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The legendary "Starkiller Ranch" Thread — Page 15

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Well it can't look cut and paste. I don't know why we can't try. The dialogue can be arranged so that the "official" hologram is actually replying by standing there stoically-- it can be made to feel organic. That is, of course, the final test.
My point is if we want more than just a longshot or the stoic close-up of Grievous, it will look cut and paste as the close-up of a darkened Sidious hologram will not match up with the official shot of Grievous.

I've been thinking about that poem and I think it will work best as the summation audio over the whole "look how it's all come out" montage that shows us how each battlefront ends as well as how Anakin is processing with Qui Gonn's help. It can really bring the whole ending home, I believe.

Yes, excllent. Start with Anakin in the cockpit, then the ship flying back, the battlefield, the longshot of Obi-Wan with Qui-Gon's body, then finally back to Anakin. Wipe to Palpatine's ship landing. (Of course there's not really an ending for Padme, but whatever, I don't think that'll have an impact.)

I'll think long and hard about the title. A new opening crawl is in order obviously, so I'll try my hand at that as well.
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Originally posted by: Commander Courage
Well it can't look cut and paste. I don't know why we can't try. The dialogue can be arranged so that the "official" hologram is actually replying by standing there stoically-- it can be made to feel organic. That is, of course, the final test.

My point is if we want more than just a longshot or the stoic close-up of Grievous, it will look cut and paste as the close-up of a darkened Sidious hologram will not match up with the official shot of Grievous.


Right, we can't use any darkened Sidious close-ups-- that's for sure.

There is a medium close profile of Sidious against a black background that's all hood-- and ripe for the taking. Any over the shouler/profile of Sidious that doesn't show his face will match with the close up of Maul-- as long as the backgrounds can be made to work.

The whole scene would be a lot easier if we could stage it on the droid ship, I wonder if that can be made to work.

At any rate-- the scene will be short enough that a long shot and a close up and an over the shoulder are all we'll need. We do have those.

The title will come. Good idea to start the crawl. I'll start editing the script for the opening to give us something to work from.



EDITED TO ADD:

I have had a reverse change of heart about the title -- and I have two points to make about it.

I am back to voting for just "Star Wars" and no sub-title. This works fine with the other "episodes" -- this is STAR WARS, and the next one is STAR WARS Episode II: Shroud of the Dark Side. In fact, I like that immensely as an "homage" to the original release as well as the idea that this "episode" is supposed to be able to stand alone as the first of the saga.

And secondly, it's what Trooperman wanted -- and I want this to be the Trooperman version (once he surfaces again).

InfoDroid-- can you live with this? I know CC was on this side with me for a minute there. I believe this is a way to really set this edit apart and go all "OT" on people right from the start. Imagine: the original Fox logo; the original "Long time ago..."; then STAR WARS followed only by the text of the crawl-- It'll really make this the FIRST movie.

Anyway. Script coming...

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The problem with that is that everyone thinks of Episode IV: A New Hope as Star Wars (or vice versa).
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Originally posted by: THX
The problem with that is that everyone thinks of Episode IV: A New Hope as Star Wars (or vice versa).


I wish that were true, but I have to argue with people all the time who think the damn thing was released as Episode IV because "Lucas had it all planned out."

It's always referred to as ANH or Episode IV -- never just "Star Wars" anymore. Try to get away with calling it "Star Wars" in a conversation with other fans you don't know-- they'll get confused and laugh at you (tho I would NEVER laugh at you ;-)).

I'm not saying this idea will please everyone-- but if it pleases Trooperman (and heck, if I get a vote on it for my own sake) I love the idea.

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Here's the first bit of script. Just a few minutes-- but it's enough to cause InfoDroid some trouble ;-)

We need to get InfoDroid the full screen version asap. I can only turn to ebay-- we need an official release for the best quality. Any other ideas for how to get it to him?

---

Episode I Script
First Snippet

Ext. Space
After Crawl, use entire shot of ship approaching and heading toward TF ships.

Int. Qui Gonn's ship
Reverse the first two interior shots-- start favoring Qui Gonn,
Q: "Captain, tell them we wish to board at...
Cut to wide shot of all passengers
Q: "once..."
Captain: "Yes Sir."
Cut to Med. Shot of Captain as she leans toward controls-- cut away before she talks--

Ext. Space
Use whole shot of ship descending toward TF Starship. Bring up Sound F/X. No dialogue.

Int. Landing dock
Use frame-rate to slow down the landing and add more majestic music for truly awesome Star Wars landing (like Millenium Falcon landing on Death Star)

Int. Hallway
TC13 greets the Jedi.

Int. Waiting Room
TC 13 leads Jedi into the waiting room and leaves.
The Jedi flip back their hoods--
(Change if possible: using the Full Screen edition, can we crop the same shot and create a close up of Qui Gonn as he flips back his hood? It would be great-- even if we can just use the Full Screen footage to create a closer shot of both of them as they reveal themselves. The current shot favors Obi Wan -- since he's the one OT character we're meeting. That's not appropriate for this edit if we can get around it).

Can we improve the musical sting of their reveal? Harps isn't much of a cue.

