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.
We could work on TV again. I mean, it's something fun to do.
We could also import some of those Irish movies that we saw in the Omake about that irish politician. It could be somewhat interesting.
Also, for investments, only think i can still think of is Daiei Films. But at this point I'm not so sure. Every turn it gets closer tothat Gamera film that ruined the franchise.
Also, for investments, only think i can still think of is Daiei Films. But at this point I'm not so sure. Every turn it gets closer tothat Gamera film that ruined the franchise.
There is plenty of stuff to invest in... We don't necessarily have to buy companies, we can create more department in LucasFilms or buy the rights to adapt stuff
Besides that, I would aim for Toei rather than Daei...
[X] Plan Moonlight Movie
-[X]The Clear and Present Danger: You wanted to make a cool ass monster. DC: 40
-[X]The Family: You want to see the actors that would be your victims of the monster. And by God, it would be fun. DC: 30
-[X]The Other Biker: Sean Young… You never heard of her till a few weeks ago, but you like what you see.
-[X]Good Friends: Desi and Tom were honestly not who you expected to cast. But hey, you saw the chemistry for Marathon Madness from Desi, and you were honestly excited.
-[X]The Owners: George Kennedy and Diana Muldaur were honestly a little worried to be in a movie with you. Mostly because they heard the rumors.
-[X]Dad: So Dad is back in the saddle for a Bruce O'Brian Picture. He's… not nearly as excited as last time. Like he was tired. DC: 10
-[X]John Henry: Man of Steel: Brad Bird was stressed out from all Hell from working on Miraculous, and later, John Henry. You heard that the man spent several days in Japan to work on the show with Hisaoka, hopped on a plane to get back to look at the project, and later, on Sunday, like clockwork, was taking another international flight to Tokyo, and do it all again. DC: 20
-[X]Investing in the Future: You want to Spend some of that money you made into the company and make the whole thing better DC: ??? (Linetail what you want to invest in, and how much money you want to invest in it)
--[X] Contact Jane Leslie Conly and offer $2 million of the warchest for the adaptational rights of her late father's book, Mrs. Frisby and the rats of NIMH. You read the book at Don's suggestion and because it was written by an O'Brien, and while darker than what you assumed to be, it's an amazing story that would make for an iconic Dreamworks movie.
-[X]Investing in the Future: You want to Spend some of that money you made into the company and make the whole thing better DC: ??? (Linetail what you want to invest in, and how much money you want to invest in it) --[X] Lucasfilm Japan: Sunrise Campus [$75 Million]: Lucasfilm plans to establish the Lucasfilm Japan Campus, a centralized hub for its Japanese departments and a collaborative space for employees to work together and innovate. The campus will include production facilities, such as soundstages, film studios and a legal department, and will house a subsidiary of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) for advanced visual effects work. By fostering cultural exchange and providing a platform for Japanese directors to experiment, Lucasfilm aims to deepen its connections in the Japanese film industry and push the boundaries of storytelling. The campus will also serve as an educational center and a venue for industry events, contributing to the growth and development of the local film community.
-[X]More Goslings: Thankfully you were prepared for everything after everything that happened last time. So was the hospital. DC: 0 -[X] Investments: You want to invest your hard-earned cash into something that you feel will be a good return on investment. And as well as diversify your assets DC: 0 (Linetail what you wish to invest in below this action, and the amount of money you want to invest in) --[X] Shamrock MotorWorks [$100 Million] Shamrock MotorWorks is a dynamic investment firm seeking to acquire and revitalize the GAC Ireland, Shamrock and TMC Costin automotive companies. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and preserving each company's unique legacy, Shamrock aims to drive growth and success in the Irish automotive market. By leveraging their expertise and injecting resources into research and development, manufacturing processes, and cutting-edge technologies, they will enhance product offerings and competitiveness. Shamrock is committed to sustainability, fostering a collaborative culture, and supporting local communities. Join them in shaping the future of the Irish automotive industry by investing in these transformative opportunities. And let's face it, you've always wanted to design your own car, with this being the closest you'll ever be able to. ---[X] Given the current state of affairs with Carrie, instead of traveling to these owners in Ireland, invite them and their representatives to negotiate these sales in LA on your dime; you also plan on having Mike and your dad there to help with negotiations.
-[X]Your Rival: Arnold Schwarzenegger. You have no idea who this guy is… also, why does he want to rival you. Also, what the fuck is he doing, going around saying you are the only reason that things got so weird? Whatever that means. DC: 30
So first off do all the actions that are associated with the movie, which we can definitely afford this turn. Looking forward to making Lucasfilms' second horror and another nice film for Bruce to add under his pocket for directing experience.
