Tom Welling as Superman

[Serene]

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/aqua7b.jpgHe just is.

I have to ask. What the hell were people thinking?

That picture.. backpack, checkered shirt and all.. is SO :supes: it almost hurts. It just doesn't get much better than that.

[avidreader]

I have to ask. What the hell were people thinking?

That picture.. backpack, checkered shirt and all.. is SO :supes: it almost hurts. It just doesn't get much better than that.

I was so blown away when I saw that picture posted by Pat a couple of days ago that it really left me speechless.

He has that Greek god look about him in that picture which completely encompasses everything that I see in Superman.

:supes:

[triplet]

He is. He truly is everything that I feel Superman should be.

That photo says it all.

I'm loving this season! He's so Supermanly this year, more so than he's ever been... It's just getting better and better.

:up: :D

[Kane]

Tom Welling most definatly looks like Superman. He gives a modern/unique look to Superman (which looks nothing like Reeves Silver/Bronze age looking Superman) but looks like a Superman for the 21st century (which IMO is better). I think the reason why so many have trouble regarding him as Superman is the nature of the show and the way Clark is written in.

Part of me wishes Smallville was never produced and Welling was casted as Superman in an Birthright/origins movie in 2002 or 2003 written by Waid. It would have easily outdone any previous Superman movie.

[notalurkerany+]

Hmm. Smiling shots, eh? Well, here's a few semi-recent ones in character for the helluvit. Anybody feel like maniping 'em, knock yourselves out.

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/lexmas3.jpg


Thanks a lot for the photos, Pat! :eek: :D :D :D

I'll try to knock myself out, especially with the last one. His expression is stern and warm at the same time.


Reeve's Clark smiled a lot. His Superman however was more stern and determined looking, though he did have moments where he smiled. Sound familiar? (Look up)

My best memories of Reeve's Superman are mostly when he's smiling in the scenes with MK or the final scene of S:TM where he's flying around the world, then he smiles at the camera and flies away. *sigh*


Supes' is stern and bullheaded, but there's a kindness in the eyes that's comforting. Yeah, there is a certain level of subjectivity to it, but there's definitely something palpable there. And while Welling's expressions run the Superman gamut, the proof is in a completely expressionless face because you still see Superman in the eyes and overall demeanor. The ability to just BE the character w/o making any special effort to "look" the character (through facial expressions, poses or costuming - whatever) is a HUGE part of buying into the fantasy for me...

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/superman3.gif

It's all about verisimilitude and Welling has come to master it. :up:

[Kane]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/tifflover/lexmas3.jpg

Now the pic looks much better. :up:

[Brainiac 8]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/tifflover/lexmas3.jpg

Now the pic looks much better. :up:

That is just rude. I like her.:(

[avidreader]

I like all the girls, they are all great for different reasons.

I just wish everybody could appreciate all of them for what they are as they are all going to have an impact on this special super hero.

[Kane]

I think Lois is the only one who has some real significance and impact. Even Lana loses her importance after Smallville High. There will obviously be alot more important people that have a strong impact on Kal-el's life once he becomes a Superhero and grows up; Lex, Ma and Pa Kent, Brainiac, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, Kara, Metallo, Zodd, Darkseid, Batman etc etc... Pete and Lana show up now and then, but arent very important or relevant to him anymore.

[avidreader]

Yeah, but I'm watching Smallville in the present and these people are present in his life now. You cant dismiss anything that happens today because its not there tomorrow.

I'm watching it to see what impact they have on him and that's what I take away after watching each episode. I dont think about how it all plays out in 10 to 12 years from now.

[notalurkerany+]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/tifflover/lexmas3.jpg

Now the pic looks much better. :up:

:eek: Are you crazy? She looks beautiful with her long hair (or extensions ;) )

[Serene]

I like all the girls, they are all great for different reasons.

I just wish everybody could appreciate all of them for what they are as they are all going to have an impact on this special super hero.

I do too, avid. It's probably why we're such big fans of the show though, we like and appreciate all the characters, just some more than others.

That was pretty harsh, CS.

[Serene]

I dont think about how it all plays out in 10 to 12 years from now.

Well, you can't really, right? SV is a whole 'nuther telling of the tale, so to speak.. We can assume that certain things are inevitable, but really, they are only tied to the (various) mythologies according to the whims of Al and Miles.

[Kane]

:eek: Are you crazy? She looks beautiful with her long hair (or extensions ;) )

Her face is still the same. Fake hair or not. She just doesnt do it for me. Shes average while the rest of the cast is on a totally different level.

[Kane]

Yeah, but I'm watching Smallville in the present and these people are present in his life now. You cant dismiss anything that happens today because its not there tomorrow.

I'm watching it to see what impact they have on him and that's what I take away after watching each episode. I dont think about how it all plays out in 10 to 12 years from now.

Oh, when you said 'impact on this superhero' I thought you were refering to Superman.

[avidreader]

Oh, when you said 'impact on this superhero' I thought you were refering to Superman.

I'm not quite sure what you mean. :confused:

Well, you can't really, right? SV is a whole 'nuther telling of the tale, so to speak.. We can assume that certain things are inevitable, but really, they are only tied to the (various) mythologies according to the whims of Al and Miles.

Absolutely! That's why I love it so much. :up:

[Kane]

I'm not quite sure what you mean. :confused:


You were refering to people who had an impact in the life of the 'superhero'....I thought you meant Superman (Clark's future) since thats his official designation when he becomes an official superhero.

[avidreader]

You were refering to people who had an impact in the life of the 'superhero'....I thought you meant Superman (Clark's future) since thats his official designation when he becomes an official superhero.

Well in that case, that's who I did mean. I wasnt referring to any other superhero.

Lana/Chloe/Lois will all have an impact on Clark/Superman.

[Kane]

Well in that case, that's who I did mean. I wasnt referring to any other superhero.

Lana/Chloe/Lois will all have an impact on Clark/Superman.

And my point was, in the future Lana's impact on Superman is minimal, shes old news.

Though, I suppose in the Smallville universe, anything can happen. Lana, Chloe and Lois could all still be close friends with Clark in the Smallville future and Chloe may up even working with them at the Daily Planet. Not my favorite outcome, but anythings possible.

[Serene]

I think this warrants posting in two threads.

- by Superboy13
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/9171/ripwelling7bo8ap.jpg

[avidreader]

I think this warrants posting in two threads.

- by Superboy13
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/9171/ripwelling7bo8ap.jpg

Wow! :eek:

Me like that. :up:

[Kane]

Whos body did you manip that to? Im trying to figure out the S design.

[Kal-El 8]

I think this warrants posting in two threads.

- by Superboy13
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/9171/ripwelling7bo8ap.jpg
:eek: It's SUPERMAN !!! (awesome manip.) :supes:

[Kal-El 8]

Tom Welling as SUPERMAN by Carlo Pagulayan
http://imageshack.us/?x=my6&myref=http://www.devotedfansnetwork.com/forums/showthread.php?p=467863
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/images/fan-art/smallville_super.jpg

Tom Welling as SUPERMAN by Alex Ross
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/775/superman5088zt.th.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=superman5088zt.jpg)
http://img358.imageshack.us/img358/7034/supermanwelling19yr.th.jpg (http://img358.imageshack.us/my.php?image=supermanwelling19yr.jpg)

[Kal-El 8]

Those are awesome TW pics.

[triplet]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/tifflover/lexmas3.jpg

Now the pic looks much better. :up:

Now, now.... be nice.

[superboy13]

Whos body did you manip that to? Im trying to figure out the S design.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/9171/ripwelling7bo8ap.jpg

Hey, I'm new in these forums... I'm the guy who did that manip (thanks to Serene for posting it). I used the blue part of the costume of evil superman from Superman III (but I changed the shade of blue), but the S is the one from Superman Returns, but made plain and shadowed as if it belinged to the costume, not a 3D plate

[AgentPat]

Hey, I'm new in these forums... I'm the guy who did that manip (thanks to Serene for posting it).Welcome to the Hype, Superboy13. You'll fit right in here. :D :up:

I used the blue part of the costume of evil superman from Superman III (but I changed the shade of blue), but the S is the one from Superman Returns, but made plain and shadowed as if it belonged to the costume, not a 3D plateHee! I thought I recognized the \S/

I like it better that way, actually. It looks bigger too, which is another feature that I prefer. Nice work!

It'll be interesting to see what shield design style they choose for SV's Clark, and how it evolves from the infinity \8/ symbol to the \S/ that we're all familiar with. If they go one more season after this one (pretty likely at this point, but February sweeps should hopefully seal the deal), then I hope they cover the evolution of the suit in depth. They've elaborated on everything else in thorough detail on the show, why not the suit? :)

[Gregorius]

http://www.redcapegallery.com/Posters/Man%20of%20Steel.jpg

Anyone who says that ain't Superman is blind, deaf, and dumb!

[Milkman95]

I guess I'm blind, deaf, and dumb then......:rolleyes:

[avidreader]

I guess I'm blind, deaf, and dumb then......:rolleyes:

.... and so you like coming into these forums because? :rolleyes:

[Pickle-El]

.... and so you like coming into these forums because? :rolleyes:


I thought I was the defensive one, right everyone? You all said so just last week......:o

Hold on, I'll re-word that,

The 'Most defensive person on the Smallville forum' name belong to the Pickle......sorry Babs. ;)

[Milkman95]

.... and so you like coming into these forums because? :rolleyes:

Maybe because I enjoy the show perhaps? Frickin' hilarious............

[Gregorius]

These are my thoughts in a nutshell on the idea of Tom Welling as Superman, as quoted on my new fanart site, http://www.redcapegallery.com .

TOM WELLING AS SUPERMAN
A Brief Analysis



I, for one, believe that Tom Welling would make an excellent Superman and that the qualms others may have about him assuming the role can be resolved simply by making a few minor adjustments:

1) On Smallville, make-up is presumably used to make him look younger, since he’s about 10 years older than Clark is supposed to be. In order for him to play a mature Superman, make-up should instead be applied only to accent his features or, at most, to make him look only slightly older. After all, Tom Welling is actually a few years older than Christopher Reeve was when he took on the role.

2) Smallville’s Clark Kent usually wears his hair in a casual mop-top style. Although this look could work well for his civilian identity even in his adult career (Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter), Superman does not have bangs. His hair needs to be brushed back, with a distinct curl in the front that barely tickles his forehead. The style worn by Christopher Reeve in the movies directed by Richard Donner is a good example.

3) As an actor, Tom must adapt his demeanor so that his presence his more commanding and he appears more confident and resolved. The out-from-under-the-eyebrows look of determination we sometimes see on Smallville should be one of his primary facial expressions. Folding his arms across his chest more often would also be advisable. At any rate, his performance on Smallville leaves little room to doubt that he is perfectly capable of conveying such a commanding and determined presence onscreen.

4) He must be given a well-designed costume that is unique and yet true to the classic Superman look.

The challenge would not be making Tom Welling look and act convincingly like Superman. The challenge would probably be convincing him to take on the role in the first place, since highly substantiated rumors seem to suggest that he objects to the idea of wearing a Superman costume.

http://www.redcapegallery.com/Wallpaper/SupermanFlies2.jpg
Brandon Routh, Schmandon Smouth! This is the real Superman of this era!

[Ultimate_Superman]

Brandon Routh, Schmandon Smouth! This is the real Superman of this era!You were doing good up till here. This is the problem with both forums if you could just leave each persons name out you would see less bashing and flaming.

[Tomwelling4sups]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/tifflover/lexmas3.jpg

Now the pic looks much better. :up:
I like this one better ;)

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/4584/chloe7oz.png

[Kane]

One can only dream...

[The Incredible Hulk]

oh noe, it's gonna be Chloe!

[Earthsea]

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/4584/chloe7oz.png

Hilarious :up:

[Gregorius]

What in God's name do you people have against Chloe?! The way she keeps Clark's secret so faithfully and accepted him as an alien so willingly, she's one of the noblest characters on the show!

I have a hard time understanding character bashing in general. Like what the heck do Lana-bashers have against Lana?

[Kane]

They're both annoying characters and have received bad characterization and crappy storylines way more often than good ones.
They are definately the weakest links on the show.

[avidreader]

What in God's name do you people have against Chloe?! The way she keeps Clark's secret so faithfully and accepted him as an alien so willingly, she's one of the noblest characters on the show!

I have a hard time understanding character bashing in general. Like what the heck do Lana-bashers have against Lana?

I'm with you Gregorius. :up:

[Tomwelling4sups]

What in God's name do you people have against Chloe?! The way she keeps Clark's secret so faithfully and accepted him as an alien so willingly, she's one of the noblest characters on the show!

I have a hard time understanding character bashing in general. Like what the heck do Lana-bashers have against Lana?
I've found that *some* (not all) of chloe lovers are so swept into her they'd want lana dead, then have chloe become lois :rolleyes: Those people are like pet peeves for me sometimes :p

[avidreader]

I've found that *some* (not all) of chloe lovers are so swept into her they'd want lana dead, then have chloe become lois :rolleyes: Those people are like pet peeves for me sometimes :p

That always works both ways though. I've found some Lana fans who are so enamoured with her that they want Chloe and Lois dead.

[Kal-El 8]

Here is a drawing of TOM WELLING as young SUPERMAN (In training) by Renato Guedes

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/1116/smallville015gg.th.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=smallville015gg.jpg)

[RakuMon]

I guess you can add Renato Guedes to the growing list of industry pros who have produced "uncommisioned" art of Welling as Supes. A list that includes Alex Ross and Carlo Pagulayan. Am I forgetting anyone?

[triplet]

It's beautiful...

:D

[Spider-Gamer]

It's beautiful...

:D
I have to agree!

[Bruce_Wayne29]

Really great.

