TBF, Mags, you have been doing a lot of the heavylifting for the quest, so this will be in good hands.
To be clear to everyone, this is just me burning out on imagination of the quest, since my muse has been hitting me over the head a lot with so many different ideas that I just can't find myself too interested in this.
I'll still hang out here, though, since this still does have a sepcial place in my heart.
I'd like to thank you all for making this a wonderful experience while it lasted.
I'd also like to thank @Magoose, @Fluffy_serpent, and @Martin Noctis for doing so much to help prepare and write this quest. I couldn't have done it without you all.
After a very relaxing weekend with plenty of Carrie time, you arrived to Dreamworks refreshed and energized, ready to tackle the new problems of the day and push the engine of animation forward. Hopefully some nice leisure for the weekend would help to cool off any tensions and both sides would be more amenable to the partnership. You brought the concerns of the Japanese to the American half with John and Ron promising to help chip in in mending the divide and a few of the animators took up your offer of the language classes.
What you did not expect when you parked was to find Mike rolling his car next to yours in the management section, and then you looked to your right and noticed George's car there. "Mike, some sort of emergency popped up on the weekend?"
"Tomino wanted me to drop in, said he wants to give us a full pitch of Gundam to give us some greater context before we go see Sunrise in a couple of days. I'm guessing George got the memo too, although not too surprising." Mike explained.
You snorted at that as while Tomino paid heavy difference to you, he near worshipped the ground George walked upon like he was the Emperor of Lucasfilms, calling him "Lucas-sensei" which was adopted by the rest of the Japanese animators along with a couple of Lucas-samas.
Part of you suspected that Tomino purposefully gave George an earlier time as when you and Mike walked into his office the two were in animated discussion about the Star Wars trilogy with George giving some of his thoughts on how he wanted Empire Strikes Back to follow up. The three of you then sat down with Tomino bowing to each of you in deep respect.
"Lucas-sensei, O'Brian-san, Eisner-san; thank you all for agreeing to meet with me today. Previously during my interview I introduced my creation of Gundam to you, something I believe can act as the next evolution of science fiction, a worthy student to the great and glorious Star Wars." You hid a playful eyeroll as Tomino seemed to find another way to flatter George.
"I think Gundam has a lot of potential for success, but ultimately we have to wait for Sunrise to start production. What is it that you want from us in regards to Gundam Tomino, distribution on American channels, Gundam toys made by Kennner?" Mike asked, being direct and jumping immediate onto the topic as he usually tended to.
Tomino hesitated and seemed very uncomfortable, if not frightened, but pushed on anyways, "I am speaking today because I wish to explain to you the story and world of Gundam and what my vision with the series is and why I created it. My hopes is that Dreamworks may be able to share production of Gundam with Sunrise, and if at all possible, we can make it a Dreamworks only production."
Mike gave a low whistle at the admission which you had to share. You had both Hiawatha and Atlantis lined up for production and there were lots of script ideas floating around for films and even potential tv shows. For Tomino to less than a month into employment ask for his Gundam to be Dreamworks focus and perhaps flagship was a really ballsy move. However, you had a keen sense that this wasn't some ego trip or power play to turn Dreamworks into the Tomino Company, but a cry for help.
"Aren't you currently listed as the series creator and Sunrise has agreed to use your scripts and story?" You inquired.
Tomino nodded, "That is true technically, but as you and Lucas-sensei are well aware, even if your script is being used a Director will have their own interpretation and at times change the story and presentation to fit their vision. I am sure that Sunrise shall place one of their best in charge, but I do not trust others to direct it competently without my approval.
"Then why did you come to us, why not stay with Sunrise and be Director?" Mike pressed.
"Because the opportunities we are creating here with Dreamworks and the creativity and genius of Lucasfilms is something that cannot be found in Japan and no matter the leadership of Sunrise, I knew I would do far more for animation here than in Tokyo. Initially, I was quite content with leaving Gundam in the hands of another. However, in recent days I have been feeling a sense of guilt, as if I am abandoning my child. I understand that I have obligations to Lucasfilms and Dreamworks that must come first and I intend to fulfill them. If we cannot produce Gundam then it is so. I know that I am currently being selfish, but I wish to share what Gundam is before a decision is made." Tomino said respectfully, bowing at a perfect 90 degree angle and giving full respect to you three.
