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Lights... Camera... ACTION!!: A Hollywood Quest

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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
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    • Magoose said:
    Hi Magoose here one of the guys helping Duke.

    So we have some bad news.

    The quest has been canceled as duke does not want to write it anymore.

    I'm going to ask if I can take over for it, because I like this quest, and it would be a shame to kill it
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    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. :D

    I'll see you all around.

    With so many regards, Duke William Of.
     
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    • Magoose said:
    I am not the best at buissness law but is it possible to turn a company private after it went public?

    Asking for a friend :V
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    You can so long as you have control over 50%+1 of the shares. Once you or the group who become the owners after privatization decide to convert, then you as the controller need to compensate the remaining shareholders who don't become part of the private company at a premium price.

    So for greater context on the current state of Columbia's leadership, the controlling stake and thus leadership of the company is at this time owned by Allen & Company, a private investment bank with a history of large speculative purchases and corporate advisory for major acquisitions and mergers, these guys are some of the big dogs on Wall Street. Alan was part of Allen & Co and as such was placed as the CEO, and presumably he's now gone rogue and is seeking to own Columbia as his personal corporation.

    In the Fall of 1978 last year, Kirk Kerkorian acquired a 5.5% stake in Columbia Pictures. Kirk is rather infamous as he bought MGM in 1969 and consequently decided to do a full 180 on MGM and turn the brand into a casino and hotel chain and dramatically downsized movie production. For context this is like if Disney decided to fullscale just focus on theme parks, shut down Buena Vista distribution and only made like half a dozen bland movies per year. Later Kirk greatly expanded his holding in Columbia to 25%, but this move was blocked by the Justice Department as it was seen as monopolistic for Kirk to be the plurality holder of Columbia while owning MGM, but Kirk successfully overturned this in court by arguing that MGM was currently a resort entertainment company. Kirk then sold it in 1981.

    So Alan could gain control of Columbia and turn it into private, it just depends on how much of the recent mega revenue went to him, how far Allen & Co are willing to protect their stake, and what exactly Kirk is doing at the time. I suppose that the recent illegal activities could convince Allen & Co to sell, especially if they manage to make a profit as it technically is a mission accomplished for them in the first place. Kirk is the wild card, but I can see Alan having taken moves to block Kirk from gaining a stake in the company, or severely limiting his purchase. If Kirk is not part of the new Columbia, then he'll likely sell his shares as he did so in '81. I also think that Kirk would seeing the billion dollar movies and massive residuals and merch, move to revitalize MGM and transform it back into a powerhouse movie studio.
     
    Kaiser Chris said:
    So Alan could gain control of Columbia and turn it into private, it just depends on how much of the recent mega revenue went to him, how far Allen & Co are willing to protect their stake, and what exactly Kirk is doing at the time. I suppose that the recent illegal activities could convince Allen & Co to sell, especially if they manage to make a profit as it technically is a mission accomplished for them in the first place. Kirk is the wild card, but I can see Alan having taken moves to block Kirk from gaining a stake in the company, or severely limiting his purchase. If Kirk is not part of the new Columbia, then he'll likely sell his shares as he did so in '81. I also think that Kirk would seeing the billion dollar movies and massive residuals and merch, move to revitalize MGM and transform it back into a powerhouse movie studio.
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    Well I will say this about Alan. He's decided that, if he's going down in history as one of the greatest gamblers in Hollywood...

    he might as well go all the way and fuck everyone over.

    Also, the man has managed to retain most of his assets because of Superman.

    And oh boy shit is about to get fun, with Batman.

    That's why I'm waiting until after Star Wars is produced to show what is coming... He's about to do something that makes the Partition of Warner Bros look fucking sane by comparison.
     
    Hey guys, at this time Dino De Laurentiis should be filming the Flash Gordon movie. Now, both George and Bruce are fans of the character, so sperhaps we can reach out to De Laurentiis to see if we can distribute the film. If we had intervened sooner we might have been able to make some changes to it, but at the very least we can give it a better distribution and marketing than it received OTL, as well as a better release date in my opinion.

    I mean, the movie in itself is not that bad, and the musci score is amazing. That it ended with a clear sign that there would be a sequel means that there were plans for more movies, and we could very well help it become a franchise.
     
