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No New Series of Futurama

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the too-bad-so-sad dept.

Nikoth writes "It seems that Billy West got it wrong when he announced that there are 26 new episodes of Futurama on the way, and instead there will only be the 4 movies as planned. "

176 comments

  1. Oops by endrue · · Score: 3, Funny

    I should have submitted a story that Elvis was still alive. Tons of traffic - no facts needed!

    - Andrew

    --
    I meta-moderate because I care.
    1. Re:Oops by Digital+Vomit · · Score: 1

      I was sure Netcraft confirmed the return of the series. Oh well.

      --
      Modern copyright is theft of culture from everyone and it retards the progress of the useful arts and sciences.
    2. Re:Oops by rssaddict · · Score: 1

      It's a geek site, nobody cares about Elvis... but post unsubstantiated rumors about new Futurama or Firefly episodes and wishful thinking gets the better of us. What can I say? We're weak.

  2. Stop screwing with shows by lordkuri · · Score: 1

    Man, I really wish these tv execs would quit screwing with shows. Firefly, Futurama... it almost seems like they're just trying to see how much we'll put up with.

    What's it going to take to get them to listen to the fans again?

    1. Re:Stop screwing with shows by G)-(ostly · · Score: 2, Interesting

      It almost seems like nerdy clique shows don't generally rake in a large enough share of the ad revenue for their time slots and get cancelled because more people will sit down and watch a fat woman screaming about GAHGOYLES than a "witty" starship captain and his zany adventures.

      It almost seems like tv execs are trying to make money rather than pander to you personally.

      What an unfair world we live in.

      --
      From now on, I buy only Intel.
    2. Re:Stop screwing with shows by lordkuri · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      don't generally rake in a large enough share of the ad revenue for their time slots

      Which time slot would that be? The ones they kept moving around about once a month? How exactly is a show supposed to build a following when no one knows when the hell it's on?

      because more people will sit down and watch a fat woman screaming about GAHGOYLES

      I'm pretty certain that would not count as "the fans".

      Perhaps you should actually reply to my actual comment instead of being a condescending prick.

    3. Re:Stop screwing with shows by 0xdeadbeef · · Score: 1

      Which is rather absurd considering that the purchasing power of Firefly fans or Arrested Development fans is probably far greater than that of "Haunted Houses Extreme Makeover".

      When we really like a show, we ought to immediately start writing relevent corporations to tell them how much we love the show and how much money we have to spend. That would probably be more effective than a bunch of obssessives starting petitions and whining on messageboards. Producers are morons, but they can smell money and will follow it wherever it goes.

    4. Re:Stop screwing with shows by G)-(ostly · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize that I was in the midst of a seasoned television executive. Please, do enlighten us by telling us which network or cable channel you currently work for and how many years of service you've put in running it as a successful business operation. Then, you can more clearly explain what metrics you've used to determine exactly why these other channels are making a mistake by not following the course of action that you're reccommending.

      Perhaps you should actually reply to my actual comment instead of being a condescending prick.

      Perhaps you shouldn't act like the world should be run according to your personal tastes and accept that not everybody enjoys the same shows you do. Oh, boo hoo. They cancelled a show that you liked because not enough other people did. Get over it.

      --
      From now on, I buy only Intel.
    5. Re:Stop screwing with shows by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What's it going to take to get them to listen to the fans again?

      Again? When exactly did they listen to us the first time? They've basically cancelled every genre/Sci-Fi show without our input in the past. Well, except for The Simpsons, and in that case, they're still going against the opinion of its fans.

    6. Re:Stop screwing with shows by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It almost seems like tv execs are trying to make money rather than pander to you personally.

      Well someone should, I have money.

    7. Re:Stop screwing with shows by elrous0 · · Score: 1
      seasoned television executive

      My God, that would make him 26 years old! No one that old should be making such important decisions, anyway. Leave the programming decisions to the young guys, grandpa!

      -Eric

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    8. Re:Stop screwing with shows by Tisha_AH · · Score: 1

      The input from the fans has little to do with what gets programmed. What makes the listing are shows that attract specific demographic groups that the advertisers want to go after.

      Programs that would still be around today if it was up to the fans; "Dead Like Me", "Firefly", "Rome", "Babylon 5". The list grows ever longer.

      This has been true since the early days of radio when Barbersol sold shaving soap.

      The smartest programming still seems to be on PBS and they only have a fraction of the budgets of major networks or studios.

      --
      Tisha Hayes
    9. Re:Stop screwing with shows by Braino420 · · Score: 1

      Nope, still a condescending prick.

      --
      They call me the wookie man, I guess that's what I am
    10. Re:Stop screwing with shows by stlhawkeye · · Score: 5, Insightful
      What's it going to take to get them to listen to the fans again?

      Advertising revenue. When you're dealing with the people who watch nerdy niche programming, you're dealing with an uncommonly tech-savvy crowd that owns TiVos, refuses to watch commercials and never pays for anything anyway. You've got a fan base of freeloading music and software and movie pirates. Just look at the ads that run during reruns of Star Trek. It's all penis enlargement and debt relief. It's pretty obvious that this isn't a crowd that has much disposable income to squeeze out of it.

      There's a lot of demand for the 18-35 male population, because it spends a lot of money. But our niche, for whatever reason, is VERY undesirable. The above reasons are probably why.

