Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 zombiegleemax Oct 21, 2003 2:25:43	After spending the last couple months writing out a script to the Dragonlance Book Dragons of Autumn Twilight (Autumn, Winter, and Spring eventually) I noticed right away that there is no way in Krynn that the books would translate well into a 3 movie series. I finished late saturday (would've been done sooner, but I enjoyed the pain that Nebraska inflicted upon Texas A&M) and today with the aid of my friend read aloud/acted out the script for book 1. It timed out at about: From the "old man" rearranging the Inn of the last home to the battle of with oynx and the fall of Xak Tsaroth was around an hour and forty-five minutes of dialog, plus about another 45 minutes of action topping out at about two and a half hours total. Anyone that has read the first half of the book knows that it's very very hard to cut out any scene from the the first part. The only part really cuttable from the first part is there stay in the cave. (which if you cut it out, would require future editing of the story, but it's do able) the second half of book one topped out time wise at around two hours and fifteen minutes. That depends soley on the director, as the battle of the dragons at the end and the fall of Pax Tharkas could take some time. I am a writer by trade, but I am in no means trying to sell a script or get people's hopes up that there is a movie or what not. just an observation that if they did the books, and kept the movies true to the books, the makers of the movie would have to do a six to seven part series of 2 & 1/2 hour movies roughly. Also, for the movies, more than likely you'd have to find new "fresh face actors and actresses" becuase established actors couldn't go the roughly 3 years it'd take to film the movies without being in the lime light. I always wondered about the D&D movie. it's like the tomb raider or final fantasy, or street fighter, mortal kombat, parasite eve (yes there was a movie made, not bad, but mostly japanesse) or resident evil. all of those movies made people go o_O;; you have established a fanbase due to your product, yet give them a movie that has no similarity to what they are fans of. Why make something new, when you already have created what they actually want to see. here's hoping they make Dragonlance movies. If not, I still have the books to enjoy and read.
#2 randpc Oct 21, 2003 8:47:13	I pray they don't make a DragonLance movie, it's simply too complex and prolonged to do it justice without releasing a considerable number of movies to it. I'm still amazed that they didnt completely butcher Lord of The Rings in porting it to the movies, I have precious little hope they could do DragonLance any justice. In my experience fantasy novel series seldom tend to come out very attractively in movie-form.
#3 zombiegleemax Oct 21, 2003 10:54:47	they could make it good. The problem is, the way it's written makes it very hard due to Tanis always having to think >_< and to make him say what he thinks goes against character. The only way we had figured out to get his thoughts out loud so people knew about them, were a couple extra dialouges with Raist. If they invested the time, the energy, and were willing to stick to the books, the movies would be awesome. The coolest scenes would be at Neraka, my favorite would be Tanis finally seeing Laurana. Trying to tell her he loves her, but she doesn't understand, than he coldly turns away. That's a good scene for a movie.
#4 kalanth Oct 21, 2003 11:52:59	Originally posted by Maize they could make it good. The problem is, the way it's written makes it very hard due to Tanis always having to think >_< and to make him say what he thinks goes against character. The only way we had figured out to get his thoughts out loud so people knew about them, were a couple extra dialouges with Raist. Why not some narative, or maybe some specific hints of what he thinking?
#5 brimstone Oct 21, 2003 12:02:35	I think a Dragonlance movie based on Chronicles would be about a thousand times easier than a movie based on Lord of the Rings...because of the way the book is written and how the scenes are set, etc. And look how well that one turned out.
#6 zombiegleemax Oct 21, 2003 12:12:03	I agree with Brimstone. The Lord of the Rings is a more complex series than Chronicles, and they've done an incredible job on it. They won't make the movie though, as Dragonlance doesn't have the following, or history, that LotR does. It's popular, but not to the extent that LotR is.
#7 brimstone Oct 21, 2003 12:17:02	Originally posted by Myrridin They won't make the movie though, as Dragonlance doesn't have the following, or history, that LotR does. It's popular, but not to the extent that LotR is. You do realize it's in the works right now, don't you? They have a production company, a script, and budget, last we heard. But everyone's pretty tight lipped about everything. The last info was from GenCon which basically said...it's still in pre-production, and that's all we'll tell you.
