Here's the scenario:

A major studio has done the impossible. They've acquired the rights to adapt all of Tolkien's work to film or tv. You've been hired to serve as the chief creative officer of this new project.

Where do you start? What movies or shows do you put together? How do you find talent?

Personally...

I'd make sure all members on my team familiarize themselves with Tolkien's material, influences, and methodology. Hire consultants on history, language, folklore, etc to help.

A conversation I'd have is whether to keep a unified aesthetic across all properties or treat it like a collective of artists expressing their love of Tolkien in unique ways.

The projects I'd consider.

• reboot Rings of Power as a three part anthology mini series. Part 1 focuses on Celebrimbor and Annatar. Part 2 is Sauron distributing the Nine, crafting the One, and the Downfall. Part 3 is the founding of Gondor/Arnor and the Last Alliance. Part 1 would have Annatar use Celebrimbor's pride and envy of Feanor against him. Flashbacks to The Darkening of Valinor and Oath of Feanor. Celebrimbor wrestles with whether he is crafting for his own glory or actually protecting Middle-Earth.

• a series of the Blue Wizards as the explore Middle-Earth. Ultimately leads to them participating in the siege of Erebor. A great opportunity to explore Harad and Rhûn by applying Tolkien's methodology for drawing on Catholicism and European mythology to that of the mythologies of Asia and Africa. The Blues are maiar of Oromë, their designs are themed after Huan and Nahar. One is a kindly sage; the other is a stern warrior. Think Christopher Eccleston and James Faulkner, respectively.

• either films or limited series for Beren and Luthien AND The Children of Hurin. I'd really like someone like Robert Eggers or Denis Villeneuve at the helm of these. My fancast: Ioan Gruffudd and Elizabeth Debicki as Thingol and Melian. Morgoth voiced by Ian McShane. Robert Pattinson as Sauron.

• an animated musical film of the Ainulindalë in the art style of Yoshitaka Amano. Soundtrack a mixture of orchestral music, synth, and jazz.