Poor guy, it seemed he was really dedicated to this and felt a strong passion for the show. It was a level of love that reminded you intimately of George Star Wars or yourself with Conan, an aspect that seemed to resonate deeply with George.
"There isn't any harm in hearing this out. If this truly is "Mecha Star Wars" it'd be a waste to not get involved in production. You're always saying that animation's potential is limitless and it should stand equal to live action Bruce. What better way than with this Gundam?" George said, bringing you and Mike on board and receiving a deep show of gratitude from Tomino.
"Thank you. To start with I want to explain the core divergence of Star Wars and Gundam. Star Wars is a tale of good versus evil, it takes place in a galaxy, far, far away and yet it is timeless and can be applied to all cultures and peoples. It is Star Wars, but it is the act of rebellion, defiance in the name of good that is the main conflict and story. Gundam is a story that is solely dedicated to war, more specifically our terrible and ugly modern war that plagued humanity with the world wars. It is a story set on Earth and there are only humans, a tragedy that may take place in the future and one we may repeat again, and again. Yet through the Gundam and our heroes, perhaps we can find true peace and bring peoples together through understanding, and how when we must fight to confront evil how and why we must do it in a righteous manner."
Tomino then gave you a deep and intimate presentation that rivaled that core memory all of those years ago of when George first gave you the script of "The Star Wars". He told of the Universal Century, an age where most of mankind lived in gigantic space colonies where people were born, lived and died. How the Earth Federation had seen many years of peace for humanity, but the golden age also had shadows of neglect and injustice. With this injustice came the rise of Zeon, a bold prophet who spoke of a new way of life for human civilization and a new way of living in the Newtypes. He was good and noble, only to die in his prime and his dream twisted and corrupted by the Zabi dynasty which created a Principality of evil, turning the victims into monsters and leading the good Spacenoids into an evil war which destroyed humanity, a dark age until the heroes of White Base and Amuro Ray with the Gundam would rise up and help to defy this evil and chart a new path forward.
There were a lot of things you loved about the show from the spot. For starters, the worldbuilding was very detailed and meticulate with great thought and care into the history and parallelisms to modern history and how life tends to repeat. Tomino even made some startling similarities independent of George such as Zeon's downfall mirroring the transformation of the Republic to the Empire. The characters both followed traditional tropes and became iconic, with Char in particular being a favorite for the three of you with the similar vibes he had to Darth Vader. Tomino put a hell of a lot of thought into the science of Gundam save for the Newtype stuff with lots of research into hypotheticals of space colonization and physics of space warfare that George had never bothered with. Not to mention the designs for the robots or mecha as Tomino insisted they be called were so damn cool.
There were admittedly some minor trepidations that you had before giving a total seal of approval. You were a bit worried for the tone that Tomino was going for as his anti-war aims were noble but making a show where the highlight was robot battles and the characters fighting an obvious evil could make for a confusing message, though there was plenty of potential for high quality nuance like MASH. Newtypes were as Tomino admitted a painfully rather vague and undefined system that he had been hoping to flesh out in the future. He made it clear that he wanted there to be distinctively different power systems from the Jedi and Newtypes power was from souls, not a universal force, but it made for a hard picture of where Newtypes belonged in the setting and how to handle their introduction. Lastly, Mike warned that the maturity Tomino wanted in themes and storytellings might receive some pushback in America where many people still considered animation as saturday morning kids shows, so they'd need to be careful in presentation, keeping to the core spirit of Gundam but also being smart in crafting an audience.
There was a lot of work to be done, but you had a strong feeling that this could be your second Star Wars.
A/N: Might work on another Dreamworks omake before the update but like I said before, it's my birthday so I probably won't have much time. Just wanted to dedicate some stuff to the two most pressing issues.
Small Town Blues: [ Slice of Life / Thriller / Horror ]
In this spine-tingling horror movie, we follow the seemingly ordinary lives of a group of residents in a small town. At first, everything seems normal: they go about their daily routines, chat with their neighbors, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
But as time goes on, strange things begin to happen. The edges of reality seem to fray, and the residents start to remember things that don't quite fit with their supposed reality.
As they dig deeper, they uncover a shocking truth: the entire town is actually in Hell, following a nuclear holocaust that destroyed the world as they knew it. The Devil has tricked them into believing that they are living normal lives on Earth, when in reality they are trapped in an eternal nightmare.