      Note: I am not suggesting that everything in the first paragraph is TRUE, and certainly not of every single person who watches Futurama. But look at the commercials that run on Spike and during Next Gen rebroadcasts... it's obvious what their advertisers think of us, and they hate us. Hence, you can run Battlestar Galactica at 10:00pm on a Friday and get record numbers of us to tune in - they know we're not doing anything else on Friday night from 10-11 pm.

      Anyway ... there's some assumptions being made about their demographics and those assumptions fuel the types of advertisers they get and thus their revenue off broadcasting. I think some of those assumptions can be borne out, as uncomfortable as that may make some of you.

      --
      "I have never won a debate with an ignorant person." -Ali ibn Abi Talib
    11. Re:Stop screwing with shows by AgentDib · · Score: 1

      >> Which is rather absurd considering that the purchasing
      >> power of Firefly fans or Arrested Development fans is
      >> probably far greater than that of "Haunted Houses Extreme
      >> Makeover".

      Unfortunately, it isn't quite this straightforward. While employees in technology fields have extremely high disposable incomes relative to other professions, they are also one of the hardest subsets to influence through advertising. While that might seem fairly intuitive, the result is that advertisers devalue this subset to the detriment of shows like you mentioned.

      The "solution" to this is the premium cable channels that depend on the subscribers for their income instead of advertisers. The inability of the sci-fi channel to move into this avenue was a major disappointment for many, and the reason why it eats up so much air time with cheap b-movie horror flicks.

    12. Re:Stop screwing with shows by thatguywhoiam · · Score: 2, Informative
      When you're dealing with the people who watch nerdy niche programming, you're dealing with an uncommonly tech-savvy crowd that owns TiVos, refuses to watch commercials and never pays for anything anyway.

      Well, except for TiVos, HD sets, fancy home theater gear and the like.

      You've got a fan base of freeloading music and software and movie pirates. Just look at the ads that run during reruns of Star Trek. It's all penis enlargement and debt relief. It's pretty obvious that this isn't a crowd that has much disposable income to squeeze out of it.

      Now that's just a gross generalization. Geeks are perfectly willing to pay for good content. Also: I see tampon ads during the Simpsons. What does it prove? Not much, other than the advertisers sometimes have targeted spots, and sometimes they don't, and sometimes they mix both pools together.

      Besides I think Star Trek is a terrible example anyways.

      There's a lot of demand for the 18-35 male population, because it spends a lot of money. But our niche, for whatever reason, is VERY undesirable.

      This might be true, but only because they tend to be more difficult to sell pablum to. You can get practically any idiot to watch American False Idol but if you need to actually hire (for example) sci-fi writers that are competent, or license Sigur Ros for the soundtrack, it costs more and you still get less viewers. I don't think the group is any less desirable, just a harder 'get'.

      Note: I am not suggesting that everything in the first paragraph is TRUE,

      Oh, good.

      ... and certainly not of every single person who watches Futurama. But look at the commercials that run on Spike and during Next Gen rebroadcasts...

      There's your answer. Look at the commercials Spike and NG run any time. Its the same. More to do with the network than anything else.

      Anyway ... there's some assumptions being made about their demographics and those assumptions fuel the types of advertisers they get and thus their revenue off broadcasting. I think some of those assumptions can be borne out, as uncomfortable as that may make some of you.

      I think your larger point is probably correct but that does not make me uncomfortable. Sure it would be better to have high-quality, engaging entertainment shoved down my throat than the guano that suffices for pop culture we actually get, but just the same I'm ok seeking out my own enjoyment. It is the geek ethos, after all. I mean its not like we make it real easy either; how do you advertise to a group of people who desperately would like to take your product home, bust it open, re-wire it, add several capabilities it that were never intended, and a blue LED? Some have pulled it off (see Robosapien) but it is 'incompatible' with the 'consumer lifestyle'.

      Just don't read too much into the ads. I wouldn't judge you by your spam folder. :)

      --
      If Jesus wants me it knows where to find me.
    13. Re:Stop screwing with shows by brianford · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I disagree. I actually "wish" the networks would learn that 2-4 seasons of a show is a good goal and would start writing tighter story lines based on not extending a show past it's viable prime. (Simpsons... I'm looking at you!) I actually wrote a post on newsvine.com that looks into the possibilities of this model concerning network TV. You can read it here.

      --
      The world's blankiest blank.
    14. Re:Stop screwing with shows by Alamais · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Hence, you can run Battlestar Galactica at 10:00pm on a Friday and get record numbers of us to tune in - they know we're not doing anything else on Friday night from 10-11 pm.

      Hmm...you know, I've seen this argument before, and now that I think of it, I'm not so sure about its accuracy. I mean, take someone outside of the usual "Sci Fi watcher" sterotype, i.e. someone who goes out into the world on Fridays. The bars & clubs don't really get hopping until 11/midnight anyway. Why not watch some Sci Fi with your pregame? ^_^

      *cough* BSG + Moonshine = WIN!

    15. Re:Stop screwing with shows by AllahsAvatar · · Score: 1

      Rome is getting a second season at least.
      HBO has renewed its epic drama series ROME for a second season, it was announced today [09.12.2005] by Carolyn Strauss, president, HBO Entertainment. Production of the 12-episode second season will begin next March, with the debut set for 2007.
      We just have to wait a while for it.

