"Shannara" series coming to MTV

[RoninJedi84]

ELFSTONES at MTV with Jon Favreau / SMALLVILLE Duo

Is anyone else as excited as I am? When I first saw it was MTV, I just knew they were going to rip it to shreds. But Terry will be an Executive Producer, so I have hopes they can do it justice, especially since they're starting with Elfstones, my personal favorite.

 

[Reivax26]

I will watch it. I may hate MTV for a lot of reasons but a Shannara series is something I will not miss.

 

[BAYLOR]

I would like to see it as series. Could be good.

 

[Wo7f]

I'm so excited about seeing this. I hear they are start shooting January 19th, I think. The first cast member has accidently been revealed. Amberle will be played by Poppy Drayton.

 

[Wo7f]

Aussie actor Aaron Jakubenko has joined the cast of Shannara, MTV’s 10-episode straight-to-series drama based on Terry Brooks’ massive fantasy book series. Written by Smallvillecreators Al Gough and Miles Millar, Shannara is set in our world, thousands of years after the destruction of our civilization. The story centers on the Shannara family, whose descendants are empowered with ancient magic and whose adventures continuously reshape the future of the world.

Jakubenko, repped by Active Artists Management in Australia and ROAR, will play Ander, Amberle’s (Poppy Drayton) uncle, an Elven Prince with the reputation for being the wild party boy who has yet to find his way in the world. Jakubenko’s TV credits include the long-running Australian drama series Neighboursand Starz’s Spartacus.

 

[Wo7f]

Austin Butler will star as Wil Ohmsford, who is half human and half elf . Self-conscious, he has spent his life trying to hide his pointed ears. Kind, thoughtful, and likable, he has an appealing self-deprecating manner, but his easygoing life is about to be turned upside down when he learns that he is the last of the legendary Shannara family. Charged with finding the Druid who will guide him to his destiny, Wil realizes his dangerous journey is just beginning. When Calls the Heart‘s Poppy Drayton stars as Amberle, the elfin princess.

 

[Wo7f]

BrooksBlog: A New SHANNARA Update
BY TERRY BROOKS
– DECEMBER 9, 2014


Dear Readers,

A quick few words about the Shannara TV show.

First, everything is coming along fine. The initial scripts for the episodes are all written and in final drafting, pending last minute changes. All are looking great, the presentations and language and storylines strong and interesting. There have been some changes, but I don’t think any of them will disturb you all that much.

Casting is underway, and I think you are going to be happy with the choices that were made. Everyone feels good about the young actors we have playing Wil and Amberle, and I think the rest of the cast is rounding into shape, as well. There will still be a few surprises ahead, so stay tuned.

The sets are being constructed, and the concept art looks pretty solid. I will be traveling over to New Zealand in February to be on set and meet everyone personally and thank them for their hard work and dedication to this effort. No, I have not been tapped for a bit part. They don’t need any old Elves.

One word of caution to you: There are going to be claims and rumors along the way that are not entirely or even a little true. Beware of getting all incensed about stuff you hear or read. Remember this is Hollywood. Today’s breaking news is tomorrow’s trash. Or is it the other way around? Anyway, some of what I have read online about the show and its storyline and the way the characters are portrayed is just not so. Some of it is way overstated. So don’t get your underwear in a bundle until you’ve checked in with us, and even then you might have to wait for the show to air to be sure.

I do my best on your behalf, and mostly I am able to keep everyone’s feet to the fire. I won’t succeed one hundred percent of the time, but I will always be trying for it.

A real Christmas/New Year’s missive will follow in a few weeks.

Happy Holidays, Terry

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

I was not a big fan of the first two Shannara books because I found the prose rather ... plodding ... and therefore didn't read any of the rest. But a series might be fun, because I did like the story in the second book (and the visuals could be awesome) so I'm sure I'll watch the first episode to see if I'm going to like it.

 

[Wo7f]

'Arrow' Alum Manu Bennett to Co-Star in MTV's 'Shannara' (Exclusive)
12:36 PM PST 12/17/2014 by Aaron Couch

The actor will play the druid Allanon

Wes Klain
Manu Bennett is going from The Hobbit to another beloved fantasy property.