[The Incredible Hulk]

wow, that's painted too, not a drawing :eek:

someone should go post that in the SV Fan Art thread over at BT, or better yet make a SV Pro Art thread LOL :D

[Tomwelling4sups]

Here is a drawing of TOM WELLING as young SUPERMAN (In training) by Renato Guedes

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/1116/smallville015gg.th.jpg (http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=smallville015gg.jpg)

amazing :D :up:

[RakuMon]

someone should go post that in the SV Fan Art thread over at BT, or better yet make a SV Pro Art thread LOL :D
Carlo Pagulayan:
http://www.supermanhomepage.com/images/fan-art/smallville_super.jpg
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7446/1967/1600/Supes%20Welling.png

Alex Ross:
http://superherohype.com/nextraimages/tomwellingsupes1.jpg
http://superherohype.com/nextraimages/tomwellingsupes2.jpg

Renato Guedes:
http://www.renatoguedes.net/imagens/news/smallville/smallville01.jpg

Anybody else?

[avidreader]

There's no images there Raku and that painting above with the shirt rip is awesome.

Now I see them.

[Serene]

Wow.. that painting by Renato G. is stunningly beautiful. It's dated 2003, I can't believe it hasn't turned up before this.. Unless I just missed it.

[Antonello Blueberry]

Wow.. that painting by Renato G. is stunningly beautiful. It's dated 2003, I can't believe it hasn't turned up before this.. Unless I just missed it.
Yes, he's an extremely talented artist. Did you read his recent issue, Adventures of Superman #647?
His Superman is clearly modeled after Chris Reeve.

[Pickle-El]

http://www.renatoguedes.net/imagens/news/smallville/smallville01.jpg

Beautiful blend of realism and 'comic-ism'.....(I made that up)

[dark_b]

isnt there a thread for welling as superman manips?

[RakuMon]

isnt there a thread for welling as superman manips?
Yeah. That's right here: http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166993&page=50
However, that Guedes art (as well as the Ross and Pagulayan ones) aren't "manips" per se. But instead are comics industry professionals takes on Welling as Superman.

[AgentPat]

This thread needs a... http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/bump.gif


From Lockdown:

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/lockdown.jpg

Such a magnificent scene!

[Kaboom]

^^^ i only wish he would have gotten there 5 seconds later.

[Ultimate_Superman]

^^^lol

[AgentPat]

^^^^ double LOL!

Too damn funny, Kaboom.

[Ultimate_Superman]

Yes it was :up:

[Kaboom]

:D thanks!

[avidreader]

I love Lana. :mad:

[Ultimate_Superman]

Just wanted to make my 5000th post here since the Superman forum I once knew is gone.

[NHawk19]

^^^ Congrats All Star I know that took a lot of spamming

[Kaboom]

Congrats Tony..here's to 5,000 more!

for he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good felloooooooow, whiiiiiich nobody can deny....

[Ultimate_Superman]

^^^ Congrats All Star I know that took a lot of spammingalot of spamming and a very painful name change which I now wish I never did.

[Ultimate_Superman]

Really I should have 8,000+ post but they wont kill off my old names and group them together.

[Kal-El 8]

^^^ i only wish he would have gotten there 5 seconds later.


lol Kaboom lol :D

[Kaboom]

I love Lana. :mad:

as i said before, i dont think there is anything intrinsically wrong with the lana character and i think kristin kreuk does as much with it as can be expected. i just feel like AG and MM have such an infatuation with chloe that they neglected to give more substance to lana apart from her role as a love interest for clark. i feel like they keep having to come up with "creative" ways to make her character relevant, and ends up in with "lana becomes a vampire" stories. what they should have done is have given her more of a role in the begining other than just someone for clark to fawn over.
that beign said, shes kind of annoying....but i attribute it to the writers as opposed to the lana character itself.

[AgentPat]

Eh. I don't make any excuses. I just thought it was a funny snark. I would have laughed regardless of who was on the ground. I would have laughed if it were Lex rescuing Clark and the same comment was made. ;)

Actually, that would have been even funnier. :p

[avidreader]

as i said before, i dont think there is anything intrinsically wrong with the lana character and i think kristin kreuk does as much with it as can be expected. i just feel like AG and MM have such an infatuation with chloe that they neglected to give more substance to lana apart from her role as a love interest for clark. i feel like they keep having to come up with "creative" ways to make her character relevant, and ends up in with "lana becomes a vampire" stories. what they should have done is have given her more of a role in the begining other than just someone for clark to fawn over.
that beign said, shes kind of annoying....but i attribute it to the writers as opposed to the lana character itself.

As much as I love Lana, I was being a little facetious. ;)

I dont have a problem with people not liking her, that's entirely their prerogative.

[Serene]

as i said before, i dont think there is anything intrinsically wrong with the lana character and i think kristin kreuk does as much with it as can be expected. i just feel like AG and MM have such an infatuation with chloe that they neglected to give more substance to lana apart from her role as a love interest for clark.

I think that has some merit for previous seasons, although, I've always loved the Lana character. This season however, I think is absolutely the best they've ever written her.

I'm with Avid though.. to each their own. Mostly. ;)

[AgentPat]

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/bump.gif


I absolutely LOVE this shot. It was such an amazing scene, and his expression really sells the moment...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/cyborg.jpg

I wonder when (if?) they will start to sneak in the spit curl during scenes like these? http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/ponder.gif

[Kal-El 8]

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/bump.gif


I absolutely LOVE this shot. It was such an amazing scene, and his expression really sells the moment...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/cyborg.jpg

I wonder when (if?) they will start to sneak in the spit curl during scenes like these? http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/ponder.gif

The scene was Amazing .

I think The S curl will take form in Season 6 . At Least I hope So, :supes:

[avidreader]

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/bump.gif


I absolutely LOVE this shot. It was such an amazing scene, and his expression really sells the moment...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/cyborg.jpg

I wonder when (if?) they will start to sneak in the spit curl during scenes like these? http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/ponder.gif

I think it would be really interesting if Lana was sent this still.

[TKodami]

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/cyborg.jpg



I'm with you AgentPat--that is an amazing shot! Definitely one of the most Supermanly pics of TW from the show. In fact, I think I'll go watch Cyborg again right now. :D

[Kaboom]

just looking at the picture i hear "your secret is safe with me kal-el"

someone in another thread brought up the possibility that lionel is already dead, and this lionel is J'Onn J'Onzz.....i think that would totaly rock and would be a great move for the show, but i dont think its true bc i doubt their going to get rid of another regular that fast. but if they want to clear up Special effects budget i think it would be super cool if in the finale as Zod, the kryptonians, and braniac are beating the tar out of clark, Lionel shows up, and basically hands them all their collective butts.

"How did you do that," Clark asks.
"I've been blessed with te ability to appear to be who i have to be," Lionel says.
"What does that mean," Clark asks.
"I've been protecting you for a while now. But it i stime for you to take take the next step in your journey. There is no one on this planet who can do the things you do clark. nobody except me."
"Are you kryptonian," Clark asks before it goes to complete silence, as the frame cuts to clarks reaction. he is in complete shock.
"What are you," clarks asks in utter disbelief.


*300th post......i hope this was a good one.....do i get an avater now?*

[PeteVenkman]

Kaboom, that would be sweet on levels i can't even fathom. lol. I can even picture Lionel morphing into something similar to J'on's natural martian look on JLU. If they wanted to make it look good, an episode like that would certainly blow the financial budget. It would still be something amazing to see. It would be a great side story to season 6, with clark ever so often conversing with... well they'd probably make John a Metropolis detective.

I'm really hoping that at some point during the middle of the last season Clark actually decides what that he's going to be Superman, and they show Martha creating the suit, and coaching clark on how to make himself seem not so super-y, over the course of the rest of the season. We may not see him in action in costume till the last episode, but it would be cool to see the suit in various stages of construction in the final few episodes.

[Zorex]

That'd be great, Pete. I'd absolutely love to see Martha giving Clark some pointers about changing the way he appears to carry himself. Not necessarily see him suddenly go into full on invisible, dorky Clark, but see Martha start that going and see Clark working with it over time, beginning to use it at various times and beginning to see the benefits of it.

And, of course, at least A scene involving Martha and some certain red, blue and yellow clothes . . . :)

[user123456789]

I think it would be really interesting if Lana was sent this still.

my thoughts exactly.

and IMO, the S-curl is exclusive to superman, not clark kent

[PeteVenkman]

Yeah, i don't think going right into blumbling dork Clark is the way to go. As much as some people dislike Birthright I loved the issue where Martha helps Clark seem more normal and able to blend in, just by addressing things like his hair, posture, clothing choices, and voice. The whole thing happened on two pages and it was almost a step by step thing, you saw Clark, and the last panel of the next page was Clark in full Daily Planet journalist mode.

Now, the way Clark has been portrayed and the people he has been close to (Lex, Lois) basically know Superman at this point, so i don't see how having Clark try to blend in with the "normies" would help when the most important people would be able to see that superman acts more like Clark than Clark does. Lex can have a pass just because of the old standby "Lex can not and will not believe that his most powerful and hated foe is some smalltown farmboy"

Now Smallville has definitely taken liberties with characters and the mythos itself, and I consider smallville its own interpretation of Clarks beginning. This has been mentioned in another thread and I think it could be an interesting way to go. Since they already have Lois in Smallville and living with the Kents at this point in Clarks life, I think it would be interesting to have Lois know that Clark is superman. She's been to involved in his life to not catch on to something when superman does show up.

While it would certainly change the whole dynamic of their relationship in the future, we won't get to see that, and it would give us something to ponder. Her knowing would be an interesting change in the mythos but be only contained to smallville.

While I do wish it could be a faithfull interpretation of all the characters journey's, i realize thats not what smallville is. So I would be willing to accept a major change just to satisfy my curiosity... lol.

[RakuMon]

Didn't know where else to post this, so I figured I'd resurrect a dead thread!

Anyway, AdAge has a nice bit on the Superman franchise as a whole. Seems that the Big Blue Boy Scout is worth 1.7 Billion. And guess where a lot of that money is coming from? Also, a *ahem* "direct to video movie" coming some time before 2009?! Hmmm.....

http://www.adage.com/news.cms?newsId=48340

SUPERCHARGED: WHY DICK PARSONS NEEDS SUPERMAN
How a $1.7 Billion Icon Can Lift Time Warner to New Heights
March 20, 2006
By T.L. Stanley

LOS ANGELES (AdAge.com) -- Superman can jump tall buildings in a single bound and stop speeding trains in their tracks, but Dick Parsons needs him to perform a trickier task -- mobilize every division of the world’s largest media company and prove, once and for all, that Time Warner can be more than the sum of its parts.
http://www.adage.com/images/random/superman032006.jpg
Photo: Warner Bros.
'Superman Returns' to save Time Warner. See the man of steel through 73 years. Pop up the timeline below.

DOWNLOAD Item:
Superman Timeline pdf (http://www.adage.com/images/random/superman032006.pdf)

When Superman returns in “Superman Returns,” a $200 million movie that opens in late June, there’ll be a lot at stake for its parent company, the toy industry at large and even for those merger-and-acquisition advocates who have argued for the creation of media conglomerates.

$1.7 billion man of steel
Time Warner owns the 73-year-old man of steel. Among other appearances he’s been a four-time movie star, a pillar of its DC Comics publishing arm, a merchandising, licensing and animation godsend and, most recently, the center of WB’s hit show “Smallville.” Advertising Age analysis suggests that Superman properties have already earned more than $1.7 billion.

Rather than letting him shuffle off into retirement, the $43.7 billion media giant is counting on the new movie and a host of other upcoming Superman-centric efforts across almost all its units to boost coffers across its divisions in a way that would effectively prove that those synergies, so often quoted when AOL and Time Warner came together in 2000, are more fact than fiction.

“There’s a huge expectation that this will re-launch Superman as an ongoing property,” said Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products. “We want to draft off the movie, but we want the marketplace to feel that it’s not just dependent on the movie.”

“It’s an extraordinary asset,” said Ken Markman, CEO of KKM Global Brand Strategies and a former Mattel executive. “If you’re going to reinvent something so iconic, you can’t afford to have it fail.”

400 licensing partners worldwide
“Superman Returns” has been in development for a number of years with a revolving door of filmmakers, writers and talent. Along the rocky route, the studio kept seeing sparks of interest in the property -- a 1997 animated show drew a steady following, “Smallville” took off on the WB, and new lines of product based on the iconic “S” shield sold well when they hit the market a few years ago. Leading up to the June 30 release of the film, the studio has signed 400 licensing partners worldwide.

There’s a plan in place, Mr. Globe said, to keep “Superman” fresh long after this summer’s movie leaves the multiplex. The studio already has announced another feature film with “Superman Returns” director Bryan Singer, likely for 2009, and possibly a direct-to-video movie in between the upcoming release and the 2009 offering. There will also be a steady stream of entertainment and product, directed by the studio’s global brand management team, which shepherds its franchise properties through every part of their life cycle.

“There are people solely focused on our three-to-five event properties a year,” said Gaetano Mastropasqua, senior VP-promotions of the studio’s global brand management division. “We nurture the franchises.”

Sean McGowan, analyst at Harris Nesbitt Gerard, doesn’t compare Superman’s potential to a phenomenon like “Star Wars” with its six movies and billion-dollar licensing programs over 20-plus years, but said there are positive indicators the property can succeed. He said consumer interest moves quickly. “Properties don’t last as long as they once did.”

The weight of franchise films
Stu Seltzer, partner in Marketing on Demand, a licensing, marketing and valuation company, said studios are increasingly developing franchise films as a way to maximize profit. “The value spreads across the entire company,” he said. “If the movie’s a huge hit, it will affect their stock price. The performance of these kinds of projects ripples throughout the company, either positively or negatively.”

