SSN Awards Originals: Tim Webber, Joe Letteri, ‘The Lone Ranger’s Train Sequence, Oscar Analysis Part Three: Warner Bros.

AWARDS ORIGINALS

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

 

Awards Spotlight: ‘Gravity’ VFX Supervisor Tim Webber on Inventing the “Light Box” & Suspending Sandra Bullock with the 12-Wire Rig

A previous Oscar nominee for his work on The Dark Knight, Webber is an absolute lock to earn a second nod for his groundbreaking, mind-blowing work, and is most certainly the frontrunner to win it all. (SSN)

Awards Spotlight: ‘The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug’ VFX Supervisor Joe Letteri on Fashioning a Dragon off of Benedict Cumberbatch

Joe Letteri helped design the dinosaurs for Jurassic Park, James Cameron relied on him to create the Na’vi in Avatar, he created Gollum for The Lord of the Rings, the title character in King Kong, and Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Now, the four-time Oscar winner has overseen the making of the dragon Smaug for the second installment of the The Hobbit trilogy. (SSN)

Oscar Shortlist: The Inside Story of The Lone Ranger’s Train Sequence

The Lone Ranger, directed by Gore Verbinski, was critically derided and financially ruinous. Yet come March 2, it could also be an Oscar winner. And for good reason: It featured the most jaw-dropping visual effects sequence of the year. (SSN)

Oscar Analysis Part Three: The Future of Warner Bros. Overflows with Legos, Hobbits & One Very Giant Lizard

No fewer than 18 films are already set for release on Warner’s 2014 slate, with plenty of others in various stages of production. The projects in question run the gamut from animated, to tentpole, to prestigious—fare that should keep Warner Bros. not only atop the total gross list, but also in the conversation once awards season rolls around again. (SSN)  

OTHER ORIGINALS

 

Ron Burgundy’s Top 6 Marketing Moments of the ‘Anchorman 2′ Campaign

SSN lists our favorite Anchorman 2 marketing moments, from a full newscast in-character to The Newseum. (SSN)

Before The Final Barbara Walters ‘Most Fascinating People’ Special Airs – SSN Takes a Look Back

The 2013 edition of the Most Fascinating People is the last one to air before Walters’ scheduled retirement in May 2014. Here are some of our favorite memories from past editions. (SSN)

TV Castings For 12/19/13: Prince To Guest Star On ‘New Girl’ For Fox

SSN’s weekly report on the latest TV castings for pilots, new and current series across cable and broadcast. This week’s talent includes: Prince, Rob Corddry, Rosie Perez, Adrianne Palicki, Tom Berenger, Kelly Clarkson, Cheryl Hines, Danny Trejo, and more. (SSN)