NationStates Jolt Archive

Just for my own professional refference as to wether or not to persue this option in my future film career, I've often considered writing a script on a Warhammer Novel/occurance. I don't know much about Warhammer Fantasy, but I'm still open to the suggestion. I'm thinking for 40k to base the book upon the Horus Heresy, either based upon available info from the Codexes or based upon the books (IE: Horus Rising, False Gods, ect), since it would appear that there isn't any current plans for making a movie. It would be a wee bit difficult to do a movie on current times methinks because of the fact it's in constant motion. Or if I should scrap the idea all together and go with another film/genre.

I'd like to see a movie of the Inquisitor series by Ian Watson, myself.

I'd like to see a movie of the Inquisitor series by Ian Watson, myself.

Seconded, though startin with a Horus Heresy movie would be a sensible way to start.

Personally, I'd prefer one of the Ciaphas Cain novels. An interestingly amusing variation on WH40K.

Although, the problem is that a lot of people wouldn't get the joke.

Seconded, though startin with a Horus Heresy movie would be a sensible way to start.

I've heard they're pretty cool, but what you said is what I'm thinking. And I also believe that it shouldn't be all CGI... Like BloodQuest was suppose to be. Now viewing their trailer w/ the animation at the time... I'd say it didn't give 40k that "Omph" it deserves. EDIT: I'd like to see them mix real actors w/CGI and models. My prefered company would be Wingnut Films.

Any Warhammer film would be too epic in scope to just jump into the middle of. It would make Star Wars look like a half-hour cartoon in comparison, and anyone not even familiar with it might be turned off by the whole Gothic Sci Fi atmosphere.

Personally a film venture into the 40K universe ought to start from a small perspective like the Fire Warrior game did, something people can focus on before bringing them to the big picture of the 41st Millenium. A good way would probably be an original Kal Jericho film.

Warhammer Fantasy would make a great movie setting, although odds are you'd have to limit the scale somewhat to make it "appealing".

You would have to acquire the rights first and you couldn't afford the rights

Personally a film venture into the 40K universe ought to start from a small perspective like the Fire Warrior game did, something people can focus on before bringing them to the big picture of the 41st Millenium. A good way would probably be an original Kal Jericho film.
That would be ace.

And you’re quite right, a film launching into the Horus Heresy or something similar would be of little interest to those who weren’t in on the hobby. Necromunda, specifically HIve Primus, would be a great introduction to the 40k universe.

Although Steve Buscemi must be Scabbs.

IMHO, the best plot for a warhammer movie would be the sundering, rather epic tale, lots of CGI, ect.

Whatever you do, don't let Hollywood get wind of it. They'll turn the Imperium from its theocratic fascist base into some kind of freedom spouting democratic society.

Horus Heresy would be throwing the grand majority of the potential audience into the metaphorical Deep End. The Horus Heresy, I feel, might be a little too complex for anyone who's not familiar in the least with the 40K universe. You have to remember any WH film will need to appeal to a wider audience than regular WH fans in order to be successful.

Perhaps an Inquisitor film would be more appropriate. Bad-Ass in Space with a Bolt pistol. Could serve as an intro to other 40K films.

I've actually talked to other people on various forums about this subject. One major problem is who in the hell do you cast in a Live Action 40K movie? Especially if it where the HH, with all the Primarchs and Emperor? Whoever you choose, fans will get pissed.

Also, has anyone thought about animating a 40K movie instead? Quite a few people have said to me that they'd quite like to see a 40K movie in Japanese animation, considering all the great anime movies out there such as Ghost in the Shell and *shivers* Akira...

Also, has anyone thought about animating a 40K movie instead? Quite a few people have said to me that they’d quite like to see a 40K movie in Japanese animation, considering all the great anime movies out there such as Ghost in the Shell and *shivers* Akira...
I’d be much more happy with an animation than a live-action film. Less compromises overall.

And I imagine it’s more in line with any budget GW would have to stump up.

If they made a 40K or fantasy film in the anime style, I'd probably cry fiery tears of pure hatred and malice.

If they made a 40K or fantasy film in the anime style, I'd probably cry fiery tears of pure hatred and malice.

In comparison to say, making an incredibly expensive Live Action / CGI movie with completely unsuitable actors?

If they made a 40K or fantasy film in the anime style, I’d probably cry fiery tears of pure hatred and malice.
It wouldn’t have to look Japanese-y, which I admit wouldn’t quite fit with the Gothic style of the 40k universe, but I don’t see the problem with animation in general.

I’d wager a live-action film would be more problematic and heartbreaking for fans.

You should do a movie on Dune instead. I mean, without Sting of course. Just pretend that one never happened.

In comparison to say, making an incredibly expensive Live Action / CGI movie with completely unsuitable actors?

