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March
11th, 2002 ----------------------------
A couple of weeks ago, while most were getting into bed, an evening
shoot took Second Unit to a power station in inner Sydney to film an
explosion – between 11.25pm
and 11.29pm on February 14th, to be precise. This set took weeks of
designing, planning and building, and was destroyed in three seconds
– check out the photo.
Is a set to be annihilated so quickly and completely approached in a
different way? Read how Godric Cole one of the team of Set Designers
approached the set that was detonated on February 14th.
Other new content includes interviews with Kristen Davis, a Computer
Set Designer in Los Angeles, and David Ellis, the Second Unit Director
in Alameda last year.
Enjoy.
February
20, 2002 ----------------------------
Shooting
for THE MATRIX sequels began almost one year ago. While there was a
massive amount of pre-production (which the web-site will explore in
detail), principle photography began in Alameda on Monday March 26th
2001, and wrapped on Wednesday June 27th. Those sixty-six days covered
shooting on three major sets, and while many might say this is long
enough to shoot an entire feature, this was only the beginning for the
sequels to THE MATRIX.
After
a two-month break, the cameras began rolling anew in Sydney, Australia,
where filming remains in full swing. Many of the people who worked on
the first film here in Sydney, have returned. The same Armorers are
back, as is the Costume Designer, Art Director and Production Designer.
The First AD is on set once more, many of the Special Effects crew have
returned, as has the Visual Effects Supervisor. Shooting schedules can
be pretty tough, as many working days are often in excess of 12 hours.
If you like having a life outside of the job, stay away from film.
REDPILL, the internet team behind the first MATRIX, is back as well.
Involved in all aspects of the production since pre-production began,
we have been capturing content virtually non-stop. No department is
being left out, as we talk to everyone, on both continents, covering
the Stunt crews, the Special Effects crews, Costumers, Set Designers,
Props Makers, Pre-visualization Artists, Model makers, actors, stand-ins,
and more… and we’re still talking.
Remain
plugged in: WhatIsTheMatrix.com
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access = 10110110
January
26th---------------------------------------------
On-line now, the 12th story in the 2nd series of MATRIX comics.
"AN ASSET TO THE SYSTEM."
BY TROY NIXEY
Check it out
here.
January
25th---------------------------------------------
Tomorrow, at high noon (PST), we're posting the 12th story for series
two, by Troy Nixey (Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham, Jenny Finn).
A security guard finds himself facing off against an agent. Trouble is,
he doesn't know to run. See what happens. Tomorrow. High noon. "AN ASSET
TO THE SYSTEM."
January
22nd---------------------------------------------
Today marks the debut of A PATH AMONG STONES, by Gregory Ruth. If you've
ever wondered if you are trapped in the Matrix, this story may strike
a cord. A little girl's sanity is questioned when she fears "the bad
men" and begins plugging her dolls with wires. Is she insane? Find out
here.
THE ART OF THE MATRIX is getting extremely good reviews, most recently
from Entertainment Weekly: "...fans who are still asking "What Is The
Matrix?" will learn more from these pages than Morpheus could ever tell."
A- Review by Noah Robischon.
More soon...
January
14th---------------------------------------------
The latest in the second wave of comic stories is now up and it's a
powerful one. Written and drawn by David Lapham, the veteran creator
of STRAY BULLETS and MURDER ME DEAD, it delivers an involving take on
THE MATRIX. Just click below to read...
David
went all out producing this story, the first time he's worked outside
his own creator owned books for many years now. It is a pleasure to announce
the release of his first foray into THE MATRIX.
But that's not the last of the second series. Be sure to check back next
week when the next story goes live. Two more to go... More soon...
December
23rd ---------------------------------------------
Next up, Bill Sienkiewicz with his story: BROADCAST DEPTH. Besides being
a great story, there's a hidden quicktime movie in there, somewhere, so
you might want to look for it.
