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FANBOYS update... it's that larcenous journey to Skywalker Ranch flick!!!

Where can I find the script to this thing? by D.Vader	Jan 2nd, 1999 11:33:45 PM
Anyone? Anyone? And how are they going to make this thing with only 5 months before Episode One comes out? D.Vader =D
? by Clockwork Taxi	Jan 2nd, 1999 11:52:28 PM
This project doesn't really sound all that neat. Maybe it could be a cool short film on the IFC channel, but this as a feature fil? It won't be getting my $3.50.
Where you can get the script to FANBOYS by Harry Knowles	Jan 2nd, 1999 11:58:34 PM
It's in Austin, Texas at the secret underground lair of screenwriter ERNIE CLINE. Get three of your buds, pile into a van, and break in to his secret base. C'mon man, you can do it. LIVE YOUR DREAMS! -- Harry P.S. It doesn't really matter if the film is made B.S. (Before da Stars) or A.S. (After da Stars) the film is about a feeling we all, each and everyone has in them. After May 21st... there is the next film, and the film after that... then there is LORD OF THE RINGS, or... whatever the geek film. The journey, the trip the characters go on is merely the journey we geeks all take from inception to delivery of any cool geek movies. How long have we waited for a SPIDERMAN movie, or a FANTASTIC FOUR film? This is about the wait, and not waiting any more. It's a quest film. And quests, whether or not there is a specific Holy Grail... is still a quest. A classic journey that transforms these four simple geeks on an incredible journey. I can't wait for this movie to get underway.
Talk about a Mission Impossible by b26354	Jan 3rd, 1999 12:13:29 AM
I'm sorry, but I cannot support this film, unless the characters include an expert in covert tactics and another is a projectionist. Yeah, sure, it sounds like a great fantasty, but there is nothing realistic about the story at all. What I want to see is this "1977" project that was talked about a few weeks ago in the previous Talk Back for "Fanboys". Now that I can relate to.
Wow, Harry talked to me! by D.Vader	Jan 3rd, 1999 12:37:06 AM
Well, somewhat. Still, I feel priveleged that he actually responded to my message. Anyway, to respond to the last post- just what are you talking about? You don't think this sounds realistic? But if one of the characters is an expert in covert tactics only THEN will it be like real life? That was a sarcastic comment, right? D.Vader I mean, we all know how many of them are around here
This ain't like dustin' crops kids. by Rakkis	Jan 3rd, 1999 12:52:00 AM

This ain't like dustin' crops kids. by Rakkis	Jan 3rd, 1999 01:00:16 AM
I don't think it's that far fetched. Sorta like it. Reminds me of the time a farmboy, an old fossil wizard, a cock smuggler and a walking carpet magaed to get in and out of the galaxies most feared battle station, right under the noses of thousands of stormtroopers and a dark lord of the sith. Err...at least most of 'em made it out. But hey, remember, one is dying of a disease. Maybe he sees Episode I and then dies inside Skywalker ranch in a tear jerking scene. I know I'd rather go up against Lucas and his security guards then Darth and the rest. 'Sides, remember, it's still just a movie, even if it deals with finding out about another movie and all that.
bdb!!!!!! by Annette K	Jan 3rd, 1999 11:41:18 AM
Never, even once, thought about breaking in and obtaining your own copy? Man, I must be one sick bitch! Oh, and Harry, you can speak for me anytime baby...hehehe!!
