Joss Whedon's Serenity 2.0
06-29-05, 01:29 PM
#551
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Originally Posted by animalmystic
Does anybody have a link to the new "grittier" international trailer that was released, well, internationally recently? (it may not be out yet, not sure)
From the browncoats forum.
Posted: 27 Jun 2005 7:13 am
Full statement from UIP:
"Please accept our sincere apologies for any disappointment caused because of the lack of material or information available for SERENITY at the London Film & Comic Con.
We actually did have the international trailer ready to premiere, but due to lack of communication or information from the organisers we were unable to deliver it. "
Full statement from UIP:
"Please accept our sincere apologies for any disappointment caused because of the lack of material or information available for SERENITY at the London Film & Comic Con.
We actually did have the international trailer ready to premiere, but due to lack of communication or information from the organisers we were unable to deliver it. "
06-30-05, 10:57 AM
#554
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Originally posted by Joss Whedon:
Here's an odd little story:
Summer did read for Kitty in X3. I know because she called me and mentioned she was going to and did I know anything about the character (there were no 'sides' to study -- they had to get them when they came in). So the girl I turned into sort of a superhero in my movie was going to read for the character that most influenced ALL my girl-heroes, Kitty Pryde. Karmically funky. Anyhoo, she called me after and said it was very emotional and kind of like when she read for FIREFLY, she just got into a very intense groove. She started telling me about the scene she read and that's when I realized WHY it was kind of like she read for FIREFLY. 'Cause (as you may know) it was a scene I wrote for Astonishing X-Men issue #5. I assume they just didn't have sides ready and used that but this was like a karmic moebius strip, it was just too folded in on itself. In this time of odd, I turned to beer. (No I didn't. Stay in school.)
I don't know what the X-peeps are looking for -- or even if that other girl has really dropped out -- but for my money, Summer would make a wonderful Kitty. (And I don't say that lightly.) As long as it doesn't interfere with SERENITY II: RICARDO MONTALBAN'S STILL PISSED -- or, much more importantly, SERENITY III: SO VERY NUDE.
I have shared my tail. (Lord, that's what I actually typed! I mean "tale"! What will people think of me?) No tail sharing. Oh so lame.
now off to make blinis!
-j.
Summer did read for Kitty in X3. I know because she called me and mentioned she was going to and did I know anything about the character (there were no 'sides' to study -- they had to get them when they came in). So the girl I turned into sort of a superhero in my movie was going to read for the character that most influenced ALL my girl-heroes, Kitty Pryde. Karmically funky. Anyhoo, she called me after and said it was very emotional and kind of like when she read for FIREFLY, she just got into a very intense groove. She started telling me about the scene she read and that's when I realized WHY it was kind of like she read for FIREFLY. 'Cause (as you may know) it was a scene I wrote for Astonishing X-Men issue #5. I assume they just didn't have sides ready and used that but this was like a karmic moebius strip, it was just too folded in on itself. In this time of odd, I turned to beer. (No I didn't. Stay in school.)
I don't know what the X-peeps are looking for -- or even if that other girl has really dropped out -- but for my money, Summer would make a wonderful Kitty. (And I don't say that lightly.) As long as it doesn't interfere with SERENITY II: RICARDO MONTALBAN'S STILL PISSED -- or, much more importantly, SERENITY III: SO VERY NUDE.
I have shared my tail. (Lord, that's what I actually typed! I mean "tale"! What will people think of me?) No tail sharing. Oh so lame.
now off to make blinis!
-j.
06-30-05, 02:34 PM
#555
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I don't know what it is with Summer, that girl has some kind mezmorizing, magical hold on me, don't know what it is. She has that, shy, "im so innocent" thing about her, yet that, "i can kick your ass' thing about her, thats hot, plus she is cute too. Summer if you are reading this call be baby, I love you.
In a more normal note, I wish her well in getting the part, I think she is a fine actress from what I have seen and I hope those tampons over at Fox doing the casting for this movie really consider her for the role, I mean shit they cast Kelsey Grammer and got that banana hammock Bret Ratner to direct, so shit cast Summer.
In a more normal note, I wish her well in getting the part, I think she is a fine actress from what I have seen and I hope those tampons over at Fox doing the casting for this movie really consider her for the role, I mean shit they cast Kelsey Grammer and got that banana hammock Bret Ratner to direct, so shit cast Summer.
07-02-05, 01:38 PM
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A Browncoats Exclusive - Q&A with Serenity VFX Supervisor Loni Peristere from Zoic!
Zoic’s Loni Peristere, Visual Effects Supervisor on Serenity (and Emmy-winner for Firefly), has answered a few questions about his long-time working relationship with Joss Whedon.
How long have you been collaborating with Joss, and how did you first meet?
