Archived News Stories from 2005: December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005

 

 

Raiders: Adaptation Screening Update
October 27th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Just received an update on the Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation screening at the Wexner Center for the Arts in Ohio.  The date for the Adaptation screening was previously set for either December 2nd or December 3rd, and the exact date for the screening has been finalized for December 2nd.  We also have a more specific link for you to visit where you can find out more about the screening: Wexarts.org.

Thanks to Eric Zala for the update!

 

Actor William Hootkins Has Passed Away at Age 58
October 25th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

I'm afraid we have some sad news tonight, as another member of the Raiders of the Lost Ark cast has passed away.  According to Whatsonstage.com, actor William Hootkins died from cancer last Sunday at St. Johns Hospital in Santa Monica at the age of 58.  We all remember Bill Hootkins (or "Hoot" to his friends) as Jek Porkins in Star Wars - Episode IV: A New Hope, and as Major Eaton in Raiders of the Lost Ark; one of the two men from the Army Intelligence who informed Indy of the Nazis' search for the Lost Ark, and delivered one of the film's last and most famous lines: "Top men."  Very sad news.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Hootkin's friends and family this night.

My thanks to Jason for letting me know.

 

Lucas Still Working on Indiana Jones 4
October 25th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

I know what you're thinking; "What else is new?"  Well, this bit of info just came in on the AP wire, where George Lucas talked about the new animated Star Wars TV show that's in the works, and where he re-confirmed once again that he is still at work on Indiana Jones 4:

"Star Wars" mastermind George Lucas was there to present the visual effects award to longtime colleague Dennis Muren.  With the "Star Wars" films finally put to bed, Lucas said he's now busy working on a "Star Wars" TV series.

"It's animated," Lucas explained.  "It's about the Clone Wars.  It's got all our characters fighting the dreaded Federation.  And at the same time I'm working on 'Indiana Jones'"

While it's not really news, I figured it was still worth reporting.  But hey, at least progress is still being made.  We'll keep you up to date with the latest, stay tuned to The Indy Experience.com!

Thanks to Eddie for the news.

 

More Information on Laura Dutta
October 25th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

We have some more information on the young actress, Laura Dutta, that has supposedly been signed onfor Indiana Jones 4. We've received information from her agent, including a picture an official brief bio from the ASH Models agency:

Name: Laura Dutta
Nationality: American
Height: 5’ 6”
Measurements: 35.5-25-26
Weight: 109 lbs
Hair: Her natural color is brown but she dyes it blonde.
Eyes: Blue-Green
Born: Aug 23, 1986 in Houston, Texas, USA
Discovered: She was discovered when she was 14 yrs old by Jonny Gold who was a Talent Scout for ASH Models in Los Angeles while she and her parents were on vacation visiting family in LA. ASH Models started booking her on jobs in Texas doing AD and Print Campaigns for Dillard’s, Neiman Marcus, GAP, Eddie Bauer, Marshalls, Lord & Taylor, Talbots, Saks Fifth Avenue, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom and Macy’s,
Represented By: ASH Models (Model and Talent Management Company)
Income: Makes approximately $7 million (USA) per year.
Resume: Laura’s first job was an ad campaign for Dillard’s in Houston, TX.  She then did an ad campaign for GAP in which she appears with Madonna.  Laura regularly models at NY Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, New Zealand Fashion Week, 7th on Sixth IMG Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Australian Fashion Week.  Laura has been on AD Campaign’s for Versace, Escada and Emporio Armani.  She has also appeared on MTV, VH1 as well as US Glamour and world wide publications.  She also has graces many runways in USA, Milan and Paris.
Home: She owns a luxury apartment in downtown Houston and rents places in NY, LA and Paris.
What she says about her future: I can’t wait to meet Harrison and Mr. Connery and start shooting Indiana Jones 4.