Response To D Vader by b26354	Jan 3rd, 1999 12:47:07 PM
You think that once someone actually breaks into Skywalker Ranch that they can walk around, find the place where the cans holding Episode One are held, sneak those off to a projection booth and watch it without being detected? There's being a Fanboy and then there is being ignorant. The whole notion of Fanboys is based on ignorance. Granted, I have yet to read the script for "Fanboys". But from where I am sitting, there is only one way the film can go... four friends on a roadtrip from Austin to the Skywalker Ranch, talking about Star Wars, getting to their intended destination and not being able to get in. They try to break in, they get caught and arrested. The understanding police chief appreciates the situation, lets the boys go and they go back to Austin, where the one friend dies. If they do break in, that is unrealistic and insulting. Sorry to burst your bubble there. I just prefer my movies to have an air of realism to them, even if they are set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
it's a damn movie by KrAcKhEaD	Jan 3rd, 1999 01:20:13 PM
You people need to chill. It's only a damn movie. I think it can be damn funny too. So maybe some geeks wouldn't break into Skywalker Ranch, but you know what...not every geek is the same. Some geeks will sit around and spank it while others will go in and find the truth. If my friend was dying fuck...I would do it. It's only George Lucas...NOT GOD!!! To some a criminal, to others a hero. They can go a lot of places with this movie and I definately think ti could work. I would love to be helping cus their ain't shit for filmwork in CT and i feel my degree is drying up. But i wish the best of luck anyway...and MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!!!
Fanboys, Oh god this sounds cool! by Barsoom Brawler	Jan 3rd, 1999 04:12:35 PM
Man, what a load of fun. Make a movie about something that I would do on a dare just for the fucking hell of it. Even if you didn't make it, and see the print the sheer balls of it hanging out there in the wind, YEAAAAAA baby! I love it! Do a run for a dying friend and live wild for the first time in your life. FUCK YEAH! Man, I haven't sworn this much since ID4 with a load of overaddrenilized geeks. Harry, please, please, please, get me to this movie. I will do anything, beat up anybody you want, steal any SW item I can for you, it sounds sooooo cool. Anybody remember Fandango? The whole idea of sneaking around Skywalker Ranch the Holy of Holies, man what a hoot it would be! Just to sit around and talk about it years down the road and share the adventure as a gift to a friend you won't have soon, that's what this movie is about guys! I can't wait! Patiently sitting on my hands.
Reply from D.Vader by D.Vader	Jan 3rd, 1999 04:41:09 PM
Well, I haven't read the script yet either, but I agree, it wouldn't be very realistic for them to be able to see the flick once they've broken in. But, I never said that that is what would happen. I do think this could be a realistic possibility- 4 crazed fans trying to break into Skywalker Ranch, almost a holy temple to some. I mean, imagine all the cool stuff you'd see! I liken it to breaking into ILM. They don't need to actually succeed for this to be a good movie. They could fail at their mission, but the flick could still be cool. Its just the thought, the chance of being able to get into SR that makes it cool. So, I do think this is realisic, but, I agree, there are certain paths the film could take that would make it not so. D.Vader =D It still sound slike a cool idea to me.
SOUNDS LIKE JOHNSON'S "1977" by BothanSpy	Jan 3rd, 1999 08:45:23 PM
When I first read about this film, I posted the following-- This project sounds a lot like "1977" which is being written and directed by Patrick Read Johnson (Spaced Invaders, Baby's Day Out, Angus, Dragonheart-- Though he apparently disavows Dragonheart as a total piece of #####) I know several people who are working on it, and through a series of Mission Impossible-like maneuvers, I got to read the script for this thing and it is SO AMAZING-- It's like American Grafitti on the night of May 25th, 1977. The TRUE story of Johnson and friends on the night that Star Wars was released in their hometown of Waukegan, Illinois. (Home of Ray Bradbury!) Apparently Johnson started making Super-8 movies when he was like 9. He was 15 or 16 when Star Wars came out. And just a few months before the release, his mom, trying to help him with his budding career, cold-called the editor of American Cinematographer and asked if he could introduce him to some of his sci-fi movie idols if she shipped him out to California for a few weeks. Amazingly, he agreed and Johnson got on a plane and had the kind of adventure the rest of us can only DREAM of. It just so happened that the American Cinematographer editor was going to visit the effects facilities for two films that no one knew much about at the time. The first one was something called Close Encounters of the Third Kind. And it