As the residents struggle to come to terms with this horrifying truth, they must band together to try and find a way to escape their eternal torment. But the Devil is always one step ahead, and their efforts may be in vain.
With heart-pounding suspense, bone-chilling scares, and a twist ending that will leave audiences reeling, this horror movie is sure to be a hit with fans of the genre. It combines the best elements of slice of life and thriller, while also exploring deeper themes of deception, betrayal, and the nature of reality itself.
FADE IN:
EXT. MILLFIELD - DAY
The quiet town of Millfield appears peaceful and serene. The streets are lined with neat rows of houses, and the sound of children playing can be heard in the distance.
CUT TO:
INT. HOUSE - DAY
We see a family sitting at the kitchen table, eating breakfast. They chat and laugh, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
CUT TO:
EXT. MILLFIELD - NIGHT
The moon is high in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the town. A car drives down the street, its headlights illuminating the darkened houses.
CUT TO:
INT. HOUSE - NIGHT
A woman lies in bed, staring up at the ceiling. She has a sense of unease, a feeling that something is not quite right.
CUT TO:
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
A group of residents gather in the library, poring over old books in search of answers. They are desperate to uncover the truth, to figure out what is happening to their town.
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH - DAY
The residents gather in the church, seeking guidance and hope. They pray for salvation, for a way out of their eternal nightmare.
CUT TO:
EXT. MILLFIELD - DAY
The residents band together, determined to find a way to escape their torment. They fight against the forces of evil, never giving up, even when all seems lost.
CUT TO:
INT. HOUSE - DAY
The family from the beginning of the film sits at the kitchen table, staring at each other in disbelief. They have just uncovered the shocking truth: the entire town is in Hell, trapped in an eternal nightmare following a nuclear holocaust.
CUT TO:
EXT. HELL - DAY
The Devil stands at the gates of Hell, watching as the residents of Millfield struggle to escape. He laughs, reveling in their despair, knowing that they are trapped forever.
FADE OUT.
A/N: Started because a bunch of Demon Core memes launched into my feed again, so here we are.
The title, "Small Town Blues", is an apt title for the film because it reflects the sense of despair and hopelessness that the characters feel as they grapple with the realization that they are trapped in an eternal nightmare. The phrase "small town" evokes a sense of isolation and claustrophobia, while "blues" suggests a melancholic mood and a feeling of being trapped in a cycle of despair. Furthermore, the title also speaks to the underlying theme of the film, which is the idea that even in the face of overwhelming evil, there is always hope. The characters may be trapped in a small town in Hell, but they refuse to give up, and they continue to fight for their freedom, no matter the odds against them. The title "Small Town Blues" thus serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is always a glimmer of hope, a chance to find a way out of the darkness and into the light...also, Chernikov Radiation glows blue.
I had a response I typed up last night, but I deleted it so that we don't keep going back and forth. My new sleep meds didn't work and I didn't get to sleep how I wanted to and I've only just woke up, so if it's all the same to you, I don't want to keep talking about this.
Movie Pitch: Carson Napier and the Pirates of Amtor
You know, I've been wanting to do a "John Carter of Mars" Pitch for a while now. But as I was researching about Edgar Rice Burroughs' and whether his estate still owned the rights for said property, I happened to find the Amtor series, which frankly, well, I don't know but it seems to be like a carbon copy of John Carter but on Venus rather than Mars. Though I'm being a bit unfair, I think. It's not completely paste and copy here, after all Carson Napier goes to Venus on his own (when trying to get to Mars originally) and he does not join a tribal group of aliens before meeting the more city bound people. But still, the entire story is Pulp at its finest; fantastic stories that require no explanation, a male lead that can do anything, a beautiful female lead that falls for the main character despite not spending that much time together.
You know, the works.
But I felt drawn to it. It just called to me, something about bringing this in and giving it some time in the sun. And I thought, why not do it and embrace it. Embraces the cheesiness, embrace the plot, embrace the plot (with exceptions of course) and bring it to life as a single adventure movie; A main character that is not perfect, but finds a place where he can belong and make a difference, a female lead that wants to be more than just a princess and a decoration, villains that are clearly evil but also fun to watch and hate. An adventure that perhaps follows the same tropes, but not the cliches. Something old and pulpy to counter the new wave we're creating (Though please keep in mind, I'm seeing this as a 90s release at the earliest).
