The Actual Chance of a BDS
POSTED BY: ubergeek
UPDATED: Friday, August 25, 2006 04:12
VIEWED: 24247
PAGE 5 of 9
I don't think the Firefly verse is dead. Joss loves it too much, and many fans are downright rabid about it. However, I think it will most likely be continued in book or graphic novel form.
I know this is not going to be a popular opinion, but I feel it is realistic. I don't think the numbers are there for a sequel or more episodes. Even a lot of Sci-Fi fans seem to just not get this show for some reason. I personally know people that have seen it and hated it. I cannot for the life of me fathom why, but that's reality. I think it's too clever for some people.
Don't get me wrong, I would be absoutely ecstatic to learn of a sequel or more episodes, but at this point, it doesn't seem very likely. 
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Quote:
Originally posted by Fert1:
I don't think the Firefly verse is dead. Joss loves it too much, and many fans are downright rabid about it. However, I think it will most likely be continued in book or graphic novel form.
I know this is not going to be a popular opinion, but I feel it is realistic. I don't think the numbers are there for a sequel or more episodes. Even a lot of Sci-Fi fans seem to just not get this show for some reason. I personally know people that have seen it and hated it. I cannot for the life of me fathom why, but that's reality. I think it's too clever for some people.
Don't get me wrong, I would be absoutely ecstatic to learn of a sequel or more episodes, but at this point, it doesn't seem very likely.
Not met anyone yet that hated it, but I guess everyone likes different things. I never really got into Star Wars *runs quickly before being mobbed*
It's difficult though when it comes to numbers justifying a new series/movie, because how many FF fans are there ?? Obviously there are the die hard fans who post here, but how many others are out there and never join a board or post ?
I think there are a lot more fans that nobody even knows exist, although they must be buying the DVDs at least if sales are anything to go by.
I think there's still a good chance of at least another movie, and hope there's a new series (although thinking logically, that doesn't look promising at the moment).
The only problem I have with the movies, is that they'll probably conclude the video side of FF.
With 2 characters already being killed off in Serenity, and Mal's actions probably putting him on the Alliances 'most wanted' list, I'm guessing the movies will more or less end it.
And with most of Serenitys safe houses cleaned out by the Operative, there isn't really anywhere for them to get support.
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Quote:
Originally posted by Fert1:
I don't think the Firefly verse is dead. Joss loves it too much, and many fans are downright rabid about it. However, I think it will most likely be continued in book or graphic novel form.
I know this is not going to be a popular opinion, but I feel it is realistic. I don't think the numbers are there for a sequel or more episodes. Even a lot of Sci-Fi fans seem to just not get this show for some reason. I personally know people that have seen it and hated it. I cannot for the life of me fathom why, but that's reality. I think it's too clever for some people.
Don't get me wrong, I would be absoutely ecstatic to learn of a sequel or more episodes, but at this point, it doesn't seem very likely.
Very valid points.
However...
Being one of the veteran Browncoats, who helped do the impossible, I gotta say... "realistic" and "likely" weren't much a part of our vocabulary.
11th Hour
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Both of you make very valid points.
I agree the 'verse will most likely continue on in print form of one kind or another. Earlier posters pointed out the numbers weren't there for a sequel and I agree it is highly unlikely there will be another big-screen movie made. However, since Browncoats have kept the BDM and even more amazingly the BDS in the top 50 on Amazon for the last several years, a film studio may see a direct-to-dvd movie as more financially viable option. Joss could certainly turn the reigns over to Tim Minnear, Marti Noxon or others he has worked with in the past that will stay true to his vision of the show. And we CERTAINLY would consume mass quantities.
