Question: Is the Shannara information real?
Answer: It is. You can read the official press releases at Variety and the Hollywood Reporter. Keep in mind the people who wrote these articles do not know the books and have nothing to do with the project.
Question: Is there a way we fans can express our longing to start with The Sword of Shannara?
Answer: You are welcome to express your longing anytime. What I hear at this point, at least, is that studio interest is on the second book, The Elfstones of Shannara. Why would that be? Well, here are a few thoughts. Elfstones has stronger female characters, a better mix of men and women roles for actors and actresses. That will help with finding names to come aboard. It will also have some impact on the target audience. A mix of male and female characters has a better chance at attracting a larger spread of interest. You might remember that Peter Jackson enhanced the female roles in LotR enormously, probably for that very reason.
Question: Are you nervous about this at all? Are you worried that you won't like the finished project?
Answer: Sure, I'm nervous. We all know how movies of books sometimes don't live up to expectations. But in this case I have some reason to believe that it will all work out. Warner Brothers seems very committed to keeping to the basic storyline of the books and developing a series of movies rather than just one. That's in the nature of fantasy stories, as we know from the movies of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. So I try to keep a positive attitude. On the other hand, one of my author friends once told me that having your book made into a movie is like having your child kidnapped by a cult. I know the potential for that is there.
Question: What is the reaction of family/friends/other authors to all of this? Are they generally supportive of the idea?
Answer: Are you kidding? They can't wait! My kids are already in line for tickets. They all think it is a great idea.
Question: Do you think this movie will be well-received by people who have never read your books before?
Answer: I can't imagine why not if the movie is well made . I don't think you need to have read a book to enjoy a movie of it or visa versa. My hope is that many people who have not read my books will see the movie and be intrigued enough to want to read the books afterwards.
Question: What are you most looking forward to about seeing one of your works on the big screen?
Answer: The fame, the fortune, taking meetings in Hollywood, hanging out with movie stars. Kidding. I suppose I want to see if they can do it. I am possessive of my work, but the idea of having it transformed from words into images is very intriguing. It is one reason I agreed to do the graphic novel that is coming out next spring, Dark Wraith of Shannara. We live in an age when there is more than one good way to create an art form, and I think you have to embrace those possibilities.
Question: Do you have any thoughts as to where they should stage the film (looks like Shannara to you)?
Answer: Not really. Nor any thoughts about casting. I have always subscribed to the belief that you let the readers meet you halfway in the creative process. A writer shouldn't usurp the reader's ability to imagine how characters look and act. To the extent that the story will allow it, you should let the reader's imagination take over. A story feels more personal that way. I suppose I think the same thing about making a movie of my books. You should give the people making the movie some latitude in the creative process and try not to be too possessive.
Question: Will the first movie (Elfstones) be made in 1 movie that is 2.0 - 3.5 hrs long or will it be broken up to provide more detail across a 2 or 3 movie presentation?
Answer: Couldn't tell you at this point. I'm not sure that decision has been made. I wouldn't even bet on which book will be the basis for that first movie. I think we have to wait and see.
Question: Who would you cast as Allanon? Who would you cast as Amberle and Eretria?
Answer: See the answer above. I have no thoughts on casting.
Question: Will you be a producer for the films (ie. make sure they are good enough to be called Shannara)?
Answer: No. I am little more than a lowly consultant, available to answer questions and offer insights if asked. My life as an author is plenty full as it is. I really don't have time for anything else. Besides, you have to trust that the people making the movie will do the right thing.
Question: Got a director yet?
Answer: As a matter of fact, yes. This just happened last week. Mike Newell, who directed Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, has signed on as director of the movie. I am told he is a fan of the Shannara books. We are all very excited about this. I know his work and love it, and I think he will do a terrific job. Read more about this in the annual 2007 Christmas Letter, just recently posted.
Question: Will Web Druid do something special on the website or on a website for the movie? (ie. concept art, locations, interviews with the actors once they get cast, etc)?
Answer: No, Web Druid will stay home where he belongs. We might give him a free pass to the movie if he behaves himself.
Question: Can you tell them to hurry up, so I can see my favorite book on the big screen?
Answer: Be careful what you wish for. In any case, a movie is at least three years out by my reckoning.
Question: What are the details of the deal? Can they still release a film after the 3 years are up? If they simply haven't released it yet but started producing it.
Answer: Not answering this.
Question: Can I be an extra? I don't need lines just a quick camera shot of my face, so I can be a part of the best movie to ever get made (if you oversee of course). I volunteer.