      --
      No sig for you! Come back, one year!
    16. Re:Stop screwing with shows by Lord_Dweomer · · Score: 1
      As an ad exec in this much sought after demographic I'd have to agree with you, but only partially. What you will find is that advertisers do not focus the bulk of their media spends on TV for us nerds, because they learned long ago that the internet is a much use of their media dollars. You see, geeks tend to do something WAY more than normal TV watchers...we research. Take a look sometime at the ads that appear on fan sites and all the show encyclopedia sites...take a look at some of the big brand names that show up there. That's where those advertisers are hitting. The smart ones at least.

      --
      Buy Steampunk Clothing Online!
    17. Re:Stop screwing with shows by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Man, I really wish these tv execs would quit screwing with shows. Firefly, Futurama... it almost seems like they're just trying to see how much we'll put up with.

      Both shows should have been sold to cable networks to begin with. The money's not nearly as good but cults show with a small but loyal audience

      Not saying Fox didn't screw up-- but consider that a show on Fox has to bring in mega-numbers to survive, they have a long history of giving promising shows the axe, and this should be obvious to everyone, including Josh Whedon and Matt Groenig. Perhaps these two creators-- who were, and still are big names and very much in demand-- should have gone to cable in the first place. The pay would be less, but I guarantee if Firefly would have been sold to Sci-Fi and Futurama to the Cartoon Network they would still be making new episodes today.

    18. Re:Stop screwing with shows by jsfetzik · · Score: 1

      I have to agree here. In my 'clubbing' days, you didn't even bother leaving the house until 10-11PM , unless you were doing dinner before hitting the clubs. Even then you never went out before 8-9PM. ;)

    19. Re:Stop screwing with shows by G)-(ostly · · Score: 1

      I have a witty response for sale, it seems like you could probably use one.

      --
      From now on, I buy only Intel.
    20. Re:Stop screwing with shows by An+ominous+Cow+art · · Score: 1

      Every day I mourn "Dead Like Me". :-( Great show.

    21. Re:Stop screwing with shows by dangitman · · Score: 1

      Futurama is actually one of the few shows I have paid for. I own all of the released DVDs, and apparently I am not alone, as it is an extremely popular seller on DVD. I don't care if Futurama goes straight-to-DVD, and I think Futurama episodes on DVD would sell better than Futurama movies.

      --
      ... and then they built the supercollider.
    22. Re:Stop screwing with shows by realityfighter · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I actually think that Fox may be onto something with their "cancelling great shows" habit. I know you and I think of television as an ongoing thing; success in the American market usually means a long pre-syndication primetime run. But other areas of the world are perfectly willing to run single-season shows. The perfect example of this is Anime - many popular shows, such as FLCL, Evangelion, Trigun, and Cowboy Bebop were written with a single story arc, 26 episodes or less, intended to be taken together as a single work. This seems to be what Fox is stabbing at, especially with shows like Arrested Development and Family Guy which had definitive "endings."

      Why would Fox do this? There are plenty of advantages to creating (essentially) long form movies like these. For one, they can sell single-unit hard copies of the show long after it has gone off the air; and if they could sell television shows like DVD movies, that would be a great source of revenue. But the real sauce is in merchandising. Family Guy became a merchandising cash cow after it was cancelled, and the DVDs of the series became an entertainment staple. Futurama has seen similar retail success, and anyone else notice the amazing upsurge in Firefly merch as Serenity approached?

      Making one season of a good show is also a lot cheaper and a lot faster. Firefly has basically leapt from "new show" to "movie franchise" in the time it took to make the entire Star Trek original series, and its success was far cheaper. And dare I point out that the format doesn't burn out the writers, and keeps them happy coming up with new ideas for yet more shows?

      Of course, I don't know Fox's financials, but I'm willing to bet that they've made more from merchandising and syndicating Family Guy, Futurama, Firefly, or Arrested Development than they get from selling advertising on most of their other shows. (And I bet reruns of those have a better ad index than most of their "fresh" shows, too - the shows were cancelled before they could make any bad episodes!)

      --
      A strain of paranoid prevention can be worse than the disease, whate'er the intention.
    23. Re:Stop screwing with shows by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The human worm-child makes some interesting points, but why is his head so big?

  3. I'll make my own series! by Tyten · · Score: 5, Funny

    With hookers! and Blackjack!

    1. Re:I'll make my own series! by Lispy · · Score: 1, Funny

      And I will just buy all DVDs and lock into a 2001 furnished room and watch Futurama all day. I found out that THINGS are my friends, now.

    2. Re:I'll make my own series! by steveit_is · · Score: 3, Funny

      On second thought forget the blackjack, and the series.

    3. Re:I'll make my own series! by Surt · · Score: 2, Funny

      I'm a thing!

      --
      "Who is the Journal of Quantum Physics going to believe?" --Stephen Hawking
    4. Re:I'll make my own series! by Withen · · Score: 0, Redundant

      In fact, forget the series and the blackjack!

    5. Re:I'll make my own series! by ivo.lod · · Score: 0, Redundant
      I'll make my own series! With hookers! and Blackjack!

      In fact. Forgot the series.

    6. Re:I'll make my own series! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      With hookers! and Blackjack!

      Hell, forget the series!

