Culture
Logan Teen Films Tolkien Adaptation, Plans Video Book Illustrations
By: Teresa Salizzoni | Logan Daily News
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Inspiration comes in a variety of ways. One Logan High School student found it in the famous movie and book series, The Lord of the Rings.
Hannah Barlow has made a short film and plans to make video book illustrations. The movie is an adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s "In the House of Tom Bombadil," a chapter from The Fellowship of the Ring.
Originally published in 1954, The Fellowship of the Ring is the first of three volumes of the epic novel, which takes place in the fictional universe of Middle-earth.
Barlow wrote and directed the piece, which was filmed in Hocking County. She began working on on this project four years ago at the age of 12.
“This was such an amazing experience and a dream come true,” she said.
The short move depicts four hobbits: Merry, Pippin, Frodo and Sam, who leave the Shire for the town of Bree, encountering some trouble with a willow tree along the way. They are rescued by the mysterious, yet whimsical character, Tom Bombadil.
As the hobbits linger in Bombadil’s hollow, danger lurks outside the Old Forest, and Frodo begins to question secrets the One Ring may hold. When morning dawns again the hobbits must face an important question: “Who is Tom Bombadil?”
During Monday's Logan-Hocking Board of Education meeting, the cast was presented with a certificate of appreciation and recognition of a job well-done.
“You have produced a remarkable piece. This board deeply appreciates the arts,” said President Ed Penrod.
L-R: Will Brooks, John Cummin, writer/director Hannah Barlow, Ben Barlow, Board President Ed Penrod (photo: Teresa Salizzoni/Logan Daily News)
It was cold during the filming, but those playing the roles wanted to act as the real characters would, so many didn’t wear shoes during the filming.
“It was so cold we had to put our feet by the fire after each set,” said John Cummin, who played Merry Brandybuck.
According to Barlow, the cast and crew filmed for three days, which amounted to approximately 24 hours of footage to produce the 12-minute short film.
Danny Woods shared his time and talent as the cinematographer, bringing a great level of professionalism to the making of the film, and many family and friends donated food, costumes and props.
“I am very appreciative,” said Barlow, who noted that most of the costumes were purchased from Goodwill Industries.
At 16 years of age, Barlow's future plans involve the movie-directing business. For now she plans to join the YEA! program offered through the Logan-Hocking Chamber of Commerce and start her own production company where she will illustrate books with video technology.
“You can scan so many things with the advanced technology we have today,” Barlow said. The book will come to life when the bar code is scanned.
The public can view In the Forest of Tom Bombadil on YouTube, where it has nearly 11,000 views.
“This is really exciting and such an honor. I can’t believe it has that many hits already,” said Barlow.
photo provided