Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Neill Blomkamp would still like to do that Halo movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/neill-blomkamp-would-still-like-to-do-that-halo-movie-actually/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/neill-blomkamp-would-still-like-to-do-that-halo-movie-actually/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/neill-blomkamp-would-still-like-to-do-that-halo-movie-actually/#comments Neill Blomkamp would still like to do that Halo movie, if given controlEven though Neill Blomkamp already put five months of work into the stalled Halo film project, he's not bitter. In fact, he's still down to work on the film - that is, if he's in control.

"I still really love the world and the universe and the mythology of Halo. If I was given control, I would really like to do that film," Blomkamp told IGN. "But that's the problem. When something pre-exists, there's this idea of my own interpretation versus 150 other people involved with the film's interpretation of the same intellectual property. Then the entire filmgoing audience has their interpretation. You can really live up to or fail in their eyes. That part isn't appealing to me, but the original pieces are appealing."

Blomkamp went on record back in 2009 to say that he wouldn't do the Halo film, even if it was offered to him. Blomkamp drew attention for his trio of Halo 3 short films, eventually all collected in Halo 3: Landfall. The Halo movie was officially postponed in late 2006 after Fox and Universal both pulled out of the project.

JoystiqNeill Blomkamp would still like to do that Halo movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungieHalo-3microsoftNeill-BlomkampxboxWed, 10 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[O'Connor: Halo movie will happen 'when the time is right']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/oconnor-halo-movie-will-happen-when-the-time-is-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/oconnor-halo-movie-will-happen-when-the-time-is-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/oconnor-halo-movie-will-happen-when-the-time-is-right/#comments During last week's MI6 conference, Bungie alum (now 343 Industries head) Frank O'Connor spoke candidly about the possibility of a Halo movie now that relations between Peter Jackson / Neill Blomkamp and Microsoft have fallen apart (as reported by IGN). "We're going to make a movie when the time is right," O'Connor told attendees of a session he was part of, titled "Extending Your Game Beyond the Package." He continued, frankly stating "We own the IP."

Being head of Microsoft's Halo product house (that includes everything from Master Chief plushies, to the development of games after Halo: Reach, to a possible film) though, O'Connor worries about the implications of a film on the franchise. "If we want to make a movie, the scale of all the other stuff that we do changes dramatically. We make tens of millions of dollars on ancillary stuff, toys, apparel, music and publishing. If we do a movie all of that will grow exponentially." So while that's not exactly confirmation of a movie adaptation for the Chief at some point in the future, the possibility of exponentially growing an already multi-million dollar business sounds like a pretty good excuse to us for doing one.

JoystiqO'Connor: Halo movie will happen 'when the time is right' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbungiebungie-studiosfilmfrank-o-connorhalohalo-moviemi6-2010mi6-conferencemicrosoftmovieneill-blomkamppeter-jacksonXbox-360Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Neill Blomkamp put 5 months into canceled Halo film]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/neill-blomkamp-put-5-months-into-canceled-halo-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/neill-blomkamp-put-5-months-into-canceled-halo-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/neill-blomkamp-put-5-months-into-canceled-halo-film/#comments
Speaking to MTV, District 9 director Neill Blomkamp discussed his role in the ill-fated Halo film before it was unceremoniously canned. According to Blomkamp, he poured five months into the movie. He says he worked on the film "24 hours a day," adding that he feels that the "the whole [Halo] universe is incredibly compelling." Still, he reiterates his belief that he probably wouldn't return to Halo, saying, "When you spend five months working on something like that, and then you just get the rug pulled out from underneath you, it's not easy to kind of go back to that."

While he says that he loves the creative part of the process, and adds that District 9 "got born" out of the ordeal, it would be "difficult" to return to Halo. "I wish I could," says Blomkamp, "but I'm not sure that I would be able to."

