| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Dennis |
Posted - 08 Jan 2011 : 18:14:39
The new TV adaptation of G.R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones made me think that perhaps it'll be better if there'd be a Realms TV series first before a movie.
What do you think? |
| 30 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Thauranil |
Posted - 08 Nov 2013 : 13:00:57
quote:
Originally posted by Werthead
The actor for Drizzt has already been found :)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf07GwFH5D0/UZYUQJrj3kI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/TrnXgEYMwjs/s1600/Community+Drow.png
Lol well its better than nothing |
| Werthead |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 23:46:53
I think the advantage of SHARD is that it immediately does the opposite to Tolkien: the elf is feared and hated by most people, the halfling is a dishonest fraudster and the dragon is one that breathes ice. The Gem/Ring comparison is there, but the Gem gets taken care of pretty quickly (well, as far as the first film is concerned anyway).
I agree that creatively, there are lots of other things you could do. Other books or campaigns you could adapt, or even original stories you could come up with (and there is something to tailoring a story for the screen against adapting a story from another medium that wasn't designed with it in mind). But I think commercially, and for the prospects of other, later REALMS movies and TV series, the first film out of the gate needs to be as popular as possible and you do that by making a Drizzt movie, as much as some I think will have to grit their teeth through it. |
| Entromancer |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 21:15:26
The drow skin colour shouldn't be an issue. Todd Lockwood's covers give them a purplish hue. I would rather see someone other than Drizzt. Like Aoth's company. The novels seem very TV friendly, for the most part. They might need to get creative when they adapt the third in the series. The advantage to using these particular characters is that they are all very likeable, and don't immediately strike the casual viewer as Tolkien copycats.
Prior to getting into the Drizzt novels, I looked at them as rips from Tolkien with some Robert Howard thrown in (looking at Wulfgar, though at the time I didn't know the Howard's Conan had black hair). |
| Tamsar |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 19:36:02
quote:
Originally posted by Werthead
The actor for Drizzt has already been found :)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf07GwFH5D0/UZYUQJrj3kI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/TrnXgEYMwjs/s1600/Community+Drow.png
Cool Cool :) |
| SirUrza |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 17:55:52
*sigh* |
| Werthead |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 17:37:12
The actor for Drizzt has already been found :)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf07GwFH5D0/UZYUQJrj3kI/AAAAAAAAIrQ/TrnXgEYMwjs/s1600/Community+Drow.png |
| SirUrza |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 17:24:00
This whole thread reminds me of just how much I enjoyed the fan film, Road to Mithril Hall. |
| SirUrza |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 17:21:33
quote:
Originally posted by Werthead
The DARK ELF books a bit claustraphobic and intense, so I can see them starting with THE CRYSTAL SHARD: it has an ensemble cast, dragons (well, one, briefly) and big battles as well as being relatively self-contained, so if it bombs there aren't lots of people hanging for a sequel.
I agree. The Crystal Shard in it has enough characters and action to make for a solid film. If the whole trilogy succeeds the Dark Elf trilogy is an obvious follow up prequel. The success of the Dark Elf movies rests solely on the straight of the actor they cast as Drizzt and while I believe Ray Park could easily handle the action and stunts, you'd need someone charismatic enough to carry the prequels through many spotlight moments. |
| SirUrza |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 17:17:34
quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
If anything, let's do an elf shadow show!
We can have castle(nathan fillion) as Danilo Thann. Hell, Kate becket would make a good arilyn
I love that casting! |
| Werthead |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 17:02:54
I suspect Universal (whom Wizards of the Coast have partnered with for the next D&D movie project) and Hasbro would like to develop the D&D/ franchise in a similar way to how Disney are handling the Marvel and STAR WARS properties: film series, possibly stand-alone films and related TV series.
The logical first step is indeed Drizzt. RA Salvatore by himself has sold more novels (c. 30 million) than the D&D game has sold sourcebooks over all editions (c. 20 million), whilst Ed Greenwood has also sold a lot (I wouldn't be surprised if it was over 10 million novels for him alone). Even Paul Kemp's sales are in the low millions. Total FORGOTTEN REALMS novels sales are probably on the order of 70-80 million, and Salvatore and Drizzt account for a massive proportion of that. For a big-budget film, you go where the money is, and that's Drizzt. The DARK ELF books a bit claustraphobic and intense, so I can see them starting with THE CRYSTAL SHARD: it has an ensemble cast, dragons (well, one, briefly) and big battles as well as being relatively self-contained, so if it bombs there aren't lots of people hanging for a sequel.