Help Brad Bird deal with his multitasking and see his work across the finish line.
Buy the rights to Cam Jansen since the Omake reward allows us to pursue it now. Also buy the rights to Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, cause it's a damn good book and movie and Don deserves to make what was probably his best film here.
Be a supportive husband to Carrie and help her get ready for the Goslings birth, make sure everything is nice and smooth.
Thanks to Moon we now got a Arnold autopass so add that along with well-known fan to see if we can connect with any fans. Chose the latter mainly because this is a movie turn so organically I don't want to do anything too ambitious.
Also, for investments, only think i can still think of is Daiei Films. But at this point I'm not so sure. Every turn it gets closer tothat Gamera film that ruined the franchise.
I've got some bad news for you Overmind. I looked up Daiei to see if we could purchase it, and it turns out it went bankrupt in 1971 (Very early into Bruce's film career before he was even a millionaire) and afterwards bought by Kadokawa, one of Japan's Big Four movie studios. So we aint buying that.
EDIT: Well-known fan replaced with Sunrise investment and Cam Jensen replaced with Irish Cars thanks to @Orion Ultor
Miraculous Created By: Takashi Hisaoka
Directed By: Brad Bird
Studio: Sunrise Studio
Distribution: Paramount Television Service
Original Release: September 1979-July 1980
Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Ladybug: Jodie Foster/Yūko Mita Tikki: Julie Brown/Hiromi Tsuru Adrien Agreste/Cat Noir: Loren Lester/Toshio Furukawa Plagg: Jim Cummings/Masako Nozawa Gabriel Agreste/Hawkmoth: David Warner/Hirotaka Suzuoki Chloe Bourgeois: Adrianne Barbeau/Minori Matsushima Alya Cesaire: Melissa Gilbert/Noriko Hidaka Luka Couffaine: Cam Clarke/Keaton Yamada Lila Rossi/Volpina: Diane Pershing/Eiko Masuyama Simon Grimault/Simon Says: Bob Hastings/Fumihiko Tachiki Nathalie Sancoeur: Marina Sirtis/Mika Doi Andre Bourgeois: Adam West/Kaneto Shiozawa Aurore Beaureal/Stormy Weather: Jennifer Darling/Yuri Amano Jean Duparc/Magician of Fortune: Casey Kasem/Tatsuyuki Jinnai Xavier Ramier/Mr. Pigeon: Ed Asner/Ryūsuke Ōbayashi Fred Haprele/The Mime: Townsend Coleman/Michihiro Ikemizu Wang Cheng/Kung Food: Pat Morita/Ginzō Matsuo Roger Raincomprix/Rogercop: Brock Peters/Akira Kamiya Theo Barbot/Copycat: Ralph Macchio/Mayumi Tanaka Armand D'Argencourt/Darkblade: Efrem Zimbalist Jr./Makio Inoue Nathaniel Kurtzberg/The Evilustrator: Kevin Conroy/Chikao Ohtsuka Ivan Bruel/Stoneheart: Robert Costanzo/Isamu Tanonaka
When you'd bought Sunrise Studios you'd admit it had been nearly an impulse buy. Toho had just broken your contracts, the lawsuit had not gone as planned (with Mike taking it nearly as personal as you had), Kurosawa had agreed to come work for you and was well on his way to nearly finishing his own new masterpiece (which you were certain the critics will once more love and praise to kingdom come) and the one studio that, in a way, had started this whole mess only by daring to work with you and try to create something new and wonderful, had talked with Mike and decided that the best way of gaining protection was to gain a patron. Someone that would be willing to allow them near independence in creativity and their works, but still someone whom they would answer to in exchange for protection from the big fish production companies of Japan.
Man, how bad are things there that they'd rather Lucasfilms buy them than any other.
Because buy them you had. Sunrise Studios was now a subsidiary of Lucasfilms Unlimited. The company that had helped you in creating Gundam now made Anime for you, and with it came many of the different problems that you'd only heard from the animators that came with Tomino could tell. Thankfully, bringing the company up to par with Lucasfilms employee benefits and workplace culture did not take that long; many of the animators had been nearly burned out and just the idea of an 8-hour work schedule, health insurance, and overpay (along with a salary that is not comparable to peanuts thrown at dancing monkeys) was more than enough for you to be declared a saint, while the rest of the animators found an increase in productivity that their bosses found astonishing.
Apparently a worker can do much better when you grant proper resting time and enough breaks for interactions with friends and family...who knew.
