So, as mentioned on IRC, I had an idea for a TV show. I'm imagining it as kind of a cross between The Wire and Breaking Bad, though my conception of that may change.
The setting would be mostly British Columbia and Vancouver in particular, though some of it would be set across the border too. Basically, the show would follow the B.C. drug trade, which is worth (about now) roughly $6 billion a year.
Because of a particular trade deal pushed through by Bush II in 2006 or 2007, Canadian hardwoods were subject to massive tariffs when entering the US, which essentially drove Canadian lumberjacks out of business. Because they know the vast wastes of Canadia better than most people, and because, hey, ya gotta earn a living, these guys started to grow and deal weed (all this is true, btw). Equally, there are more than a few US veterans who have moved to Canada or right on the border to gain access to weed, whether due to injuries they sustained in one war or another, or for more philosophical (ie libertarian) reasons. I was thinking of introducing two other groups as well, the west coast hippie types, and B.C. sepratists, who apparently do exist, but are not especially popular.
The main idea of the series was to follow the problems and issues affecting these different groups. Obviously though, that would just be to introduce things, so people get a grip on the social dynamics. Then, PLOT! Basically, according to the RCMP, the Hells Angels control most of the drug trade into and out of Vancouver. Lots of their guys working the port (again, factually true). And they are not happy with a bunch of bumfuck Lumberjacks and hippies undercutting their trade. And so the conflict between highly organized crime, the Canadian authorities and our highly disorganized "heroes" is set.
Now obviously, it actually needs some characters. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten that far yet. However, as a setting, I think it has potential. Maybe?
as long as you don't make it as utterly depressing as Breaking Bad. as much as I like the concept of that show, it's taking me so long to get through it, as after just about every episode I have this really bad sinking feeling of gaaaawwwwd they're all so fucked and it got even worse than last time.
the only reason why I would continue watching is that there's like 4 seasons of it (right?) and I just sort of wonder what kind of horrible shit they can drag out of it.
but it's all so... and he's lying to his wife and kid and they think he's cheating but in fact it's much worse and then there's the criminals that are fucking bastards and the DEA on his tail and and and ... urgh :(
so euhm, for characters ... can we has a comic relief?
btw a mildly retarded son doesnt count.
I was thinking the hippies would be comic relief, for sure. Maybe the B.C. sepratists too (though I want to throw in a crazy hardcore Québécois guy as well). I think there are only two seasons of Breaking Bad, I've only just seen the first myself.
Oh ok then I'm mistaken with some other series. I'm halfway the second season :)
Just checked wikipedia, 3rd season is expected to be aired in March'010.
Lumberjacks, vets, separatists, hippies, weed, B. C.
Who wouldn't watch it.
I think if you added a geek/computer type of character it would appease just about everyone.
My two cents worth for now.
Oh and I watch Breaking Bad-it's not all that depressing-;)
I wanna see if he gets cought (sp) or not.
Needs more forbidden love to make it crappy enough to be on TV. Perhaps a Lumberjack falls in love with a Hippie?
The crappy forbidden love schtick would work best between a hells angel and a hippie.
Quote from: Felix on January 08, 2010, 07:49:21 AM
The crappy forbidden love schtick would work best between a hells angel and a hippie.
But if it was a lumberjack and a hippie, there could be a kinky bondage scene when the hippie ties themselves to a tree to stop logging.
Quote from: Felix on January 08, 2010, 07:49:21 AM
The crappy forbidden love schtick would work best between a hells angel and a hippie.
I'd go with lumberjack and corrupt drug agent. Maybe lumberjack's sister and upstanding drug agent. That way you get forbidden love plus divided loyalties.
I think no network would make a show out of it... its based too much on real issues and politics.
But it is a great idea.
Quote from: JohNyx on January 10, 2010, 02:09:41 AM
I think no network would make a show out of it... its based too much on real issues and politics.
But it is a great idea.
That's where the cheesy love plot comes in to save the day! Oh, and the bondage if it's aired by Fox. But only Fox, any other station would get shut down by police dogs funded by Rupert Murdoch.