Joss and I have been working together for eight years. We met in 1997 at his office for an official review of Digital Magic's first Visual Effect for "Buffy", a vampire dusting. He had notes and ideas which we built into the effect, which continued to evolve over the course of the "Buffy" and "Angel" series. We bonded over a mutual affection for comic books, musicals, and old movies. Over the years we developed a shorthand using these references in our shot design.
How would your characterize your collaboration with Joss?
Joss is very careful when choosing collaborators. It takes time, hard work, and consistent passion to earn his trust. I love what we do together and rarely tire of our creative process. We have a unique partnership, where years of short hand have empowered him to say little and communicate a great deal. His scripts are very clear, and usually play out as the instruction manual.
How much of the effects and models creative for “Firefly” is evident in “Serenity?”
Quite a bit. Serenity is still Serenity, with a better paint job for the 60 ft screen. Our cinematic language has stayed relatively the same. The handheld cameras, the lens flares, and the zooms are all in the movie. As well as a few new surprises.
What is the ratio of digital to practical effects in the film?
We tried to put as much of the FX work in camera as possible, obviously this is a space movie, so we have a few all-digital shots. But...our actors are the actors at all times. We shot them green screen and placed them on 3D cards into the 3D scenes, thereby avoiding all the traps of the complex world of digital doubles.
Here, Loni breaks down Zoic’s visual effects process when working with Joss:
First Look
After reviewing the script, Joss and I get together and talk about the sequences. Our conversations are short. He'll describe anything that isn't outlined in the draft, which usually isn't much. Then I’ll get together with the storyboard artists for a first pass visually. When complete, the storyboard artists and I will present this pass and get his feedback. Usually, one more round gets us to the shot design, and we publish the boards for the crew.
Pre-Viz
Once published, we meet with each department to review responsibilities. Joss refines what he expects from principal photography...meanwhile back at Zoic we begin the animation process. The boards are scanned in and kicked off with a team of animators, where we discuss what is to be shot, and what is to be generated. We color code and key the animation to delineate this allocation and render out the scenes accordingly. This pre-visualization (or “pre-viz”) becomes the working guide for principal photography. This process, like the boards, is directed by Joss. The animators present their interpretation of the boards, Joss gives them feedback, and they change the animation accordingly. Once animation has been approved by Joss, it is published and distributed to department heads. The pre-viz is used as a guide to help the team make a more educated plan for photography. On "Serenity” we used the pre-viz to help choose locations, build rigs for camera and effects, and determine building requirements for the art department.
In Production
During production our relationship is immediate. While Zoic is busy building the digital sets, the production VFX team (myself, producer Juliette Yeager, and coordinator Susie Gublet) spends every day with Joss on the set making sure the plan we laid out in prep happens, and when it doesn't, we are there to help Joss troubleshoot on the spot for our department. This is very important for a director, as they must have the whole picture in mind at all times. We are focused on our part. It is our job to present solutions to challenges in our department as they fall to us. Because what we do is complicated and expensive, small mistakes or unforeseen time constraints can affect the schedule and budget enormously. As each day progresses and scenes are committed to film, our plan for the finish evolves. Joss's editor Lisa Lassek plays a big part in this process, as the movie evolves and forms almost daily.
The Final Lap
Upon completion, Joss takes the time he needs with Lisa to look back on the form of his plan. Once he's had a pass at the film, he invites us back into the room. This is another great period for us, as we often find gems in the edit, which no one anticipated. Joss reviews his expectations for the final result from a story point for every shot in the movie, and he tunes our shots to the result he ultimately had in mind when he first conceived them. In the past, this was the shortest part of our process. On "Serenity" it has been the longest. As a result, Joss has had the opportunity to refine his vision, and the time has ultimately benefited the finished product.
How does working on the television effects differ from the feature film process?
Time and budget. With a longer schedule and a bit more money, we have been able to say yes to and execute more complex work. We have also been able to dress up the ships and the FX work behind them. Another big benefit of working in film is the studio support. Universal Pictures’ experience and processes allows us to work more efficiently and more effectively. It is a good place to be.
======
Zoic Studio’s Loni Peristere is Visual Effects Supervisor and Second Unit Director on Serenity. Zoic was awarded the Emmy in 2003 for Special Visual Effects in a Television Series for its contribution to “Firefly” and was nominated for its work on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. In addition to Serenity, Zoic is also creating visual effects for “Battlestar Galactica,” “CSI: Miami,” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” www.zoicstudios.com.
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07-04-05, 11:51 PM
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Last edited by Barry Woodward; 07-05-05 at 08:23 PM.
07-05-05, 08:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Barry Woodward
Firefly's Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2
07-05-05, 10:43 PM
#560
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Originally Posted by RogueScribner
I'd be happy if I actually knew what that meant. I wish there was some hard number data somewhere.
However, Amazon does give a little idea of what the list means at the bottom of it:
This list, updated hourly, contains top-selling items that are currently available for purchase.