It all allowed for even greater creativity among the staff as well. Suddenly, animators who before were just going by rote found the energy (and budget) to try and experiment with different styles, more fluid animation, taking in the difference between western and eastern animation, researching the old works from the golden age with Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney, the more realistic take that Don Bluth had been trying with DreamWorks, as well as the Anime from their own country; Osamu Tezuka was among their inspirations, and the most recent Gundam was another source they tapped in when they tried reverse engineering it into something that could be modified for future works. They even went as far as to check the different styles from American comics, both Marvel and DC, hoping to find something that could give them that slight edge.
Now that's commitment!...And what do you know, it seemed to work for one Takashi Hisaoka. A man who once before would have probably been just another animation director. He, as many other before him, managed to not only work in several other animes as episode director, but also actually pitched his own ideas and managed to become the equivalent for a showrunner and director for entire series as well. His work was, if you want to be honest, good, but not extraordinary. it was just in that line where you can say that it was fun, but there was nothing that truly made it stand out or become memorable so that legions of fans remember it or call for more.
In fact, his most recent work, Witch Girl Tickle, was considered the worst out his entire library of work, with his future project, an adaptation of Les Miserables, not inspiring much confidence. Before Gundam premiered and Sunrise got a new owner, he was on track to be axed and let go. The fate of many animators in Japan, where they were squeezed for anything and everything they had before just being discarded. Luckily for him, the paperwork managed to pass through before he was canned. The more reasonable hours, more flexible schedule, and more time he managed to use productively to see his family revitalizing a man that for a moment seemed to be just about ready to disappear among the mediocrities of the time.
Instead, with a new perspective, a calmer mind, and the budget for experimentation, he found himself being dragged along with the passion of the recent hires, the new animators from America who participated in the exchange between DreamWorks and Sunrise, and was privy to what made Gundam so revolutionary. He saw the rise of a new anime star as Yoshiyuki Tomino became a household name, at least for those fans of the anime, and the popularity reached near every aspect related to it; figurines, toys, coloring books, etc... anything one could see and think of. For Hisaoka, who'd worked in projects that he made sure were good enough, who'd spent most of his life just receiving a paycheck and then pushed into the next work like an assembly worker...this pushed something he'd long thought forgotten, something that he was surprised to even still have, the very thing that once pushed him on this path, only to be crushed after so many years of numbing, repetitive, and outright demoralizing work.
Inspiration and ambition.
The desire to do something great, a work wholly unique to others and be recognized for it. The need to leave a mark in the world, all the while making sure that it's not for just adapting other people's work because you have nothing else. Hisaoka had finally managed to find it within himself to once more dream and try for greatness rather than settle for mediocrity. He once more dove with fellow animators into the history of animation, focusing more on the Superhero genre of DC than any others, taking inspiration villains and heroes; Batman, Green Lantern and oddly enough Bat-Mite being what he mostly took out of them.
Not that you're complaining, it's just an odd group.
You were not even aware of it even as the meeting for the rest of 1979 closed up, only receiving a call from Sunrise's president talking about this new anime series that they wanted to try to get to work on...but it would be costly if they wanted the animation to be as crisp and revolutionary as Gundam. You were busy at the time, what with working on the direction for the sequel to Star Wars so you recall just giving the go ahead. After all, if someone had an idea that could perhaps be equal to Gundam, then you were not going to say no. You wondered for a second if they were planning another Space Opera, or if perhaps they would try for a fantasy epic this time around, the memories of having worked on Conan still in your mind, even after so long.
It turned out to be neither of those.
As it turned out, Hisaoka's reading on the Batman comics of Dennis O'Neil and Len Wein inspired him on a more grounded and relatable character, not in the vein of a dark superhero, but more on how real life and its consequences can carry over to a superhero life and vice versa. Along with the more fantastical elements of the silver age where the goofy villains took center stage, along with more magical elements that usually came from nowhere yet managed to grab the eye of the reader, pushed him in the direction of a story that could perhaps, while not completely ape the idea, could take some level of inspiration by them.
Who would've guessed that translated into a School life Anime?!
To be honest, as Hisaoka explained later, it had been with the intention of trying to make up for the utterly lackluster anime that he did before, showing a "Double Hero", but this time making it right; they would argue, bicker, get along, work together, all without knowing their true identities. There would be a more developed cast like in Gundam, as well as eye-catching villains that would have their own relatable motivations. The whole setting would bring out more grounded, yet also fantastical, tones and themes. An anime that would show slice of life scenes that would contrast the magical elements as the heroes would fight the forces of evil.
Thus, Miraculous was born.
It was an anime that you don't think has been done before. Certainly, there are many where good and evil fight, where a chosen one is granted power to face against a malevolent magical empire, or even a technological one. But you don't think there's been one where the elements of one's own civilian or personal life is given as much importance as the fantastical ones. The characters, as told, go to school, have their own small problems that bleed over into their secret identities, then go save the world with all the baggage that comes from being a teen. There is no separation between them.