“Superman” has been a hit on the big screen before. Starting in the late '70s, the late Christopher Reeve starred in four films that pulled in more than $300 million domestically and double that worldwide. DVDs, merchandise, live action and animated TV series followed, and continue to the current day. There have been original “Superman” films or TV shows created in 22 of the past 25 years, according to DC Comics, and new media offerings -- books, comics, animated shows and so on -- created around the property in 52 of the past 66 years. There are 35 “Superman” titles on DVD, counting the classic TV show from the '50s, “Lois & Clark” and various animated shows.

“The property has worked in the widest range of media, from radio to newspaper comic strips to cartoons, TV and film,” said Paul Levitz, president and publisher of DC Comics. “That’s the most powerful indicator of how deeply he’s woven into the popular culture.”

Superman has shown his financial might in a number of ways. “Smallville,” which is produced by Warner Bros. TV and airs on the WB network, is having a renaissance in its fifth season, attracting an average of 5.5 million viewers, up 8% from a year ago. Its recent 100th episode pulled in more than 6 million viewers. It ranks first in its time period, season to date, with men 18-to-34. Warner Bros. reaps about $850,000 an episode by selling reruns of “Smallville” to cable channels. It also sells the show internationally.

Crowded summer schedule
“Superman Returns” launches into perhaps one of the most competitive years in film history, with big-budget, effects-laden, star-studded event movies stacked one on top of the other from May through July. Industry watchers say they’ve never seen as many tent poles staked in the ground in such a short period, with “X-Men III,” “Mission: Impossible III” and “Da Vinci Code” just a few.

Warner Bros.’ movies, TV shows and home entertainment, which includes New Line Cinema, pulled in $11.9 billion in revenue for the fourth quarter of 2004 and the full year 2005, making up 27.3% of Time Warner’s bottom line.

To whip up interest in “Superman Returns,” Warner has gathered Pepsi-Cola Co., Burger King, PerfectMatch.com, Duracell and Quaker State as marketing partners. Toymakers are also counting on the man of steel to give the industry a lift.

According to the NPD Group, the U.S. toy industry was down 4% in 2005; retail sales declined to $21.3 billion from $22.1 billion the year before. There will be a raft of Superman products at major retailers like Wal-Mart, Toys ‘R’ Us and Target. Mattel, which is producing much of the Superman line, will put a heavy ad push behind its products from summer through fall.

Entertainment-licensed product, which has been flat in some spots and declining in others, could use a boost. “We need success stories,” said Gary Caplan, president of Gary Caplan, a licensing consultancy that has several clients involved in “Superman Returns.” “We know retailers are buying into this property, but we don’t know yet if consumers will.”

They had better. Time Warner is counting on it.

~ ~ ~
Bradley Johnson contributed to this report.

[AgentPat]

...There’s a plan in place, Mr. Globe said, to keep “Superman” fresh long after this summer’s movie leaves the multiplex. The studio already has announced another feature film with “Superman Returns” director Bryan Singer, likely for 2009, and possibly a direct-to-video movie in between the upcoming release and the 2009 offering...http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/eyebrow.gif

Hmmm. Interesting.

Oh Jack? http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/smug.gif

[RakuMon]

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/eyebrow.gif

Hmmm. Interesting.

Oh Jack? http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/smug.gif
Pat! I was wondering if you'd read my post yet. So whaddya think?
Isn't this further confirmation of things we've been speculating for nearly two years? The article also makes a point to emphasise just how much of a cash cow Smallville is in the over all big picture of the franchise.

[Ultimate_Superman]

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/eyebrow.gif

Hmmm. Interesting.

Oh Jack? http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/smug.gifReading to much into it remember Pat there is still S:TAS(which already is having one DTV coming out) as well as a new Superman Cartoon in the works but hey everyone should have a dream shouldn't they.

[AgentPat]

Pat! I was wondering if you'd read my post yet.I just read it. I bounce around a lot, and have been busy at work, so I may not get a chance to respond when I want to. But THIS? Oy! Well, now THAT was an interesting read, yes yes.

So whaddya think? Isn't this further confirmation of things we've been speculating for nearly two years? The article also makes a point to emphasize just how much of a cash cow Smallville is in the over all big picture of the franchise.It's definitely reality confirmation, ahuh. The fact that SV is a cash cow should come as no surprise to anybody. I'm re-heeely curious about this DTV tid-bit though. We could hypothesize all day as to what Superman-related production that could be in reference to, but we'd be wasting time and precious brain cells. Hello? Heh.

[Waiting patiently for Jack's words of wisdom on THIS un LOL]

[AgentPat]

Reading to much into it remember Pat there is still S:TAS(which already is having one DTV coming out) as well as a new Superman Cartoon in the works but hey everyone should have a dream shouldn't they.Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much. ;)

And I don't think I'm reading too much into it, but we'll see.

[NHawk19]

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/eyebrow.gif

Hmmm. Interesting.

Oh Jack? http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/smug.gif

Time for a new slice of pizza?

[AgentPat]

Time for a new slice of pizza?No no! It's ALL pizza. There's just different toppings and crust styles, that's all. :D

...oh, and sometimes, maybe the sauce isn't as red as some think it should be. :p

[Bruce_Wayne29]

It's an interesting piece of information but I don't want to get my hopes up, it's probably an animation film. It would be great if Gough and Millar would team up with HBO Films to do a real high quality Superman tv movie. Also some HBO films get released in theaters worldwide which would be a plus.
At this time I would take it any way I can but I would be lying if I didn't tell you it would break my heart to see Welling forced to be Superman in a direct to video movie while the "other guy" is on the big screen because he resembles Christopher Reeve.

[Ultimate_Superman]

It's an interesting piece of information but I don't want to get my hopes up, it's probably an animation film. It would be great if Gough and Millar would team up with HBO Films to do a real high quality Superman tv movie. Also some HBO films get released in theaters worldwide which would be a plus.
At this time I would take it any way I can but I would be lying if I didn't tell you it would break my heart to see Welling forced to be Superman in a direct to video movie while the "other guy" is on the big screen because he resembles Christopher Reeve.Well isnt that part of the reason why Welling got the role as well because God knows it wasn't his acting at the time.

[RakuMon]

Reading to much into it remember Pat there is still S:TAS(which already is having one DTV coming out) as well as a new Superman Cartoon in the works but hey everyone should have a dream shouldn't they.

It's all about context. The article mentions the DTV Superman movie in context to the bit about Superman Returns and its sequel. An animated Superman movie is not something that will "keep 'Superman' fresh long after this summer’s movie leaves the multiplex." I think the studio's eyeing something bigger than that. I'm not saying it'll necesarily be a Smallville movie, but the hints are there.

[NHawk19]

It's an interesting piece of information but I don't want to get my hopes up, it's probably an animation film. It would be great if Gough and Millar would team up with HBO Films to do a real high quality Superman tv movie. Also some HBO films get released in theaters worldwide which would be a plus.
At this time I would take it any way I can but I would be lying if I didn't tell you it would break my heart to see Welling forced to be Superman in a direct to video movie while the "other guy" is on the big screen because he resembles Christopher Reeve.

OK you're making me relive the last headache Jack gave me :mad:

Out of Jack's last riddle Pat came up with these points which Jack added to in bold. Give it a read and relate it to what we've just learned *This one took some finding Pat*


[list=1]
Production on SR was rumored to start in Vancouver and move to Oz after its first month or so of principle, which IIRC started in March of '05. Coincidentally, SV wrapped production of its 4th season near the end of April. After the main casting announcement for SR was made in October of '04, Vancouver was dropped as a start location and everything was moved to Oz.
Three days ago, Variety published an article (http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7896251&postcount=1225) about Warners' plans for sequels to BB and SR. While Batman makes "sense" at this time (they have a B.O. history and profits from home video to allay any fears of overt financial risk), planning a sequel to SR seems a bit premature right now to me. But the article also points out that director's contracts are not sealed, actor's contracts are still just options, and Singer is doing Logan's Run next in Vancouver. If shooting a sequel to SR in Vancouver is just a matter of convenience coming out of Logan's Run, then why not shoot Logan's Run in Australia too? It's all rather strange, and oddly deja vu.
SV is finishing up one of its most successful seasons yet and has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity without the help of the film. The SV writers have outlined a cliffhanger finale with plans to go full tilt into a 6th season on CW come September. This will require Warners to pick up the cast's contract options for another two years (if they haven't already done so) and will have the bonus effect of keeping the cast on a leash for that period of time. Warners will still produce the show and own the rights, regardless of the network that airs it.
Superman is w/o a doubt, one of Warner's most important and lucrative franchises. If SR were to substantially under perform, Warners would not give up on it. Many people have suggested Warners would shelve the project for years before trying again. Pah! Guess again. ;)
A studio the size of Warner Bros. *always* has a Plan B. And C. And D. And... well, you get the picture. There's more than two ways to skin a bat... errr... cat, so if making a few changes with actors for a sequel, or restarting the franchise completely is deemed necessary to get back on track, they'll do it in a cocaine heartbeat. And they'll have everything set in place to take that route should it be required. If such action is not required, moving forward with the first plan will still be possible. Basically, it's a matter of forecasting and logistics, and knowing what should be in place if the proverbial poop were to hit the fan. They want things to always be a win-win situation no matter what.

Odds are that by (Why is this italicised? I cant get it to turn off but I digress) 2007, Logan's run will have completed shooting and be released. If Singer is still in Canada and he's the one slated to work on this direct to video . . . .hmmm it's open for speculation . . . .

Would they really turn this over to Singer though? I would've thought that since he did the blockbuster that a direct to video \S/ with someone else would be considered beneath him . . . . eh work's work.

[Ultimate_Superman]

It's all about context. The article mentions the DTV Superman movie in context to the bit about Superman Returns and its sequel. An animated Superman movie is not something that will "keep 'Superman' fresh long after this summer’s movie leaves the multiplex." I think the studio's eyeing something bigger than that. I'm not saying it'll necesarily be a Smallville movie, but the hints are there.Not really but as I said before we all can dream. But once again look at Batman to keep it fresh what do we have? JLU, The Batman, The Batman DTV movies and other stuff like that. I am just saying the same could be done with Superman. Remember Returns comes out this summer SV ends (if going into seven seasons) in 2008 there is no reason for a DTV then. Thats what you got to look at now if it ends in 2007 then maybe I see a SV DTV in 2008 but not when the season is still going. Thats why I say it may more then likely be another S:TAS which has a huge fan base or remember they do have Superboy and The Legion of Super-Heroes coming out to.

[triplet]

Well isnt that part of the reason why Welling got the role as well because God knows it wasn't his acting at the time.

I disagree.... Tom has always been a good actor.

You probably haven't seen what he did in Judging Amy before he did Smallville. He was terrific in that...

If you go back and watch the Pilot again, you'll see some wonderfully subtle acting from Tom... He had flashes of brilliance even back then.

It's just that now Tom's just gotten so much better and performs well so much more consistantly.

[Ultimate_Superman]

I disagree.... Tom has always been a good actor.

You probably haven't seen what he did in Judging Amy before he did Smallville. He was terrific in that...

If you go back and watch the Pilot again, you'll see some wonderfully subtle acting from Tom... He had flashes of brilliance even back then.

It's just that now Tom's just gotten so much better and performs well so much more consistantly.Okay Triplet he was an okay actor when the show started not great. Once again I didn't see brilliance in him to much I saw an actor who was trying his best to do this and worked hard and made himself a good actor over the seasons. But the main reason why he was cast was because he looked like Reeve not because of his acting.

[triplet]

Okay Triplet he was an okay actor when the show started not great. Once again I didn't see brilliance in him to much I saw an actor who was trying his best to do this and worked hard and made himself a good actor over the seasons. But the main reason why he was cast was because he looked like Reeve not because of his acting.

I will have to agree to disagree with you since I think he has an incredible natural talent that has only gotten stronger over the years. Tom's been able to hone his craft because he's smart and willing to learn from the more experienced people around him.

:up:

[Milkman95]

Let's be realistic without having a biased opinion on this matter - Tom has been and always will be an average actor more than likely. He showed flashes of something early on, but it sure wasn't brilliance.

He's definitely improved though, which is good.

[triplet]

You talking about me?

I don't mind being biased and I've not tried to make out that I'm being objective. I'm hardly that....

[AgentPat]

So much to reply to in this thread; so little time. *sigh*

On the why-Welling-was-cast issue, it was a combination of both -- appearance followed by a successful screen test -- that got him the role. Nutter picked Welling's picture out of a ton of other actor's resume sheets. There was some back and forth involving previewing the script (which G&M wouldn't let Welling see until he came in to read for the part), but the screen test went well and his chemistry with Kreuk was exactly what they were looking for.

Welling's resemblance to Reeve was more an end result of casting to type than it was something specifically sought for. Their goal was to find an actor who fit the description of what people thought a young Clark Kent would look like. But the image folks had in their heads was somebody who looked like Reeve. Tall and athletic, dark hair, bright eyes, angular face, etc. So it came as no surprise when people started asking if Welling was related to Reeve. Some even though he was Reeve's son.

Welling is arguably the most improved actor of the entire cast, and for good reason. He's the main lead on a show that's lasted five years. He's needed on set Every. Day. and knows more about the show and its characters than anybody else. Even seasoned actors like Glover have said they've never been involved with a production that's lasted that long.

Anyhoo, looks may have gotten Tom's foot through the door, but it's his intelligence, personal aptitude and innate talent that made him lighting-in-a-bottle for The WB.

[triplet]

^^--- Exactly!

:up: :D

[avidreader]

^^ Precisely. :up: :D

[The Incredible Hulk]

I wish the internet was around back in the early 80's so we couldve read what people thought of Tom Hanks when he was cross-dressing on a weekly basis on "Bosom Buddies".

Not saying Tom Welling will be Tom Hanks by any stretch, just would be curious to see how people reacted to a guy who became a great actor later on in life back when he was doing a TV series and odd little feature films like "Bachelor Party"...

Well I think I've exceeded my self-imposed post limit for the day here....