JoystiqNeill Blomkamp put 5 months into canceled Halo film originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturehalohalo-movieneill-blomkampThu, 06 Aug 2009 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out Weta's Halo Warthog this weekend in Sydney Harbor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/check-out-wetas-halo-warthog-this-weekend-in-sydney-harbor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/check-out-wetas-halo-warthog-this-weekend-in-sydney-harbor/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/check-out-wetas-halo-warthog-this-weekend-in-sydney-harbor/#comments For those within the vicinity of Sydney, Australia, the land down under, it might be fun to check out the Halo Warthog on display this weekend on Cockatoo Island. The car is the same one from Neill Blomkamp's Halo short Landfall created by special effects studio Weta.

Although for many the idea of putting on their best Master Chief uniform and spending a couple grand to fly to Sydney isn't exactly a viable option, with any luck, a version of the car will make the rounds in the States for the Halo 3: ODST launch. No guarantee, but keep the dream alive, trooper.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqCheck out Weta's Halo Warthog this weekend in Sydney Harbor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blomkamphalo-3halo-3-odstlandfallneill-blomkampwarthogwetaThu, 06 Aug 2009 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[That's a wrap: Comic-Con 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/thats-a-wrap-comic-con-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/thats-a-wrap-comic-con-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/thats-a-wrap-comic-con-2009/#comments
Last week's San Diego Comic-Con was one crazy ride. The Joystiq representatives in attendance were trained in advanced interrogation tactics and managed to extract information on a variety of subjects. We've got an update from Peter Jackson himself on the Halo happenings, first footage of South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play! and a new game mode for Uncharted 2! Friend, you missed one heck of a week.

But, that's okay! You can get caught up right here, right now. Simply head past the break for a complete summary of all the headlines.
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Continue reading That's a wrap: Comic-Con 2009

JoystiqThat's a wrap: Comic-Con 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-cellbioshockbioshock-2biowarecapcomcomicsdantes-infernoeaElectronic-Artsfifth-cellgears-of-warhalol4d2left-4-dead-2lost-planet-2mass-effectMicrosoftmoviesneill-blomkampNintendopeter-jacksonresident-evilresident-evil-the-darkside-chroniclesscribblenautssdcc-2009splinter-cell-convictiontatsunoko-vs-capcomthe-rockuncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-Thievesvalvevisceral-gamesWiiXbox-360Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Blomkamp: 'I probably wouldn't do Halo if it was offered to me']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/blomkamp-i-probably-wouldn-t-do-halo-if-it-was-offered-to-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/blomkamp-i-probably-wouldn-t-do-halo-if-it-was-offered-to-me/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/blomkamp-i-probably-wouldn-t-do-halo-if-it-was-offered-to-me/#comments
In case the news - straight out of Peter Jackson's mouth to your earholes - that the episodic Halo Chronicles project was "no longer happening" wasn't enough to confirm the wreckage of Microsoft's (impossibly?) ambitious plan, here comes word from the other half of the Halo movie project, Neill Blomkamp, who tells Slashfilm, "I probably wouldn't do Halo if it was offered to me."

It's not that Mr. Blomkamp has had a change of heart when it comes to the subject matter - "Creatively, it's very compelling. I love it," he says - but having poured "a lot of ... sweat and blood into Halo" only to have it "bottom out and collapse" is sure to leave one jaded. On the other hand, the collapse of the Halo project paved the way for District 9 - the feature adaptation of his short film "Alive in Joburg" - which the South African-born director calls "more of a personal film." (More personal than a story about cyborg super soldiers on a ring-shaped planet?) For what it's worth, most video game adaptations haven't been stellar, and if early buzz on District 9 is to be believed, Blomkamp may have lucked out.

Oh, by the way, now's your big chance, Stuart Beattie!

JoystiqBlomkamp: 'I probably wouldn't do Halo if it was offered to me' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HaloHalo-movieMicrosoftNeill-BlomkampSDCC-2009Xbox-360Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Jackson tells Joystiq about the Halo movie, video game project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/peter-jackson-tells-joystiq-about-the-halo-movie-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/peter-jackson-tells-joystiq-about-the-halo-movie-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/24/peter-jackson-tells-joystiq-about-the-halo-movie-video-games/#comments We caught up with Peter Jackson himself last night, after a screening of District 9 - the feature-length debut of director Neill Blomkamp who had previously been attached to helm the Halo movie that fizzled out. Jackson explained that they felt like they had an amazing director in Blomkamp and they didn't want to lose the opportunity to work with him so, instead of bringing Halo to the big screen, they created an entire film based on his Alive in Joburg short. (See the rest of Blomkamp's work here, in our roundup).

