Turn 87 (May 1981)
- Location
- California USA
- Pronouns
- He
Turn 87 (May 1981)
"Ladies and gentlemen of Congress, I have been called here today to answer the fears and hysteria of reactionary crowd to one of our television shows that was met with heavy popular reception and support. Now, I can understand and sympathize with some of the base fears of our critics, as a father of three I want what's best for my children and for them to grow up into upstanding people. However, the response to such concerns should never be blanket authoritarian censorship with the erasure of the past and disregard for other nation's cultures."
That was one helluva a way to start this, and it caused congressmen, nay, the whole room seemed to be swallowed, captivated by your words, and they were sitting up, because you were not looking for anything but destruction and dissemination of this fear.
You continued. "When Classical Tale was created, it was created with the goal of educating children about the diversity and rich culture and tradition that is spread across our world but so many children will never come into contact with in person. It's a saga of storytelling and the human experience throughout the ages that is meant to inspire the creativity and imagination of those watching and grow as more educated experienced people, mindful of the many different viewpoints and beliefs they may come into contact with as they venture into the greater world."
And it made you angry. Hell, it made you even more angry than anything than you could possibly feel… well other than that moment of fear and terror on that night. What you despised, however, above all else was ignorance.
And what was happening here was the paramount of that ignorance. These people were not the representatives of the people but people wishing for the votes.
"In adapting the second season of Classical Tale, our storytellers tried to be as respectful and faithful to the Norse mythology of old to share what generations past were told for a modern audience. If we had sanitized the Canon then it would have lost all its complexities, themes, and narrative impact just for the delicate sensitivities of a few."
That was what you were fighting against. Because even if you failed at one thing, you always viewed the stories you helped create, even though money and making sure it had the resources to be made…
"The violence present is not meant for shock value or to celebrate in the existence of conflict. It's to deliver important messages on heroism, the cycle of life, the nature of good and evil, the flaws of humanity, the question of what is right and how to live. Through this, the audience learns of how a culture received such lessons and lived their lives, and can take their personal experiences and grow and learn as people. The violence provides context to the morals and a vehicle for the stories to deliver their impact."
You thought for a moment one of the congressmen would speak, to say something to stop you, but you only glared daggers at them, and there was silence. This was important to you, and to many others like it.
"Some may be uncomfortable at such a presentation and it is their right to dislike or not watch the program. However, their personal objections should not be forced as wholesale censorship in defense of a fantasy that children will never know hardship or experience nuance and complications. The most popular faith in our nation teaches in its most important and sacred belief that the son of God suffered and died on the cross for our sins. Are we to censor Bibles because of such violence? Should children be banned from Churches until they are 18 because the Passion is a violent passage in spite of it being about redemption, sacrifice, and love? The themes presented are more complex than traditional animation to be sure, but the reason we tell such stories is because at Dreamworks we recognized that children are intelligent and curious people who deserve to be treated with respect in their entertainment instead of talking down to them as if they have no mind or character of their own or tricking them. The traditional belief in animation from a layman's perspective is that it's kiddy art and not deserving of effort or complexity. Is it not the fact that they are children, the future of our nation, our beloved sons and daughters, that we should endeavor to create and share with them impactful stories of high quality and creativity that will stick with them as they grow older and help them to become wonderful and outstanding individuals?"
God, you hoped that was the case.
Your father always taught you that sometimes, there can be time for many things. Thee just needed to be a time or place.
"Does that mean that we should try and speak about anything and everything to a child? No, there are understandable limits, but it does mean that neither should we treat them as small idiots who cannot understand the difference between reality and fiction. Furthermore, that is something a parent should do, to make them understand what they are watching and which behaviors should be imitated and emulated and what they should abstain and recognize as wrong. Keep the government out of the family home and let parents and children communicate with one another, understand and grow through shared experiences."
And when you finished, you sat down.
There was much more you wanted to say. But that would do.
-----------------------------
Well, Congress did something right once in a blue moon.
"PBS funding increased by a 25% in the next five years."
Reward: You have singlehandedly killed a censorship bill, and not only that, nearly doubled PBS' funding.
You may also have caused the team for the next season of Classical Tales to increase in quality by a +50.
It will be a massive increase.
---------------------------------------
You have 12 Actions
Lucasfilms Action:
[]The Man Who Would Make Dune: Francis Ford Coppola smirked as he and Mike sat at the meeting table. "Well I thought that we would wait for the action plan, but Francis won't take a no for an answer." DC: 20
[]The Voice of Bruce on Animation: "Wow, you guys are really doing something special… whats with the cameras?" DC: 30
[]George Lucas and John LAssater and the Cold War in the Office: Don. John. Now is not the time to start doing things stupid. "George help me out here!" DC: 40
[]Basil of Baker Street: You look at the boys and smiled. "Mary's going to love this." DC: 30
[]The People who want you to star in a movie: With most of Hollywood open to you again after the informal ending of your banishment from nonlucasfilm and TV productions, there are a few films that have come to your attention. DC: ???
