New web series information!!!!! by Oblivion

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

New web series information!!!!!

POSTED BY: OBLIVION
UPDATED: Sunday, January 17, 2010 18:39
SHORT URL:
VIEWED: 23116
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Monday, January 11, 2010 12:16 AM

Fans of Firefly....

Here we are...standing on the brink...the edge...ready to dive into the black on another adventure. Media Blender Studio is proud to begin production on "Courage: Adventures of a Firefly". What was supposed to go into production in a few months has now been fast tracked due to the overwhelming response from fans after our announcement on Saturday evening. Sunday, 3D models of the new ship "Courage" were started, the pilot episode was fine tuned, and casting began! What was accomplished in 24 hours was mind blowing!
Having acquired the new CANON EOS 7D cameras, the new show will look visually stunning and very reminiscent to the original "Firefly" series. The new "boat" and sets are being built in and around Portland, Oregon. Being that Oregon is full of lush forests and harsh deserts it seemed to be the best choice and very fitting. Read below for the new series synopsis.

"James Nicholson finds himself with a handsome settlement after discovering of his Father's untimely demise at the hands of the Alliance. Stating in the will, as a last request, that he wanted James to buy a boat and explore the verse, James does just that. Finding a class three "militia style" Firefly modified during the civil war to support the Independent Cause, James sees no better way to honor his Father. Along with his Father's best friend and Browncoat buddy, Thomas, they strike a crew, each with their own daunting and troubling pasts, and set forth into the black to explore the far reaches of the borders and outrun the long arms of the Alliance."

Courage: Adventures of a Firefly will take place alongside the first season of the original series. Knowing we cannot stand up to the characters Joss Whedon has already created, we hope to create knew ones and let fans see more of this vast verse as well as honor Joss for all that he's given us.
You, the fans are the most important part of this puzzle. We have six scheduled episodes to be shot. A small tease will be available in the coming weeks. If the response is immense at the time of the release of the series' pilot episode, we will go from six to twelve and so on. We cannot express how important it is to have the support from all the fans on this one! We want o have an extensive viewership and to create some major buzz!
We have created characters that you will love...hate...laugh with...and relate to and story lines that will compel you farther into this wonderful thing we call "fandom"!

Now...lets here all the questions and comments! And thanks again!

Media Blender Studio

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Monday, January 11, 2010 12:49 AM

TEACHDAIRE

Sounds way cool.

Any information as to what kind of crew members there are going to be?

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For every battle honour, a thousand heroes die along, unremembered and unsung...

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Monday, January 11, 2010 1:13 AM

OBLIVION

There will be James (the captain), Thomas (executive officer), a mechanic, a pilot, a communications officer, and a weapons specialist. There are also a few other characters that will join the crew and are wonderful additions.

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Monday, January 11, 2010 4:18 AM

ZEEK

Does Joss have anything to do with this project or is it just some non-cannon fanfic?

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Monday, January 11, 2010 5:32 AM

BYTEMITE

Non-canon fanfic, sounds like. Don't know anything about the studio in question, whether it's established or some kind of start-up.

There's plenty of people out there producing fanwork, like that browncoats redemption project. And they haven't been advertising themselves as official. I don't find anything offensive about them, and actually I'll probably check out their pilot to see if I like it. Best of luck to them.

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Monday, January 11, 2010 5:58 AM

ZEEK

Quote:
Originally posted by Bytemite:
Non-canon fanfic, sounds like. Don't know anything about the studio in question, whether it's established or some kind of start-up.

There's plenty of people out there producing fanwork, like that browncoats redemption project. And they haven't been advertising themselves as official. I don't find anything offensive about them, and actually I'll probably check out their pilot to see if I like it. Best of luck to them.

Not offensive. I was just curious if this was blessed by anyone official. If it was that would be huge. If not, it's nice but nothing special IMO.

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Monday, January 11, 2010 6:10 AM

PENNAUSAMIKE

Quote:
Originally posted by Oblivion:
Media Blender Studio is proud to begin production on "Courage: Adventures of a Firefly".
SNIP
You, the fans are the most important part of this puzzle.
SNIP
If the response is immense at the time of the release of the series' pilot episode,
we will go from six to twelve and so on.
We want o have an extensive viewership and to create some major buzz!

Media Blender Studio

I'm going to suggest that you hold off on your hopes for an "immense" response until you actually have enough work done to make completion of your project a likely reality.
Firefly fan films abound, but only two of them are on track to actually be released.

"Bellflower", which has been under way the longest:

Bellflower Teaser trailer

The Bellflower Trailer

Bellflower Pre-Production Montage

And "Browncoats: Redemption" which has been on the steadiest production schedule.

Browncoats: Redemption Character Teaser Trailer

Browncoats: Redemption Trailer

Making of Browncoats: Redemption, a Firefly Fan Film

Started around the same time as "Bellflower" (I think) was "Into The Black".
Although they made some good headway for a while, I think they have put their hopes for producing filmed episodes on hold, and are now pursuing a web-comic format.