[AgentPat]

...Nutter picked Welling's picture out of a ton of other actor's resume sheets...I started thinking about this when I got home tonight and imagined how much fun it would have been to be a fly on the wall and watch everything unfold.

I believe this is the photo that was on Welling's casting resume...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/resume.jpg

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

Young Clark Kent? Yeah, definitely. The features are there. Lets get him in.

So, after a little prodding, Nutter and G&M convince the "kid" to come in to read for the part.

In walks something resembling this, all 6'4" of him...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/tvcritics01-3.jpg

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/blink.gif

Wha... Uh... Well all riiiiighty then.

After the screen test, TPTB convince the network to go with Welling. (Rumor has it The WB was leaning more towards Jensen Ackles, who also auditioned for the role of Clark.) But G&M prevail, and the network turns around and whips this up...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/newlyhired2.jpg

Yeah, that'll work.

The rest is history.

Five years later...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/aqua8.jpg

$$$$ Cha-ching.

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/yes.gif

[BareKnucklez]

I started thinking about this when I got home tonight and imagined how much fun it would have been to be a fly on the wall and watch everything unfold.

I believe this is the photo that was on Welling's casting resume...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/resume.jpg

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

Young Clark Kent? Yeah, definitely. The features are there. Lets get him in.

So, after a little prodding, Nutter and G&M convince the "kid" to come in to read for the part.

In walks something resembling this, all 6'4" of him...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/tvcritics01-3.jpg

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/blink.gif

Wha... Uh... Well all riiiiighty then.

After the screen test, TPTB convince the network to go with Welling. (Rumor has it The WB was leaning more towards Jensen Ackles, who also auditioned for the role of Clark.) But G&M prevail, and the network turns around and whips this up...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/newlyhired2.jpg

Yeah, that'll work.

The rest is history.

Five years later...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/aqua8.jpg

$$$$ Cha-ching.

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/yes.gif

Honestly Smallville is a big big reason why the WB was even able to make SR... IMO I think the WB owes the fans, and the show alot, and should really give it a full send off in the big screen eventually after the series has ran its course...

Especially if SR tanks... Which could still happen.

[\S/JcDc\S/]

Honestly Smallville is a big big reason why the WB was even able to make SR... IMO I think the WB owes the fans, and the show alot, and should really give it a full send off in the big screen eventually after the series has ran its course...

Especially if SR tanks... Which could still happen.


:rolleyes:

WB has been developing the new Superman movie for years. It has nothing to do with the success of a tv show, otherwise the height of Lois and Clark popularity (which was bigger than SV has been) would have resulted in a new movie.

[KalKai]

Lois & Clark ended after 4 seasons, where was the popularity? lol.

[Scooter]

I remember seeing a quote from Welling saying he was only 6'2" and change, a hair under 6'3". That doesn't bear much relevance, but I'm pretty sure he isn't 6'4".

Just thought I'd contribute something.

:)

[triplet]

He's 6'4"... the director for The Fog said so in his commentary and Tom has claimed different heights at different times for a variety of reasons.

What I do know is that Tom is taller than John Schneider by probably close to an inch and JS claims 6'3"....

So that, in addition to what the Fog director said, leads me to believe he's probably 6'4" (or pretty damn close to it)...

[\S/JcDc\S/]

Lois & Clark ended after 4 seasons, where was the popularity? lol.

Ummm... The height of it's popularity would be when 21 million viewers tuned in for it's season 3 debut episode.

The show was quite popular. Season 1 developed a fan base. Season 2/beginning of 3 maintained fanbase. By end of season 3/into season 4... Fanbase decline begins.

[Zing79]

:rolleyes:

WB has been developing the new Superman movie for years. It has nothing to do with the success of a tv show, otherwise the height of Lois and Clark popularity (which was bigger than SV has been) would have resulted in a new movie.
Remember...its puff, puff, THEN PASS. If all you do is keep it for yourself, you're the only one messed up in the room. And that's never good.

[Scooter]

He's 6'4"... the director for The Fog said so in his commentary and Tom has claimed different heights at different times for a variety of reasons.

What I do know is that Tom is taller than John Schneider by probably close to an inch and JS claims 6'3"....

So that, in addition to what the Fog director said, leads me to believe he's probably 6'4" (or pretty damn close to it)...

Huh, he's always looked shorter than Schneider to me...

[AgentPat]

Huh, he's always looked shorter than Schneider to me...Not wearing any shoes in most scenes can do that too. LOL

Here's a few photos where they probably weren't compensating in any way...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/vortex.jpg

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/promo6.jpg

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/stray3.jpg

Not as good as the others, but you can see relative size and shoulder height here...
http://www.patcostello.com/temp/extinction.jpg

And with Glover, who's 6'1"...
http://www.patcostello.com/temp/memoria.jpg



Yo, Zing, pass some this way! ;)

WB synergy in full force
Welling, quality of show aids 'Smallville's' success
By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

...the success of "Smallville" has even helped bring a theatrical movie to fruition. Bryan Singer is directing "Superman Returns," starring Brandon Routh as the latest Clark Kent.

It's easy to underestimate how "Smallville" helped jumpstart an entire franchise. But prior to Tom Welling taking over as Clark Kent, the Superman character had been limping along for several years.

The last major Superman TV show, "Lois & Clark," suffered dismal ratings toward the end of its run. And Superman hadn't had a movie presence in years.

...WB Entertainment president David Janollari says several factors led to the show's success, including Welling, and the "fresh take on Superman's teenage years and the consistent quality of the show." And, of course, "the cohesive way divisions like DC, Warner Bros. TV, the WB and the producers have worked closely together to produce a hundred different episodes that remain true to the character's inherent tone and mythology," he says.

http://www.variety.com/story.asp?l=story&a=VR1117936821&c=2109

:o

[BaK]

Let's be realistic without having a biased opinion on this matter - Tom has been and always will be an average actor more than likely.
:confused:
Average actors do not have great chemistry with everyone..

He ain't average in any sense of the word..
And if he is, he sure hides it very well..:)

[Milkman95]

:confused:
Average actors do not have great chemistry with everyone..

He ain't average in any sense of the word..
And if he is, he sure hides it very well..:)

We'll agree to disagree then. Any educated film critic or professional would tell you otherwise I'm sure. Keep in mind I never said he wasn't good...........

[AgentPat]

:confused:
Average actors do not have great chemistry with everyone..Some actors can manufacture chemistry when none exists. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey proved this in Dirty Dancing. Off camera, they hated each other. But they managed to pull off some very convincing chemistry on camera. Go figure?

In a recent interview, Selma Blair commented on the chemistry thing and how she always believed it was an actor's JOB to create the illusion and make it real for the audience. That is until she got cast opposite Welling in The Fog. Apparently, she was so enamored by him, she couldn't even remember her lines. I think she did a good job though; their chemistry on screen sizzled. Maybe because it was real, I dunno? It does make me wonder how that would have played out with her cast as Lois opposite his Superman though. *siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh* :(

ANYwaaaaay.... Moving on. LOL

He ain't average in any sense of the word..
And if he is, he sure hides it very well..:)Now THAT I agree with you on. There's very little that's "average" about TW.

[Ultimate_Superman]

Lois & Clark ended after 4 seasons, where was the popularity? lol.What you forget also is that Lois and Clark were on a bigger network then SV was and had a Smaller budget and still did well. Lets see how good SV would have done if it was on CBS like Lois and Clark (and remember even back the CBS had good shows). So lets see the shows on the WB all but suck expect SV. So really SV didn't have to worry or compete with other shows on its network to much. Lois and Clark on CBS on the other hand had to compete with all the other shows on its network which were pretty good at the time. If Lois and Clark was on the WB like SV is I am sure that show would have made 5 seasons.

[triplet]

We'll agree to disagree then. Any educated film critic or professional would tell you otherwise I'm sure. Keep in mind I never said he wasn't good...........

Okay, I'm an educated critic and I think he's terrific.

Whatever....

[BaK]

Some actors can manufacture chemistry when none exists. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey proved this in Dirty Dancing. Off camera, they hated each other. Actually, one can claim that it just proves the opposite..

That there aint an ''on/off'' switch for chemistry, (can not be manufactured), and it's gonna show up no matter how good/bad you get along with someone..

Personally, when talking about Patrick S. and his co-stars, I liked chemistry in "Ghost" way too much better then in DD (actually zero there for me)..

But we know that's all highly subjective area, so we might all be very wrong.. :eek:

So unlike "educated critcs" - which are always right.. :rolleyes: :)

[avidreader]

What you forget also is that Lois and Clark were on a bigger network then SV was and had a Smaller budget and still did well. Lets see how good SV would have done if it was on CBS like Lois and Clark (and remember even back the CBS had good shows). So lets see the shows on the WB all but suck expect SV. So really SV didn't have to worry or compete with other shows on its network to much. Lois and Clark on CBS on the other hand had to compete with all the other shows on its network which were pretty good at the time. If Lois and Clark was on the WB like SV is I am sure that show would have made 5 seasons.

I could have sworn Lois and Clark was on ABC and I believe I may have the videos to prove it. You say that Smallville has a bigger budget, but dont forget that its on a much smaller network and therefore you cant even compare the popularity of it with Lois and Clark.

Pat posted an interesting article in the Ratings Thread the other day about ratings nowadays not being able to maintain the levels that they did even 5 years ago because of all the electronic gizmos that making viewing easier today.

Here it is.

Interesting point made on MediaWeek today:

Q: I understand why you compare the ratings of the current Winter Olympics on NBC to previous Winter Olympic telecasts from four and eight years ago. But that is not done with regularly scheduled series -- they are naturally compared on a year-to-year basis. If you looked at other live sporting events like The NBA Finals and The NCAA Finals versus the same time frame, I bet current erosion for The Olympics would not seem as bad. What do you think?

A: While I don't disagree, I am not necessary sure erosion would be in the noticeable double-digit percent range. It certainly isn't for The Super Bowl. But your point is well taken. In today's growing network and technological universe, no show -- not even an event like the Olympics -- should be expected to maintain audience levels from four and eight years ago.



People need to remember this when comparing SV's ratings today with what it did five years ago. A lot has changed in the last five years.

[triplet]

Actually, it was on ABC....

http://www.tv.com/lois-and-clark-the-new-adventures-of-superman/show/186/summary.html?q=lois+and+clark

[avidreader]

Actually, it was on ABC....

http://www.tv.com/lois-and-clark-the-new-adventures-of-superman/show/186/summary.html?q=lois+and+clark

I thought so. And I believe they used to film in the backlots of the WB Studios in L.A. So it was a WB Production.

[Milkman95]

Okay, I'm an educated critic and I think he's terrific.

Whatever....

What a strong, biased opinion - you just convinced me that he's great, thanks..........:rolleyes:

[triplet]

What a strong, biased opinion - you just convinced me that he's great, thanks..........:rolleyes:

Do you want my CV? I'm an educated critic even though I'm arguably not a professional one.

I used to be an actor, I know how hard it is for him to make it look as natural as he does.... Believe me or not.

[Ultimate_Superman]

I thought so. And I believe they used to film in the backlots of the WB Studios in L.A. So it was a WB Production.ABC and CBS no different and yes it was a WB product but look at the shows on ABC compared to the shows on the WB thats what I am saying. If L&C was on the WB then I tend to think it might have made 7 seasons as well.

[triplet]

I don't know about that Tony but it's really hard to say, I mean it's like comparing apples and oranges.

TV viewing habits are much different today than they were ten years ago and there is much more competing for the same viewers.

It's true that the "poor" ratings that got L&C canceled probably would be considered excellent these days but would they have done as well competing in today's market?

I don't know if they would, the show was just too campy, but it's really hard to say one way or another.

[Ultimate_Superman]

I don't know about that Tony but it's really hard to say, I mean it's like comparing apples and oranges.

TV viewing habits are much different today than they were ten years ago and there is much more competing for the same viewers.

It's true that the "poor" ratings that got L&C canceled probably would be considered excellent these days but would they have done as well competing in today's market?

I don't know if they would, the show was just too campy, but it's really hard to say one way or another.No Triplet I understand and agree with you but IMO SV is just as campy with their freak of the week thing as well. L&C down fall was they had a world open to them at the time where they could have used Wonder Woman and Batman(and yes they could have because they had the Batmobile in one of the shows) and didn't they could have put more people at Superman's level on the show instead of thugs. Thing is as you have said times have changed effect are better and SV has a bigger budget. If L&C had the effects and budget that SV has would it have ended I dont know.

[dark_b]

No Triplet I understand and agree with you but IMO SV is just as campy with their freak of the week thing as well. L&C down fall was they had a world open to them at the time where they could have used Wonder Woman and Batman(and yes they could have because they had the Batmobile in one of the shows) and didn't they could have put more people at Superman's level on the show instead of thugs. Thing is as you have said times have changed effect are better and SV has a bigger budget. If L&C had the effects and budget that SV has would it have ended I dont know.i dont belive this. as a kid i watched all episodes and i dont remember this.
which episode,what was the story?

thanks.

[\S/JcDc\S/]

I like how people sidestepped the fact that at one point Lois and Clark pulled in 21 million viewers.

:)

[Ultimate_Superman]

i dont belive this. as a kid i watched all episodes and i dont remember this.
which episode,what was the story?

thanks.Its in season three with the guy from Star Trek that was trying to collect Superman. They had Burton's Batmobile in it and used the line "we picked this one up in Gotham" and his wife goes "Yes, were just batty about it." or something like that I didn't even remember that part till I watched it again. here is more proof

http://www.tv.com/lois-and-clark-the-new-adventures-of-superman/dont-tug-on-supermans-cape/episode/29120/summary.html
If observed closely and connected to the rich couple's comment about their "batty" car, you can see none other than the 1989 version of the Batmobile in their room of treasures

[\S/JcDc\S/]

Remember...its puff, puff, THEN PASS. If all you do is keep it for yourself, you're the only one messed up in the room. And that's never good.