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I see it taking maybe 5/6 years before anything happens. In that time we see Joss, Tim, Jane, the BDH etc etc making bigger and bigger names for themselves and money for the studios while the FF/Serenity fanbase maintains the 'verse through fanfiction, conventions, merchandise etc etc that's enough time for the series to move from genre cult status to classic TV status at that point maybe the money men will show some interest :D
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I read this newspiece at IMDB and it gave me just a small bit of - perhaps unfounded but still - comfort:
"Universal Studios has discovered that sometimes it makes more sense to release a sequel to a modestly successful movie directly to DVD than distribute it first to theaters, the Los Angeles Daily News observed today (Thursday). The newspaper noted that the studio's 2000 film about cheerleaders, Bring It On, starring Kirsten Dunst, has already spawned two DVD-only sequels. Its latest, Bring It On: All or Nothing, reportedly sold 750,000 copies in its first week, generating $12 million in sales. In addition, it earned $3.8 million in rentals. The first sequel, Bring It On Again, sold 500,000 in its first week. Last December, it noted a sequel to American Pie, titled American Pie Presents: Band Camp, registered 1-million sales. Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Studios Home Entertainment, told the newspaper, "It's all about creating a line of product that is of theatrical level quality based on properties that have tremendous demand."
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"As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being" - Carl Jung
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Quote:
Originally posted by 11th Hour:
Being one of the veteran Browncoats, who helped do the impossible, I gotta say... "realistic" and "likely" weren't much a part of our vocabulary.
OK, you veteran, I only joined this month, SO WHAT CAN WE DO NOW? What did you do then? And how can we go further? Whom to address? Is buying the DVD sets and giving them to friends enough? I could also give the money directly to a fund ... is there any? Like "fans buy a TV series"? I mean, 3 Million US$ for one episode - with 50.000 fans that would make 60 bucks each (don't know, how many fans are there, but a DVD set in Germany costs abour 60 $). And someone paid over 3.000 $ for the Sereinity script (well, of course he got something of value for his money, but still ...)
Aaaaah, just feeling so helpless!
It's fascinating, though, how as a fan you can just re-enact Mals frustration as a Browncoat and all. I guess, that's somewhat part of the connection between the fans and the 'Verse ...
Esther
Love my captain!
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Quote:
Originally posted by Esther:Quote:
Originally posted by 11th Hour:
Being one of the veteran Browncoats, who helped do the impossible, I gotta say... "realistic" and "likely" weren't much a part of our vocabulary.
OK, you veteran, I only joined this month, SO WHAT CAN WE DO NOW? What did you do then? And how can we go further? Whom to address? Is buying the DVD sets and giving them to friends enough? I could also give the money directly to a fund ... is there any? Like "fans buy a TV series"? I mean, 3 Million US$ for one episode - with 50.000 fans that would make 60 bucks each (don't know, how many fans are there, but a DVD set in Germany costs abour 60 $). And someone paid over 3.000 $ for the Sereinity script (well, of course he got something of value for his money, but still ...)
Aaaaah, just feeling so helpless!
It's fascinating, though, how as a fan you can just re-enact Mals frustration as a Browncoat and all. I guess, that's somewhat part of the connection between the fans and the 'Verse ...
Esther
Love my captain!
That's more or less exactly how I feel. It would be nice to have some kind of cohesive campaign, rather than just wishful thinking.And that isn't being negative, but it would be nice to have a concerted campaign, rather than just keep buying everything that's out there.
The problem with that, least imho, is how many fans can afford to keep buying DVD sets they already have ?
I know affordability doesn't come into a fans normal vocabulary, but are Fox showing any signs of relenting and resurrecting the series from DVD sales ?I know it's a good way of letting Fox know that fans are still out there, but do we know Fox really care ?
We know Universal released Serenity, but the film hardly set the box office on fire. This is at least partly due to Universals marketing, but it did receive great reviews from the press - and still failed to do much.
So I'm guessing that if we want it back at all, we've got to be looking at something like "fans buy a TV series"?, as you suggested in your post. And the big question is how many fans can afford $60+ per episode at least.
I know this site's been mentioned in a few threads, and got a fairly lukewarm reception:
http://www.fireflyseason2.com/index.asp
But at least they're trying to see how much interest is out there, and that's really what we all should be doing.
