo Opportunity
    • Commemorative Gift

Click here for more information on the event, reservations and ticket sales.

Thanks to Indy from Indiana Jones and the Sacred Community for the news.

 

Raiders: Adaptation screening in Seattle
Sunday, November 28, 2004 - Gilles V

There will be a screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation at The Northwest Film Forum in Seattle, Washington on December 10 & 11. Creator Chris Strompolos will be in attendance and there will be a Q&A held with him after the screenings.

Northwest Film Forum screenings on:

  • Friday December 10th (2004) - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday December 11th (2004) - 11:00 PM

Visit the official Northwest Film Forum for more information.

Thanks to Chris Strompolos for letting me know!

 

Harrison Ford to play in The Battle for Fallujah
Friday, December 17, 2004 - Gilles V

Variety has reported that Harrison Ford is attached to play one of the key characters in an ensemble drama that marks the first major feature project about the current war in Iraq. Universal-based Double Feature partners Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher have optioned the upcoming book No True Glory: The Battle for Fallujah, to be published in May.

The book was written by Bing West, an ex-Marine and former assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs who is now a foreign correspondent covering the Iraq war. West will write the script with son Owen, a longtime Marine rifleman who left the service to become a trader at Goldman Sachs but returned to fight in Iraq for a year.

After four Americans were mutilated and hanged in Fallujah, the White House ordered an assault on the insurgent stronghold to be led by Gen. Jim Mattis (to be played by Ford). Marine forces devastated the opposition and were 48 hours away from taking control of Fallujah when the White House abruptly ordered them to stop. The Marines lost 28 soldiers the first time around and added another 50 fatalities after the White House ordered them to go back and finish the job six months later.

I have no idea when this film will go into production. There isn't even a script yet! Let's just hope that Harrison Ford makes Indiana Jones IV first!

Source: Coming Soon!

 

Donate: Tsunami Devastation
Friday, December 31, 2004

By now if you haven't heard of the Tsunami Devastation that has swept away South Asia then you must be from another planet.

Over 125.000 people have been killed according to recent estimates and that number is rising at a fast rate. One can't even begin to imagine the suffering and pain each and everyone of them going through. There kids without parents, parents without kids, grandparents whose entire family has been wiped out and so many others who have lost their loved ones.

During this time of suffering we belong to no race and religion other than humanity. Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew, Buddhist or even Atheist that doesn't matter anymore. Help out and donate whatever you can to help your brothers and sisters.

You can donate through Unicef, Oxfam, Network for Food and America Cares. Help out in anyway you can. Please Give.