Taking this dated story, and make it work now while maintaining its tone.
So, I bring you:
Movie Pitch: Carson Napier and the Pirates of Amtor GENRE: Adventure/Science Fiction
SUBGENRE: Action/Fantasy/Comedy
FORMAT: Movie
Set Up: An adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' first two books in the Amtor series; Pirates of Venus and Lost in Venus. Carson Napier is a young man lost on what to do with his life when he's summoned to receive an inheritance from his dead grandfather. When in his estate he finds a rocket, he accidentally activates and send him to Venus (it was supposed to send him to Mars) where he finds that it actually has life in it. He meets the Vepajans with whom he befriends, learns about the Thorians who deposed them and now raid them since without the specialized knowledge they cannot operate the technological might from the cities, and eventually is involved in fighting the Head Tyrant of Thoria; Moosko the Ongyan, and his associate Skor. Carson will travel through the Tree cities of Vepaja, through the seas of Amtor, and the Thorian city of the Dead; in an adventure that has him finally finding the place he truly belongs.
Director: Joe Johnston Composer: James Horner
Carson Napier: A blue eyed man wishing to find a purpose, or some place that he can feel he fits in. He was raised in India, and moves through the world learning from his many odd jobs as he grew up, until one day he was summoned to his grandfather's state for an inheritance. Looking at the place he found an odd contraption; A rocket, which he accidentally turned on while inside. The Rocket, already preprogrammed, thus lifted off towards Venus.
Played By: Kenneth Branagh Alternate: Cary Elwes
Duare: Princess of Vepaja. A rebellious, bright woman who is tired of her world's customs and wants to be free to explore, fight, and see what the rest of Amtor is like. Her meeting with Carter is accidental, and he ends up saving her life, before being forbidden to see each other due to the oppressive traditions of her people.
Played By: Juhi Chawla Alternate: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Kamlot: Son of Duran, brother to Olthar, and friend of Carson. He, along with his brother and father, were saved by Carson when he first arrived on Amtor. Owing his life, he soon befriended Carson, teaching him of the weapons and fighting stiles of Amtor, as well as accompanying him on a hunt for Telar, the fabric which is used for both clothes and weapons.
Played By: Philip Tan Alternate: William Oliver Campbell
Anoos: A prisoner inside a Thorian ship, lanky and with a nasty disposition, he's am obvious traitor who would gladly sell his fellow prisoners if it meant a bigger ration, or better accommodations for one more day. Though not many believe that since he's too cowardly as well. Carson sees him for what he is and kills him the night before the mutiny before he can raise the alarm.
Played By: Nizwar Karanj Alternate: Richard Chaves
Vilor: A thorian spy within the ship, the Yan, where Carson and Kamlot were kept prisoner. After the mutiny, he patiently waits for the right moment to escape or betray the rest of the crew. After the Yan's night attack on the Sofal, and rescue of Duare, Vilor prepares to once more take her prisoner and present her to Moosko in order to gain his favor.
Played By: Roshan Seth Alternate: Moti Makan
Skor: Vanished scientist from Vepaja, now unwilling assistant to the Thorians of Kapdor. Skor looks to recover the secret of the "Rejuvenation Serum" as well as to create a plague that will mutate all inhabitants of Venus to his specifications. He sees himself as the only one worthy of ruling, and thus is willing to experiment on sentients and create an army of "Not-Living" to do his bidding from his failed subjects.
Played By: Ben Kingsley Alternate: John Rhys-Davies
Moosko the Ongyan: The First Tyrant of Thora. As the leader over the Thorans, and Tyrant over the lesser Tyrants, Moosko rules with might and fear. A cunning man, Moosko knows when to fight, and how to strike at the weak points of the enemy. With his ship, the Sofal, he's launched many raids against the Vespajans in order to find those who may yet know the secret of the Rejuvenation Serum.
Played By: Amrish Puri Alternate: Raul Julia
Danus: The teacher of Carson when he arrives at Amtor. He teaches him the language and customs of Amtor, as well as the history of Vepaja, the Thorian revolution, and the Rejuvenation Serum.
Duran of the House of Zor: Father of Olthar and Kamlot, teacher of Carson. The man whom Carson saved when he arrived. He gives his hospitality and becomes like a second father to Carson.
Mintep, Jong of Vepaja: The kIng of the Vepajans, and the father of Duane. Though suspicious of Carson at first, he eventually gives his trust and agreement for him to join their kingdom.
