Behind the scenes on how The Hunt for Gollum was crafted by a team of indie film-makers in the UK. Featurette by Steven McInerney. www.thehuntforgollum.com
The hunt for Gollum is a most excellent piece of work. I find it almost unbelieveable, that such a wellmade film can be made on such a small budget. THX gentlemen- an women- for putting such an effort into it.
As a huge fan of the books and the Peter Jackson films I can only say how hugely impressed I was with your film. I don't know what I expected from a low budget 'prequel' but I was completely blown away. The music, costumes, cinematography and acting were all brilliant ! Very well done to all of you. You also seem to have got the atmosphere and colour pallette of the Jackson movies off to a tee. Great 4 stars !!
This short movie is of excellent quality considering the budget. I like the actors, costumes, decors and atmosphere. Doesn't look cheap. I believe Kate is very talented with a great future ahead of her.
THe world deserves to continue to see this kind of commitment put behind Fanfilms. Ide like to see it become easyer for tax breaks and subsidies become available for people doing these projects. !!
I'm ridiculously impressed. I can't get over how much effort, professionalism and selflessness was brought to such a "small" project. It's genuinely inspiring.
This is for all of you who made this movie. I don't think I can thank you all enough. You did a fantastic job! All that work for no compensation! You all really did a bang up job!!
What a great prequel. For those suggesting on which might be better, given funding, PJ's version vs. this team's version, I think we all need to consider something - PJ started from (practically) scratch in showing us Middle Earth. This film does not, and draws a buttload of its' style and presentation, ranging from costumes, sets, character appearances, (even the font on the title), etc, from PJ's vision of the films. Don't get me wrong, I reckon these guys get a lot of things, not least of all some of the LOTR lore pretty good, (without the somewhat over-the-top style we all know well from PJ- Legolas surfing a Mumakil kinda stuff), however, we still need to remember that PJ and his team gave us this wonderful presentation of Middle Earth visually and audibly, without which films like this wouldn't have the same base.
wow just wow absolutely really amazing cinematic experience as a middle earth geek, nerd, a really great film indeed, movie going experience overall.Really very talented specia, group of, folks, guys,people an amazing group of cast, crew , production, cgi, costume design, make up artists, special effects guys, tech, camera, crew indeed.
I have read the books twice, watch the movies more then 100 times. I have one thing to say: Respect. How you got the feeling right, especially with Aragorn and the other Ranger, it was a wonderful scene! I am really looking forward for the next movie!
How I never saw this before boggles my mind. UA-cam should read the comments and know how much fans of the lore loved this labor of love and then direct all Tolkien channels' subs to these two videos.
okay, now that I will agree with. it is amazing that they did this, esspecially a fan film! what a donation to the art of film! it still makes me come back and watch every day! its insanely well done, there are only like 3 shots out of the whole film that are less than perfect. its nutty good.
This is incredible! The greatest triumph is the tone here, and some really good editing moments, the performances - the dialogue rhythm. The writing quality. And the music! Respect to all involved. Would be interesting to see someone deepfake Viggo, Ian and Liv onto the respective (awesome) actors, just to see how close they got to the films. Jackson and Serkis would be proud. Their version in 2026 already has a beautiful companion piece. Once again, well done!
Ok I said this already on the movie page, but I have to do it again, so here it goes, to everyone included in the production of this movie: THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
He did such a good job that I had to do a dubble take and make sure it was not Viggo. In all honesty is I thought this was done by PJ and was shocked that it was not an offical movie. So great work and keep it up.
Amazed at the behind the scenes tricks they used to get big movie production quality without blowing the big movie budget on equipment. The improvised camera boom, with pipes and bolts and concrete counterweights accomplished the same results as equipment that Hollywood studios would spend 10's or even 100's of thousands of dollars on.
This is truly an amazing production. And with a budget of no more than $5,000? I'm amazed. And like DMaustrap said further down: Now it's time to do the Tom Bombadil sequence! :)
OMG I'm glad you did this! I'm what you would probably call a Yank, 64, and a Tolkien crazy fan since '72. I'm also a musician, and have been an extra, so it was wonderful to see the bits n pieces, ins and outs of the thing... and I think everyone did a superb job. Absolutely over the top, and you should get serious creds in your industries for this work! I'm afraid we have too many people over here who won't do something unless they get paid, so you have shown them up quite thoroughly. Good on ya, mates! :-) p.s... do another? Please? I'll come help! :-D
Felicidades por el corto. Este trabajo de aficionados con bajo presupuesto es excelente. Congratulations for the short. For a low budget fan-made this is excelent work.