I use that site purely as an illustrative example, but if we really want FF back on screen, then I think it's going to take money. And the beauty of that site is it's like a pledge bank - there's no commitment unless they're successful.
As I've kept saying, I'd love a new series or movie, but the series doesn't look likely unless a miracle happens. The movie may happen, but that's entirely down to Universal.
I really don't think Fox are going to resurrect FF, or they'd be showing some signs of doing so by now - particularly after Serenity.
So the only thing that DVD sales are doing is lining Fox's pockets at the moment.
Let's get thinking and get a real campaign together, where we know our money WILL bring back FF, rather than hoping.
Damn, just re-read the post, and it comes across kinda strong. Apologies for that folks, but I think it's going to take something strong to win this time 'round.
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Quote:
Last December, it noted a sequel to American Pie, titled American Pie Presents: Band Camp, registered 1-million sales.
Band Camp had an estimated budget of $7 mil. The original Bring It On had an estimated budget of $10 mil; this suggests to me that the budget of the sequels are somewhat below this figure. I suspect that for the time being, direct-to-DVD releases will be based on fairly low budget productions, where modest sales can recoup costs.
Could Serenity 2 be released under this framework? I honestly don't know. Presumably existing sets could be used, which would reduce the production costs below the $39 m figure for the BDM.
The problem with these kinds of discussions is that there is too much of the business side we simply don't know to engage in meaningful speculation. And as a fan, I don't really see why I should know it. I saw the movie twice in the theatres, bought the DVDs, bought some of the other merchandise. I've voted with my dollars for more of the product. The problem is that there are not enough other like-minded people.
I don't really believe a letter to an executive will make any difference. I don't know if the sales of the DVDs of the movie or the series are close to some critical value, so that I should buy copies I don't need to pull the trigger. I've encouraged everyone I know to watch the show...the majority enjoyed it, and then moved on. I'm moving on...BUT, if there is a new series, I'll be there from the start, and if there is a new movie, I'll be there on opening night.
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Quote:
Originally posted by jolly:Quote:
Last December, it noted a sequel to American Pie, titled American Pie Presents: Band Camp, registered 1-million sales.
Band Camp had an estimated budget of $7 mil. The original Bring It On had an estimated budget of $10 mil; this suggests to me that the budget of the sequels are somewhat below this figure. I suspect that for the time being, direct-to-DVD releases will be based on fairly low budget productions, where modest sales can recoup costs.
Could Serenity 2 be released under this framework? I honestly don't know. Presumably existing sets could be used, which would reduce the production costs below the $39 m figure for the BDM.
Fair points.
These movies aren't laiden with special effects as compared to Serenity, so it should have a lower budget.
I believe it is possible to make a direct to DVD Serenity movie. The making of the 2hour long pilot for Firefly did cost around 3 million. How about spending twice that much on a direct to DVD movie? Ok, the sfx will be lesser in quality but it would look like the ones in the series.
If I were to choose between a Direct to DVD movie and a mini-series, I'll take the mini-series anytime.
So what will it take for a mini-series? (By that way, would it still be considered a sequel?)
One should get the rights to the series off FOX's hand. Isn't there some sort of an "EXPIRATION DATE" to this?
Once this is done. A mini-series will be much easier to come by. Even a season2 is might possible.
I know some are thinking of an ACTION SCENE (buy a tv series scenario) here, but I'm taking the sit, chat, respond to blogs and wait scenario.
It took 2 years to get it to the silver screen. One can wait another 2 years for a mini-series or a sequel, or a season2, or even a direct to dvd sale.
I'll give everything to Joss; all the time in the world. Finish the Wondy movie. Finish Goners. Bolden the X in X-men. Buff up Buffy. Clip wings to Angelus. And then once again do the impossible, come out of the woods, aim to misbehave, and man the helm of Serenity.
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