332: SilmFilm 2-21: Script Outlines (Episodes 9 – 13)

331: SilmFilm 2-20: Script Outlines (Episodes 5 – 8)

330: SilmFilm 2-19: Script Outlines (Episodes 1 – 4)

329: SilmFilm 2-18: The Killing of the Trees, Frame and Bad Guy Subplots

Now that we’ve worked through the details of each episode, we will solidify the season-long arcs, the frame narrative, and the subplots of our major villains.

328: SilmFilm 2-17: Episode 13 – The Season Finale

In which we discuss the major themes of the show: the tragedy of loss and tragic falls of the main characters we have been developing throughout the last two seasons.

327: SilmFilm 2-16: Episode 12

326: SilmFilm 2-15: Episode 11 – Saga of Feänor at Formenos

325: SilmFilm 2-14: Episode 10 – The Kinstrife

In Episode 10 of the season, we bring Fingolfin and Fëanor into conflict – finally revealing Fëanor for the jerk he really is.

324: SilmFilm: BONUS! SilmFilm Special: The Season 2 Frame

323: SilmFilm 2-13: Episode 9 – Finally! The Flippin’ Silmarils!

After a season and a half, we’re finally ready to introduce the things at the center of the story: the Silmarils! Plus, we get ready for the next episode, where the central conflict of the season will come to a head.

322: SilmFilm 2-12: Episode 8 – Everybody Loves Fingolfin

By the eighth episode of the season, we are getting ready for a bit of a twist as we prepare for the trial of Melkor and shift towards the real conflict of the season.

321: SilmFilm 2-11: Episode 7 – Spirit of Fire (aka The Silmarillion needs more Rap Battles)

This episode focuses on the Noontide of Valinor, and in particular on the growth in Fëanor’s skill as a master smith, with lots of foreshadowing of him smithing with the red glow of forge-fire on his face.

320: SilmFilm 2-10: Episode 6 – Finwë has a lot of reproductive work to do

In the sixth episode of Season 2, we work out the details of Fëanor’s birth and the death of his mother Miriel, establishing parallels between the two and laying the foundation’s for Fëanor’s doom.

319: SilmFilm 2-09: Episode 5 – The Enemies and The Surfer Elves

In this session, we revisit the Thingol and Melian story, take a hard look at Sauron’s posse, and map out the structure of Season 2, Episode 5, which focuses on the arrival of the Noldor and Vanyar.

318: SilmFilm 2-08: Episode 4 – The Avari (The Unwilling)

In the fourth episode of Season 2, we show the developing power struggle between Gothmog and Mairon, and the return of Lenwë to the Avari.

317: SilmFilm 2-07: Episode 3 - DeGreat DeBate

Episode 3 of Season 2 will focus on the debate amongst the elves about whether to remain in Middle-earth or head over to Valinor.

316: SilmFilm 2-06: Episode 2 – “Don’t Get in the Van, Elwë!”

In the second episode of Season 2, the Elvish ambassadors take a trip to Valinor.

315: SilmFilm 2-05: Episode 1 – Crisis in Cuivienen

Discussion and outline of the first episode of Season 2, starting with Arwen’s frame story, which leads into the story of the awakening of the elves on the shores of Cuivienen.

314: SilmFilm 2-04: Linguistics, etc.

Discussion about the linguistics of the Silmarillion, the continuing the Big Picture stuff for Season 2, and the sundering of races, as well as material culture and other markers.

313: SilmFilm 2-03: The Elves

Today is the day we talk about the Elves – how they came to be and their divisions.

312: SilmFilm 2-02: Episode Calendar

Deciding on general outline for season 2 – not in detail, as we will map out episode-by-episode plots later.

311: SilmFilm 2-01: Brainstorming

Discussing the big-picture overview of the season, starting with the the awakening of the Elves at Cuivienen (from their point of view) and ending with the Darkening of Valinor.

SilmFilm 1-20: Script Outlines

We bring on some additional panelists this week to discuss script outlines and fill in the holes left in our episodic discussions. Guest panelists include Karita Alexander, Brian Fattorini, Nick Palazzo, and Marie Prosser.

SilmFilm 1-19: Music

Joining us for a discussion of the musical score is John DiBartolo of the Lonely Mountain Band. We also will listen to clips of proposed character themes from composer Philip Menzies.

SilmFilm 1-18: Casting Poll Results and Costuming

We review the results of our casting poll from Session 16 and discuss what we’d like to see our newly cast … uh, cast … wear.

SilmFilm 1-17: Envisioning Arda - Sets/Locations

Following up on our casting conversation, this time we’re talking about how we want things to look. What type of forests should fill Valinor? What architecture styles should we use for the Valar (and the elves who copy them)? What other visual considerations do we need to make?

SilmFilm 1-16: Casting

Now that we’ve mapped out the characters, plot and action of the 13-episode first season, we get to decide who we’d like to see play the parts! This casting call includes a discussion forum component, so be sure to join in the fun!

SilmFilm 1-15: Episode 13 - The War to Begin All Wars

In the 2-hour season finale, the culmination of the strife amongst the Valar comes to a head with three councils, two summonings, and an epic battle that will establish the Platonic ideal for all future battles.

SilmFilm 1-14: Episode 12 - Can’t Kick the Orc Can Anymore

We’ve gone too long without discussing the Mûmakil in the room: those darn orcs. In this session, we stop kicking that tin ration packaging down the road and deal with the inevitable.

SilmFilm 1-13: Episode 11 - Aulë and the Dwarves

In this episode, we explore why Aulë does what he does, showing parallels with Melkor and planting the seeds of impatience for the Coming of the Children of Iluvatar amongst the Valar.