#8 zombiegleemax Oct 21, 2003 12:46:00	Originally posted by Brimstone You do realize it's in the works right now, don't you? They have a production company, a script, and budget, last we heard. But everyone's pretty tight lipped about everything. The last info was from GenCon which basically said...it's still in pre-production, and that's all we'll tell you. yeah, i only was writing them out as practice. However, I've heard the rumors for sometime. Until something static comes out and say it will begin filming on such and such date, then i'd buy into it. And LoTR movies took a lot of artistic liberties. One being the over involvement of Aragorn's personal life. The romance never got the attention it's getting in the movie, plus they are trying to make it a love triangle >_< even the extended dvd's leave a lot out, and a lot left unaccounted for. Harry Potter movies are similar as the have left key things out, mainly Peeves the Poltergiest, whom plays a key role in the later part of the story, but they have yet to introduce him in the movies. Hollywood writers think they know best. Like some guy from LA has any real concept as to what it is like in Kansas. To them kansans are hicks that all live on farms and are missing half there teeth. Instead of actually portraying something correctly, they put there artistic and political spins to the script. I can see the dragonlance movies being an anti GW Bush movie, very easily. oh and it wouldn't be PG-13 if they stayed true to the books too much nudity!
#9 brimstone Oct 21, 2003 12:58:54	Originally posted by Maize Hollywood writers think they know best. Like some guy from LA has any real concept as to what it is like in Kansas. To them kansans are hicks that all live on farms and are missing half there teeth. Instead of actually portraying something correctly, they put there artistic and political spins to the script. Very true. However, the production company (and apparently the people writing the script) are coming to the project with much love for the Dragonlance story. They've been fans since kids (if I remember correctly). And they said they'd like it if Margaret and Tracy were involved...but didn't know if that was possible. Originally posted by Maize oh and it wouldn't be PG-13 if they stayed true to the books too much nudity! If they put nude scenes in this movie...I will refuse to see it. Don't get me wrong...one of my favorite scenes is the scene with Silvara in the silver river...but that can be done with out actual nudity. If I want to see nudity...I'll go rent Basic Instinct or something...please leave it out of my Dragonlance.
#10 zombiegleemax Oct 21, 2003 14:01:59	The Silvara scene could easily be done without nudity, or if it's tastefully done kept pg-13. I was thinking more along the lines of Kit. Cuz there is the scene with her and Tanis (which could be carefully done) The scene where she strips down and chucks her armor at the wall when Tanis runs away. (also carefully done could go without nudity) the problem is when she is sleeping with one of her soliders, and Lord Ariakas tosses her out of bed and throws her about. That too, could be in there, but she'd have to have a tight hold of the blanket the whole time, and that causes the problem of character staying true to the book, cuz kit wouldn't hold onto the blanket, she'd stand there stark naked. I hope that if they do the movies, they do the books justice. No jurrasic park 3 repeats please. it can easily be done to keep it PG 13, the problem is, most movies, even ones starring 13 y/o girls are centered around sex. Sad sad times we live in. BUT what will be will be. I'd make a kick butt Raist. Hire me as your mageling!
#11 carteeg Oct 21, 2003 19:18:01	Personally, I'd hope for a PG-13, but I wouldn't mind an R considering I believe the MPAA to be a Massive Pile of Ancient A****l*s. But that's just my opinion. Anyway, I can see how the nudity can be tastefully. Note, I said tastefully; not necessarilly meaning it would avoid the R rating. If they could pull off Silvart in a nude siloquet with the waters shining the reflecting light of Solinari around her, I think it would deliver the err... uh... impact of the scene in a more respectful and artistic manner rather than in a porn-sense. As for Kit getting dragged out of bed, she would need to consciously cover herself (meaning Kit, not the actress). If Kit is partially covered in the sheets, then the sheets may be pulled with her if she gets a little tangled in them as Ari hauls her butt to the ground. After that, camera angles can cover the rest. I think head shots and at worst a bare back (if not butt) would be allowable.
#12 zombiegleemax Oct 21, 2003 23:42:28	In writing a script for any novel you can't possibly place all the dialog in it, you have to shorten every 'scene' in the book, and cut some out.