District 9 - which Jackson produced and is coming to theaters on August 14 - is seriously amazing. There's a wide array of alien weapons that would make Ratchet & Clank jealous, CGI aliens that look better than Avatar, walking mech suits, and a really amazing performance from lead actor Sharlto Copley. Clear your calendars and make plans to see this one. But back to the Halo movie that never was: After the screening, we got to sit down with Jackson to ask him about just that. Read on to find out where the Halo movies stands, and if we'll ever see the long-rumored Halo Chronicles video game project.

Continue reading Peter Jackson tells Joystiq about the Halo movie, video game project

JoystiqPeter Jackson tells Joystiq about the Halo movie, video game project originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>District-9HaloHalo-ChroniclesHalo-movieMicrosoftNeill-BlomkampPeter-JacksonSDCC-2009Xbox-360Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Halo 3, Bungie speculation continues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/e308-halo-3-bungie-speculation-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/e308-halo-3-bungie-speculation-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/e308-halo-3-bungie-speculation-continues/#commentsFiled under: ,

As we patiently await the Microsoft Press Conference a big question looms over the show, will Bungie showcase something new. Gamers and game sites everywhere are speculating on the company's recent activity and have some theories as to what they have in store for Xbox 360 owners.

The most popular theory is that Bungie will announce a new third-person shooter set in the Halo universe where players take on the role of ODSTs (Orbital Drop-Shock Troopers) during a Covenant attack on Earth. Two possible storylines include a game based on the events between Halo 2 and Halo 3, also seen in the Neill Blomkamp short film Halo Landfall, or showcasing the initial attack on Earth. Both theories ultimately end the game with an epic battle reminiscent of the famous Halo 3 diorama. According to a reliable source, GameSpot says a tactical shooter is likely and considering former Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter creative director Christian Allen is the lead of Bungie's next project it makes sense.

Another theory after the jump.

Continue reading E308: Halo 3, Bungie speculation continues

JoystiqE308: Halo 3, Bungie speculation continues originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-IndustriesbungieBungie-StudiosE3e3-08e3-2008e308FPShalohalo-3halo-landfallMicrosoft-Game-Studiosneill-blomkampsuperintendentMon, 14 Jul 2008 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Master Chief would have had supporting role in Halo movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/master-chief-would-have-had-supporting-role-in-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/master-chief-would-have-had-supporting-role-in-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/16/master-chief-would-have-had-supporting-role-in-movie/#commentsFiled under: ,


Though the many deaths of a Halo-based film were pretty hard for us to swallow, there have been several events since that have helped to cushion the blow. First were director Neil Blomkamp's live-action short films which were, frankly, not particularly Halo-esque. Now, courtesy of Level Up, we learn that Master Chief would have played a supporting role in the story, driving the film right past Relevantville and into Pointless Gorge.

So we don't put words in Bungie's Joseph Staten's mouth, we'll give it to you straight from him. "Over time," he said, "I think everybody around the table agreed that the Master Chief is best left as the most important supporting cast member." The thing is, when you read his full response, you realize he's kind of got a point. We're still not sure if that means we want a Halo movie with the Chief as the wacky neighbor, or if we want the film to just stay dead. What do you think?

JoystiqMaster Chief would have had supporting role in Halo movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalohalo-movieneill-blomkampXbox-360Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Neill Blomkamp's Halo 3: Landfall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/video-neill-blomkamps-halo-3-landfall/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/video-neill-blomkamps-halo-3-landfall/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/video-neill-blomkamps-halo-3-landfall/#commentsFiled under: ,

Available since last week on Xbox Live Marketplace, Halo 3: Landfall is now on the web for all to see. Lest you're unfamiliar with the video, it's all three of Neill Blomkamp's Halo 3 short films edited into one. We have to admit, seeing them all together makes us pine for the Halo movie that could have been. The film takes place just prior to the events of Halo 3 and tells the story of a pair of orbital drop shock troopers (ODST) on a mission critical to Earth's success in the Human / Covenant war: they have to confirm Master Chief's coordinates as he rockets through the atmosphere (see the ending of Halo 2). Sounds easy enough, right? Watch and see for yourself.

