War of the Rohirrim - Rohan & The Hornburg

In 2021, director Kenji Kamiyama invited us on a new yet familiar adventure: bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s world to life in 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim'.
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Our design studio delved deep into the legendarium, creating key scene illustrations and original concepts for armour, environments, creatures, and weapons - as if for a live-action film - which Kamiyama’s team then adapted into an animated style.
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Set around 200 years before 'The Fellowship of the Ring', the anime tells the story of Helm Hammerhand’s house and their desperate defense of the Hornburg, later known as Helm’s Deep. A different time and medium, but guided by the same world-building ethos that shaped Middle-earth on screen two decades ago.
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We helped envision the proud people of Rohan - the Rohirrim - in their golden age. Known as the Riders of the Mark, they are a culture steeped in honour, valor, and a deep bond with their horses. Our design studio worked to capture the richness of their traditions, the grandeur of Edoras, and the fierce spirit of their warriors, staying true to Tolkien’s vision while bringing a fresh perspective to their story.
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Artists: Gus Hunter, Adam Middleton, Joshua Damian, Adam Anderson, Jerome Morris, Iona Brinch, Thomas Oates
Art Directors: Adam Middleton and Vaughan Flanagan