The Universe of Fandom

Oh, this fandom is huge! It's big in numbers, it has unrivaled enthusiasm and loyalty, it's vocal and not shy, it varies in age, social status and even overall literary tastes. I honestly never encountered a virtual group of people so implicitly dedicated to one thing (where no politics, religion or sports are concerned, that is).
Everybody in the show-business who gets involved in the Twilight universe should realize early on, that not only it's an easy way to fame and fortune, but also a humongous pressure and scrutiny from some very involved fans :) What I'm trying to say here, is that the clout of the TwiFandom can be much wider than you think!

Naturally, as any book affectionados, twifans congregate around the libraries, that's a given. Then there's a whole movie business. Anything and everything touched (however lightly) by Twilight Saga becomes an object of mass-obsession. Rabid fans (such as myself) follow closely careers of musicians that were featured on soundtracks, directors, actors (past, present and potential future), everybody gets their share of admiration and affection. As long as they show no disrespect to the beloved novel, they can do no wrong. Period. True fans are extremely protective of their idols. Twifans segregate on the internet, around the bookclub communities (for example, on Goodread's YA section), blogs (such as this one), on forums and fanfiction sites (as we discussed last week).
The Twilight-community has THE POWER to bring someone involved with any of Twi-related projects 1000s of followers on Twitter, or collect 1000s of dollars for a charity. There are quite a few charities closely involved with Twilight fandom. Alex's Lemonade Stand fighting childhood cancer, is one of the big ones. Another one, TwiHards for Charity was presented earlier this year by Peter Facinelli. Rachelle Lefevre and Kellan Lutz are very active in the animal charities (Best Friends and PETA, respectively) and thanks to them, I'm sure, thousands of cats and dogs found a loving and passionate owner.
Are you involved in some kind of twi-related community? Do you support/participate in fan-generated charity events? Do you belong in any groups/forums? Do tell so we can check them out.

Eclipse Quote of the Day #61

"And the sound of your heart. It’s the most significant sound in my world." - Edward

Bill Condon sends a letter to Twi Fans!

Bill Condon just issued the below via the Twilight saga facebook page:

Greetings Twihards, Twifans, Twilight Moms, Team Edward, Team Jacob and Team Switzerland,

I just want to say hello to all of you and let you know that I'm stoked to be getting underway on the adventure of making BREAKING DAWN. As you've probably heard, I've been given a very warm welcome by Stephenie and Team Summit - who are super-focused, as you know, on getting these movies right.

I'm pretty busy bringing myself up to speed on what you already know by heart: I've read BREAKING DAWN twice, rewatched Catherine's and Chris's movies 2-3 times each, have all four CDs playing in my car, and have Catherine's notebook, Mark Cotta Vaz's companion books, and even Volume 1 of the graphic novel here on my desk - a corner of my office is starting to look like Hot Topic. I realize that this barely qualifies me for "newborn" status in the universe you've been living inside for a few years now, but a guy's gotta start somewhere.

Like many of you, I've always been slightly obsessed with vampires, dating back to the prime-time series DARK SHADOWS, which I followed avidly as a kid. But that alone hadn't been enough to get me interested in making a vampire movie, even though my early screenwriting and directing efforts grew out of a great love for horror movies and thrillers. Since making GODS AND MONSTERS thirteen years ago, however, I've been yearning for a return to a story with Gothic overtones.

The wonderful world that Stephenie has created has obviously struck a chord with you, and I don't think it's difficult to see why. For me, her characters are simultaneously timeless, yet very modern. Rooted in a beautiful, real landscape with a great sense of place, Bella, Edward, Jacob, and the rest of the Forks/La Push menagerie, experience emotions that are primal, and universal: desire, despair, jealousy - and it all comes to fruition in BREAKING DAWN. This is a final chapter in the best sense; not just wide in scope and scale, but emotionally charged and intense throughout.

I'm a huge admirer of the already-iconic Kristen, Robert, and Taylor, and wanted to be the one to work with them as they face the challenges of bringing your beloved characters to the end of their journeys. Really, what could be more fun than that?

Please feel free to ask questions in the comments section below, and I'll do my best to answer them. I hope that this will be the first of many occasions I'll get to check in with you as we set to work bringing BREAKING DAWN to the screen. I am excited and grateful to have all of you alongside me for my TWILIGHT journey.

All best,

Bill Condon

P.S. Answer #1: No, there won't be any musical numbers

What do you think of Bill Condon's letter? Are you excited to see him on board

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Eclipse ladies to be featured in 'Vanity Fair'

Gossip Cop is reporting that the leading 'Eclipse' ladies have all been photographed for an upcoming spread in 'Vanity Fair'. The shoot apparently took place on Sunday 25th of April in Los Angeles and should appear in the magazine around the 'Eclipse' release date.