JoystiqVideo: Neill Blomkamp's Halo 3: Landfall originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshalohalo-3halo-3-landfallneill-blomkampneillblomkampTue, 30 Oct 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo film NOT still in production at WETA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/halo-film-still-in-production-at-weta/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/halo-film-still-in-production-at-weta/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/halo-film-still-in-production-at-weta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Update: The source article cited by 1UP is outdated and concerns the studios' now dashed prospects at the time the Halo film was originally canned. Joystiq regrets the error.

The Halo film is not "entirely dead" as director Neill Blomkamp said earlier this month. In fact, preparation for the movie continues at Peter Jackson's WETA Studios while Microsoft pursues new distribution partners, according to a report in Variety (via 1UP).

Concerning the previous deal that went sour, Ken Kamins, a representative for Jackson and partner Fran Walsh, told Variety that Universal had a meeting on behalf of both studios with the filmmakers just prior to a significant payment due date.

"Basically, [the studios] said that in order to move forward with the film, the filmmakers had to significantly reduce their deals," said Kamins. "They waited until the last minute to have this conversation. Peter and Fran, after speaking with their producing partners and with Microsoft and Bungie, respectfully declined."

"We're very confident this film will move forward with the creative partners intact, who will take the film to production," said Kamins, who also noted that everyone involved is still confident with Blomkamp as the director.

JoystiqHalo film NOT still in production at WETA originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalomicrosoftNeill-Blomkamppeter-jacksonuniversalvarietywetaXboxXbox-360Tue, 30 Oct 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Halo 3 live action short is on XBLM in HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/latest-halo-3-live-action-short-is-on-xblm-in-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/latest-halo-3-live-action-short-is-on-xblm-in-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/16/latest-halo-3-live-action-short-is-on-xblm-in-hd/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're not sure how long this has been on the XBLM or which countries it's available to, but we just discovered the video while taking a gander through the Marketplace and got excited. Available for download in full HD goodness is the latest Neill Blomkamp Halo 3 short Last One Standing that we mentioned back in September. To get the video, head onto the Marketplace and go to Media and Entertainment > TV Shows > Clips. Here you'll find the Halo Short - Full Version download in both SD and HD flavors. Remember, this is the same video from a few weeks back, but now in juicy HD glory and on your 360. Again, sorry if this is old news, but it's new news to us and after watching it in HD we wet ourselves. And anything that makes us wet ourselves (even if it's old) we feel obligated to share.

JoystiqLatest Halo 3 live action short is on XBLM in HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshalo3neill-blomkampTue, 16 Oct 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo movie is pretty much dead for now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/halo-movie-is-pretty-much-dead-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/halo-movie-is-pretty-much-dead-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/halo-movie-is-pretty-much-dead-for-now/#commentsFiled under:

In an interview with Creativity Online, Halo director and overall good guy Neill Blomkamp commented on the status of and his involvement in the Halo movie and pretty much confirmed our worst fears, that the movie is indeed dead in its tracks. Blomkamp told Creativity Online that, in its current configuration, the Halo movie has been killed off since late last year when Universal, Fox and Microsoft couldn't agree on the movie's specifics. "It's a fragile industry" Blomkamp said, and if the movie ever gets made it "will be a totally different configuration". Sorry Halo fanboys, it has been nothing but icky news as of late.