don't forget, transportation costs, catering costs, they had a lot of costs they just did not include. or that individuals working on the project absorbed themselves without adding it to the cost of the project. like I said, this is the COOLEST fan film I have ever seen, and its an incredible achievement, just think they fudged some numbers to try to look cooler.-)
Agreed, BUT this guy DID do a great job also. Playing Aragorn AFTER Viggo's performance would be a HUGE role to fill only because now Viggo is practically the face of Aragorn and somewhat type-casted as Aragorn, ANYBODY playing Aragorn afterwards would have a hard time filling in those shoes. ANYBODY that would attempt the role of Aragorn would automatically come under the criticism, scrutiny, and comparison of critics - especially compared to Viggo. Given that i this guy did an excellent job.
aragorn IS gloomy because he can't have arwen until in lotr/jackson's trilogy where, he can have her IF he saves middle earth, like elrond said. This guy played it right. im now watching FOTR because of this. great job
Hey, I like the "Turn the lights on/off" option !! It's much better when they're off =) Great making-of. But everything you guys do is great anyway, so I wasn't expecting anything else =)
Amazing! When an author writes a book for the love of writing, it makes a great book, when producers make a film for the love of it, it makes a great movie and when a JRR Tolkien fan watches, it makes a great watch!! Can't believe you made this movie with less money than our prime minister invests to get one his speeches written for him. Kuddos p.s: please remake the battle of Gondor
You guys are really professionals. Im honestly all the way impressed.Two of the hugest problems low budget films face, are bad stories and bad actors. Nothing can bring a film down more then a horrible storyline played by terrible actors. A lot of film directors settle for bad actors because the cant afford to get good ones. But this film was all around a giant success. The production quality was amazing. And for me to not even be a fan of LOTR, this blew me away. Great job. A+. Keep it up.
Love alll the art department stuff. Along with everything else, of course. If I didn't live in the States I totally would have come to help. ^_^ I love your prosthetic man's Halo 3 t-shirt and Casino Royale in the window..(I think it was a window)
Amazing! When an author writes a book for the love of writing, it makes a great book, when producers make a film for the love of it, it makes a great movie and when a JRR Tolkien fan watches, it makes a great watch!! Can't believe you made this movie with less money than our prime minister invests to get one his speeches written for him. Kuddos
This is what fans film should be like nowadays. A true Homage to a Franchise they love.
The hunt for Gollum is a most excellent piece of work. I find it almost unbelieveable, that such a wellmade film can be made on such a small budget. THX gentlemen- an women- for putting such an effort into it.
It's so lovely that so many people from so many countries and backgrounds can come together to pay homage to such a great story and world.
Almost a decade and it still holds up!
As a huge fan of the books and the Peter Jackson films I can only say how hugely impressed I was with your film. I don't know what I expected from a low budget 'prequel' but I was completely blown away. The music, costumes, cinematography and acting were all brilliant ! Very well done to all of you. You also seem to have got the atmosphere and colour pallette of the Jackson movies off to a tee. Great 4 stars !!
This short movie is of excellent quality considering the budget. I like the actors, costumes, decors and atmosphere. Doesn't look cheap. I believe Kate is very talented with a great future ahead of her.
This is so freakin' INSPIRING!!!! GOOD JOB EVERYONE!!
THe world deserves to continue to see this kind of commitment put behind Fanfilms. Ide like to see it become easyer for tax breaks and subsidies become available for people doing these projects. !!
Hunt for Gollum and Born of Hope are soooo awesome!!! Very well made films. Wish I could be in one of those fan films! :) They're perfect!!!
I'm ridiculously impressed. I can't get over how much effort, professionalism and selflessness was brought to such a "small" project. It's genuinely inspiring.
Amazing what dedicated volunteers do in this world- whether a film or real life. Thanks for this to all!
This is for all of you who made this movie. I don't think I can thank you all enough. You did a fantastic job! All that work for no compensation! You all really did a bang up job!!
Amazing that you all did this as volunteer work. Bravo. This movie was brilliantly made!
AMAZING!!! Chris and his Team gives the whole art work a breath of life to it - Superb Quality.
it was an amazing film, very well done. Very happy to see so many people come together out of love for the books and the movies.
Couldn't have been a better add for me at the start. The Hobbit The Desolation of Smaug.
What a great prequel.
For those suggesting on which might be better, given funding, PJ's version vs. this team's version, I think we all need to consider something - PJ started from (practically) scratch in showing us Middle Earth. This film does not, and draws a buttload of its' style and presentation, ranging from costumes, sets, character appearances, (even the font on the title), etc, from PJ's vision of the films.