Kristen, Dakota, Elizabeth and Nikki are all rumored to have been photographed. Gossip Cop do infer that others where there so Ashley, Bryce, Anna, Christian and Julia may also make an appearance too. We will keep you updated as we hear more!

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Do you want Bella's engagement ring?

You can own a replica of Bella's engagement ring from 'Eclipse'! The ring used in the movie and seem briefly in the trailer replicates exactly the ring described by Stephenie in the book. The ring is honestly not to everyone's taste (full disclosure - I personally dislike it). The company who makes the ring, Infinite Jewelry has been authorized to produce the ring by Stephenie.

There are three different versions of the ring available at different price points and it comes in yellow and white gold.   The ring is Victorian design with an open-work gallery and a finely polished edge that surrounds stones. The ring that Edward gave to Bella is described as gold, so if you want your ring to be exactly like Bella's, order Yellow Gold; or if you prefer the silver or white-gold look, order White Gold.


You can order the ring here. Is this how you imagined Bella's ring to look?


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What does Bill Condon bring to Breaking Dawn?

The LA Times has done a great article on 'What kind of Breaking Dawn will Bill Condon make?'.  The article notes that whilst none of his previous movies ('Dreamgirls', 'Kinsey', 'Gods and Monsters') have obvious similarities with 'Breaking Dawn' there are elements from each that he can take forward to help in his adaptation:



""Dreamgirls," for all its pomp, centers on the larger world persecuting an anointed one, a neat parallel to the ordeal faced by Bella's child. It also tells a sprawling story from several perspectives, as the "Breaking Dawn" novel does.

Read more after the jump

Nikki and Ashley are Young Hollywood Award winners!

Both Nikki and Ashley are to be honored at the 12th Annual Young Hollywood Awards.  Nikki will receive the 'Young Hollywood Superstar in the Making' Award and Ashley is being awarded as the 'Young Hollywood Style Icon'.

The awards are being held on May 13th. Congratulations to both girls!


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'Eclipse' talkshow appearances confirmed so far

We already knew that some of the 'Eclipse' cast including the twifecta of Rob, Kristen and Taylor would be appearing on Oprah on May 13th but we also got another confirmed appearance today. Rob will be on Ellen again on May 19th, the episode will be taped May 18th.

As soon as we hear more on Eclipse talk show appearances we will let you know!

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Eclipse Quote of the Day #62

"Would you please tell me what you are thinking? Before I go mad?" - Edward

Eclipse Discussion - Chapter 20. Compromise

***Reminder - This discussion contains book spoilers only. There are no pictures used from Eclipse. All of us reclaiming our Twi-purity are safe here.*** 

This week's discussion was written by Loren. She and her husband Shaun were featured in my series Real Men Read Twilight. You can click to read part 1 and part 2 of that interview. Be sure to leave some comments. No fair lurking in a discussion and all these guest posters are doing a great job. Loren is  no exception. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did!

Chapter 20 begins with Bella getting ready to spend her weekend with “Alice” – aka a night alone with Edward and then the newborn army heading to Forks. Bella says she’s going to try to focus her attention on Edward and not worry about everything else, as he asked her to. She’s also decided that she’s definitely ready to be changed and join the Cullen family. As she puts it, “The next time something came at us, I would be ready. An asset, not a liability.” I think she’s very anxious to really feel as though she is equal to Edward, since she sees him and the rest of the Cullens as so “above” her.

Bella has ALSO decided that there is one experience that she’s not willing to miss out on before being changed. Of course, that’s sex with Edward. One of the things I think she’s wanted more than anything since the very first book. She knows it won’t be easy to talk Edward into it and she’s also nervous about trying to “seduce” him. I’ve gotta say – the way that Edward was kissing her when they arrived at his house, with seeming disregard and without his usual hesitancy, with no intention of “going all the way” (haha) – he’s honestly kind of a tease. As if he didn’t know, didn’t ALWAYS know, what Bella wanted as far as sex was concerned. And of course, by his actions, Bella got optimistic that she may have actually gotten what she wanted that night.

 Edward reminds her that he has a gift for her, and they hurry upstairs (to his room) to get it. He gives her a charm for her bracelet, a heart-shaped crystal that was a hand-me-down from his mother. I have to say, I did love his presentation. I guess I’m a sap, but I love when he does things to show how completely he loves and adores her. For once, she accepts the gift calmly and doesn’t make a big deal out of it. But, not to be deterred, she returns to her “mission” for the evening. She decides to use the compromise that they reached regarding the newborn army (and Edward staying with her) as a way to begin the conversation, and though he’s cautious (as he ALWAYS is with Bella) he agrees to try to be open-minded.