As above, I know some people are fed up with Drizzt's dominance of FORGOTTEN REALMS media, but on the plus side a lot of people who picked up a Salvatore novel eventually got into the Realms in a much deeper and more meaningful way. He's a good 'gateway character' to not just other REALMS fiction, but the setting itself. Certainly my first taste of the Realms - after playing EYE OF THE BEHOLDER on my Amiga in 1992 - was reading THE CRYSTAL SHARD.
If that's successful, they can look at doing a related TV series further down the line. However, a TV series would need some central hook. It can't just be jumping from random adventure in one part of the continent to another. It has to have a recurring cast, a recurring location (for standing sets) and some sort of long-form story arc (as they are all the rage these days). There's lots of angles here, such as a series set in Waterdeep or another in the Savage North, or a Knights of Myth Drannor series, or maybe a series about the Harpers.
quote:
I don't think there will ever be a Drow movie, simply because a studio getting behind the idea of an entire race of evil black skinned people will never happen.
I don't think this is a major problem until you get to the DARK ELF trilogy, because most of the time you're with Drizzt and he's very much a good guy. And, as in the novels, you can overcome the racial issue by focusing on the other 'good drow' like Zaknafien and the morally ambiguous ones like Jarlaxle and the least-insane of Drizzt's sisters. You could also tweak the story a little and also maybe bring in followers of Eilistraee as well. You don't have to stick closely to the novels if they throw up a problematic issue like that.
All of this depends on the legal clash between Universal and Warner Brothers/Courtney Solomon (producer of the existing three movies), of course. If WB manages to uphold the rights, then the chances of seeing a FR movie or TV series in the near future become very remote. |
| The Masked Mage |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 04:27:23
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I'm not getting into any B5 vs. DS9 debate. I count myself among the rare branch of fandom that enjoyed both series immensely.
quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
Ds9 had amazing characters and development as well as a great story. Best star trek ever.
And had two of the best ST episodes of all time too... with "In the Pale Moonlight" and "Far Beyond the Stars."
I'd definitely agree that DS9 had some of the best star terk episodes ever. But then, it also had some terrible ones :P
PS, I enjoy Big Bang Theory, but hate that Sheldon didn't like B5. |
| The Masked Mage |
Posted - 06 Nov 2013 : 04:25:22
I don't think there will ever be a Drow movie, simply because a studio getting behind the idea of an entire race of evil black skinned people will never happen.
I could definitely see other series get adapted into the TV format, though, following the model of the Ice and Fire books. |
| Drustan Dwnhaedan |
Posted - 22 Sep 2013 : 20:15:33
At this point, I don't care what kind of movie they make (live action or animation), so long as somebody makes a Forgotten Realms film. I wouldn't mind a TV show, either. (An anime would also be nice.) |
| Thauranil |
Posted - 19 Sep 2013 : 15:04:03
I agree with Beast. I know some of the scribes dont care much for Drizzt and would prefer to see Danilo or Elminister on the big screen but Drizzt is the biggest name in the realms, even some people who are not aware of the wider realms know of him. He is the best bet for a movie that appeals to the masses. |
| BEAST |
Posted - 18 Sep 2013 : 14:24:06
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Tyrant
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Arcanus
Let’s face it, any film made about the realms will be an adaptation of a one book about drizzt. He would translate really well onto the big screen.
Not necessarily. I’d imagine a character or party created just for the film could work just as well.
Agreed. I for one do not want to see a Drizzt novel adaptation.
I know my desire to see Drizzt translated is a product of pragmatism, not a desire for that particular character. Similar to why I think animated is the way to go (I believe there won’t be a huge push from WizBro, so resources will be limited), I think Drizzt makes the better sales pitch and may have more cross promotional ability to help get the name out. I believe a Drizzt adaptation has a better chance of getting the FR name out to a wider audiencce and open the door to other entires. While I would rather see other aspects of the Realms grace the silver screen (and I think other stories would make better, and better received, movies), I think Drizzt is one of the best shots at opening that door.
