The Talon

[KikiDee]

Five weeks for script revisions? That's an awful lot of massaging. Wonder what's up?

Anybody know how much the BB script was altered, and if the changes were significant after it was leaked to the public?

I read somewhere that too many of the action sequences were too similar to what was being done in action movies this year. Meaning the writers weren't that original in their thinking the first time around.

 

[AgentPat]

I don't know much about these things, but a $250 mil budget seems excessive, even for Superman. Is it probable that this movie will make the studio $$ if they are sinking so much into it? That seems like a heavy burden for an unknown actor (even the Superman character) to carry.

Actually, that was part of the Variety article from this past Sunday...

Variety
10/30/05

It's a jungle out there
Wow factor busting the budget of f/x pics like 'Kong'
By GABRIEL SNYDER, PAMELA MCCLINTOCK

Hollywood studio execs have long blamed stars like Tom Cruise and Julia Roberts for ballooning film budgets.
But those salaries seem like a bargain compared to the cost of special f/x.

Last week Universal acknowledged that "King Kong" costs shot up to $207 million when the studio agreed to add a half hour -- at a cost of $32 million -- to Peter Jackson's great-ape epic.

Most of that cost ($1 million per minute) is due to more f/x. Jackson has agreed to pick up the bulk of that overages tab on the now-three-hour pic.

If even Jackson, a filmmaker and owner of Weta Digital, can't fight the f/x cost bloat, what hope is there for other filmmakers?

At Warner Bros., the f/x budget alone on "Superman Returns" is said to be running to $100 million.

Pic is being helmed by Bryan Singer, no stranger to dealing with CGI, as he directed the first two "X-Men" pics. Singer has stated that the film's overall budget is around $250 million.

"Visual f/x are the single most misunderstood aspect of the business," says an insider knowledgeable about paying for big f/x spectacles.

The notion that costs for CGI would come down just like the costs of other technology hasn't panned out. And that, the insider says, is because of an arms race between studios and f/x houses to constantly replace software and hardware in order to blow away the competition.

"Studios are relying on people to come multiple times (to effects-heavy pics) and that falls on the visual f/x. The wow factor has to be extraordinary."

Production of "Superman Returns" has also engaged in some late adjustments.

Last week, a Southern California clothing company announced that it had shipped out 1,000 sweatshirts for Warners as a wrap gift celebrating the end of principal photography on "Superman Returns," which began shooting in Australia last spring.

The only hitch is, shooting isn't over.

The production took a five-week hiatus in September to allow for script revisions, and Singer returned to Australia in mid-October for another month or so of lensing.

Studio is still on track to release the revival of the Man of Steel franchise on June 30, 2006.

http://www.variety.com/story.asp?l=story&a=VR1117931927

...If it ain't broke...

Supes on the other hand...

Thanks for the summation, Raku. BB wasn't the greatest of scripts - I thought some of the logic was flawed - but they sure nailed the character, and Bale drove it home.

I read somewhere that too many of the action sequences were too similar to what was being done in action movies this year. Meaning the writers weren't that original in their thinking the first time around.

I think that might have been a rumor. I vaguely remember reading that myself and being very skeptical. Singer may not be known for his action, but I doubt he'd rewrite something because it was derivative of another film. Hell, a LOT of SR is *already* derivative, but that's just my humble opinion.

On the "if it aint broke" front, I gave this some more thought. Obviously, those script revisions weren't for the suit (much to our chagrin LOL), but I'm starting to wonder if it's the dreaded "kid." That might account for an extended script revision if they decided not to make it Superman's. There's been a lot of heat over this topic recently, and since it effects people on a different level - this isn't an argument over suit styles, organic webshooters, or bat nipples - I suppose it's possible Singer (or perhaps even Warners) felt the story should be changed.



...or they could just have gotten a good look at the dailies and said STOP! We've GOT to fix this NOW! LOL

 

[KikiDee]

I think that might have been a rumor. I vaguely remember reading that myself and being very skeptical. Singer may not be known for his action, but I doubt he'd rewrite something because it was derivative of another film. Hell, a LOT of SR is *already* derivative, but that's just my humble opinion.

You're right it was a rumor, but I did find where I read it.



October 17, 2005: “Superman Returns” Re-Shoot Details

DarkHorizons.com has published a comment from someone who claims to work on "Superman Returns" stating:

• "The main reason for the hiatus in shooting: Rewrites due to recent films with similar action scenes. Same situation as Fantastic Four, basically. They're also doing a bank robbery sequence that wasn't completed and some elaborate flying sequences. No-one is in a panic or anything, but this definitely the biggest thing done in Sydney so far".

I can tell you that the "Bank Robbery" and "Flying Sequences" parts of this statement are indeed correct, however the claim that some re-writes were needed because of similarities with other recent films is false.
The Superman Homepage has learned that there was minor re-writing done to another sequence, but mostly to cut down on running time and not due to any similarity to other films.