However, while Amazon's chart is encouraging, it could also be misleading. For one, Amazon is probably not accurately represetative of retailers as a whole. Many major retailers, for example, may not even have a copy of Firefly on the shelf, so it certainly can't be outselling other titles there.
Another problem is that Amazon's sales of Firefly may not even be indicative of other online retailers like it. Its discount for Firefly is pretty heavy, having the 2nd lowest shipped price online right now, right behind DDD. So sales may be skewed because of the cheaper price. Plus fans may be deliberately purchasing it from Amazon in the hopes of boosting its sales ratings.
Still, the ranking does give reason for hope, and does show that Firefly has a devoted and growing fanbase.
07-06-05, 08:15 PM
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Firefly and Serenity
I just thought that quoted paragraph was funny. I have no clue who this guy is (his site is linked above), but I'm always glad when someone new gets initiated. The DVD sets are real cheap right now at Amazon. I'm considering buying a few and giving them as gifts to a few people. Hmmm.
Originally Posted by Michael J. Totten at June 28, 2005 08:25 PM
I’ve watched almost the whole series now, and I don’t think there’s a single line of bad dialogue in there. George Lucas should be utterly shamed by the existence of Firefly. It may not be as well known, but oh my God does it beat the pants off the hackneyed dreck he’s been cranking out lately. It beats Star Trek, too, for its gritty realism and its refusal to pull its punches and tell overwrought morality tales. The characters are fully realized human beings who live, breathe, grow, suffer, and change in the crucible of wrenching experience. It’s hard not to have sneaking affection for even some of the least likable characters in this story.
07-07-05, 04:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Jay G.
Hard data isn't going to be easy to come by, since studios and retailers are not prone to giving that information out, excepting for record-breaking sale figures.
However, Amazon does give a little idea of what the list means at the bottom of it:
So at least it's current. However, I doubt that, while it's updated hourly, the list is based on those that sold the most for just the past hour. A more likely time period would be the past 12 or 24 hours. Any longer time period, and hourly updating wouldn't make much of a difference. What's interesting is that Firefly is, on Amazon, outselling all of the new releases for today.
However, while Amazon's chart is encouraging, it could also be misleading. For one, Amazon is probably not accurately represetative of retailers as a whole. Many major retailers, for example, may not even have a copy of Firefly on the shelf, so it certainly can't be outselling other titles there.
Another problem is that Amazon's sales of Firefly may not even be indicative of other online retailers like it. Its discount for Firefly is pretty heavy, having the 2nd lowest shipped price online right now, right behind DDD. So sales may be skewed because of the cheaper price. Plus fans may be deliberately purchasing it from Amazon in the hopes of boosting its sales ratings.
Still, the ranking does give reason for hope, and does show that Firefly has a devoted and growing fanbase.
However, Amazon does give a little idea of what the list means at the bottom of it:
So at least it's current. However, I doubt that, while it's updated hourly, the list is based on those that sold the most for just the past hour. A more likely time period would be the past 12 or 24 hours. Any longer time period, and hourly updating wouldn't make much of a difference. What's interesting is that Firefly is, on Amazon, outselling all of the new releases for today.
However, while Amazon's chart is encouraging, it could also be misleading. For one, Amazon is probably not accurately represetative of retailers as a whole. Many major retailers, for example, may not even have a copy of Firefly on the shelf, so it certainly can't be outselling other titles there.
Another problem is that Amazon's sales of Firefly may not even be indicative of other online retailers like it. Its discount for Firefly is pretty heavy, having the 2nd lowest shipped price online right now, right behind DDD. So sales may be skewed because of the cheaper price. Plus fans may be deliberately purchasing it from Amazon in the hopes of boosting its sales ratings.
Still, the ranking does give reason for hope, and does show that Firefly has a devoted and growing fanbase.
Honestly, the fact that Universal greenlit a 40 million dollar movie based on a cancelled TV show with no name actors indicates to me that quite likely Firefly sold very well on DVD. I doubt they greenlit Firefly on blind faith, but probably had some numbers to help encourage such a decision.
07-07-05, 06:18 AM
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Well, Chapelle's Show is often cited as the best selling TV series on DVD, and I recall reading a 2 million unit sales figure somewhere. And I think it's safe to assume that that series has a wider popularity than Firefly. So I doubt Firefly sold even half that number, so it'd still be less than a million units. Right? Of course, at $30 - $50 a pop (depending on when and where you bought it), that's still probably close to $20 million or more in revenue. Not bad for a incomplete cancelled tv series.
Of course, I have no basis for any of my suppositions other than what I think, so I could be way off base.
Of course, I have no basis for any of my suppositions other than what I think, so I could be way off base.