Feature Drizzt in the first movie, and you’ll have people expect to see him again in the next one, and the one after that, and then next . . . And they would hardly find it to their liking should the dark elf be absent or featured in a cameo role in the succeeding films. So, no.
I think the big movie studios will want a proven Realms character before they will back any script. Drizzt is the most proven, so he's the best bet in order to get their backing. He's the first step.
Once a few Drizzt movies do well, and there is a buzz about the Forgotten Realms in the general moviegoing audience, only then will the studios be willing to take a chance on other Realms commodities, hoping to tap into a new vein. But they almost certainly won't risk their money on some other character first if you admit to them that Drizzt is the real money-maker on the book side. They're greedy, nervous-nelly cowards like that.
Consider that the film studios are trying lots of different comic book superhero movies nowadays. Yes, a lot of them bomb. But the point is that they are trying them. The big megastar flicks can do well, and then the studios become willing to take a chance and branch out to the others. I think it would be similar with Realms storylines and characters.
quote:
Introduce the Realms using other characters. One or two of the Chosen, or even entirely new protagonists, and then use some of the long-established villains.
I think that's an impossibly difficult uphill battle. Trying to pitch that to major studios would probably just get you a bunch of yawns, rolling eyes, or antsy execs. If these characters get outsold by this other action hero guy with twin scimitars with a pet panther, then chances are they will think you're wasting their time pitching the wrong project.
quote:
And I think this TV proposal can work well when people receive 5E quite well. And I believe many of us will.
I think they would be willing to back some decent TV series, but only if a few D&D/Realm films did well first. We've got to get the ball rolling with a sure thing first, to get up some momentum. Put out a few really good Realms movies, and then there will be an established foundation of quality that TV production companies will aspire to match (or at least pay homage to).
Drizzt is the Golden Goose and gateway drug for all of this, IMO. He is the key. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 18 Sep 2013 : 03:08:19
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
ANYHOW... yeah... an anime, or at the very least, a PG13 cartoon. I think that has tons of potential. Something along the lines of FMA meets FR (that kind of good story/anime, I mean).
You do realize FMA is more steampunk than (sword and sorcery) fantasy, right?
In terms of the quality of the animation, yes, I would agree. But story-wise? No.
I was talking more about quality then genre, so Yeah. |
| Firestorm |
Posted - 17 Sep 2013 : 17:23:59
If anything, let's do an elf shadow show!
We can have castle(nathan fillion) as Danilo Thann. Hell, Kate becket would make a good arilyn |
| The Sage |
Posted - 17 Sep 2013 : 15:40:38
I'm not getting into any B5 vs. DS9 debate. I count myself among the rare branch of fandom that enjoyed both series immensely.
quote:
Originally posted by Firestorm
Ds9 had amazing characters and development as well as a great story. Best star trek ever.
And had two of the best ST episodes of all time too... with "In the Pale Moonlight" and "Far Beyond the Stars." |
| Dennis |
Posted - 17 Sep 2013 : 14:59:12
quote:
Originally posted by Markustay
ANYHOW... yeah... an anime, or at the very least, a PG13 cartoon. I think that has tons of potential. Something along the lines of FMA meets FR (that kind of good story/anime, I mean).
You do realize FMA is more steampunk than (sword and sorcery) fantasy, right?
In terms of the quality of the animation, yes, I would agree. But story-wise? No. |
| Thauranil |
Posted - 17 Sep 2013 : 14:16:02
Well as an anime fan I would not mind a FR anime at all. In fact it will probably be a lot easier to convince the studio execs to make it. There are a lot of anime targeted at adults that do really well such as Psycho Pass and Attack on Titan, so there is no reason not to make an FR one.
If it does really well it might even lead to bigger projects in the future ,such as the long awaited live action movie. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 17 Sep 2013 : 14:00:10
I'd prefer an animated series - a well-made adult one (and by 'adult' I DON'T mean pornographic!) I remember catching the Spawn limited series on cable and I was like, did they really need the disgusting fat-guy sex scene? (and would you believe thats the ONLY thing I now remember about it?)