Sons of Liberty: Group of prisoners in the Thorian ship, the Yan, with whom Carson manages to make friends and form a resistance cell to mutiny. The members are: Kamlot, Honan, Gamfor, Kiron and Zog.
Nalte voo jan kum Baltoo: Nalte to her friends, is Skor's assistant and a juxtaposition in personalities. She's cheerful, optimistic and unafraid to express her emotions. A prisoner from Havadoo, she assists Carson in his escape because, as she says, she likes him.
A.N.: I did enjoy the Amtor series somewhat, even if it seemed a bit generic by then. Hopefully we can make it an enjoyable, and unforgettable, experience if we try to make an adaptation. I'm not going to lie; I don't see us doing more than just one movie in this series as the second book went places that are just...well, a bit too odd. Hopefully this reimagining of the characters of Carson Napier and Princess Duane can make them a bit more sympathetic thant the original ones.
I don't know why and I might just be seeing things, but I'm seeing potential here to reference this and John Carter as occurring in Treasure Planet's distant past, even if only as a reference.
Does the technology for our movies (both animated and Live Action) improve automatically, or do we need to use an option to upgrade it/or and buy new technologies?
If we can put out Gundam it could be quite popular in both Japan and the United States, and possibly kick off the anime boom in the United States earlier than OTL. On the other hand we can't forget that Gundam is a lot darker than Star Wars or the American cartoons of the time, and we could really cop a backlash because of it.
As to Carrie, I don't read her as literally begging for sex to become pregnant. In fact, it seems Bruce is seeing it as her trying to distract him from his recriminations for how he set up the animation department. Though, they will make time for it sometime. Both people are young- it might not be that difficult and we really don't need to spend an opportunity to try and make it more likely to happen. (Not going to comment on Bruce owing Carrie an attempt at pregnancy. Going to ignore that line of argument as it is not a fruitful avenue.)
[]Breaking Barriers is Easy when you Try (Breaking Barriers autopasses)
[]We have a really dedicated workforce (The Dream Getting in order autopasses)
[]There is something amazing. (Tomino's Action passes)
[]A Land of Sunrise (Sunrise Action Autopasses)
[]Tomino's Great Game (Increase Production rolls and quality of Gundam, if it becomes a Production of Dreamworks)
[]It's Called Star Wars the Animated Series (George and Tomino begin a side story... Something Called Shadow of the Empire. George, what is that red pen doing to the Script?)
[]Horror is King (Horror movies will see a boost in production next year)
[]I think Carrie has an Idea? (Carrie will write this script and it will produced with the others)
[]Small Town? Lets get Ghost town (Unknown Effect)
I like it. Normally I would give a script to give me some more time...
But I saw this instead.
[]Pulp is back in form! (Pulp Heroes are beginning to rise in popularity. Increase boxoffice stuff)
[]It has Led to an Idea (Mike Eisner has enlisted a novelist to assist him with detective fiction, to make a Movie or TV Show. Unknown Effect)
[]Oh. That is Wierd (Unknown Effect)
Does the technology for our movies (both animated and Live Action) improve automatically, or do we need to use an option to upgrade it/or and buy new technologies?
Hmmm....I guess this means it might be best to go for the compilation movies to be released in theaters first so we can have heavy hype and public love and then have enough weight to get one of the channels to air Gundam. If not that, then the Lucas Channel will have to be made.
Poor George and Marcia. I would have hoped that Star Wars being triple the success and George having received a fraction of his stress after Graffiti plus a healthy marriage would lead to at least one successful pregnancy. Marcia gave birth to a daughter with her second husband so it might be on George with his only bio kid having been born through a surrogate. Well, at the very least George was a great dad to all of his adopted kids and Amanda gets to have both her parents here.
Loving this so far and admit on Great mouse detective hoping we can make it not only bigger movie than canon but make sure it gets series spin off like Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and Tarzan did back in day.
Which speaking of let's see if we can snag more gems right from under Disney nose shall we~
Set up: A adaptation of the legendary folk lore story of Aladdin and the genies lamp from 1001 Arabian Nights. Follow the tale of a street Aladdin falling for the beautiful princess Jasmine of Agrahbah, and once fate leads him to the legendary power of a blue Genie who can grant three wishes. He takes the chance to become a prince and win he heart. But he will find himself coming into the crosshairs of Jafar the sultans vizier and own insidious plans for the power of the genie.
