Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Priest_of_Shaundakul 04-19-06, 01:07 PM	I've heard everything from the Dark Elf Trilogy, to the Icewind Dale trilogy, to the Avatar series being possible focuses of a film...how much stock should I put in these?
Thelandrach 04-19-06, 01:18 PM	If something happens to convince the people in charge of (a) the licenses and (b) the money that they can profit off of it, the movies will be made. See previous D&D movies to get some indication of how they're progressing on that.
Dark Wizard 04-19-06, 03:17 PM	I don't think it will happen anytime soon. The first D&D movie was a poor performer and heavily criticized. The second movie seemed better received, but even then it was a step down from the first because it was Made-for-TV/Straight-to-DVD. I think WotC will first try to make at least one theatrically released D&D film that shows D&D's brand of fantasy can perform well before they are willing to risk one of their big franchises. I think they've learned that once they have screwed up, it takes years to undo the damage in public perception. That makes the gathering of investors all the more difficult, as suitable sums of money are needed for any fantasy film given the production values of LotR and even Harry Potter setting the standard. Even then, Eberron might get the first chance to be made into a movie, because they're trying to promote that setting. It's also difficult to convince marketers and investors that FR isn't D&D's LotR, that will likely play a large role in interest. I think the next D&D movie attempt should be something that tries to get as close to the $60-80 million budget range as possible, putting it into the realm of a solid theatrical release. Film it with mostly unknowns, shot outside of the US (try places like Vancouver B.C., Australia, Eastern Europe, or South Africa) to shave costs. You need a thrifty but competent director. Most importantly it should get some input from the creative talent that writes the sourcebooks who are most familiar with the stuff, have them work with the script writers. It should aim for a lower level set up, so magic is less flashy and monsters are fewer in numbers and complexity. The trade off is that the atmosphere has to be right, there has to be a strategic use of magic and monsters. Something more along the lines of The Fellowship of the Ring rather than the Return of the King. There is no need to run before you can walk, why have large battle scenes, that is not where the money should be spent. Why have swarms of dragons when one really well done dragon can have a greater effect.
BrianCritchley 04-19-06, 08:13 PM	I think WotC will first try to make at least one theatrically released D&D film that shows D&D's brand of fantasy can perform well before they are willing to risk one of their big franchises and thats the problem D&D is just a rules set. forgotten realms, greyhawk, ebberon etc are the settings that are what are truely unique from a story telling prespective
EytanBernstein 04-19-06, 08:26 PM	At GenCon a couple of years ago, at the celebrity D&D player thing, RA Salvatore and a movie producer said that they were always in talks over t.v. and movies. There wasn't anything concrete said and I haven't heard anything since.
Lord Karsus 04-20-06, 01:01 AM	-I doubt that there will ever be a "Hollywood" Forgotten Realms movie. I am sure that there are "Fan-Made" movies, and cartoons, however. If you're wanting to see stuff that badly, I am sure there are some decent ones out there. WotC needs to promote "Fan-Made" movies, much like George Lucas does.
Dragondm6 04-20-06, 01:28 AM	Well with the first D&D movie, I am betting that they spent most of their money on Marlon Wayans. They were probably left with a shabby budget after that and made a pretty cheap looking movie. In my opinion the second D&D movie that was straight to DVD was much better, had a lot more special effects, and realistic graphics to boot.... and they had a cast with no big names. But I see no problem with them coming out with a series of movies, kinda like how Anime does it. They already come out with tons of books, but I agree that the quality needs to continue to rise. If a third is to come out it has to be better than the previous and so forth, which will continually get more and more people excited about the next film that they may make.
Kraptor 04-20-06, 03:09 AM	I think they shoudl rather do an animated movies, like Lodoss but loose the anime feel to it. I think probably Lodoss comes closest to DnD IMO. The problem with live movies is always the actors/actresses and sometiems the directors. In lots of cases the actors/actresses are just not nerdy enough to fully brace the concept/feel, etc of these types of movies. While LOTR was good, I think in terms of acting it wasnt that great like Harry Potter. Kids played the major roles in HP and they enjoyed their roles they could fully immerse themselves in the world and the settings and this is much harder when you are dealing with adults, of course this is all in my oppinion.
Shieldhart91 04-20-06, 03:56 AM	A lot of the problems are that games transformed into movies generally stink. Not just video games, but tabletop games like DnD as well. They were never given a real good reputation. Games/Movies like Peter Jackson's King Kong, his Lord of the Ring Series, and the Chronicles of Riddick were just about some of the few titles that shook off this stereotype. And with titles like Lord of the Rings and King Kong that had such big budgets, you better pray that DnD gets a chance like that. It's hard, extremely hard to get something like DnD worth seeing. Not to mention all of the people convinced DnD is nothing but devil worship. That takes away from the fan-base. And the people who think DnD is just for nerds. I don't see much hope with a DnD movie at all. Maybe a tiny bit, but I don't know.
theartistformerlyknownas 04-20-06, 05:32 AM	I think a DND movie should be animated as well. Not, i repeat, not in an anime (there will be bloodshed). I think that a computer-animated film with good voice talent is in order. Demon Stone, for example, was very cinematic, had a great score, decent story, and superb voice acting. Hearing Patrick Stewart narrate the story as Khelben was simply brilliant, and whoever did the voice for Drizzt fit the bill perfect. I loved the fact that the story was written by Salvatore, and thought his work could be easily adapted into film. I want more.
Ivarrius 04-20-06, 05:58 AM	I think a DND movie should be animated as well. Not, i repeat, not in an anime (there will be bloodshed). I think that a computer-animated film with good voice talent is in order. Demon Stone, for example, was very cinematic, had a great score, decent story, and superb voice acting. Hearing Patrick Stewart narrate the story as Khelben was simply brilliant, and whoever did the voice for Drizzt fit the bill perfect. I loved the fact that the story was written by Salvatore, and thought his work could be easily adapted into film. I want more. I agree. Demonstone was an amazing game, despite its fairly short length, but the voice acting, specifically stood out. If WotC put out an animated version of FR, or possibly even CG, taking a page from Final Fantasy Advent Children, it could and would, in my opinion, do amazing things! It may never win awards the way LoTR did, but I assure you, it would sell, and reach cult status! As sad as I am to say it, the fanboi's out there would love it, A Drizz't movie, done well, even live action, would be so good.
theartistformerlyknownas 04-20-06, 06:50 AM	I just don't want to think about all the kids dressing up in black face-paint and white wigs to go to the premiere...
Ivarrius 04-20-06, 06:53 AM	I just don't want to think about all the kids dressing up in black face-paint and white wigs to go to the premiere... Tell me about it.
dago_silversword 04-20-06, 04:04 PM	I just don't want to think about all the kids dressing up in black face-paint and white wigs to go to the premiere... Just picture what the premiere would be like for an Elminster movie :D
Krash 04-20-06, 08:02 PM	A good D&D/FR movie would need a couple of things, not the least of which would be excellent production values. Additionally it would ideally have no mention of D&D anywhere - it should just be a fantasy film with a good story, actors, effects etc. We, the D&D/FR fans, would know it for what it is - I thought one of the many failings of the first film was its title. Guaranteed to turn off a segment of the population automatically. -- George Krashos
Old Sage 04-20-06, 08:47 PM	The real question is... would an FR film follow a script closely resembling actual historical events as portrayed in Realms novels... or break entirely new ground and follow a plot of the film writer's own devising (with specific nods to certain historical elements of the Realms for context purposes)?