07-07-05, 08:58 AM
#565
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• jaeufraser •
Honestly, the fact that Universal greenlit a 40 million dollar movie based on a cancelled TV show with no name actors indicates to me that quite likely Firefly sold very well on DVD. I doubt they greenlit Firefly on blind faith, but probably had some numbers to help encourage such a decision.
Honestly, the fact that Universal greenlit a 40 million dollar movie based on a cancelled TV show with no name actors indicates to me that quite likely Firefly sold very well on DVD. I doubt they greenlit Firefly on blind faith, but probably had some numbers to help encourage such a decision.
das
07-07-05, 09:31 AM
#566
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Originally Posted by RogueScribner
Firefly and Serenity
I just thought that quoted paragraph was funny. I have no clue who this guy is (his site is linked above), but I'm always glad when someone new gets initiated. The DVD sets are real cheap right now at Amazon. I'm considering buying a few and giving them as gifts to a few people. Hmmm.
I just thought that quoted paragraph was funny. I have no clue who this guy is (his site is linked above), but I'm always glad when someone new gets initiated. The DVD sets are real cheap right now at Amazon. I'm considering buying a few and giving them as gifts to a few people. Hmmm.
07-07-05, 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Cusm
...While I enjoy this show, I find it to be rather fluf ... version of Farscape.
07-07-05, 11:28 AM
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Saw this movie a couple weeks back! Pretty fuckin sweet! Fans of the show ill love it, although if yo havnt seen Firefly I could see how the first hr may dull you out of the movie...it doesnt really answer a lot of avid filmgoer questions and assumes it's audience will pick up on characters etc...when really a lot of people will go in thinking star wars and not get what is going on!!
Fuck getting people to see the movie! Get them to watch the sci fi run this summer, the movie will follow!
Fuck getting people to see the movie! Get them to watch the sci fi run this summer, the movie will follow!
07-07-05, 11:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Nuff
Err them's fighting words! Farscape is WAY more fluff than Firefly...Firefly had better, more developed characters, better dialogue, better plot, better effects, better everything.
That said...you are wrong on all counts.
07-07-05, 11:50 AM
#570
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Originally Posted by chess
Preface to say that I barely consider the shows the same genre, because Farscape was going for something completely different...sort of an indiana jones vibe.
That said...you are wrong on all counts.
That said...you are wrong on all counts.
07-07-05, 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by chess
Preface to say that I barely consider the shows the same genre, because Farscape was going for something completely different...sort of an indiana jones vibe.
That said...you are wrong on all counts.
That said...you are wrong on all counts.
And this is a Serenity thread so please move over to the Farscape theatrical movie thread. Oh, can't find one? Well that should tell you something.
07-07-05, 04:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Flave
While Farscape certainly has its moments, it can't hold a candle to Firefly.
And this is a Serenity thread so please move over to the Farscape theatrical movie thread. Oh, can't find one? Well that should tell you something.
And this is a Serenity thread so please move over to the Farscape theatrical movie thread. Oh, can't find one? Well that should tell you something.
Further, your measure of comparison is absurd. I could just as easily say "Farscape is better because it lasted for 4 seasons and a miniseries and Firefly was cancelled after 13 eps" but that wouldn't tell the whole story either.
If this is any indication of the tone in this thread, I'll gladly go elsewhere. Thanks.
07-08-05, 09:38 AM
#574
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Originally Posted by chess
I love both shows and was trying to make the point that they shouldn't be compared, but thanks for your stunning lack of maturity.
If this is any indication of the tone in this thread, I'll gladly go elsewhere. Thanks.
If this is any indication of the tone in this thread, I'll gladly go elsewhere. Thanks.
Originally Posted by chess
That said...you are wrong on all counts.
How about respecting other people's opinions? I haven't seen Farscape so I can't compare the two. But Firefly was a kickass show and I CANNOT wait to see the movie.
07-08-05, 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Xander
Kettle, this is pot. You're black.
How about respecting other people's opinions? I haven't seen Farscape so I can't compare the two. But Firefly was a kickass show and I CANNOT wait to see the movie.
How about respecting other people's opinions? I haven't seen Farscape so I can't compare the two. But Firefly was a kickass show and I CANNOT wait to see the movie.
When I said the dude was wrong, I meant that he was wrong in saying that Firefly was better in every way. It's not better in every way, it's just different. I'm not sure that I even have a preference between the two shows other than the fact that I was disappointed that Firefly got cancelled before we could see where Whedon was going with it. It was off to a hell of a start though. In contrast, Farscape was a pretty much a fully realized series with a 4.5 year arc.
In summary: NO PREFERENCE HERE, BUT DUDE WAS WRONG TO SAY THAT EITHER SHOW WAS SUPERIOR IN EVERY WAY. HE MAY HAVE BEEN BAITED, BUT HE WAS STILL WRONG.
I can't wait to see Serenity either, but will have to since I'll be in Iraq from Sept-Dec.