I provided proof that at one point the show was very popular, more popular than SV has ever been. 21 million viewers *cough*

[Zing79]

I provided proof that at one point the show was very popular, more popular than SV has ever been. 21 million viewers *cough*
And at one point having 21 million viewers a night would get you a 3rd place finish in your time slot.
It's called viewer errosion. Might want to take that into account when you're throwing out numbers that are over 10 years old.

I loved L&C, but that show isn't ANYWHERE near as much of a cash cow for WB as SV is, and you if you think otherwise then you should lay off the cigaweed.

Perspective: The money SV has ALREADY made could of covered SRs budget.

[Ultimate_Superman]

I loved L&C, but that show isn't ANYWHERE near as much of a cash cow for WB as SV is, and you if you think otherwise then you should lay off the cigaweed.
Thats because we are talking two different time periods and two different markets.

[Zing79]

Thats because we are talking two different time periods and two different markets.
Money is money. A Profit margin now is the same as then. And L&C can't touch SV's profir margin.

[Ultimate_Superman]

Money is money. A Profit margin now is the same as then. And L&C can't touch SV's profir margin.I would say different if you gave L&C the same budget and effeect SV has now but as I said before they are two different products.

[RakuMon]

Anyway.

Zing, what say you about AdAge's Superman article?

Are the prospects of a DTV Smallville movie good?

[Bruce_Wayne29]

Ummm... The height of it's popularity would be when 21 million viewers tuned in for it's season 3 debut episode.



True but it wasn't as strong globally as SV is and hadn't make the same impact on fans possibly due to the campyness and also for being a product that explored the story much the same way as it's always been and didn't have the fresh aproach that SV has. Neither did the ppl relate as much with it's characters (namely a Superman they DO believe in) as with SV's characters.
And that is why Lois and Clark fell on it's 4th season and SV is going stronger than ever torwards a 6th one.

[\S/JcDc\S/]

SV learned how to drag it out longer, taking L&C into consideration and how getting them together by the 3rd season rushed the series along.

[JackMercy]

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/eyebrow.gif

Hmmm. Interesting.

Oh Jack? http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/smug.gif


Ahh... the trickle-down effect...gotta love it.

I was just going to make you guys and gals aware of this darn thing, but you are all great bloodhounds (in the nicest way), everybody is so quick on the button, instant news arrives before the instant!!


Anyway, in regards to the subject at hand...

Nothing wrong with speculating Whatsoever...
(hey, if Fox can do it with the X...)

I remember a story my local delivery guy was telling me once, about some customer who ordered a veggie because they claimed that they didn't make the supreme with the kind of topping he wanted... until they informed him that, oh yes, that topping was definitely available, and in fact if and when the cirumstances demanded it, they'd fully incorporate it into the menu...


For those wondering more about my pizza delivery guy...
(and those with a question mark over their heads right now)

My delivery guy isn't required to wear a uniform...but despite the stigma associated with his restaurant, he's not --and never has been-- adverse to putting one on ...should they ask him nicely enough...


:cool:

[Max]

What you forget also is that Lois and Clark were on a bigger network then SV was and had a Smaller budget and still did well. Lets see how good SV would have done if it was on CBS like Lois and Clark (and remember even back the CBS had good shows). So lets see the shows on the WB all but suck expect SV. So really SV didn't have to worry or compete with other shows on its network to much. Lois and Clark on CBS on the other hand had to compete with all the other shows on its network which were pretty good at the time. If Lois and Clark was on the WB like SV is I am sure that show would have made 5 seasons.

Actually, I think the opposite is true. The fact that L&C was on a major network helped contribute to their ratings. The fact that SV has and is doing well and has managed to surpass many of the key demographics on an extremely competitive night like Thursday, and on a much smaller network that gets little to no press coverage as compared to the other four, tells me that Smallville's accomplishments are no small feat.

There is no doubt that SR got a faster and bigger push as a result of the success of SV.

[Max]

What a strong, biased opinion - you just convinced me that he's great, thanks..........:rolleyes:

Milkman, you're too funny. Like your opinion isn't equally strong and biased? The pot and the kettle, you know what I mean?

[Serene]

Anyway, in regards to the subject at hand...

Nothing wrong with speculating Whatsoever...
(hey, if Fox can do it with the X...)

I remember a story my local delivery guy was telling me once, about some customer who ordered a veggie because they claimed that they didn't make the supreme with the kind of topping he wanted... until they informed him that, oh yes, that topping was definitely available, and in fact if and when the cirumstances demanded it, they'd fully incorporate it into the menu...


For those wondering more about my pizza delivery guy...
(and those with a question mark over their heads right now)

My delivery guy isn't required to wear a uniform...but despite the stigma associated with his restaurant, he's not --and never has been-- adverse to putting one on ...should they ask him nicely enough...


:cool:


Omg.. I think I actually "get" one of Jack's posts.

Must be the medication.. ;)

[AgentPat]

...I remember a story my local delivery guy was telling me once, about some customer who ordered a veggie because they claimed that they didn't make the supreme with the kind of topping he wanted... until they informed him that, oh yes, that topping was definitely available, and in fact if and when the cirumstances demanded it, they'd fully incorporate it into the menu...

My delivery guy isn't required to wear a uniform...but despite the stigma associated with his restaurant, he's not --and never has been-- adverse to putting one on ...should they ask him nicely enough...http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/smug.gif

Best. Jack. Post. EVER!




The first person that asks for a translation to THAT post should be shot. ROFLMFAO!!!! :p

[rumpuso]

Omg.. I think I actually "get" one of Jack's posts.
;)
Me too! It's a first!

[triplet]

Hey, interesting article on Pilot orders for next year:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-03-22-tv-pilots-big-stars_x.htm?csp=34

Interesting bit for us Tom Welling/Smallville fans is it looks like the resurgence of Smallville maybe has had an impact on the programming decisions of other networks.

The USA Today article lists this trend:

Superheroes CW, already inheriting WB's Smallville, has Aquaman, based on the DC Comics series. CBS' Ultra, based on another comic-book character, finds its heroine adapting to her special powers. And NBC has its own Heroes, about regular folks who wake with superpowers and save mankind.

Maybe Smallville doing so well and CBS and NBC getting their own superhero shows isn't a co-inky-dink....

Who says Smallville ain't having an impact?

[\S/JcDc\S/]

Actually, I think the opposite is true. The fact that L&C was on a major network helped contribute to their ratings. The fact that SV has and is doing well and has managed to surpass many of the key demographics on an extremely competitive night like Thursday, and on a much smaller network that gets little to no press coverage as compared to the other four, tells me that Smallville's accomplishments are no small feat.

There is no doubt that SR got a faster and bigger push as a result of the success of SV.


Yeah but the point was, L&C was very popular in it's prime (When did SV get 21 million viewers? :rolleyes: ) They could have made a new Superman movie at the height of it's (L&C) popularity but waited until they could do it right. SV's ratings or popularity didn't contribute to a thing, this has been in the making for over 10 years now :rolleyes: Whatever the quality of SV was going to be, didn't matter, the show was based off of the Superman universe so it was going to do at least ok. It really hasn't exceeded expectations imo, it's met them which is good. Meeting the expectations is not the reason a new Superman movie is happening however, like I said it's been in development limbo forever. Long before SV was ever made they were trying to get this off the ground.

[Scooter]

I wouldn't doubt the popularity of SV being a kick in the pants for WB to seriously get the ball rolling on a new Superman movie...

[Zing79]

Yeah but the point was, L&C was very popular in it's prime (When did SV get 21 million viewers? :rolleyes: ) They could have made a new Superman movie at the height of it's (L&C) popularity but waited until they could do it right. SV's ratings or popularity didn't contribute to a thing, this has been in the making for over 10 years now :rolleyes: Whatever the quality of SV was going to be, didn't matter, the show was based off of the Superman universe so it was going to do at least ok. It really hasn't exceeded expectations imo, it's met them which is good. Meeting the expectations is not the reason a new Superman movie is happening however, like I said it's been in development limbo forever. Long before SV was ever made they were trying to get this off the ground.
Normally I just blow you off, but not this time. This time I'm gonna dance with you for once.
FINE, L&C's 21 million viewers cannot now, or EVER be matched by SV.
1-0 L&C
Now let's dance:
SV's going into syndication (heavy syndication), and has been for years already. Fail to produce any tangible evidence to show me that L&C matched that now, or EVER, and we're all squared up.
Bring it!

[triplet]

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/8656/clarkpwn7av.jpg

[dark_b]

welling has some big arms.

[Milkman95]

Milkman, you're too funny. Like your opinion isn't equally strong and biased? The pot and the kettle, you know what I mean?

Nah, just objective and non-biased. If you call that hypocritical, so be it.

Remember, I do watch the show and I think it's good for the most part.

[Ultimate_Superman]

I wouldn't doubt the popularity of SV being a kick in the pants for WB to seriously get the ball rolling on a new Superman movie...My how people forget SV as good as it is didn't jump start Superman Returns. Batman Vs Superman jump started both Batman Begins and Superman Returns. Remember that movie was already suppose to have come out but then the WB wanted to reintroduce Batman and Superman to the public after getting a new Superman movie script(suit in a can script:() but still the WB liked it so much they wanted a new Superman movie first and thats what kick started Superman Returns and Batman Begins. I am not doing the search but if you look up old interviews they talk about why that movie fell apart and it was because of that not SV. SV was in its first season or about to start it when they were talking about Superman vs Batman and when it fell apart. As much as many of you would like to think SV is the center of everything good happening with Superman it wasn't it plays its part here and there but is not the center.

[NHawk19]

Ahh... the trickle-down effect...gotta love it.

I was just going to make you guys and gals aware of this darn thing, but you are all great bloodhounds (in the nicest way), everybody is so quick on the button, instant news arrives before the instant!!


Anyway, in regards to the subject at hand...

Nothing wrong with speculating Whatsoever...
(hey, if Fox can do it with the X...)

I remember a story my local delivery guy was telling me once, about some customer who ordered a veggie because they claimed that they didn't make the supreme with the kind of topping he wanted... until they informed him that, oh yes, that topping was definitely available, and in fact if and when the cirumstances demanded it, they'd fully incorporate it into the menu...


For those wondering more about my pizza delivery guy...
(and those with a question mark over their heads right now)

My delivery guy isn't required to wear a uniform...but despite the stigma associated with his restaurant, he's not --and never has been-- adverse to putting one on ...should they ask him nicely enough...


:cool:

:eek: but how do you not know that topping is available don't you atleast ask :confused: :(

ah pizza, is there anything it can't do?

course I'm thinking some of the posters here would want the # for Jacks shop so they can order a pie.

[avidreader]

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/smug.gif

Best. Jack. Post. EVER!




The first person that asks for a translation to THAT post should be shot. ROFLMFAO!!!! :p

I actually understood it. I ACTUALLY UNDERSTOOD IT. :eek:

Maybe I didnt but I just think I did. :O

[BaK]

I actually understood it. I ACTUALLY UNDERSTOOD IT. :eek:

Maybe I didnt but I just think I did. :O
And maybe I did, I just think I didn't :)

[\S/JcDc\S/]

Normally I just blow you off, but not this time. This time I'm gonna dance with you for once.
FINE, L&C's 21 million viewers cannot now, or EVER be matched by SV.
1-0 L&C
Now let's dance:
SV's going into syndication (heavy syndication), and has been for years already. Fail to produce any tangible evidence to show me that L&C matched that now, or EVER, and we're all squared up.
Bring it!

Bring what? I don't know of any ABC shows that go to "heavy syndication"

You have no point :confused:

The WB is expendable. Do you see SV airing on major networks like ABC or NBC? No. You can probably catch an episode of SV on some family channel or upn. Wow what a victory :eek:

LMAO

[Zing79]

Bring what? I don't know of any ABC shows that go to "heavy syndication"
I couldn't care any less what you don't know because....
You have no point :confused:
I couldn't care any less if you're too vapid to follow the point because...
The WB is expendable. Do you see SV airing on major networks like ABC or NBC? No. You can probably catch an episode of SV on some family channel or upn. Wow what a victory :eek:
I couldn't care any less if it doesn't air on ABC or NBC because...
LMAO
I couldn't care any less if you're capable of laughing your ass off because...

...As expected, you put on a leotard and gave me a fancy song and dance number instead of providing me a single piece of evidence to show me that L&C was heavily syndicated (even on some family channel or upn) now, or EVER!
1-1

Let's keep the party going:
Kryptonsite (http://www.kryptonsite.com/), DTS (http://www.devotedtosmallville.com/), Smallville PH (http://www.smallvilleph.com/), Smallville News (http://www.smallvillenews.com/), Planete Smallville (http://www.planete-smallville.com/).
5 Regularly updated sites whose sole job is to provide an outlet for a large online fan base.
Provide 5 links to websites whose sole job is/was to provide an outlet for L&C fans (sites must have a forum so that registered members can be counted, and to assure its not a fan site that registered 2 hits a day). Fail to produce that and it’s 2-1 SV.

[Ultimate_Superman]

I couldn't care any less what you don't know because....

I couldn't care any less if you're too vapid to follow the point because...

I couldn't care any less if it doesn't air on ABC or NBC because...

I couldn't care any less if you're capable of laughing your ass off because...

...As expected, you put on a leotard and gave me a fancy song and dance number instead of providing me a single piece of evidence to show me that L&C was heavily syndicated (even on some family channel or upn) now, or EVER!
1-1

Let's keep the party going:
Kryptonsite (http://www.kryptonsite.com/), DTS (http://www.devotedtosmallville.com/), Smallville PH (http://www.smallvilleph.com/), Smallville News (http://www.smallvillenews.com/), Planete Smallville (http://www.planete-smallville.com/).
5 Regularly updated sites whose sole job is to provide an outlet for a large online fan base.
Provide 5 links to websites whose sole job is/was to provide an outlet for L&C fans (sites must have a forum so that registered members can be counted, and to assure its not a fan site that registered 2 hits a day). Fail to produce that and it’s 2-1 SV.Once again to be fair you put websites up but the internet wasn't as big as it was then as it is now. As I said before its an unfair battle both did well for thier time periods.