Lord Karsus 04-20-06, 10:44 PM	-Does anyone remember that "Choose your own Path" D&D DVD? I remember getting a preview disk in one of my Dragon Magazines. Anyway, something like that would be really cool, if it had a Forgotten Realms spin to it? Anyone agree?
Ranger REG 04-21-06, 04:09 AM	The title is Scourge of Worlds, featuring D&D iconics Regdar, Mialee, and Lidda adventuring in the world of Greyhawk. One can hope the interactive DVD would outsell the two D&D films to warrant more series. After all, nothing motivates a business faster than money.
j_gunder 04-21-06, 04:17 AM	There has been talk about live-acted movies set in the Realms, as well as talk about an animated FR movie (talk on this board, I mean)...what about a movie completely done with CGI, a la Advent Children? Talk about "fanbois" as much as you want, but that movie had a lot of support over her (Japan)...it would be excellent to see something put together for the FR in a similar format, I think. I have a question, slightly off-topic...did they release a drink in the States called "Potion?" With the release of Final Fantasy XII, the convenient stores over here started selling his herbal I-taste-like-crap drink, it was only on the shelf for a week...now one can goes for 4800yen at auctions, about $40USD. Anyways...I am a product of my environment, don't judge me for being a Final Fantasy fan...I still think that the CGI format has promise for a FR movie.
Petrankov 04-21-06, 11:42 AM	IMHO I think Dragonlance Chronicles would be the best books for adaptation to a movie.
Gallameed 04-21-06, 03:24 PM	IMHO I think Dragonlance Chronicles would be the best books for adaptation to a movie. YES! Give me that! War of the Lance would be fantastic, its got everything you want from high fantasy and sadly FR dosent really have an romantic/epic ''beggining-middle-end'' trilogy to stand up against DL in much the same vein. Icewind and Darkelf Trilogies are great and all but they might be a little weird to what a big mainstream audience might wanna see. Whereas War of the Lance is like LOTR's with knobs on. But who to direct/act etc? ;) :D
Ivarrius 04-21-06, 05:22 PM	There has been talk about live-acted movies set in the Realms, as well as talk about an animated FR movie (talk on this board, I mean)...what about a movie completely done with CGI, a la Advent Children? Talk about "fanbois" as much as you want, but that movie had a lot of support over her (Japan)...it would be excellent to see something put together for the FR in a similar format, I think. I have a question, slightly off-topic...did they release a drink in the States called "Potion?" With the release of Final Fantasy XII, the convenient stores over here started selling his herbal I-taste-like-crap drink, it was only on the shelf for a week...now one can goes for 4800yen at auctions, about $40USD. Anyways...I am a product of my environment, don't judge me for being a Final Fantasy fan...I still think that the CGI format has promise for a FR movie. I said the same thing a few posts up, that a Realms CG or Animated movie might save on cash, and work out just as well. And no worries, I think there is a large number of Final Fantasy Fans on this board, so you are in good company. As far as the drink goes, I never saw it in Canada, can't speak for the States though. -Does anyone remember that "Choose your own Path" D&D DVD? I remember getting a preview disk in one of my Dragon Magazines. Anyway, something like that would be really cool, if it had a Forgotten Realms spin to it? Anyone agree? Yeah I remember that LK. It was a ton of fun. Short, but fun. If they can do that sort of thing, they should easily be able to cast a few decent voice actors for some Realms Characters. I still think that Patrick Stewart did a great job as Khelben/narrator for Demonstone. I loved that game. IMHO I think Dragonlance Chronicles would be the best books for adaptation to a movie. It wouldn't be bad, but with the huge amount of Lore in FR books, its history as 'likely' the most beloved campaign setting, you might find a little more interest in it. And this is the Forgotten Realms Board... we are all fanboi's in our own right ;) A good D&D/FR movie would need a couple of things, not the least of which would be excellent production values. Additionally it would ideally have no mention of D&D anywhere - it should just be a fantasy film with a good story, actors, effects etc. We, the D&D/FR fans, would know it for what it is - I thought one of the many failings of the first film was its title. Guaranteed to turn off a segment of the population automatically. -- George Krashos I completely agree with this. All my friends who think that D&D is ridiculous or childish absolutely LOVED the LoTR movies. What is stopping them from enjoying FR lore? Likely the fact they grew up making fun of D&D geeks, and are afraid to even look into it. Drop the D&D tag, and possibly the FR flag (when and if a movie is made) Name it whatever you want, and put in some good voices or actors, and I am sure it will turn out well. Ed wouldn't let it turn for the worst, if he had enough say in its production.
Fabius Maximus 04-21-06, 06:38 PM	IMHO I think Dragonlance Chronicles would be the best books for adaptation to a movie. There actually was a rather precise rumor about a Dragonlance movie a few years ago. It died eventually.
Ivarrius 04-21-06, 07:51 PM	I died eventually. Thats just weird... you are posting from beyond the grave!!
Lord Karsus 04-21-06, 09:38 PM	Thats just weird... you are posting from beyond the grave!! -In a world where undead Arcanists morph into Elder Brains, Elven Chosen of Mystra somehow morph from Sun Elves to Moon Elves with no warning whatsoever, and a Half-Golem, Song Dragon, Halfling and Human Cleric of Lathander can ban together and nearly stop all of Dragonkind from ravaging the entire planet, you find posting from beyond the grave weird? No, no, no, that's downright common... :)
Ivarrius 04-21-06, 09:53 PM	-In a world where undead Arcanists morph into Elder Brains, Elven Chosen of Mystra somehow morph from Sun Elves to Moon Elves with no warning whatsoever, and a Half-Golem, Song Dragon, Halfling and Human Cleric of Lathander can ban together and nearly stop all of Dragonkind from ravaging the entire planet, you find posting from beyond the grave weird? No, no, no, that's downright common... :) The minute I read a novel where a Faerunian is using a computer to post on a message board about the very world in which he lives, and he just happens to be using an Incorporeal version of Lantansoft Windows 1374XP, I will not find him posting from beyond the grave weird. Can you tell I didn't sleep much last night? :dancin: :shocked:
urial angel of death 04-21-06, 10:05 PM	There has been talk about live-acted movies set in the Realms, as well as talk about an animated FR movie (talk on this board, I mean)...what about a movie completely done with CGI, a la Advent Children? Talk about "fanbois" as much as you want, but that movie had a lot of support over her (Japan)...it would be excellent to see something put together for the FR in a similar format, I think. I have a question, slightly off-topic...did they release a drink in the States called "Potion?" With the release of Final Fantasy XII, the convenient stores over here started selling his herbal I-taste-like-crap drink, it was only on the shelf for a week...now one can goes for 4800yen at auctions, about $40USD. Anyways...I am a product of my environment, don't judge me for being a Final Fantasy fan...I still think that the CGI format has promise for a FR movie. To the best of my knowledge FFXII hasn't been released in the states. Also plenty of people post from beyond the grave. Where do you think we get all of the people who love 1st edition so much.
