Something interesting/disturbing...

[Zelda]

Originally Posted by gobo

April O'Neil: Jessica Simpson

Karai: Queen Latifah
Max Winters: Suzanne Summers

Mikey: Ben Affleck

Karai's role hotly contested with Britney Spears..... a TMNT musical! (....coming out of their shells 2? )

[VaughnMichael]

Hey Murpharama I have a question but it doesn't deal with the movie.
Rather Fast Forward I'd sort of like to know what the staffs opinions of this new move are and why Peter let them do this and what the plans for this Fast Forward venture may be? is it doing well so far or the same as the 2k3 series? If it's doing the same do you think fox would consider bringing the turtles back to the modern day? Also are there any plans to use the storys from volume 4 of mirage?
Oh and one last questions reguarding the show was it always going to be a light hearted future in Fast Forward or had the orignal plans for it been differnt?
as always thanks for your time.

[gobo]

Originally Posted by Zelda

Mikey: Ben Affleck

Karai's role hotly contested with Britney Spears..... a TMNT musical! (....coming out of their shells 2? )

Actually, Ben had the role for Michaelangelo, but he declined it when he found out that Matt was attached to the project. He was quoted as saying, "F*** that! I'm not letting this Ben & Matt sh** start up again. It was bad enough when those [fans] thought we were both straight, but now, they'll think I'm trying to win him back from Leo [DiCaprio]!" Will was more than happy to fill the role [for the closet-case].

As for the role of Karai, Mrs. Spears' representatives deny any intended involvement with the project. Mrs. Spears was originally opting for the role of April O'Neil, but had a change of heart when her Mouseketeer sister showed up at the private casting sessions. She now owes nearly $1.3K in audio equipment damages when she was turned away in favor of Ms. Latifa. Her people were just more threatening-- er, convincing than Mrs. Spears'. Plus, she is much cheaper [as long as the craft service stays to her liking].


DISCLAIMER: In as much as jokes are spun into national issues of debate frequently, do me a favor and administer a smack in the mouth to anyone trying to convince people that my parody is anything but that. But, the VA list is totally on the level.

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by Buslady

Can't you stand up for this? Disapprove it until they agree to releaase it to the states and INCLUDE that 13th ep!

Disapproving it would only hurt the Australian DVD licensee (Magna Pacific) as they're the ones who sent in the approval. It wouldn't affect the US licensee (4Kids/Funimation) at all. No leverage there I'm afraid.

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by Gary

Do you think these same people would have stopped production on 'Insane in the Membrane?' And that we only got it on DVD because it was already made?

They are the same people and yes they most likely would have stopped production on IITM had any red flags gone up earlier in production.

And yup.

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by Ra

I would imagine that it (the Lost Episdode) would have been released around the world at roughly the same time, or in the same week at least.

DVD releases aren't like movie releases. Each territory has its own DVD company and its own broadcast company (that is, unique licensees). Since there is no parallel release to DVDs, nor to the (generally earlier) broadcast of whatever episodes, then we wind up with a situation like this where one market (Oz-NZ) gets a DVD release before other markets do.

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by Masked Ninja

I suppose at times like this I need a 5-year-old friend who can help me understand why 4Kids would shove TLS aside for FF.

Bingo.

And don't forget Playmates Toys, who also have a big say in the show.

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by Putrescent

Hey Murpharama I have a question but it doesn't deal with the movie.Rather Fast Forward I'd sort of like to know what the staffs opinions of this new move are and why Peter let them do this and what the plans for this Fast Forward venture may be? is it doing well so far or the same as the 2k3 series? If it's doing the same do you think fox would consider bringing the turtles back to the modern day? Also are there any plans to use the storys from volume 4 of mirage?Oh and one last questions reguarding the show was it always going to be a light hearted future in Fast Forward or had the orignal plans for it been differnt? As always thanks for your time.