[JackMercy]

This is usually Pat's domain, but...

Sorry, JC, I have to jump in here...

I think one of the many things Zing may be referring to is the very fact that Smallville has syndication, and syndication makes Big $$$$ -- sometimes bigger $$$$ than a show might make in a network broadcast's lifetime -- don't you know??

Also, you might want to check out this very insightful post from "another" thread somewhere else:

TheSuperBatFan wrote:
Smallville has something that neither Superboy or Lois and Clark had. It's a Warner Brothers show on a Warner Brothers owned network. Superboy was a viacom show and a show where the Salkinds still owned the rights. It was killed prematurely when Warner Brothers got the rights back. Lois & Clark was pretty much killed by ABC as they kept changing it's time slot, ultimately leaving it on Saturday night. It was doing well enough to have survived to a 5th season had ABC left it alone. Smallville has an advantage that neither of the other shows had. It also has the advantage of the fact that Welling very likely won't be dying anytime soon, which is what prevented The Adventures of Superman continuing, pretty much ensuring that Smallville will win the title of longest running Superman show. Especially when Smallville is one of the WB's highest rated shows.
http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224444&page=3


I really don't think L&C has quite the broad cross-marketing appeal that SV has, now or ever...

JC, SV "really hasn't exceeded expectations"?

I think some very important WB people would be happy to refute you on that -- quite strongly.


[sigh]

Sometimes, even I gotta step up.

:cool:

[Zing79]

Once again to be fair you put websites up but the internet wasn't as big as it was then as it is now. As I said before its an unfair battle both did well for thier time periods.
You mean as unfair as quoting ratings from a time period when ratings were higher, and from a network that is FAR larger then the WB? As unfair as that?
If he gets to do it, then I get to do it :)

[Ultimate_Superman]

You mean as unfair as quoting ratings from a time period when ratings were higher, and from a network that is FAR larger them the WB? As unfair as that?
If he gets to do it, then I get to do it :)Oh okay I understand now. Why not just be the bigger person and say both we're good in their respectful rights.

[Ultimate_Superman]

This is usually Pat's domain, but...

Sorry, JC, I have to jump in here...

I think one of the many things Zing may be referring to is the very fact that Smallville has syndication, and syndication makes Big $$$$ -- sometimes bigger $$$$ than a show might make in a network broadcast's lifetime -- don't you know??

Also, you might want to check out this very insightful post from "another" thread somewhere else:

TheSuperBatFan wrote:

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224444&page=3


I really don't think L&C has quite the broad cross-marketing appeal that SV has, now or ever...

JC, SV "really hasn't exceeded expectations"?

I think some very important WB people would be happy to refute you on that -- quite strongly.


[sigh]

Sometimes, even I gotta step up.

:cool:Oh it did but your right ABC killed it once they lost the rights to it because it was making money and if they couldn't have it no one could.. L&C had books and brought proably the biggest thing into Superman's life(him marrying Lois). Lois and Clark if on the WB would have made it to about 7 seasons as well. Sadly the truth is we'll never know see it is gone. I mean it had the fan base and everything it was just the network they were on was their downfall:(

[Zing79]

Oh okay I understand now. Why not just be the bigger person and say both we're good in their respectful rights.
You have me mistaken as an L&C hater. I watched that show religiously. Even when they moved it around I still found it. Don't kid yourself: if they brought that show back right now, I'd watch it like it never went off the air :)
It's not about playing down L&C, it’s about pointing out to "Mr. can't be happy today, unless I infuriate someone who likes SV" that his nonsense needs limits.

[Mr. Socko]

Sv>>>>>>>>>>>>>L&C

[Tomwelling4sups]

Do you see SV airing on major networks like ABC or NBC?
Considering how much nbc jokes how much most of their own shows suck, having Smallville would be a blessing for them :rolleyes:

[AgentPat]

Y'know Jack, I never bothered to even read that thread over yonder. I made an assumption based on the thread title and said no thanks. Kinda funny. Just how many other threads *does* that name pop up in, anyway? Warms my widdle heart, donchaknow? :p

Now I'm debating if it's worth replying there. http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/ponder.gif

As to the L&C vs. SV thing, I just laugh. It's like the "doesn't want to be Superman" arguments. Both are kinda pointless debates. :rolleyes:

That said, I do enjoy reading Zing's posts. He has such a lovely way with words. LOL

[triplet]

Considering how much nbc jokes how much most of their own shows suck, having Smallville would be a blessing for them :rolleyes:

Actually, NBC was in a bidding war for Smallville when the Pilot first came out.... It could have easily have been on that network instead.

The only reason why The WB won, they actually bid less, was because Warners could maximize their profits by showing it on The WB...

[\S/JcDc\S/]

SV would not have lasted more than 2 seasons if it were on ABC instead of the WB.

[Zing79]

SV would not have lasted more than 2 seasons if it were on ABC instead of the WB.
http://www.hatshapers.com/images/Dictionary/Hat%20Di34.jpg
Put this on, and then go stand in the corner and think about how stupid a comment that is.

[triplet]

*snort*

:rolleyes:

[AgentPat]

*snort*

:rolleyes:LOL! Toldja.

They update the score yet? Is it still 2-1? :p




Annnnywaaay, while I'm here, I neglected to add this shot to the discussion we had a few pages ago.

Rutger Hauer is 6'2"...

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/hauer.jpg

:)


And on a more recent topic, it's Friday. I want pizza!! :mad: ;) :D

[Bruce_Wayne29]

Back on topic - nice leaps Tom !
http://www.flickr.com/photos/donaldlaw/116232320/in/set-973363/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/donaldlaw/116232319/in/set-973363/

[NHawk19]

And on a more recent topic, it's Friday. I want pizza!! :mad: ;) :D

Looking for the numer to Jack's shop?

[Ultimate_Superman]

http://www.hatshapers.com/images/Dictionary/Hat%20Di34.jpg
Put this on, and then go stand in the corner and think about how stupid a comment that is.No really he makes a point would SV have lasted as long on ABC if they switched around the time slots like they did L&C and not even telling people like how they also did with L&C.

[Zing79]

No really he makes a point would SV have lasted as long on ABC if they switched around the time slots like they did L&C and not even telling people like how they also did with L&C.
You mean like how they've moved Smallville around 3 times on the WB and it still maintaned most of its audience?

Mini-Rant no longer part of answering the quote:
-----

You know what l love most? You go to the SR forum and even suggest that movie might not make 500 million, and its "Flame on" despite the fact over there its speculation.

But you come here, and its perfectly fine to say that a show that has lasted five years, been syndicated up the wazzo, made enough money to fill a lake for its parent company isn't as popular as people think. Despite the fact SV has enough evidence to make an open and shut case about it.

SV knocked down a few pegs (does not) = SR "is/will be" a better movie. I just wish people would GET that.

[Zing79]

LOL! Toldja.

They update the score yet? Is it still 2-1? :p

You two sending PM's to each other about that or something? I could have told you before that even got going he was going to simply ignore me and move onto his next "turrets syndrome" moment.

That's all it is with him. Enter the SV forum; say something incredibly stupid, and then wait to make his next statement.

[Serene]

SV knocked down a few pegs (does not) = SR "is/will be" a better movie. I just wish people would GET that.
Some people will never get the point because they simply don't want to. But I'm glad there are a few people like Zing standing their/our ground. :)

[Ultimate_Superman]

You mean like how they've moved Smallville around 3 times on the WB and it still maintaned most of its audience?
But thats because

1. Its on a smaller network
2. The WB kept telling us before it happened
3. The Internet also reminded us.

With L&C the didn't tell you they just expected you to find it.

[Zing79]

But thats because

1. Its on a smaller network
2. The WB kept telling us before it happened
3. The Internet also reminded us.

With L&C the didn't tell you they just expected you to find it.
Since we're dealing with the theoretical:
Theoretically every drone who comes in here from on yonder (http://www.superherohype.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=108), would STAY on yonder (http://www.superherohype.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=108), but clearly we live in *Magic Land, and in *Magic Land SV has made enough money to pay for SR.

*Magic Land is known by various names, most notably REALITY!!!!.

[Ultimate_Superman]

Since we're dealing with the theoretical:
Theoretically every drone who comes in here from on yonder (http://www.superherohype.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=108), would STAY on yonder (http://www.superherohype.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=108), but clearly we live in *Magic Land, and in *Magic Land SV has made enough money to pay for SR.

*Magic Land is known by various names, most notably REALITY!!!!.LOL I like that one. Dont get me wrong I agree with I am just saying L&C wasn't given the same fairness as SV. Thats all.

[musclesforsupes]

If I had to rank where every mythology of Superman Ranks in my opinion it goes like this.

1. The Christopher Reeve movies
2. Smallville
3. Superboy
4. Superman Returns
5. Lois and Clark
6. Comics
7. The George Reeve Shows
8. The Challenge of the Superfriends
9. The Super Powers Cartoon
10.The New Superman Cartoons
11. The Superfriends *with the wonder twins*
12. The Alyn movies and shows
13. The old OLD original cartoons from the 30s and 40s.

[AgentPat]

^ Ooooo. Interesting. A wee bit off topic for this thread - not that debates over how well SV would have done in L&C's place are any MORE on topic, but...



Zing, no behind the scenes PM's goin' on, just livin' in reality... err, Magic Land. ;)

[triplet]

You know what l love most? You go to the SR forum and even suggest that movie might not make 500 million, and its "Flame on" despite the fact over there its speculation.

But you come here, and its perfectly fine to say that a show that has lasted five years, been syndicated up the wazzo, made enough money to fill a lake for its parent company isn't as popular as people think. Despite the fact SV has enough evidence to make an open and shut case about it.

SV knocked down a few pegs (does not) = SR "is/will be" a better movie. I just wish people would GET that.

You know, it's almost like a cult...

Thou Shalt Accept The Way of Superman Returns or Thou Shall be Shunned!


Here it's okay to bash away and no one seems to mind except some more reasonably minded individuals....

[Kal-El 8]

Mythology of Superman - in my opinion

1. Post Crisis Comics

2. SUPERMAN movies featuring Christopher Reeve

3. Smallville

4. Lois & Clark

5. SUPERMAN : The Animated Series

6. Justice League & JLU

7. Adventures of Superman tv show - George Reeve

8. Superman Movie Serials - Kirk Alyn

9. Ruby-Spears Superman Cartoons

10. Fleischer Superman Cartoons

11. Superboy - Gerard Christopher

12 . Superfriends

note : Superman Returns isn't out yet, When I see It I'll add it to the list.

[JackMercy]

You guys should really appreciate those Fleischer cartoons a little more...!

Great stuff!

:up:


Gotta fly!

;)

[Ultimate_Superman]

Mythology of Superman - in my opinion


Pre and Post Crisis comics
Reeve movies
Superman Radio shows(I have them all very good)
Fleischer Superman
Ruby Superman
Timm Superman
JL and JLU
Smallville as a cannon to
Lois and Clark
AOS -Reeves
Superboy
Superfriends
Superman Movie Serials

I'll judge Superman returns after I see it.

[JackMercy]

Looking for the number to Jack's shop?


That shop's actually re-designing their business model right now...

But when there's enough demand, I'm sure they'll be ready to re-open!

I think it may be scheduled for sometime round... 08?

(NHawk, I'd just like the number to the girl in your avatar... ;) )

[Serene]

That shop's actually re-designing their business model right now...

But when there's enough demand, I'm sure they'll be ready to re-open!

I think it may be scheduled for sometime round... 08?

So perhaps in 2 years Jack will be ready to share his full menu with us?

*sigh* But I was hungry NOW. :(

[avidreader]

(NHawk, I'd just like the number to the girl in your avatar... ;) )

I'd be happy for the number of the guy in mine. :)

[NHawk19]

(NHawk, I'd just like the number to the girl in your avatar... ;) )

Vida Guerra . . . .yeah me too :( of course my gf would kill me

Though the contents behind the number can be seen in a google of ways.

[KikiDee]

So perhaps in 2 years Jack will be ready to share his full menu with us?

*sigh* But I was hungry NOW. :(

Me too!:(

So Jaaaaaaaaaaaccccccck, this pizza that's already been delivered, is it tasty? I mean is it worth the delivery charge?

[Serene]

I'd be happy for the number of the guy in mine. :)
Love the new avy, avid.

I have an idea for a new one, but I hate to give up my current one. Such a dilemma.

[avidreader]

Love the new avy, avid.

I have an idea for a new one, but I hate to give up my current one. Such a dilemma.

Thanks, I made it myself. First time. :)

Change yours. At least so we can have a look.

[Max]

Yeah but the point was, L&C was very popular in it's prime (When did SV get 21 million viewers? :rolleyes: )

When was SV on a major network to get 21 million viewers? How many years ago was L&C on network television? The viewing audience and its percentages have changed quite a lot since then. This dance has been done already.

They could have made a new Superman movie at the height of it's (L&C) popularity but waited until they could do it right. SV's ratings or popularity didn't contribute to a thing, this has been in the making for over 10 years now :rolleyes:

You can't really make a statement like this JC unless you're in the studios making the decisions. SV didn't contribute a thing is your opinion, so I'll take it as such.

Whatever the quality of SV was going to be, didn't matter, the show was based off of the Superman universe so it was going to do at least ok. It really hasn't exceeded expectations imo, it's met them which is good. Meeting the expectations is not the reason a new Superman movie is happening however, like I said it's been in development limbo forever. Long before SV was ever made they were trying to get this off the ground.