Yes. The style is just not suited to 40K. Commissar Yarrick wouldn't look good with dinner-plate eyes.

Yes. The style is just not suited to 40K. Commissar Yarrick wouldn’t look good with dinner-plate eyes.
That’s an incredibly narrow conception of what (Jap)animation is.

You should do a movie on Dune instead. I mean, without Sting of course. Just pretend that one never happened.
*points to door*

Get out!

:p

That’s an incredibly narrow conception of what (Jap)animation is.

Awfully sorry, I'll never attempt humour again. You've opened my eyes.

*points to door*

Get out!

:p

It would be much easier to film than 40k. It could be live action, with only a few CG parts. A good Warhammer just isn't possible for at least a decade.

Well, ok, a couple years. But still.

Yes. The style is just not suited to 40K. Commissar Yarrick wouldn't look good with dinner-plate eyes.

You have obviously not seen very much of the highly-acclaimed Japanese animation out there. Might I recommend:

Ghost in the Shell

Akira *shudder*

Ninja Scroll

You can actually buy all three as a boxset in many places. They are regarded as a selection of the best mature rated animated films ever. Watch them, and you'll see how well 40K could be done in animation.

Awfully sorry, I'll never attempt humour again. You've opened my eyes.

Sorry. I always get pissed at narrow minded people who dismiss all Anime as mere "cartoons". Yes, there is a lot of mainstream Anime you could call cartoony, but there's also a vast amount of it that could never be compared to your average "cartoon" ever.

You have obviously not seen very much of the highly-acclaimed Japanese animation out there. Might I recommend:

Ghost in the Shell

Akira *shudder*

Ninja Scroll

You can actually buy all three as a boxset in many places. They are regarded as a selection of the best mature rated animated films ever. Watch them, and you'll see how well 40K could be done in animation.

I felt violated after I watched Akira.

Awfully sorry, I’ll never attempt humour again. You’ve opened my eyes.
Humour doesn’t translate very well into text-based chat.

As to my point, see Paprika and Mind Game for two recent examples of what the animation genre can do.

I felt violated after I watched Akira.

Yeah, I only recommend people watch it once ever. Just to experience it. It's damned good animation, you have to admit.

If you base it off of Dawn of War I'm sure you'll get a lot more support, since that is the game that makes Warhammer much more well known. Why don't you write a movie script based off of that book, and include backround histories, and clip back to the Horus Heresy, since that planet (Tartarus) is a part of its history

It would be much easier to film than 40k. It could be live action, with only a few CG parts.
I was more meaning you should wash your mouth out for dissing Lynch’s Dune. It has its flaws, sure, but it’s so over-the-top, so camp, and a good stab at filming the novel, IMHO.

Though I well understand it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Ghost in the Shell

Akira *shudder*

Ninja Scroll
Akira and GitS are both amazing pieces of anime, as is GitS: Stand Alone Complex, but Ninja Scroll is just trashy.

I felt violated after I watched Akira.
It certainly pales in comparison to the original six-volume manga, but it’s a great anime; stunning visuals, a cracking soundtrack and scary psychic children.

What more could you want? :p

Yeah, I only recommend people watch it once ever. Just to experience it. It's damned good animation, you have to admit.

Do I?

You would have to acquire the rights first and you couldn't afford the rights

I've been a gaming retailer for years, and Games Workshop is the most incredibly sucky company I've ever had the misfortune to work with. I wouldn't even attempt to do business with them. Most RPG companies are aware that the principals and staff of the company are really human beings, not the uber-characters they sell. Somebody needs to make it clear to them that "the customer" gets to decide what they want to buy, not "the company".

Just say no.

I was more meaning you should wash your mouth out for dissing Lynch’s Dune. It has its flaws, sure, but it’s so over-the-top, so camp, and a good stab at filming the novel, IMHO.

Though I well understand it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.



I think my hatred of Sting got in the way. I really, really, really loath him and the Police.

I was more meaning you should wash your mouth out for dissing Lynch’s Dune. It has its flaws, sure, but it’s so over-the-top, so camp, and a good stab at filming the novel, IMHO.

Though I well understand it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

The Sci-Fi Channel remake was surprisingly better as hard as that is to believe.

Akira and GitS are both amazing pieces of anime, as is GitS: Stand Alone Complex, but Ninja Scroll is just trashy.

I didn't really like Akira. It was an awesome anime from a purely visual perspective, but I was frankly bored through most of it.

Then again, I probably shouldn't talk. My favorite anime, ever, is Full Metal Alchemist (fansubbed, not this dubbed bullshit).


It certainly pales in comparison to the original six-volume manga, but it’s a great anime; stunning visuals, a cracking soundtrack and scary psychic children.

What more could you want? :p

A plot that made even a little sense?