By "staff" you mean here at Mirage? If so, I seem to be the only one who watches it. For the most part I like the stories but not the rosy vision of the future. But, you know, it is a different show, thus there's little argument that it's geared to a younger audience than the pre-FF episodes.

It's not so much that "Peter let them do this" as it was a mutual decision between 4Kids (both as licensing agency and owners of the Fox Box), Playmates Toys and Mirage.

I think FF is doing as well on Fox Box as the pre-FF seasons did.

FF vs "modern day" is anyone's guess at this point with regards to the Fall '08 season.

If the plug was pulled on the Lost Season (the 12 "Ninja Tribunal" episodes) odds are we won't be seeing any shows based on Mirage's Vol. 4 comics.

And... believe it or not, the FF stories actually turned out quite a bit darker (especially the latter 13 episodes) than was the original "lighter" intent of the show back when it was being envisioned by the parties noted above.

[Vegita-San]

Originally Posted by Murphy

No real harm done, sensei.

I've never actually been to the Technodrome site before and only learned about your postings from a friend who sent me the link to this thread. I had no idea the Technodrome was so... I dunno, capacious (word of the day).
.

I can't help but laugh, because this remidned me of that old shampoo(?) commercial, with the squares. And they told someone, and they told someone, and so on, and so on, and so on

Glad to see info is straightened out.

I'll probably edit this later, if it's been answered, but what's the general feel and relation towards 4Kids lately?

Dan filled me in on why the change in FF was made, but now the Ninja Tribunal episodes are gone from the US release list? 4Kids started off oh so well with an ass kicking show, and now we get this dispensable FF stuff, which is thankfully getting a bit better.. I really did enjoy the wrestling episode, even though I hate wrestling .

Originally Posted by Murphy

Yeah, a "first stage approval" (packaging design) to a 3-disc DVD set of the Lost Season... but only for Australia and New Zealand.

And it's now 12 episodes, not 13.

So... you folks Down Under will get to see the Lost Season hit retail sometime over the next few months.

Heh, it's a murphy multi quote, after just finding this thread .

Maybe HBO would agree to funding that episode, and airing the Ninja Tribunal arc on it's video on demand services? Could be possible if they get the new movies premeir rights.
As if this can't get more confusing

Originally Posted by Murphy

"I'd say the answer to the question is that the things acknowledged from 2 are that Shredder is dead, the turtles discovered TCRI... and that Vanilla Ice is dead. I would say, tho, that the film mostly follows the 1st, and has 'nods' to the 2nd and 3rd for sentimental reasons."

I know, the producers can introduce K-Fed to the TMNT world! Oh, wait, he was never the new popular hot recording artist that Vannila Ice supposedly was!

Too bad they can't include an in joke during the credits.... 'The turtles pass a paper with the words, 'Vanilla Ice passes'....', then Cowabunga is heard yelled .

[AquaParade]

Originally Posted by Murphy

And... believe it or not, the FF stories actually turned out quite a bit darker (especially the latter 13 episodes) than was the original "lighter" intent of the show back when it was being envisioned by the parties noted above.

Wait a second, does this mean we may actually have something to look forward to in the second season of FF?

[Raven]

Originally Posted by Underoath740

Wait a second, does this mean we may actually have something to look forward to in the second season of FF?

I hope thats true because I really want to like it but little things here and there annoy me, but they go a bit darker I'll stick with it no problem!

[raphaelprime]

Originally Posted by Murphy

And don't forget Playmates Toys, who also have a big say in the show.


If the plug was pulled on the Lost Season (the 12 "Ninja Tribunal" episodes) odds are we won't be seeing any shows based on Mirage's Vol. 4 comics.

After reading this, a thought occured. Could it have possibly been Playmates that forced 4Kids to drop the plans on a 'Lost Season' DVD? Since they did throw weight around to bump up Fast Foward.