We have also received word that her role in Indiana Jones 4 will be a little more than just a speaking role, and she will have a part in the story, but how large a part is still unknown.  Do keep in mind that as good as it is looking right now for Ms. Dutta, anything can happen with Indiana Jones 4 (as we have all seen in the past).  Also keep in mind that Lucasfilm rarely confirms new information on Indiana Jones 4, so don't hold your breath looking for an official confirmation just yet - unless it comes from Spielberg or Lucas. So for now, expect the unexpected and keep it here latest on Indiana Jones 4!

Thanks to Eddie for the update!

 

Hyperspace Features Vintage Interview with Spielberg
October 24th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Star Wars.com's Hyperspace has posted an old interview with Steven Spielberg from the Summer 1989, where Steven talks about his then new few Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.  The interview was conducted by the Lucasfilm Fan Club Magazine where they talked to Spielberg about his film career and the work he put into Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Here's an excerpt from the interview:

"Preparing for one of the Indiana Jones films is kind of like preparing to go on summer vacation," says director Steven Spielberg, looking comfortable in jeans, loose shirt and baseball cap.  "Despite all the hard work, all the physical labor and all the thought that goes into assembling one of these puzzles, it's just so much fun to make because everything we do is for the audience.  Very little of what we do is really for the esoteric sides of the artist in all of us.  And not dealing with that is a relief.  So it is a bit like going on vacation and having a good time at summer camp with old friends."

It really is a wonderful interview, very nostalgic; I highly recommend it.  So if you have a Hyperspace membership, visit Star Wars.com to read the full interview with Steven Spielberg from 1989.  Also, Hyperspace has another article that Indy fans will find interesting, entitled Lost in the Mists of Time: The Muddled Myths of the Holy Grail. The article takes a historical look at the hystery of the legend of the Holy Grail.

Many thanks to Spielbergfilms.com and Eddie for the news!

 

Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation Press Update!
October 24th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Chris, Eric and Jayson's childhood remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark has certainly made an impression down under, and we have three new articles from the Australian press that you'll want to check out:

The Age: Chris Strompolos, who as a child idolised Steven Spielberg's classic adventure flick Raiders of the Lost Ark, had all of that, although eventually the stubble was real, which is why, over the course of seven years beginning in 1982, he and his childhood friends Eric Zala and Jayson Lamb were able to make Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation, an adolescent homage to whip-wielding archaeologist Indiana Jones that's both a spirited tribute and a lesson in teenage filmmaking on a non-existent budget.

The Australian: Chris Strompolos was 11 when he first fell in awe of Indiana Jones.  It was 1981 and Raiders of the Lost Ark had just been released in cinemas.  From the minute he saw the ruggedly handsome, whip and wise-cracking archeologist on the big screen, he wanted to don a fedora and leather jacket and embark on the same adventures: to battle Nazis, travel to Nepal and Cairo, run away from rolling boulders, even be afraid of snakes, just like Indy.

The Sydney Morning Herald: In 1982, an ambitious 11-year-old Mississippi boy decided to remake Raiders of the Lost Ark scene for scene.  A thick-set kid with Mediterranean roots, Chris Strompolos cast himself as Indiana Jones.  Naturally.  "I latched onto Indiana Jones," Strompolos says.  "I thought, 'God, I want nothing more than to put on that leather jacket and hat and go into the world with a whip and his academic sense and get myself into trouble.'"

For more press articles on The Adaptation, check out TIE.c's Raiders: Adaptation Press Archives page for more info.

Big thanks to Eddie for the links!

 

Indy Fan Opens New "Indiana Jones Wiki"
October 22nd, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Indy fan Brett Perlman has recently opened the very first Indiana Jones "Wikicity" using the newly formed Wikicties.com.  These fan run and fan created "Wikicties" are based on the idea of a free and public online encyclopedia, which was originated by the now famous Wikipedia.org.  Brett's Indiana Jones Wiki covers the Indiana Jones trilogy and three of the Indiana Jones video games.  The Indiana Jones Wiki is new to the net, and if you would like to pitch in and help add more content and information, we encourage you to visit the Indiana Jones Wiki and learn more about how you can help out.  Good luck with the Indy Wiki, Brett!