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    An Interview In Time: Mark Hamil in People Magazine, 1979 (Two days prior to the final turn)
  • Apocrypha
    • An Interview In Time: Mark Hamil in People Magazine, 1979 (Two days prior to the final turn)

    MH: So what was the question again?

    Interviewer: I was asking you, what is it like to work with Bruce as Director, Do you think it's any different than working with George Lucas?

    MH: Can I skip this question?

    Interviewer: The People do want to know, just what it is like to work on an O'Brian picture, I mean, seriously, what makes it any more... different or similar than that sort of thing?

    MH: Well, for one thing, Bruce expects a lot more from himself than I think even George, and George was a great director, I think one of the best, but George had problems communicating that, to us. It was like trying to face down and try and wrangle with some words that are stuck and always trying to get them out, and he can't do that that well, I learned, and honestly, that's the big thing.

    Interviewer: Communication?

    MH: Bruce is far more demanding of everyone, not because he thinks that things are going to be bad, but because he thinks he can do it all himself, and he really really wants to do that sometimes, he's always trying to set the sights on the impossible because that's just a word to him. The thing with Bruce is, he's practically a perfectionist. But he always finds a way to keep things grounded, and keeping things from falling apart. If there is a mistake there is a great way I'll say... He's just able to not only use that mistake, and make it serve the story, but it also kinda of makes him laugh, and forget about the pressure. That's one way things work. It's a push and pull of perfection, but also of fun.

    Interviewer: And when you make mistakes?

    MH: Well there weren't many, but he just smiled and wanted to do it again. Because he knew I could do it, and that really just gives you confidence. He believes I can do it, and later I can do it. And it only takes a few tries.

    Interviewer: Is there any kind of secret that's been floating around? A secret that not even you or Bruce knows?

    MH: Only George knows, and honestly, if he is keeping it a secret from Bruce, he only has the most important reasons to do that.

    Interviewer: And what would that be?

    MH: So people like me can't spoil the movie in an interview?
     
  • Apocrypha
    • Well, something I wanted to mention about the fight between Vader and Luke.

    We've raised the bar seriously high with the Obi Wan Vs. Vader fight.

    That confrontation serves now as the basis for how the rest of the encounters must go. it's basically what an Old Experienced Jedi fighting the Strongest Sith of their generation, yet both are handicapped in a way; Obi Wan by his age and Vader by having nearly his entire body crippled. Yet Vader still won and shows his incredible power and skill in using the Force.

    Luke, if we want to show his growth, needs to be able to display some truly acrobatic and fast strikes, while Vader needs to be seen not taking him seriously, almost playing with him in a way. That would allow Luke to surprise him and get in perhaps a good blow before Vader decides to stop the fun and games and just show how a true Sith fights.

    I was thinking that Luke is a bit reckless in this fight, perhaps going in all fast and making flashy moves as most rookies usually do, while Vader is more of a moving only when needed, yet striing with strength and fury nonetheless, befitting the Dark Side of the Force. In a way, this could also show a bit of the dichotomy between both, as Luke's style would be more fitting to a reckless Sith, but Vader's would perhaps resemble the Jedi masters of old.

    It's just an idea.
     
    Well if you wanna know something:

    Here is the fight Roll for Vader Vs Luke:

    D100 + 70 => 155

    So We're relying a helluva lot more on effects and the force, than the actual Swordplay itself, as Mark is not nearly as skilled as Peter... which is fair as Peter Diamond is one of the greatest living stuntmen in the world, and Mark only had a month or two of training.
     
    overmind said:
    In a way, this could also show a bit of the dichotomy between both, as Luke's style would be more fitting to a reckless Sith, but Vader's would perhaps resemble the Jedi masters of old.
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    Honestly, such a dichotomy could also be used to reflect neither being true adherents of the side they are on.
    Luke because he is an emotional and loyal freind, whom ditched training because he believed his friends were in danger, not truely being a jedi yet.
    Vader because in spite of everything, his past still clings to him, and haunts him. Preventing him from truly delving into the ways of the Sith in spite of being a Sith. Which, honestly is interesting, how such would reflect people's bonds shape them just as much if not more than their side in the conflict. With Vader's battle style possibly being a hint to internal struggles that had yet to be shown.
     
