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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 01 Feb 2011 :  23:13:31  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Lily M Green

I hope that no one objects to me adding my twopenneth here?! I think that a 'Realms' TV series is an interesting concept, not least because, if done well, it would introduce the world to a wider audience. The thing with a movie is that, unless you're a buff who'll go out and watch anything and everything, the viewer needs a vested interest in the movie to go out and part with their hard earned to see it. For example: because it stars your favourite actor, you like the original and want to see if the remake is any good, it's adapted for a book you like, it's got rave reviews. With the latter, fantasy that isn't specifically aimed at kids always has to be exceptional to earn them and draw an older audience out.

TV, however, is a very universal media/medium and people are more likely to give something a go if all they need to do is flip the channel to catch it.

As for formats & comparisons... For me, a cartoon is too niche and I am of an age where I would always associate any D&D cartoon with the 80's kids show, and I think a casual viewer would too, so I wouldn't make time to sit down and watch it.

For live action, rather than Merlin (which I love) the obvious comparison for me would be the Stargate franchise. (Save for Universe, which went in a much darker direction I didn't like) But the original series and Atlantis spin-off were nicely pitched to attract the hardcore Sci-Fi/fantasy fan and casual viewer alike. Had well crafted story arcs that were tied up well and good dollop of humour and well used Lore. And the original SG-1 lasted 10 seasons and 214 episodes.

I hope that makes some sense?

ETA: & Having just this moment seen the trailer for Game of Thrones all I can say is. Oh My God. I really hope it's as good as it looks!





Agreed. A TV series would appeal to a wider audience.

A movie is a one-time hit or miss, while a TV series has at least a couple of months of air time to prove its worth.

I'd like to treat an animated version as the "last resort." While it's true that it will appeal to teens and adults alike, it can never be an excellent substitution for a live-action. We will no doubt appreciate the Realms more if it were presented with as much chunk of reality as possible.

Every beginning has an end.
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Tyrant
Senior Scribe

USA
586 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  00:11:43  Show Profile  Visit Tyrant's Homepage Send Tyrant a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Agreed. A TV series would appeal to a wider audience.

A movie is a one-time hit or miss, while a TV series has at least a couple of months of air time to prove its worth.

I understand the thinking behind what you're saying, but I'm not sure it would really pan out that way. Being realistic, a show will be on the Sci Fi channel. The movies haven't gotten a big push so far and if they go with a TV series it's a sign they are "settling" which means they have lower expectations and are going to play it safe. Caprica, prequel to the well received Battlestar Galactica remake, debuted with less than 2 million viewers. The first D&D movie made a little over $15 million (domestic). If I my math is right, that's around 3 million tickets sold. I know it's a faulty assumption that all of those were individuals with no repeats, but if they were that means more people watched the first D&D movie in theaters than watched the first episode of Caprica (which should've had decent numbers given what it was spawned from). Now, a real push from Hasbro will see a movie with a budget much higher than the original's $45 million. It may even follow the path that a lot view as logical and be based on Drizzt. If that happens, the potential reward is much higher. Let's say somehow (even though past evidence seems to indicate this won't happen) the movie makes $100 million. That's well over 10 million tickets sold. Or, with more modest numbers like $50 million, that's more than 5 million tickets. If a D&D movie had any kind of budget and push, it has the potential to reach a much larger audience than a show ever will. Like I said though, that's if Hasbro chooses to put it's weight behind the effort.

With a show, the likelyhood of it being on SciFi will always be a limiting factor. I view it as likely that it will also have a shoestring budget, which will kill any magic heavy show. If they were going to push, they would push for a movie. A show is settling on an alternative to just have something out there, in the case of D&D.

That's why I view the animated approach as the more pragmatic approach. With animation you can do more for less money. I believe it is a foregone conclusion that a show will not have a big budget, so it is better to make the most of what they will have. However, I do agree that a well made live action show has a stronger shot at real success and broad appeal than an animated show (which would have a lower threshold of success). I want a show to succeed if they go that route, I just have my doubts that it can overcome the hurtles.


Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
-The Sith Code

Teenage Sith zombies, Tulkh thought-how in the moons of Bogden had it all started? Every so often, the universe must just get bored and decide to really cut loose. -Star Wars: Red Harvest
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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  00:21:25  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message  Reply with Quote

Then WotC should better find ways!

I watched the trailer of Game of Thrones. It's interesting. If that series proves a success, it could lead to MORE fantasy novel adaptations.



*I'll try to watch its The Making later.

Every beginning has an end.
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  00:22:12  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Asmodeus

Western cartoons being made for kids is a sad, sad reality that needs to change. So, if a realms series was made, I would argue that it would be considerably better if it was animated. Putting it in anime style artisticly isn't, in and of itself, a bad choice, so long as it is on the higher scale of quality and avoids all the terrible anime cliches(sparkles, dinnerdish eyes, giant sweat drops, snot bubbles when sleeping, nose bleeds to signify arousal), it could be quality. Then again, having it done in a western style (say, Justice League unlimited or He-man and the masters of the universe) could be just as good.
That depends on the style of anime.

I suspect, if an Realms anime were to be crafted, it would look a little something like the imagery released so far for the new ThunderCats series.

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Tyrant
Senior Scribe

USA
586 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  00:49:57  Show Profile  Visit Tyrant's Homepage Send Tyrant a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Dennis
Then WotC should better find ways!


I'm in agreement there. My views are influenced by what we have seen so far from WotC (or more accurately, what we haven't seen) as far as similar projects. I think for it to get a real budget, as a movie or a show, will require Hasbro stepping in and throwing it's weight around. Weight that it has to throw thanks to Transformers: The Cash Cow and Transformers 2: The Cashening. Sure, G.I.Joe: Selling Out to International Audiences and Throwing Away a Core Element of the Franchise wasn't a huge hit (I guess they didn't sever their connection to G.I.Joe: The Real American Hero enough to appease the international haters but enough to upset fans, never saw that coming) so Hasbro isn't foolproof. However, the success of TF 1, 2, and 3 (come on, it won't flop) more than makes up for it. What else is Hasbro going to spend that box office based good will on? Battleship? Nevermind, set aside any hope that Hasbro has a clue.

Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
-The Sith Code

Teenage Sith zombies, Tulkh thought-how in the moons of Bogden had it all started? Every so often, the universe must just get bored and decide to really cut loose. -Star Wars: Red Harvest
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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  01:18:15  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage

quote:
Originally posted by Chosen of Asmodeus

Western cartoons being made for kids is a sad, sad reality that needs to change. So, if a realms series was made, I would argue that it would be considerably better if it was animated. Putting it in anime style artisticly isn't, in and of itself, a bad choice, so long as it is on the higher scale of quality and avoids all the terrible anime cliches(sparkles, dinnerdish eyes, giant sweat drops, snot bubbles when sleeping, nose bleeds to signify arousal), it could be quality. Then again, having it done in a western style (say, Justice League unlimited or He-man and the masters of the universe) could be just as good.
That depends on the style of anime.

I suspect, if an Realms anime were to be crafted, it would look a little something like the imagery released so far for the new ThunderCats series.



ThunderCats? Seriously? That's a no-no for me.

Every beginning has an end.
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Chosen of Asmodeus
Master of Realmslore

1221 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  03:01:43  Show Profile  Visit Chosen of Asmodeus's Homepage Send Chosen of Asmodeus a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Thunder Cats was fairly well animated for its day.

"Then I saw there was a way to Hell even from the gates of Heaven"
- John Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress

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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  03:58:50  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message  Reply with Quote

For its day, maybe. But for THIS day, NO.

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Tyrant
Senior Scribe

USA
586 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  04:24:49  Show Profile  Visit Tyrant's Homepage Send Tyrant a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.

Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
-The Sith Code

Teenage Sith zombies, Tulkh thought-how in the moons of Bogden had it all started? Every so often, the universe must just get bored and decide to really cut loose. -Star Wars: Red Harvest
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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  04:31:38  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.



Ah, if that's what he referred to, then it could work. Not a fan myself, even though I'm a cat-lover.

Every beginning has an end.
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  05:18:46  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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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Arcanus
Senior Scribe

485 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  17:01:06  Show Profile  Visit Arcanus's Homepage Send Arcanus a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36875 Posts

Posted - 02 Feb 2011 :  17:53:16  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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...

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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 03 Feb 2011 :  00:14:52  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)

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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 03 Feb 2011 :  00:33:45  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.

Every beginning has an end.
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Tyrant
Senior Scribe

USA
586 Posts

Posted - 03 Feb 2011 :  01:18:59  Show Profile  Visit Tyrant's Homepage Send Tyrant a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.

Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
-The Sith Code

Teenage Sith zombies, Tulkh thought-how in the moons of Bogden had it all started? Every so often, the universe must just get bored and decide to really cut loose. -Star Wars: Red Harvest
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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 03 Feb 2011 :  01:38:18  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.

Every beginning has an end.

Edited by - Dennis on 14 Sep 2013 15:16:12
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore

India
1591 Posts

Posted - 17 Sep 2013 :  13:40:56  Show Profile Send Thauranil a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.

Edited by - Thauranil on 17 Sep 2013 13:41:54
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Firestorm
Senior Scribe

Canada
826 Posts

Posted - 17 Sep 2013 :  13:47:34  Show Profile Send Firestorm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire

USA
15724 Posts

Posted - 17 Sep 2013 :  14:00:10  Show Profile Send Markustay a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.

"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone


Edited by - Markustay on 17 Sep 2013 14:01:39
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore

India
1591 Posts

Posted - 17 Sep 2013 :  14:16:02  Show Profile Send Thauranil a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.
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Dennis
Great Reader

9933 Posts

Posted - 17 Sep 2013 :  14:59:12  Show Profile Send Dennis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.

Every beginning has an end.

Edited by - Dennis on 17 Sep 2013 15:00:39
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High

Australia
31799 Posts

Posted - 17 Sep 2013 :  15:40:38  Show Profile Send The Sage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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."

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Firestorm
Senior Scribe

Canada
826 Posts

Posted - 17 Sep 2013 :  17:23:59  Show Profile Send Firestorm a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire

USA
15724 Posts

Posted - 18 Sep 2013 :  03:08:19  Show Profile Send Markustay a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.

"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone

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BEAST
Master of Realmslore

USA
1714 Posts

Posted - 18 Sep 2013 :  14:24:06  Show Profile  Visit BEAST's Homepage Send BEAST a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.

"'You don't know my history,' he said dryly."
--Drizzt Do'Urden (The Pirate King, Part 1: Chapter 2)

<"Comprehensive Chronology of R.A. Salvatore Forgotten Realms Works">

Edited by - BEAST on 18 Sep 2013 14:26:04
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Thauranil
Master of Realmslore

India
1591 Posts

Posted - 19 Sep 2013 :  15:04:03  Show Profile Send Thauranil a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.
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Drustan Dwnhaedan
Learned Scribe

USA
324 Posts

Posted - 22 Sep 2013 :  20:15:33  Show Profile Send Drustan Dwnhaedan a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.)

Edited by - Drustan Dwnhaedan on 22 Sep 2013 20:23:58
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader

USA
2420 Posts

Posted - 06 Nov 2013 :  04:25:22  Show Profile Send The Masked Mage a Private Message  Reply with 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 could definitely see other series get adapted into the TV format, though, following the model of the Ice and Fire books.
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The Masked Mage
Great Reader

USA
2420 Posts

Posted - 06 Nov 2013 :  04:27:23  Show Profile Send The Masked Mage a Private Message  Reply with Quote
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.
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