    7. Re:I'll make my own series! by Geoffreyerffoeg · · Score: 2, Insightful

      In fact, forget the blackjack! And the hookers! I just want my Futurama!

    8. Re:I'll make my own series! by Rock-n-Rolf · · Score: 1

      Ah, forget about the show, and blackjack.

      --
      In Korea, all your base are Only For Old People
  4. A Farnsworth Paradox by CrackedButter · · Score: 4, Funny

    Looks like Bender has been using "The What If Machine".

    --
    Jonathanjk.com
    1. Re:A Farnsworth Paradox by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Billy West does many voices for the show.

      But Bender is not one of them.

    2. Re:A Farnsworth Paradox by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Ohhh, the Jedis are going to be feeling this one!"

  5. Come on guys by Ravenscall · · Score: 1

    April 1st is still 12 days away!

    --
    You say you want a revolution....
  6. Well, bite my shiny metal ass! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    F*** you, Fox Network!

  7. *howls in anguish* by Mysticalfruit · · Score: 1

    Well that sucks. As a passionate Futurama fan, reading that news this weekend gave me some hope, which has suddenly been dashed.

    "You win again, Gravity!"

    --
    Yes Francis, the world has gone crazy.
    1. Re:*howls in anguish* by kimvette · · Score: 1

      No kidding.

      F*** YOU, FOX!!!!

      Looks like I'll keep timeshifting the two FOX shows I bother to watch, make sure I fast forward through advertisements.

      --
      The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
  8. Is That All? by Bob3141592 · · Score: 1

    It seems that Billy West got it wrong when he announced that there are 26 new episodes of Futurama on the way, and instead there will only be the 4 movies as planned. "

    Only four movies? What a disappointment.

    The first one isn't even out yet, and already the movie franchise is well underway. Is this isn't success, then I don't know what is.

    --
    In theory, there's no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.
    1. Re:Is That All? by moro_666 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Imho more than 1 movie on any theme is a disaster, stretching reapeating boring stuff. Just look at chuck or seagal, these dudes play the same record for years (or decades, depends on the actor).

        The series were nice tho, i think it's one of the funniest tv cartoons that we have had in the last 10 years.

        Must kill all humans

      --

      I'd tell you the chances of this story being a dupe, but you wouldn't like it.
    2. Re:Is That All? by include($dysmas) · · Score: 2, Funny

      all together now : "doh!"

      oh wait, wrong series...

    3. Re:Is That All? by mrmeval · · Score: 1

      I think Segal has stated publicly he hated being type cast. He looked like that fat wine salesman in his last self made picutre. Debauchery must be fun.

      --
      I'd go on a Vegan diet but the delivery time from Vega is too long. --brownkitty
  9. Re:Fill Me In by linguizic · · Score: 2, Funny

    why in the hell is he saying that another season was in the works if he didn't have a contract signed for it? One would muse that the lead voice actor for a television show would wait until the ink has at least dried on his contract before announcing his next venture.

    from BillyWest.com: I do live to give good Futurama news to people.So I must've died or something.

    Isn't it obvious? He has a brain slug!

    --
    Does this sig remind you of Agatha Christie?
  10. Well... by GundamFan · · Score: 5, Insightful

    How hard is it to understand that Fox makes a habit of canceling good shows (or prempting them every week) and holding there rights in limbo and then puting on unwatchable trash.

    The return of Famly Guy was a sign, we can vote with our wallets here we don't need to stand for being told what we like anymore.

    --
    I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
    Mark Twain
    1. Re:Well... by generic-man · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      Except the new season of Family Guy is unwatchable trash. I liked the earlier seasons, but now we just get 22 minutes of "hey, remember that old TV show? here's a skit spoofing it for no reason!" every week. Apparently Seth Macfarlane wasn't content to do that just once, so he also forced Fox to pick up the equally horrid American Dad as part of the most skewed contract ever.

      --
      For more information, click here.
    2. Re:Well... by Zenaku · · Score: 2, Insightful
      Uh. . . I'm pretty sure the episodes from before the death-and-resurrection of Family Guy were just as filled with spoofs and references to old TV shows. Maybe you just lost your sense of humor while it was off the air.

      Now if you'll excuse me, it's time for a sexy party.

      --
      If fate makes you a motorcycle, you become a motorcycle.
    3. Re:Well... by Monkelectric · · Score: 1

      I have only seen a few episodes of the new season of FG -- but American Dad is a trajedy. It's uncomfortable, its unfunny, and it has no reason to exist. I don't understand why they put it on.

      --

      Religion is a gateway psychosis. -- Dave Foley

    4. Re:Well... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "Ha ha! I know what that is! I know what that is too! Wow, what an obscure reference! The newsman thinks it's an obscure reference too. Wow, how do they get away with making fun of that? That dog sure is horny! Kucinich '04. End credits."

    5. Re:Well... by SilentChris · · Score: 1

      "Except the new season of Family Guy is unwatchable trash. I liked the earlier seasons, but now we just get 22 minutes of "hey, remember that old TV show? here's a skit spoofing it for no reason!" every week."