And why is my beloved Vampire Hunter D listed nowhere here?! :mad:

The Sci-Fi Channel remake was surprisingly better as hard as that is to believe.
What can I say, I’m a sucker for Lynch and Kyle MacLachlan.

I didn’t really like Akira. It was an awesome anime from a purely visual perspective, but I was frankly bored through most of it.

A plot that made even a little sense?
The film is a snapshot of a 2000+ page manga, and as such just can’t contain all the elements of the story.

I like the film despite its flaws, and as I also love the original manga, the film makes a nice supplement. There's not much excuse for the intelligibility of Akira apart from, "read the manga!"; a highly recommended action.

And why is my beloved Vampire Hunter D listed nowhere here?! :mad:
That’s one of the ‘classics’ I have still yet to see.

So if anyone would still like to see a Live Action cast for any kind of Warhammer movie, any suggestions for who to cast as the Primarchs, the Emperor, or any other prominent 40k character?

I've been a gaming retailer for years, and Games Workshop is the most incredibly sucky company I've ever had the misfortune to work with. I wouldn't even attempt to do business with them. Most RPG companies are aware that the principals and staff of the company are really human beings, not the uber-characters they sell. Somebody needs to make it clear to them that "the customer" gets to decide what they want to buy, not "the company".

Just say no.

The thing is, I know it's just a thread for pointless speculation about a hypothetical event but the OP talked about his "film career" so I just thought I better warn him that his idea is a complete non-starter so he doesn't end up wasting a lot of time and effort.

I dont know anything about fantasy so I will talk on topic about 40k.

If you are looking for a horror style film, a tyranid or necron based film could go well. (Maybe even orks)

If you are looking for a movie more like a sci-fi version of troy or 300, something about the damocles campaign or the gothic wars would work.

If you like the tau, you could maybe do a thing about O'shava and the farsight enclaves.

If you like mindless torture films like Ichi the killer, I could possibly see a dark eldar pic.

The possibilities for a successfull 40k movies are many. But it really comes down to the matter of how good a director you are. Also a larger than normal bugdet might be needed.

What can I say, I’m a sucker for Lynch and Kyle MacLachlan.

Despite having read the book before seeing it, it was absurdly hard to follow at times, and often seemed to be making too many disconnected head-nods to the book. Still, to each his or her own.

The film is a snapshot of a 2000+ page manga, and as such just can’t contain all the elements of the story.

I like the film despite its flaws, and as I also love the original manga, the film makes a nice supplement. There's not much excuse for the intelligibility of Akira apart from, "read the manga!"; a highly recommended action.

Hmm. I may just have to hunt down a copy of them.


That’s one of the ‘classics’ I have still yet to see.

It's worth it. Especially bloodlust. I'm really hoping they make more, given the vast number of Vampire Hunter D books out.

I dont know anything about fantasy so I will talk on topic about 40k.

If you are looking for a horror style film, a tyranid or necron based film could go well. (Maybe even orks)

If you are looking for a movie more like a sci-fi version of troy or 300, something about the damocles campaign or the gothic wars would work.

If you like the tau, you could maybe do a thing about O'shava and the farsight enclaves.

If you like mindless torture films like Ichi the killer, I could possibly see a dark eldar pic.

The possibilities for a successfull 40k movies are many. But it really comes down to the matter of how good a director you are. Also a larger than normal bugdet might be needed.

What about a romantic comedy?

I was more meaning you should wash your mouth out for dissing Lynch’s Dune. It has its flaws, sure, but it’s so over-the-top, so camp, and a good stab at filming the novel, IMHO.

Though I well understand it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

I personally feel that dune's been a failure as a movie. Though the book is one of my favorites, and it's a damn shame it hasn't been as successful as it should be.

Dune was already re-done as a TV-mini series by Sci-fi (2000) but that wasn't exactly what I'd call... Quality/close to the book. I felt the TV version was while the better of the lot (though I have to watch it again to reconsider), but it still was missing something. But it was infinately better than the movies. Maybe I should do a remake...


But back to 40k. Anime wouldn't be too bad, though I have to admit Anime isn't my bag. CGI would be cool, but from what I saw from their last attempt with BloodQuest, it was horrid. What GW should do, if they don't do Anime, is they should contact their sources in New Line (they already have relationships from the LotR table top game) and get Jackson to do it, Robert Rodgriguez or Quentin Tarantino. Jackson's team of animators is, IMO, excellent. Kong was a realistic character and LotR was amazing. Rodriguez is great for green screen stuff (I mean, Elijah Wood and Mickey Rourke never met eachother during the shooting). Sure CGI/Real Actors is more expensive, but I feel that it'd be worth while in the end. It payed off LotR.