Into The Black Trailer

Into the Black Christmas Special

Into the Black on Global National News

I have hopes of producing my own Firefly fan film, "Fool Me Twice".
But, I'm stuck in a pre-production limbo because my real-life responsibilities are keeping me from putting together a production team.
http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=46129&highlight=Firefly+Fan+Fil
m
The sixth and seventh posts on the 2nd page, plus some additional prop and costume work, pretty much reflect where we are at now.

The basic story centers around an Alliance sergeant, at the end of his career,
sent to squelch former-Independent businessmen who have turned to smuggling under UAP rule.
This is NOT what the sergeant fought for (and watched his friends die for) in the war to unite the planets,
and that personal conflict is brought to a head in a meeting with the ex-Browncoats.
Our sergeant notes, “Yeah, well, there’s plenty for whom the cost of Unification exceeds the value.”

I certainly wish you all the best, tho' this will now be the 5th take on an older ship...with a ragtag crew...secrets...rebel past...etc., etc.

Mike

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Monday, January 11, 2010 9:47 AM

STORYMARK

Quote:
Originally posted by Bytemite:
And they haven't been advertising themselves as official. I don't find anything offensive about them, and actually I'll probably check out their pilot to see if I like it. Best of luck to them.

Saying it's official and it actually being official aint exactly the same.

More power to them and all. I've nothing against fan productions. But just saying something is official when it is not, just to drive interest, is somewhat less than honest.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Monday, January 11, 2010 9:51 AM

OBLIVION

For all the confusion between people currently...when we say official, we are referring to our small studio giving it the greenlight and going into production. This is a FAN series and in no way, shape, or form has anything to do with Joss Whedon or FOX. Although, we hope we have Whedon's blessing as we know how much he supports the fans.

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Monday, January 11, 2010 9:58 AM

STORYMARK

Cool. Well, good luck with it. Keep us appraised.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Monday, January 11, 2010 10:14 AM

BYTEMITE

Ummm... You misunderstood me, Storymark, I said that they HAVEN'T been saying they're official or canon.

If I thought they were trying to pull something on me, claiming they were official/canon when they aren't then you can bet my reaction would be quite a bit more negative.

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Monday, January 11, 2010 10:19 AM

GED

I'm elated that fans are continuing stories in the verse. I hope this series will spark more interest and perhaps raise a few eyebrows at Fox, and hopefully bring back our beloved show in some form.

So why the name Bellflower, out of curiosity? What's the significance behind the name? Or do we have to watch to find out?

__________________________________________________
This above all, — to thine ownself be true.

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Monday, January 11, 2010 10:29 AM

STORYMARK

Quote:
Originally posted by Bytemite:
Ummm... You misunderstood me, Storymark, I said that they HAVEN'T been saying they're official or canon.

If I thought they were trying to pull something on me, claiming they were official/canon when they aren't then you can bet my reaction would be quite a bit more negative.

You're right, I did misread. Apologies.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Monday, January 11, 2010 10:36 AM

OBLIVION

We need to throw up the hands here....We are not "Bellflower". We are entirely different and wish them the best of luck as well. They're several stories to be told in the verse.

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Monday, January 11, 2010 1:09 PM

STORYMARK

...I don't think anyone has you confused with Bellflower....

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Monday, January 11, 2010 1:11 PM

OBLIVION

GED made a comment about it. We don't want to cross lines even though their project looks great!

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Monday, January 11, 2010 1:14 PM

PEACEKEEPER

Keeping order in every verse

Does any production of this kind REQUIRE the blessing of Joss Whedon.Even if it doesn't, would it not be a matter of courtesy? I'm all for it,btw, I'm just interested to know.

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

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Wednesday, January 13, 2010 6:42 AM

BIGZEKE

I imagine whether a project requires the blessing of its creator depends on what's being done with it. The Spike/Angel slashfic in "C:/My Documents/For Fun" really doesn't require Joss's blessing however making and releasing a live action movie would probably tread copyright ground somewhere...

I also agree with Oblivion, that there are several stories, at the very least, to be told in the rich 'Verse that Joss created. However, out of a true respect to the fans, and even deeper respect to the creator himself I hope that the guys at Media Blender Studios do take the time to try and contact Joss/Fox/Universal and let them know what they're doing and inquire if they have any guidelines that need to be followed. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about what they're presenting here, but the last thing I'd want, and I imagine any Firefly fan would want, is any potential future fan based projects to be shut down by the powers that be because one project crossed a line somewhere; Especially if it's a line that they didn't know about, or didn't cross intentionally, but just because of over-excitement.

For all I know(and that's not a lot about this kind of thing) the word "Firefly" or the general design of the ship even, might be trademarked or copyrighted or something and using that might be enough of an infringement to cause a problem. I don't know, does anyone else?

Bottom line: I'm quite excited but pretty please with a cherry on top do all the homework and research needed to make the project a success. I've been waiting too damn long for more big damn stories from the 'Verse and I just don't want to be teased for nothing again!

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Thursday, January 14, 2010 10:07 AM

OBLIVION

No teasing. Principal cinematography begins next week. We have lots of people working eagerly to bring everyone a big damn show!

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Thursday, January 14, 2010 10:48 AM

STORYMARK

Quote:
Originally posted by peacekeeper:
Does any production of this kind REQUIRE the blessing of Joss Whedon.Even if it doesn't, would it not be a matter of courtesy? I'm all for it,btw, I'm just interested to know.

Peacekeeper---keeping order in every verse!!!

No, not really, as he doesn't own the property. To be officially sanctioned, they would need the blessing of Uni/Fox though.

But as a fan film, they'll essentially fly under the rader. Studios don't really bother with them - unless they make money - then they'll step in. But as long as the series is available for no charge, they should be fine.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Thursday, January 14, 2010 11:15 AM

STORYMARK

Quote:
Originally posted by BigZeke:
For all I know(and that's not a lot about this kind of thing) the word "Firefly" or the general design of the ship even, might be trademarked or copyrighted or something and using that might be enough of an infringement to cause a problem. I don't know, does anyone else?

Yes, those things would be protected (Firefly as a title could be reused by someone, but it'd have to be a very different context).

Just doing a fan film is technically ilegal. And the studios in all liklihood will not sign off on it, as it would open a can of worms legally*. But, as I said above, as long as they don't make any money off of it, they shouldn't draw any ire from the studio.

*The only exception, to date, would be the Star Trek Phase II and Of Gods and Men fan films, which feature many Trek actors (including Walter Koenig and Nichelle Nichols), and were semi-approved by Paramount.

I do know some guys prepping a web series based on Highlander, and have been talking to the rights holder to make it an official production - but they haven't really gotten anywhere, but part of their problem lies in the pending remake.

"I thoroughly disapprove of duels. If a man should challenge me, I would take him kindly and forgivingly by the hand and lead him to a quiet place and kill him."

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Thursday, January 14, 2010 9:28 PM

YELLOWJACKET

This is a strange sort of discussion for fans of Firefly. Are we really questioning the merits of permissions, rights and blessings over the opportunity to sink our teeth into another little tidbit of Firefly fandom? Then we've come a long way since the viral marketing days of 11th hour.

Browncoats are synonymous with independence. To get the sanction of Fox (that unholy alliance of show canceling sons of...well...you know) seems counterintuitive on many levels. Joss has openly told us fans to keep up the cause. To rally. To ply the airwaves with the signal. To share through song, verse, music and film the very lifeblood of a cause never to be left behind or forgotten.

One more story to tell. One more cozy corner of the Verse to put up our feet.

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Friday, January 15, 2010 5:15 AM

ZEEK

Yellowjacket, your tone scares me. I think you might be taking the browncoat thing way too seriously. It's cute to call ourselves browncoats. We are not really saying we're an army of independents. We are a group of fans. We are not here to break the law. We live in the real world where Fox and Universal have rights, and we should all respect them. Otherwise we risk ruining the name of browncoats and all the charity work and good things people have done under the browncoat name.

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Friday, January 15, 2010 5:47 AM

MICJWELCH

My understanding is that Serenity fan fiction is much easier to get away with than Firefly fan fiction, simply because of who owns Firefly.

I'm also working on a Firefly Fan fic video, all though it won't be a series, and is just meant for fun. If some lawyer tells me to back off, then I will, but until then, I'm going to do the best I can with it. I am technically creating an original work.

This project that they're working on has a new crew with new stories. It seems to me that if they have to, they can just remove the word "Firefly" from the title, and they should be fine. It could be on the Millennium Falcon for all anyone cares. Space Pirates are not a new idea. Fox doesn't own that.

"Always be yourself. Unless You suck." - Joss Whedon

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Friday, January 15, 2010 6:20 AM

YELLOWJACKET

Regarding the subject of applied tone I can say only this...that online posting is a fallible medium. You shouldn't read into any post that I might make with a tone of lawless abandon or wanton disregard for copyrights. I simply choose to point out the optimism of the favorable 'what might be' before and above the dread of horrible 'what ifs'.

In other words, I support another fan's love of Firefly first and foremost publicly, while recognizing privately the possible legal and financial hurdles of taking on such a project.

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Sunday, January 17, 2010 6:39 PM

GRINDER

Guys, guys, guys... Can't we all just get along?!

Seriously, I've meet a couple of people from Media Blender and I have to say they're commited to making this project as entertaining as possible without stepping on the original series, film or other fan-filk's toes. The small part of the script I've seen has such diverse characters that it's in no way going to be just a hum-drum job. The actor who's playing the Captain, whom I had a chance to chat a short while with, knows his stuff and is going to do great. The project, as a whole, is going to be fun.

I'm not brown-nosing (though I did audition, failing miserably, lol), but I'm going to have to rank this, from what I've seen, read and heard, up there with some of the best fan-made works available. If not better.

As someone said earlier, there are a lot of stories to tell, and I'm eagerly awaiting this one's release on the cortex.

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Mind like a steel trap... Rusty and illegal in most states.

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