#13 zombiegleemax Oct 22, 2003 7:54:29	Lots of things get into pre-production, and die there. Such as the Nine Princes in Amber mini-series that Sci-Fi was supposedly doing. When I see an official press release saying when and where they're filming, I'll believe it'll actually make it to the big screen. Until then... I'd like to see it on the big screen, but I won't hold my breath waiting. I've seen a number of things over the years get into pre-production, and then not come to the screen, it's dissappointing.
#14 themind Oct 22, 2003 9:23:57	In the scene with Kit, doesnt she wear a nightgown when Ariakas comes in?
#15 brimstone Oct 22, 2003 13:22:53	Originally posted by Myrridin Lots of things get into pre-production, and die there. Thanks...I'm not twelve you know, I do know how things work. I was just explaining that it's already in the works, so if it's going to happen...it's only going to happen with that company (they bought the Option for the movie...so it's theirs alone to do it, or not)
#16 lugnut71 Oct 22, 2003 20:14:44	Well it is possible for the contract to run out but that can be dependent on lots of things.
#17 silvanthalas Oct 23, 2003 7:41:51	As much as I enjoyed Chronicles the two times I've read the trilogy, I can't help but chuckle when somebody says that the books are "too complex" for film. Maybe somebody on this planet hasn't seen Lord of the Rings yet. Yes, there are many liberties taken with the LotR movies, and while I hate some of the changes, a number of them are due to the fact that books do not automatically translate to film, and vise versa. They are two different mediums. Much of Lord of the Rings, and Chronicles as well, is description - descriptions of characters, places, events, etc. These are things that aren't translated into spoken lines on screen, but into the backgrounds, costumes, etc. So, right away, you're looking at a much shorter book (like Lord of the Rings). The biggest problem I see with a Dragonlance movie, or movies, if they use Chronicles, is that, well, Chronicles is perhaps too close to Lord of the Rings, and alot of the (clueless) audience will only see that.
#18 zombiegleemax Oct 23, 2003 9:10:18	Originally posted by Brimstone Thanks...I'm not twelve you know, I do know how things work. I was just explaining that it's already in the works, so if it's going to happen...it's only going to happen with that company (they bought the Option for the movie...so it's theirs alone to do it, or not) I was stating something in the same way/tone that you first replied to me, nothing more. If it was offensive, sorry. I understand how company options work too, but thanks for clarifying. What's the name of the distribution/production company?
#19 brimstone Oct 23, 2003 10:11:23	Originally posted by Myrridin What's the name of the distribution/production company? I don't believe it has ever been released. All Margaret would say was that they were long time fans of the series.
#20 baron_the_curse Oct 23, 2003 13:21:09	I have to agree with Myrridin. Plenty of concepts make it to “pre-production” (and all that means is that some movie folks sat around a table and talked about it) and never make it any further than that. The creators need to have more than a love for the story to give it justice. You would need a majestic budget, a production company in par with Industrial Light and Magic, and the director would truly have to have an “epic” visual for the film. Peter Jackson and his team is a rare breed. Let’s not all forget the travesty that was Dungeon and Dragons. The fault for that parody of our beloved hobby lies mostly in the director’s hand, which supposedly was a D&D dungeon master for many years. But instead of putting together a D&D we can all enjoy he gives us his ridiculous crappy homebrew version. That can also be a problem with a Dragonlance movie. What if the director has a different view on the characters? Raistlin may come out to psychotic or just some annoying teenager with a wheezy voice. Hell Sturm’s death might be cheapened. You get the idea. And finally I also have to agree with those who feel some of the movie will have to be sacrifice to give it a PG-13. The violence must be toned down (LotR did a great job with this) and no nudity. (Although a little nudity wouldn’t be a problem for International Release, you gotta hate our American censors). I would love to see the Dragonlance movie made, I just don’t have high hopes that it will be given any justice. At the very least not all of us will enjoy it. I have friends who hate Peter Jackson for “butchering” their beloved childhood book Lord of the Rings. Can’t please everyone.