There's never a guarantee of anything with regard to success. You take a leap of faith and hope the viewers latch on. With SV, they did, and have continued to do so for five plus years. The ratings, in fact, are going up after five years. I don't think that happened with L&C.

As for your last paragraph, you may be right.

[AgentPat]

...It's just like how anyone who is not so fond of a certain Mr. W. definitely, truly, believes --without a doubt-- that Mr. W. has said, repeatedly, that he "does not want to wear the Superman suit."

...Which is actually not true whatsoever...

;)(Moved from the "News from AG" thread." I wanted to keep it on topic here.)

Kinda funny how this topic ebs and flows, but Never. Goes. Away. There's a reason for that; I just hope Warners has been keeping score.

I think what most people don't understand is that Welling is in a very sticky situation. (I believe even Erica Durance used that term when asked about her and Tom's interest in a Superman film - she called it a "sticky question.") People extrapolate Welling's opinions on being Superman based on old interviews, the comments of which are often taken out of context. Wizard Magazine (http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazines/wizard/WZ20040308-five.cfm), anybody? It's two years later now. Amazing how things change, eh? Just about the only thing he got "right" back then was how long he thought SV would last. Notice those questions are ALL related to SV. But when it comes to a potential film, the only comments Welling has ever made publicly relate to the consequences of such a decision, not his desire - or lack thereof - to play the character in a feature film to begin with. It's a case of absence of evidence equaling evidence for some people.

So, what about that "sticky" predicament? Well, I think it's a LOT bigger than most people imagine. For starters, as an employee of Warners, Welling has an obligation to the company to not undermine their profit making endeavors, regardless of how much it relates to him on a personal or professional level. Any public comments he makes about his interest or lack thereof of taking SV - its characters and backstory - to the big screen, would have a ripple effect on at least one of the franchises. Which one depends on what was said.

Welling is young, but he's FAR from being the naïve kid that he portrays when he plays Clark Kent on SV. He's got a lot of fans, and he knows it. That knowledge affords him quite a bit of power at the negotiation table, so he's not going to say anything stupid that might piss off his fanbase. He also needs to maintain the appreciation and respect of his employers by keeping them in the black. They're the ones that pay him to do a job that he loves. Given the situation where two banjos are dueling in the distance, the best approach is to STFU. Lay low and learn the fine art of deflecting sticky questions if and when asked. In a recent interview, Welling said (paraphrasing) that he's learned how to be patient in this biz. Funny how *that* comment wasn't further read into and extrapolated for all it was worth. ;)

[Kane]

Wow. This comparison between 'Lois and Clark' and 'Smallville' is ridiculous. Lois and Clark was pretty much the sitcom version of Superman :down while Smallville takes on the teen soap angle. I doubt too much of Smallville's non-comic book WB audience was watching L+C back in the day. It failed after four seasons because it was just a bad concept which wasnt overly popular in the longrun.

I do think Smallville puts much more effort in trying to nail the Clark Kent character properly than L+C ever did with Superman (which seemed almost like a 90s parody of the hero).

What were getting on Smallville is way better than the crap we got with Lois and Clark!

[BareKnucklez]

If I had to rank where every mythology of Superman Ranks in my opinion it goes like this.

1. The Christopher Reeve movies
2. Smallville
3. Superboy
4. Superman Returns
5. Lois and Clark
6. Comics
7. The George Reeve Shows
8. The Challenge of the Superfriends
9. The Super Powers Cartoon
10.The New Superman Cartoons
11. The Superfriends *with the wonder twins*
12. The Alyn movies and shows
13. The old OLD original cartoons from the 30s and 40s.


This would be my list... :)
01. Comics
02. Superman 1 - 3
03. Smallville
04. Lois and Clark
05. Superboy
06. The New Superman Cartoons
07. The Alyn movies and shows
08. The Challenge of the Superfriends
09. The Super Powers Cartoon
10. Superman Returns
11. The George Reeve Shows
12. The Superfriends *with the wonder twins*
13. The old OLD original cartoons from the 30s and 40s.

[BareKnucklez]

Wow. This comparison between 'Lois and Clark' and 'Smallville' is ridiculous. Lois and Clark was pretty much the sitcom version of Superman :down while Smallville takes on the teen soap angle. I doubt too much of Smallville's non-comic book WB audience was watching L+C back in the day. It failed after four seasons because it was just a bad concept which wasnt overly popular in the longrun.

I do think Smallville puts much more effort in trying to nail the Clark Kent character properly than L+C ever did with Superman (which seemed almost like a 90s parody of the hero).

What were getting on Smallville is way better than the crap we got with Lois and Clark!

I agree on mostly everything except that Smallville try's harder on trying to nail the Clark character.. I recently got the box sets for the first two seasons of Lois & Clark, and the best thing on the show was the Clark, and Lois characters... They did a wonderfull job in those two characters, and nailed them to perfection.. Superman on the show was a bit suspect because Dean's acting range is limited... He didn't attend julliard afterall lol..
I do think that Smallville got the Clark character even better then L&C.
Smallville has really helped bring new life to the character, and yes it's a way better show...
The main problem with L&C was that it was to campy, and overall the writting was just terrible... The characters outside of (Lois, Clark, Perry White, and LEX) all sucked! Especially the 2nd Jimmy Olsen... Terrible actor...The original was good I don't know why he was replaced in season 2...

[avidreader]

Iactor...The original was good I don't know why he was replaced in season 2...

He was replaced because he looked too much like Dean Cain.

I liked the Jimmy Olsen character and I liked both actors that played him.

[AgentPat]

He was replaced because he looked too much like Dean Cain...That's what I heard too, but I never understood why that was an issue.

There might have been another reason which wasn't publicized though. http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/shrug.gif

[RakuMon]

If WB wants a direct-to-video Smallville movie, they've just set up an outlet where something like that could happen:

From Variety:

Raw footage on DVD
Warner homevid gets into genre prod'n

By MICHAEL FLEMING
Warner Home Video is getting into the production business.
Small-screen vets Tony Krantz ("24") and John Shiban ("The X-Files") are teaming with "Blair Witch Project" co-creator Daniel Myrick to form genre shingleshingle Raw Feed.

Venture will create low-budget features to be fully financed by WHV, with the ultimate goal to create its first branded film series that will bypass theatrical and go directly to DVD.

Raw Feed marks the first time WHV has gone beyond the distribution of library product. First pic in the series is "Rest Stop," a thriller about a young couple terrorized while on a cross-country trip.

The film was written and will be directed by Shiban, who is currently co-exec producer of the WB series "Supernatural."

This will be followed with films directed by Krantz, the former CEO and co-chairman of Imagine Television and exec producer of "24," and Myrick, who is also a partner in Haxan Films.

The open-ended deal with WHV encompasses horror pics, sci-fiers and thrillers. If a film emerges with the commercial promise of an "Open Water" or "Blair Witch Project," a theatrical release is possible.

But WHV has promised financing of budgets of about $5 million, plus a marketing launch, because it gives the distributor an opportunity to connect its product with a core genre aud without the huge P&A outlays that are part of every theatrical release.

Both WHV and the trio see Raw Feed as a litmus test of whether a pricey theatrical launch is a prerequisite for DVD viability, or whether a strong product and marketing can eliminate that step.

"The visceral reaction is that if you can't cut it theatrically, you put it right out on video," said Jeff Baker, WHV's senior veepveep and general manager for theatrical catalog, who put the venture together with the trio's agents at Endeavor Independent. "But we see an opportunity to overcome the benefit of prior consumer awareness by utilizing publicity and viral marketing on the Internet to reach a core audience."

Rated and unrated versions of the film will be released.

"The creation of content is evolving beyond just the traditional unspooling of film in a theater," Krantz said. "There are opportunities in direct-to-video, mobile phones and the Internet to speak to markets starved for exciting concepts." Krantz said he and his partners are convinced WHV has the marketing clout to brand Raw Feed product and keep it from falling into the void as many DVD releases do.

"Doing three films quickly indicates they are serious about creating a long-term brand," Krantz said.

Date in print: Wed., Mar. 29, 2006, Los Angeles
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117940515?categoryId=13&cs=1

[NHawk19]

hmmmmm the plot thickens

[Serene]

That is interesting. I guess I'm still unclear on the marketibility of direct to DVD movies. I can see if you are targeting a specific genre fanbase, you might have an idea of sales, and be able to budget accordingly? It still sounds risky to me, but it could end up being very profitable indeed, if handled correctly.

[Bruce_Wayne29]

Somebody has to ask Gough about these rumors so we can at least ensure ourselves that it will really be a film with the SV cast that they mentioned in that article and not a direct to video animation feature...

[triplet]

Actually, one of the biggest expenses in releasing a film is the print costs... They're outrageously expensive to produce and they don't last long, like only a week or two. So you're always having to replace the prints...

Aside from producing expensive prints, actually mass producing DVDs is extremely cheap, you can print them at like 25 cents a disk....

Unlike VHS reproduction, which is relatively more expensive (believe it or not), the packaging of a DVD costs more than producing the disk does...

I think that there is definitely money to be made in Direct to DVD movies if you have the right product since it cuts out so many expensive parts of releasing a film...

[AgentPat]

I think that there is definitely money to be made in Direct to DVD movies if you have the right product since it cuts out so many expensive parts of releasing a film...There is, and it does, but this bugs me...

But WHV has promised financing of budgets of about $5 million...http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/confused.gif

Five bills? That's IT? Good grief.

I know money doesn't equal quality - we ALL know that quite well, in fact - but $5M wouldn't even cover the catering costs on a typical summer actioner.

Here's a better perspective: Warners just spent $7M on the hour-long Aquadude pilot.

I'm kind of hoping they're talking about animated DTVs for kids now. :(

[RakuMon]

Five bills? That's IT? Good grief.

I know money doesn't equal quality - we ALL know that quite well, in fact - but $5M wouldn't even cover the catering costs on a typical summer actioner.

Here's a better perspective: Warners just spent $7M on the hour-long Aquadude pilot.

I'm kind of hoping they're talking about animated DTVs for kids now. :(
To also quote the Variety piece, the unveiling of WHV's production arm is only in the "litmus test" stage. If successful, we could see higher budgets for higher profile films. The AdAge article from last week mentioned something about Warner looking for a direct to DVD Superman feature in between theatrical sequels. That would peg it coming out in 2008. Plus, if we're still going off of the conjecture that said DVD feature would be a SV-inspired film, by the time something like that were to happen, WHV will have a better idea of the marketability and finances involved.

The reason I posted that article in here is only to show that right now, if our speculation is correct, Warner seems to be planting the seeds for a direct to DVD Smallville movie. All this could also be for naught. We'll just have to see.

Maybe Jack can shed some light.

I dunno about you all, but this speculation has me excited. I haven't been this hopeful since August 2004!! ;)

[avidreader]

I think the appealing part to Warners of doing a direct to DVD movie of Smallville is that they already have alot of the sets in place. Cuts down on some of the production costs.

[Logan Howlett]

I just can't wait to see Welling in the suit, because to me that is gona be the only thing that saves Superman. I mean having Superman Returns as a sequal to the first two movies was just a bad idea, not just because Singer said he was gona completely forget about the other two, but becaus we finaly had what we had all been waiting for, a SUPERMAN that could feel real! And they pissed it all away. I mean with all of the ways they have reinvented Spider-Man, Batman and the rest I was realy looking forward to a reinvented Superman, something that wouldn't feel like a joke. The original movies just always felt like that, a joke, something not to be taken seriously, but now we have the ability to make even the most outragous story lines feel real, like what they are doing in Smallville. But instead Waner Bros. decided they couldn't wait and they had to bank on the superhero obsesed fans NOW! And it completely takes away from what we could have seen. Imagine if we at least had a reinventing origin story like we saw in BB, that would be cool, but to make a sequal to the original two and forget about the last two, thats insane! And disrespectfull to those who made the last two movies, I'm not saying they were good movies, but they did exist, and if your going to make a sequal make a sequal, if your going to make a prequal make a prequal, but don't try to literal throw something in the middle! I just realy look forward to the day I see Tom Welling in the suit, that will be the rebirth of a dead Superman.

[Pickle-El]

I think the appealing part to Warners of doing a direct to DVD movie of Smallville is that they already have alot of the sets in place. Cuts down on some of the production costs.

There are a ton of flying rigs I'm sure they could use......There have been overwhemingly positive reports about the new movies realistic looking flying down downtown Metropolis.

(Probably because they used that HUGE crane)

I don't see what WB wouldn't want a SV movie to use some of these.

[Pickle-El]

I just can't wait to see Welling in the suit, because to me that is gona be the only thing that saves Superman. I mean having Superman Returns as a sequal to the first two movies was just a bad idea, not just because Singer said he was gona completely forget about the other two, but becaus we finaly had what we had all been waiting for, a SUPERMAN that could feel real! And they pissed it all away. I mean with all of the ways they have reinvented Spider-Man, Batman and the rest I was realy looking forward to a reinvented Superman, something that wouldn't feel like a joke. The original movies just always felt like that, a joke, something not to be taken seriously, but now we have the ability to make even the most outragous story lines feel real, like what they are doing in Smallville. But instead Waner Bros. decided they couldn't wait and they had to bank on the superhero obsesed fans NOW! And it completely takes away from what we could have seen. Imagine if we at least had a reinventing origin story like we saw in BB, that would be cool, but to make a sequal to the original two and forget about the last two, thats insane! And disrespectfull to those who made the last two movies, I'm not saying they were good movies, but they did exist, and if your going to make a sequal make a sequal, if your going to make a prequal make a prequal, but don't try to literal throw something in the middle! I just realy look forward to the day I see Tom Welling in the suit, that will be the rebirth of a dead Superman.