I don't know much about these things, but a $250 mil budget seems excessive, even for Superman. Is it probable that this movie will make the studio $$ if they are sinking so much into it? That seems like a heavy burden for an unknown actor (even the Superman character) to carry.

Looks like Warner Bros. agrees with you.

[font=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Legendary Pictures Helps Foot the Superman Bills
[/font][font=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Posted by Justin on 10/31/05
[/font]


[font=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Variety is reporting that newly formed company Legendary Pictures is putting up half of the production budget for Superman Returns, just as they did for Batman Begins.

Blasting onto the scene, recently formed Legendary Pictures is putting up no less than half the production budget for Warner Bros. Pictures' "Superman Returns" -- as well as having footed half the bill of "Batman Begins." Legendary, run by financier Thomas Tull and backed by private equity, also will be Warners' 50-50 co-financing and production partner on M. Night ShyamalanM. Night Shyamalan's "Lady in the Water" and animated family pic "The Ant Bully," both of which are set for release next summer, as is "Superman."​

By partnering on a big-ticket item like "Superman" and spreading the risk around, Warner Bros. Pictures can display fiscal responsibility. The high-profile film, directed by Bryan Singer, is still under way shooting in Australia for another few weeks, having begun lensing in the spring.
​

[/font]

 

[triplet]

Anyone hear of this book? It's Superman by Tom DeHaven...

It's set in the 30's and has Lois and Lex living in Manhatten...

http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2005/11/09/a_stylish_trip_back_to_smallville/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Living+/+Arts+News

Sounds interesting, anyway...

Sort of like Smallville since Clark isn't wearing tights yet and still in high school.

 

[avidreader]

Hey, that sounds good Triplet. I think I would like to read that.


Thanks for posting the info.

 

[Brainiac 8]

That sound realy neat, I will probably go pick it up. I love the old Supes George Reeves serials, and if this is like them at all, I'll like it. It's probably a little less corny though.

 

[avidreader]

That sound realy neat, I will probably go pick it up. I love the old Supes George Reeves serials, and if this is like them at all, I'll like it. It's probably a little less corny though.

I used to watch that series all the time when I was a kid, re-runs of course , and the one episode that sticks in my mind was when he, Lois, Jimmy and I think Perry were all tied up and some bomb was going to off, he had to bust out of his ropes and there was some kind of spray that made everybody forget the last few minutes, which he used of course.

But I can remember Lois and Jimmy's reaction to him being Superman.

 

[Brainiac 8]

http://television.aol.com/news/tv_tattler_celebrity_interviews


Here guys, I found this and it was interesting to read. It's an interview with Marsters about his role as Brainiac. He had some great things to say about the character and the show in General.

Hope you guys like it.

 

[Brainiac 8]

I used to watch that series all the time when I was a kid, re-runs of course , and the one episode that sticks in my mind was when he, Lois, Jimmy and I think Perry were all tied up and some bomb was going to off, he had to bust out of his ropes and there was some kind of spray that made everybody forget the last few minutes, which he used of course.

But I can remember Lois and Jimmy's reaction to him being Superman.

I liked that episode too!

Also I liked the one where Perry actually sees Ceaser's Ghost, which was funny because that was his catch phrase in the show.

"Great Ceaser's Ghost!"

 

[NHawk19]

Looks interesting Trip. Have to try and find it.

Have you seen this one before:

 

[triplet]

Looks interesting Trip. Have to try and find it.

Have you seen this one before:

No, I haven't gotten that one... Is it good? I like origin tales.

I did really like Birthright and Superman for All Seasons and Loeb's first Batman/Superman book... (the subsequent books aren't in soft cover yet).

Byrne's origin tale in Man of Steel series was a little on the strange side....

 

[NHawk19]

No, I haven't gotten that one... Is it good? I like origin tales.

I did really like Birthright and Superman for All Seasons and Loeb's first Batman/Superman book... (the subsequent books aren't in soft cover yet).

Byrne's origin tale in Man of Steel series was a little on the strange side....

I think it's a love it or hate it thing. I personally liked it a lot. The story takes place in what would be considered the real world, as they have knowledge of the Superman comics. Its about a kid with the last name Kent whose parents name him Clark. He gets teased in school you know standard stuff, and his parents get him Superman stuff for his birthday etc, so he begins to hate Superman. But then one day he finds out he really does have Superman's powers. I think it's worth the read.

 

[RakuMon]

Secret Identity is one of the best Superman stories ever. I remember talking about it with Pat in one of the threads here. Can't remember which one though.

Anyway, I remember saying that if WB had any cojones and really take the movie franchise into a new direction, they would've adapted this story into a movie!

 

[Serene]

For Pat. You posted the lyrics to Ramble On in the Splinter thread and that reminded me that I have this picture I can share.