Hmm. I may just have to hunt down a copy of them.
If you do, try and pick up the Dark Horse publications. Marvel have just released a colourised version, but I think they’re pretty expensive and I’m not sure if they’re what Otomo was aiming at.

As far as I know, the British and US versions are exactly the same, so they’re split into six volumes. Well worth the price.

It’s worth it. Especially bloodlust. I’m really hoping they make more, given the vast number of Vampire Hunter D books out.
Well, I’ll certainly look them out; I’ve heard nothing but good about the two (it is two, isn’t it?) films.

If you do, try and pick up the Dark Horse publications. Marvel have just released a colourised version, but I think they’re pretty expensive and I’m not sure if they’re what Otomo was aiming at.

I'm an enormous Marvel fan (I run a Marvel pen and paper RPG on an offsite). I will definitely have to check this out.

Well, I’ll certainly look them out; I’ve heard nothing but good about the two (it is two, isn’t it?) films.

Yup, two movies. There are something like 7+ books, but only a handful have made it into English versions, iirc.

I’m an enormous Marvel fan (I run a Marvel pen and paper RPG on an offsite). I will definitely have to check this out.
I’m wanting to get my hands on them as well, but I’m glad I’ve got the Dark Horse versions.

EDIT: turns out my info was a bit wonky; the colourised versions have been out for years. Check out this (http://www.akira2019.com/comics_marvel_epic.htm) site for more info.

Yup, two movies. There are something like 7+ books, but only a handful have made it into English versions, iirc.
Cheers.

I personally feel that dune's been a failure as a movie. Though the book is one of my favorites, and it's a damn shame it hasn't been as successful as it should be.

Dune was already re-done as a TV-mini series by Sci-fi (2000) but that wasn't exactly what I'd call... Quality/close to the book. I felt the TV version was while the better of the lot (though I have to watch it again to reconsider), but it still was missing something. But it was infinately better than the movies. Maybe I should do a remake...


A huge portion of Dune (and its sequels) is either description or inner-monologue/dialog. Children of Dune also requires a good deal of CGI towards the end to be done right. The scifi channel did a good attempt but it's really a series that needs to be done as either an anime series or have an amazing director and be split into three very long movies with a monstrous budget. The anime route is obviously a bit more realistic and I dream of the day a good cinematic adaptation of the books is made.

definately horus heresy for best story.


of course me being tau, i'd like to see one of the damocles gulf crusade, but i think the heresy would make a better movie.

A huge portion of Dune (and its sequels) is either description or inner-monologue/dialog. Children of Dune also requires a good deal of CGI towards the end to be done right. The scifi channel did a good attempt but it's really a series that needs to be done as either an anime series or have an amazing director and be split into three very long movies with a monstrous budget. The anime route is obviously a bit more realistic and I dream of the day a good cinematic adaptation of the books is made.

Agreed. Now for who'd be that amazing director. Not me, that's for sure, I hate working on set.

Agreed. Now for who'd be that amazing director. Not me, that's for sure, I hate working on set.

Yea, like I said, I think it's just more feasible that a good anime adaptation of the trilogy is made and have it broken down into a series. But, then again, I'm a fan of anime and I'm sure others who hate the stuff would cry foul. =p

As regards the actual topic, though, which I realized I completely ignored.... I want me my Dark Eldarr movie, dammit! Dark Eldarr or nothin'. ;)

Hell, you'd think the NS forums would be all about a movie modeled after the most Machiavellian race in the 40k universe!

Yea, like I said, I think it's just more feasible that a good anime adaptation of the trilogy is made and have it broken down into a series. But, then again, I'm a fan of anime and I'm sure others who hate the stuff would cry foul. =p

As regards the actual topic, though, which I realized I completely ignored.... I want me my Dark Eldarr movie, dammit! Dark Eldarr or nothin'. ;)

Hell, you'd think the NS forums would be all about a movie modeled after the most Machiavellian race in the 40k universe!

Meh, Dark Eldar weren't evil enough and were removed from the game. They don't deserve a movie :p

Besides, I'd rather see a movie about chaos. Much more fun and evil.

Meh, Dark Eldar weren't evil enough and were removed from the game. They don't deserve a movie :p

Besides, I'd rather see a movie about chaos. Much more fun and evil.

Wait, wtf....removed from the game? I haven't played tabletop in 4-5 years so I've not really kept up with the new codex...when did they get removed from the game....and WHY? o.O

While Chaos is evil and insane, the Dark Eldarr are insane, evil and calculating. They have a very good reason for being the way they are and their warped society is a reflection of their incredible egoism. It's an entire society of psychopaths and they're one of the more fascinating races. It makes me very sad to hear they've removed them from the game, if that's true. :(

Wait, wtf....removed from the game? I haven't played tabletop in 4-5 years so I've not really kept up with the new codex...when did they get removed from the game....and WHY? o.O

While Chaos is evil and insane, the Dark Eldarr are insane, evil and calculating. They have a very good reason for being the way they are and their warped society is a reflection of their incredible egoism. It's an entire society of psychopaths and they're one of the more fascinating races. It makes me very sad to hear they've removed them from the game, if that's true. :(

Don't worry, they didn't get removed from the game. Apparently Jervis Johnson said at the UK Games Day that they're still in the conceptual faze for a new book, as they want to start over with them.

Also, Dark Eldar are going to be in the new expansion for Dawn of War.

Don't worry, they didn't get removed from the game. Apparently Jervis Johnson said at the UK Games Day that they're still in the conceptual faze for a new book, as they want to start over with them.

Also, Dark Eldar are going to be in the new expansion for Dawn of War.

They were removed from the 4th edition. All of the models are now considered "classics" which aren't being produced any more. If they start over with Dark Eldar themselves, I'd like to see what they do. I don't think they as evil as they could be... Then again, probably my bias opinion due to my Necron and Khorne forces. Could also be because I hate their Elven brethren...

They should've done 'nids for DoW IMO. However, I think with current tech we have, the way 'nids opperate would be quite difficult.

They were removed from the 4th edition. All of the models are now considered "classics" which aren't being produced any more. If they start over with Dark Eldar themselves, I'd like to see what they do. I don't think they as evil as they could be... Then again, probably my bias opinion due to my Necron and Khorne forces. Could also be because I hate their Elven brethren...

They should've done 'nids for DoW IMO. However, I think with current tech we have, the way 'nids opperate would be quite difficult.

The models still appear to be in the normal section of the GW site. linkage (http://store.us.games-workshop.com/storefront/store.us?do=List_Models&code=300919&orignav=10&GameNav=10)

Dark Eldar are also in the 4th edition rulebook (pg. 144-147 to be exact) and are an approved list at Grand Tournaments (http://gt.us.games-workshop.com/Rules/40k_lists.htm) so I'm not sure what makes you think they were removed from 4th edition.

The thing is, I know it's just a thread for pointless speculation about a hypothetical event but the OP talked about his "film career" so I just thought I better warn him that his idea is a complete non-starter so he doesn't end up wasting a lot of time and effort.

Ah, urinating on the dreams of others. The true potential of the internet.

He can't afford the rights to the games but I guess you presume he can afford the production budget? You also seem to make duel presumptions about the costs of the rights and the dude's resources.

If he writes a spec script based on 40k, the purchasing of the rights actually goes to the company that purchases his script. He could purchase the rights to do a movie before trying to sell the script, ensuring that it is his script that is used instead of convincing a company to buy the rights only to scrap his script and go with someone elses, but he doesn't have to.

Sam Raimi wanted to do a movie based on The Shadow, even tried once only to be trumped by the Alec Baldwin movie. But he waited it out and is currently is able to start working on a Shadow movie. Having a dream project is not uncommon with many filmmakers who have to wait most of their careers in order to get them done. And a lot of them do get them done.

No matter what internet piss ants tell them.

The models still appear to be in the normal section of the GW site. linkage (http://store.us.games-workshop.com/storefront/store.us?do=List_Models&code=300919&orignav=10&GameNav=10)

Dark Eldar are also in the 4th edition rulebook (pg. 144-147 to be exact) and are an approved list at Grand Tournaments (http://gt.us.games-workshop.com/Rules/40k_lists.htm) so I'm not sure what makes you think they were removed from 4th edition.

I assumed that because they were only available mail order they were being phased out from the universe. Then again, I don't see why anyone would wanna mail order an army and pay extra for shipping and handeling from GW (I mean, it's GW. I got ripped off when I bought my Nightbringer by getting the same arm twice from a local store, still looks good though). Guess that was wishful thinking on my behalf...

I am only kidding but;

me, my brother, keanu reeves or the Dracula guy from the 3rd Blade movie; to play the part of the Emperor. :D (my brother and myself are not actors)

Some wild-arse haired berserker guy, yet who is cold and calculating *bi-polar?* for the Space Wolf Primarch.

thats all i got for movie ideas except...
when is it coming out? i will pack my stuff and camp in line tonight at the movie-plex just to be sure i see it opening night. :eek: ;)

So if anyone would still like to see a Live Action cast for any kind of Warhammer movie, any suggestions for who to cast as the Primarchs, the Emperor, or any other prominent 40k character?

Ah, urinating on the dreams of others. The true potential of the internet.

He can't afford the rights to the games but I guess you presume he can afford the production budget? You also seem to make duel presumptions about the costs of the rights and the dude's resources.

If he writes a spec script based on 40k, the purchasing of the rights actually goes to the company that purchases his script. He could purchase the rights to do a movie before trying to sell the script, ensuring that it is his script that is used instead of convincing a company to buy the rights only to scrap his script and go with someone elses, but he doesn't have to.

Sam Raimi wanted to do a movie based on The Shadow, even tried once only to be trumped by the Alec Baldwin movie. But he waited it out and is currently is able to start working on a Shadow movie. Having a dream project is not uncommon with many filmmakers who have to wait most of their careers in order to get them done. And a lot of them do get them done.

No matter what internet piss ants tell them.

Hi, the costs will be pretty big. He might be a multi-millionaire, I apologise if so. I assumed that if he's writing a "spec" script he's not planning on making it himself. This isn't much of an assumption since if he was making it then the script wouldn't be speculative.

The thing is that film rights don't work the way you describe them. A company purchasing a spec script will want that spec script to be backed up by the rights (which he can get if he is a multi-millionaire). If they have to go and obtain the rights they will go with an established writer who will pitch for the assignment.

You're right that lots of people have dream projects and wait their whole career to do them. But you see there's a whole career between wanting and getting. Not a mere spec script.

If Sam Raimi was talking about wanting to do a Warhammer film I'd have a different reaction because he's a different position and therefore not the best example.

If this guy writes a spec script on this subject he will not get it made. I'm not crushing a dream, I'm merely telling him he's taken a turn down a dead end and if he gets back onto the main road he might get to his destination eventually.

Hi, the costs will be pretty big. He might be a multi-millionaire, I apologise if so.
In the 80s the rights to Speed Racer were bought for under $5k. You presume a lot.

The thing is that film rights don't work the way you describe them. A company purchasing a spec script will want that spec script to be backed up by the rights (which he can get if he is a multi-millionaire).
Again, presumes much.

If they have to go and obtain the rights they will go with an established writer who will pitch for the assignment.
So he can't start his career with it...big fucking deal. And frankly, if he writes something solid enough and impresses the right guy, it could in fact happen.

You're right that lots of people have dream projects and wait their whole career to do them. But you see there's a whole career between wanting and getting. Not a mere spec script.
Where did you get that he wanted to start his career with this?

If he writes a script on this subject he will not get it made. I'm not crushing a dream, I'm merely telling him he's taken a turn down a dead end and if he gets back onto the main road he might get to his destination eventually.
I sense some crushed little dreams and failed ambitions wallowing in your posts. Projecting your failures onto others on the internet won't fill that empty space in your soul.

Frankly, what fucking difference does it make? If he wanted his sole film career to consist only of doing a Warhammer movie, then yeah, he might be spinning his wheels for a hole shot. But even then, if he wanted it to be only one movie, it wouldn't matter what movie it was. Frankly, sad sacking his dream project is pretty fucking pointless. It's nowhere near as impossible as you paint it to be (listing the movies no one thought could get made here would be pointless), and clearly it's early enough in what he's doing that he might as well get lost in what he really wants to do before he gets bogged down in the realities and due paying of his actual career.

I know you're telling yourself that you're 'reality checking' him, but really you're just working out your own personal failures on someone who you feel hasn't had enough of the fun of being creative for a living sucked out of him yet. And frankly, that's sad.

There are many things I could say to that but I think I'll settle for pointing out the irony of accusing me of "presuming much" before saying I'm projecting my failures onto others.

BTW, if he wasn't trying to start his career with this then he wouldn't be writing it on spec. If he was established then he would be setting it up as a producer.

So it was a little friendly advice. Just saying that if you want to do this movie then get into the industry a different way and try and do it when it's more realistic i.e not on spec. The rest, I'm afraid, seems to be in your imagination.

There are many things I could say to that but I think I'll settle for pointing out the irony of accusing me of "presuming much" before saying I'm projecting my failures onto others.

BTW, if he wasn't trying to start his career with this then he wouldn't be writing it on spec. If he was established then he would be setting it up as a producer.

So it was a little friendly advice. Just saying that if you want to do this movie then get into the industry a different way and try and do it when it's more realistic i.e not on spec. The rest, I'm afraid, seems to be in your imagination.
The imagination seems to be yours. He didn't say he wanted to start his career with it, just that it was something he wanted to do.

I would not have qualified your advice as 'friendly.' Just more of the pissing and moaning I see from people in the industry all the time. Usually their work just isn't any good-but it's the business, man.

He has a dream project. It's a long shot. Big deal. Telling him it will never happen by over-stating the difficulties (rights tend to run around 1-2% of perceived budget with adjustments for size of studio and principles involved, so unless he's aiming for $200mil as his budget, then your estimate is exaggerated. Not to mention the rights don't have to be bought whole but with agreements should the project actually be made) isn't advice. Advice would be to let him know what kind of things he might have to look into. "Ain't gonna happen, kid." is mere piss antery-usually the kind delivered by people with crushed dreams of their own. If that shoe doesn't fit, one wonders what your excuse is.


BTW, if he wasn't trying to start his career with this then he wouldn't be writing it on spec. If he was established then he would be setting it up as a producer.
Utter nonsense.

A live-action WH40k film would HAVE to be an epic, probably a series. Obviously, some form of exposition would be needed.

The imagination seems to be yours. He didn't say he wanted to start his career with it, just that it was something he wanted to do.

spec, spec, spec

I would not have qualified your advice as 'friendly.' Just more of the pissing and moaning I see from people in the industry all the time. Usually their work just isn't any good-but it's the business, man.

you wrote an essay on why "sorry, not going to happen with a spec" is the most evil sentiment ever expressed

He has a dream project. It's a long shot. Big deal. Telling him it will never happen by over-stating the difficulties (rights tend to run around 1-2% of perceived budget with adjustments for size of studio and principles involved, so unless he's aiming for $200mil as his budget, then your estimate is exaggerated. Not to mention the rights don't have to be bought whole but with agreements should the project actually be made) isn't advice. Advice would be to let him know what kind of things he might have to look into. "Ain't gonna happen, kid." is mere piss antery-usually the kind delivered by people with crushed dreams of their own. If that shoe doesn't fit, one wonders what your excuse is.

I'm not overstating the difficulties because it AIN'T gonna happen. Not on spec. Not ever

I've not questioned his talent, his motivation, the eventual quality of such movie. I've told him that it's not going to happen on spec. That isn't a crime, it's the reality and if he takes that on board he'll save a lot of time and effort that can be better directed elsewhere. That's the positive outcome of... advice.


.

Utter nonsense.

As massively insightful as those two words were... do you think you could send a few more my way so I might know what you mean? :)

spec, spec, spec
Are you hoping if you say it three times you'll get to go home?



you wrote an essay on why "sorry, not going to happen with a spec" is the most evil sentiment ever expressed
What does this address?


I'm not overstating the difficulties because it AIN'T gonna happen. Not on spec. Not ever
Because no film adaptation has ever been written on spec in the history of film...

I've not questioned his talent, his motivation, the eventual quality of such movie. I've told him that it's not going to happen on spec. That isn't a crime, it's the reality and if he takes that on board he'll save a lot of time and effort that can be better directed elsewhere. That's the positive outcome of... advice.
Just like fathers in stained wife beaters who tell their children they won't amount to anything. You have overstated the difficulty. I've outlined how. You've countered with 'Uh uh.' Really nothing more to add.

As massively insightful as those two words were... do you think you could send a few more my way so I might know what you mean? :)
Established writers can still write on spec, especially when it is something that is a long shot, and signing on as a producer isn't some necessary step-and even if he was producers hardly ever use their money to make a movie, especially one of the size he is likely hoping for.

Doesn't matter. There were likely people smugly telling Peter Jackson that he'd never get to make an epic version of Lord of the Rings or King Kong. George Lucas that he couldn't make a wide audience sci-fi opera. That Kubrick couldn't make a career of adaptations (his first major film, Paths of Glory was an adaptation. Lucky for them they didn't listen.

Ultimately I'll leave it to the individual readers to decide for themselves what amounts to advice and what amounts to piss antery. Any further on this and it will reduce itself to us waving our film dicks at each other ("I've done this and this," "I know so and so" etc.) and that's just embarrassing. That we've avoided it so far is a relief, I don't want to press our luck.

I'm not going to stop it just because you'd rather leave your final comments unchallenged.

Firstly, on spec means it's a start. You can spec if you are established but you don't spec something based on underlying material. You obtain that material first. By obtaining that material you become a producer. It's not a question of 'signing on' as producer, you become producer by setting up the project.

You really helped the rationality of your argument by comparing me to a father "in a stained wife beater" destroying the confidence of a child. Bravo.

And again you repeat your point about big name players being able to get things done. It's not the same thing.

Maybe the readers you encourage 'to make up their own minds' will bear in mind that I've said that he could do this if he wanted but that this particular way of persuing it wasn't the right one. More likely they won't care, since you launched into an extraordinary campaign of faux-chivalry off the back of a harmless piece of advice which has nothing to do with the topic they entered the thread to talk about.

Don't worry, they didn't get removed from the game. Apparently Jervis Johnson said at the UK Games Day that they're still in the conceptual faze for a new book, as they want to start over with them.

Also, Dark Eldar are going to be in the new expansion for Dawn of War.

Ah, whew...yea, I'll give GW that the DE really do need a rules work over. As they are right now, they are only a viable army if (a) you don't care about winning all that much and just like fucking around or (b) are a SUPREME tactician and playing certain very specific scenarios. Not that I don't love my Dark Eldarr, they just need to be brought in line with the rest of the armies (and the Tyrranids needs to be nerfed *grumble*).

