From TMNT Front Lines...

[Kevin Munroe]

Hey there!

Okay, so Murph convinced me to swing by and say “hi” here at the Technodrome... Love the forum dedicated to the new movie. Awesome!

I know that things have been mum on a lot of fronts of TMNT as of late – it's just the nature of making a big movie, and having so many parties involved. (and there are a lot) And that kind of sucks for fans.

But as a small morsel, things are moving along nicely on the film. There are around 400 people working their tails off 24/7 to get this in theaters for March 23rd. We're in the middle of the last sprint to the finish line, and my days seem to be divided between everything from animation tweaks, lighting dailies, and music, to overseeing last minute shots and starting post on the film.

So there might be gaps occasionally in my visiting (okay, I can almost guarantee it), but it's just because, y'know, we're still making the movie. I'm amazed at how fast a 14 hour day blows by these days...

And I'll be completely up front in saying that there are probably a few (or a lot) of things that I can't answer or have to be coy about. (casting for example, but only for a short while longer). But I can promise that if I can answer any questions that come up, I will.

There. Caveats done. So... hi. Thanks for the patience and enthusiasm, we're hoping the wait is going to be well worth it. And you'll see the first hint when the real trailer hits in a couple of days. (we just color timed it a couple of weeks ago, and it looks phenomenal on the big screen!)

Speak soon,

Kevin
(a.k.a. Director Boy)

[gobo]

HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Umm... have a mango, sir. I believe being a 'welcome gift' is the only purpose for this emoticon.

EDIT #1:
The only thing I have in mind to ask is how static the prewuel comics will be. When (not 'if') the sequel comes around, will the prequel stories be honored? I'm also anxious to know anything about the soundtrack. If there will be a CD, that's another 15 to 20 bucks you can get from me, and I will be very upset if there isn't one.

EDIT #2:
Also, what is "Donner" and where can I see it? And, who is Jimmy Kimmel?? The name sounds familliar...

[Roseangelo]

Wow! Hello, Kevin!

I was at Comic-Con in July and was very impressed with the presentation you gave during the WB animation panel. You certainly gave me confidence that the TMNT are in good hands.

And I don't know if you ever saw or heard, but my friends and I wore TMNT costumes in the Masquerade and won for best movie character costumes (here is a pic). It was a great TMNT con for us!

I'm really looking forward to seeing the new trailer!

[Raven]

Hang on while I pinch my self.

Nice to see you joined the board Kevin, cant wait for your great insight on the film as we get closer to its release.

I was wondering my self if there was any plans on releasing a book with just concept art from the movie? I think that would be really cool to have.

[Raph's Girl]

Wowsers!! Welcome to the Technodrome Kevin!!

[Kevin Munroe]

Gobo – Murph and Mirage have been working on the prequels. I kicked around ideas with them before they really got into it, a lot based off of sequences and ideas that we had that couldn't make it into the film. But I don't really know much more about it than that. If anything makes sense to carry forward into any sequels (if or when), then sure. I love the idea of multi-media storytelling like that.

As for soundtrack, we've actually been working on that quite a bit lately. Listening to a ton of tracks with our Music Supervisor. If all goes well, yes, there will be a soundtrack. There are certainly enough appropriate slots in the movie for music cues. (as opposed to ones just jammed in there for soundtrack's sake – I hate that)

Rose – Hey! Yeah, Con was amazing. That response was just insane, and thanks for the nice words. While we had a lot of faith in what we were doing, that really confirmed a lot for us. (and let me sleep a little easier) And yeah, someone forwarded me a You Tube video of your performance. At first, the heading was “TMNT Comicon Footage” and I thought “great, someone's already video taped the 5 minute sneak peek we showed”. But then it was you guys dancing around winning first place. TMNT ruled Con.

Raven – Nothing would make me happier than releasing a book like that. Those artists are just too great not to get that recognition. Not sure if it's in the works for the initial release, tho.

Kevin

[xChri5x]

Please don't put any fart jokes in the movie

[iris]

Thanks for coming by, Kevin! Welcome! Several fans around here have posted links to your interviews about "TMNT," which I thought were great... you can really talk, dude! Not to mention that it was a relief to find that you "get" the subtleties of the Ninja Turtles world. Get yourself some TV interviews!

Also, please let the fans help with the buzz-making. They want this thing to succeed! It can be something as simple (and easy on the budget) as posting a movie-related interview/ad publishing schedule. A little advance notice can go a long way.

I liked the whole look of the teaser trailer, but I have to say that the lighting, in particular, is beyond fantastic. I heard comments that watching the trailer was like watching a moving comic book. Congratulations, my good sir. If you were here, I'd shake your hand. Please say the whole movie is like that!

[Masked Ninja]

Originally Posted by Kevin Munroe

Raven – Nothing would make me happier than releasing a book like that. Those artists are just too great not to get that recognition. Not sure if it's in the works for the initial release, tho.

I too would love to see an "Art of" book for this film. Being something of an animation geek (and looking to eventually get into the biz myself in some way, if all goes well), just the scans that showed up on the Internet of that artbook they had at the Con... I was in heaven. Regardless of what I end up liking/not liking about the film when it comes out, I'm very pleased to see the amount of thought and care that's going into this.

And I suppose I should offer my own of welcome. Heh.

Thanks for coming around - I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the trailer to hit.

[VaughnMichael]

Originally Posted by Masked Ninja

And I suppose I should offer my own of welcome. Heh.

oi sorry to go off topic and I'm sure I'll have a question soon but we better be carefull how many 's we give Kevin we do want him to finish the movie lol

[Katie]

welllll...hello Kevin! what an honor to have you post here. I'm Katie, and I got a PM this morning that my welcome services were needed. I have been a bit of a slacker in this lately but *knocks the rust off* just for you

Let me also offer you a mango of welcome!! *hands over the * my special twist on this tradition is to make a welcome smoothie I carry on this tradition that I didn't start, but have carried on with pride.

I must say I am very excited about this movie. I came to know the turtles through the comics way back in the day so anything that keeps in that spirit piques my interest. I know I am absolutely fascinated at Murph's thread and I bet this one will be just as good

Again, I welcome you and don't let our lovable crazies get to ya

[Sewer Bull]

OMG, Kevin Munroe himself is aboard! Welcome!

*faints*

Originally Posted by Kevin Munroe

As for soundtrack, we've actually been working on that quite a bit lately. Listening to a ton of tracks with our Music Supervisor. If all goes well, yes, there will be a soundtrack. There are certainly enough appropriate slots in the movie for music cues. (as opposed to ones just jammed in there for soundtrack's sake – I hate that)

What type of music is going to be included in the soundtrack? Hip-hop, numetal, classical instrumental? Or maybe some another genre? I'm very curious.

And when are we going to know the whole voice acting cast?

[Kunoichi_Haruko]

Am I dreaming?
::blinks away the sleep in her eyes::
Kevin Munroe? Here? Ah! ::faints::

Hi there! Welcome to the 'Drome, sir. We fans eagerly await this film! I can't think of anything else to say right now, I'm a bit speechless... Just know that you've got plenty of support around here. Just give us the green light and we'll promote the heck out of this thing (if we haven't been doing it already)!

Wow. It's really him... ::wanders off::

[Jester]

Wow....this is awesome. Nice name by the way (is proud to share a name with 2 people who have much to do with the TMNT, less proud to share it with the ex-Mr. Spears) It's good that the 'Drome seems so inviting...enjoy your stay, and thanks for the info.

[raphroehler2003]

First off to Mr. Kevin Munroe big greetings. Thanks for taking the time to chat here what with the hugely busy schedule you're on. At first I was unsure of the whole project but your enthusiasm and the teaser definately made me smile. I do have a question but i hope it isn't considered stupid lol...maybe it will be.

As we all know, there will never be an R-rated, or quote hardcore, Ninja Turtles movie (with I guess hardcore meaning an ultra serious storyline about family/honor or life/death...Sonny Chiba in the Street Fighter type violence (or at least Leo, Raph, and the baddies would be that violent)...I mean they are ninjas lol...or swearing...I mean they are teens in NYC lol or at least Raph would).
Don't get me wrong I fully understand it was a Kids cartoon and Kid-friendly movies...and I love them to death. And I understand fully why it will never cease to be and I accept that, it makes total logical and business sense. And I'm confidant the new film will do it justice.

But I was wondering on your thoughts on the subject...not on how likely it would get made (which is slim and none, and slim left town) but if you or anybody you know in the company have a personal wish of one day seeing something like this done (whether you or another company making the movie, live action tv series on HBO, etc.)? Since whoever saw the first film in 1990 would be in their twenties, even thirties...thus age appropriate?

Again I hope this isn't a stupid question on my part...since it doesn't have much to do with the new movie in question, but I was just curious on Mr. Munroe's thoughts on the matter. Thank you and welcome to the Drome.

[Leonardo_Warrior_Turtle]

Freakin' awesome that you stopped by, Kevin. You are just the kind of directors that I like! Those who really want to please the fans. Communication with fans is important and you really nailed that. Thanks! Can't wait to see the trailer on Friday. We all should be blown away. Keep up the good work! We'll do our best to make this movie a success so we can get sequels!

[gobo]

Originally Posted by iris

[marketing geek stuff]

Wow... iris wouldn't spend the time to figger out Japanese keyboards for just anyone, Mr. Munroe. Consider yourself just that important. Or, wait... Um... Are you back home or did you finally figure out the Japanese keyboard?

I'd like to help out with the promoting of the film as well. I plan to get the CD (assuming one exists), the novelization, the prequel comics, the videogame, and the DVD (with probably a few to give as gifts). I'll go to see it a minimum of four times in the theater. I'll be forcing my neice and nephews to see it a bare minimum of once, but I'll suggest encore viewings. I'll go check it out with each one of my friends. Shoot, I may even take dates to see it. But, all this I plan to do to ensure the movie's success, it all seems so... subjective. Is there anything more objective we fans can do to help?

[Duke Igthorn]

First of all : Here you must have two "Welcome Mangos" for beeing that cool to show up at a fan forum.

Tadaa :

I'm a TMNT "lover" since I was a little child in Germany... which was ... well ... some years ago (I'm 27 now)

I really appreciate that you take your time to hear (or more "read") what fans and friends of the franchise have to say.

I have one question which buggs me since I heard the new movie is announced. And "Sewer Bull" asked it allready.
Who will the voice cast be? It's just because I absolutely LOVED the voice cast of the TMNT2003 cartoon and if I'm not mistaken the teaser trailer utilized at least the cartoon's Mikey's voice, didn't it?
And I guess having the "right" voices is a pretty important thing to feel happy with the characters. (The german translation of the cartoon was ... awfull... to put it nicely )

Oh and as I guess you are at least by now a TMNT fan yourself, you should definately check this fan made TMNT comic out... cause I guess everybody just loves it for it's brilliant character development. (should go to print!)
Of course only if your schedule allows you to do so (addiction warning added )

http://www.obscurezodiac.com/

Soo best wishes that everything goes well with the movie!
We're all eager to see our childhood heroes revived on the big screen again.


Greets,
Duke Igthorn

[Aztec General]

Yowzas! First LeSean, the Rick Remender, then Andres P., then Murph, and now Munroe! This is awesome indeed. Thank you so much for joining our little online community.

My question (obviously without getting into too many spoilers): What made you decide to take the story in the "monster" direction that you chose? Also, since Aztec Generals will play a role in the film, are you a fan/afficionado of Aztec culture?

Thanks again for stopping by.

[Spitfire]

Oh no Mirage has found our secret hideout O_O

But seriously this flow of people who work on TMNT coming here is great! I'm more then happy to see you guys connecting with fans and getting feedback. It's something I wish more people would do for their fan bases.