Thanks to Brett for letting us know.

 

John Rhys-Davies to Appear at Collectormania
October 19th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Actor John Rhys-Davies (Sallah in Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) will be appearing at Collectormania G-Mex in Manchester on February 11th and 12th of 2006.  Other guests at the event include David Prowse (Darth Vader in Star Wars Episodes IV - VI), Kenny Baker (R2-D2 from Star Wars Episodes I - VI) and Andy Serkis (Gollum in The Lord of the Rings trilogy).  For more information, visit www.collectormaniagmex.co.uk.

Thanks to Eddie for the link!

 

AOL's Halloween Gallery Features Indy Fan
October 19th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

AOL People Connection has posted a collection of Halloween costumes, and included in the list was long-time Indiana Jones fan Jason Nagel in his full Raiders gear, who is number 3 on the costumes list at AOL.com. Jason has spent years collecting his Raiders of the Lost Ark Indy gear, and has one of the most authentic Indy gear replica costumes we've ever seen. Jason is pictured on the left in full Raiders gear, complete with Fullers Earth and distressing, making Jason the envy of the Indiana Jones community.

Thanks to Jason for letting me know.

 

Staff of Ra Fan Film is Now Online!
October 17th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

The Indiana Jones fan film, Indiana Jones and the Staff of Ra is now online and available for download!

Watch Film: Runtime: The Film 30:27 (181 MB) First Test Scene 1:05 (5.38 MB) Staff of Ra Trailer 2 1:05 (6.03 MB) Staff of Ra Trailer 0:36 (4.22 MB) Marion Trailer 0:38 (4.16 MB) Staff of Ra Teaser 0:34 (4.85 MB) Requires: Windows Media Player

Director Tony Gamron and crew have done an excellent job in pulling off this fan film; definitely worth a screening.  Click here for more Indiana Jones fan films.

Big thanks to Tony Garmon for the update!

 

New Indiana Jones Fan Art by Gregory Slevin
October 17th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

We've updated the Indiana Jones Fan Art Gallery with a new piece of fan art by Gregory Slevin:

 

Michelle Yeoh in Indiana Jones 4?
October 15th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

An old Indiana Jones 4 casting rumor has been relight today.  Michelle Yeoh Web Theatre posted a set report from Memoirs of a Geisha, and included in the set report was a quote from Steven Spielberg (who is serving as producer on the film) where he talked with Hong Kong actress Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) about a part in Indiana Jones 4.  Here's the quote:

Once when producer Steven Spielberg came to the filming set, he said to Michelle: "Don't forget we are supposed to work together on an Indiana Jones sequel."  Michelle answered: "I will be waiting for you!"

Now, this is not a new rumor.  Talk of Michelle Yeoh's involvement in Indiana Jones 4 first emerged back in 1998 when Terrence Chang, Michelle Yeoh's agency, stated that Michelle had met with Spielberg to discuss a possible role for her in Indy 4.  In 2000, Cinescape talked with Yeoh about her involvement with the fourth film, where she said, "We [Spielberg and Yeoh] had a couple of meetings and we did talk about that [Indiana Jones 4 ].  He is one guy who has a passion for filmmaking.  And I love the Indiana Jones films!  Would I be interested?  Of course I'm going to jump up and say, 'Yes, please!'"

Since we don't have an official announcement from Spielberg or Lucas, this is still up in the air.  But we can certainly file Michelle Yeoh under possible cast members for Indiana Jones 4; but it's not official yet! Stay tuned to TIE.c for the latest.

Big thanks to Eddie for the news!

 

Spielberg Announces New Cinema Technology
October 14th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Steven Spielberg talked with The Hollywood Reporter where he announced that he has developed a new way for people to experience movies.  Spielberg's new technology will put moviegoers right in the middle of motion pictures, and he has dubbed it "the future of cinema."

"You will physically be inside the experience, which will surround you top, bottom, on all sides.  I've invented it, but because patent is pending, I can't discuss it right now."