I know about the Dark Eldarr as the new big race for DoW:SS. I'm really hoping the second race is Tyrranid, though. The other option is a human sect and that'd be kind of lame. If it's Tyrranids, the entire tabletop cast of races will be represented in the game and I'll be a happy panda-mammal-thing-guy.

I'm not going to stop it just because you'd rather leave your final comments unchallenged.
Sure.

Firstly, on spec means it's a start. You can spec if you are established but you don't spec something based on underlying material. You obtain that material first. By obtaining that material you become a producer. It's not a question of 'signing on' as producer, you become producer by setting up the project.
Spec writers commonly option the rights to the adaptations they write, often for around $5000 to $15,000. Rights themselves, as I already pointed out, then go for 1-5% (on the high end) of the perceived budget. It's done all the time. Not the 'impossible' you'd have him believe.

You really helped the rationality of your argument by comparing me to a father "in a stained wife beater" destroying the confidence of a child. Bravo.
I compared your advice.

And again you repeat your point about big name players being able to get things done. It's not the same thing.
None of them were big names until after they did what you deemed impossible.

Maybe the readers you encourage 'to make up their own minds' will bear in mind that I've said that he could do this if he wanted but that this particular way of persuing it wasn't the right one. More likely they won't care, since you launched into an extraordinary campaign of faux-chivalry off the back of a harmless piece of advice which has nothing to do with the topic they entered the thread to talk about.

You actually just told him smuggly it 'ain't gonna happen.' I refuted you. With specifics.

I read somewhere that THQ felt that their current engine wouldn't do the Tyranids justice - they'll save them for DOW II.

Sure.

Spec writers commonly option the rights to the adaptations they write, often for around $5000 to $15,000. Rights themselves, as I already pointed out, then go for 1-5% (on the high end) of the perceived budget. It's done all the time. Not the 'impossible' you'd have him believe.

Normally literary material. Often discounted from knowing the author or impressing the author (a la Frank Darabont). A big commercial name from a big company means big money.

I compared your advice.

None of them were big names until after they did what you deemed impossible.

The director of American Graffitti wasn't a big name? Jackson wasn't an established writer-producer-director? And none of them wrote specs based on expensive underlying material. And I never said what they did was impossible, in fact I'm saying it's a route this guy could take. I said the spec route based on expensive yet-to-be-acquired film rights was nigh on impossible.

Making things up does no credence to your argument.

You actually just told him smuggly it 'ain't gonna happen.' I refuted you. With specifics.

The specifics being "you're a loser, crushing someone else dream. I can't cite any examples that prove you wrong so here's some established people making films which would refute your argument if only you weren't arguing something else entirely"


.

Normally literary material. Often discounted from knowing the author or impressing the author (a la Frank Darabont). A big commercial name from a big company means big money.
Puts him in the upper range. Still not the nightmare you depict.



The director of American Graffitti wasn't a big name? Jackson wasn't an established writer-producer-director? And none of them wrote specs based on expensive underlying material. And I never said what they did was impossible, in fact I'm saying it's a route this guy could take. I said the spec route based on expensive yet-to-be-acquired film rights was nigh on impossible.

Making things up does no credence to your argument.
Ignoring the most relevant example doesn't do wonders for you. I didn't make anything up. The doubts about each of their efforts are well known, including people who said it would never happen.



The specifics being "you're a loser, crushing someone else dream. I can't cite any examples that prove you wrong so here's some established people making films which would refute your argument if only you weren't arguing something else entirely"

You'll have to unpack that nonsense, there.

And learn how to parse quotes. Dammit.

What about a romantic comedy?

male Ogrym falls in love with Female Commisar, and after many hardships they eventually form a team and destroy a random enemy?

I read somewhere that THQ felt that their current engine wouldn't do the Tyranids justice - they'll save them for DOW II.

NOOO, now I've gotta save for a new pc:(

One of the Gaunt's Ghosts stories'd work, especially if they didn't put Warhammer 40K in the name. That way people who were familiar with 40K would think "ah, Gaunt's Ghosts film", and everyone else would probably just enjoy it for what it ws, instead of being turned off by any mention of Warhammer in the name.

Could be done with fairly unknown actors, to save some money for CGI and all.

I know about the Dark Eldarr as the new big race for DoW:SS. I'm really hoping the second race is Tyrranid, though. The other option is a human sect and that'd be kind of lame. If it's Tyrranids, the entire tabletop cast of races will be represented in the game and I'll be a happy panda-mammal-thing-guy.

The second race is going to be Sisters.

I read somewhere that THQ felt that their current engine wouldn't do the Tyranids justice - they'll save them for DOW II.

And that's why.