And if Vol. 4 of the Mirage comics has them walking amongst aliens, wouldn't it be possible to slowly change Fast Foward's direction and just incorporate Vol. 4?


By the way, i just now found out about this yesterday, and i have to say, this pretty much sucks. It's bad enough I'm never able to watch them on Saturday mornings because only 3 stations in North Carolina even carry 4Kids/FoxBox and was always out of the loop on what was happening, having to find out 5-6 months later for DVD's.

[Spitfire]

I got a question for ya Murph.

So Peter sold his soul to the devil, kids entertainment. No idea how long this contract is for but I assume it's for awhile. Meaning anything TMNT TV related Peter wants to do is kinda stunted. 4Kids owns the show, so does that mean 4Kids could*If they wanted* take the series over and start making it themselves?

This of course would totally ruin the show, but at this it's pretty far gone any ways from what you have said. So my question I guess would pertain to the movie. Let's say the movie does well, and FF fails. Does this mean there is a chance for another turtles movie to be made, or possible CGI show based off the films to be made? Since WB also has rights in TMNT and Imagi. We know this was tried before and never went anywhere but it would be a different ball game after the movie is released.

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by Spitfire666xXxXx

I got a question for ya Murph. So Peter sold his soul to the devil, kids entertainment. No idea how long this contract is for but I assume it's for awhile. Meaning anything TMNT TV related Peter wants to do is kinda stunted. 4Kids owns the show, so does that mean 4Kids could if they wanted take the series over and start making it themselves?

This of course would totally ruin the show, but at this it's pretty far gone any ways from what you have said. So my question I guess would pertain to the movie. Let's say the movie does well, and FF fails. Does this mean there is a chance for another turtles movie to be made, or possible CGI show based off the films to be made? Since WB also has rights in TMNT and Imagi. We know this was tried before and never went anywhere but it would be a different ball game after the movie is released.

Where did I say that Peter sold his soul to the devil? No where.

The show is a partnership between Mirage, 4Kids and Playmates, with Mirage (ie Peter) having the greatest creative control over the show. Again, the decision to go FF was a mutual one made by these three parties. And look at the copyright on the show -- it's joint Mirage and 4Kids (Playmates' role is much smaller and does not involve ownership).

On to your other question. If the movie does well, yes you can bet money that there'd be a second one. The success or failure of FF has nothing to do with the movie. The possibility of a CGI show based (or, I suppose, not based) on the movie is anyone's guess at this point -- it's just too far off to predict.

[VaughnMichael]

Originally Posted by Murphy

By "staff" you mean here at Mirage? If so, I seem to be the only one who watches it. For the most part I like the stories but not the rosy vision of the future. But, you know, it is a different show, thus there's little argument that it's geared to a younger audience than the pre-FF episodes.

It's not so much that "Peter let them do this" as it was a mutual decision between 4Kids (both as licensing agency and owners of the Fox Box), Playmates Toys and Mirage.

I think FF is doing as well on Fox Box as the pre-FF seasons did.

FF vs "modern day" is anyone's guess at this point with regards to the Fall '08 season.

If the plug was pulled on the Lost Season (the 12 "Ninja Tribunal" episodes) odds are we won't be seeing any shows based on Mirage's Vol. 4 comics.

And... believe it or not, the FF stories actually turned out quite a bit darker (especially the latter 13 episodes) than was the original "lighter" intent of the show back when it was being envisioned by the parties noted above.