Don't get me wrong, I reckon these guys get a lot of things, not least of all some of the LOTR lore pretty good, (without the somewhat over-the-top style we all know well from PJ- Legolas surfing a Mumakil kinda stuff), however, we still need to remember that PJ and his team gave us this wonderful presentation of Middle Earth visually and audibly, without which films like this wouldn't have the same base.
wow just wow absolutely really amazing cinematic experience as a middle earth geek, nerd, a really great film indeed, movie going experience overall.Really very talented specia, group of, folks, guys,people an amazing group of cast, crew , production, cgi, costume design, make up artists, special effects guys, tech, camera, crew indeed.
I loved it! Huge lotr fan and this is good stuff!
I always love making-ofs, but the making of an amazing fanfilm that cost less than £5.000 is even more interesting. Awesome job, guys ! Love this.
This is wonderful- really shows all the work you put behind it to the rest of us. Very well done.
That was really ambitious project! Huge respect for the whole crew for finishing it, and giving to the people :) Amazing!
Really love the short movie, can watch it over and over!
Great job, guys.
I have read the books twice, watch the movies more then 100 times.
I have one thing to say: Respect.
How you got the feeling right, especially with Aragorn and the other Ranger, it was a wonderful scene! I am really looking forward for the next movie!
THIS IS AWESOME ASWELL!! YOU'RE AWESOME
How I never saw this before boggles my mind. UA-cam should read the comments and know how much fans of the lore loved this labor of love and then direct all Tolkien channels' subs to these two videos.
okay, now that I will agree with. it is amazing that they did this, esspecially a fan film! what a donation to the art of film! it still makes me come back and watch every day! its insanely well done, there are only like 3 shots out of the whole film that are less than perfect. its nutty good.
Awesome acting & cinematography! A real joy to watch.
This is incredible! The greatest triumph is the tone here, and some really good editing moments, the performances - the dialogue rhythm. The writing quality. And the music! Respect to all involved. Would be interesting to see someone deepfake Viggo, Ian and Liv onto the respective (awesome) actors, just to see how close they got to the films. Jackson and Serkis would be proud. Their version in 2026 already has a beautiful companion piece. Once again, well done!
very well done, indeed. I really enjoyed both the Hunt for Gollum and the behind the scenes. very interesting seeing all of it. Bravo!
The series are great. Hoping to make mine almost as good as yours. Keep it going!
Great job.
Beautiful!...loved the story and the making of the story...kudos
Amazing. Just amazing. I hope to see more from you because this just blew me away.
Excellent job to all... What a pleasant find on the net for me and my kids.. we love LOTR and this work is worthy~!
Ok I said this already on the movie page, but I have to do it again, so here it goes, to everyone included in the production of this movie:
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
He did such a good job that I had to do a dubble take and make sure it was not Viggo. In all honesty is I thought this was done by PJ and was shocked that it was not an offical movie. So great work and keep it up.
You guys are all great. It's really quite inspiring actually. Thank you for making this fantastic film.
YOU ALL DID A GREAT JOB.!!!
I enjoyed the short film very much. Just an incredible effort all around.
Amazed at the behind the scenes tricks they used to get big movie production quality without blowing the big movie budget on equipment. The improvised camera boom, with pipes and bolts and concrete counterweights accomplished the same results as equipment that Hollywood studios would spend 10's or even 100's of thousands of dollars on.
I love the composure at the end of this video
thank's a MILLION! it was really worth watching!
Just imagine what motivated actors, producers, directors, and supporting cast could do with a decent amount of money, having such immense motivation!
Ur an inspiration for all indie filmmakers. Props on the fan films success :D
For what they had TO WORK WITH
they did awEsome..KEPT MY attention. Great job people..;)
Excellent vid. Thanks for giving us a look at how the film was made.
Never heard of this....Sounds really awesome. And on such a small budget!
This is truly an amazing production. And with a budget of no more than $5,000? I'm amazed.
And like DMaustrap said further down: Now it's time to do the Tom Bombadil sequence! :)
OMG I'm glad you did this! I'm what you would probably call a Yank, 64, and a Tolkien crazy fan since '72. I'm also a musician, and have been an extra, so it was wonderful to see the bits n pieces, ins and outs of the thing... and I think everyone did a superb job. Absolutely over the top, and you should get serious creds in your industries for this work! I'm afraid we have too many people over here who won't do something unless they get paid, so you have shown them up quite thoroughly. Good on ya, mates! :-) p.s... do another? Please? I'll come help! :-D
The way The Hunt For Gollum was made was impressive. Even with a $5,000 budget.