      You know, as a fan of Family Guy, I'm getting more than a little tired of hearing this shit. People seem to forget that the show has ALWAYS been like this. It's the basis of the show: paper-thin plot, lots and lots of little in-jokes that attack social morays, pop culture, etc. If you don't like it you're certainly free not to watch it, but to attack it for maintaining the same atmosphere it had before it was cancelled is ludicrous. People LIKED the way it was -- hence the DVD sales, high ratings on Cartoon Network reruns, etc.

      Personally, I like the short, concentrated bits of funny. I'm nearly in tears every time I see Peter's "breakfast machine", which is from a new episode (http://www.gorillamask.net/famguybreakfast.shtml) .

    6. Re:Well... by generic-man · · Score: 0, Troll

      Adult Swim tried airing a Seth Green show called "Robot Chicken" that is nothing but "concentrated bits of funny" -- little pop culture vignettes between 2 and 60 seconds in length. I didn't like it, but I also don't like "Family Guy's" use of the technique, so I guess I'm not mature enough to handle either show.

      --
      For more information, click here.
    7. Re:Well... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      ... social morays ....

      Is that like, a friendly fish, or a metaphor, like "Lounge Lizard"?

    8. Re:Well... by hal2814 · · Score: 0, Flamebait

      "paper-thin plot, lots and lots of little in-jokes that attack social morays, pop culture, etc."

      The difference between then and now is that then they managed to at least put some of the in-jokes and pop culture references into the scenes themselves instead of needing to do a remember when and flash back for every single reference. Between that and Stewie getting less and less homicidal (and somehow more and more absurd to make up for it), I have felt very free to not watch it since around episode 5 or 6 of Season 5.

    9. Re:Well... by flyingsquid · · Score: 2, Funny
      little in-jokes that attack social morays

      Social morays? Like, eels that socialize? And why on earth do they attack such a thing? I think it's good if fish want to make friends.

    10. Re:Well... by ConceptJunkie · · Score: 1

      Funny... that's how I always felt about "Family Guy".

      --
      You are in a maze of twisty little passages, all alike.
    11. Re:Well... by Monkelectric · · Score: 1

      I felt the same way about family guy when it first aired. But somehow it grew on me and American Dad didnt.

      --

      Religion is a gateway psychosis. -- Dave Foley

    12. Re:Well... by SilentChris · · Score: 1

      One misspelling and people immediately have it in for you...

      Mr. Flyingsquid? You do realize squids cannot truely fly? Do you? DO YOU!?! Ha, I now moral superiority over a random internet poster. I am pleased.

    13. Re:Well... by mink · · Score: 1

      When you're swimmin' in the creek and an eel bites your cheek that a moray.

      --
      Well I've wrestled with reality for thirty five years doctor, and I'm happy to say I finally won out over it.
  11. Or is there... by Bizzeh · · Score: 3, Interesting

    maybe.... billy west was told about this, and told its a secret, forgot that it was a secret, told the fans of futurama, when it got out that people know, billy was told to tell them its not true... to keep the secret...

    --
    portfolio
    1. Re:Or is there... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "And you say he died for my sins? Hmm, ok, that sounds believable."

      Talk about stretching credibility.

    2. Re:Or is there... by evilviper · · Score: 1

      Yeah, that makes a whole lot of sense... Because, of course, you wouldn't want people to KNOW it was going to be on... If you did that, they might actually tune-in, and watch it... Watching the ads... Making money for Fox...

      So, yeah, I can see why they'd want to keep that a secret... They wouldn't want to, you know, make money...

      --
      Slashdot gets worse every day... Pipedot: News for nerds, without the corporate slant
  12. Early adopters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    It seems like early adopters of rumors of this nature experience more bugs!

  13. Here comes the quotes! by nherm · · Score: 5, Funny

    CmdrTaco: Hey, I heard that Futurama is back

    /. crowd: What? Really?

    Hemos: No. we just thought you would enjoy that for a moment.

    Anyway, that was the best nanosecond of my life

    1. Re:Here comes the quotes! by MadJo · · Score: 1

      actually it was mentioned on many other sites (including Digg)... so ya can't blame Cmdr Taco nor any of the other /.-editors.
      It only just got debunked.
      This news will return soon, I'm sure. Just waiting for the official press-release.

      --
      80 CC D8 AF AE D3 AB 54 B7 2E CE 67 C7
    2. Re:Here comes the quotes! by kimvette · · Score: 1

      Actually this is precisely the kind of thing Bender would say!

      --
      The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
    3. Re:Here comes the quotes! by orkysoft · · Score: 1

      Do you want false hope or not?

      Only if you don't have any real hope...

      --

      I suffer from attention surplus disorder.
    4. Re:Here comes the quotes! by hyfe · · Score: 2, Funny
      Anyway, that was the best nanosecond of my life

      Think this was bad? Just wait until the dupes start showing up.

      --
      "" How about taking the safety labels off everything, and let the stupidity-problem solve itself? """
    5. Re:Here comes the quotes! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, Bender doesn't care if we'd enjoy it for a second. He'd do it so he could laugh at our pain. Helper on the other hand...

    6. Re:Here comes the quotes! by elrous0 · · Score: 1
      Do you want false hope or not?

      There's another kind!?!?

      -Eric

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    7. Re:Here comes the quotes! by Kazymyr · · Score: 1

      Anyway, that was the best nanosecond of my life

      No, this one was.... No, this one.... This one was slightly worse... So far so good on this one!

