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The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea (2004), by Ted Nasmith

Silmarillion Film Project, Season 1

Listen on The Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-1: Plot Overview

We will begin by discussing the overall plot of the first season and the major events that we want to occur during the season, including the Music of the Ainur, creation of Arda, the making of the Two Lamps, and the arrival of the Valar.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-2: Narrative Overview

We continue our discussion about the overall narrative of Season 1, as well as focus on the elements of the frame story that will encompass the show.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-3: The Ainulindalë (Pilot Episode)

It’s time to discuss the Music of the Ainur, one of the most thought-provoking and beautiful stories Tolkien wrote. This is a central core concept that, while it’s detached from the “main” story of The Silmarillion, it’s always there in the background.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-4: Episode 2 – From Chaos to Harmony

Today we are figuring out the content of the frame story and the Silmarillion story for episode 2 and how to tie it all together.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-5: Episode 3 – He Who Shall Not Be Named Morgoth

We continue to discuss central themes of the season, in particular focusing on Melkor – including what the heck to call him (as well as others who experience name changes in The Silmarillion, like Sauron).

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-6: Episode 4 – Yay Melkor!!

In the fourth episode of Season 1, we determine how Melkor meets the other Valar and focus on the end of the Ainulindalë and Iluvatar’s conversation with Ulmo.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-7: Episode 5 – Creating the Lamps, Distressing the Damsel

In Episode 5, we discuss the decision to create the lamps and the introduction of Tulkas

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-8: Episode 6 – Murder of the Lamps

After wrapping up some loose ends from the previous session, we shape episode 6 into something of a “whodunit” murder mystery, with the victims being the Lamps of the Valar.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-9: Episode 7 – Finally, Something For The Fëanturi To Do!

In today’s session, we come up with a new tagline for the SilmFilm Project: “It’s better than Jackson could have come up with.” Also, we talk about the establishment of Valinor and provide a view of the Valar settling into their new homes.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-10: Episode 8 – The Two Trees (Aftermath)

In the eighth episode of Season 1, we focus on the Two Trees, showing how they help to beautify Valinor – and instill jealousy and devious plans in Melkor.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-11: Episode 9 – The Fall of the House of Ainur (sort of), Part the First

In Episode 9, we begin to look at the downfall of various Ainur, setting the stage for the three rebellions that happen over the rest of the season: Aulë’s rebellion, Mairon’s (Sauron’s) rebellion, and Ossë’s rebellion.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-12: Episode 10 – Fall of the House of Ainur (Part the Second)

Subtitle: If you have a Balrog, you don’t need a cat. In which we start to link together all of the subplots and develop the first multi-episode story arc.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-13: Episode 11 – Aulë and the Dwarves

In this episode, we explore why Aulë does what he does, showing parallels with Melkor and planting the seeds of impatience for the Coming of the Children of Iluvatar amongst the Valar.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-14: Episode 12 – Can’t Kick the Orc-Can Anymore

We’ve gone too long without discussing the Mûmakil in the room: those darn orcs. In this session, we stop kicking that tin ration packaging down the road and deal with the inevitable.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-15: Episode 13 – The War to Begin All Wars

In the 2-hour season finale, the culmination of the strife amongst the Valar comes to a head with three councils, two summonings, and an epic battle that will establish the Platonic ideal for all future battles.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-16: Casting

Now that we’ve mapped out the characters, plot and action of the 13-episode first season, we get to decide who we’d like to see play the parts! This casting call includes a discussion forum component, so be sure to join in the fun!

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-17: Envisioning Arda – Sets/Locations

Following up on our casting conversation, this time we’re talking about how we want things to look. What type of forests should fill Valinor? What architecture styles should we use for the Valar (and the elves who copy them)? What other visual considerations do we need to make?

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-18: Casting Poll Results and Costuming

We review the results of our casting poll from Session 16 and discuss what we’d like to see our newly cast … uh, cast … wear.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-19: Music

Joining us for a discussion of the musical score is John DiBartolo of the Lonely Mountain Band. We also will listen to clips of proposed character themes from composer Philip Menzies.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

Session 1-20: Script Outlines

We bring on some additional panelists this week to discuss script outlines and fill in the holes left in our episodic discussions. Guest panelists include Karita Alexander, Brian Fattorini, Nick Palazzo, and Marie Prosser.

Listen on the Tolkien Professor Podcast

 

≪ Preproduction Season 2 ≫

 

Image: The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea (2004), by Ted Nasmith (used with permission)

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