Answer: We will need Trolls and Gnomes. Lots of them. Ugly ones are best, but if you need makeup, we can help you out. Practice by grunting and looking fierce. Also, prepare to die.
Question: Can you tell us the major scenes that will be in the movie? Or some that will be cut out?
Answer: No. That is up to the director. I think everyone wants to keep the book as intact as time and space will allow, but there will necessarily be some cutting and combining.
Question: Are you advising as to the looks of characters and locations?
Answer: See the answer above.
Question: Will you make a cameo appearance? (that would be awesome)
Answer: I doubt it. If I do, I will wave to the camera so you will recognize me.
Question: Will Eldon Thompson (if they go with his script) make a cameo?
Answer: If he is out of jail by then, perhaps. Kidding.
Question: Will Shawn Speakman make a cameo?
Answer: If he is out of jail by then, perhaps. What?
Question: How involved are you in the film/s?
Answer: See answer above.
Question: Will the Ellcrys have a voice (for moviegoers to understand better) or only images for her words?
Answer: This will be up to the director.
Question: Will the demons be so awesome that we will have nightmares?
Answer: You will never enjoy a sound night's sleep again once you've seen the movie, if I have my way. But you never know. Perhaps they will decide to use the Teletubbies.
Question: What made Warner Bros. offer more appealing then others Terry got over the years?
Answer: Several things. First, they are an established movie studio with a lot of clout. Second, they have a good track record with fantasy movies. Third, they made me a very good offer. Fourth, it just felt right.
Question: Will this be a franchise or just one movie?
Answer: I think everyone wants to see this work as a franchise. But for that to happen, the first movie has to do well.
Question: How will you come to an agreement between the writing the new saga (Genesis of Shannara) and the overseeing all the making of the movie?
Answer: Won't be hard, as you may have gathered from some of the answers above. My efforts are concentrated primarily on writing books. The making of the movie is someone else's problem. If asked to assist, I will endeavor. But I am not waiting by the phone.
Question: What happens if Terry isn't satisfied with the final outcome?
Answer: This is a case of Like it or Lump it. But I am hopeful that everyone will do their best and I won't have to live dissatisfaction. Whatever happens, the books remain intact and true to my own vision. I believe the movie will go the same route.
Question: What would the ideal cast look like? Well-known actors, relatively unheard-of ones, or a mix of both?
Answer: No clue, no preference. This is up to Mike Newell and others involved in the production.
Question: If Elfstones is chosen as the first movie, what part are you most anxious to see on the big screen?
Answer: What? You kidding me? All of it.
Question: Any word on a Running With the Demon film?
Answer: That book is not being offered up to anyone at present. We have decided to take a wait and see attitude on the other projects before acting on Demon. Might never happen.
Question: Will Mr. Brooks have any say in the scripting process, such as final approval or creative consulting, etc.?
Answer: I am being consulted about prospective treatments from various screen writers and my thoughts and comments are being considered. But the decision of choosing a screenwriter rests with the director and the studio.
Question: Will this movie be animation or live-action?
Answer: Live action, I am told.
Question: Will the movie be primarily Computer Graphics for the demons, or costumes/makeup?
Answer: Don't know, but I would guess that computer graphics are going to be a big part of things.
Question: Are they actively pursuing the creation of this franchise or is it a purchase with no greenlight?
Answer: It is an option with a pick up price if they decide to go ahead with the making of the movie. Standard procedure in the movie business where making a movie out of a book. But indications at present are that Warner Brothers is very committed to this happening and they are actively pursuing the creation of a franchise.
Question: Will Mr. Brooks get proper credit for the adaptation from the books or just a small print credit?
Answer: I think there is something specific in the contract about this. Like the print on screen has to be big enough for me to read it when I turn eighty or something.
Question: Any projected date (tentative release) that Warner Bros. would like to see the movie come out by if everything went according to plan?
Answer: Within three years would be ideal. That was before the current writers strike. I imagine things might be revised somewhere depending on how long the strike lasts.
Question: Will the books get re-issued with new covers to coincide with the release of the film?
Answer: Well, that's the publisher's call. I am sure they will reissue Elfstones with a movie cover.
Landover Movie FAQ
Question: I heard in the movie script Ben Holiday has two teenagers who accompany him to Landover. Is this true?
Answer: It was true. The original first screenplay draft had two children that went with Ben to Landover and who raised the stakes for him while there. They increased the tension, but did not have an outcome on the overall storyarc. Since all characters must have a storyarc of their own, they have been removed, but could easily be put back in at any point.