[Thanks, Dobbs]

JoystiqHalo movie is pretty much dead for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2007 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshaloneill-blomkampSat, 06 Oct 2007 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Neill Blomkamp talks Halo promos, film's demise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/neill-blomkamp-talks-halo-promos-films-demise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/neill-blomkamp-talks-halo-promos-films-demise/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/neill-blomkamp-talks-halo-promos-films-demise/#commentsFiled under: ,


Would-be director of the now thoroughly deceased Halo movie, Neill Blomkamp, recently spoke to Creativity Online about his work on the trio of live-action videos that preceded the launch of the third game in the series -- and really, did we even have to hyperlink that? Blomkamp made it clear that the clips are completely separate entities and shouldn't be seen as replacement nor attempted resurrection for the film. "In essence, those pieces have zero to do with the film," he said. "Like less than zero."

Not even forgotten movie props made it into the viral videos, as Blomkamp explains that "the design and everything that we'd made for the film is just locked up in some locker somewhere." Of course, "locker" is likely a euphemism for the coffin that now holds the "entirely dead" film. "Whatever happens with that movie, assuming that movie gets made, will be a totally different configuration. It's not so much me as the entire vessel sank." Despite the lack of optimism, the South African born director admits he's still curious as to what might happen in the future. You'd think a guy involved in Halo's marketing would, you know, "believe."

[Thanks, Vlad]

JoystiqNeill Blomkamp talks Halo promos, film's demise originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieFPSHaloHalo-3Neill-BlomkampXbox-360Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[New Halo live action clip unleashed before Master Chief's arrival]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/new-halo-live-action-clip-unleashed-before-master-chiefs-arriva/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/new-halo-live-action-clip-unleashed-before-master-chiefs-arriva/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/new-halo-live-action-clip-unleashed-before-master-chiefs-arriva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Despite not having a Halo movie to direct, Neill Blomkamp continues to make live action short films for Microsoft about the UNSC's struggle with aggressive Covenant forces in the minutes before Master Chief arrives on Earth. The combat is close and erratic, and the production value is noticeably improved over the previous two videos, and the violence has also substantially increased.

We're really digging Blomkamp's style, but honestly we're not sure how well it would translates into a feature-length film -- it almost seems better suited in the short-clip format we've been privy to. Right now the only place we know of to see the video is at the Discovery Channel's website; let us know if you find an embeddable version. Update: YouTube version embedded after the break. Thanks, nelson!

[Via X3F]

Continue reading New Halo live action clip unleashed before Master Chief's arrival

JoystiqNew Halo live action clip unleashed before Master Chief's arrival originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiediscoveryhalohalo3microsoftNeill-BlomkampXbox-360Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Jackson doing Halo film only if Blomkamp is director]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/jackson-doing-halo-film-only-if-blomkamp-is-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/jackson-doing-halo-film-only-if-blomkamp-is-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/28/jackson-doing-halo-film-only-if-blomkamp-is-director/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

That ever-elusive Halo film may soon see the light of day, according to attached producer and Hobbit scholar Peter Jackson, but that he'll only do it if Neill Blomkamp stays on as director.

Jackson said in an interview with OnFilm that he believes movie studios 20th Century Fox and Universal Pictures, who backed out of funding the movie, will have renewed interest spurred by the impending Halo 3 onslaught.

Speaking with Joystiq earlier this month, Bungie's Frank O'Connor said that Blomkamp, a relatively unknown director, was still attached to the project. "That was one of the rumors. It's a lot more complicated than that. But Neil Blomkamp is still working really closely with Peter Jackson," he said.

"We wouldn't want to do it with anybody else. It'll be Neill's call," said Jackson.

If Fox and Universal still don't interest, Microsoft should produce more than enough funding come September 25.