Wrong Forum. :o

[NHawk19]

To also quote the Variety piece, the unveiling of WHV's production arm is only in the "litmus test" stage. If successful, we could see higher budgets for higher profile films. The AdAge article from last week mentioned something about Warner looking for a direct to DVD Superman feature in between theatrical sequels. That would peg it coming out in 2008. Plus, if we're still going off of the conjecture that said DVD feature would be a SV-inspired film, by the time something like that were to happen, WHV will have a better idea of the marketability and finances involved.

The reason I posted that article in here is only to show that right now, if our speculation is correct, Warner seems to be planting the seeds for a direct to DVD Smallville movie. All this could also be for naught. We'll just have to see.

Maybe Jack can shed some light.

I dunno about you all, but this speculation has me excited. I haven't been this hopeful since August 2004!! ;)

I think Raku has it. The $5 mill they're getting at is only for the ones to test the market, and would/could be stories not linked to anything known at the time. Plus I would think they'd have a somewhat rushed porduction timeline.

If and when SV does a DTV movie, it's got a following so budget wise it would have to be larger than a regular ep or pilot just to keep within the time constraints, and meet fan expectations. Look at the first 6 Star Trek movies.

Just have to wait and see.

[AgentPat]

...I dunno about you all, but this speculation has me excited. I haven't been this hopeful since August 2004!! ;)Gosh, I SOOOOOOO know THAT feeling, lemme tell ya. I miss that feeling, I really, really do. Talk about being over-the-top happy. My husband use to laugh at me 'cause I'd even mow the lawn with a big-arse smile on my face.

Aaaaanywaaay.... looking to the future, I honestly don't think it would be possible to make a 2 hour SV movie - for television - for 5 bills, so I'm not too worried about them trying to do it for a DTV. That said, I definitely see where Bruce_Wayne29 is coming from. I would much prefer a feature film that took the typical route to home video *after* it unspooled in theaters, but it remains to be seen if Warners is daring enough to consider such a risky endeavor given all the coin they've already sunk into Flyboy V2.5. DTV seems to be a happy, safe option between the two mediums. And they have the home video sales for four (going on five) seasons as a good argument for why a DTV SV film would likely garner a very nice ROI.

I think a LOT of what happens come 2008 will depend on variables that are impossible to predict at this point. Things to consider (in no particular order) include: ratings for S6 and S7 (if it goes that far), B.O. receipts on SR, home video sales for SV box sets as well as the plethora of other Superman titles being released this year, and finally, public demand, which pretty much influences everything else on the list. Remember, the restaurant will add new items to the menu if enough people request it.

Lets look at the big picture again come August. SR will have had five solid weeks to sink or swim with audiences, critics, and investors. This will in turn influence Warner's attitude towards the franchise as a whole. SV fans will also be getting the first whiffs of spoiler info for S6, so we'll have a better feel for where they're endeavoring to take the show and the audience they're looking to target. I think it's still to early to predict anything. The only thing we can know for certain is that Warners wants a win win situation no matter what, and they will redirect traffic accordingly should any pot holes appear in the road. ;)

<- ordering a Supreme tonight to celebrate SV's return from hiatus. :D

[The Incredible Hulk]

Lets look at the big picture again come August. SR will have had five solid weeks to sing or swim with audiences, critics, and investors.

LOL Freudian slip? :D

[AgentPat]

*&%$'n typo. :mad: :p LOL

'Tis fixed. ;)

[rumpuso]

*&%$'n typo.
My eyes! My eyes!

Watch your language.

:p

[JackMercy]

.
<- ordering a Supreme tonight to celebrate SV's return from hiatus. :D

Heh. Me too...

;)


As for the other stuff, pay attention, class, Pat knows her biz...

:cool:

[RakuMon]

Heh. Me too...

;)


As for the other stuff, pay attention, class, Pat knows her biz...

:cool:
Hmmmm....

So are you saying the formation of a production arm of WHV isn't indicative of a Smallville DTV movie? Or is it?

:confused:

[Pickle-El]

Why don't you guys just email Steve Younis?

[triplet]

Why would Steve know?

[Scooter]

A Supreme?

[Pickle-El]

Steve is one of those guys who would go ahead and ask Gough or Millar like he's done in the past.

[triplet]

Ah....

[jdogg willie]

People,

Get over this "Welling as Superman" notion. He has stated time and time after time again that he DOES NOT want to portray Superman on the big screen. Just give it time, we'll see him as Superman on the Smallville series finale

[triplet]

People,

Get over this "Welling as Superman" notion. He has stated time and time after time again that he DOES NOT want to portray Superman on the big screen. Just give it time, we'll see him as Superman on the Smallville series finale

:rolleyes:

[Serene]

People,

Get over this "Welling as Superman" notion. He has stated time and time after time again that he DOES NOT want to portray Superman on the big screen. Just give it time, we'll see him as Superman on the Smallville series finale

Really? Gee.. that's the first time I've heard that. Thanks. :p ;)

Btw.. Welcome. :D

[avidreader]

People,

Get over this "Welling as Superman" notion. He has stated time and time after time again that he DOES NOT want to portray Superman on the big screen. Just give it time, we'll see him as Superman on the Smallville series finale

He did! :eek:

When did he say that? Can you direct me to where you read or heard him say that?

[Scooter]

I heard this bandied about quite a bit. Is it true? If so, can anybody provide any sources? If not, where, precisely, did this notion come from?

[triplet]

No, it's not true.

He said somethings that people have either intentionally or mistakenly misconstrued and/or seriously taken out of context.

[AgentPat]

He has stated time and time after time again that he DOES NOT want to portray Superman on the big screen.I heard this bandied about quite a bit. Is it true?It's completely false, Scoots. Welling has never, EVER said that. Not even eluded to it. He's never spoken publicly about not wanting the role, just what the consequences would be if he accepted such an offer. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Ultimate_Superman]

It's completely false, Scoots. Welling has never, EVER said that. Not even eluded to it. He's never spoken publicly about not wanting the role, just what the consequences would be if he accepted such an offer. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less.Yes he did when he was talking about why he turned down the role of Clark. He said he did not want to play Clark going off to college or Clark becoming Superman. He said he did not want to do SV at first because he thought he would have to put on the tights. Now his way of thinking may have changed but thats what he said then.

[AgentPat]

Yes he did when he was talking about why he turned down the role of Clark. He said he did not want to play Clark going off to college or Clark becoming Superman. He said he did not want to do SV at first because he thought he would have to put on the tights. Now his way of thinking may have changed but thats what he said then.A. He was talking about Smallville in that Wizard interview. (http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazines/wizard/WZ20040308-five.cfm)
B. He's never mentioned wearing the tights as being objectionable in ANY interview.
C. If you're going to argue this topic, please bring facts to the table.

Thanks for playing though. :)

[Ultimate_Superman]

A. He was talking about Smallville in that Wizard interview. (http://www.wizarduniverse.com/magazines/wizard/WZ20040308-five.cfm)
B. He's never mentioned wearing the tights as being objectionable in ANY interview.
C. If you're going to argue this topic, please bring facts to the table.

Thanks for playing though. :)Yes he did Pat this was brought up long ago in the Superman forum if you remember during the casting wars with proof of him saying this. You and I both know he said he did not want to wear the tights and everything else. only reason why I will not do a search is because its not that big of a deal to me since Welling will not be Superman.

[Ultimate_Superman]

How long do you see yourself continuing to play Clark Kent?
You mean, how long do I think that the show is going to last? I think that we have at least three or four more years. I think that we’ll go on for at least a five-year period, but I don’t have any interest to play Clark Kent in college, Clark Kent at his first job, Clark Kent becoming Superman, Clark Kent dying.In other words I dont want to be Superman. Now as I said before things have changed since then but he did say it in the past but you can take it how ever you wish.

[AgentPat]

Yes he did Pat this was brought up long ago in the Superman forum if you remember during the casting wars with proof of him saying this. You and I both know he said he did not want to wear the tights and everything else.I've been 'round for quite a while. I've never seen this "proof." Present the evidence or drop the argument. Absence of evidence isn't evidence.

only reason why I will not do a search is because......it doesn't exist?

...its not that big of a deal to me since Welling will not be Superman.You certainly like to argue the point enough though. Why is that?

In other words I dont want to be Superman. Now as I said before things have changed since then but he did say it in the past but you can take it how ever you wish.I take it in the context it was meant. They were talking about SV. At no point during that interview did discussion of a film - or Welling's interest in such - ever come up. But you do bring up one good point: things change. So recent quotes are FAR more important than anything he might have said three, four, or five years ago.

Again I say, present the evidence or drop the argument. It's not worth the debate, y'know?

[jas01724]

He's never mentioned wearing the tights as being objectionable in ANY interview.Actually he has, but it was a while ago, and he may have changed his mind. Unfortunately I can't remember where it was that he said it ...

*bats eyelashes*

Do you twust me? :O

[Ultimate_Superman]

Once again Pat I could find where he has said this; the point is it doesn't matter. I could see this as a pressing issue if he was going to be Superman but if he isn't then why should I do the work or care.

[AgentPat]

Actually he has, but it was a while ago, and he may have changed his mind...Interesting. Since the interview was a while ago, can I assume the comments were in regards to the show and not a film? His initial apprehension during the show's casting process, perhaps?

And for shame! You don't have the interview? James, you're slippin' dude. :p

Still gotta luv that (non)comment about the other suit though. That was priceless. heh.

[Ultimate_Superman]

Interesting. Since the interview was a while ago, can I assume the comments were in regards to the show and not a film? His initial apprehension during the show's casting process, perhaps?

And for shame! You don't have the interview? James, you're slippin' dude. :p

Still gotta luv that (non)comment about the other suit though. That was priceless. heh.Yes Pat it was about the show not the movie.

[jas01724]

Interesting. Since the interview was a while ago, can I assume the comments were in regards to the show and not a film? His initial apprehension during the show's casting process, perhaps?It was about the show, but it was a very definite "I don't want to be seen in tights!" I don't think the medium would make much difference if he has a thing against wearing stockings. :p

And for shame! You don't have the interview? James, you're slippin' dude. :pI do have the interview somewhere ... but it's among about 500 others, so I don't think I'm going to find it. *cough*

[Kane]

Honestly if he doesnt want to wear the tights, they should just end it with a shirt rip and a cg-rendering of him flying off. Hopefully he hasnt seen some of the crappy looking manips of him in the tights.

[Bruce_Wayne29]

In other words I dont want to be Superman. Now as I said before things have changed since then but he did say it in the past but you can take it how ever you wish.

That was taken completly out of context. He was refering to the show and was kind of giving a warning to Warner Bros. in between the lines. He was having a bit of a feud with Warner at the time for constantly going back and forth in decisions to have him in the movie. At that precise time, Warner wanted him to star in a movie AND STILL continue to do the show, which he said he would never do, he said he would only do one of the projects.
Then as a retaliation Warner from what we heard threatened the following: if he wouldn't do both then he would do the show for 10 years, thus covering all periods of Superman's life and that's why he said that which was meant as a public response to such a threat.
Eventually things smoothed enough for them to do negotiations regarding what would then be Superman Returns and they burned him again by going on a nationwide search for an unknown after he had signed a contract (just as Jim Caviezel would later sign, when certain executives at Warner felt they would need some star power to jumpstart the franchise - both of them turned out to be backburner guarantees in case they didn't find their unknown).
He never said he didn't want to be Superman in a movie, he actually said in 2003 that he would be interested given schedule and script. Plus he wouldn't have met with all the directors involved in the project since 2002 and even screen testing for McG thanks to a personal phone call Christopher Reeve made to Alan Horne, then Warner's President.

[avidreader]

Interesting. Since the interview was a while ago, can I assume the comments were in regards to the show and not a film? His initial apprehension during the show's casting process, perhaps?

And for shame! You don't have the interview? James, you're slippin' dude. :p

Still gotta luv that (non)comment about the other suit though. That was priceless. heh.

I think its one of those AOL interviews at the top of Season 1.

He said, as far as the Clark Kent character is concerned, if he were to put on the tights then the show wouldnt be about Clark Kent growing up, etc. etc., and then he goes on to say, on a personal level I'd rather not wear it.

I took his demeanour at the time to be lacking the confidence to wear the suit and to be wearing it on a regular basis.

I imagine his feelings have changed.

[Kane]

At this point his feelings about it are unclear to us, so we'll have to see.

Though I dont see what the problem is, Ive seen Clark wear way more ridiculous stuff on the show than blue tights.....hes even paraded around naked....I dont know why TW was worried about mantaining his diginity.

[Pickle-El]

That was taken completly out of context. He was refering to the show and was kind of giving a warning to Warner Bros. in between the lines. He was having a bit of a feud with Warner at the time for constantly going back and forth in decisions to have him in the movie. At that precise time, Warner wanted him to star in a movie AND STILL continue to do the show, which he said he would never do, he said he would only do one of the projects.
Then as a retaliation Warner from what we heard threatened the following: if he wouldn't do both then he would do the show for 10 years, thus covering all periods of Superman's life and that's why he said that which was meant as a public response to such a threat.
Eventually things smoothed enough for them to do negotiations regarding what would then be Superman Returns and they burned him again by going on a nationwide search for an unknown after he had signed a contract (just as Jim Caviezel would later sign, when certain executives at Warner felt they would need some star power to jumpstart the franchise - both of them turned out to be backburner guarantees in case they didn't find their unknown).
He never said he didn't want to be Superman in a movie, he actually said in 2003 that he would be interested given schedule and script. Plus he wouldn't have met with all the directors involved in the project since 2002 and even screen testing for McG thanks to a personal phone call Christopher Reeve made to Alan Horne, then Warner's President.


That part has never been proven as far as I know....Especially the 'call from Reeve to Horn'

[AgentPat]

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/crusade20.jpg

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/superman.gif

[Kal-El 8]

http://www.patcostello.com/temp/crusade20.jpg

http://www.patcostello.com/smileys/superman.gif

The look says SUPERMAN, :supes: