[X] Plan Guns, Gurus, Guerillas, and Glory
There Was A Different Idea: An MCU Producer Quest
- Thread starter overmind
- Start date
StarSerpent
Upjumped Peasant
- Location
- Cowtown, AB
[X] Plan Guns, Gurus, Guerillas, and Glory
-[X] [The Ten Rings] The Ten Rings origins are mystical and supernatural. However all that remains from there are the traditions and beliefs as they now focus more on technology and political connections.
-[X] [TR Members] Yes, I'd like to adapt other characters to the Ten Rings:
--[X] [TR Members] Li Ching-Lin could serve as a good plant and double agent.
-[X] [AIM] AIM has yet to be outed as a terrorist organization, it's instead seen as a benevolent new company that is pushing the boundaries of science; no one connects the dots until near the end.
-[X] [AIM Members] Yes, I'd like to adapt other characters to AIM:
--[X] [AIM Members] Maya Hansen aided Killian in the research and development of the Extremis virus.
-[X] [Cameo] Barbara "Bobbie" Morse
-[X] [Cameo] Silent
-[X] [Cameo] Clint Barton
-[X] [Cameo] Wonder Man
-[X] [Title] War Machine
Besides, he's not a very well known or particularly beloved character anyway. So I can't see how there'd be any potential backlash if the name change is brought up, unless you make it one of those fringe right wing culture war arguments.
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How many seasons of War Machine are we planning to do btw? And @overmind which network are we airing on? Can we make a choice to "air" exclusively on a streaming platform like Netflix?
-[X] [The Ten Rings] The Ten Rings origins are mystical and supernatural. However all that remains from there are the traditions and beliefs as they now focus more on technology and political connections.
-[X] [TR Members] Yes, I'd like to adapt other characters to the Ten Rings:
--[X] [TR Members] Li Ching-Lin could serve as a good plant and double agent.
-[X] [AIM] AIM has yet to be outed as a terrorist organization, it's instead seen as a benevolent new company that is pushing the boundaries of science; no one connects the dots until near the end.
-[X] [AIM Members] Yes, I'd like to adapt other characters to AIM:
--[X] [AIM Members] Maya Hansen aided Killian in the research and development of the Extremis virus.
-[X] [Cameo] Barbara "Bobbie" Morse
-[X] [Cameo] Silent
-[X] [Cameo] Clint Barton
-[X] [Cameo] Wonder Man
-[X] [Title] War Machine
I'd lean on the side of changing it. Too close to the edge of caricature, and it'd be hilariously easy to paint the film and character origins as racist (because the latter, at least, is very much that). Preserving character history is well and good unless it tarnishes the MCU's sterling rep (and more importantly, starts cutting into potential revenue).
Besides, he's not a very well known or particularly beloved character anyway. So I can't see how there'd be any potential backlash if the name change is brought up, unless you make it one of those fringe right wing culture war arguments.
——
How many seasons of War Machine are we planning to do btw? And @overmind which network are we airing on? Can we make a choice to "air" exclusively on a streaming platform like Netflix?
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Duke William of
I really need to finish my quests. :V
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If we are changing the name of the Mandarin, I elect Gene Khan as that name change. As a little nod to Armored Adventures. 
Weird. 22 is the industry standard, plus with TV more episodes = more milking for money. I would have expected them to be more upset about a shorter show.
Duke William of
I really need to finish my quests. :V
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- He/Him
They want to spend less money on a show they think isn't going to make much money.
overmind
Ruler of the Swarm
The number of seasons will depend on how succesful the first one is, and how willing the rest of you are to continue. If you feel bored with the character then you don't have to make more seasons (unless Marvel forces you but we'll deal with that when it happens).
As for airing, since no one mentioned it before I've been presuming that we'll be doing it on Netflix. If you disagree with that let me know and I can give you the chance to select another place to air it.
- Pronouns
- He
I would prefer Syfy or Something else but Netflix is ok
- Location
- Space
Netflix is fine.
Makes it more understandable why Execs are mad because Netflix sees little value in shows that exceed 10-episode seasons.
- Location
- Israel
[X] Plan Guns, Gurus, Guerillas, and Glory
StarSerpent
Upjumped Peasant
- Location
- Cowtown, AB
It's because you can't binge 22 episodes.
You can do 6, 8 if it's a weekend, and maybe 10 if you're really into it.
But not 22.
That's only something they really started to consider in the mid-2010s though, when they really started to put out their own content. Licensing from other studios was their main goal beforehand.
At our current time period (2010) they probably haven't really considered that.
We can probably have the original broadcast premiere on a network TV channel, but that's it (no reruns). After a week the episode gets put up on Netflix.
The deal we could offer Netflix is that the full seasons are only available there.
And then when streaming gets big and starts to put TV into the grave, we can do exclusive deals with one of the services — it could be Netflix, or Disney+ or Amazon Prime, if the MCU is even close to being as big as OTL we can incite a bidding war for it.
Does that sound feasible @overmind
overmind
Ruler of the Swarm
Sounds like it could open a lot more complication later down the road. I can give you the choice for either Netflix or the other 2 streaming services there are at the moment, or if you don't want that we would have to find TV channels that actually have the budget for what we are trying to create here.
Netflix is the one that gave you the best deal at the moment though.
ClawClawBite
Mad Engineering!
- Location
- Seattle, WA
With Netflix, we can do a split season of 10-12, 12-10 depending on that makes sense for our episodes, arc, and planned film release schedule.
Third Time's the Charm - Pre-Production: Script+Casting Call: War Machine (February 2011)
overmind
Ruler of the Swarm
February 2011The Winning Vote said:
Script Quality #1 = 8
Wha...why are you lying on the floor? Last thing you remembered was picking up the script for War Machine's show and-
Oh God!
Now you remember, grabbing the draft you found, giving it a read through, feeling your blood just drop as your body lost all strength and the darkness became so welcoming in comparison to the unforgiving reality where you'd have to explain that yes the Ten Rings and AIM were collaborating to take down America because they hated freedom!
At least Michael explained how he'd given a shot to one of his assistants, so this was not something that he'd made. Needless to say, that assistant was fired.
Script Quality #2 = 72
Perhaps your standards were reduced after seeing that…thing… but you feel that this might actually be worthy to be called a "script" instead of "flammable thrash".
Michael managed to set the stage for a good political thriller that includes plenty of action and interpersonal relationships and conflict to keep everyone hooked on the characters. The entire story is divided in two arcs, what he calls "The Enemy Without" arc where the characters are introduced, the seeds of future betrayal are cleverly foreshadowed, and the conflict with the Ten Rings is given center stage; then comes "The Enemy Within" arc, where the mystery behind the difficulties and backers of the Ten Rings are explored, former friends and allies turn into traitors, and the final clash between War Machine and AIM takes place.
You think it's a good script, it has everything you need and more for a 22 episode season…but Michael is not satisfied. He comes to you and asks for more time, he claims he can make it better if he can give it another shot. You have already spent 4 months on this, and Marvel was not exactly happy with you to begin with…
But you trust his instincts, and you give him the time he needs.
Boy, they are not going to be happy.
Script Quality #3 = 99
You were right to believe in him. You were oh so right and you can't wait to rub it in the rest of the Execs faces!
Not that you will of course, you still need their approval and support…for now.
But you have to love the newest rendition of the script. Michael has taken the time to properly flesh the antagonists out so that they are now proper characters on their own right rather than just caricatures for the heroes to fight. Aldrich Killian, Maya Hansen, Li Ching-Lin, heck even Senator Stern have their own proper motivations beyond serving as an obstacle for the heroes. Killian is so damn charismatic and friendly that it's almost a shame that he will betray Rhodey in the end.
Michael truly pulls no punches; Killian's friendship with Rhodey is destroyed and dies attempting to aid the escape of their remaining members, Hansen survives and becomes the leader of the remains of AIM, Rhodey nearly dies as he pushes the War Machine to its limit to stop a nuclear meltdown…the list just goes on, but you don't think anyone is going to be dissatisfied with this series.
Appeal = 75
Finance = 67
And Marvel agreed with you! They had not been the most enthusiastic…Let's just call it as it is. They've pretty much hated the entire idea since they saw the cost, but having seen the final product they are now considering how this might actually be something beyond just glorified TV commercials to promote the movies.
The budget given was also quite generous, but considering how you've heard they managed to cut the costs with Netflix, they might actually be underpaying a bit.
It wouldn't surprise you in the slightest.
Casting Quality = 39
Oh sure, you make an Iron Man sequel and you have to beat the actors with a stick, but you make a TV show about one of the Side-Characters and suddenly everyone has something better to do.
Fine, their loss!
Do not vote until this post is one hour old. This will give time for additional casting suggestions. Casting suggestions are appreciated.
Casting Aldrich Killian: An Entrepreneur and CEO of "Advanced Mechanics" a Multi-National company. Aldrich is contacted by the government to aid in further development and becomes Rhodey's friend. His eventual betrayal is foreshadowed, yet expected to be a surprise.
[] [Killian] John Hannah – Has played both comedy and straight characters so he could add both to the role. Whether he will be able to bring the charisma needed for Aldrich to succeed that's another thing.
[] [Killian] Ciarán Hinds – A veteran of HBO's Rome, the former Julius Caesar is also going to star as Aberforth Dumbledore on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, but the right offer at the right time may change his mind.
[] [Killian] Guy Pearce – A very private guy, he nonetheless has played smart yet arrogant characters before. He does look a bit old though that may work in your favor if you can spin it right.
[] [Killian] I'm thinking of Someone Else: (Write In)
[] [Killian] Ciarán Hinds – A veteran of HBO's Rome, the former Julius Caesar is also going to star as Aberforth Dumbledore on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, but the right offer at the right time may change his mind.
[] [Killian] Guy Pearce – A very private guy, he nonetheless has played smart yet arrogant characters before. He does look a bit old though that may work in your favor if you can spin it right.
[] [Killian] I'm thinking of Someone Else: (Write In)
Casting Bethany Cabe: A rookie government Agent on liaison with the Military in order to monitor Rhodey and make sure his allegiances are in the right order. Through the story she and Rhodey will find common ground and question the decisions made by her superiors.
[] [Cabe] Julianne Moore – A versatile actress who's been in more TV series and movies that you can count. She knows how to play strong female characters, though she might look a bit old for the role.
[] [Cabe] Rachelle Lefevre – A Canadian actress; she has the looks, she has the experience, and she has appeared in Twilight…let's forget that last one. Anyways, Rachelle has expressed enthusiasm for the character and role.
[] [Cabe] Rose Leslie – She does not have that many roles under her name, but she's already being hailed as a "young talent". Marvel may not be too keen on hiring someone that is not that recognizable though. (Negotiation Roll)
[] [Cabe] I'm thinking of Someone Else: (Write In)
[] [Cabe] Rachelle Lefevre – A Canadian actress; she has the looks, she has the experience, and she has appeared in Twilight…let's forget that last one. Anyways, Rachelle has expressed enthusiasm for the character and role.
[] [Cabe] Rose Leslie – She does not have that many roles under her name, but she's already being hailed as a "young talent". Marvel may not be too keen on hiring someone that is not that recognizable though. (Negotiation Roll)
[] [Cabe] I'm thinking of Someone Else: (Write In)
Casting Maya Hansen: Aldrich's second in command and a true believer in AIM's goals. She holds a deep grudge against Stark as it was her company who stole her research and used it for weapons. She will set the stage for AIM's eventual takeover attempt, and be amongst the survivors of their fall.
[] [Hansen] Mary Elizabeth Winstead – Aside from her recent performance in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. She was also selected by Empire magazine as one of the 20 "young, talented, and really happening right now".
[] [Hansen] Rachael Taylor – A talented actress, her breakout role was in Transformers and sees no problem working on television at all. Her looks may not be comic accurate but you can work with that.
[] [Hansen] I'm thinking of Someone Else: (Write In)
[] [Hansen] Rachael Taylor – A talented actress, her breakout role was in Transformers and sees no problem working on television at all. Her looks may not be comic accurate but you can work with that.
[] [Hansen] I'm thinking of Someone Else: (Write In)
Casting Li Ching-Lin/Death Dealer: A CIA double agent, he has a history of brutality and ruthlessness which made him ideal for many missions, as well as hiding his participation in gathering intelligence for the Ten Rings. He's Bethany senior partner who teaches her the ropes before the betrayal.
[] [Li] Wang Qian-Yuan – He's performed mostly in Chinese Films, but from what you've seen he seems to have the talent for the role.
[] [Li] Lewis Tan – Known for his previous role in 10.000 days TV series. He's known for performing all of his action scenes and hopes this might be his big break.
[] [Li] I'm thinking of Someone Else: (Write In)
[] [Li] Lewis Tan – Known for his previous role in 10.000 days TV series. He's known for performing all of his action scenes and hopes this might be his big break.
[] [Li] I'm thinking of Someone Else: (Write In)
You can do up to 3 things in between the Production and Filming.
[] Network in Hollywood for a Director for a specific movie (Roll)
-[] Write In: Who and Which
[] Network in Hollywood for an Actor for a specific role (Roll)
-[] Write In: Who and Which
[] Focus on smoothing any obstacles for the Technical Aspects of the production and filming of the movie (Costs all 3 actions)
[] Network with Ike Perlmutter (Roll)
[] Network with Marvel Executives (Roll)
[] Network with your current Directors (Roll)
-[] Which one: Write In
[] Network with the Production Crew (Roll)
-[] Write In: Which Movie
[] Participate in interviews and events in order to hype future movies. (Roll)
[] Promote a character with the Execs for one of the upcoming movies.
-[] Write In:
[] Convince Marvel to negotiate with the studios (Sony, Fox, Lionsgate, New Line Cinema) for the rights of a character (Roll)
-[] Which one: Write In
[] Investigate a bit, see what your competition is up to (Roll)
-[] Sony
-[] Fox
-[] Lionsgate
-[] Warner Studios
[] Marvel may choose the movies you make but you can try and fight for greater control (Hard Negotiation Roll)
- Pronouns
- They/Them
[] [Killian] Ciarán Hinds – A veteran of HBO's Rome, the former Julius Caesar is also going to star as Aberforth Dumbledore on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, but the right offer at the right time may change his mind.
No other opinions, but I'm liking this choice.
No other opinions, but I'm liking this choice.
- Location
- USA
[] Plan: Peace Off
-[] [Killian] Ciarán Hinds
-[] [Cabe] Rachelle Lefevre
-[] [Hansen] Mary Elizabeth Winstead
-[] [Li] Lewis Tan
-[] Network with Ike Perlmutter (Roll)
-[] Network with Marvel Executives (Roll)
-[] Convince Marvel to negotiate with the studios (Sony, Fox, Lionsgate, New Line Cinema) for the rights of a character (Roll)
--[] Which one: Deadpool
This is what I am thinking for the characters and actions for this phase.
I'm flexible on the actors though, less flexible on the actions.
-[] [Killian] Ciarán Hinds
-[] [Cabe] Rachelle Lefevre
-[] [Hansen] Mary Elizabeth Winstead
-[] [Li] Lewis Tan
-[] Network with Ike Perlmutter (Roll)
-[] Network with Marvel Executives (Roll)
-[] Convince Marvel to negotiate with the studios (Sony, Fox, Lionsgate, New Line Cinema) for the rights of a character (Roll)
--[] Which one: Deadpool
This is what I am thinking for the characters and actions for this phase.
I'm flexible on the actors though, less flexible on the actions.
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- Pronouns
- They/Them
Hmm, what are you feeling about John Hannah. I've never seen him, so I'm willing to be sold on it and all.
I've seen Hinds and was really impressed by his turn of acting in HBO's Rome, which is one of the few times I actually maybe know who these actors are.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I'm now slightly worried a script roll of 1 will actually kill our character.
Yeah, everything else I could give or take but we need This man.
ClawClawBite
Mad Engineering!
- Location
- Seattle, WA
If we want to start space marvel in phase two, going to fox for the Super-Skrull may be handy, and a lot cheaper and easier than Deadpool.
Deadpool is not really Avengers, unless someone has a specific plan to use him Nas an antagonist who turns, or allies against third parties in the future.
Deadpool is not really Avengers, unless someone has a specific plan to use him Nas an antagonist who turns, or allies against third parties in the future.
- Location
- USA
[x] Plan: Peace Off
-[x] [Killian] Ciarán Hinds
-[x] [Cabe] Rachelle Lefevre
-[x] [Hansen] Mary Elizabeth Winstead
-[x] [Li] Lewis Tan
-[x] Network with Ike Perlmutter (Roll)
-[x] Network with Marvel Executives (Roll)
-[x] Convince Marvel to negotiate with the studios (Sony, Fox, Lionsgate, New Line Cinema) for the rights of a character (Roll)
--[x] Which one: Deadpool
-[x] [Killian] Ciarán Hinds
-[x] [Cabe] Rachelle Lefevre
-[x] [Hansen] Mary Elizabeth Winstead
-[x] [Li] Lewis Tan
-[x] Network with Ike Perlmutter (Roll)
-[x] Network with Marvel Executives (Roll)
-[x] Convince Marvel to negotiate with the studios (Sony, Fox, Lionsgate, New Line Cinema) for the rights of a character (Roll)
--[x] Which one: Deadpool
There was a joke in one of the Deadpool movies that he was specifically left out of the Avengers Initiative because of mental instability, and I kind of love that head canon.
[X]Plan War and Peace
-[X] [Killian] Ciaran Hinds
-[X] [Cabe] Julianne Moore
-[X] [Hansen] Mary Elizabeth Winstead
-[X] [Li] Lewis Tan
-[X] Network with Ike Perlmutter (Roll)
-[X] Network with Marvel Executives (Roll)
-[X] Investigate a bit, see what your competition is up to (Roll)
--[X] Fox
-[X] [Killian] Ciaran Hinds
-[X] [Cabe] Julianne Moore
-[X] [Hansen] Mary Elizabeth Winstead
-[X] [Li] Lewis Tan
-[X] Network with Ike Perlmutter (Roll)
-[X] Network with Marvel Executives (Roll)
-[X] Investigate a bit, see what your competition is up to (Roll)
--[X] Fox