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Rob is one of 'Time' Magazines most Influential for 2010

Rob has been named one of 'Time' Magazines most influential people for 2010. Chris Weitz has written a lovely piece to accompany the entry;

"..how to write about someone who seems to answer Freud's rhetorical question, What do women want? Perhaps it's just worth pointing out that it'd be fun to have a beer with him even if he weren't Edward Cullen. That we haven't seen a tenth of what he can do onscreen. And that important things, beyond the veil of Hollywood, occupy his time too — music, conversation, ideas, a sense of the absurd. Which, maybe, explains why he never gets to my e-mails. I love you, Rob! Call me! "

Read the full article here

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'The Runaways' now available for Pre Order!

'The Runaways' is now available for pre order on DVD here in the US. There is no date for release. You can pre order the DVD here and the Blu Ray here.

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Eclipse Quote of the Day #63

"And your chocolate fur reflects what? How sweet you are?" - Sam

Kristen is one of the sexiest women!

Kristen has been voted as the number 6 sexiest woman in the world according to FHM magazine in the UK. The list, debuted in the June edition of the magazine, see's Kristen as the highest new entry into the list for 2010. Joining her in the top ten are mostly British celebrities:

1: Cheryl Cole

2: Megan Fox

3: Marissa Miller

4: Frankie Sandford

5: Keeley Hazell

6: Kristen Stewart

7: Kelly Brook

8: Adriana Lima

9: Jessica Alba

10: Abbey Clancy


Kristen has had a good week so far for the beauty accolades she was also named one of 'People' magazines most beautiful alongside Rob!

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Bill Condon will direct 'Breaking Dawn'!

Summit has finally confirmed the rumors - 'Dreamgirls' director Bill Condon will direct 'Breaking Dawn'. In a statement released today the studio also announced that Stephenie Meyer will also be a producer on the movie.

BILL CONDON TO DIRECT SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT’S THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN

Los Angeles, CA April 28, 2010 – Summit Entertainment has confirmed that Academy Award® winner Bill Condon will direct THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, is currently being written by Melissa Rosenberg, and will star Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt, and Stephenie Meyer will produce the project.

"Bringing Stephenie Meyer's BREAKING DAWN to the screen requires a graceful and intelligent hand and we believe Bill Condon is exactly the right steward, having shown equal and abundant talents of immense creativity and subtle sensitivity,” said Erik Feig, President of Production and Acquisitions, for Summit Entertainment.

Added author Stephenie Meyer, "I'm so thrilled that Bill wants to work with us. I think he's going to be a great fit, and I'm excited to see what he does with the material."

“I'm very excited to get the chance to bring the climax of this saga to life on-screen. As fans of the series know, this is a one-of-a-kind book - and we're hoping to create an equally unique cinematic experience," said Bill Condon.


See the rest of the statement here.


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Kellan Joins Twitter!

Kellan Lutz has joined twitter! He says that he will be using his account to:

"to spread awareness concerning the indigenous charities I care deeply for in hopes of gaining your love and support."

Welcome to Twitter Kellan!

You can follow Kellan HERE


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Rob is a top earner!

Rob has been named by the Sunday Times 2010 Rich List as the 14th richest person under 30 in the UK with a fortune of £13m, approximately $24m.

The Times said:

"It is an amazing turnaround. Only a few years ago, Pattinson, who had a supporting role in the 2005 film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, considered giving up acting altogether. According to an interview last month, he spent a year trying to break into the music business and “getting drunk”.
Then he landed the role of Edward Cullen, hero of the 2008 film Twilight. The second instalment of the saga came out last year and the third is due this summer.  Along with his ruffled hair and sculpted features, stardom and millions have made Pattinson the heart-throb of countless young, and not so young, women. He seems destined for even bigger things.  Yet he appears, so far, unconcerned by material possessions. He lives in hotels or stays with his parents while in London, drives an old BMW and dresses down.  This month he admitted considering buying a house in Hollywood, saying: “I’ve been forced to stay in a hotel for the last three years. I almost gave in and bought a house in Hollywood.” Then he added: “But luckily I realised how insanely expensive that is, and I don’t even know if I’ll still be working next year.”

Read the rest of the article HERE

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Rob is one of 'People' Magazine's Most Beautiful

Rob has been named one of 'People' Magazine's Most Beautiful for 2010!

"His pale, otherworldly complexion may make girls swoon, but the British heartthrob, 23, says looking the part of a lovesick vampire in the Twilight series isn't quite as thrilling: "Having that makeup put on every single day, as soon as you get it taken off it's like, 'Oh, you do look normal. You look healthy now."

