MGM’s problems persist, for 6th time

MGM has won its sixth debt extension, but money problems continue. That’s not so good for you fans of “The Hobbit” or James Bond films.

Bond films are put on hold indefinitely as the studio tries to figure out a way to make some cash. The Lion plans on remaining on film productions sidelines while issuing catalog releases for home entertainment and licensing new video games. Currently, Activision has the upcoming “GoldenEye”

Many are calling for the Bond franchise to go to the highest bidder, and some say the same about MGM’s share of “The Hobbit”. Warner Bros. holds the other half of “Hobbit”.

Century Studio debtholders have given MGM until Sept. 15 to pay up. The Lion has about $4 billion of debt.

Summit Entertainment, Spyglass, and others are circling the bleeding Lion with their own ideas on how to restructure. MGM tried to find a buyer for their studio, but Warner Bros.’s offer of $1.5 billion was considered too low.

Trailer of the Week: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers

The beginning of the trailer for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers features music from Howard Shore’s score of the series.

At about 1:35, the music changes to a piece known as Requiem for a Tower.

The origin of the piece is the movie Requiem for a Dream. Any fan of that movie will recognize the piece, Lux Aeterna, written by Clint Mansell. The track was re-orchestrated with choir and full orchestra specifically for The Two Towers trailer. After considerable demands by fans, the piece was released by Corner Stone Cues on the album of the same name.

Clint Mansell has since released a version with the London Ensemble.

It was also used in the trailer for Babylon, A.D. and Sunshine.

New Podcasts Posted

Hey everybody, the new podcasts are up. On STC News, we’ve got Hollywood Headlines, with Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro sharing stylists as well as duties on THE HOBBIT. Plus Paul Haggis is bringing CRASH to the small screen. Then there is a new Soundtrack News, with a look at the scores from CASSANDRA’S DREAM and RAMBO. Then there are 2 Special Edition: Best Soundtracks of 2007 segments, with a look back at the music from 300, HOT FUZZ, SUPERBAD, and the Oscar-nominated score from 3:10 TO YUMA.

Plus, this week’s STC Previews show is up, with some sassy reviews by Mieke Buchan of THE EYE, STRANGE WILDERNESS, OVER HER DEAD BODY and CARAMEL, with a First Glimpse at the big screen adaptation of MAMMA MIA! (The exclamation point is a part of the title. I didn’t put it there. I’m not excited about it at all.)
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