      --
      I hadn't known there were so many idiots in the world until I started using the Internet -Stanislaw Lem
  14. Life... by pizza_milkshake · · Score: 2, Funny

    Life is hilariously cruel.

    1. Re:Life... by cmburns69 · · Score: 1

      Life. Don't talk to me about life.

      --
      Online Starcraft RPG? At
      Dietary fiber is like asynchronous IO-- Non-blocking!
  15. So sad... by digitaldc · · Score: 1

    Looks like Billy West needs some grief counseling. ;)

    --
    He who knows best knows how little he knows. - Thomas Jefferson
  16. GRRR!!! by joe+155 · · Score: 2

    what can I do to get this series brought back, I've already bought *legally* all 4 DVD box sets! it was a fantastic series, and the DVD sales have been going well... why would they kill really good shows just to stick crap on. I remember the joke at the start of the newest series of family when they went through all the crap shows which have gone down the tiolet since it was cancelled...

    --
    *''I can't believe it's not a hyperlink.''
    1. Re:GRRR!!! by CodeArtisan · · Score: 1

      "why would they kill really good shows just to stick crap on."

      Fox, like all the other networks driven by commercials, exist to sell product. They obviously thought that the numbers and the demographics of the Futurama audience wasn't appropriate for the products they were trying to sell. They do not exist to provide quality programming. Only channels such as HBO need to produce something that is actually watchable, because they are content providers rather than product pushers.

    2. Re:GRRR!!! by kimvette · · Score: 1
      Fox, like all the other networks driven by commercials, exist to sell product.


      Which is precisely why I tape the two FOX shows I watch (Simpsons and Family Guy), and fast forward through the advertisements. I make this publicly known on FOX messageboards (notably Arrested Development) and have emailed them to this effect. Why do I make a big deal out of this?

      Because we as viewers are not the networks' customers. Networks don't give a flying **** what you or I think unless we understand how it works, e.g., by not viewing advertisements and making it abundantly clear that we know this is where their profit center is and that we are boycotting their core product and essentially leeching the content, they will begin to wake up and understand that they need to listen to the viewer every bit as much as they listen to advertisers. Why? Because if the advertising is rendered fruitless, they will become less marketable to advertisers when the advertising is rendered ineffective, and when that happens, they begin to fail as a business. In other words, networks such as FOX have to begin to consider the viewer to be their customers just as much as they consider the advertisers their customers.

      It's going to take more than just me and a handful of others for this kind of thing to work, and while I recognize that I still bring it up when there is a chance that any FOX reps are reading or listening.

      This is why I hope that AD actually goes to Showtime rather than staying on at FOX - Showtime actually listens to what viewers want, since viewers are their customers. Viewers pay subscription fees, which is their primary revenue stream. They have no choice but to deliver what customers want - Even though the cable companies are Showtime's direct customers, the folks at Showtime are savvy enough to understand that it is the end customer - the viewer - who decides whether or not to subscribe to showtime, and ultimately drives their success or failure.

      This is where broadcast networks fail; they refuse to acknowledge that viewers are their customers, every bit as much if not MORE so than the advertisers who pay them to carry their ads. If you do not listen to your viewers, you quickly lose your audience and your marketability to advertisers rapidly plummets.
      --
      The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
    3. Re:GRRR!!! by Braino420 · · Score: 1

      I'll agree with you that the networks are just a bunch of bloodsuckers, but let me try to follow your reasoning here...

      You record their programs and skip through the commercials. You do this because you feel the networks aren't giving you what you want. And you want to watch their programs.

      I'm sorry, but if they aren't giving you what you want, why are you recording their shows? It seems to me they are acknowledging you as a viewer by playing a show you like. What else did you want them to do? What else can they do?

      FOX is a big network, and as such they must cater to the tastes of a wide range of people. You should try Adult Swim and Comedy Central, they seem to cater more specifically toward us ;)

      --
      They call me the wookie man, I guess that's what I am
    4. Re:GRRR!!! by kimvette · · Score: 1

      My point is: there are exactly TWO shows they have that interest me; they've killed off everything else and replaced it with crap.

      My reaction is to essentially "steal" (in their view) the content by not watching the adverts.

      What is so difficult to understand? I've not denied being a viewer of Family Guy and The Simpsons.

      Methinks you're guilty of skimming and responding based on a partial reading of a post - don't worry, we've all been there before! ;) Also, I don't think Adult Swim has funding enough to 1) take the Futurama rights away from FOX and 2) produce new episodes (Hell, Fox even took their right to air the new season away because FOX wanted this season's broadcast rights exclusively). Also, it's highly unlikely that they would entertain the idea of picking up Arrested Development, nor would they have the funding for it.

      --
      The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
    5. Re:GRRR!!! by Braino420 · · Score: 1

      You're saying the networks aren't catering to your needs as a viewer. You 'get back' at them by not watching their commercials and recording the shows. Obviously, the networks are catering to your needs as a viewer, IF YOU'RE RECORDING THEIR SHOWS AND WATCHING THEM.

      Your logic is what's difficult to understand. But those bastards, it should always be kimvette day, and the only thing that's on TV should be what YOU want to watch! AND with no commercials damnit!

      That wizzing sound was all of this going over your head.