#21 zombiegleemax Oct 24, 2003 4:48:04	Originally posted by Baron the Curse Can’t please everyone. So true. Especially here. But I think the whole story could be kept if there were three movies and a television mini-series to fill in the character development between movies. You then have a great means of delivering the story to the interest of a wider audience who may go to the second and third movies after watching the series at home, even if they showed very little interest in the first. I think it would be a worthwhile and lucrative venture because the word of mouth advertising by fans would pull a great many other people into the theaters from the start. If there's one thing that DL fans have, it's zeal. I'm not even going to attempt any "In Character" amusing wrap up or anything like that and the only reason I'm being completely sincere now (which is rare) is that I really care deeply for this topic. If the movies are made, and made badly, I will have to alter my future life plans and become a director for the sole purpose of a worthy re-make. It would hurt me that much. We don't need another D&D The Movie insult emblazoned on our hobby. The series idea would also keep the story fresh and alive while production of the next movie was taking place. They could do the whole book, then release the first part as a movie and filter the rest of the story out as episodes until the next came along. I also read the interview with Margaret Weis and, in the context that she was speaking of, I do trust that she believes the company that has the option will try their best to do the story justice. Oh, and as a side note, take part in my vote to ban me from the DL forum! http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=120556 Love, Haldon
#22 zombiegleemax Oct 24, 2003 23:31:31	Hey...do you think you I could have a look at your script? It sounds interesting, and I'd like to take a look at it.
#23 arianna_greenleaf Oct 27, 2003 22:59:41	Originally posted by Brimstone ...the production company (and apparently the people writing the script) are coming to the project with much love for the Dragonlance story. They've been fans since kids (if I remember correctly). All true, except "much love" is an understatement. Never fear, it's all in the proper hands. And yes, the movie is going to happen.
#24 brimstone Oct 28, 2003 9:38:11	Originally posted by Arianna Greenleaf All true, except "much love" is an understatement. Never fear, it's all in the proper hands. And yes, the movie is going to happen. Oh for cryin' out loud! Can't you throw us a bigger bone than that? Are you involved with the movie? Do you know who is? Do you at least have a name of the production company or a timeframe on when things might get truckin' on this? Curious minds want to know. :D
#25 arianna_greenleaf Oct 28, 2003 11:46:45	Originally posted by Brimstone Oh for cryin' out loud! Can't you throw us a bigger bone than that? Are you involved with the movie? Do you know who is? Do you at least have a name of the production company or a timeframe on when things might get truckin' on this? Curious minds want to know. :D Wish I could share, but NDA - you know. I've read the script's most recent draft - and it is in the proper hands.
#26 brimstone Oct 28, 2003 12:35:47	Originally posted by Arianna Greenleaf Wish I could share, but NDA - you know. I've read the script's most recent draft - and it is in the proper hands. Alright...fair enough. I understand NDAs well enough to know not to push you (cause it ain't easy keepin' yer mouth shut) ;) Thanks for the info, though.
#27 zombiegleemax Oct 28, 2003 16:42:54	Originally posted by Arianna Greenleaf All true, except "much love" is an understatement. Never fear, it's all in the proper hands. And yes, the movie is going to happen. DAMN MY KENDER PATIENCE!!!! I WANT TO KNOW NOW!!! Oh well, I'll wait as long as I have to.
#28 zombiegleemax Oct 28, 2003 20:32:23	I am going to disagree with joshua harding here. Brimstone's opinions have been well informed and thought out, and posted in a civil tone, even when he disagrees with someone else. So far as I can tell, he hasn't flamed a single person in any response he has made, and has demonstrated a respectable depth of knowledge about the world that this board is set up for. So his opinions are not **** to everyone else. on topic: as long as the DL movie is not the same "high-quality" showing as the D&D movie, I eagerly anticipate seeing how they portray the story and world of Dragonlance.
#29 brimstone Oct 29, 2003 10:26:40	Originally posted by Winterknight Brimstone's opinions have been well informed and thought out, and posted in a civil tone, even when he disagrees with someone else. So far as I can tell, he hasn't flamed a single person in any response he has made, and has demonstrated a respectable depth of knowledge about the world that this board is set up for. Thanks for that. I don't know that it's 100% true...but kind none the less. :D Originally posted by Winterknight on topic: as long as the DL movie is not the same "high-quality" showing as the D&D movie, I eagerly anticipate seeing how they portray the story and world of Dragonlance. Heck...I'm just hoping that D&D:2 is of a higher quality than the first. It's a whole new company working on it...so hopefully.
#30 silvanthalas Oct 29, 2003 11:49:03	Originally posted by Brimstone It's a whole new company working on it...so hopefully. If they were smart, they'd call it "D&D: Something something" and say "We had nothing to do with that previous piece of crap.