Lord Karsus 04-21-06, 10:07 PM	To the best of my knowledge FFXII hasn't been released in the states. -Final Fantasy XII is due out in the US in the Fourth Quarter of 2006.
Ivarrius 04-21-06, 10:11 PM	Figures... I read that as FFXI. Not out in Canada either... so ... forget what I said up there.
Gallameed 04-21-06, 10:36 PM	The problem with CGI films is they are still too much of a novelty at the moment; while watching FF: Advent Children I had this internal commentry saying things like: Ooo, nice hair effect.. Ha, that was a bit ropey! That looks like real water, wow! I wonder if the clothing is meant to look like that? That looked rubbish/cool... If they do a FR CGI film they should wait until its normal so it wont be seen primarily as a CGI movie. I cant wait until theres no need for actors and locations and everything is CGI, you would get ''stars'' like Brad Pitt or whoever simply allowing their ''vintage'' youthful likeness to be used in certain productions while they are IRL old and grey. Heh, and you would get ''straight to video'' versions of those famous stars likenesses being used in cheapo movies. See the straight to video MI12 staring ''Dom Briuse!'' ;) :D Did anyone else think Kong was really dissapointing, the people looked like they were stood against a background during the stampede of dinos and the T-rex must all have soft nerf-foam teeth because Kong didnt even seem to bleed?! Nice creepy insects though. I heart the sphincter-worm things that eat you up, defo having those make an apearance in one of my games. :)
Telagaunt 04-22-06, 01:43 AM	I think it could still be possible to do an FR movie. But it'd have to be one of two things. A) Movie version of a famous story from the novels, DET, ICW, Avatar, etc... + they might have to deal with trying to explain a lot if they wanted to make it explanatory to invite newcomers, or B) Make an entirely new event (like RSE) and aim it more towards already fans of FR. You don't have to explain a lot in FR, but a centralized story (like Dark Elf Trilogy for example, isolate the storyline to a fraction of all that Forgotten Realms lore and fluff is) might be hard if you wanted to appeal to newcomers. Obviously though if you didnt do that, you can just rely on newcomers to investigate FR stuff afterwards. But since FR is over 20 years old by now, and has a lot of history, to be honest I think it'd be more likely WotC would make an Eberron movie, especially due to the recent videogame licenses, and the fact it's new and fresh. Easier for newcomers to get attached and stick with it for years to come. Plus, Eberron is more low-level, so it would be a good way to show newcomers basics of D&D. As opposed to FR where a newcomer might feel overwhelmed by it all.
Dark Wizard 04-22-06, 03:59 AM	Faerun can run the gamut in terms of levels, party composition, plots and theme, that's not the problem. The question is how do you frame the story in FR. It lacks a main centralized story like Dragonlance's War of the Lance trilogy, which is probably the exemplar of a marketable and feasible story under the D&D domain. None of the stories with Drizzt or the Chosen or anyone else is really indicative of the Realms, they all represent FR but none of them is THE definitive Realms story in the same way that the War of the Lance is. Maybe the upcoming Knights of Myth Drannor will be it, but I would hate to see it butchered by Hollywood. I also disagree that D&D as a property itself cannot have a meaningful story told from its material alone. The Core rules already contain a wealth of information on how to establish a nice generic D&D campaign. Though it is true that in 3e Greyhawk has been subsumed as the generic D&D world, it was not as pronounced in previous editions. The Core rules simply provided a series of plain examples for the standard D&D game. From the races, classes and monsters alone an interesting story can be constructed. The fact that neither of the D&D movies has thus come up with anything that makes D&Ders and the average viewer do a double take is more a deficiency of the script than D&D itself. My own setting actually has a region vaguely inspired by a broad concept from the first D&D movie. It stemmed not so much from admiration of the movie's contents, but rather my own attempt for smoother execution of one of the movie's concepts. The concept was a dragon-influenced magocratic empire with significant discrepancies between class (divided by magical talent) ruled by a young empress who must struggle against a multitude of factions and individual wizards of power. The only reason she is safe from these scheming groups is because she is the only one attuned to an artifact level scepter that calls forth an ancient golden dragon (just one!) who is the patron (and rumored founder) of her bloodline. Essentially a reworking of Izmer, but done in what I hope is a more coherent and detailed style with Realmsian cues. All of what I just said can be done from the standard D&D rules information and use all the races, creatures and equipment found in the Core rules, but does the creative force behind the movie put it together in an interesting way that is possible to portray on screen within the alloted budget?
Fabius Maximus 04-22-06, 09:52 AM	Thats just weird... you are posting from beyond the grave!! Yeah, you know, I'm the ghost in the matrix.
dago_silversword 04-22-06, 03:14 PM	Yeah, you know, I'm the ghost in the matrix. Deus ex Machina - Ghost in the Machine
Ivarrius 04-22-06, 06:01 PM	Deus ex Machina - Ghost in the Machine I thought Deus was God?
Priest_of_Shaundakul 04-22-06, 06:29 PM	It is god. Just ignore dago.
GothicDan 04-22-06, 11:39 PM	And 'ex' means 'out of', not 'in.'
Ranger REG 04-23-06, 01:50 AM	Anyways...I am a product of my environment, don't judge me for being a Final Fantasy fan...I still think that the CGI format has promise for a FR movie. You're spoiled by Final Fantasy. I'm spoiled by Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, and the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (from Walden Media). ;) Not that I'm dismissing CGI-pure movies, but if we can use CG magic to blend in with live-action, I say go for it. Personally, it is better to adapt any stories that have Elminster in it. Something about him that is so iconic of FR, as Aslan is to Narnia, and Gandalf is to Middle-Earth.
Ivarrius 04-23-06, 02:14 AM	You're spoiled by Final Fantasy. I'm spoiled by Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, and the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (from Walden Media). ;) Not that I'm dismissing CGI-pure movies, but if we can use CG magic to blend in with live-action, I say go for it. Personally, it is better to adapt any stories that have Elminster in it. Something about him that is so iconic of FR, as Aslan is to Narnia, and Gandalf is to Middle-Earth. I bet if you take a vote, Aragorn or Legolas would come out on top of that vote. Gandalf a close third.
Ranger REG 04-23-06, 02:24 AM	Maybe but there is something about old mentor-type characters, the kind that would invites you into the story and giving wisdoms to the reluctant hero as well as the quiet assassin who both respect the elder.
ClobberinTime 04-24-06, 12:12 PM	I think that the only way a FR movie would work is making it about Drizzt, I mean he is the only character that I know of who attracts people to his books who are not playing D+D, so he is Wizard's lone crossover so to speak. I think they should start at the beginning temporally, in Menzobezzaran, something that was a little bit dark would sell much better and be way more interesting than some of the latter books. I mean think of the Chronicles of Riddick, and really going into the details of the Drow character. It could be visually spectacular. Maybe the whole thing could be shot using a lense that simulates darkvision. Plus this has the advantage of setting the story apart from Lord of the Rings. Starting in Menzobezzaran is like saying to the audience, well think of LoR, now think of what things would be like if Sauron wins and whallaaa you have a drow city.