also just so happened that on the day Johnson was taken to visit, Steven Spielberg himself was there, and Johnson met him and was given a tour of the place by the young director. (This is confirmed in one of the Steven Spielberg biography books I'm told.) Apparently, Johnson spent a great deal of time in the model shop with the likes of Greg Jein (famous modelmaker) and was even allowed to help put fiber optics into the mothership model! The next day, the American Cinematographer guy took him to a little warehouse near the Van Nuys Airport in the San Fernando Valley to see what was described by the magazine guy as "some college kids shooting models on sticks... We're not sure what the hell it is but they call it STAR WARS..." When they got there, not only did FX supervisor John Dykstra give Johnson a full on tour of the facility, he also SHOWED HIM the ROUGH CUT of STAR WARS complete with WW2 footage still cut into the aerial battles and many scenes still in their un-composited blue-screen form! HOW COOL IS THAT?? Anyway, after this staggering experience, Johnson had to return to his hometown in rural Illinois and attempt to settle back into a normal high school life. But there was no way. The film actually picks up on the morning of May 25th, 1977 with Johnson, having gotten the chance to peek behind the curtain, now climbing the walls waiting to see the first showing of STAR WARS-- He's been trying to convince just about every living thing in town to go with him, but NOBODY CARES... because NOBODY in his little town knows (YET!) what this movie is gonna be... except HIM. As the day goes on into night, we see him struggle to choose between the life he's got and the life he dreams of in Hollywood (seen through flashbacks of his amazing trip) As the film progresses, a series of personal, financial, sexual, and automotive mis-haps keeps the young director-to-be from getting to the theater... until he finally manages to arrive at 2 A.M., just as the last show is letting out! I won't give away the end, but it's a fanboy's DREAM. The script is really funny... but even better-- it's really REAL. And pretty damn moving. Johnson certainly knows what its like to be a fanboy. The highs AND lows are all here. And think about it... When JOHNSON was a fanboy... Star Wars was still just another poster in your theater lobby. He was there at the beginning... He TOUCHED the actual models-- hung out with Spielberg-- (who, by the way, was responsible, years later, for getting Spaced Invaders bought by Touchstone after he saw it and liked it.) And what's really cool is that since it's a true story, apparently they can show just about anything they want. Including the REAL PEOPLE who were part of it all. Anyway, I for one, can't wait to see this... Imagine American Grafitti with Pacers and Gremlins instead of Deuce Coups and 57 Chevys! Imagine the soundtrack! Hey! Imagine a DOUBLE-FEATURE someday of BOTH of these films! SINCE POSTING THE ABOVE, I have gathered a few more tidbits about this film-- First-- That GARY KURTZ is going to PRODUCE. Though this came from a pretty trustworthy source, I didn't actually believe it until I read that he and Johnson have been partners in several development deals over the years including screen adaptations of books like "The Day Before Midnight" by Stephen Hunter and "Santiago" by Mike Resnick. So I guess it's possible that Kurtz might really be involved. Second-- The version of the script I read was really rough but it had many references to big effects moments. Really funny fantasy sequences involving various STAR WARS elements-- As I was reading, I thought... WAITAMINUTE! How the hell is he gonna pull THIS stuff off on what is rumored to be a low-budget guerilla film? WELL--It turns out that Johnson is very close to Episode 1 Effects Supervisor John Knoll at ILM. John did the effects for Spaced Invaders in his spare time while handling chores on The Abyss... He's also listed as ILM's visual effects supervisor for "Baby's Day Out". Apparently Knoll and Johnson go way back. They were modelmakers in the same shop back in the early 80's. As both guys are total Star Wars nuts... Maybe this will be another labor-of-love favor thing that Knoll will do for his pal. Third-- There exists a cast list for special CAMEOS in the film. I know it exists because I've seen a copy. Well, a FAX of a copy. I don't know if this is a wish list or a list of people who've committed... But the names on this list read like a who's who of people in Grafitti and Star Wars... Keep your fingers crossed! Many Bothan Spies died to bring us this information...
ending by Martin Q Blank	Jan 4th, 1999 12:29:09 AM
Go to your video stores stores and rent National Lampoon's Vacation. I think Fanboys will have a similar ending, i.e. the goal is unimportant in the long run, and the quest is what really mattered. p.s. I wonder if Lucas gets it like the Wally head does?
BTW, it's a horse by ziemer	Jan 4th, 1999 08:52:12 AM
Just in case you didn't know, Bucephalus was the name of Alexander the Great's horse.