      --
      They call me the wookie man, I guess that's what I am
  17. Well taking the site is /. by solarbob · · Score: 0

    I can't RTFA so I will go for wild speculation instead. So will the movies see them finding that Fry is his own great great grandfather and his father in that Fry is actually God by being the only man to reproduce himself?

    Will Leela and Fry finally get it together and have 3 eyed offspring?

    Will Zoidberg actually smell nice?

    Will is be a straight to DVD heap of trash ( really hope not )

    --
    SolarVPS - Quality Windows and Linux Virtual Servers
  18. Re:Fill Me In by bedroll · · Score: 3, Interesting
    I'll fill you in: This was a PR stunt. It was meant to generate buzz about the possible return of Futurama so that there would be a higher likelihood that it would be picked up.

    I think the buzz was there, but they just didn't pick it up. At least fans get the movies, though.

    Anyway, I was pretty clear about it when I read the previous report about Futurama that it was speculation and hearsay. Fortunately, some of us know how to take a source into context and realize that this is a quasi-news site, not a courtroom. Speculation and hearsay, presented as such, is and should be welcome... so long as it's newsworthy to someone.

  19. Oblig. Futurama by everphilski · · Score: 4, Funny

    Good News, Everyone!

    er... :/

    1. Re:Oblig. Futurama by Citizen+of+Earth · · Score: 1

      Good News, Everyone!

      No new series! Wait... that's not good news at all!

    2. Re:Oblig. Futurama by karimj · · Score: 1

      Bad News, Nobody!

    3. Re:Oblig. Futurama by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      oh for blargnog's sake, farnsworth says "news". Period. As in, "News, everyone!".

    4. Re:Oblig. Futurama by vwjeff · · Score: 1

      "If anyone needs me, I'll be in the angry dome."

  20. Foresight can be difficult... by botlrokit · · Score: 1

    cut Billy some slack. It's hard to accept anything Leela says about foresight, with that one eye...

    1. Re:Foresight can be difficult... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      would be better if leela wasn't voiced by katey segal...

    2. Re:Foresight can be difficult... by kimvette · · Score: 1

      Actually I think it is Katey's best role ever. She has the perfect voice for Leela, she can sing, and she obviously really gets into it.

      Ignore the fact that she was Peggy Bundy for a number of years. While she's been pretty much typecast by that role, you've got to admit she does an excellent job on Futurama.

      --
      The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
  21. Ob. Tinny Tim by doob · · Score: 5, Funny

    "You raised my hopes and dashed them quite expertly sir!"

    --
    In the spoon, there is no Soviet Russia!
  22. Re:Fill Me In by Zontar_Thing_From_Ve · · Score: 1

    Now, why in the hell is he saying that another season was in the works if he didn't have a contract signed for it? One would muse that the lead voice actor for a television show would wait until the ink has at least dried on his contract before announcing his next venture.

    I think the parent should be modded "flame bait", but I'll give a better answer than it deserves anyway.

    If you loved the show and listened to the DVD commentaries, it's obvious that everyone connected with the show loved working on it. It's also obvious that any negotiations for resuming work on the show were done at the management level and did not involve the voice talent, so I think it's certainly possible that he may have gotten some incorrect info passed down the chain of command or maybe he's a little overzealous or both.

  23. Re:Fill Me In by Dachannien · · Score: 1

    Sometimes rumors get started through miscommunication and just take on a life of their own. That's probably what happened here.

    Fortunately, it's just a TV show, so rumors aren't a big deal. I mean, at least this time there weren't a bunch of coal miners' families who were devastated when told their loved ones were actually dead, when the rumor a half hour previous was that they were alive.

  24. Deja vu by ichigo+2.0 · · Score: 0

    In fact, forget the series!

    And the hookers!

    And the joke!

    1. Re:Deja vu by Jugalator · · Score: 0

      Bah.. Silly Blackjack fans!

      --
      Beware: In C++, your friends can see your privates!
  25. It's for the best I guess because... by hevenor · · Score: 3, Funny

    Bender should not be allowed on TV!

  26. dolphins by crablouie · · Score: 2, Funny

    dolphins still missing
    so long and thanks for all the fish

    --
    I think so, Brain. But where will we get a duck and a rubber hose at this time of night? --Pinky
  27. Love Monkey by PhYrE2k2 · · Score: 1

    Love Monkey (CBS)- Man that was a good show with some great support from viewers and corporations (Sony is big into it, introducing many new artists). Too bad they got rid of it after 3 episodes. Rumour has it that UPN will pick it up

    -M

    --

    when you see the word 'Linux', drink!
  28. Good news everyone by hetairoi · · Score: 5, Funny

    Good news, everyone! There's a report on /. with some very bad news!

    --
    you're all figments of my deranged imagination
    1. Re:Good news everyone by jonr · · Score: 1

      You sir, wins the thread!
        Where is my +1, Funny when I need it?

  29. Aw Crap by wift · · Score: 1

    26 episodes equate to appx. 13 hours of goodness (minus commericals of course). Four DVDs won't give me the same amount of entertainment. I guess we should be grateful for anything we can get though.

    --
    ....... Thus ends my attempt at wit or whatever
    1. Re:Aw Crap by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually, at 20 minutes each, 26 episodes would be about 8 hours and 40 minutes of futurama goodness. Four dvds could potentially be as much, depending on how many special features they pour onto them.