Then back to the master shot as they walk across and say their lines at the window.

(But again, depending on what's possible with the Full Screen version -- close ups of Qui Gonn's bored expression here would help reinforce his malaise about this assignment.)


More later...

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Ooo, script.

Do you guys want me to start posting this stuff at my site?

You know of the rebellion against the Empire?

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Star Wars it is. It will certainly set this saga apart. I like the script so far, and yes Erik, whever you're ready.
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This is perfect, MTH! It's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for. I'll start on this right away.

And yes, I can live with just "Star Wars". The more I actually think about it, with the original logos, the more I like it.

Do me a favor though, Guys. Let me write up a version of the crawl first before anyone else starts one. It's just something that's important to me, and also something that has to be handled very carefully as to not spin the entire thread out of control. I'll write up a version, and then you guys can add/delete at will. Is that cool?

And another big thanks to Erik for volunteering to host the script! That's awesome.

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Erikstormtrooper--

Great idea, but let's get it all "approved" by mr. InfoDroid first. But then (if you are seriously volunteering ? !! ) the archive of each piece into a file would be a lot of help! :-)

How would it work?

--

Oops. It got "approved" while I was posting this.

Yay -- Star Wars!

Go on the the crawl, InfoDroid. You are right about how important it is. I also have to request that we figure out how to get the crawl perfect. I didn't like MagFan's as much as AdMan's-- AdMan's edit of Episode II has a crawl so perfect, I'd swear it was the original.

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Originally posted by: MTHaslett
Erikstormtrooper--

But then (if you are seriously volunteering ? !! ) the archive of each piece into a file would be a lot of help! :-)

How would it work?


Yes. I am seriously volunteering. This is such an interesting project. I'm glad to help in any small way. Caveat: I may only be able to post to my website once or twice a day.

Off the top of my head, there are two ways that I see doing this:

1) I create an HTML index that links to each separate chunk of script. Each chunk will be a straight TXT file. The piece just posted by MTH would be one such chunk.

2) I create an HTML index that links to each iteration of the entire script (again TXT files). This assumes the script will be kept as one pice throughout the process.

I would need an approval from InfoDroid to post each piece. Any edits would be sent to me via e-mail. For example, someone would download the TXT file from my site, make their changes in notepad or whatever, and send the new TXT file to me. One big question: Who should get editing rights?

You know of the rebellion against the Empire?

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I recommend Rebel11_38 for the crawl. He made SotDS's for Trooperman, and it looked absolutely authentic. I know what you mean about MagnoliaFan's, they get the job done but look like they're from a video game. That's one of the things I hope he redoes in his Special Editions of I and II.
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I also wanted to let all of you know that tjdavis1138 has been following this thread and has graciously volunteered today to lend a helping hand to our editing "department". He is experienced with programs like Vegas and fluent in other areas of the editing process that I'm still a little foggy on, so I'm sure he'll prove to be a valuable resource during the "re-making" of this film.

I'll be talking with him about learning how to accomplish the things we want to add into the movie (at the level of quality we want), including the opening crawl. MTH, to answer your question, It's my goal to go less the way of MagFan for the crawl, and instead reach for Darth Editous quality... Although, Rebel11_38's are just as nice! If Reb is interested in doing this, his help would be greatly appreciated.

Originally posted by erikstormtrooper:One big question: Who should get editing rights?


At this point, we should stick with MTHaslett and Commander Courage only. Anyone else's suggestions can be approved by one or both of them. And I guess I'll have the final word. Trooperman, of course, is always welcome to his seat at the table as one of the original four, if he ever returns from that black hole he's disappeared into.

So, once again, a HUGE THANKS to tjdavis1138 for your offer of help. And welcome to the team!

This is really coming together, Guys. Good work!

Long live the Ranch.

--InfoDroid

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Erikstormtrooper--

Great!

Good options. I'd be for being able to see the whole script "so far" at once, so it's easy to see how each chunk fits into the whole just by scrolling. Is that option #2?

It's great to have your support! I'll have more soon--

--

Great news, InfoDroid. Maybe we'll be able to move a little faster. This is a GIGANTIC project.

By the way-- I have only found Full Screen Episode I dvd's for $13.00 + shipping at Amazon. Does anyone have a set to donate? (Did they full screen the deleted footage too? Could be useful).

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*reads the idea for the script*
()_()
That's almost the way that I wanted to start my edit. Though, I never thought of the slowing down the ship landing part and, I never thought of reversing the shots. Pretty good thinking there. *thumbs up icon* this edit is getting off to a good start. I offer my help in this edit but, right now I don't have any editing software. So, I might be able to paint out Siddious in that hologram shot if you want it(the one where he's in the chair and, I read that you guys want him to tune in). I'm not guaranteeing anything but, I can try to paint him out of the frame. That is if your still using that scene.


http://twister111.tumblr.com
Previous Signature preservation link

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Originally posted by: MTHaslettBy the way-- I have only found Full Screen Episode I dvd's for $13.00 + shipping at Amazon. Does anyone have a set to donate? (Did they full screen the deleted footage too? Could be useful).


I'd be willing to trade for something of mine, pay for shipping, whatever's necessary. Let me know.