Sequel pre-production is moving at an amazing clip... the new year brings
some exciting developments. As always, this will be the place to hear
about them...
Have a healthy and happy holidays...
December
15th ---------------------------------------------
BREAKING NEWS!!! AMAZON.COM has just received additional copies of THE
ART OF THE MATRIX and are again able to ship before Christmas. They apparently
saw the rush on the book before they sold out and were only without the
book for a 24 hour period. To order on-line
CLICK HERE.
December
14th ---------------------------------------------
THE ART OF THE MATRIX book is selling beyond well, so well in fact,
they've sold out of stock at Amazon.com (they've more on order and will
be filling orders, but not before Christmas it seems). The good news
is, for the moment anyway, they've still got copies at Barnes and Noble
ready to ship within 24 hours. To order a copy in time for the holidays
CLICK HERE. If you still want to order through Amazon.com
CLICK HERE.
We're also pleased to announce that we are posting not one, not two,
but four new comic stories. They will be coming out through to new years
and into January. They are:
Troy Nixey: AN ASSET TO THE SYSTEM
A lone security guard gets in way over his head. He finds himself facing
off against an agent and a rebel: see who wins in January.
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Greg Ruth: A PATH AMONG STONES
A little girl is diagnosed with a form of schizophrenia, but is she
ill or just alone in her sanity?
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Dave Lapham: THERE ARE NO FLOWERS IN THE REAL WORLD
When everyone on his ship is killed in a Sentinel attack, a rebel is
trapped in THE MATRIX. While his real body clings to life, all he can
do is wait, hoping help will arrive in the real world to unplug him
from the Matrix. If all he had to worry about was dehydrating in the
real world, this might be an easy thing. But it's not. Find out just
how rough this guy has it within three weeks.
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Bill Sienkiewicz: BROADCAST DEPTH
Two precocious potentials attempt to plug into the Matrix to innocently
visit their mom. Little do they now that by doing so, they are leading
Sentinels right to their mother's ship. A bit of a tear jerker, this
one.
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ALL NEW STORIES FROM THE MATRIX!!!
Next week, Bill Sienkiewicz...
December
11th ---------------------------------------------
THE
ART OF THE MATRIX is in stores!!! This picture was taken Sunday night
in NYC. Word is, the books are moving briskly. Click the above image
for a larger look at the book caught in its natural habitat.
Or if you are among the new breed and prefer to buy on-line...
CLICK HERE.
Among
the last in the second series of comics is a story by Troy Nixey
(seen recently illustrating BATMAN).
An agent, a rebel and one lone security guard face off. It doesn't
sound like a balanced battle for this poor guard; see how he makes
out in January...
December
3rd ---------------------------------------------
The first shipment of books, about 9000 copies, are state-side
(the entire run on this first printing is only 35,000; second
printing is likely). They arrived just days ago and are currently
on the way to Norton's main distribution hub. THE ART OF THE MATRIX
will be in stores by December 11th. We've been sent an advance
review by Publisher's Weekly and the first word, review-wise,
is overwhelmingly positive. A related aside, the book was recently
offerred to THE MATRIX production office; not surprisingly, over
one hundred copies were ordered.
As to the sequels, pre-production is moving ahead full steam.
More on this soon...
As to the comics, the latest story is up, this one from comic-book
veteran Dave Gibbons, the artist behind the now seminal graphic
novel WATCHMEN. Regarding WATCHMEN, here's a bit of film related
info. At one point, a WATCHMEN film was almost made with Terry
Gilliam (BRAZIL, 12 MONKEES) to possibly direct. Some have said,
Dave Gibbons among them, that the film almost happened on the
success of the first BATMAN film. Of close, yet unrelated coincidence,
at least one draft of a WATCHMEN screenplay was scripted by Sam
Hamm, the writer behind the first BATMAN film. If you haven't
read the graphic novel WATCHMEN, do so. Simply put, there is good
cause for so much interest in the title. If you need a more specific
MATRIX related connection, we suggest you place the WATCHMEN trade
paperback on the same gift giving list as the forthcoming ART
OF THE MATRIX book.
