Script and character development

This is all a little hard to explain, but I’ll have a go here and try and make the page fun to read rather than just lots of text ([i]I guess that means it will be edited a lot over the next couple of days[/i])

NewKate and I met with the peeps at Voodoo Multimedia yesterday (in the pub). They have lots of ideas for the SadCartoon and have started the development of characters and story. The problems that we have are as follows:

• How do we develop characters
• How do we develop short stories
• How do we develop character interactions
• How do we develop the Cult TV Sci Fi Universe ([i]life, the universe, and everything (there are 42 of them I think [img]/ubb/wink.gif[/img])[/i])

[b]Character Development[/b]
This is happening but it’s got a [b] LOOOOOONG[/b] way to go. It’s been decided that the characters will be developed in this forum and that they will be drawn by the Voodoo Multimedia to match the attitude and charisma of the people [b]contributing[/b] to this forum.

Not all of the characters will be created, but it’s likely that over the next couple of years a SadGeezers Guide Universe (similar to the Simpsons {[i]in space[/i]} will be developed. SadGeezer Members are therefore encouraged to think of a character that they would like to portray in the cartoon series and comic strip and carefully consider how that character would interact with other crewmembers.

Don’t all rush at once however, scenes need to be set and lead characters need to be explained. Take your time, play with the characters that appear in this forum and gradually you will see something that will give you an idea for how the saga can develop and maybe how [b][i]YOU[/i][/b] can interact with the cartoon as a character.

[b]Short Stories[/b]
The first short story will be written and produced in the next few weeks. It’s very unlikely that we will have the opportunity to develop that story since it was decided that you would need to actually see the characters and scenes before you would be able to comment or venture your ideas. There will be a ‘How it all started’ cartoon and a short animated feature produced soon. After this has been released, you will have a much clearer understanding of things and be more relaxed about contributing [i](at least that’s what we think so far)[/i].

[b]Character Interactions[/b]
This will be done primarily in this forum. The animators will interpret the reactions to certain ‘happenings’ and comments in the forum and use these in the development of the story. It may be difficult to understand at the moment, but you’ll get a better idea once things start to happen.

[b]Developing the SadGeezer Cult TV Sci Fi Cartoon Universe[/b]
This is probably the hardest thing to do. If you think about it, we need this done before anything else can be developed [i](theoretically that is)[/i]. However, Voodoo Multimedia and the SadGeezers Guide will adhere to a basic story arc (which is pretty huge) and create stories and characters that fall within the arc. We will probably keep the arc secret and let you guys develop your own little part of it (and the short stories), but it will always be the main ‘rule’ that the animators will follow. The ‘arc’ has already been written, we know how the story starts and how it ends, we know most of what happens in the middle and the types of characters that will interact with the main characters. What we don’t know is the details of each of the stories that make up each short cartoon, or details of the characters (except three), or what each short story will be about.

[b][i]All that is up to you guys[/i][/b]

[b]So what’s next[/b]
I’m not going to tell you. All I will say is that it is weird! and that it’s goiing to happen in this forum in the next week or two. The characters and story will ONLY be discussed here and moderators of the other forums have been asked to make sure that all SadTV stuff is directed here.

The SadTV page will report the [b]conclusions[/b] of stuff discussed here, or will point people to activities taking place here.

The methodology sounded pretty exciting over a couple of pints in the pub, it will work with only a few people or hundreds – but perhaps the most exciting, is the opportunity for SadBoard members to be a part of it. I am convinced that most of you guys are completely nuts and that, for me, means it will probably be REALLY exciting.

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[This message has been edited by SadGeezer (edited 01-12-2001).]