Quote from: WIKIPEDIA
On her 18th birthday, Bella Swan wakes up from a dream in which she sees herself as an old woman. She expresses her distaste with growing older than her boyfriend Edward Cullen, a vampire who stopped aging physically at 17. Despite her lack of enthusiasm, Edward's adoptive family throws Bella a birthday party. While unwrapping a gift, Bella gets a paper cut, causing Edward's brother, Jasper, to become overwhelmed by her blood's scent and attempt to kill her. Realizing the danger that he and his family pose to Bella, Edward ends their relationship, and the Cullens leave Forks, Washington permanently.
OMFG GUAYS !!!!!
BRITISH COLUMBIA IS RIGHT NEXT TO WHERE THE SETTING TO "NEW MOON" TOOK PLACE !11!
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Map_of_USA_highlighting_Washington.png)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/BC-Canada-province.png)
Where the hell is Forks, WA?
Quote from: The Right Reverend Nigel on January 10, 2010, 04:56:15 AM
Where the hell is Forks, WA?
(http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/5271/map1e.jpg)
Oh. I looked at it on a map. Horribly, I was there on my first road trip with my third husband.
I dont know the connection, but something can be worked in as a sidetrack story to the adventures of Bella.
Lumberjack werewolves that fight organized crime vampires?
Yeah, they're troperiffic, but Tropes Are Not Bad so thats alright. Most of them would actually fit really well.
Except the monster. I humbly suggest that get transplanted to Fork, WA, where it can eat all the sparkly vampires it can find.
:x Sparkly Vampires!
Quote from: phi on January 07, 2010, 10:32:30 PM
Needs more forbidden love to make it crappy enough to be on TV. Perhaps a Lumberjack falls in love with a Hippie?
west coast lumberjacks and hippies actually get along pretty well. (at least in my experience)
I like the idea, Vancouver is a great setting. Also some great possibilities in the islands in Puget sound, people have been smuggling drugs through there for generations.
Quote from: v=1/3πr²h on January 10, 2010, 04:56:15 AM
Where the hell is Forks, WA?
It's really boring, and it rains a LOT. I think the stupid sparkley vampire lady researched her setting about as well as she did her vampires.
I say we should make this show, but as a "documentary".
Well, that idea also occured, I wont deny.
Quote from: maphdet on January 04, 2010, 05:13:43 PM
I think if you added a geek/computer type of character it would appease just about everyone.
No, sorry. Pet peeve: computer geek characters written by people who are not computer geeks. The easiest way to lose the geeky segment of the audience is to add a computer geek character (particularly if his or her existence doesn't make any sense), since inevitably the plot will call for that character to do something that the screenwriter doesn't know how to actually do, and the character will then 'explain' it with bullshit. Solutions: geeky character explains nothing (or gives very vague explanations, or lampshades with "if I told you I'd be out of a job", or something). Alternately, geeky character is a cute perky goth girl -- nobody minds characters like that, regardless of how little sense they make.
Quote from: Enki v. 2.0 on January 21, 2010, 03:35:22 PM
Quote from: maphdet on January 04, 2010, 05:13:43 PM
I think if you added a geek/computer type of character it would appease just about everyone.
No, sorry. Pet peeve: computer geek characters written by people who are not computer geeks. The easiest way to lose the geeky segment of the audience is to add a computer geek character (particularly if his or her existence doesn't make any sense), since inevitably the plot will call for that character to do something that the screenwriter doesn't know how to actually do, and the character will then 'explain' it with bullshit. Solutions: geeky character explains nothing (or gives very vague explanations, or lampshades with "if I told you I'd be out of a job", or something). Alternately, geeky character is a cute perky goth girl -- nobody minds characters like that, regardless of how little sense they make.
I hate characters like that.
I guess I should rephrase. People usually prefer the perky goth girl making technobabble nonsequitors to some arbitrary male character making technobabble nonsequitors. Then again, you could go totally over the top and against any semblance of reality, and end up with Hackers, in which case geeks might watch it just to laugh at how badly the geek character was written.
Quote from: Enki v. 2.0 on January 21, 2010, 07:39:35 PM
I guess I should rephrase. People usually prefer the perky goth girl making technobabble nonsequitors to some arbitrary male character making technobabble nonsequitors. Then again, you could go totally over the top and against any semblance of reality, and end up with Hackers, in which case geeks might watch it just to laugh at how badly the geek character was written.