    Themarineguy said:
    Honestly, such a dichotomy could also be used to reflect neither being true adherents of the side they are on.
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    I'd find it hilarious that Vader sees this and in the middle of combat starts correcting Luke's form.

    "I can see your master has failed you, your Jedi training left incomplete before their demise...allow me to remedy their failure."

    "Your Form V is familiar...so unlike Obi-Wan to repeat past mistakes."

    "Your final lesson awaits, survive...or die."
     
    Leaked scripts, rumors and disagreements
  • Apocrypha
    • Leaked scripts, rumors and disagreements

    The room is dark. Fencing manuals lie messily open on the desk almost covering a copy of a heavily annotated movie script. A small tv sits surrounded by movies with famous and impactful sword fights. A series of blade poses are pinned to the wall. An almost overlooked bed and nightstand are pushed, almost frightened in the corner as the final wall is dominated by a large mirror. An umbrella stand incongruently sits amongst weight and body building equipment, filled four foot lengths of pipe with bulked up electrical tape handles. A faint smell of sweat and exertion is rapidly being replaced by the clean scents of outside air coming from a window left open a crack.

    Silence and then scratching emanates from the lock on the door the small ping as the door is unlocked as loud as a curse in a cathedral.

    The pages on the manuals turn rustling warily as an unwanted breeze begins to infiltrate though the opened door. A thin figure holding a camera sulks hos way though the reluctant gap warily looking for trouble Ike a rat sneaking its head out of a hole.

    With a thump one of the fencing manuals closes revealing the script. The thin figure rushes over and jerkily knocks the other fencing manuals out the way frantically unearthing his prize, Fingers trembling the man carefully lines the instant camera up with the first page and takes. Photo after photo flows in a frenzy of snaps as each page of the script is photographed hastily and the next is taken.

    Behind him the door moves again, and a huge imposing figure silently steps into the room behind the and silently steps towards the photographer. A snap of the curtain and the room is momentarily bathed in light striking the photographer who wheels around catching sight of the figure behind hind him and looking up and further up to the scowling visage of the giant of a man.

    The photographer stumbles backwards " I ..I can ..Explain." he stutters out, frantically looking for an escape and stepping backwards onto a pole.

    From the imposing figure comes juxtaposed with the sheer physical threat a cheery west country English accent "Be careful not to choke on your Aspirations."

    The sheer shock at he incongruity of the voice and the figure result in the Photographer freezing unbalanced for a second before his leg slipped from under him and he falls Limbs flailing out and knocking his head on the table on the way down. He looks up dazed for a moment and then his camera lands on his head.



    "Knocking our rouge technician out?" asked Carrie O'Brian dressed up in her Cloud City costume eating a quick meal before returning to shooting.

    David Prowse, wearing the iconic Darth Vader suit but lacking the helmet shook his head and smiled that easy heroic grin of his. "That would be fantastic wouldn't it. I might have to add that next time I tell the story. Security heard the scuffle and took him down to the infirmary. George confiscated the camera and is developing the negatives. Bruces Police friend?"

    "Cole?" Carrie guessed.

    "Thankyou. Bruces police friend will be dealing with the baddie discreetly. How has the shooting been?"

    "Billy has been amazing, but I keep having to distract Bruce form Scowling at everyone."

    "Say no more. I wouldn't fancy having Bruce upset with me at all."

    The door banged open as the scowling visage of Bruce O'Brian stalked in followed by a fuming George and a somewhat smiling Mike.

    "Bruce" Carrie said standing up and staring to move across to him."

    The scowl on his features lightened immediately "Carrie. Glad to have caught you. We have a problem. George?"

    George Lucas almost fell into the seat. "I developed the film before passing it on to Sargent Cole. It Wasn't just that script he had on the camera. He had sets, costumes and one of John Willams scores. Jus one question David? Why did you have James Earl Jones's copy of Conan on your desk

    David shrugged. "The Swordfight. I wanted…"

    Laughter cut his further explanation off.

    Bruce stopped laughing soonest. "Sorry David. Mark has also been pushing himself like crazy. I should have guessed that as the reason. But what are we going to do about the Media? We can let them spoil the plot."