This is great, would have loved to of helped work on this, great job guys on such a low budget!
very professional
Who’s here after the announcement 😍
simply amazing...THANK YOU for such a great film.
xoxo
Pure love of art.
excellent! loved it all keep up the great work. can't wait for more
Felicidades por el corto. Este trabajo de aficionados con bajo presupuesto es excelente.
Congratulations for the short. For a low budget fan-made this is excelent work.
Wouldn't be an epic Lord of the Rings movie without kick-ass extras. Nice vid.
this vid is amazing!! love the "movie", and i couldn't believe that it lasted for 40 whole minutes!! it felt like something along 15....
this and the hunt for gollum is amazing!!!!
Just pure geniuses! :)
don't forget, transportation costs, catering costs, they had a lot of costs they just did not include. or that individuals working on the project absorbed themselves without adding it to the cost of the project. like I said, this is the COOLEST fan film I have ever seen, and its an incredible achievement, just think they fudged some numbers to try to look cooler.-)
wonderful work you guys and gals did!! Lotr fans like me thank you!
Seeing another Dúnedain is like the feeling when I saw other Jedi like Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi Won in Episode 1 of Star Wars.
truely truely amazing
This should get nominated for oscar Best Short Film, Live Action
It was very nice to watch and i honestly found it very thrilling and tense . . Very nice
Maravilloso, gran trabajo , felicidades a todos.
Amazing movie! I love it!
amazing job!
Wow! Much respect!
Ребята, Вы проделали огромную, великолепную работу. Почет Вам и уважение!
Желаю удачи.
Lovely! Great job!
Great film, fantastic people, so inspiring!
Bloody awesome!
Outstanding !!!!
awesome awesome job. so professional. the scenery is beautiful.
Would have loved to work in a group like this one!
You guys are geniuses...Making film from scratch..and not using CGI Tech..just like, the first star wars movie..
Agreed, BUT this guy DID do a great job also. Playing Aragorn AFTER Viggo's performance would be a HUGE role to fill only because now Viggo is practically the face of Aragorn and somewhat type-casted as Aragorn, ANYBODY playing Aragorn afterwards would have a hard time filling in those shoes. ANYBODY that would attempt the role of Aragorn would automatically come under the criticism, scrutiny, and comparison of critics - especially compared to Viggo. Given that i this guy did an excellent job.
Loved the thing man
amazingly inspiring
Great Job! I loved the movie)
Me encantan los "Making of"
aragorn IS gloomy because he can't have arwen until in lotr/jackson's trilogy where, he can have her IF he saves middle earth, like elrond said. This guy played it right. im now watching FOTR because of this. great job
for such a great indie film, its really sad that they made no money off of this. It really deserves more credit than it has
wow you guy's put alot into this film!
I hope the make more, this is really good
This is an awsome movie!
i like this vid. and the film thy made, good job guys!
GREAT JOB ; GOOD LUCK FOR THE FUTURE ; HOPE TO SEE MORE ART FROM TOLKIEN MADE BY U GUYS , FOR EXAMPLE SONS OF HURIN ; SUPPORT FROM MOROCCO CASABLANCA
very very cool!
Hey, I like the "Turn the lights on/off" option !! It's much better when they're off =)
Great making-of. But everything you guys do is great anyway, so I wasn't expecting anything else =)
Amazing!
When an author writes a book for the love of writing, it makes a great book, when producers make a film for the love of it, it makes a great movie and when a JRR Tolkien fan watches, it makes a great watch!!
Can't believe you made this movie with less money than our prime minister invests to get one his speeches written for him.
Kuddos
p.s: please remake the battle of Gondor
What passion can produce :) There is no need for millions after millions of dollars to create something nice ;)
amazing guys, i can only hope my feature (currently in pre-prod.) will be anywhere near as good as this
You guys are really professionals. Im honestly all the way impressed.Two of the hugest problems low budget films face, are bad stories and bad actors. Nothing can bring a film down more then a horrible storyline played by terrible actors. A lot of film directors settle for bad actors because the cant afford to get good ones. But this film was all around a giant success. The production quality was amazing. And for me to not even be a fan of LOTR, this blew me away. Great job. A+. Keep it up.
fairplay, thats excellent
Love alll the art department stuff. Along with everything else, of course. If I didn't live in the States I totally would have come to help. ^_^ I love your prosthetic man's Halo 3 t-shirt and Casino Royale in the window..(I think it was a window)
Amazing!
When an author writes a book for the love of writing, it makes a great book, when producers make a film for the love of it, it makes a great movie and when a JRR Tolkien fan watches, it makes a great watch!!
Can't believe you made this movie with less money than our prime minister invests to get one his speeches written for him.
Kuddos
great movie i realy realy realy enjoied every minute