Not that I mind that in my adult (cable) series - I just don't like it when it is done just for 'shock value', rather then an organic part of the story.
ANYHOW... yeah... an anime, or at the very least, a PG13 cartoon. I think that has tons of potential. Something along the lines of FMA meets FR (that kind of good story/anime, I mean). That way, if the series gets popular, you won't have to worry about whiny (American) actors asking for stupid-big salaries - just find someone who can do a decent (similar) voice-over and you're good. In fact, sticking with 'nobodys' or non-Amercain actors is probably the best way to go regardless. |
| Firestorm |
Posted - 17 Sep 2013 : 13:47:34
quote:
Originally posted by Thauramarth
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by BlackAce
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I'm not sure a television series would be the way to go. Budgets costs are always going to be a concern for a fantasy series which as much depth and exposure as the Realms. And, in the end, I'd imagine it would have a very short run... ultimately enduring a Rome television series-styled death.
I usually see that as a good thing though. Most television series struggle beyond the first season with story consistency some even struggle with it in their first season! I can think of very few exceptions-- Maybe Dr Who and thats only really because the Doctor's regenerations enable the writers to push the reset button.
I think Star Trek: The Next Generation managed well -- over its seven years. But that might only be due to the fact that it really didn't have a season-by-season series of story-arcs. Then again, on the opposite side, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine proved, to a limited degree, how well done story-arcs per season, can work over the same seven year period.
Overall story arcs work well enough in TV Series, if they are done right. At the risk of reviving a flame that was quenched over a decade ago - before Star Trek - Deep Space Nine ever got around to doing arcs, Babylon 5 was already doing it, and quite well too (although, I will admit that Season 5 was a bit of a mess on occasions, but I'm willing to put that down to the fact that almost up to the last minute, it was not certain to be picked up for a 5th Season). In addition, Babylon 5 was, for the most part, done on budget and on time, and had (for the time) some pretty nifty special effects.
In case no one had noticed, I'd best put in this disclaimer: I am an unapologetic, unrepentant, fanatic Babylon 5 fanboy. Other examples of successful arc-driven TV: The Wire. I'd say that the re-envisioned Battlestar Galactica also qualifies.
This said, I, for one agree, with Dennis's basic premise: some of the best stuff to appear on screens of any size is TV Fiction - there's a lot more actors who were originally movies-only who have made the mov(i)e to the small screen: Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, James Woods, Kiefer Sutherland - there are probably some others.
With regard to fantasy, the closest thing we've had to a successful fantasy franchise was the Hercules and Xena series.
To do a "Realms TV Series", however... Not sure how that one would work. First off, would it simply be an adaptation of a novel (series), not unlike Game of Thrones (which is more of a mini-series, I suppose-? Or more like a regular series? In the latter case, what will the theme be? The "Realms fan base" that would need to be dug into is not a monolithic bloc. Who should be the protagonists? Drizzt et al.? Waterdhavian society (I could see Danilo Thann and Arilyn Moonblade as a good character team - think Moonlighting with magic)? The Knights of Myth Drannor? The Harpers? In order to maintain coherence (and budgetary viability) the scope of the series will need to be limited (and therefore a lot of people's favourite Realms characters and/or locations will be left out, and we all know how well we all deal with our favourite characters and locations being left out ).
Series - love the idea. Provided it's done my way  . Problem: My way may not be everybody (or anybody, for that matter) else's way 
Ahhh Babylon 5. Great story, terrible characters. Deep space nine came out the same week, and while b5 fans accuse them of stealing, proof has been put forth that ds9 had been planning it for years.
Ds9 had amazing characters and development as well as a great story. Best star trek ever |
| Thauranil |
Posted - 17 Sep 2013 : 13:40:56
Hmm some very interesting points have been listed here.
I would not mind seeing a FR TV show, after all the well deserved popularity of Game of Thrones shows us that a lot of people are willing to watch a show based in the fantasy genre.
A live action show would be best though the money required to make a good fantasy tv show is significant so it might not be possible .
Still one can hope. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 03 Feb 2011 : 01:38:18
quote:
Originally posted by Tyrant
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Arcanus
Let’s face it, any film made about the realms will be an adaptation of a one book about drizzt. He would translate really well onto the big screen.