I prefer the anti-social, misanthropist lab guy in csi over perky, geeky fan service goth girl in ncis.
Quote from: Risus on January 21, 2010, 08:32:59 PM
Quote from: Enki v. 2.0 on January 21, 2010, 07:39:35 PM
I guess I should rephrase. People usually prefer the perky goth girl making technobabble nonsequitors to some arbitrary male character making technobabble nonsequitors. Then again, you could go totally over the top and against any semblance of reality, and end up with Hackers, in which case geeks might watch it just to laugh at how badly the geek character was written.
I prefer the anti-social, misanthropist lab guy in csi over perky, geeky fan service goth girl in ncis.
Point taken. Actually, the best fit might be taking the character of Hodges from Bones and replacing 'organic sludge' with 'cryptoanalysis' and 'bugs' with 'suid exploits'.
Quote from: Enki v. 2.0 on January 21, 2010, 03:35:22 PM
Quote from: maphdet on January 04, 2010, 05:13:43 PM
I think if you added a geek/computer type of character it would appease just about everyone.
No, sorry. Pet peeve: computer geek characters written by people who are not computer geeks. The easiest way to lose the geeky segment of the audience is to add a computer geek character (particularly if his or her existence doesn't make any sense), since inevitably the plot will call for that character to do something that the screenwriter doesn't know how to actually do, and the character will then 'explain' it with bullshit. Solutions: geeky character explains nothing (or gives very vague explanations, or lampshades with "if I told you I'd be out of a job", or something). Alternately, geeky character is a cute perky goth girl -- nobody minds characters like that, regardless of how little sense they make.
Just means the writers need to do their homework. It's not that hard to hire a real geek as a technical consultant to make sure the details are right.
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on January 21, 2010, 11:27:08 PM
Quote from: Enki v. 2.0 on January 21, 2010, 03:35:22 PM
Quote from: maphdet on January 04, 2010, 05:13:43 PM
I think if you added a geek/computer type of character it would appease just about everyone.
No, sorry. Pet peeve: computer geek characters written by people who are not computer geeks. The easiest way to lose the geeky segment of the audience is to add a computer geek character (particularly if his or her existence doesn't make any sense), since inevitably the plot will call for that character to do something that the screenwriter doesn't know how to actually do, and the character will then 'explain' it with bullshit. Solutions: geeky character explains nothing (or gives very vague explanations, or lampshades with "if I told you I'd be out of a job", or something). Alternately, geeky character is a cute perky goth girl -- nobody minds characters like that, regardless of how little sense they make.
Just means the writers need to do their homework. It's not that hard to hire a real geek as a technical consultant to make sure the details are right.
Hire = money
Why spend it when the majority of your audience won't know the damn difference anyway?
I think we're all overlooking the obvious question of how a computer geek would come into play in any semiplausible plotline based on drug-dealing lumberjacks and gangsters. Would said geek work for the government or what?
Does it even matter, as long as she's a perky goth partial to plaid miniskirts and halter tops?
Quote from: Cainad on January 22, 2010, 03:39:26 AM
Quote from: BabylonHoruv on January 21, 2010, 11:27:08 PM
Quote from: Enki v. 2.0 on January 21, 2010, 03:35:22 PM
Quote from: maphdet on January 04, 2010, 05:13:43 PM
I think if you added a geek/computer type of character it would appease just about everyone.
No, sorry. Pet peeve: computer geek characters written by people who are not computer geeks. The easiest way to lose the geeky segment of the audience is to add a computer geek character (particularly if his or her existence doesn't make any sense), since inevitably the plot will call for that character to do something that the screenwriter doesn't know how to actually do, and the character will then 'explain' it with bullshit. Solutions: geeky character explains nothing (or gives very vague explanations, or lampshades with "if I told you I'd be out of a job", or something). Alternately, geeky character is a cute perky goth girl -- nobody minds characters like that, regardless of how little sense they make.
Just means the writers need to do their homework. It's not that hard to hire a real geek as a technical consultant to make sure the details are right.
Hire = money
Why spend it when the majority of your audience won't know the damn difference anyway?
Because if you get geeky fans, they will buy all your merchandise, watch all your episodes, and buy at retail prices the three re-releases of season six you made with slightly longer or shorter eyecatches despite the fact that barely anyone watched season six when it aired.