The actor has booked a series regular role on MTV's Shannara, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Shannara takes place in a world set thousands of years after the destruction of civilization as we know it. The 10-episode adaptation of Terry Brooks' book series follows the Shannara family, who are able to tap into ancient magic and whose adventures help reshape the world's future. Season one is based on The Elfstones of Shannara, the second title in Brooks' series
Bennett will play Allanon, a druid who is the last of his kind in the world of Shannara. He is described as a wise, perceptive and serious man who knows something incredibly important has begun when the wise tree Ellcrys starts to die. He enlists Wil (Austin Butler) to fulfill his destiny and save the four lands.
Read more 'Arrow' Star Teases Deathstroke's "Impossible" Return
Bennett has found success with action-heavy, alpha-male roles of late, and Allanon definitely fits that mold. Bennett can be seen on the big screen in The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies, in which he plays the menacing orc king Azog. He is also known for playing thedeadly villain Deathstroke in The CW's Arrow and the powerful gladiator Crixus on Starz' Spartacus.
MTV picked up the adaptation ofBrooks' Shannara straight to series in June, giving it a 10-episode order. The Shannara book series began with 1977's The Sword of Shannara and has grown to include more than 25 books made up of multiple trilogies and a prequel. The books are estimated to be the highest-selling unadapted fantasy series in the world, and Brooks is considered the second-highest-selling fantasy author, trailing only Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling. Earlier this month, Carrie Diaries favorite Austin Butler was cast as the male lead, Wil Ohmsford, who is half human and half elf.
See more Titans of Comic-Con: Stars Re-Create Classic Characters
MTV hopes Shannara will do for it what Game of Thrones has done for HBO and Outlander has done for Starz. Smallville's Miles Millar and Al Gough will serve as showrunners and executive produce with Jon Favreau, Jonathan Liebesman, Brooks, Dan Farah and David Blocker. Liebesman, who directed this summer's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will helm the first two episodes of the series, which also comes from Gene Stein and Sonar Entertainment.
Bennett is repped by Cynthia Booth at Don Buchwald & Associates and managed by Intellectual Artists Management's Brad Pence and Mike Gillespie. He is repped in New Zealand by Johnson and Laird Management. His legal rep is McKuin Frankel and Whitehead.

 

[BAYLOR]

I look forward to see this on the small screen.

 

[Wo7f]

Filming Has Begun! Enjoy the next few comments of when Terry was in New Zealand!
-Wo7f


In New Zealand for the initial filming of Shannara!

Dear Readers,

Am now in New Zealand on site for filming the Shannara series. This is the start of a daily report on what is happening with the time Judine and I are spending as visitors to the film sets and outdoor sites. Will send along what pictures I can, but as you can probably guess there is some secrecy involved in all this. So some things I might wish to send will have to wait for their proper reveal time.

The trip over was rough, and some of us got no sleep on the airplane. When we arrived, it was around 9 am, but we got our room, got cleaned up and went straight to lunch with two of the executives from MTV who were on site for the network for the filming. Julie and Polly were very open about their excitement for the show, and much was accomplished during our discussions. Everyone at MTV is working very hard on making the show a success, and nothing is being held back.

When I went afterwards to view the sets that have been constructed, I discovered they were not exaggerating. We were able to view five different sets, including one of the Ellcrys, and every single one was incredible. When writing Elfstones, I had a vision of how every thing would look in any given reader’s mind. But what had been created here for the TV show is way beyond what I had expected. The sets are every bit as wondrous and massive as I have imagined, the detailing incredible, the scope astonishing. Viewers are going to be blown away. This is the look I had always hoped for.

So, as I said to Shawn earlier, just WOW.

After that, while still upright despite no sleep for twenty-four hours, we went out to where they were filming to have a look at the process. Met a lot of the film crew first, then found Poppy Drayton and said hello. Watched a forest scene being filmed, met various people involved at the top end of the pecking order for filming, ate dinner with the actors and staff, and spent a little time visiting with director Jonathan Liebesman.

By then we were too tired to stand, so even though there was an important scene being filmed around 10 pm, we had to give it up. Must tell you these people work long, tough hours well into the night. Hope to experience that first of the week when filming resumes. Will report on what I discover then, but will cover other stuff over the weekend. It is now Friday here, so next report will be sometime tomorrow. What a cool adventure so far!

Be well, Terry.

 

[Wo7f]

A fun trip for a rare day off Shannara filming!

Greetings from New Zealand,

Having survived a hectic day 1, we had time off on day 2. So there is no report to give you except that we walked around Auckland and ate good food.