[Via Cinematical]

JoystiqJackson doing Halo film only if Blomkamp is director originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalojacksonNeill-BlomkampPeter-JacksonXboxXbox-360Mon, 28 May 2007 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo movie officially postponed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/halo-movie-officially-postponed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/halo-movie-officially-postponed/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/halo-movie-officially-postponed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sad news today for Halo fanatics, the movie has been officially postponed. The postponement stems from Fox and Universal recently pulling out of the project. It's worth noting that the production team is still fully behind first time feature director, Neill Blomkamp. Here is the official statement:

"As was previously confirmed, we deeply regret that both Universal and Fox did not choose to move forward with financing the Halo film under the original terms of the agreement. At this time Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, along with their partner, Microsoft, have mutually agreed to postpone making a feature film based on the Halo video game universe until we can fulfill the promise we made to millions of Halo fans throughout the world that we would settle for no less than bringing a first class film to the big screen. We are fully supportive of Director Neill Blomkamp's vision of the film. Neill is a tremendously gifted filmmaker and his preliminary work on Halo is truly awe-inspiring. While it will undoubtedly take a little longer for Halo to reach the big screen, we are confident that the final feature film will be well worth the wait."

Whether or not you believe it when corporations say that they're "doing it for the fans," it's heartening to note that the movie is not canceled (though AICN isn't so sure). Then again, oftentimes, movies that take forever to develop eventually fall flat (D&D, anyone?). At any rate, we'd speculate that you won't see any Halo movie before 2008. But hey, at least they're finally rolling out new info about Halo 3, right?

[Thanks, Paul]

JoystiqHalo movie officially postponed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Oct 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fran walshFranWalshhalohalo 3halo movieHalo3HaloMovieNeill-BlomkampTue, 31 Oct 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo movie denied, Hollywood pulls out]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/halo-movie-denied-hollywood-pulls-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/halo-movie-denied-hollywood-pulls-out/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/halo-movie-denied-hollywood-pulls-out/#commentsFiled under:

Variety, paragon of gaming news, is reporting that Fox Studios and Universal have pulled funding for the Halo movie. Hearing the nightmare chorus of fanboys screaming, "Why God? Why!?" into the heavens, I can only give you one answer. Money. Amid rumors that the film's budget would reach $200 million -- originally projected at $135 million -- the studios demanded at the last minute that the filmmakers reduce their deals. This demand was also made in light of the fact that Microsoft had already been promised $5 million up front and 10% of the gross.

This turn of events has led some to speculate that Halo's director -- newcomer Neill Blomkamp -- is too inexperienced. This was, however, dismissed by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh's representative, Ken Kamins,

"Everybody is supremely confident in Neal [sic]. Part of what excited Peter and Fran was Neal's [sic] vision. We're very confident this film will move forward with the creative partners intact, who will take the film to production."

We're a little concerned that Variety managed to misspell both Neill's name and Bungie Studios' name (they spelled it Bungee), but hey, that's Hollywood for you. So, with Halo's fate hanging in the balance, how do you feel? Did you even care about it the first place?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqHalo movie denied, Hollywood pulls out originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie studiosBungieStudioshaloNeill-BlomkampPeter-JacksonFri, 20 Oct 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Game over for Halo movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/game-over-for-halo-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/game-over-for-halo-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/game-over-for-halo-movie/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Both Universal and Fox Studios have pulled out of the Halo movie adaptation, citing rising movie costs and concern over the inexperience of first time director Neil Blomkamp. As the budget was rumored to be edging closer to $200 million, and Microsoft getting a lion's share of the profits, the studio execs decided it was time to pull the plug.

It's hard to argue with the logic on this one, based on the director alone. While Peter Jackson is executive producing, Neil Blomkamp doesn't have one feature film to his name, having only been a 3D animator on TV shows like Smallville and Stargate, and directed a Halo-ish short film entitled Alive in Joburg. If Jackson himself took the reins, it would probably be a no brainer, but you can easily understand Universal and Fox not wanting to roll a pair of $200 million dollar dice on someone their first time out of the gate.

Microsoft hasn't made things much easier, demanding an upfront fee of five million for the rights and 10% of the profits -- especially when movies based on video games have never been huge performers at the box office. This isn't to say the movie still couldn't get made. Jackson is still attached and pre-production continues on the film, although without a studio home it now faces a serious uphill battle.

According to Jackson's agent at International Creative Management, Ken Kamins, "What happened was this: Universal, on behalf of both studios, asked for a meeting with the filmmakers just prior to the due date of a significant payment. Basically, they said that in order to move forward with the film, the filmmakers had to significantly reduce their deals. They waited until the last minute to have this conversation. Peter and Fran, after speaking with their producing partners and with Microsoft and Bungee (the studio that designed the original game), respectfully declined."

