TMNT 2 to Shoot in Albany

[Gunpowder]

Originally Posted by Bry

If my knowledge is correct here, even that is very expensive. I thought there was some interview with the cast where they said they had to cut some scenes alone those lines because they were putting most of the CGI/animation money on action scenes? (Unless I imagined that?)

Nah, you're probably right. I feel like it'd be cheaper to have them be still, but merely having them on the screen might cost the same regardless of what they're doing; I honestly have no idea. Either way, I think some down-time scenes are something the sequel needs, since the lack thereof was one of the first movie's weak points. Just my opinion.

[TigerClaw]

Originally Posted by Gunpowder

Nah, you're probably right. I feel like it'd be cheaper to have them be still, but merely having them on the screen might cost the same regardless of what they're doing; I honestly have no idea. Either way, I think some down-time scenes are something the sequel needs, since the lack thereof was one of the first movie's weak points. Just my opinion.

Which is interesting because, Jeremy Howard who plays Donatello, Says he would like to see the sequel have quieter moments.

[Bry]

Originally Posted by Gunpowder

Nah, you're probably right. I feel like it'd be cheaper to have them be still, but merely having them on the screen might cost the same regardless of what they're doing; I honestly have no idea. Either way, I think some down-time scenes are something the sequel needs, since the lack thereof was one of the first movie's weak points. Just my opinion.

It's entirely possible -- or hell, even probable -- that the "quiet moments" are cheaper, but they're still so expensive (and massively more expensive compared to filming Megan Fox running around) that unless it's absolutely necessary, they won't justify spending that kind of money on it unless it's pure action spectacle. Consider the mindset going into making these movies - I'm sure any CGI/effects moment that isn't crazy/explosive action is deemed "boring" by the people calling the shots. Unfortunately.

[TigerClaw]

Originally Posted by Bry

It's entirely possible -- or hell, even probable -- that the "quiet moments" are cheaper, but they're still so expensive (and massively more expensive than filming Megan Fox running around) that they won't justify spending that kind of money on it unless it's pure action spectacle, unless absolutely necessary. Consider the mindset going into making these movies - I'm sure any CGI/effects moment that isn't crazy/explosive action is deemed "boring" by the people calling the shots. Unfortunately.

Those quieter moments would add to the running time, If they had quieter moments in the sequel, It'll probably run around 2 hours.

[Bry]

Originally Posted by TigerClaw

Those quieter moments would add to the running time, If they had quieter moments in the sequel, It'll probably run around 2 hours.

Sure. And most comic/action movies are around two hours long these days, which is why they can deliver great action scenes and the essential character/plot work that makes it hold together as a story. TMNT could have had that too. I wonder if it's purely a budget decision, or if the Platinum Dunes producers just don't think that their audience can or will pay attention that long?

[Autbot_Benz]

Originally Posted by Bry

Sure. And most comic/action movies are two hours long these days, which is why they can deliver great action scenes and the essential character/plot work that makes it hold together as a story. TMNT could have had that too. I wonder if it's purely a budget decision, or if the Platinum Dunes producers just don't think that their audience can or will pay attention that long?

well Transformers 4 was about 2.75 hours long so they have no excuse making turtles 2 short.

[Bry]

Originally Posted by Autbot_Benz

well Transformers 4 was about 3 hours long so they have no excuse making turtles 2 short.

I still can't believe it was that long. And from what I heard they didn't use that time to improve the plot or characters one bit. (A few friends went to see it and fell asleep in the theatre.)

[Vicky82]

Originally Posted by Autbot_Benz

well Transformers 4 was about 2.75 hours long so they have no excuse making turtles 2 short.

Originally Posted by Bry

I still can't believe it was that long. And from what I heard they didn't use that time to improve the plot or characters one bit. (A few friends went to see it and fell asleep in the theatre.)

It was too damn long and I didn't understand what the hell was going on, it felt like 2 plot stories jumbled up so it didn't make any sense. I nearly fell asleep watching it.

[Bry]

So basically - you need enough time to let the story breathe and give the characters some depth, but you also need actual good writing and directing to make it work at all.

That said... the 1990 movie was only 93 minutes long and it managed to do right by (most of) the characters and make you care about them and their story. So the latter part's definitely the most important one.

(I know the 1990 movie gets brought up a lot here, but I think it's a good example of using runtime and action/character balance effectively.)

[TigerClaw]

Originally Posted by Bry

Sure. And most comic/action movies are around two hours long these days, which is why they can deliver great action scenes and the essential character/plot work that makes it hold together as a story. TMNT could have had that too. I wonder if it's purely a budget decision, or if the Platinum Dunes producers just don't think that their audience can or will pay attention that long?

Platinum Dunes originally started out as a Production Company to make movies on a low budget.

[Autbot_Benz]

Originally Posted by Bry

I still can't believe it was that long. And from what I heard they didn't use that time to improve the plot or characters one bit. (A few friends went to see it and fell asleep in the theatre.)

to each their own but I found Optimus's character better flushed out than the other autobots

[Gunpowder]

Originally Posted by Autbot_Benz

well Transformers 4 was about 2.75 hours long so they have no excuse making turtles 2 short.

Didn't the first Transformers reach the 2 1/2-hour mark? Or at least near it? Its budget was only $25 million more than TMNT, and the former was 2.5 hours while the latter was 1.75. So I think the post-production cuts and reshoots for Turtles had something to do with the shorter length, 'cause with the additional footage it may very well been 2 hours.

[TigerClaw]

Originally Posted by Gunpowder

Didn't the first Transformers reach the 2 1/2-hour mark? Or at least near it? Its budget was only $25 million more than TMNT, and the former was 2.5 hours while the latter was 1.75. So I think the post-production cuts and reshoots for Turtles had something to do with the shorter length, 'cause with the additional footage it may very well been 2 hours.

Transformers isn't exactly a family friendly film, Which is why they can get away with most of the stuff.

TMNT is owned by Nickelodeon, Who is all about being family friendly, I'm sure they want the movies to appeal to Kids more then to appeal to the adults, Which is probably why the running time is under 2 hours.

I'm sure Nick doesn't want the movies to have too much quieter scenes, Cause they think the kids only want action.

[Bry]

Originally Posted by TigerClaw

Transformers isn't exactly a family friendly film, Which is why they can get away with most of the stuff.

TMNT is owned by Nickelodeon, Who is all about being family friendly, I'm sure they want the movies to appeal to Kids more then to appeal to the adults, Which is probably why the running time is under 2 hours.

That's the weird part, though - Transformers originated as a toy line and a children's cartoon. With guns and violence, admittedly, but still - aimed at kids.

TMNT originated as a violent indie comic, but was popularized by a toy line and a children's cartoon.

Gotta wonder why Paramount's a-okay with Transformers movies being so long and violent, while TMNT has to be short and (comparatively) more kid-friendly.

Originally Posted by TigerClaw

I'm sure Nick doesn't want the movies to have too much quieter scenes, Cause they think the kids only want action.

That's likely the case, and it's really unfortunate. They're cynically underestimating their audience. The TMNT story/property has a lot more potential than that, but they're cutting it off at the knees.

[IndigoErth]

Originally Posted by Commenter 42

I'm telling you now, Vern will become Casey Jones

Hey, I've been saying that for a while, "called it" credit will have to be shared. lol But yeah, I really could see these film makers turning Casey into Vern's secret identity. Esp as a way of trying to make their version different. (Although I admit I'd be curious to see what the outrage looked like.)

[TigerClaw]

Originally Posted by Bry

That's the weird part, though - Transformers originated as a toy line and a children's cartoon. With guns and violence, admittedly, but still - aimed at kids.

TMNT originated as a violent indie comic, but was popularized by a toy line and a children's cartoon.

Gotta wonder why Paramount's a-okay with Transformers movies being so long and violent, while TMNT has to be short and (comparatively) more kid-friendly.

Well, Keep in mind Transformers is own by Hasbro, And they don't care if those movies are violent or not, Since those toys will sell very well for them.

Nick on the other hand, Has a strong focus, on being kid friendly with all the properties that they own, I'm sure they gave the filmmakers some guidelines that it should be aimed at the Kids.

Remember the interview with Michael Bay and the Producers, talking about the issues they had with the TMNT movie, regarding the tone? I bet its cause Nick wanted the movie to be kid friendly and less dark.

[Bry]

Originally Posted by TigerClaw

Well, Keep in mind Transformers is own by Hasbro, And they don't care if those movies are violent or not, Since those toys will sell very well for them.

Nick on the other hand, Has a strong focus, on being kid friendly with all the properties that they own, I'm sure they gave the filmmakers some guidelines that it should be aimed at the Kids.

Very possible too. But... even the Nick cartoon has gotten pretty intense, serious and character-driven beyond what many might expect from a "kids' show". Though a major motion picture likely has a lot more executive attention/meddling, so there's that.

[Gunpowder]

Originally Posted by TigerClaw

Transformers isn't exactly a family friendly film, Which is why they can get away with most of the stuff.

TMNT is owned by Nickelodeon, Who is all about being family friendly, I'm sure they want the movies to appeal to Kids more then to appeal to the adults, Which is probably why the running time is under 2 hours.

I'm sure Nick doesn't want the movies to have too much quieter scenes, Cause they think the kids only want action.

You might have a point there. But I still think they originally intended to make Turtles longer than it was. And I wouldn't go so far as to say Transformers wasn't at least somewhat kid-oriented. I'd say pre-teens and young teens were most definitely the target audience.

[CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy]

Originally Posted by TigerClaw

Well, Keep in mind Transformers is own by Hasbro, And they don't care if those movies are violent or not, Since those toys will sell very well for them.

Nick on the other hand, Has a strong focus, on being kid friendly with all the properties that they own, I'm sure they gave the filmmakers some guidelines that it should be aimed at the Kids.

Remember the interview with Michael Bay and the Producers, talking about the issues they had with the TMNT movie, regarding the tone? I bet its cause Nick wanted the movie to be kid friendly and less dark.

Even though Nick wanted more "kid friendly", that still wouldn't have solved any of the many MANY problems of this film.

[Bry]

Originally Posted by CylonsKlingonsDaleksOhMy

Even though Nick wanted more "kid friendly", that still wouldn't have solved any of the many MANY problems of this film.

Oh, totally. But the same "it's for kids!" mindset probably helped them answer all of those problems/questions with "who cares?". Odds are they just didn't think it mattered. Which is a lousy attitude no matter who your audience is - it sells the audience short and assumes they don't care or won't want anything better or more. Lousy, cynical filmmaking.