Today, Saturday, is day 3, and this was another day off because we are in the midst of a very large 3 day holiday that involves thousands of people trying to go somewhere. We decided to join the mob along with producer Dan, MTV executive Polly, and a driver who gave up his day off to drive a group of 13 film people around the island of Waiheke for wine tasting and lunch.

I was told the actors had not had much time off (if any) since filming started, and they were all very excited to be spending a day driving around a beautiful island off the coast of Auckland, visiting with yours truly and Judine. The start was a little wild because everyone had to get down to the ferry and aboard while fighting off hoards of weekend vacationers trying to do the same thing. But we all made it on and then rode half-an-hour to Waiheke where we all got to do it again trying to get off the ferry.

Our driver took us to Mud Brick Vineyard for a tasting and then on to Kennedy Point Vineyard for lunch. While doing all this we passed through some truly beautiful countryside and talked shop. This is a young enthusiastic group of actors, all of them telling me how thrilled they are to be in the Shannara TV show while I am telling them how thrilled I am to have them in the show. I like it that they mostly have not gotten huge exposure as yet and will not be identified with other shows. This way they will inhabit their characters and make them their own.











Click the thumbnails above to view larger images!




Everyone talked about the long hours spent on set. If you are called up for a particular day’s shoot, you can be out there for 12-14 hours. Much of what they do – given the nature of the story – is quite physical, and they really do have to work hard and be in good shape. I tried to picture myself at their age doing what they do and failed. I think I was reading books or something. The bonding with them was such fun, and no one said anything negative about their experience.

I come away from this convinced we have a great cast that is going to surprise you with its depth of character, and as with the sets Judine and I visited the other day, all of them exceed my expectations and are very much larger than life.

You, the readers, are going to be so happy with what you see on the screen. Remembering that this is not paint by the numbers but a fresh experience, a new rendering of a familiar story, will help you understand why I am so positive about what is happening. Those of you who have worried earlier about how this might turn out or who have pleaded with me to protect a story they have come to love will not feel disappointed.

More tomorrow, this time from another part of New Zealand. On Monday, I will be on set for filming and for interviews. On all days, we will send along fresh pix of what is happening.

Magic always, Terry.

 

[Wo7f]

Dear Readers,

And, I should add hopefully, future viewers. I think you will be once you’ve seen what’s coming.

But for now, the latest report from the fringes of New Zealand. Yesterday, Sunday here, was the close of the three day holiday, and Judine and I took the day to go off to the Glowworm caves and Hobbitton. Took us all day to do this, 12 hours, because the traffic was horrific. Everyone going somewhere and all of them coming back at the same time to Auckland. Really a mess, but the day was worth it.

Went to the Glowworm caves first. This was something I had never experienced, and in many ways it was almost spiritual. You take a tour that begins on foot into the caves, which are the familiar limestone type with stalactites and stalagmites and all sorts of weird formations to study. There are various chambers – a cathedral among them where one of our number was persuaded to sing a song so we could all hear the echo. We ended in a darkened chamber where you could look through crevices and see the glowworms off in the dark. They looked like those tiny white christmas tree lights, all clustered in groups.

Afterwards we went down some stairs and boarded a boat which took us into the caverns. Our guide used personal man power to pull us along ropes strung above us so there was no sound but the lapping of the water. We passed through various chambers and the ceiling was covered in the shimmering light of the glowworms, thousands of them spread out in bunches all across the ceiling. The curious effect of this, with the water beneath reflecting in the light of the worms, was to suggest that the river we were on was actually above us and the worms were floating in it. Very strange, but wonderful to see.




Leaving there, we went on to Hobbitton for a second visit, having been there last fall, but wanting to go back. While there, we took bunches of pix of Hobbit Holes and sets from the movies. Sorry to report that once again we did not see a single Hobbit, though we keep a close watch out. It may be that they have moved on to less busy places.

While we were out exploring, the actors on their days off got to work out in the gym, engage in weapons training, practice horseback riding and learn their lines. Who got the better deal this day, do you think?

Can’t begin to tell you how hard these young people work at their craft. They are a revelation. Judine and I love them all, and we think you will, too, when you see them at work and in character. Back tomorrow with another day of shooting.