Come on Variety, you can't even spell Bungie right?

What do you think? Should Master Chief drive his warthog out of Hollywood, or come back with both barrels blasting?


More Halo movie news on Joystiq:
So, you want to make a Halo movie?
Script for Halo movie leaked and reviewed?
Jackson talks about Halo film

JoystiqGame over for Halo movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptationFoxHaloMicrosoftMovieNeill-BlomkampPeter JacksonUniversalXboxXbox-360Fri, 20 Oct 2006 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Jackson talks Halo with AICN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/peter-jackson-talks-halo-with-aicn/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/peter-jackson-talks-halo-with-aicn/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/peter-jackson-talks-halo-with-aicn/#commentsFiled under: ,

There's an interesting Halo movie interview with Peter Jackson on the love it or hate it movie site, Ain't It Cool News. The interview focuses both on Peter's choice of Neill Blomkamp as the director and the importance of the script. Speaking on Blomkamp's nomination, Jackson admits that hiring a "new" director wasn't the plan, but that Blomkamp was simply the best choice.

"It's not deliberate and certainly for HALO it wasn't deliberate. I don't think even for a show like HALO, which is a big budget production, I don't think there's any problem whatsoever with a so-called first time director directing it. At the end of the day, Neill (Blomkamp) is not a first time director. He's a first time feature film director, but he understands film and grammar as good as anybody. He's done some wonderful short films and commercials. His visual eye is fantastic and his storytelling is great. The fact that it's a feature film just means that he gets to shoot for longer than he did in the short film. There really isn't anything else that's different."

Speaking of his personal involvement with the script (along with Lord of the Rings alumni Fran Walsh and Filippa Boyens), Jackson had some very encouraging words.

"The movie, as far as I'm concerned, as far as my involvement is concerned, is not going to go in front of the cameras until we have a really great script."

God, let's hope so. The interview is full of good stuff, and anyone interested in Halo should definitely check it out.

[Thanks, Doug Kriz]

JoystiqPeter Jackson talks Halo with AICN originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aicnaint it cool newsAintItCoolNewshalohalo movieNeill-BlomkampFri, 15 Sep 2006 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[AICN grills Halo Director]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/14/aicn-grills-halo-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/14/aicn-grills-halo-director/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/14/aicn-grills-halo-director/#commentsFiled under:

Ain't It Cool News took it upon themselves to interview Neill Blomkamp, the newly announced director of the Halo movie -- which we can only assume will be called Halo. First, the bad news. It turns out that Blomkamp might have to *gasp!* make some changes to Master Chief's armor (no nipples, please). The good news: this guy sounds like a legitimate fan of the game.

"From a purely game playing perspective I am a massive fan of the games, but more importantly, I'm a massive fan of the world and universe of Halo, the science fiction world that the games take place inside of."

So he's actually played, and enjoyed, the game? Far out. Hopeful news indeed. Then again, similar things were said about a certain other game film as well. Only time will tell.

JoystiqAICN grills Halo Director originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Aug 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aicnaint it cool newsAintItCoolNewshaloNeill-BlomkampquintMon, 14 Aug 2006 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Master Chief's armor to be revised for Halo film]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/10/master-chiefs-armor-to-be-revised-for-halo-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/10/master-chiefs-armor-to-be-revised-for-halo-film/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/10/master-chiefs-armor-to-be-revised-for-halo-film/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Newly anointed Halo director, Neill Blomkamp, has indicated that the iconic armor housing Master Chief will be slightly altered for its appearance in the 2008 film adaptation. Speaking to Ain't It Cool News, a confident Mr. Blomkamp successfully justifies a decision which, in the hands of a typical Hollywood hotshot, could quickly become a nightmarish reimagining of a beloved character into something supposedly more enticing to mainstream sensibilities.