The full list will be published in this weeks 'People' Magazine - who else from the Twilight world do you think will make the list?

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Eclipse Quote of the Day #64

He sang me to sleep again and — aware even in unconsciousness that he was there — I slept free of nightmares. - Bella

'Remember Me' and 'The Runaways' Box Office

'Remember Me' and 'The Runaways' are still performing well at the Box Office.

, B
Box Office Mojo is reporting that 'Remember Me' has made $18,943,090 domestically and $27,785,083 in overseas territories for a total of $46,728,173.  The movie is still to be released in Turkey, Hungary and Iceland and only was released in Slovenia and Chile in the past two weeks.  With a budget of $16m this movie has done really well so congratulations to Rob, Emilie and the rest of the 'Remember Me' crew. 

'The Runaways' has made $3,264,029 in limited domestic release and it has yet to be released in overseas territories. With a production budget of $10m and having not yet been released internationally the movie has done well so far despite it's limited availability in many cities.  The movie will be released in Singapore in the coming week but unfortunately it looks like most other regions will not get the movie until the summer. Congratulations to Kristen, Dakota and the rest of 'The Runaways' crew.



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New 'Eclipse' Images

Some new 'Eclipse' images have been revealed! First off we have some new full length images of the twifecta - Bella, Edward and Jacob and today MTV news revealed the first still of the Newborns coming out of the water.

All images after the jump so that those who want to remain spoiler free can :)

Thanks to the Twilight Lexicon for the link to the full length images

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Eclipse Quote of the Day #65

"I don’t mind if you want to give me the wrong impression again." - Bella

'Eclipse' two trailers in one!

Check out this awesome mix of both 'Eclipse' trailers in one! After the jump for those trying to avoid spoilers...

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Eclipse Quote of the Day #66

"The fortune-telling bloodsucker can’t see us? Seriously? That’s excellent!" - Jacob

Life After the Dawn

Twilight books are nice and thick. But still, they have an annoying tendency to end, at some point... So, what's the true TwiHard to do when all 4 are read and re-read? When all recommendations based on genius notion that "if you liked THIS, you're very likely to enjoy THAT" run out. After you scoured the internet for all and any book Stephenie Meyer ever mentioned. What's left? I'll tell you what - Fanfiction!

Turns out, fanfic is a full blown parallel universe, which encompasses pretty much all popular book/tv/movie entertainment, but Twilight seems to be one of the most prolific ones. Could be because twifans are some of the most passionate ones? Oh, no matter the reason, Twifics have it all. Rich and poor, human and vampire, "classic" and unusual pairings, past, present and future, high school and grown up. You name it, they wrote it. There's this whole terminology that comes with fanfiction. For example, words "lemon" and "slash" were forever ruined for me and gained totally new meanings after I emerged myself in the world of FF. All the mind-boggling abbreviations now ooze warm familiarity. I, myself am a big fan of AH M-rated HEA ;)
The world of Twi-Fiction is vast and uncharted. The main site, www.fanfiction.net is too huge to explore on your own. So, what I'd recommend is to check out sites that specialize on fanfic recommendations and there are some excellent ones out there.
The Lazy, Yet Discerning Ficster Blog is a wonderful resource that features all sorts of fic-related goodies. From lists of recently completed fics (extremely important if you can't stand the suspense of reading incomplete piece, getting into it and then being completely at mercy of the author's writing block ;), to random tiny blurbs "on the theme" supplied by some "writers in residence", and finally very regular and very good recommendations. There are always tons of ongoing competitions amongst the twificsters in which you can nominate and vote for your favorites.

I personally find myself following 5-10 fictions, to a point when they get all tangled up in my head. But I have to give credit to the very talented authors out there, who manage to give the story that everybody already knows and very familiar and beloved characters a new lease on life. Here are some of my "all time" and more recent favorites that I highly recommend (all M-rated, so proceed with caution, please):
* Wide Awake (the uncensored version on LJ) by unrivaled queen of twific angst, AngstGoddess003 herself.
* Creature of Habit, my favorite "canon" story by EZRocksAngel
* Heartbreakingly believable and uplifting story Your True Colors by my multi-talented friend Betti Gefecht
* Beautiful and intellectually fulfilling story of a certain copper-haired Dante specialist and his muse - The University of Edward Masen by the mysterious SebastienRobichaud
* Last by not least dark and appeasingly (sorry, an "inside joke" here ;)) angsty Hit by Destiny by ocdmess
I showed you mine, now show me yours please? What's your cup of fanfic tea? Mafiaward, Inkella or perhaps some obscure Jaybone slash? Please share!!!!

Eclipse Quote of the Day #67

"Haven't you noticed yet, Bella, that Edward is just the teeniest bit prone to overreaction?"  - Alice