Lord Karsus 04-25-06, 12:49 AM	-Oh, just use completely original characters. Use a completely original plotline, or perhaps the plotline for a novel that was canned. Only make passing mentions to NPCs like Drizzt, Elminster, and so on. Maybe Elminster can introduce the story, much like Galadriel introduced the Lord of the Rings movies (Er, at least the Fellowship of the Ring). -If established characters are used, there are always going to be people who aren't satisfied. Look at the Prequel Star Wars Trilogy. Not many people were particularly satisfied by the way Anakin Skywalker was portrayed. So, in turn, I am sure that there would be many people not satisfied with a Drizzt, or a Khelben, or whoever. Passing mentions of characters would make fans like us all giddy in our movie seats.
dago_silversword 04-27-06, 11:22 AM	It is god. Just ignore dago. Sorry, I guess I got bad info on the translation.
Maugh 04-28-06, 01:45 PM	Okay, before I post this, I want it to be CLEAR that I'm not being critical of any of the books or characters suggested. I'm not discussing them in terms of criticism or commendation, rather talking about the prospect of a Forgotten Realms movie. Well, first of all you've got to establish a few hard truths here, so we'll go in a logical chain. A movie would have to make money for wizards to even consider it. In order for it to make money, it needs an audience larger than just the dnd kids, because lets face it, there is a social stigma against the game, (in the population at large,) and anybody who hasn't actually played the game is going to balk as soon as they see 'Dungeons & Dragons!' in the title. Also, in order to make money, it needs to be well-received by critics, who tell people which movies to see, and which ones aren't worth their time. In order to be well-received by critics, it needs to have a brilliant script, and decent actors. The script can't be archaic, or hard to understand. It also can't be filled with the language that every DnD player would understand but nobody else would get, and it would probably be wise to steer clear of the bizarre names that nobody will recognize. Special effects would be critical, because it is a high-powered campaign setting, and there would be a lot of magic. The problem would be to go overboard, and have TOO MUCH flashy cg and magic. People get tired of it. Also, in order to make money, it has to either compete with a previously made niche, or it has to find it's own niche. That all having said, the movie would not be able to compete with Lord of the Rings. Sorry folks, but the budget and the casting and the overall production of that set of movies as a whole is something that you just can't compete with. Even if you did a huge dramatic war-scene or the chasing of some evil artifact BETTER than lord of the rings, (which is possible,) the fact that LOTR came first means that people are not going to take it seriously, they're just going to say that it's a tolkein ripoff. This means that they've got to find a new niche, a plot that in no way, shape, or form resembles the LOTR scenes. THat's tough, because a lot of the races and concepts are paralelled. So there go a lot of the big plots, because you've got to avoid something on the scale of large war, and the crenshinibon thing isn't going to fly either, too similar to the one ring. Movies are generally critiqued in the same way that books are: The effect of the environments, the quality and realism of the dialogue, and the general soul of the characters, portraying ideals and ideas that fit and work together. Drizzt would probably be the best 'cannon' character to follow, because drizzt is all about soul. That and his path, especially in the underdark, was relatively low-magic and high combat. That works well in movies. His character development, with a good script, would be excellent. A good amount of very well-coreographed blade-work would go a long way toward a movie that would be successful. The only problem with a movie about Drizzt is that when he was underground, he was so SERIOUS. THat could be good, if it was cinematically brilliant and beautifully written. His essays, as a monologue, would translate rather well into the movie's introduction and even scene changes occasionally. There is one other thing to look at. An ethnically diverse world culture may not appreciate an entire race of dark-skinned people being made out to be (nearly) entirely evil. That said, I don't see any other cannonized realms characters that would make for good movie characters, except maybe Artemis Entreri, but it's hard to frame his character without starting with Drizzt. From what I've read, the other characters are either too outlandish or too powerful to fit the descriptions I've put above. There would be something to say for a new character, a book written specifically with the intention of being translatable to a movie, or even just a new character for a movie, but then you don't have the pre-existing fanbase that you would have with a Drizzt-level character. The last thing I want to say is that any movie has to sell based on the plot and character, and not the DND label. I know that NOT putting the label on something goes against some people's idea of good marketing, but lets face it. If it IS from a dnd setting, those of us who know (and love,) the game will already know about it. By leaving it out, those who don't wont be immediately turned off by the the label alone. If the plot and character can stand alone and the effects support that without overdoing it, then the movie could be very successful.
urial angel of death 04-28-06, 05:02 PM	Well for one thing drow skin is tar black, not brown. I understand that this is a little to close for comefort for most people, but you can always so some brown human as totally innocent and good in the movie. Like say the farm family.
Maugh 04-28-06, 07:55 PM	It could be purple or blue, but it doesn't matter, the point is that one skin color is made out to be evil, (generally speaking, there were obvious exceptions to this, which is something that was definitely portrayed in the story. Heavens it WAS the story.) The movie industry is less accepting than the fantasy novel industry is. It may not make a difference, but it may be enough to give the movie project a bad rap. Then again, it may be enough to get it talked about, which is free publicity. It might not have a negative effect after all. Interesting it would be.
