Planetside: The Movie (serious thread, quit laughing willya?)

Meyvon · 2003-11-03, 02:43 PM

I am posting this on both the OF and at PSU, for Maximum discussion.

Ok so here is the deal. I got a ScreenWriter's Workshop I signed up for in two weeks or so, and I want to bring some sort of partially finished Script to it, for the professionals to analyze and tell me what I do right, and what I do wrong, etc.

So I have resolved to write my FIRST-EVER Movie Script. I am going to make a Film Adaptation of Planetside. I've NEVER written, nor tried to write a script before, so this is gonna be an experience for sure(most of my writings are short stories based on Video games). But I am doing this, to test my writing chops, and see if I got what it takes to be a professional screenwriter. for the record, I am NOT going to try and sell this script(unless SOE likes it, and gives me permission). This is SOLELY a 'let's see what I can do' project.

I am going to begin work on the Plot for the Script later this afternoon, but I can share a few tidbits of info you guys might find interesting, such as the Basic plot, and some things I am going to change and/or Omit from the Script(that are in the game), and my reasoning behind it. That is if you are interested in discussing it.

and Please, no flames, bug/performance complaints, or laughing at me

. This is a serious idea, that I have been thinking about for a while, and putting off(because I always thought I could never do it, but what the hell. might as well try).

I am posting this now, so that I can get feedback from the Devs, and Players about my ideas for the Plot, that way I can start on a good note, with ideas as to what Players and Devs would agree with, if they went to see such a movie, and what they'd murder me for.

so I am posting this, then I will collect some thoughts briefly, and then post them in this thread, for discussion.

I expect to have at least a complete Plot (from Movie Start to Movie End) finished by tomorrow night at the latest. then I will post it for you to enjoy(or tear apart) before I begin working on the First Draft of the actual Script.

thank you for your consideration, please, no flames.

Meyvon · 2003-11-03, 03:21 PM

OK here goes the Info. (this may get long)
First off, the title of my script will be Planetside: The Auraxis Conflict.
The purpose of this Movie will be to give more Detail to the background story of Planetside. It will chronicle the Closing of the Wormhole, The Rebellion against the Terran Republic that results from the WormHole Closing.

The film will tell the story of formation of both the New Conglomerate, and the Vanu Sovereignty, and the beginning of the The Auraxis Conflict. However, my telling will be more in depth than what we were given. It will include specific people, places, times, and events.

The main conflict of the film will be between the New Conglomerate (read: The 'Good' Guys, think the Rebel Alliance) and the Terran Republic (read: The 'Bad' Guys, think The Empire). I will be painting the Vanu Sovreignty as a dangerous wild card, which both sides wish to ally with to strengthen their own side. This is a major story change from that of the game, but it is done for cinematic purposes. naturally, the VS have their own agenda, and wish to have nothing to do with either feuding Empire.

In my film, Core Combat, and its areas do not exist yet.

What you WILL see, or what I will try my best to include:

All Empire Specific weaponry.
Most Common Pool weaponry.
Hovering Vehicles.
All MAX Special Abilities put to use.
At least *ONE* LLU run.
A definition of what the LLU actually is.
Battlefield Medics and Engineers.
Hacking.
At least one Tower Siege.
Most Implants put to use.
Surge/Agile/Jackhammer.
Sniper Duels.

What you will NOT see:

Respawn tubes and technology. <--alright for a game, but not believable for a movie IMO

Anything from Core Combat. <---timeline will not allow it.

Facility Link Benefits. <---I really don't think they are necessary for the movie. If someone can convince me otherwise though....

The HART. <---I think i will opt to keep travel limited to vehicles.

Warpgates. <---timeline reasons.

Veteran · 2003-11-03, 03:41 PM

The heroic Terran Republic officers discover that the wicked New Conglomerate and naughty Vanu Sovereignty sorority girls have defiantly thrown off their standard armor and are sweating up the leather in the Prowler. Bravely, the TR investigate, and learn how agile an exosuit can be.

The end.