Hmm very interesting..and also kind of sad..I'm sure everyone is quite busy and all. Yes I think that's most peoples problem with it also that everything is just so perfect but it seems things are changing with the turtles around and such. I don't know I still have hope for it I guess that's why I stick around. I mean is there hope should I or is it going to be like this from now on..to sort of answer my own question though it would seem though as if things are already changing.
Hmm so everything was given the ok then even by Mirage It just all seems sort of odd that this all happened it sort of makes it seem like all anyone cares about is making money (as much as I hate to say that).
I mean from all the things Peter wrote about how much he cares about the Turtles and all and that he'd never let the characters go the same way they did in the 80's and the 2k3 show was the way he always wanted it. It all just seems very odd that this would happen. I mean it seems as if the same thing he said he didn't like about the 80's happened again with this show and that is the network has taken over once again. I mean how much creative control does Mirage really have over everything?
And how in the world could Playmates Toys have such a huge role in this all it's so crazy did they have this pull with the 80's show? I mean wow I never had any such idea this all was going on. I think Peter and Mirage were finally 100% in control of the Turtles with things being revised by Fox.
I would hope the next time the Turtles make a come back if they do that They shop them to another network. I mean look at Fox's track record with the turtles First the 80's toon I mean they basically killed any idea that the turtles had come from a great black and white comic with killer art and story's.
Next they Bring us the Next Mutation adding a Girl turtle which was one of the biggest blows in TMNT history. And now this with what allot of people finally think is a good show then they take it away and give out a watered down version of it's former self. I really hope Fox would be the last choice next time for a TMNT revival.
Hmm interesting so is there going to be a fall 08 season?
Hmm again it seems rather odd you say that I can't seem to find a connection between the lost season and the story's found in volume 4 of mirage that take place in the future.
That's also rather interesting so you are doing the witting for the show or am I incorrect?
Oh and one last question that's really bothering me and I'm sure allot of other would enjoy to know this also is how come none of the Archie tmnt story's have ever been considered for the shows or even any of the characters to be placed in them? I mean for instance I ( and many others) were highly disappointed when the wrestling episode of fast forward happened and nothing from the Archie wrestling story's had been used.
I've said it before and I'll say it again to me a perfect blend of the Turtles on TV would be a Mix between Mirage & Archie I think that would be great.
And once again thanks for the time you take to answer this stuff!

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by raphaelprime

After reading this, a thought occured. Could it have possibly been Playmates that forced 4Kids to drop the plans on a 'Lost Season' DVD? Since they did throw weight around to bump up Fast Foward.

No, Playmates cannot "force" 4Kids to do anything.

I think everyone has to remember one basic fact about the Lost Season/Ninja Tribunal: it's pretty much a continuous story arc. A 13-episode (as originally planned) story arc in a children's cartoon series on a "network" with less-than-ubiquitous national market coverage as the Fox Box has (and one that is often pre-empted by sports events), translates into a business fear of "children losing interest due to missed episodes" or children simply having short attention spans. Plus the story arc is rather "heavy" for children. That's why the majority of FF episodes are stand alone and much "lighter." In addition, FF also provided Playmates with an opportunity to "spruce up" and re-brand a toy line, the sales of which had been slipping. Overall, remember/consider that the average action figure buyer is 5-10 years of age... and the prime cartoon viewer 6-11.

Originally Posted by raphaelprime

And if Vol. 4 of the Mirage comics has them walking amongst aliens, wouldn't it be possible to slowly change Fast Foward's direction and just incorporate Vol. 4?

Sure, it's possible... but it's not likely. But again this is one of those things that is just too impossible to predict at this point.

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by Putrescent

Hmm so everything was given the ok then even by Mirage It just all seems sort of odd that this all happened it sort of makes it seem like all anyone cares about is making money (as much as I hate to say that). I mean from all the things Peter wrote about how much he cares about the Turtles and all and that he'd never let the characters go the same way they did in the 80's and the 2k3 show was the way he always wanted it. It all just seems very odd that this would happen. I mean it seems as if the same thing he said he didn't like about the 80's happened again with this show and that is the network has taken over once again. I mean how much creative control does Mirage really have over everything?

Pete cares greatly about the turtles and how they are are executed creatively. And he doesn't care that much about making more money. However, as I said in an earlier email, the show is a partnership between Mirage, 4Kids and Playmates (not the network Fox). By partnership I mean each has invested money into making the show. The partnership is a balancing act of special interests, the bottom line of which is making a good show that makes money. Pete has worked very hard to see his vision of the turtles get made into the new cartoon and I think he's been remarkably successful in doing so. At least up until FF anyway.