[]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)
[]Look for Investors: Not that you need the money now, but maybe you can get people on board with this idea you have. DC: ???
[]Distributing Deals: Since you have a Distribution Company, or rather, are one… You can meet the major movie theater companies and strike a Deal with them. Even when you had nothing to offer them. DC: ???
[]Importing Foreign Films: So… you may have a way to get some films showing in American Theaters. Maybe you can go to other foreign film industries and… well, ask to distribute their films. Sure many of those foreign film companies never expected an American company to distribute their films in the US… but maybe you can get money without producing them. (Linetail where you try to get films from, and if there are any specific films, line tail them below) DC: ???
[]The Ideas of Industry: This action is meant for a write-in to act as a sort of Idea machine for the company. You must detail what you want to do below this action. This action can be taken multiple times.
Personal Actions:
[]Getting Control of our Lives: Carrie frowned as she looked at you. "I had a dream last night. About what my life would be without you."
[]Mary vs NASA: So Mary and Mike have been trying their best to do something fun. That fun being, they might have revolutionized space travel. Well Mary did. DC: 50
[]The Family Time: You need a night out with the family dammit! No more drama, no more work, just you and Carrie and the Kids!
[]Hanging out with the Friends: It's been far to long since you, John, and Robin hung out, so you will go out for some drinks and have some fun. DC: 45
[]A Well-Known Fan: So some really famous person is a fan of yours. Maybe you'll learn who they actually are. DC???
[]Learn to play an instrument: You want to learn how to play something DC: 80 (You have no idea what the hell you are doing.)
[]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)
[]The O'Riely Foundation Lobbying: You want California to help the men who have given nearly everything and more to this country. DC: ??? (Linetail how much money you want to throw at it, and what you want from the State)
[]A Charitable Heart: You want to invest your newfound wealth. Maybe even save some lives while you are at it. (Linetail what you wish to invest in below this action, and the amount of money you want to donate in)
[]Networking: Well time to start finding out who might actually be interested in meeting you. (Write-in what you want to try and network with)
[]Pray: It had been a long time since you went to Mass. You wish for the Lord to give you strength. DC: ???
[]Action Directing: It seems the town has been talking about how much of a beast you are at just being a stunt person. In fact, they knew you were a student of Bruce Lee. And they think you know how to stage and block a fight? Maybe you can DC? ???
[] Do auditions(Movies and TV Shows): You are going to go to some of the casting calls that are in the place where you can find work in. DC: 20(Possibility of only getting a commercial or TV show job, or extra work in a low-budget film)
[]Modeling (High Fashion): So you got a call from a photographer in LA, some no name. But that no name works for Gucci. And he wants you on their next lineup of products. And he needs you to model for him. Which is great… one problem, you have no idea what the hell you are doing. DC: 60
[]Modeling (Advertisements): Thankfully another Call Came in, one from an ad firm. They need you to have some pictures taken so that they are used for saner things. Like selling cars, or ice cream. DC: 40
[]Workout: A Healthy Mind and a Healthy Body are Key to having a good life, and you have been slacking as of late. Time to hit the workout and discipline, and perhaps, see things differently. DC: 30 Reward: You work out and feel better.
[] Ask Clint if you can act in a movie of his: You know you want to see if you can act opposite him, for a good time. DC: 40 (Clint wants to work with you.)
[] Gophering, and other signs of stuff: You want to try and learn how work behind the camera works, and what better way than being a gopher. DC: 50 (You have no idea what the hell they were doing, and you have no idea either)
[] Take a walk: Dad always said that the best ways to get inspiration are by walking, talking, and being open-minded. So you'll try that. DC: 10 (You are just going for a walk, what could be really said?)
[] Register in a theater: There are quite a few theater troops that are looking for some seasonal help for some play's that the regulars could not get to. Perhaps you can work there for a while. DC: 40 (Everyone wants to be famous here in Hollywood.)
[] Go to a bar or something to make jokes: You wanted to try some comedy, perhaps you can try. even with your shit timing. DC: 40 (Your Lack of comedy chops is going to be something that will bite you.)
[] Practice writing: You want to write something, maybe even a script. At least to learn the craft. DC: 20 (You try your hand at screenwriting, and maybe get something that is worth a damn.)
[] Research stuff, see if anything piques your interest: You may have graduated High School as a kid, but you never stopped trying to learn. DC: 15 (Write-in what you want to learn about below)
AN: Enjoy and plan format please!