Sounds amazing to say the very least!  Leave it to Spielberg to continue to blow our minds when it comes to movies.  What will he think of next?

Thanks to Eddie and Digital Spy for the news.

 

UPDATED: McCaullum Talks Young Indy DVDs!
October 8th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

More information continues to pour in from the Revenge of the Sith DVD junket.  Coming Soon.net pulls through again with more quotes from producer Rick McCaullum who confirmed the total number of Young Indiana Jones DVDs we can expect in the collection and the number of historical featuretts that will be included in the Young Indy DVD collection:

Q: What are the plans for the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles with the boom of TV shows on DVD?

McCallum: "We have been upgrading the quality of the original 60 mm image.  We are also re-doing the soundtracks so that people can take advantage of it in their home.  But also over the last 18 months, we have been doing….we're up to like 56, 60 documentaries now —and we're planning 95 altogether plus a lot of lectures that tie in the historical aspects of what's taking place in relationship to where Indy is as this young kid and as a young man.  So I'm really excited about that.  It will have finally the opportunity to get it out to the audience worldwide that it never really reached in the United States.  Because it was an extraordinary success outside of America.  And even though we had 10, 11 million really faithful viewers and we were put all over the place, it was just that during that period when network television was falling apart.  So, we never really got the mileage that we really expected or wanted.  So I'm really thrilled that the DVDs look great so far.  We've got about 3 completed.  We have 22 that we're doing all together.  And you know it's going to be exciting.  That will be done in about 18 months.  The thing about the DVDs for us is we don't just do one video master for anything.  We really make an effort to try and get the best quality that we possibly can, putting the best material, and it does take a long time.  We've been working for almost 2 years on this (ROTS) DVD.  We've been simultaneously finishing up the film and also at the same time trying to put some really great stuff together."

Very exciting news!  It looks like we're in for a real treat with the Young Indiana Jones DVD collection; a collection of 22 DVDs with tons of educational extra features.  The future is looking rather adventurous for Indy fans.  Keep it here for the latest!

Thanks again to Eddie for the news!

 

Jim Ward Talks Young Indiana Jones DVDs
October 8th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Coming Soon.net has posted another report from the Revenge of the Sith DVD junket at the Skywalker Ranch yesterday, this time with a question and answer session with the Vice President of Lucasfilm and the President of LucasArts, Jim Ward.  In the Q&A session, Ward talked about the move from VHS to DVD, and about the new Blu-Ray and HD-DVD formats.  Ward was also asked about the Young Indiana Jones DVDs; here is what he had to say:

Q: Has there been any talks about bringing the Indiana Jones chronicles to DVD?

Ward: "You betcha!  We issued some of them on VHS.  We decided not to issue the second batch of them on VHS because the market is moving to DVD.  We have been working on that for over a year and a half."

Jim Ward briefly talked about the new Indiana Jones game, re-confirming that plans are to release the game in 2007.  "We are also working on an 'Indiana Jones' game for the summer of 2007, which we would hope would come out with an 'Indiana Jones' movie."

Nothing terribly new in these two quotes, but it does reaffirm what we have been hearing over the past six months or so.  Stay tuned to TIE.c for the latest!

Thanks to Eddie for the news!

 

McCallum Gives an Indy 4 Script Status Update
October 7th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Coming Soon.net attended the Revenge of the Sith DVD junket at the Skywalker Ranch yesterday, where producer Rick McCallum gave the press various updates on Star Wars related matters, including an Indiana Jones 4 script status update:

"[George is] doing 'Indiana Jones', the script, which he should finish by Sunday.  He's meeting with Steven [Spielberg] next week to try to figure out where they are going to go and what changes they want to make on it."

Another sign that progress is indeed being made on the fourth Indiana Jones film.  We'll keep you updated on the latest, stay tuned!

Thanks to Eddie for the news!