FF is a different animal all together, one that is more a product of pressure to create a more kid-friendly show and to extend the TV and action figure life of the property. That is, ratings weren't super, toy sales were dropping. Things get tweaked. Compromises get made.

Originally Posted by Putrescent

And how in the world could Playmates Toys have such a huge role in this all it's so crazy did they have this pull with the 80's show?

See above.

Originally Posted by Putrescent

I mean wow I never had any such idea this all was going on. I think Peter and Mirage were finally 100% in control of the Turtles with things being revised by Fox.

No revisions by Fox. Again see above. Peter has great control over the content of the show but, again, the show's a partnership and sometimes it's a balancing act to keep all partners happy.

Originally Posted by Putrescent

Oh and one last question that's really bothering me and I'm sure a lot of other would enjoy to know this also is how come none of the Archie tmnt story's have ever been considered for the shows or even any of the characters to be placed in them?

The Archie comic universe is closely tied into the original cartoon... and we're not allowed to use the original cartoon "universe" in the new cartoon. Nor, I suppose, would "the official we" want to. The old cartoon/Archie universe is not Pete's vision of the turtles....

[VaughnMichael]

Originally Posted by Murphy

In addition, FF also provided Playmates with an opportunity to "spruce up" and re-brand a toy line, the sales of which had been slipping. Overall, remember/consider that the average action figure buyer is 5-10 years of age... and the prime cartoon viewer 6-11.
Sure, it's possible... but it's not likely. But again this is one of those things that is just too impossible to predict at this point.

I agree Playmates new Fast Forward toys are allot better than the ones that had been made for the 2k3 characters.

Originally Posted by Murphy

Pete cares greatly about the turtles and how they are are executed creatively. And he doesn't care that much about making more money. However, as I said in an earlier email, the show is a partnership between Mirage, 4Kids and Playmates (not the network Fox). By partnership I mean each has invested money into making the show. The partnership is a balancing act of special interests, the bottom line of which is making a good show that makes money. Pete has worked very hard to see his vision of the turtles get made into the new cartoon and I think he's been remarkably successful in doing so. At least up until FF anyway.
FF is a different animal all together, one that is more a product of pressure to create a more kid-friendly show and to extend the TV and action figure life of the property. That is, ratings weren't super, toy sales were dropping. Things get tweaked. Compromises get made.

I know he cares he stresses that he does all the time in the comics or he wouldn't be involved anymore at all. Hmm that's interesting also I always thought it was fox because it's being played on that channel my bad. I didn't know all of that also so thank you for bringing it out into the light
Also I agree Peter did a great job until this all happened but oh well he's got the movie to focus on now.
And not to be rude or anything but Playmates and the like really need to take a look back at the past and realize what killed the toy line in the first place and they didn't seem to learn until now with Fast Forward and that's to knock it off with the over abundance of turtle variations All the other characters sell I know they think kids want tun's of the 4 turtles but seriously even growing up with the old show and the old line kids really wanted all those crazy characters sure a few turtles are cool here and there but not when that's really all that's being offered for the most part can you expect to sell tun's of toys to anyone child or fan.
As the old saying goes also You need to spend money to make it and I know allot of people didn't like how cheap playmates was being with the rehashing of old vehicles and using the same sculpts for the turtles over and over.

Originally Posted by Murphy

No revisions by Fox. Again see above. Peter has great control over the content of the show but, again, the show's a partnership and sometimes it's a balancing act to keep all partners happy.

Oi that must be very annoying for him and anyone at Mirage involved I guess it could also be a bit of a let down for people who are writting the show.