All good wishes, Terry

 

[Wo7f]

Terry and Manu Bennett (Allanon)

Greetings All,

Back on set today, Monday, the first of three in which we will be watching the shooting, after which we are on our way elsewhere. This time out we were rested and got an early start – for us. We were there until dinner time, then had an evening out with the writers Al and Miles, talking shop and laughing a great deal over stories of other times and places. Such good guys, and I am reminded again about how well we bonded right from the first.

A word about how filming works, time-wise. Things begin around 3:30 am. At that point the crew begins set up for the day’s shooting, starting with hauling stuff from the base camp to the shooting site, lugging everything that is needed for the day in the way of cameras, scenery equipment, and all the rest out to the shooting site. Breakfast is around 5:30. Make-up and costuming is frequently before that with additional stuff afterwards. Crew call is at 6:30 am, the actors are on set and ready to go at 7:30, and everything is underway at that point. They film all day and frequently into the night. Sometimes a shoot can go for 18 hours.

My vision for all this was somewhat off the mark. The first time I was taken to the base camp to witness filming – last Thursday – I was expecting a few trucks and a few cars and maybe 20-30 people on set. As if. One section of field was filled with cars – at least 100. Another was filled with trailers for equipment, actors, crew, costuming and makeup, food and everything else you could possibly think of. Probably 25-30 of those. There are four-wheel drive vehicles for transporting to and from the shooting site because things are far out and the roads (read paths) are not much. The entire operation is massive.

How many people are we talking about? For the film crew, somewhere north of 600.


Trucks and more trucks!

The traditional Maori greeting with Manu Bennett (Allanon)

Terry and Manu Bennett (Allanon)
It looks like chaos at times, but everything is controlled. Everyone has a job and knows what is expected. There is lots of running around and prep work preliminary to every scene. In a given day, they will shoot maybe 4-8 scenes, all of it with designated actors and from different perspectives. Multiple takes are required for everyone. The director (Jonathan, in this case) wants different voice inflections, different looks, different responses so he can see what meshes best later in editing. Everything is very professional and patient with the process.

I was told by more than one crew member that what is happening here is closer to a movie shoot than to a traditional TV show. I believe it.

So watched one scene in the morning and two others in the afternoon. One involved horses (Artaq, in particular). Beautiful animals, and the actors (Manu and Austin) handled them well. The day was warm, gray and windy with a few drops of rain but nothing else to cause them problems. You watch all this mostly on monitors with headphones that allow you to see and hear the actors clearly while the shoot is in progress. For obvious reasons, they don’t want a lot of observers crowding out on set to watch, so doing it from afar on a monitor is better. We did watch a bit from a hillside, just for the experience.

Ate lunch with Austin Butler and members of the crew. Meeting new people every day, but having trouble sorting everyone out, as you might guess. Aaron Jakubenko wandered out late in the day from weapons training to watch the filming with us for a few minutes. It was a fascinating and enjoyable day. More of the same tomorrow, although I have to do some interviews and general publicity so I will have to be a little sharper than normal. You know, don’t say anything stupid? Does this sound like me?

More when we finish with all that. Hope all of you are enjoying the blogs and accompanying pix. We will keep them coming for the time we are here.

Best to all of you, Terry

 

[Wo7f]

Dear Readers,

Quite a day today, Tuesday. Headed out for the base camp around 10 am where I was to meet with an MTV stringer crew to film an interview for the networks publicity purposes about my involvement with the TV show. Went up country, into the hills, where it proceeded to pour down buckets. Waited it out, and then I did my hour long Q & A about the show. Had to go to make-up first, of course. Not quite beautiful enough otherwise. But it all went well, and I had lots of good things to say about how I got to this place and how excited I was about the show (I am, of course) and how I have such high hopes for Season One and after.

Returned in time to have lunch and then have Elf Ears slapped on me by make-up so that I could have pictures taken of me looking like a wise old Elf. Okay, an old Elf, anyway. Everyone is going to do this, I believe, for another promotion. I looked stupid, I imagine, but Judine kissed me so that was encouraging.


Trienko (Artaq)

Terry & Poppy Drayton (Amberle)

Make-up trailer.


Terry watching.