Quote
Does it even matter, as long as she's a perky goth partial to plaid miniskirts and halter tops?
Well, if it's between that and Doing The Research...
I would gladly research perky goth girls in plaid skirts and halter tops.
LMNO
-can take the kid out of the club, but can't take the club out of the kid.
Does it even have to make sense?
Why not hire a random bum from the streets and he turns out to be a Geek-genious. Could call him Ed?
ALT. The Goth Perky chick is cool
A perky goth chick hobo geek named Edwina.
best of both worlds
another problem is that realistic tech geeking or hacking is simply boring to watch.
remember how in Matrix 3 Trinity opened up a realistic linux terminal and typed a couple of realistic hacking commands into it? it was maybe 3 seconds, pleased the geeks, but any longer would have been excruciatingly boring.
even for a true geek. come on, everybody who noticed that terminal thing in matrix 3, did you ever watch a screencast showing how to break into a WiFi network with Kismet? maybe if you edit it down to two minutes, and a kickass soundtrack and splice it up with the Bourne-esque action scenes happening elsewhere, but even then! BAM BOOM FIGHT THUDD--cut to guy typing at a screen, clicking a mouse--EXPLODE RATATATATATA ZOOM--cut, guy clicks a button, plucks at his goatee while watching an animated hourglass--SHATTERING GLASS AND SWEATY MUSCLES--cut, animated hourglass, guy plays with the mousecursor a littlebit--SOMEONE IS RUNNING AWAY WITH THE ATOMIC DOOMSDAY DEVICE--guy switched to his browser, is typing a Fresh Prince spoof on a 4chan thread--
well it might be fun for the novelty of it, once.
Quote from: Shrunkenheadspace on January 23, 2010, 04:24:12 AM
A perky goth chick hobo geek named Edwina.
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii33/PandaJess101/cb_ed0042.jpg)
Ok, a Perky Goth chick who isn't a hacker but she's a Marine Biologist named Edwina - she goes scuba diving, but her nose ring gets stuck at the bottom of the ocean cause a Lobster grabs it with pincers - also she happens to be an extreme vegan, so she doesn't want to harm the lobster cause they have rights to, but the lobster pierces her oxygen tank then she drowns.
.. Good for 1 use only. Then they can explain the crazy psychology using Advanced Linguistics and Sewing Patterns then just make vegans look wrong.
Or just make a show about meercats again.
I forget why I wrote that, probably with good reason.
But I suppose its a good idea to look at the character dynamics and stuff. I always like it in shows when theres a character who puts another down, and theres obvious conflict .. cause then you can get into it and be like "Oh no way what a bitch!!"
Quote from: Triple Zero on January 23, 2010, 12:57:24 PM
another problem is that realistic tech geeking or hacking is simply boring to watch.
remember how in Matrix 3 Trinity opened up a realistic linux terminal and typed a couple of realistic hacking commands into it? it was maybe 3 seconds, pleased the geeks, but any longer would have been excruciatingly boring.
even for a true geek. come on, everybody who noticed that terminal thing in matrix 3, did you ever watch a screencast showing how to break into a WiFi network with Kismet? maybe if you edit it down to two minutes, and a kickass soundtrack and splice it up with the Bourne-esque action scenes happening elsewhere, but even then! BAM BOOM FIGHT THUDD--cut to guy typing at a screen, clicking a mouse--EXPLODE RATATATATATA ZOOM--cut, guy clicks a button, plucks at his goatee while watching an animated hourglass--SHATTERING GLASS AND SWEATY MUSCLES--cut, animated hourglass, guy plays with the mousecursor a littlebit--SOMEONE IS RUNNING AWAY WITH THE ATOMIC DOOMSDAY DEVICE--guy switched to his browser, is typing a Fresh Prince spoof on a 4chan thread--
well it might be fun for the novelty of it, once.
It would work very well for comedic purposes, I think.
Quote from: NotPublished on January 23, 2010, 03:20:52 PM
Ok, a Perky Goth chick who isn't a hacker but she's a Marine Biologist named Edwina - she goes scuba diving, but her nose ring gets stuck at the bottom of the ocean cause a Lobster grabs it with pincers - also she happens to be an extreme vegan, so she doesn't want to harm the lobster cause they have rights to, but the lobster pierces her oxygen tank then she drowns.