Originally Posted by Murphy

The Archie comic universe is closely tied into the original cartoon... and we're not allowed to use the original cartoon "universe" in the new cartoon. Nor, I suppose, would "the official we" want to. The old cartoon/Archie universe is not Pete's vision of the turtles....

Point taken thanks for the answere to that I'll make sure never to expect anything like that then as sad as it all is
But I do have to say in defence of the Archie comics it's leeps and bounds better than the old toon was and it's sad none of that stuff ever got animated.
Hmm ok one more thing any new on the forever war being brought out by mirage or has that been scraped?
And hopefully all this isn't to annoying I'm just trying to put allot of things in peoples minds to rest.

[Murphy]

Originally Posted by Putrescent

But I do have to say in defence of the Archie comics it's leeps and bounds better than the old toon was and it's sad none of that stuff ever got animated.

Thanks and I agree.

Originally Posted by Putrescent

Hmm ok one more thing any new on the forever war being brought out by mirage or has that been scraped?

One of my New Year's resolutions is that The Forever War gets finished by the summer!

Originally Posted by Putrescent

And hopefully all this isn't to annoying I'm just trying to put allot of things in peoples minds to rest.

Sorry if I sometimes sound annoyed. I forget that not everyone understands how things operate around here.

Now... for coffee.

[IveyAngelo]

Hiya Murphy!

A friend of mine told me about this post and I read all the way through it, first I'd love to Thank you for taking the time to say hi to us fans and answer so many questions.

Second, you mentioned a Warner Brother Holiday Film for the trailer, I've already seen "Happy Feet" and it's not before that movie, so I'm going to take a guess at the only other Holiday Film they're putting out, Unaccompanied Minors. This movie is coming out on December 8th. I'm going to go and see it, if the trailer is before it I'll let everyone here know for sure or not.

I'm very happy to hear that the Fast Forward series does get a little darker, though more than anything the art is what has disappointed me with the Fast Forward series, how they draw the Turtles themselves. It just seems less dept in each of them, Leo's scar on his shell is even gone. Was the Character designed changed to show that this is a different type of series from the last 4 seasons that aired? And if they go back to the past, is there a chance of getting the original character design back?

Originally Posted by Murphy

Overall, remember/consider that the average action figure buyer is 5-10 years of age... and the prime cartoon viewer 6-11.

I'm going to have to disagree with this statement here. I know a lot of people from online, conventions and even just going around who are adult fans. I think a poll should be done on either 4Kids web site or the Official TMNT web site to get a real age of what is watching the series and buying the toys. Though the show may be written for that age group, a lot of the returning fans from the original series are watching, along with new fans who liked the dept of the first 4 seasons of the show.

I'm not going to say that kids are not watching it, cause I'm very happy every time a child runs up to me and asks me how much a Turtle Toy cost (even though I don't work at any store, this seems to happen to me a lot. One time it was only seconds after I walked into the store, some child ran up to me holding a Combat Warrior Donatello toy, asking how much it cost. I laughed and took a guess and was right).

In my area 4Kids is ran on Sunday mornings, on the WB network. Now this is a bad thing for a major reason, a lot of people are at church during this time, so when I tell people that TMNT are still on the air, they're in shock and when I tell them when it's on, they can't even watch it. I spend a lot of time promoting the show, comics, DVDs, ect. As people get excited seeing my TMNT Shirt, coat, or even something Turtles I may be holding. I have no problem sharing the information, though it all goes back to the age thing most people who bring it up to me are at least above the age of 15/16.

Another thing I'd like to bring up is, the release of stuff like the "Lost Season" to DVD in other countries, is it also because the sales of stuff like DVDs are better in those countries than they have been here in the United States? I hear sales of the toys, dvds and such are being bought up more else where, which is why more is being made out of country than here. And if so, could that be, because there's more promotion for it else where?

Heh I wrote enough for now, so I'll take a break. Just wanted to say hi and ask a few things.

Thanks again for taking the time to answer people's questions and coming here.