Btw..Jimmy Page was my Tom Welling of the 70's.

 

[AgentPat]

Secret Identity is one of the best Superman stories ever. I remember talking about it with Pat in one of the threads here. Can't remember which one though.

Anyway, I remember saying that if WB had any cojones and really take the movie franchise into a new direction, they would've adapted this story into a movie!

It was a fun read, though the daughters thing... And the way he discovers his powers was... I dunno. Hee. But the story as a whole was a fun read. It would have made for an interesting film, but I think mainstream audiences would be very, VERY confused. LOL It's kind of like Galaxy Quest in theme, where the world knows about these characters as fiction, and then all of a sudden, it's real. It's out there, but intreguing.

For Pat. You posted the lyrics to Ramble On in the Splinter thread and that reminded me that I have this picture I can share.

Btw..Jimmy Page was my Tom Welling of the 70's.

Whoa!!!

Niiiiiiice!!!

 

[NHawk19]

Saw this and for some reason thought it needed to be posted here

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051111/ap_on_sc/giant_meteorite_1

 

[MJZ]

Anybody know how much the BB script was altered, and if the changes were significant after it was leaked to the public?

There were a few additional changes, newly-added scenes, but nothing too major. I believe Goyer said the final product contained 75% of the first draft.

Examples of new stuff were the scenes with the little kid in the Narrows, Rachel getting mugged on the subway, Gordon driving the car, and a number of instances at Wayne Manor, among others.

I found Noel Neill's comment about how Singer directs by staying in room off-set interesting. Not like that's abnormal or anything. In contrast, Chris Nolan's right in there with the camera. Just found that interesting.

 

[Pickle-El]

Saw this and for some reason thought it needed to be posted here

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051111/ap_on_sc/giant_meteorite_1

Someone pinch me.

 

[lespaul59]

Until after reading a interview with the guy that plays Lex in Wizard, I never knew he was the voice of the Flash on Justice League Unlimited.

 

[RakuMon]

Speaking of Rosie:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/television/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001479729
'Smallville' star, scribe on Fox project

"Smallville" star Michael Rosenbaum has partnered with the show's writer/executive producer Greg Beeman to pen "Welcome to Paradise," a single-camera half-hour project for Fox based on Rosenbaum's life as a teenager in the late 1980s. Rosenbaum is exec producing the show, which has received a script commitment, with former WB Network Entertainment president Jordan Levin, his producing partner, former Regency TV president Pete Aronson, and Mike Karz ("Malibu's Most Wanted"). "Welcome to Paradise," set up at Fox TV Studios, centers on a 13-year-old boy whose eccentric family moves from New York to Indiana.

 

[RakuMon]

I dunno, all these Smallville crew members splitting off and doing their own projects has me worried

 

[Brainiac 8]

I think it will be fine, they just want to expirement in other projects. We already have a promise of at least one more season. So since that is next year, it makes sense they make sure they have other things to fall back on once the show is over.

 

[avidreader]

Speaking of Rosie:
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/television/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001479729
'Smallville' star, scribe on Fox project

"Smallville" star Michael Rosenbaum has partnered with the show's writer/executive producer Greg Beeman to pen "Welcome to Paradise," a single-camera half-hour project for Fox based on Rosenbaum's life as a teenager in the late 1980s. Rosenbaum is exec producing the show, which has received a script commitment, with former WB Network Entertainment president Jordan Levin, his producing partner, former Regency TV president Pete Aronson, and Mike Karz ("Malibu's Most Wanted"). "Welcome to Paradise," set up at Fox TV Studios, centers on a 13-year-old boy whose eccentric family moves from New York to Indiana.

Rosenbaum and Beeman have been working on script writing together for some time now, so I actually think its good that they can branch themselves out a bit. It just brings more to the table when they are performing and working for Smallville.

If the show only has a couple of more seasons left, then they should start looking at broadening their horizons now. They dont want to be left without work.

Now if Tom Welling started doing other projects that took away alot of his time from Smallville, then I would be a little concerned.

 

[triplet]

Rosie only works like two or three days a week, he can exec produce a show.... I think it's great.

I know from some interviews that he's been frustrated by not getting some parts he's been interested in because of being bald. So at least this is an outlet for him and gives him a fallback in case he can't get those parts he wants even with a full head of hair...

He's smart and funny and single camera comedies (a la My Name is Earl, Scrubs, The Office, Arrested Development, and Curb Your Enthusiasm) are "in" right now.... Arrested Development just got it's show order cut to only 13 for the rest of this season and was told that they wouldn't be renewed...

Fox is likely looking for a replacement.



It's all good.

 

[Lara]

I'm glad he's getting to do something with his love of comedy and I also adore Beeman so good luck to them. If it's picked up I will definitely check it out.