Ranger REG 04-28-06, 09:10 PM	That all having said, the movie would not be able to compete with Lord of the Rings. Sorry folks, but the budget and the casting and the overall production of that set of movies as a whole is something that you just can't compete with. Even if you did a huge dramatic war-scene or the chasing of some evil artifact BETTER than lord of the rings, (which is possible,) the fact that LOTR came first means that people are not going to take it seriously, they're just going to say that it's a tolkein ripoff. This means that they've got to find a new niche, a plot that in no way, shape, or form resembles the LOTR scenes. THat's tough, because a lot of the races and concepts are paralelled. Is that what most people think of when they went to see Narnia and its own epic battle scene near the end of the film? :uh-huh: I mean, let's face it, most fantasy novels of epic quality usually do have that one humongous battle scene. A Tolkien rip-off? Sure. Almost every fantasy novel is modeled or inspired by Tolkien, the grandfather of modern fantasy literature. (In case you haven't noticed, it's a "Well, duh!" statement.) Can somebody do something as epic as LOTR for an FR movie? Maybe, but it's better to take things slowly. Baby steps. Hell, AFAIC, if an FR film is as enjoyable and entertaining as Pirates of the Caribbean, I consider it a success. :cool:
GothicDan 04-28-06, 10:07 PM	I find Maugh's statements intelligent and well-put, so I decided I'm going to reply to his various points, whether I agree or disagree. :) A movie would have to make money for wizards to even consider it. In order for it to make money, it needs an audience larger than just the dnd kids, because lets face it, there is a social stigma against the game, (in the population at large,) and anybody who hasn't actually played the game is going to balk as soon as they see 'Dungeons & Dragons!' in the title. Agreed. Also, in order to make money, it needs to be well-received by critics, who tell people which movies to see, and which ones aren't worth their time. Out of pure ignorance I ask, how many people actually pay attention to what the critics say? I'm not asking this with an undertone of already knowing the answer - I truly do not know the statistics. I know that myself and all of my various friends pretty much never read movie critiques. In order to be well-received by critics, it needs to have a brilliant script, and decent actors. The script can't be archaic, or hard to understand. It also can't be filled with the language that every DnD player would understand but nobody else would get, and it would probably be wise to steer clear of the bizarre names that nobody will recognize. Agreed, mostly. But it also depends in part on just what kind of a theme/feel the movie would be going for. If it was meant to be all action-packed, then the critics would have to judge it for what it is. When I watch movies, 90% of the time I watch them for pure entertainment purposes; when I want a really stunning story or philosophical/social statement, I read. LotR tossed around a lot of obscure names, though. Special effects would be critical, because it is a high-powered campaign setting, and there would be a lot of magic. The problem would be to go overboard, and have TOO MUCH flashy cg and magic. People get tired of it. This is the first point I disagree with. For the target audience (I'm assuming about 10-20), one really can't have too much flashy CGI and magic, as long as it's done well. One of the reasons I liked Ultraviolet was because it was pretty much pure eye candy. Also, in order to make money, it has to either compete with a previously made niche, or it has to find it's own niche. Agreed. That all having said, the movie would not be able to compete with Lord of the Rings. Sorry folks, but the budget and the casting and the overall production of that set of movies as a whole is something that you just can't compete with. Even if you did a huge dramatic war-scene or the chasing of some evil artifact BETTER than lord of the rings, (which is possible,) the fact that LOTR came first means that people are not going to take it seriously, they're just going to say that it's a tolkein ripoff. This means that they've got to find a new niche, a plot that in no way, shape, or form resembles the LOTR scenes. THat's tough, because a lot of the races and concepts are paralelled. I think that it wouldn't be impossible for them to compete with LotR if they went for a different niche; but one's niche is not necessarily defined by one's race. FR Elves are pretty different from Tolkien ones, actually, in appearance and society, and if anything, if people saw a Wild Elf or Sun Elf on the screen, they'd probably be shocked by how different it was from the typical Sindarin or whatnot. There's a lot to explore in terms of plots and niches. I don't think this is that big of an issue. So there go a lot of the big plots, because you've got to avoid something on the scale of large war, and the crenshinibon thing isn't going to fly either, too similar to the one ring. The LotR was written in large part based on older archetypes, and have been many variations of these archetypes since, but I don't see the LotR spoiling it for all of the rest. Pursuing/carrying something of great value and power, which also happens to be dangerous, is pretty common even outside of Sci-Fi/Fantasy. If anything, I think, if the movie was overall well done, that people who liked LotR would like it the same way that people who read fantasy books tend to read a very large variety of them. I see no reason to avoid war on a large scale, because it's pretty much a staple of the movie industry, and has been for a long time now. One simply has to depict them in different ways, use markedly different styles and races and tactics, and the like. Movies are generally critiqued in the same way that books are: The effect of the environments, the quality and realism of the dialogue, and the general soul of the characters, portraying ideals and ideas that fit and work together. I don't know about this - or at least I"m not sure if the critiques mean much. One of the top grossers in the box office in the past few years have included (besides LotR) the Matrix. I think the Matrix trilogy is an utter wreck, uninspired, pretentious, poorly written, bad acting - the theme/plot is a blatant smashing together of Christianity, decades of typical Sci-Fi writing, Neuromancer, and some Buddhist philosophy, all sewed together in a slipshod fashion that anyone with a modicum of knowledge of the previously mentioned sources would laugh at. (And I do.) However, the populace liked it, a lot. The same goes with many other movies that any respectable critic (of books or movies) would consider uninspired, droll, poorly scripted, and stale. The movie would have to be created to please the market at large, not the critics. Drizzt would probably be the best 'cannon' character to follow, because drizzt is all about soul. That and his path, especially in the underdark, was relatively low-magic and high combat. That works well in movies. His character development, with a good script, would be excellent. A good amount of very well-coreographed blade-work would go a long way toward a movie that would be successful. The only problem with a movie about Drizzt is that when he was underground, he was so SERIOUS. THat could be good, if it was cinematically brilliant and beautifully written. His essays, as a monologue, would translate rather well into the movie's introduction and even scene changes occasionally. There is one other thing to look at. An ethnically diverse world culture may not appreciate an entire race of dark-skinned people being made out to be (nearly) entirely evil. As much as I dislike this, I have to say that I'd agree with the majority of the above. That said, I don't see any other cannonized realms characters that would make for good movie characters, except maybe Artemis Entreri, but it's hard to frame his character without starting with Drizzt. From what I've read, the other characters are either too outlandish or too powerful to fit the descriptions I've put above. There's been a lot of movies that have been popular which featured very strange, powerful, or weird characters. There would be something to say for a new character, a book written specifically with the intention of being translatable to a movie, or even just a new character for a movie, but then you don't have the pre-existing fanbase that you would have with a Drizzt-level character. I really don't see this as a problem. Anyone who's a fan of Drizzt is most likely a fan of the Realms, at least, to a point. Even if someone hasn't read other novels or played in the Realms, they most likely know the name Forgotten Realms, and as soon as they saw a movie advertising it (with a trailer showing magic, blades, and monsters - obviously similar to Drizzt's own adventures!), they'd probably decide to see it, Drizzt or no. The last thing I want to say is that any movie has to sell based on the plot and character, and not the DND label. I know that NOT putting the label on something goes against some people's idea of good marketing, but lets face it. If it IS from a dnd setting, those of us who know (and love,) the game will already know about it. By leaving it out, those who don't wont be immediately turned off by the the label alone. If the plot and character can stand alone and the effects support that without overdoing it, then the movie could be very successful. I agree. For the most part, what would really need to be improved over the last few D&D movies, would be better dialogue, better CGI, and not tossing around too many D&D-specific terms. Also, a plot that isn't very much atypical of the D&D world - which makes FR a pretty good choice, actually. I'm tired of dragons, myself.
GothicDan 04-28-06, 10:10 PM	Now, for Ranger: Is that what most people think of when they went to see Narnia and its own epic battle scene near the end of the film? I know I enjoyed it more than the majority of LotR's battle scenes, myself. I mean, let's face it, most fantasy novels of epic quality usually do have that one humongous battle scene. A Tolkien rip-off? Sure. Almost every fantasy novel is modeled or inspired by Tolkien, the grandfather of modern fantasy literature. (In case you haven't noticed, it's a "Well, duh!" statement.) If you know where to look, you can find a lot of fantasy that isn't based on Tolkien at all, or at most, refers to similar archetypes (which Tolkien himself "ripped off" in many cases). The Elric Saga would make a pretty cool, trippy movie, I think, and it's very much not Tolkien-inspired. Can somebody do something as epic as LOTR for an FR movie? Maybe, but it's better to take things slowly. Baby steps. Hell, AFAIC, if an FR film is as enjoyable and entertaining as Pirates of the Caribbean, I consider it a success. Heh. I didn't like that movie. Then again, there aren't many movies which I really, really like.