 

Raiders of the Lost Ark Exhibit in Pittsburgh
October 6th, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Today, Pittsburgh Live.com reported that the Carnegie Science Center will be hosting a new exhibit, Action! An Adventure in Moviemaking.  The movie exhibit will feature many actual props from films including special exhibits on the specific aspects of filmmaking.  Included in the exhibit will be the Ark of the Covenant and Indy's costume from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. 

"Action! An Adventure in Moviemaking" -- which opened on Saturday for a six-month run -- includes original artifacts from several classic blockbusters. While walking through the exhibit, visitors will see movie relics including the actual ark and Indiana Jones outfit from "Raiders of the Lost Ark," one of Kate Winslet's outfits from "Titanic," Halle Berry's "Catwoman" suit, Tobey Maguire's "Spider-Man" suit, the bicycle from "E.T." and more.

"It's the real things that were really used by the real people," says John Beckman, curator of the exhibit. He works for the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, which created the traveling exhibit. The museum's staff acquired most of the artifacts from the Lucas Film Archives and conducted many of the exhibit's interviews with movie personalities.

The exhibit will run through April 30th at The Carnegie Science Center.  Admission to the exhibit is included in the price for a regular ticket to the science center.  To learn more about the exhibit, visit Pittsburgh Live.com.

UPDATE: Contrary to what the article says, the costume featured in the exhibit was actually from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.  Big thanks to Jason for letting us know.

 

UPDATED: Laura Dutta in Indiana Jones 4
October 3rd, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

We have an update on a story we posted yesterday.  In the previous story, we reported on a press release that was posted at PR Leap.com.  According to the press release, Laura Dutta - a 19-year-old model from Huston, Texas - supposedly landed a role in Indiana Jones 4.  Here is the press release that PR Leap.com posted:

(PRLEAP.COM) It is official!  Model Laura Dutta represented by ASH Models has landed a role in Indiana Jones 4.  The movie is the 4th sequel in the Indiana Jones franchise and will cast Harrison Ford and Sean Connery.  Indiana Jones 4 is to be directed by Steven Spielberg.

Though Miss Dutta has a three month shooting schedule, her agents from ASH Models has confirmed that she will fly to Paris during shooting to do Fashion Week.

What roll she will be playing is unknown.

Since we first reported this, we have contacted Dutta's agent who has confirmed that this report is indeed true.  He stated that Laura Dutta will indeed be in Indiana Jones 4.  Her part will be small but it is a speaking role. Dutta's agent did state that contracts have been signed. As of now it is a done deal, with just the required legal mumbo-jumbo left.  Dutta is new to acting, but the casting department liked what they saw.  Dutta's agent also stated that casting for Indy 4 has been going on for some time, but for just how long we don't know.

So, just to recap: As of now, this is the first new cast member announced for Indiana Jones 4!  Very exciting to hear.  We'll keep you up to date on the latest as this story develops, and we'll be bringing you further info on Ms. Dutta as we get it (including bio information, pictures, etc.).  Stay tuned to The Indy Experience.com for further updates!

(Quick Note: Just wanted to make note of a few errors we made in the previous story.  The casting agency has two Laura Dutta's and we ran into a little confusion.  Just to clear things up, Laura Dutta is not from India and did not win the Miss Universe contest.  Also, the photo we posted was not of the Laura Dutta who will be in Indy 4.  Our apologizes for any confusion.)

Thanks to Eddie Mishan for the update and to Noah for the original story.

 

New Feature on the Official Site: Marshall College
October 1st, 2005 | Posted by Aaron

Indiana Jones.com has opened a new feature called Marshall College where you can learn more about the world and history surrounding Indiana Jones.  Courses at the official site's new college include:

• Characters
• Historical Figures
• Artifacts
• Locations
• Events

Indiana Jones.com's Marshall College includes bios for Indiana Jones and the major characters from the films, information on historical figures including Adolph Hitler and Nurhachi, information on the artifacts, locations and historical events.  Check out the official Indiana Jones site's new Marshall College to learn more about the world of Indiana Jones.