"Master Chief is certainly something that I do not want to change too much at all, there are certain things inside the Halo universe that are sacred and he's the main one. Having said that, there is a need to revise certain parts of him, just from a purely technical standpoint, he has to actually be able to move, like a human, and the game design right now does not allow for full motion freedom, which we will have to achieve."

The interview sees the director affirming his love for the games, for the universe they depict and for "infected humans and covenant." He fails to provide definitive answers regarding the removal of Master Chief's helmet or the use of Bungie's original soundtracks in the film, but the inclusion or exclusion of either one is likely to fuel fan debate until well after the movie has come and gone.

Rejected (and generally horrid) titles for this post:
  • Master stroke: Master Chief armor changing
  • Master Chief suit changing: oh no they didn't
  • Master Chief: borg to be wild
  • Master Chief armor change: Massive damage
  • Master-ious costume change for Chief
  • Master Chief says Halo to new armor
  • Halo movie chief masters armor change
  • Halo armor to be remastered
[Thanks for the image, Ross. You'll go to hell for this one.]

JoystiqMaster Chief's armor to be revised for Halo film originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Aug 2006 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bungiegame adaptationGameAdaptationHaloHalo 2Halo moviehalo-armorHalo2HaloMovieHollywoodMaster ChiefMasterChiefMSFTNeill-Blomkampsci-fiXboxXbox-360Thu, 10 Aug 2006 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Scrutinize Halo director's CV (with videos)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/scrutinize-halo-directors-cv-with-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/scrutinize-halo-directors-cv-with-videos/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/scrutinize-halo-directors-cv-with-videos/#commentsFiled under:


We know a lot of you probably had a sinking feeling in your stomach earlier today when you discovered the just announced director of the highly anticipated Halo movie, Neill Blomkamp, was some commercial director from South Africa of all places (apologies, Ludwig). But we remembered his short film about aliens struggling with integration in Johannesburg and thought the choice was really unique ... so we Googled him. We Googled the sh-t out of him.

We came up with his Wikipedia entry (already updated with the Halo info, natch), his IMDb entry, his music video videography, a Canadian effects company he works with, the production company he works for, and all manner of links in between. In so doing, we've assembled a pretty exhaustive selection of all videos available online that Mr. Blomkamp has created over the past couple years, including some short films, commercials, and music videos.

Notice any similarities? Yeah, the guy digs technology in a serious way: transforming Citroëns, third-world robocop androids, robotic crabs, and alien bodysuits packing some killer gravity-gun technology. We're all ready imagining Spartans and Covenant Elites duking it out in the sun-bleached streets of New Mombasa.

[Update: Added in Tempbot. Thanks for the link Youri Zoutman. Anyone else have any or know of any videos by Neill Blomkamp that we didn't post?]

Continue reading Scrutinize Halo director's CV (with videos)

JoystiqScrutinize Halo director's CV (with videos) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieHaloMovieMoviesNeill-BlomkampPeter-JacksonWed, 09 Aug 2006 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo gets a director and another year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/halo-gets-a-director-and-another-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/halo-gets-a-director-and-another-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/halo-gets-a-director-and-another-year/#commentsFiled under: ,


Please take a moment to sample the video above. Now, let that sink in. What you have just witnessed is the work of the newly chosen director of (drumroll please) Halo. That's right ladies and germs, the mystery has been put to rest. It's not Guillermo. It's not Peter Jackson himself. It's a relatively unknown South African (did you hear that Ludwig?) director by the name of Neill Blomkamp. Though Blomkamp's resume consists mostly of short films and commercials, his work has garnered him many awards (including 3 Clios and a Visual Effects Society Award). Also, the Halo movie has been pushed back to 2008, ending any speculation that it would launch day and date with Halo 3.

Choosing a little known director whose work has been primarily in commercials and short films is an interesting choice. Then again, Jackson himself started out making campy horror films (so did Sam Raimi of Spider-Man fame) so, who's to say?

Do you think he's up to the job?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqHalo gets a director and another year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>halohalo 3halo movieHalo3HaloMovieNeill-BlomkampPeter-JacksonwetaWed, 09 Aug 2006 19:15:00 EST