And it was this that attracted the attention of Brad Bird. Brad was an odd one in the studio; a recent hire that was made a director so early. he'd made sure to keep himself busy in working with different productions, while also making sure to try on his own style as many in DreamWorks are encouraged to. What was found was that though he could work very well with nearly any and all director, his own preference were on those out of the box ideas, those that sometimes are not nearly mainstream and can be said to want try new and exciting things. Thus, when Hisaoka needed someone to approach, Brad became the De Facto choice for the overall Director of the series. A job that he took with aplomb and pleasure, ready to try his hands at something new, just like he liked it.
The story of Miraculous was fascinating when you first heard of it; Set in Paris in the common era, it follows Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste, two teenagers who are each chose by the respective Kwami, a spirit of sort which have their origins in the birth of the universe, each representing a concept from said birth. Each Kwami choses its own wielder to use its power as they see fit for the benefit of mankind. However, while both heroes are willing to fight crime in their secret identities as Ladybug and Cat Noir, they soon find themselves having to fight another Miraculous wielder, Hawk Moth, who has chosen to use his own Kwami and powers for his own goals; to have all of the Miraculous for himself and their powers as well.
It seemed so simple when one says it, but it brings even more to the table beyond it; a love square between the main characters and their secret identities, which is reversed during the final episodes while still maintaining the dynamic. Powers which are fun and innovative while having a supporting cast that is so fun to watch and either cheer for or just dislike, and the animation just... it's nothing like whatever may have come before, with completely new designs for both the characters and backgrounds. The same technology which was used to design and bring to life giant robots, Space Station, Colonies and cities, space battles and Gundam's, was now used to bring Paris and its suburbs to life; The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, the Cathedral of Notre Dame...and not only the monuments and notable locations but the streets, the architecture, the overall experience of Paris with all its history...all had its small idiosyncrasies detailed, both during the night and the day, showing just the same amount of attention to detail.
The same level of attention was put for the Voice Actors, both American and Japanese "Seiyus" as they are called. A good mix from veterans and promising newcomers that can benefit from the experience. Not to mention a return from many of them as well. Toshio Furukawa returns this time to take the role of the Adrien Agreste, giving him just the right voice for the stoic, yet still deeply sensitive guy who wants to find some true friends beneath. On the other hand there's Yuko Mita, a promising newcomer who managed to nail the excitable, optimistic outlook of Marinette, and combine it with the shyness and doubt that she finds herself preyed by in her interactions at school. Hiromi Tsuru and Masako Nozawa as both Tikki and Plagg respectively were an inspired choice; both experienced actresses, they added that small touch of otherworldliness mixed with humanity that the Kwamis should represent. Tikki's caring and lovable persona in contraposition with Plagg's mischievous and jokester take. They all bounce of each other like lifelong friends and companions, just as they should always have.
Frankly, you could speak about the Japanese voice actors for forever, that is if you didn't think that finding the rights ones for the American dubbing hadn't been a stroke of luck. It is a shame yet it seems that much of the American voice acting has been limited to roles in old cartoons, with the most prominent being the ones hired by Disney on their feature films. A trend that just recently seems to be reversing what with the increase amount of love animation is receiving, as well as the importing of Anime that Lucasfilms will be doing if only to show that this medium deserves the love that Walt Disney provided and the rest of the studios didn't. Many of your Voice Actors from Gundam thankfully returned as Jodie Foster had no problems (and thankfully no commitments) that would stop her from voicing Marinette. Mark unfortunately did not make a comeback, but newcomer Loren Lester did in order to voice Adrien, with him also coming a plethora of previous actors and voice actors who wanted to try their hands at this new offering from the same studio that revolutionized how cartoons are seen in the west; up and coming comedian/actress Julie Brown and veteran voice actor Jim Cumming gave voice to Tikki and Plagg respectively. But the coup de grace was when Shakespearean legend David Warner came in to voice Gabriel Agreste aka Hawk Moth, giving it a gravitas and sense of tragedy in his tone that made you shake in both anger and sadness at his triumphs and defeats. In another person's hands, the character may very well have become a joke. But in his, he turned Gabriel into the tragic and relatable villain, a man whose emotions and love for his wife have him turn on God and family. His refusal to ask for forgiveness, yet also his hope that his son may understand his actions were the crowning moment for him in the series. You don't think there was a single dry eye at that moment.
For the supporting cast you managed to get a good stable for future voice actors as well, as many found the experience to be fun; Marina Sirtis who voiced Nathalie Sancouer, mentioned feeling it was a role that required more complexity than she had thought as she has to give just the right amount of motherly concern for Adrien, while also a willing follower of Hawk Moth. Bob Hastings, who at one point had voiced Superboy in the 60s, had fun hamming it up as Simon Says, the leader of the cult of Hawk Moth who manipulates everyone around him in his lord's behalf. Newcomer Kevin Conroy had done its best as the Evilustrator, giving it the perfect voice for a brilliant schemer and a planner who manages, if only for a small number of episodes, to break up the iconic duo of Ladybug and Cat Noir, setting the stage for the final confrontation. Not to mention that Adam West had great fun making sure the mayor had just the right touch of bumbler and paranoid man looking out for his daughter, while also hiding his nefarious plots till the end. West told you he was more than willing to return playing the mayor, as he seemed to have enjoyed it immensely.
It was a masterpiece that once released could only lead to a mania nearly the equal of Gundam itself. Children begged their parents for Ladybug or Cat Noir dolls, ads, sponsorships, merchandise, anything that had any image from the iconic duo, or any of the supporting cast flew of the shelves so fast that waiting lists had to be imposed. Soon, dolls of every single character made were flying of the shelves as well, not to mention the offers from both Nakayoshi and Shonen magazines to debut a manga based on the anime. Just like before, Toei found itself on the background as Miraculous took the spotlight in nearly all aspects of Japanese life, and Sunrise found itself once more cemented as the studio with the highest level of quality despite their low number of releases. In all ways, it seems that its association with Lucasfilms had made them ape their philosophy for "Quality over quantity". A philosophy made possible thanks to their working practices that made every single animator beg for a job in their studio.
In America the show made just as big a splash. Audiences already knew of what you could provide, so when the call came that you had another animation that came from the same place Gundam had, many had trusted your words and made sure to adjust their schedules to watch what may come. PTVS had at first been somewhat reluctant; after all, Gundam had at least been riding at first on Star Wars fame for Space, and had proven itself to be one of the greatest, poignant and thematic anime that they'd ever seen. This one seemed almost childish by comparison, and based on the content almost geared for girls at that. You only asked them to watch the first chapter, and from then they were hooked. They debuted the series to make sure it would not conflict with Gundam reruns, and instead of the usual children's spot in the mornings, they made sure that it would have a time that everyone would and could watch it. Their faith in it now achieving near Japan levels of mania.
A faith which was rewarded when the ratings for the show exploded and found an audience aching for more, wanting to find out more and more about the show. Is Gabriel really the bad guy? How is Lila manipulating Luka? Will Adrein and Chloe make up? Can Alya continue her work with little to no helpers? Will Marinette and Adrien ever find out about each other's identities? What is up with the mayor? Is he really a bumbler? Will there be more Kwamie's involved at some point? Is Lila going to be caught in the act? Is the splitting up between Ladybug and Cat noir permanent? Will Cat Noir ever tell Ladybug that his father is Hawk Moth? This and many more are the questions fans send each and every day as each episode is released weekly, keeping them in tetherhooks during the cliffhangers, and wanting for more after the resolutions.
The entire show had not only caught the children's attention, but parents and teenagers as well, those who once found animation as nothing else but childish entertainment now were glued to their screen hoping to find out once more the going ons of teenage life, along with superheroes saving the world. Everyday children play at school and shouts of "Tikki, Spots on!" and "Plagg, Claws out!" ring through the courtyards and parks. Kids with T-Shirts depicting their favorite characters are seen more and more (much to Mike's delight as the profits go directly to Lucasfilms' and DreamWorks coffers). There's even been some purchase in larger than usual sizes, but no one teen is willing to admit is for themselves. Someday, the stigma will break completely down, and perhaps someday they might be able to wear it with no fear of being ridiculed in the streets. it does bring you happiness to know that at least there seems to be enjoyment from all age groups for the show.
PTVS was ecstatic to once more have another hit in their network, even offering preferential treatment for any and all anime that you're willing to show. You said you'd consider it, there's no reason to tell them you're already planning on your own TV Station and channel after all.
As for the critics...well, there was certainly a positive bent in what they said, and they did find themselves enjoying the show. The animation was also worthy of praise, as well as how the story seems to bring the politics and daily life of high school students to the fore along with the superhero aspects of it. It just seems that they were also expecting something that would push more boundaries like Gundam did, or at the very least take on more relevant topics than what they said was simply "Childish melodrama". Personally, you think many of them have forgotten what it is being a teen, or how the actions taken during said period tend to affect their development later in life. Many other critics seem to have taken that angle, praising it for just that, showing how not everything is usually suns and roses in a High School environment.