Directors: John Musker & Ron Clements
Aladdin - The street rat of Agrahbah who always been one step ahead trying to survive and keep ahead of the guards. But fate throws a twist his way when he meets what he assumes at first to be a beautiful if sheltered girl only to learn she's the princess. Now he's determined to find a way to win her heart and be with her, he just has to handle a diabolical vizier first. He's confidant, cocky, and brave to a fault ready to take on any challenge.
Abu- A happy mischievous greedy monkey and Aladdin closest friend for years. Aladdin had to pull his friends out of a few scraps but he's always there to have his friends back.
Princess Jasmine - The fiery Princess of Agrahbah who must wed before her 16th birthday and time is running out. But she has no interest in being a prize or marriage only wanting to see life beyond the palace walls and live her life the way she wants to.
The Sultan - The jovial if somewhat childish ruler of Agrahbah who only wants the best for his daughter and his people. He loves toys of all kinds and is determined to see Jasmine wed and happy.
Jafar - The sinister vizier who has secretly been brainwashing and manipulating the sultan behind the scenes, but hungers for more power no matter the cost. This hunger has lead to him the legend of the Lamp and he will stop at nothing to get and the power it holds.
Iago - Jafars wise cracking minion/familiar who's along for the ride despite any doubts. He's greedy and isn't afraid to speak his mind, while having a deep hate for crackers. He pretends to be a normal bird around everybody except Jafar and is eager for them to get the good life.
Played by - Gilbert Gottfried
Genie - The bombastic and hiliarous Genie of the Lamp! He's had a lot of masters over the eons but something about this Aladdin kid is special he knows it. He just hopes he'll live up to his promise to free him once his third wish comes, till than he's eager to work his magic and help play match maker for these two crazy kids.
Played by Robin Williams
Razoul - The captain of the royal guard who despite his gruff exterior and attitude is extremely loyal to the Sultan and determined to see order kept in the kingdom. The latter has lead to him crossing paths with a particular street rat over the years who's escape his grasp and is determined to see thrown in the dungeons for his crimes.
And now there's this new suitor for the princess that is setting off all sorts of alarm bells in his head and he doesnt' like it one bit.
And there we go first time ptich movie format how'd a I do? I know likely not good i'm more used to omake stuff than something like this but even if doesn't make cut hope people like what I pitched.
We already have an Aladdin pitch from Orion that, not trying to be rude, is more thorough. It's good work otherwise, it's just that Orion that did a full summary of the film IIRC
Loving this so far and admit on Great mouse detective hoping we can make it not only bigger movie than canon but make sure it gets series spin off like Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and Tarzan did back in day.
Which speaking of let's see if we can snag more gems right from under Disney nose shall we~
Set up: A adaptation of the legendary folk lore story of Aladdin and the genies lamp from 1001 Arabian Nights. Follow the tale of a street Aladdin falling for the beautiful princess Jasmine of Agrahbah, and once fate leads him to the legendary power of a blue Genie who can grant three wishes. He takes the chance to become a prince and win he heart. But he will find himself coming into the crosshairs of Jafar the sultans vizier and own insidious plans for the power of the genie.
Directors: John Musker & Ron Clements
Aladdin - The street rat of Agrahbah who always been one step ahead trying to survive and keep ahead of the guards. But fate throws a twist his way when he meets what he assumes at first to be a beautiful if sheltered girl only to learn she's the princess. Now he's determined to find a way to win her heart and be with her, he just has to handle a diabolical vizier first. He's confidant, cocky, and brave to a fault ready to take on any challenge.
Abu- A happy mischievous greedy monkey and Aladdin closest friend for years. Aladdin had to pull his friends out of a few scraps but he's always there to have his friends back.
Princess Jasmine - The fiery Princess of Agrahbah who must wed before her 16th birthday and time is running out. But she has no interest in being a prize or marriage only wanting to see life beyond the palace walls and live her life the way she wants to.
The Sultan - The jovial if somewhat childish ruler of Agrahbah who only wants the best for his daughter and his people. He loves toys of all kinds and is determined to see Jasmine wed and happy.
Jafar - The sinister vizier who has secretly been brainwashing and manipulating the sultan behind the scenes, but hungers for more power no matter the cost. This hunger has lead to him the legend of the Lamp and he will stop at nothing to get and the power it holds.