As always, more news soon...
November
23rd ---------------------------------------------
The Art of the Matrix has landed!!! A few copies have been shipped
via air from the printer in Belgium to the U.S., but only a very
limited number. The first bulk shipment is expected on Monday,
via boat. We should have a definitive date books will be in stores
by Monday night. From the copy we've received, we can honestly
say fans are going to want this book. But don't take it from us.
Publisher's Weekly will be among the first reviews, due in the
November 27th issue. And of course you can pre-order it
here.
On the film front, the sequels are moving at break-neck speed.
We recently had the opportunity to talk to the returning artists,
Steve Skroce and Geof Darrow, along with the many new artists.
The art department has more than tripled from the first film (in-house
comments have already been made that the nearly 500 page book
of art for the first film is going to seem small compared to the
books for MATRIX II and III). With Larry and Andy Wachowski firmly
at the helm, the artists are all hard at work realizing the sequels,
which, far from hyperbole, are epic in scope. You'll get this
sense when the interviews start rolling out, interviews from inside
the pre-production camp. Fully geared, THE MATRIX office is something
to see, which, via the official site, you'll get to see for yourself,
first hand. The sequels are coming, as is behind-the-scenes access.
More as it breaks.
And of course, for those in the States, Happy Thanksgiving...
November
11th ---------------------------------------------
The Art of the Matrix book is still on track for a November release.
Advance word is strong. Here at the office, we're expecting bound
copies next week and will have breaking news on how the finished
book looks, along with pictures and comments.
On the comic front, the next story is one we're very excited about.
Fans of comics, and those fond of well told stories, will be well
acquainted with the work of Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN). Dave has
turned his razor sharp pen towards The Matrix and the result is
nothing short of spectacular. The story, entitled "BUTTERFLY,"
manages to be both action packed and thoughtful, something too
often attempted but rarely managed.
Here's
a peak...
Also in the weeks ahead: love is never simple, but when set in
The Matrix and told by the master storyteller David Lapham (Stray
Bullets), love gets a dark new twist. And if that's not enough,
Bill Sienkiewicz is back, this time with a massive and fully painted
story exploring, among other things Matrix related: motherhood.
More soon...
October 24th
---------------------------------------------
Just up, the latest story from Ted McKeever and Keron Grant, "DAY
IN, DAY OUT." Written by Ted and illustrated by Keron, this story
combines the talents of two leading comic book pros. BREAKING
NEWS: Keron just received word he's the new penciler for Marvel's
IRON MAN series. You'll be seeing his new character designs for
that book in the coming months, but for now, check out his second
outing in THE MATRIX.
October 18th
---------------------------------------------
Just in... the soon to be released book, THE ART OF THE MATRIX,
is right this moment coming off the presses in Belgium and should
be in stores before Thanksgiving. Unbound sheets straight from
Belgium are arriving in the office shortly. All looks set for
this to be exactly what many have been waiting for. More info
as it breaks.
October 1st
---------------------------------------------
More comic stories are on there way... here's a peek at the next
to launch conceived by Ted McKeever and illustrated by Keron Grant.
Have you ever wondered what becomes of a person an agent takes
over? The action heats up in, "DAY IN, DAY OUT."
Take a look...
Also in the news, the forthcoming book, THE ART OF THE MATRIX
is on track to being very well received. Advance buzz in ENTERTAINMENT
WEEKLY places it in their "future bestsellers" category. A large
488 page hardcover of art, script, and many extras, the book is
expected to ship in November.
Watch this space for breaking info on when stores will be receiving
shipments.
September
13th ---------------------------------------------
John Van Fleet's BURNING HOPE is now part of the ever expanding
catalogue of tales set in the world of THE MATRIX. To read
click here or on the left navigation bar.