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Just threw together a rough edit of what MTHaslett posted. Getting a closer shot of Qui-Gon when he pulls his hood down will be hard to do seamlessly. That is all one shot and when I tried to split the video up to crop the frame it was jumpy. Reminded me of camcorder footage. I can crop the entire sequence. I'll see how that looks.

and the full screen version of the dvd would be very helpful about now.

I'll try to get a clip up tomorrow. Depends on how busy I am at work.
"You were so preoccupied with whether or not you could...you never stopped to think if you should." - Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park
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Originally posted by: twister111
*reads the idea for the script*
()_()
That's almost the way that I wanted to start my edit. Though, I never thought of the slowing down the ship landing part and, I never thought of reversing the shots. Pretty good thinking there. *thumbs up icon* this edit is getting off to a good start. I offer my help in this edit but, right now I don't have any editing software. So, I might be able to paint out Siddious in that hologram shot if you want it(the one where he's in the chair and, I read that you guys want him to tune in). I'm not guaranteeing anything but, I can try to paint him out of the frame. That is if your still using that scene.




Wow-- nice offer! Let us figure out what we're doing first-- the current Maul/Grievous reports to Nute idea is under construction. I think a painted out shot might bring it all the way home, though. Thanks!

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Originally posted by: tjdavis1138
Just threw together a rough edit of what MTHaslett posted. Getting a closer shot of Qui-Gon when he pulls his hood down will be hard to do seamlessly. That is all one shot and when I tried to split the video up to crop the frame it was jumpy. Reminded me of camcorder footage. I can crop the entire sequence. I'll see how that looks.

and the full screen version of the dvd would be very helpful about now.

I'll try to get a clip up tomorrow. Depends on how busy I am at work.


Work? Man-- I'll be unavailable for awhile too. InfoDroid works nights? I don't even want to think about it.

But that sounds awesome!

Yeah-- the full screen version is the place to get these shots-- that's what Trooperman's doing and he's pretty happy.

The question will be whether they full-screened Qui Gon in a way that helps us or if the black bands will end up cutting off his eyes or something.

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Originally posted by: InfoDroid
Originally posted by: MTHaslettBy the way-- I have only found Full Screen Episode I dvd's for $13.00 + shipping at Amazon. Does anyone have a set to donate? (Did they full screen the deleted footage too? Could be useful).


I'd be willing to trade for something of mine, pay for shipping, whatever's necessary. Let me know.


Well-- I don't have one or I'd just give it to you. If we can't figure anything else out, I'll just order it from Amazon for you.

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Originally posted by: MTHaslett Well-- I don't have one or I'd just give it to you. If we can't figure anything else out, I'll just order it from Amazon for you.


Thanks, MTH, but don't do that. I'll find someone who has it, one way or another. God knows I'm not shelling out another penny to Lucasfilm to buy an inferior version of an already inferior film that I already own. And you shouldn't either. Someone will have it.

TJ's already got a rough-cut! *jaw drops*

That's beyond incredible! And it makes me a very happy droid.

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Originally posted by: InfoDroid
TJ's already got a rough-cut! *jaw drops*

That's beyond incredible! And it makes me a very happy droid.

Welcome aboard, TJ. Good to see you're already hard at work. Be careful though, InfoDroid might get lazy and spoiled if you keep up this pace.

Here's what might be a stupid question, but would it be possible to zoom-in on footage and crop from there? It would certainly make all these close ups easier, and being from the offical DVD I wouldn't think the video quality would suffer. But I'm just a novice in the editing department, so don't hit me too hard if that was idiotic.
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I'd like to see how trooperman used some of the full screen footage. I can cut inbetween the full screen and widescreen shots, but it just doesn't look good to me. Most of the time there is a cut where you would want a close-up so it's no big deal. I'll have to play with it a little more.

Work? Yep, everyday!! I sit in front of a computer most of the day looking up Mopar parts so I'm usually available.

Tom
"You were so preoccupied with whether or not you could...you never stopped to think if you should." - Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park
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I just cropped the whole shot from where they walk into the room until it cuts nute. It's closer to what you guys want, but I don't know.

I haven't done anything with slowing down the landing of the ship yet. I can't remember which musical cue is playing when the falcon lands on the death star so I'll have to check that out. I should probably just go ahead and rip all six movies and soundtracks to the hard drive for instant access.

Commander Courage: Yes it's possible, but it doesn't take much cropping at all to make it look like crap. 720x480 isn't much to crop with. Now if we had high-def Wow, the possibilities.


Must have sleep

Talk to everybody tomorrow.

"You were so preoccupied with whether or not you could...you never stopped to think if you should." - Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park
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Maybe a Special Edition will be in order once the saga comes out in HD or BlueRay...

And just something to keep in mind, TJ, direct tracking of music from other pieces of Star Wars music is a definite negative. Then we start sounding like AotC, and we certainly wouldn't want to do that. Anything classical that inspired the Star Wars music, other John Williams material, and creative editing of the other soundtracks though would definitely be in order. I'm sure you realize this, but I just want to reiterate it for everyone. Dropping in a complete track does work from time to time, but usually when the music in played in a completely different context.