Iago - Jafars wise cracking minion/familiar who's along for the ride despite any doubts. He's greedy and isn't afraid to speak his mind, while having a deep hate for crackers. He pretends to be a normal bird around everybody except Jafar and is eager for them to get the good life.
Played by - Gilbert Gottfried
Genie - The bombastic and hiliarous Genie of the Lamp! He's had a lot of masters over the eons but something about this Aladdin kid is special he knows it. He just hopes he'll live up to his promise to free him once his third wish comes, till than he's eager to work his magic and help play match maker for these two crazy kids.
Played by Robin Williams
Razoul - The captain of the royal guard who despite his gruff exterior and attitude is extremely loyal to the Sultan and determined to see order kept in the kingdom. The latter has lead to him crossing paths with a particular street rat over the years who's escape his grasp and is determined to see thrown in the dungeons for his crimes.
And now there's this new suitor for the princess that is setting off all sorts of alarm bells in his head and he doesnt' like it one bit.
And there we go first time ptich movie format how'd a I do? I know likely not good i'm more used to omake stuff than something like this but even if doesn't make cut hope people like what I pitched.
Would love to make Aladdin like OTL but unfortunately that might not happen because Orion made an Omake where he showed the two pitching an idea where instead it takes place in Xinjiang/East Turkestan:
John Musker and Ron Clements were feeling dejected and frustrated as they left the Disney studios, having been unceremoniously fired from their positions as directors. Friends since the day they'd met on The Fox and the Hound, their letting go by Disney was not at all soul crushing; even their friends in the department, like Don Bluth, had wanted to join suit...but with the lack of options, all John and Ron were left with were contact numbers and old friends. But they weren't ready to give up on their dream of making great animated films, so they decided to shop their latest pitch around to other studios. Most had reacted about the same to their every pitch, that of subtle WASP derision to their more...worldy concepts, while others had been reluctant to pick up Disney's refuse, a black mark on their record that continued to follow them. And when they finally had arrived to a prospective buyer, it was their luck that Warner Bros. began its downward spiral and left the deal up in smoke, leaving them once more without a job...still, they'd gotten their first good paychecks in months that left them able to stay afloat a couple weeks longer.
Eventually, when even that money had almost entirely dried up, the both of them had picked up a job with LucasFilm as editors, squeezing every once of skill in talent in new directions to make the new bosslady happy...which wasn't hard, as Marcia Lucas was one of the most supportive bosses they had ever had. It was in this way they were eventually dragged into one of Robin Williams' performances and they were entranced.
When they finally got back to the office, they dug through their pile of rejected scripts and pitches from Disney until they found what they were looking for. Spending months developing the story, working tirelessly to craft a narrative that would capture the magic of the original while also offering something fresh and unique, they eventually approached Marcia's office and asked if she wouldn't mind setting up a meeting with the execs for a future project. After hearing what they had to offer, she smiled lightly and nodded.
"If that's what you want," she said softly, looking turn at the both of them, "Will be a shame to loose editors like you, but I can see where you're coming from- that same spark."
A week later, when they entered the exec office of George, Bruce and Mike, they felt a sense of nervous excitement. This was their chance to pitch their idea to a new audience, and to prove that they still had what it took to make great animated films.
It started slow, but picked up speed as their excitement grew.
"Discover a whole new world in LucasFilm Unlimited's Aladdin, set in the vibrant and colorful city of Kashgar, in the Xinjiang region of China. Follow the young and street-smart Uyghur protagonist, Aladdin, as he navigates the bustling markets and alleyways of Kashgar, struggling to survive and make a name for himself. Everything changes when Aladdin meets Princess Nazife, a headstrong and independent Uyghur princess who longs for a life beyond the palace walls. The two soon realize they have more in common than they ever imagined, and embark on a magical adventure together.
But their journey is not without danger, as the power-hungry Chinese official Zhang Ming seeks to control the city and crush the Uyghur people's cultural heritage. With the help of a mischievous genie and a loyal group of friends, Aladdin and Nazife must fight to protect their way of life and save their city from Zhang Ming's tyranny.
Featuring stunning Uyghur architecture, music, dance, and cuisine, this version of Aladdin is a celebration of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Uyghur people. It's a fun and thrilling adventure that will transport audiences to a whole new world of wonder and imagination, while also shedding light on the real-world challenges faced by the Uyghur people today.