And Sunrise had another surprise for you it seems, as the airing of Miraculous managed to catch the eye of one of the most influential men in the world of Manga; Osamu Tezuka himself. From what they say, he and his production company, Tezuka Productions, were already in talks with Nippon TV for the production of a new Astro Boy Anime when miraculous burst into the scene. Seeing the care, passion and dedication of the story moved him in a way that he hadn't felt in years, seeing the sheer creativity of the show and the attention to detail with animation. Thus, he instead moved his business with NTV and has been now in talks with Sunrise for them to be the heralds of Astro Boy's new adaptation, hopefully one that can cover more of his works.
They say Hisaoka burst into happy tears when Tezuka himself congratulated him for such a magnificent story. You smiled at that, knowing that a man was able to chase their dream was part of the reason why Lucasfilms was founded after all.
I've got some bad news for you Overmind. I looked up Daiei to see if we could purchase it, and it turns out it went bankrupt in 1971 (Very early into Bruce's film career before he was even a millionaire) and afterwards bought by Kadokawa, one of Japan's Big Four movie studios. So we aint buying that.
It was, that's my bad. Still, I don't want Toei, I want Daiei. There's not much more to it than that. Although, it seems like that doesn't really matter at this point from what Kaiser says about them being owned by Kadokawa.
[X] Plan Moonlight Movie
I honestly would prefer if we held off on buying Cam Jansen since the first book only came out this month(February), so I feel like it would make more sense to wait a couple of more turns until buying it, but it's not a big deal at the end of the day.
Miraculous Created By: Takashi Hisaoka
Directed By: Brad Bird
Studio: Sunrise Studio
Distribution: Paramount Television Service
Original Release: September 1979-July 1980
Awesome stuff. Glad to see Miraculous get the success it deserves under a competent storyteller. Pretty crazy how with that Nat 100 Miraculous is probably going to be one of the most important shows in animation right alongside Gundam. It'll probably also be a major influence on both Marvel and DC. If nothing else the Titans are definitely going to get a lot more mainstream. I can also see Mary being a huge fan and wanting to dress like Marinette for Halloween.
If Magoose says so I'll pursue it, but I doubt we could buy them outright considering how protective Japan is of their businesses and intellectual properties.
It was, that's my bad. Still, I don't want Toei, I want Daiei. There's not much more to it than that. Although, it seems like that doesn't really matter at this point from what Kaiser says about them being owned by Kadokawa.
Awesome stuff. Glad to see Miraculous get the success it deserves under a competent storyteller. Pretty crazy how with that Nat 100 Miraculous is probably going to be one of the most important shows in animation right alongside Gundam. It'll probably also be a major influence on both Marvel and DC. If nothing else the Titans are definitely going to get a lot more mainstream. I can also see Mary being a huge fan and wanting to dress like Marinette for Halloween.
I can see them at the very least putting in as much effort in their civilian identities lives and interactions as they do with the fighting villains parts.
Hopefully they don't go with that godawful storyline where Donna marries Terry Long...seriosuly what the hell where they thinking?!
But yeah, I hope that Miraculous can truly shine instead of being dragged down by his OTL creator. The man likes to protray himself as an unrecownized genious. And frankly, he's neither of those.
If Magoose says so I'll pursue it, but I doubt we could buy them outright considering how protective Japan is of their businesses and intellectual properties.
"Are you sure that I need to tell them?" You said as you rubbed your stump and felt the aching echo of what remained of your hand that Vader had removed in your duel with him.
Thinking back you felt stupid, arrogant, and above all else…damn near foolish. Yet among all of the waving memories within your mind, you could only think of one thing.
"Luke you are down a hand and survived an encounter with Darth Vader, almost no one's done that since Pheonix Squadron in its heyday and they did it only by the skin of their teeth, they need to hear this, no ifs or buts," Leia said as she walked beside you and helped adjust your sling.
"But shouldn't I be focusing on my recovery?" You complained as she turned and held up your sling and arm.
"Luke most of the people who've ever encountered Vader are either dead or crippled, High Comm…wants to know why." She said. "I'm sorry to drop this on you, but I did it too and I was in his mercies."
You felt your eyes drop to the floor. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to act out like that."
"No…its probably me…You were the one that lost a hand to him." She said. "Just don't be too pressured Luke, High Command is…always been a bit high-strung. Always has been."
She then turned to leave you outside the main command room of HOME ONE, in the arms of the rest of the Alliance.
-----------------------
THE DEBRIEFING OF LUKE SKYWALKER-AFTER ACTION REPORT: BESPIN RAID
You sat in your seat as you looked at the major heads of the Alliance to Restore the Republic's Major Military Operations, as well as other individuals who found interest in your case.