    "Nothing too harsh. Their attention is free advertising. We are a hot commodity. 100 000 for a single page of the script."

    "Cor, I'd be tempted for that kind of money. I might take it if you keep laughing at me like that too." David grinned.

    "Actually Carrie interjected into he stunned silence. "That might not be a bad idea."

    A panicked look crossed Bruces face "Carrie what are you thinking? I know that took.It's the look Mary gets before she goes and breaks another boombox or teleports through a child safe gate. I don't have a Brandon to throw at you to calm you down here."

    Ignoring him Carrie turned to George. "My half-sisters have an ongoing Star Wars adventure. Do you mind if I tidy it up in a script form and gave it to David to be lost?"

    George's expression turned thoughtful. "A fake script… I hadn't considered that. Mike your opinion?"

    "If you don't spend too much effort on it that could be an interesting diversion. Let me look at it before we start and I think we can use it. I say go for it."

    Bruce scowled "What do you mean by that?"

    Mike merely raised an eyebrow. "You of all people know Carries talent. If she puts some effort into it we would end up with a decoy script better than the movie itself." He turned in his seat "David up for playing a real-life Villain?"

    "I don't fancy ending up with a reputation as a sellout."

    " Think of the money, the fame, the looks on their faces when they relies what you did and are safely back in Britain and out of their reach. If the plan goes the way I want, you won't be the only one losing an alternate script. Media firms that don't pay me to tell them that is not our script are going to look very embarrassed when they figure out on they are publishing a sisters gift like it was the real script."

    Bruces smile was downright menacing. "I like the idea. George?"

    " Ahh let me think about it?"

    "I can ask Marsha?"

    George scowled. "No. Let me think about it and talk to Marsha."

    Bruce Grinned Knowingly and turned back to David " That generally means yes. Have fun making up claims about how badly Lucasfilm has treated you."

    David smiled. "I have a bodybuilder friend, Arnold, who goes on some incredible rants about you.i can reuse some of his material. It should not pose a challenge."

    "Thank you David. those Vultures form the media are not going to know what hit them." Bruce turned to his wife and looked her in the eye. "I love you."

    The smile back was impish "I know."
     
  • Apocrypha
    • Magoose said:
    Normally I would give a reward... But instead:

    The Media will roll with a -50.

    And here is that roll:
    D100 - 50 => -46

    NO SPOILERS FOR YOU JACKASS.

    This means that Star Wars will gain a +100 to Critical and Audience roll.

    Because everything we did was stunning success.
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    "Why do we need to pay? We got the Script Right Here!"
    *Movie releases*
    *Nearly all of the Media is sitting there with egg dripping down their face, because it is CLEAR that they got the wrong script*
    And meanwhile, there are fans asking for us to turn the decoy script into it's own movie.:V
     
    Magoose said:
    Normally I would give a reward... But instead:

    The Media will roll with a -50.

    And here is that roll:
    D100 - 50 => -46

    NO SPOILERS FOR YOU JACKASS.

    This means that Star Wars will gain a +100 to Critical and Audience roll.

    Because everything we did was stunning success.
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    Thank you.

    THE SPOILER

    remains safe.

    Man I remember hearing about someone who had somehow managed to miss Star Wars growing up and how shocked they were when they finally saw the scene, to the point of basically not being able to talk about anything else for days after.

    Giving that electric feeling to the world all at once? This is going to be amazing.
     
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    Poke_verse said:
    ...We really ought to do that action
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    Best way for him to find out, me thinks, is after he and Bruce run into each other at the gym and Arnold starts competing against him, which causes Bruce to perform harder.

    On and on it goes until Arnold goes up to him to taunt him, which is when Bruce just claps him on the shoulder and thanks him for helping him push his limits and leaves, with Arnold staring bugeyed behind him, speechless.
     
    Orion Ultor said:
    Best way for him to find out, me thinks, is after he and Bruce run into each other at the gym and Arnold starts competing against him, which causes Bruce to perform harder.

    On and on it goes until Arnold goes up to him to taunt him, which is when Bruce just claps him on the shoulder and thanks him for helping him push his limits and leaves, with Arnold staring bugeyed behind him, speechless.
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    That sounds like Shounen shit and I'm here for it. Goku Bruce and Vegeta Arnold, let's go!
     
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