"Ladies and gentlemen of Congress, I have been called here today to answer the fears and hysteria of reactionary crowd to one of our television shows that was met with heavy popular reception and support. Now, I can understand and sympathize with some of the base fears of our critics, as a father of three I want what's best for my children and for them to grow up into upstanding people. However, the response to such concerns should never be blanket authoritarian censorship with the erasure of the past and disregard for other nation's cultures."
That was one helluva a way to start this, and it caused congressmen, nay, the whole room seemed to be swallowed, captivated by your words, and they were sitting up, because you were not looking for anything but destruction and dissemination of this fear.
You continued. "When Classical Tale was created, it was created with the goal of educating children about the diversity and rich culture and tradition that is spread across our world but so many children will never come into contact with in person. It's a saga of storytelling and the human experience throughout the ages that is meant to inspire the creativity and imagination of those watching and grow as more educated experienced people, mindful of the many different viewpoints and beliefs they may come into contact with as they venture into the greater world."
And it made you angry. Hell, it made you even more angry than anything than you could possibly feel… well other than that moment of fear and terror on that night. What you despised, however, above all else was ignorance.
And what was happening here was the paramount of that ignorance. These people were not the representatives of the people but people wishing for the votes.
"In adapting the second season of Classical Tale, our storytellers tried to be as respectful and faithful to the Norse mythology of old to share what generations past were told for a modern audience. If we had sanitized the Canon then it would have lost all its complexities, themes, and narrative impact just for the delicate sensitivities of a few."
That was what you were fighting against. Because even if you failed at one thing, you always viewed the stories you helped create, even though money and making sure it had the resources to be made…
"The violence present is not meant for shock value or to celebrate in the existence of conflict. It's to deliver important messages on heroism, the cycle of life, the nature of good and evil, the flaws of humanity, the question of what is right and how to live. Through this, the audience learns of how a culture received such lessons and lived their lives, and can take their personal experiences and grow and learn as people. The violence provides context to the morals and a vehicle for the stories to deliver their impact."
You thought for a moment one of the congressmen would speak, to say something to stop you, but you only glared daggers at them, and there was silence. This was important to you, and to many others like it.
"Some may be uncomfortable at such a presentation and it is their right to dislike or not watch the program. However, their personal objections should not be forced as wholesale censorship in defense of a fantasy that children will never know hardship or experience nuance and complications. The most popular faith in our nation teaches in its most important and sacred belief that the son of God suffered and died on the cross for our sins. Are we to censor Bibles because of such violence? Should children be banned from Churches until they are 18 because the Passion is a violent passage in spite of it being about redemption, sacrifice, and love? The themes presented are more complex than traditional animation to be sure, but the reason we tell such stories is because at Dreamworks we recognized that children are intelligent and curious people who deserve to be treated with respect in their entertainment instead of talking down to them as if they have no mind or character of their own or tricking them. The traditional belief in animation from a layman's perspective is that it's kiddy art and not deserving of effort or complexity. Is it not the fact that they are children, the future of our nation, our beloved sons and daughters, that we should endeavor to create and share with them impactful stories of high quality and creativity that will stick with them as they grow older and help them to become wonderful and outstanding individuals?"
God, you hoped that was the case.
Your father always taught you that sometimes, there can be time for many things. Thee just needed to be a time or place.
"Does that mean that we should try and speak about anything and everything to a child? No, there are understandable limits, but it does mean that neither should we treat them as small idiots who cannot understand the difference between reality and fiction. Furthermore, that is something a parent should do, to make them understand what they are watching and which behaviors should be imitated and emulated and what they should abstain and recognize as wrong. Keep the government out of the family home and let parents and children communicate with one another, understand and grow through shared experiences."
And when you finished, you sat down.
There was much more you wanted to say. But that would do.
-----------------------------
Well, Congress did something right once in a blue moon.
"PBS funding increased by a 25% in the next five years."
Reward: You have singlehandedly killed a censorship bill, and not only that, nearly doubled PBS' funding.
You may also have caused the team for the next season of Classical Tales to increase in quality by a +50.
It will be a massive increase.
---------------------------------------
You have 12 Actions
Lucasfilms Action:
[]The Man Who Would Make Dune: Francis Ford Coppola smirked as he and Mike sat at the meeting table. "Well I thought that we would wait for the action plan, but Francis won't take a no for an answer." DC: 20
[]The Voice of Bruce on Animation: "Wow, you guys are really doing something special… whats with the cameras?" DC: 30
[]George Lucas and John LAssater and the Cold War in the Office: Don. John. Now is not the time to start doing things stupid. "George help me out here!" DC: 40
[]Basil of Baker Street: You look at the boys and smiled. "Mary's going to love this." DC: 30
[]The People who want you to star in a movie: With most of Hollywood open to you again after the informal ending of your banishment from nonlucasfilm and TV productions, there are a few films that have come to your attention. DC: ???