Turkeys

Terry and director Jonathan Liebesman
After that, we went down to the shooting site, this time on a beach, and sat with Poppy and Austin and their stunt doubles for a time talking about what they were about to do. Their physical fitness trainer was there, too, and others crowded around to hear what was being said and to take pictures. Afterwards, we moved over to the shooting site and watched a number of shots involving violence and a very cool drone camera. The day was sunny and beautiful, and I keep meeting new crew members and finding out what everyone does. Talked a few minutes with Director Jonathan Liebsman, and stayed until it was nearing 6 and we had to get back.

Still amazed at the scope of this effort and the size of the cast and crew. Whatever I was thinking, it was never this grand. Saw some more clips from the filming, and I do think this is going to be pretty special. Of course, I am severely prejudiced.

Last day tomorrow. Should end things on a high note.

Best to all, Terry


Terry and director Jonathan Liebesman

 

[Wo7f]

Variety has announced a few things!

The Hollywood news outlet reports that the TV series will be titled The Shannara Chronicles! And in bigger news, three characters have been cast and announced—one you know and two you do not but will soon enough!

Here is more information about them from the Variety article:

Brooke Williams will play Catania, a witty and wise Elf who is not only the handmaiden to Amberle (Poppy Drayton) but her trusted best friend in the palace.

Daniel MacPherson will portray Arion, the heir to the Elvin throne. Arion takes himself very seriously and is the opposite of his wilder brother Ander. He has spent his entire life trying to show his father that he is worthy of the crown, and he’s ready to take over, but when his niece Amberle goes missing, his plans become complicated.

Marcus Vanco will appear as Bandon. Feared by his family for his mysterious visions, Bandon is discovered by Wil (Austin Butler) and Amberle starving and chained to a wall. Allanon (Manu Bennett) takes special interest in him, believing his abilities will be integral in saving the Four Lands.




Marcus Vanco
Brooke Williams has been in a number of TV series including Spartacus: Gods of the Arena and Spartacus: War of the Damned as well as another fantasy TV series that will remain nameless. Daniel McPherson has also done a lot of TV work, including Neighbors and Wild Boys. When I asked him if he was prepared to play a real jerk on The Shannara Chronicles, he said, “I was born to play Arion.” Then we both laughed. And Marcus Vanco played Lambert in the Angelina Jolie-directed movie Unbroken.

Some of you will have read the information above about these characters in the show and will undoubtedly be worried. Arion’s brother Ander being “wild?” And two characters who are not in The Elfstones of Shannara? These are departures from the book, to be sure. But they are also departures that Terry helped create and fully endorses. These changes work and help adapt Elfstones to a different medium to strengthen the TV series.


Just a few pages from Terry's website about the series. Hope everyone enjoyed it!
-Wo7f

 

[millymollymo]

Thanks for sharing Wo7f Ever since Brooks wrote the adaptation of Hook there's been talk of an adaptation. Glad it's finally coming to a screen and it will be interesting to see the alterations Brooks is weaving in.

 

[Wo7f]

Manu Bennett talks about his role as Allanon on the upcoming series The Shannara Chronicles.

“I’m playing Allanon, and he’s like Gandalf meets Deathstroke - kick arse dude. What I think is that The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit audiences have sort of been left with nothing now that Peter Jackson’s two trilogies have come to an end. I think that Shannara will fill that void.”

 

[BAYLOR]

Id love to see this one become a hit.

 

[Wo7f]

Commander Tilton


Crispin Edensong





The Shannara Chronicles IMDB.com page is featuring two additions to the cast!

One will be portraying a familiar character from The Elfstones of Shannara. And the other is a new character!

Crispin Edensong will be portrayed by James Trevena-Brown. He is no stranger to TV, as he played Charlie Bryson in The Blue Rose TV series. And he is no stranger to fantasy either, playing a Goblin in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Now he will play Crispin Edensong, Captain of the Home Guard, who swears to protect Wil and Amberle on their perilous journey. Note the addition of the last name, which Crispin did not have in the novel, but I feel lends more importance to the character and the role he plays in the story.

Commander Tilton will be portrayed by Emilia Burns. She is also no stranger to television. She has worked on the TV series Neighbours, Terra Nova, and The Elephant Princess. She will play Commander Tilton, the Captain of the Black Watch, the legendary protectors of the Ellcrys and the Gardens of Life. The character did not appear in The Elfstones of Shannara but the addition of Tilton helps correctly adapt the story from book to TV series.

Both actors will have their hands full when The Shannara Chronicles airs! More news on when that will happen as soon as we can share it!

Welcome the new cast members!