THE PLYMOUTH PILOT - September 13, 2004

'Dork' comes to Centennial Park

Several scenes from the movie, "The Dork of the Rings," a parody on the popular "Lord of the Rings" films, was shot Sunday at Centennial Park in Plymouth. Above, Director and Executive Producer Tim Richardson films actors James Flannery (Ham) and Bryce Cone (Frudo Buggins) by their canoe on the river. Pilot Photos/Sarah Middaugh

PLYMOUTH - Richardson Productions, an independent film company of Edwardsburg, Mich., filmed approximately 15 scenes of their parody, "The Dork of the Rings" Sunday along the river of Centennial Park.

For the shoot, Director and Executive Producer Tim Richardson said they were filming the equivalent of the end of the first "Lord of the Rings" movie. Specifically, they filmed the main characters in canoes on the river, as well as the fight sequences between the fellowship and the Spork army.

"A lot of the scenes are short sequences," he said. "We had two different filming units going on at the same time." Jim Hall, an actor playing the role of Arogant in the film, said he grew up in the Plymouth area and suggested using Centennial Park for a shoot.

"When Tim was describing the scenes, I suggested Centennial Park," he said. "This was perfect for everything that we wanted. We have enough room to maneuver the camera in shooting the sequences, and still have the effect of a forest."

Lead artist Ian Strandberg said the production crew played a large role in designing costumes and special effects for the film.

"We designed the logos and emblems on the costumes," he said. In addition, we developed smoke and fog effects, as well as a giant nest for a battle scene. I love to try anything I can for the look of the film."

Overall, Richardson said the day's shoot was a success.

"The challenge with this film is creating the visual appeal," he said. "We want it to look like the real thing, and the river is really nice here. The scenery helps to echo the original film."

More artists are needed for makeup and costuming between now and November, Richardson added. To help, contact Tim Richardson at dotr@rpstudios.net.