.. Good for 1 use only. Then they can explain the crazy psychology using Advanced Linguistics and Sewing Patterns then just make vegans look wrong.
Or just make a show about meercats again.
I forget why I wrote that, probably with good reason.
But I suppose its a good idea to look at the character dynamics and stuff. I always like it in shows when theres a character who puts another down, and theres obvious conflict .. cause then you can get into it and be like "Oh no way what a bitch!!"
Realistic hacking portrayal - NECESSARY. A lobster piercing an aluminum or stainless steel tank with its claw - TOTALLY ALRIGHT.
Quote from: Triple Zero on January 23, 2010, 12:57:24 PM
another problem is that realistic tech geeking or hacking is simply boring to watch.
remember how in Matrix 3 Trinity opened up a realistic linux terminal and typed a couple of realistic hacking commands into it? it was maybe 3 seconds, pleased the geeks, but any longer would have been excruciatingly boring.
even for a true geek. come on, everybody who noticed that terminal thing in matrix 3, did you ever watch a screencast showing how to break into a WiFi network with Kismet? maybe if you edit it down to two minutes, and a kickass soundtrack and splice it up with the Bourne-esque action scenes happening elsewhere, but even then! BAM BOOM FIGHT THUDD--cut to guy typing at a screen, clicking a mouse--EXPLODE RATATATATATA ZOOM--cut, guy clicks a button, plucks at his goatee while watching an animated hourglass--SHATTERING GLASS AND SWEATY MUSCLES--cut, animated hourglass, guy plays with the mousecursor a littlebit--SOMEONE IS RUNNING AWAY WITH THE ATOMIC DOOMSDAY DEVICE--guy switched to his browser, is typing a Fresh Prince spoof on a 4chan thread--
well it might be fun for the novelty of it, once.
You don't necessarily *need* to show the hacking, I mean, they never show the lab guy doing the DNA analysis on CSI right? He just says he did it. Just make sure if the character explains anything what they say would actually work, and if its not something you think the rest of the audience will understand, have the other characters lampshade that.
A geek character that has obsessions *other* than Star Trek would be nice too.
Quote from: Requia ☣ on January 23, 2010, 09:48:53 PM
Quote from: Triple Zero on January 23, 2010, 12:57:24 PM
another problem is that realistic tech geeking or hacking is simply boring to watch.
remember how in Matrix 3 Trinity opened up a realistic linux terminal and typed a couple of realistic hacking commands into it? it was maybe 3 seconds, pleased the geeks, but any longer would have been excruciatingly boring.
even for a true geek. come on, everybody who noticed that terminal thing in matrix 3, did you ever watch a screencast showing how to break into a WiFi network with Kismet? maybe if you edit it down to two minutes, and a kickass soundtrack and splice it up with the Bourne-esque action scenes happening elsewhere, but even then! BAM BOOM FIGHT THUDD--cut to guy typing at a screen, clicking a mouse--EXPLODE RATATATATATA ZOOM--cut, guy clicks a button, plucks at his goatee while watching an animated hourglass--SHATTERING GLASS AND SWEATY MUSCLES--cut, animated hourglass, guy plays with the mousecursor a littlebit--SOMEONE IS RUNNING AWAY WITH THE ATOMIC DOOMSDAY DEVICE--guy switched to his browser, is typing a Fresh Prince spoof on a 4chan thread--
well it might be fun for the novelty of it, once.
You don't necessarily *need* to show the hacking, I mean, they never show the lab guy doing the DNA analysis on CSI right? He just says he did it. Just make sure if the character explains anything what they say would actually work, and if its not something you think the rest of the audience will understand, have the other characters lampshade that.
A geek character that has obsessions *other* than Star Trek would be nice too.
Geek should be a LARPer, and then there should be an episode in which the geek actually gets to put swordfighting skills to use.
Quote from: Requia ☣ on January 23, 2010, 09:48:53 PM
You don't necessarily *need* to show the hacking, I mean, they never show the lab guy doing the DNA analysis on CSI right?
well yeah, but CSI is to DNA analysis as Jurassic Park was to "hey this is a UNIX system, I know how to use it!" :x