Priest_of_Shaundakul 04-28-06, 11:12 PM	I'm sorry that you dislike Drizzt. While you might not be as engaged with him as others are, the character itself, and what he embodies is good, true and noble.
BrianCritchley 04-29-06, 12:20 AM	I think any main novel chars would do poorly as the movie would be compared, invariably unfavorably, to the book. a better approuch would be an entirely new cast of characters, but give the fil;m a narrorator who is of course.. Elminister. and basicly have the movie be a story Elminister is recording. this would give a familer character to the story, but it would be in a minor role. It'd have the added benifit of having Elminister used in the role he SHOULD be depicted in more often, the wise old sage, and thus would combat the perception that elminister is wondering around saving the world single handed all day.
GothicDan 04-29-06, 01:37 PM	I'm sorry that you dislike Drizzt. While you might not be as engaged with him as others are, the character itself, and what he embodies is good, true and noble. Also, unrealistic and contrived. I am also amused that this is the only thing that you decided to reply to in my posts, especially considering you pretty much zero'd in on a novel discussion topic. Note, also, that my favorite novels include the Elric Saga, A Song of Ice and Fire, Perdido Street Station, American Gods, and Dragonlance's Chronicles (probably nostalgia). My tastes don't run very streamline with 90% of the Drizzt stuff. I don't really like reading battle scenes at all, and I consider Elric a far more realistic anti-hero.
Dark Wizard 04-29-06, 02:29 PM	...and I consider Elric a far more realistic anti-hero. I have always thought that Drizzt wasn't an anti-hero, his deeds and motivations seem well within the heroic standard.
Maugh 04-29-06, 03:28 PM	Let's avoid talking directly about the character of Drizzt, that is, I don't want the thread closed because critiquing the novels and characters has been decreed off-limits by the moderators. And yeah, I REALLY liked Narnia, but I liked it for much different reasons than why I liked Lord of the Rings. Narnia, at it's soul, was a beautiful christian parable. The battle scene made me very sad, though, because they way in which they filmed and produced it was too similar to the third Lord of the Rings movie. I think that it did Narnia a disservice. Apart from that, the Narnia movie was absolutely BRILLIANT. With the exception of the large battle scene, it had an angle and a development that was different in purpose and intent than was Lord of the Rings, which made it stand on it's own. Most adults, who have busy lives and finite money and time for seeing movies, check critical reviews of a movie before they invest in it. Those adults, either going for dates or with their families, provide most of the revenue for seeing movies. That's what I understand at least, although I could be mistaken. Although there are exceptions, (remember that the first Matrix movie received GREAT reviews, and that the second and third movies received weak reviews, but were running on a highly successful franchise, which changes the dynamic a bit,) most movies that do well are also at least somewhat critically aclaimed. That or they're kids movies, which sell well despite reviews. But you don't want them to make a Disney Drizzt, do you? (And my cat just walked across the keyboard. I hate it when he does that.) Next point: I understand that Tolkien took his ideas from other sources, both mythological and more recent fiction, but that is something that most of the populous does not know. If someone who knows little of fantasy or even other literary history thinks of elves and dwarves, they're going to jump straight to tolkien. I would just like to reiterate that unless ten or fifteen years have passed since a movie has come and gone, anything that's not viewed as completely original WILL be compared to the previous version. Even today, it's impossible for someone to do a movie about moses without being compared to the old Ten Commandments movie, and it's been what, 30 years? The Lord of the Rings, although not on a biblical scale, will hold a long standing landmark for the fantasy genre. That doesn't mean that the archetypes can't be used in another setting, just that it HAS to be original, unique enough to avoid a direct comparison of characters or plot dynamics. Bringing up Elminster highlights that same point. In many cases, Elminster -is- the Gandalf figure of the forgotten realms setting. That either needs to be portrayed in a way to make it widely different from Gandalf, (because he is very different in personality,) or it needs to be left out entirely. Back to the idea of the 'humongous battle,' I think, that if it were necessary to a plot, that kind of a battle could be done without comparing it to LOTR/Narnia, but it has to be filmed differently. Different angles, different views, different sounds, different scales, different environment, whatever it takes so that people don't immediately make the connection. That's my opinion, though, and others can freely disagree. If you want any proof, though, go check the online reviews for Narnia. They will all mention that it's a christian parable, and they will all compare it in some way to the Lord of the Rings. Especially when talking about that one large fight. I think that to do this well, Wizards of the coast would need to find an established director and producer that was willing to take on the task, someone that had experience in epic stuff like this, and was not so close to the game that they couldn't make it connect to the people who don't play the game. That and they'd need a writer who could pull off a REALLY good script. I would again recommend somebody that didn't already write for the realms, because they might be too close to the project. All in all, I think it's a reasonable project, it's just one that's got a great big mine-field in front of it. There are so many things that could sink a project like a dnd forgotten realms movie, but that doesen't mean that it doesn't have a great potential. It is a phenomenally cool setting, after all.
Jiggawha 04-30-06, 09:37 AM	Yeah Narnia is good, if you haven't watched any movie ever and you are 3 or 4, which is probably the same age of the the scriptwriter. Or maybe you're mentally retarded, who knows ... Queen (when she sees ressurected lion) : ''Impossible !'' - truly unique
BrianCritchley 04-30-06, 03:20 PM	I'm not sure a big battle sceen in a FR movie would be nesscary, a FR movie would have more in common with fellowship of the rings then with return of the king. honestly. I don't consider large armies clashing really an intrinsic part of the setting. FR to me has always been about small bands of adventurers doing great things. not armies defeating armies. yes I know massive armed conflcits happen, like the Devil Dragon war or this elven crusade, but they';ve long seemed a rare exception.
Maugh 04-30-06, 08:41 PM	Good job, Jiggawha, you've shown a lack of respect, a lack of culture, a lack of intelligence, and a lack of civility, all in one post. Great job. Narnia, (this is off the subject, of course, and if the Jiggawha post is removed for being off topic and blatantly inflamatory, feel free to remove this post as well,) is a fantastically well-written parable. My point in bringing it up is simply that it has a very different purpose and feel than the LOTR or FR as a whole. Obviously, you didn't come to that movie with an open attitude, or an understanding of what C.S. Louis was trying to do with it, or you would have gotten that. And by the way, if the lines were unsophisticated, keep in mind that it WAS a childrens book, and the movie WAS written/directed with a children's perspective in mind, but it was also crafted on deeper levels. That explains why it was simplistic, but if you look for the symbolisms involved, then there is a LOT more to that movie. If you didn't catch those symbolisms, then you ought to take another look at the movie, with a little more positive attitude, and after having done a little study about who CS Louis was, and about what he thought of Christianity as a whole. I find that life is much happier when taking things with both a grain of salt and an optimistic viewpoint. Beyond that, keep in mind that a little education and courtesy both go a long way. About audiences, it's important to note that just like the writers of the Narnia movie, a FR movie would need to keep it's audience in mind, and frame it in a way that sets it apart. FR would be a terrible setting in which to do the Narnia parable, as well as a terrible setting in which to do the Middle Earth Epic. FR would have to carve out it's own niche.