Get ready to experience a whole new world of magic, music, and culture in LucasFilm Unlimited's Aladdin." John finished, breathing slightly heavy as Ron finished with their brief slideshow. Moments pass, as the execs judge them silently, before:
"In your slideshow, I noticed that Genie has an uncanny resemblance to my pal Robin...coincidence?"
"No, that was intentional," Ron said, wringing his palms a bit, "He's our main, and only, choice for the role. There's just so much that-"
"Why set the story in Kashgar?" interrupted George Lucas, almost imperiously, "Isn't the original tale Middle Eastern."
"The original story was set in Ancient China and considering Kashgar's location on the Silk Road, we considered this an appropriate compromise."
"And considering the Uyghur's current circumstances, we felt that it added to the depth of the story." John threw in offhandedly.
"I'm sorry, who?" asked Mike Eisner, having perked up at John's answer, looking like he'd dropped a line of questioning they weren't quite sure how to answer yet, "And what current circumstances?"
"I think we did good," John said as they walked away from the offices, stencil and artwork underhand.
"I think that I need a drink," Ron muttered, ignoring the loud yelling that erupted from the office as they left, "That was stressful."
"Hey, at least we didn't get kicked out this time...and still have jobs." A/N: Certain names were changed to fit the altered setting; Jafar is now Zhang Ming [Ming meaning "bright" and "clear" hints at his cunning], Jasmine is now Nazife [Nazife meaning "virtuous" and "honorable" hinting at the strength of her character.]
In the 1970s, the Uyghur people were living in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, which was established in 1955. During this time, the Chinese government was implementing policies aimed at modernizing and assimilating minority groups into mainstream Chinese culture.
One of the main policies implemented was the "Great Leap Forward," which aimed to rapidly industrialize China and increase agricultural productivity. This policy had a significant impact on the Uyghur people, as it led to the forced collectivization of agriculture and the suppression of Uyghur cultural practices.
In addition, the Chinese government implemented strict controls on religious practices, which impacted the Uyghur people, who are predominantly Muslim. Mosques were closed, and religious leaders were persecuted.
If a version of Aladdin set in Kashgar had been made in the 1970s, it would have likely had to navigate the political and cultural challenges of the time. It may have been difficult to address the issues faced by the Uyghur people directly, as the Chinese government had strict controls on media and censorship.
However, the film could have still incorporated themes of cultural identity and resistance, as well as showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Uyghur people. It could have also highlighted the challenges faced by minorities in China, and promoted a message of tolerance and understanding.
Overall, if a version of Aladdin set in Kashgar had been made in the 1970s, it would have had to navigate a complex political and cultural landscape. But it could still have been a powerful and impactful film, highlighting important issues and promoting greater awareness of the struggles faced by the Uyghur people.
During the Great Leap Forward, the Chinese government implemented policies aimed at modernizing and assimilating minority groups into mainstream Chinese culture. These policies had a significant impact on the cultural practices of the Uyghur people, many of which were suppressed or discouraged.
Some examples of Uyghur cultural practices that were suppressed during the Great Leap Forward include:
1. Music and dance: Uyghur music and dance are an important part of their cultural heritage, but during the Great Leap Forward, the Chinese government discouraged the practice of traditional music and dance in favor of more modern forms.
2. Religious practices: The Uyghur people are predominantly Muslim, but during the Great Leap Forward, the Chinese government implemented strict controls on religious practices. Mosques were closed, and religious leaders were persecuted.
3. Traditional dress: Uyghur traditional dress is colorful and distinctive, but during the Great Leap Forward, the Chinese government encouraged people to wear more modern clothing and discouraged the wearing of traditional dress.
4. Language: Uyghur is a Turkic language that is distinct from Mandarin Chinese, but during the Great Leap Forward, the Chinese government encouraged the use of Mandarin Chinese and discouraged the use of Uyghur.
5. Food and cuisine: Uyghur cuisine is known for its unique flavors and spices, but during the Great Leap Forward, the Chinese government discouraged the use of traditional ingredients and promoted more standardized, modern cuisine.
@overmind I know you've talked about doing the Hobbit film before, and we have the rights to it IIRC, but do you intend to include the same songs from OTL in the film? They're really good songs and it would be a shame to lose them.