The one in the Center of the table was the Minister of War, and head of the Peregrine Nest, a Network of Core and Mid Rim Shipyards and logistics bases that were important for the war, his mustache and long hair had made quite an impression when they had first met a year ago.
Senator Garm Bel Iblis in many ways the man who made sure the war effort of the Alliance still held steam after nearly two years of war. A Corellan through and through, he was one of the few men in the alliance who like Han, didn't put stock in the Force as the end-all power of the universe.
Then again, Wedge didn't either, and you got along great with him.
To the Right was a Mon Cala officer, Admiral Gail Akbar, the head of the Alliance Fleet, and in most situations, your boss. He'd been lenient to your various Jedi-related escapades as long as they didn't affect your commitment to the alliance and you doubted that this would change.
If anything he's more mad that you hurt yourself than anything else. He expected a great deal from everyone…including himself.
Finally on the left was the Alliance Chief of Staff, Former Moff of the mid-rim, and ally of Garm before the Alliance took off, Archibald Constantine. His storied career was as interesting as his defection to the Alliance. Having defected and shown his loyalties to the Republic long before the rise of the Empire, he took his fleet and won the battle of the Hydian Way defeating Grand Admiral Josef Grunger in a pitched battle.
Though at great and terrible cost to his fleet. He resigned himself to being the Chief of Staff to ease the fears of many in the alliance that he was using them to gain power as a Warlord.
You've never met, though Han liked him a lot, and that was as much a ringing endorsement as any.
"Commander Skywalker, this debriefing is about to begin…do you have anything to say that shall remain off the record?" Archibald asked.
"Do I have to do this?" You asked.
"I'm sorry son, I know you've been through alot the past few days…but protocol is clear." He said.
"Garm," Gail said.
"Alright Skywalker, tell us exactly what happened to the best of your ability," Garm said as the briefing finally began.
He couldn't tell them the truth, they wouldn't believe him…and if they did…well lets not think about that.
"Well it started when I landed, and noted how quiet it was…" You began.
----------------
"And after falling for as long as I did...I held on as long as I could." You finished.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi…killing Anakin Skywalker," Garm said with a low whistle. "I find it hard to believe that Obi-Wan could do it ,but…given how bad Order 66 was from the stories we've heard."
"There is much we don't know about the Fall of the Jedi Order, perhaps the tolls of war were greater then we knew even to the best of them," Gail said.
"I believe that we have no reason to keep him here and force open fresh and old wounds," Constantine said.
You wanted to gag, but left with a salute and a quiet walk, you had to get better before you plunge into far worse dangers and terrors.
AN: A Scene from the Fake Empire Script, approved by the GM,
But the characters I am told are canon to this world's Star Wars Universe.
Miraculous Created By: Takashi Hisaoka
Directed By: Brad Bird
Studio: Sunrise Studio
Distribution: Paramount Television Service
Original Release: September 1979-July 1980
This was awesome to read through. I was squeeing the whole time like a child, doing a little jig while reading, and listening to the Miraculous Ladybug Anime Opening. Speaking of, @Magoose, is the Miraculous Ladybug Anime Opening roughly what served as the opening for Miraculous?
[X] Plan Batten Down The Hatches!
-[X] The Clear and Present Danger: You wanted to make a cool ass monster. DC: 40 -[X] The Other Biker: Sean Young… You never heard of her till a few weeks ago, but you like what you see. -[X] Good Friends: Desi and Tom were honestly not who you expected to cast. But hey, you saw the chemistry for Marathon Madness from Desi, and you were honestly excited. -[X] The Owners: George Kennedy and Diana Muldaur were honestly a little worried to be in a movie with you. Mostly because they heard the rumors. -[X] Dad: So Dad is back in the saddle for a Bruce O'Brian Picture. He's… not nearly as excited as last time. Like he was tired. DC: 10 -[X] John Henry: Man of Steel: Brad Bird was stressed out from all Hell from working on Miraculous, and later, John Henry. You heard that the man spent several days in Japan to work on the show with Hisaoka, hopped on a plane to get back to look at the project, and later, on Sunday, like clockwork, was taking another international flight to Tokyo, and do it all again. DC: 20 -[X] Investing in the Future: You want to Spend some of that money you made into the company and make the whole thing better DC: ??? (Linetail what you want to invest in, and how much money you want to invest in it) --[X] Lucasfilm Europe: Emerald Campus [$75 Million]: Lucasfilm plans to expand its presence into Europe, with the best place to start in your mind is in the home country, Ireland. The Lucasfilm Europe Campus is set to be established in Galway [which, given Dublin's current urban congestion, gives the company room for expansion], serving as an office space, for production and legal, and feature state-of-the-art facilities for film production, post-production, and visual effects. By leveraging Ireland's talent pool and utilizing the country's favorable tax environment [read: tax haven], Lucasfilm aims to acquire and distribute