BrianCritchley 04-30-06, 11:14 PM	indeed maugh, sounds like much of what I've told people who bash star wars. well yes it's simplistic on the outside for everyone, but there's also much deeper hidden meanings if you want intellectualism. you see an adault movie shouldn't have to be just "we added swears to the script"
Jiggawha 05-01-06, 05:34 AM	The Depthness of Narnia overwhelms me. Perhaps I'll watch it someday again, if they put me in a torture chamber. You're then in one of those groups I've mentioned earlier. Also I was talking about the film makers not the story (which is quite fine for kids if you don't teach them that the lion is similar to your Savior).
Priest_of_Shaundakul 05-01-06, 05:46 AM	I know he'd like Drizzt. All this fake machismo and bravado...this whole show of defiance is not needed :)
GothicDan 05-01-06, 12:33 PM	Perhaps I'll watch it someday again, if they put me in a torture chamber. You're then in one of those groups I've mentioned earlier. Also I was talking about the film makers not the story (which is quite fine for kids if you don't teach them that the lion is similar to your Savior). CS Lewis himself said that Aslan was a variation on the Arisen Messiah myth (which pervades many cultures, not just Christianity - Hinduism, Greek, and Norse off the top of my head, and more I'm sure.)
Ranger REG 05-01-06, 06:45 PM	Back to the idea of the 'humongous battle,' I think, that if it were necessary to a plot, that kind of a battle could be done without comparing it to LOTR/Narnia, but it has to be filmed differently. Different angles, different views, different sounds, different scales, different environment, whatever it takes so that people don't immediately make the connection. That's my opinion, though, and others can freely disagree. Personally, I thought Narnia battle scene looks and feel different enough from LOTR, albeit not totally. I mean I gotta love the centaur cavalry, even though one could arguably compare it to the Rohirim. So, does that mean we should hire a different visual effect company rather than WETA Digital? Anyhoo, I personally do not like including a mass battle scene for a first FR film. That's bordering on gratuitous. Better to focus on the party of adventurers (a la Fellowship of the Ring).
Zsych 05-11-06, 08:36 PM	(Haven't really read most of the thread) I think that the D&D Cartoon in the 80s was fairly popular. I know i loved it. With current day technology, you could have a better quality cartoon, and bands of adventurers exploring let's say FR, might well be interesting. You could even have several independent(multi-part) stories featuring different parties of adventures, and have them meet up at times, giving the feel of a living world. Then again, sticking with one party might be a better idea. I'm not sure how much it costs to produce a cartoon, but if it isn't too much, it should be given a shot. The guy who made the Justice League(one of my fav, latter day cartoons), should be free about now. WotC should hire someone like him to write a D&D cartoon(besides he already has experience with making a popular cartoon, focussed on a team of different super-heroes)
Dark Wizard 05-12-06, 03:27 AM	They recently annouced plans to make a movie from the Warcraft material. Perhaps best see how that turns out first.
Ranger REG 05-12-06, 03:54 AM	The guy who made the Justice League(one of my fav, latter day cartoons), should be free about now. WotC should hire someone like him to write a D&D cartoon(besides he already has experience with making a popular cartoon, focussed on a team of different super-heroes) Personally, I like more ThunderCats and less Teen Titans in terms of animation art style.
Thelin_Winterstrom 05-12-06, 04:30 AM	Forgotten Realms = How many people have played in every city in every country? How many characters have you played that didn't need to be led by one of the 'great and powerful' N.P.C.'s (eg Elminster/Drizzt/Any of the chosen) It would not be a great leap to find a suitable setting in which to base a movie sized campaign, although I believe that due to the incredulous amount of back story that various established characters already have, it might be prudent simply to protray a new hero/heroin that only through secondary means involves a teaser character. In this way, if done properly, the plotline is open to any desireable outcome leaving the writers the availabilty to background the well beloved N.P.C.'s (and perhaps getting more people to want to know about them and $$buy the books) while progressing a new and perhaps just as loved main character. There are plenty of things to do in FR that have nothing to do with major battles but with the simple life of a cleric (uh oh- ER flashbacks) or the sultry tales of the rogue (err... not to be confused with an anti-hero). You can hardly expect that every wizard/sorc is produced in Thay (although most of the good..er...evil..er.. powerful one's might have studied there). Personally I would like to point out Cormyr. It is wonderfully close to an Arthurian Legend (minus one epic keen adamantine + omg sword). There seems to be a great deal of secondhand rumors that Cormyrian adventurers have a reputation for having a good name. How many other places that haven't been mentioned are there in FR? Just a couple of off-hand remarks about some well known places should be enough to keep die hard FR fans interested. If you really want to involve a major N.P.C. just have a new group/character find out about something that they should get in touch with somebody about. Such as a plot to kill a thief who has stolen away into Waterdeep and has an item from a chruch of Mystra that Khelben might just be interested in returning. The story really doesn't involve Khelben (save for perhaps a dramatic appearance as a climax) nor does it really have to go into revealing the secrets of the temple of Mystra (stealing from temples= bad) so you don't have to approach the dogmatic view of either viewpoint. Just follow the story arc of the group/character involved in finding out the plot and exploiting it as an excuse to adventure away from the no-name town somewhere in the dalelands. ok. I'm done ranting.
Herobane 05-12-06, 03:32 PM	I think that they should chronicle Drizzt in a movie. Start with the Dark Elf Trilogy, DON'T CAST ANY BIG NAME STARS IN IT! Drizzt is the most balanced cinematic character. Males and females wil both enjoy it! Males: lots of gory fight scenes. :fight!: Females: Lots of plot, emotion, and a hint of a love triangle theme between Drizzt/Catti-Brie/Wulfgar. Plus I imagine that little kids would just LOVE Regis. Halflings are good that way. Kids like Meriadoc and Peregrin, so why wouldn't they like Regis?!
Ranger REG 05-13-06, 04:42 AM	I think that they should chronicle Drizzt in a movie. Start with the Dark Elf Trilogy, DON'T CAST ANY BIG NAME STARS IN IT! Hell, yeah! No Tom Cruise in a FR film! Psst! Is Paris Hilton a big name star? I don't see her as a star and she's ain't a big name, despite her status as a hotel heiress (sucks to be a Hilton employee). In fact, she turned me off simply uttering "[blank] Hot!" :mad:
Lord Karsus 05-13-06, 07:52 AM	Psst! Is Paris Hilton a big name star? I don't see her as a star and she's ain't a big name, despite her status as a hotel heiress (sucks to be a Hilton employee). In fact, she turned me off simply uttering "[blank] Hot!" :mad: -Who would Paris Hilton portray, anyway? There aren't any characters I can think of who...well, there aren't any characters around who Paris would do justice. Can anyone name some important "harlotish" airhead blondes in the Realms?