Not necessarily. I’d imagine a character or party created just for the film could work just as well.
Agreed. I for one do not want to see a Drizzt novel adaptation.
I know my desire to see Drizzt translated is a product of pragmatism, not a desire for that particular character. Similar to why I think animated is the way to go (I believe there won’t be a huge push from WizBro, so resources will be limited), I think Drizzt makes the better sales pitch and may have more cross promotional ability to help get the name out. I believe a Drizzt adaptation has a better chance of getting the FR name out to a wider audiencce and open the door to other entires. While I would rather see other aspects of the Realms grace the silver screen (and I think other stories would make better, and better received, movies), I think Drizzt is one of the best shots at opening that door.
Feature Drizzt in the first movie, and you’ll have people expect to see him again in the next one, and the one after that, and then next . . . And they would hardly find it to their liking should the dark elf be absent or featured in a cameo role in the succeeding films. So, no. Introduce the Realms using other characters. One or two of the Chosen, or even entirely new protagonists, and then use some of the long-established villains.
And I think this TV proposal can work well when people receive 5E quite well. And I believe many of us will. |
| Tyrant |
Posted - 03 Feb 2011 : 01:18:59
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Arcanus
Let's face it, any film made about the realms will be an adaptation of a one book about drizzt. He would translate really well onto the big screen.
Not necessarily. I'd imagine a character or party created just for the film could work just as well.
Agreed. I for one do not want to see a Drizzt novel adaptation.
I know my desire to see Drizzt translated is a product of pragmatism, not a desire for that particular character. Similar to why I think animated is the way to go (I believe there won't be a huge push from WizBro, so resources will be limited), I think Drizzt makes the better sales pitch and may have more cross promotional ability to help get the name out. I believe a Drizzt adaptation has a better chance of getting the FR name out to a wider audiencce and open the door to other entires. While I would rather see other aspects of the Realms grace the silver screen (and I think other stories would make better, and better received, movies), I think Drizzt is one of the best shots at opening that door.
@Wooly- I see what you are saying about one format being an easier sell than the other. I think most of the issues a show faces are also faced by a movie. They have to figure out which weekend works best (because they only get one shot), line up promotional tie ins (to help fuel the budget, or help the final bottom line), work out contracts for TV rights, etc. I agree that a movie is kind of a one shot deal (mostly, there are secondary outlets down the road where a lot of movies end up finally getting into the black like DVD sales) and that the show is a constant struggle. I guess I could see the show being the bigger battle when I look at it like that. A movie will tie up studio resources for a set period of time and then it works or fails, while a show is tying up resources (from what I would assume is a far more limited pool of resources in comparison to major movie studios) for a longer period and has to constantly battle other shows for ratings. |
| Dennis |
Posted - 03 Feb 2011 : 00:33:45
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
quote:
Originally posted by Arcanus
Let's face it, any film made about the realms will be an adaptation of a one book about drizzt. He would translate really well onto the big screen.
Not necessarily. I'd imagine a character or party created just for the film could work just as well.
Agreed. I for one do not want to see a Drizzt novel adaptation. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 03 Feb 2011 : 00:14:52
quote:
Originally posted by Arcanus
Let's face it, any film made about the realms will be an adaptation of a one book about drizzt. He would translate really well onto the big screen.
Not necessarily. I'd imagine a character or party created just for the film could work just as well. |
| Wooly Rupert |
Posted - 02 Feb 2011 : 17:53:16
You know, I have to wonder which is an easier sell... Movies probably have a higher upfront production value, and then you have a single release to worry about. With a TV show, you've got to have a network to carry it, and they've got to give it a timeslot... And then you need to line up the advertisers.
So I'm just wondering if a TV show would be an easier sell than a movie... |
| Arcanus |
Posted - 02 Feb 2011 : 17:01:06
Let's face it, any film made about the realms will be an adaptation of a one book about drizzt. He would translate really well onto the big screen. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 02 Feb 2011 : 05:18:46
quote:
Originally posted by Tyrant
I think Sage is talking about the new Thundercats. I know that's a still shot and hopefully it's what he's talking about, I don't follow Thundercats at all.
That's the one. The anime-style is both sharp and contoured. I'd imagine some Realms characters would translate well into this particular visual appearance. |
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