European films and television while contributing to Ireland's entertainment industry and economic growth. The campus will foster collaboration, host industry events, and provide opportunities for local talent, positioning Ireland as a thriving hub for creative industries. ---[X] Given the current state of affairs with Carrie, instead of traveling to these owners in Ireland, invite them and their representatives to negotiate these sales in LA on your dime; you also plan on having Mike and your dad there to help with negotiations. --[X] Lucasfilm Japan: Sunrise Campus [$75 Million]: Lucasfilm plans to establish the Lucasfilm Japan Campus, a centralized hub for its Japanese departments and a collaborative space for employees to work together and innovate. The campus will include production facilities, such as soundstages, film studios and a legal department, and will house a subsidiary of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) for advanced visual effects work. By fostering cultural exchange and providing a platform for Japanese directors to experiment, Lucasfilm aims to deepen its connections in the Japanese film industry and push the boundaries of storytelling. The campus will also serve as an educational center and a venue for industry events, contributing to the growth and development of the local film community. ---[X] As you are unable to be there in person, you're glad that Mike will be there on your behalf to negotiate. --[X] Lucasfilm Legal Expansion [$50 Million]: In light of persistent legal challenges from various entities, Lucasfilm recognizes the need to strengthen and expand its legal operations to ensure optimal effectiveness and precision. Operating on a global scale demands the highest level of legal acumen and strategic prowess. As a major player in the industry, Lucasfilm understands that errors and missteps are simply not an option. In this critical phase, the company is committed to investing in a robust legal infrastructure that can adeptly navigate the complexities of the world stage. By bolstering its legal team, especially overseas, implementing cutting-edge legal strategies, and prioritizing risk management, Lucasfilm aims to proactively address legal disputes, safeguard its intellectual property, and secure its long-term interests. This expansion of legal operations will empower Lucasfilm to not only compete but excel among industry giants, fortifying its position as a leader in the entertainment landscape. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a sharpened legal focus, Lucasfilm is poised to overcome challenges and achieve continued success in an ever-evolving global marketplace. -[X] More Goslings: Thankfully you were prepared for everything after everything that happened last time. So was the hospital. DC: 0 -[X] Investments: You want to invest your hard-earned cash into something that you feel will be a good return on investment. And as well as diversify your assets DC: 0 (Linetail what you wish to invest in below this action, and the amount of money you want to invest in) --[X] Shamrock MotorWorks [$100 Million] Shamrock MotorWorks is a dynamic investment firm seeking to acquire and revitalize the GAC Ireland, Shamrock and TMC Costin automotive companies. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and preserving each company's unique legacy, Shamrock aims to drive growth and success in the Irish automotive market. By leveraging their expertise and injecting resources into research and development, manufacturing processes, and cutting-edge technologies, they will enhance product offerings and competitiveness. Shamrock is committed to sustainability, fostering a collaborative culture, and supporting local communities. Join them in shaping the future of the Irish automotive industry by investing in these transformative opportunities. And let's face it, you've always wanted to design your own car, with this being the closest you'll ever be able to. ---[X] Given the current state of affairs with Carrie, instead of traveling to these owners in Ireland, invite them and their representatives to negotiate these sales in LA on your dime; you also plan on having Mike and your dad there to help with negotiations. -[X] Your Rival: Arnold Schwarzenegger: You have no idea who this guy is… also, why does he want to rival you. Also, what the fuck is he doing, going around saying you are the only reason that things got so weird? Whatever that means. DC: 30
Total Cost:
- Lucasfilm Warchest: 75+75+50 = $200 Mil.
- Personal: 100 = $100 Mil.
First, taking care of our family and our people is a priority over everything else before we move onto the financial side of things.
Given the Lucasfilm warchest having roughly 5 Billion U$D (plus or minus expenses, profits and film projects), and the scares of the past few turns, felt the need to make gaining allies at home and abroad as a priority, since I feel we've seriously lucked out.
Credit to MysteryCPU for the writing blueprint for the Lucasfilm Legal and Japan expansions, which by the way remind me that at somepoint in the coming decades, I think we should consider having additional campuses in Africa (Tunisia?), Australia, India, and South America.
Also would have rather not have used an action on the Arnold situation after an absurd degree of failures, but given it's an autopass this turn, I'll relent.
[EDIT: Added lines to each of the Lucasfilm expansions that would include a dedicated Legal department as per Rui's suggestion.]
[EDIT2: Added @Duke William of 's suggestion.]