Ranger REG 05-14-06, 04:46 AM	-Who would Paris Hilton portray, anyway? There aren't any characters I can think of who...well, there aren't any characters around who Paris would do justice. Can anyone name some important "harlotish" airhead blondes in the Realms? *ponders* The Simbul *hastily dons his asbestos suits*
Dark Wizard 05-14-06, 10:41 PM	*hastily dons his asbestos suits* Doesn't save you from lightning, cold, acid or sonic damage... :D
Ranger REG 05-15-06, 05:01 AM	Doesn't save you from lightning, cold, acid or sonic damage... :DNah, the forum protects me from them. It's the flaming I can't stand. :P
Herobane 05-15-06, 08:31 PM	-Who would Paris Hilton portray, anyway? There aren't any characters I can think of who...well, there aren't any characters around who Paris would do justice. Can anyone name some important "harlotish" airhead blondes in the Realms? Delly Curtie. Plain and simple.
heinzk23111 05-15-06, 10:47 PM	I've read through this post and see alot about what Iconic character to use. I personnally like the Elminster as narrator idea. However I do not recommend the Dark elf trillogy. In fact I recommned you start small. what do I mean??? Do a horror story release it for Halloween and base it off of the old Module "Tomb of Horrors!" It could have some of the "Indiana Jones" effect of a dungeon crawl with traps, tricks, and riddles. But be suspenseful, scary, and have a undead in the end. Add some new twist so it isn't a total copy of the Module. Use theater trained actors along the lines of Shakespear. Now most importantly try not to push the D&D thing just call it the Tomb of Horrors and that be it. The characters would be a Rogue or two a wizard and a Priest. maybe a few fighters for some fodder for traps Tricks and undead. Well that is my $.02, I just want something different than the usual large all encompasing story arc. A Horror story set in Fantasy would be fantastic!
GothicDan 05-15-06, 11:58 PM	That would work better set in Ravenloft than in FR.
MasterGrazzt 05-16-06, 12:06 AM	Tomb of Horrors was set in Greyhawk. -Who would Paris Hilton portray, anyway? There aren't any characters I can think of who...well, there aren't any characters around who Paris would do justice. Can anyone name some important "harlotish" airhead blondes in the Realms? Hitlon could be Storm Silverhand. If she wears a silver wig.
Dark Wizard 05-16-06, 12:46 AM	She should play herself, Parys Hiltoun, heiress to the Hiltoun family fortune, founded on their famous chain of classy inns scattered throughout the Sword Coast. She spends her time traveling between Waterdeep, Silverymoon and Berdusk attending parties and generally doing not much of anything. There's the occassional rowdy excursion to Calimshan, but what happens in Calimshan stays in Calimshan. It could be a wonderfully post-modern moment for D&D.
Oghmanyte 05-16-06, 11:46 AM	Another option for a FR movie would be an adaptation of the Baldur's Gate story (if someone has mentioned this already, sorry--though I didn't see anything about it). It's different enough from LOTR but still epic in scope, would appeal to the video game crowd as well as to RPGers, and avoids the potentially disastrous racial issues of a Drizzt movie. It also has a cool title which does not automatically declare itself geeky, though we know otherwise. It could be handled beautifully. Any thoughts?
Gallameed 05-16-06, 04:15 PM	nm
MasterGrazzt 05-16-06, 07:28 PM	Personally, I like more ThunderCats and less Teen Titans in terms of animation art style. Justice League and Teen Titans have nothing to do with each other except being derived from DC Comics, and TT very, very loosely. Justice League and it's sequel Justice League Unlimited were in the style of Batman: the Animated Series from the early 90s. The best thing to do would indeed to get the Paul Dini/Bruce Timm team to make an animated series set in the Forgotten Realms.
Dark Wizard 05-16-06, 07:40 PM	The best thing to do would indeed to get the Paul Dini/Bruce Timm team to make an animated series set in the Forgotten Realms. That might actually turn out really well. But whether it's American animation or Japanese animation, it's mostly all made in Korea nowadays. BTW, Thundercats was drawn by people who draw anime. Even back then much of the actually drawing was outsourced to Asia, that is if it wasn't a direct cut and dub from existing anime shows (Macross, Voltron).
Herobane 05-16-06, 11:39 PM	Another option for a FR movie would be an adaptation of the Baldur's Gate story ICEWIND DALE! ICEWIND DALE! GIVE ME SOME TEMPUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on, I tried to make TEMPUS as a PC in that game! but failed, 'cause he's no fun to try and play because I'm CE, not CN, so I always focus more on the slaughter aspect of battle, not the glory aspect of battle. C'est la guerre... literally...
Ranger REG 05-17-06, 03:07 AM	BTW, Thundercats was drawn by people who draw anime. As long they don't draw in the style of Crayon Shinchan or Hello Kitty, I can tolerate. Still, I obviously prefer live-action.
Dark Wizard 05-17-06, 04:13 AM	As long they don't draw in the style of Crayon Shinchan or Hello Kitty, I can tolerate.[QUOTE=Ranger REG] That is probably unlikely, given the perceived target audience is probably the adolescent male demographic and up. Still, I obviously prefer live-action. Live action fantasy is hit or miss depending on budget, proper use of funds and finally competent execution of the material. Even then, recall that the first D&D movie had a decent budget.
Ranger REG 05-18-06, 02:59 AM	Live action fantasy is hit or miss depending on budget, proper use of funds and finally competent execution of the material. Even then, recall that the first D&D movie had a decent budget. Animation can also be a hit or miss. You're not arguing that if Courtney Solomon did the movie in animation, it would actually work, are you? :confused:
Gallameed 05-18-06, 03:26 AM	Animation can also be a hit or miss. You're not arguing that if Courtney Solomon did the movie in animation, it would actually work, are you? :confused: Was a cartoon wasnt it? ;) (For a two-dimensional bodge-job of an effort at camp fantasy anyway...)
Dark Wizard 05-18-06, 01:48 PM	Animation can also be a hit or miss. You're not arguing that if Courtney Solomon did the movie in animation, it would actually work, are you? :confused: I meant to say that animation helps alleviate some of the budgetary problems. Movies get criticized if their special effects aren't on par with what people expect. Take monsters for instance, whether CGI or puppets, it takes a great deal of skill, and thus funds, to integrate them with real actors. That is if the SFX talent is available. There are many movies in production that already hired the best people in the effects field because they have colossal funds. It is less likely for D&D to get first access to such people. Although animation may not be cheap, it can at least look consistent throughout. It seems uncommon for animated films to be criticized for poor animation, it's usually competent. Then instead of cutting corners, "Oh, we can't afford to have the mindflayer in the crucial scene," the director and production team can try to concentrate on creating a good story. I suppose I should ask, how well do animated movies do outside of the G-rated super family-friendly genre. Few and far between if they are made at all. But at the same time, how many live action fantasy/period films do well, 1 out of 10? Many films with a ancient or fantastical setting haven't done that well lately, Alexander - blah, Troy - yawn, King Arthur - meh.
GothicDan 05-18-06, 02:37 PM	I really like Troy, Gladiator, Excalibur.. King Arthur bored the heck out of me. But overall, I'd say that I prefer medieval/ancient history live action films to animation. It feels more "real" to me... For obvious reasons!