I would pay to see it! by thebernards	Jan 4th, 1999 12:04:09 PM
Well, I happen to be a big fan of Star Wars, a big fan of AICN, and an absolutely huge fan of that Canadian power trio that will reportedly be rocking that pizza van, so any movie featuring references to all three of these is definitely worth the price of admission, IMO! Good Luck!
FAnboys. IT's a Choice not a right by hughesjo	Jan 4th, 1999 02:25:53 PM
If you think it is a stupid idea DON'T GO SEE IT. Land of the free and all that, you know People can make their own choices. Don't force your opinions on people. Give your views but don't say that people not thinking what you are thinking is wrong. Any how it sounds like a great film and IT should be supported if only for the joy of the idea behind it. But that is my opinion do what you will and live your own life
THE PERILS OF SKYWALKER RANCH by Moonwatcher1	Jan 4th, 1999 05:31:15 PM
I've spent many a day at Skywalker Ranch, and I'm here to tell you... Breaking in would require any or all of the following. A MAP and an ADDRESS. The Ranch is not easily found. But let's assume they know where ILM is and that they follow a minivan full of dailies out to the property. PURINA LLAMA CHOW to pacify the two FEROCIOUS herbivores that guard the Ranch's Southern front. A CLOAKING DEVICE to thwart the myriad cameras scanning every inch of the property. But let's assume that, as in all break-in films, the people WATCHING the feeds from these cameras are too busy reading STAR WARS INSIDER MAGAZINE to notice what's going on. PHOSPHOROUS BOMBS to distract Lucas Valley's finest-- THE SKYWALKER RANCH FIRE DEPARTMENT-- Who patrol the property in ultra-cool maroon fire trucks. A REALLY GOOD EXCUSE FOR THEIR BEING THERE to fool George who will surely spot them from his office window in "THE BIG HOUSE". Said window overlooks pretty much the entire approach to all sensitive areas. (Hint: Stay low and to the right of the driveway-- If you crawl fast enough you MIGHT make it to the cover of the artificial hill behind the lake.) Of course then you'll be stuck. Forever. With nothing to eat. Unless of course you manage entry into the small cafe overlooking the pool... But bring money. Because whether you're a projectionist or the director of a major motion picture mixing at Skywalker Sound... You'll still be charged for your lunch. KEYS TO THE "STAG" THEATRE. If you scam these, you'll be treated to the sight of one of the most beautiful projection rooms in existence. But bring NEW PROJECTION LAMPS because the last time I checked a print there the two projectors were throwing VASTLY different temperatures of light through the film, causing every other reel to shift color dramatically. KEVLAR/SOUNDPROOF FOAM BODY-ARMOR To defend against rabid SOUND MIXERS working nearby. If they catch you, they'll kill you and record the sounds of your death for inclusion in Ben Burtt's massive FX library. AN EXTRA GUY TO KICK YOU IN THE ASS for not ALSO breaking into "THE ARCHIVE" where every miniature, prop, and costume of any importance in the Star Wars Universe resides on display. There may be nothing more thrilling than crouching down low under the STAR DESTROYER model, facing forward, and then slowly moving backwards under the hull to simulate the opening shot of A New Hope, whilst making a deep RUMBLING SOUND. Trust me... I've done it. You must also beware of the many traps that await you... If you accidently find yourself in THE BIG HOUSE, and you enter the staggeringly cool LIBRARY... You may not ever want to leave... And beware of "FRANCIS' GRAPES". A clever planting of supposed Copolla vines that I suspect are actually wine-producing TRIFFIDS. Many are the unsuspecting production assistants who've wandered into the harmless-looking miniature vineyard that surrounds the Skywalker Sound building...never to return! So, there you go... I hope I've helped in some small fashion. If nothing else, you've got some info on the Ranch you can use for realism. Best of Luck. Anamorph
Fanboys thought they meant Ranch Dressing by Orcus	Jun 22nd, 2006 01:06:07 PM

Wait....this isn't smooth and creamy! by Wolfpack	Jun 23rd, 2006 12:19:45 PM

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FANBOYS update... it's that larcenous journey to Skywalker Ranch flick!!!

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