September
5th ------------------------------------------------
Now up: Ted McKeever's second story set in the world of THE MATRIX.
Click here
or on the left navigation bar.
Also this week, a new FLASH interface for the comics. For those
new to the writers and artists we've been working with, this is
a cool way to find out a bit more about the stories before plunging
in...
Coming next week, another comic debut by John Van Fleet (BATMAN:
THE CHALICE). Fully painted, it tells of the unexpected turns
a rebel ship encounters on trying to "free" one little girl.
JOHN VAN FLEET: BURNING HOPE
LAUNCHING SEPTEMBER 13th. More soon...
August 30th
----------------------------------------------------
Ted McKeever and John Van Fleet are only two of the artists about
to hit your browser. Other all-star comic veterans currently working
on stories include: Troy Nixey (JENNY FINN), Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN)
and Dave Lapham (STRAY BULLETS). More details as we get them.
But, will we have news on the sequels? It's likely...
In the meantime, you'll want to check out the book hitting stores
soon, THE ART OF THE MATRIX. Nearly 500 pages of storyboards,
conceptual illustrations, interviews with the artists, the script,
cut scenes, plus loads more. It really is a different animal than
your typical film book. Check
out the full specs here.
August 7th
----------------------------------------------------
We're getting closer to the next story, by Ted McKeever. Take
a look...
July 14th
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It's time to make noise about the next batch of comic stories,
starting in August.
Ted McKeever brings us:
Guns, Mexico and a trio of world-weary Zion dwellers: witness
what happens when rebels rebel...
Not one, but four new stories begin posting in August. Keep an
eye posted here for the latest news. We might even be able to
talk about the sequels, considering pre-production has begun.
More soon...
July 6th ----------------------------------------------------
Today marks a few wonderfully large launches. First up, there's
a new full color 18 page comic by Keron Grant. This story introduces
SAGA, a little rebel being trained by the Oracle. She's not exactly
your typical pre-teen. See
Saga run, here.
Then there's Tommy Lee Edwards story. A virus is being introduced
into the Matrix and it's up to a small team of rebels to stop
it. Read the full
story here.
Other tweaks to the site include a new AWARDS
section, plus a very special section focusing on the forthcoming
488 page storyboard book. Read the details about this massive
tome and even pre-order a copy on-line. Click
here for THE ART OF THE MATRIX.
June 18th
----------------------------------------------------
The comics are getting a great response, which is appreciated.
But we know interest for news on the sequels is high. So, we caught
up with Steve Skroce, one of the storyboard artists for the first
MATRIX film. We can happily report: he's confirmed to be working
on THE MATRIX 2 and 3.
In fact, click here to hear it straight from Steve himself.
June 15th
----------------------------------------------------
It launches today, a brand new Paul Chadwick story. Find out what
happens when one man tries to take on THE MATRIX.
Check it out here.
We've also decided to preview a future story by Keron Grant. In
glorious full color, it's the story of Saga Talmer, one of the
Oracle's children. She's not exactly what you might expect from
a teen (or maybe it is, considering, these are MATRIX stories).
We've two sizes for the preview.
Click
here for the small version of SAGA.
Here
for the large.
June
5th ----------------------------------------------------
There's good reason to check out the MTV Movie awards this Thursday
night (June 8th--9pm ET/ 8pm CT). There are a bunch of nominations...
and the winner is?
One more bit of cool news: besides the new Paul Chadwick story
launching June 15th, we've another surprise up our sleeves. Things
are really heating up around the Matrix camp. More soon.
June 1st ----------------------------------------------------
So, you want news on THE MATRIX? Pre-production is ramping up,
meaning new interviews and info on the sequels are on the way.
Very soon, in fact. But for that MATRIX fix, stay tuned for the
new Paul Chadwick story coming June 15th. We're kind of looking
forward to the summer around here.
News
Archive 04/09/99---12/20/99
News Archive 12/20/99---06/01/00
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