JetRaiden · 2003-11-03, 03:51 PM

if there is a movie they'll be no reference to "comman pool", "certification or equitment terminals, or anything else like that/

Gigabein · 2003-11-03, 04:14 PM

Keep in mind rebirthing technology is not discovered until 12 years after the wormhole collapses, and it's another 7 years before it's commonplace. The rebellions don't start happening until 30 years A.W.

And neither side wants the Vanu Sovereignty, unless its their head is on a platter. The TR wanted central control of the alien technology, and the NC are convinced that "the Vanu Sovereignty is using their ill-gotten technologies to brainwash individuals into following their mad plans. The Vanu Sovereignty seeks to control human genetic makeup and force it to perform as they dictate." Source

This story-line is not as black and white as you are hoping, so I hope you try to use the complex relationships in the tale instead of glossing over stuff that isn't convenient for you. There good people and bad people in every empire. Perhaps some VS are planning to abuse the technology... perhaps their are some TR that want the technology for power instead of being concerned that the technology will have dangerous consequences for all of humanity... perhaps there are some irrational, hyper-opinionated, anarchist NC out to fight for a cliche-ridden cause just for the sake of fighting and damn the torpedos.

Meyvon · 2003-11-03, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by Gigabein

And neither side wants the Vanu Sovereignty, unless its their head is on a platter. The TR wanted central control of the alien technology, and the NC are convinced that "the Vanu Sovereignty is using their ill-gotten technologies to brainwash individuals into following their mad plans. The Vanu Sovereignty seeks to control human genetic makeup and force it to perform as they dictate." Source

In the game yes, I am aware of this. that is why I said it is a 'big change from the game'.

the way i envision it, is more of the 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend?' type of scenario.

or better yet, both the TR and NC have the 'enemy of my enemy if my friend' mentality, but the VS have the 'enemy of my enemy is my enemy' view, and want nothing to do with either side, unless it's, as you say, their head on a platter. you will see how it plays out, when I write the plot.

let's just say that the NC and TR don't really try to hard to gain the VS allegiance.

also, I am going to try hard to stick with the official timeline, but i may have to bump up one date on the timeline to make my story stick. i don't want to, but it MAY be necessary. we'll see.

Lise · 2003-11-03, 04:42 PM

From what you describe, you must ask yourself one thing:

Are you writing for fans of Planetside...

... or a large audience?

Also, don't try to write out the script for a whole movie in two nights. Trust me.

Also, again, don't butcher the empires to suit your lack of talent (not meant as an overt flame, but it almost seems like that's what you are doing.) Make sure all of them are three-dimentional. We're all tired of the black-and-white good-guy bad-guy stories; make all of the empires complex!

Meyvon · 2003-11-03, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by Lise

From what you describe, you must ask yourself one thing:

Are you writing for fans of Planetside...

... or a large audience?

Also, don't try to write out the script for a whole movie in two nights. Trust me.

oh no, no way in hell i am writing a script in two days! LOL!

i am just talking about a first draft of the plot outline at the moment.

and i am writing for a large audience.

Lise · 2003-11-03, 04:48 PM

Ahem, sorry, see edit above. Probably should've double posted.

Meyvon · 2003-11-03, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by Lise

Also, again, don't butcher the empires to suit your lack of talent (not meant as an overt flame, but it almost seems like that's what you are doing.) Make sure all of them are three-dimentional. We're all tired of the black-and-white good-guy bad-guy stories; make all of the empires complex!

probably the best, most honest advice i've gotten yet.

i'll definitely keep it in mind.

Lise · 2003-11-03, 05:08 PM

Another thing, given your reply to my earlier question. If you're writing to a large audience, WRITE TO A LARGE AUDIENCE. Forget the laundry list of fight scenes you think is required and write what YOU think is cool. Don't feel completely obligated to cater to us; that rarely, if ever, makes a good movie. Now, granted, don't make it so boring and obtruse that people fall asleep either. But don't include, say, a sniper duel scene just because you think some in the audience want it. Put fight scenes where they make sense, put plot where it makes sense. Don't pander to the audience, give them something worth watching. Then you'll have a great movie.