[]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)
[]Look for Investors: Not that you need the money now, but maybe you can get people on board with this idea you have. DC: ???
[]Distributing Deals: Since you have a Distribution Company, or rather, are one… You can meet the major movie theater companies and strike a Deal with them. Even when you had nothing to offer them. DC: ???
[]Importing Foreign Films: So… you may have a way to get some films showing in American Theaters. Maybe you can go to other foreign film industries and… well, ask to distribute their films. Sure many of those foreign film companies never expected an American company to distribute their films in the US… but maybe you can get money without producing them. (Linetail where you try to get films from, and if there are any specific films, line tail them below) DC: ???
[]The Ideas of Industry: This action is meant for a write-in to act as a sort of Idea machine for the company. You must detail what you want to do below this action. This action can be taken multiple times.
Personal Actions:
[]Getting Control of our Lives: Carrie frowned as she looked at you. "I had a dream last night. About what my life would be without you."
[]Mary vs NASA: So Mary and Mike have been trying their best to do something fun. That fun being, they might have revolutionized space travel. Well Mary did. DC: 50
[]The Family Time: You need a night out with the family dammit! No more drama, no more work, just you and Carrie and the Kids!
[]Hanging out with the Friends: It's been far to long since you, John, and Robin hung out, so you will go out for some drinks and have some fun. DC: 45
[]A Well-Known Fan: So some really famous person is a fan of yours. Maybe you'll learn who they actually are. DC???
[]Learn to play an instrument: You want to learn how to play something DC: 80 (You have no idea what the hell you are doing.)
[]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)
[]The O'Riely Foundation Lobbying: You want California to help the men who have given nearly everything and more to this country. DC: ??? (Linetail how much money you want to throw at it, and what you want from the State)
[]A Charitable Heart: You want to invest your newfound wealth. Maybe even save some lives while you are at it. (Linetail what you wish to invest in below this action, and the amount of money you want to donate in)
[]Networking: Well time to start finding out who might actually be interested in meeting you. (Write-in what you want to try and network with)
[]Pray: It had been a long time since you went to Mass. You wish for the Lord to give you strength. DC: ???
[]Action Directing: It seems the town has been talking about how much of a beast you are at just being a stunt person. In fact, they knew you were a student of Bruce Lee. And they think you know how to stage and block a fight? Maybe you can DC? ???
[] Do auditions(Movies and TV Shows): You are going to go to some of the casting calls that are in the place where you can find work in. DC: 20(Possibility of only getting a commercial or TV show job, or extra work in a low-budget film)
[]Modeling (High Fashion): So you got a call from a photographer in LA, some no name. But that no name works for Gucci. And he wants you on their next lineup of products. And he needs you to model for him. Which is great… one problem, you have no idea what the hell you are doing. DC: 60
[]Modeling (Advertisements): Thankfully another Call Came in, one from an ad firm. They need you to have some pictures taken so that they are used for saner things. Like selling cars, or ice cream. DC: 40
[]Workout: A Healthy Mind and a Healthy Body are Key to having a good life, and you have been slacking as of late. Time to hit the workout and discipline, and perhaps, see things differently. DC: 30 Reward: You work out and feel better.
[] Ask Clint if you can act in a movie of his: You know you want to see if you can act opposite him, for a good time. DC: 40 (Clint wants to work with you.)
[] Gophering, and other signs of stuff: You want to try and learn how work behind the camera works, and what better way than being a gopher. DC: 50 (You have no idea what the hell they were doing, and you have no idea either)
[] Take a walk: Dad always said that the best ways to get inspiration are by walking, talking, and being open-minded. So you'll try that. DC: 10 (You are just going for a walk, what could be really said?)
[] Register in a theater: There are quite a few theater troops that are looking for some seasonal help for some play's that the regulars could not get to. Perhaps you can work there for a while. DC: 40 (Everyone wants to be famous here in Hollywood.)
[] Go to a bar or something to make jokes: You wanted to try some comedy, perhaps you can try. even with your shit timing. DC: 40 (Your Lack of comedy chops is going to be something that will bite you.)
[] Practice writing: You want to write something, maybe even a script. At least to learn the craft. DC: 20 (You try your hand at screenwriting, and maybe get something that is worth a damn.)
[] Research stuff, see if anything piques your interest: You may have graduated High School as a kid, but you never stopped trying to learn. DC: 15 (Write-in what you want to learn about below)
AN: Enjoy and plan format please!