    2. Re:Aw Crap by Digital+Vomit · · Score: 1
      You're not seeing the big picture:

      26 episodes --> 13 hours --> 2 season box sets --> $80 sales

      4 movies --> 6 hours --> 4 DVDs --> $80 sales.

      Half the work for the same amount of sales. Ugh.

      Just look at that retarded Stewie movie for the Family Guy series. It costs half as much as a full season, yet contains only three episodes.

      --
      Modern copyright is theft of culture from everyone and it retards the progress of the useful arts and sciences.
    3. Re:Aw Crap by Babbster · · Score: 1

      Just to nitpick a bit...26 episodes of a half-hour TV show originally aired on commercial TV does not equal 13 hours. There are 20-22 minutes of show per episode with comes out to 8-9 hours of actual programming. So, four movies (assuming 90 minutes each - they'll probably try to get them around 85-95 minutes) comes out to about 17-18 episodes worth of material. Depending on the timing - faster is best assuming the quality is there, of course - that's not too bad at all.

  30. Mozilla Futurama by Mugros · · Score: 2, Funny

    The team should make an "open source" Futurama series.
    -> Mozilla Futurama
    -> SpreadFuturama.com
    -> Fundraising (i would pay)
    -> Mozilla Futurama NY Times ad
    -> FuturamaFlicks.com

    1. Re:Mozilla Futurama by dw09577 · · Score: 1

      I debated doing this for all television a while ago. You'd have to work out the reward system...besides getting to see new episopes, of course...

      'WikiScript':
      http://techandother.wordpress.com/2006/02/06/that- movie-was-horrible-enter-wikiscript/

  31. FanFlicks? by ah.clem · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I don't recall seeing any fan created versions of Futurama, Family Guy, etc. after they left the air - it seems to me that it would be easier to create an animation homage than do live action movies (like Star Trek). Have there been any home-grown versions of animated series?

    ah.clem

    --
    "Life is not magic." Dr. Ron Weiss - "If we don't play God, who will?" Dr. James Watson
    1. Re:FanFlicks? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      are you kidding me?

    2. Re:FanFlicks? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "ah.clem"

      It's always nice...to see you

    3. Re:FanFlicks? by GaryPatterson · · Score: 1

      The subsequent crippling lawsuit from Fox could be seen as an homage to an homage, and the fact that the people behind this would lose their houses is merely a courtesy of detail.

    4. Re:FanFlicks? by Chris+Pimlott · · Score: 1

      Are you crazy? Any handful of Trekkers can go put on monocolored shirts and plastic phasers and go make a "new" episode with Mom's camcorder in an afternoon's time. It takes months to draw the tens of thousands of frames for each episode of an animated show.

  32. RARR rharr hrarrr hrso angry!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    My entratainment takes prescidence over all things in my life I can get mad over mp3s and drms and shit like that.

    who cares if my job is being shipped over to INDIA i've got more important things to worry about!

    I'm a genious with a chip on my shoulder! I am a typical slashdot poster!!!

  33. If anyone needs me... by barzok · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'll be in the Angry Dome.

  34. Re:Fill Me In by dr_dank · · Score: 5, Funny

    Fortunately, some of us know how to take a source into context and realize that this is a quasi-news site, not a courtroom.

    A courtroom-style format would be a breath of fresh air.

    Moderators: Objection! Poster is a troll!
    Meta-mods: I'll allow it.

    --
    Where does the school board find them and why do they keep sending them to ME?
  35. reasonable punishment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    We should just cut of his balls and stuff them in his mouth for getting us all excited in the first place.

  36. Re:Fill Me In by Albert71292 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    And yet I read this morning on Yahoo News that Fox is renewing the dreck that is "King of the Hill" for an 11th season, and that "King of the Hill" has been a subject of frequent pre-emptions for Fox's NFL football coverage, the network has enough fresh episodes for the rest of this season.


    WTF?? That was exactly the reason "Futurama" was cancelled in the first place, because Fox claimed it was getting low ratings. Of course it was getting low ratings, it was always pre-empted by football! Mike Judge must be blowing Rupert Murdock to keep that garbage on the air!

    --
    "A Bird In The Hand Will Poop On Your Wrist"-Benny Hill,1982
  37. I bought a tv!!! by unforkable · · Score: 1

    Tv set for sale! (bought yesterday)
    Shit I had to sell my computer.

  38. Aw. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Bad news everyone!

    No digg.

  39. how interesting by MORTAR_COMBAT! · · Score: 4, Funny

    no, wait. the other thing. tedious.

    --
    MORTAR COMBAT!
  40. Futurama? I think not... by Big+Nothing · · Score: 1

    Apparantly, Billy West is unable to see into the future...

    --
    SIG: TAKE OFF EVERY 'CAPTAIN'!!
  41. So it was... by MrDoh1 · · Score: 1

    So it was a suppository after all?!

    --
    I am Homer of Borg. Resistance is Fut.. Mmmmmmmm, Donuts!
  42. Good news everyone! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    We can keep watching All My Circuits and drinking beer!

  43. Sweet Zombie Jesus! by blankoboy · · Score: 2, Funny

    I call it the fing-longer!

    /I will use it to wipe the tears away from mine eyes =(. Truly the worst cock tease in history!

  44. News, everyone! by mtm · · Score: 1

    Spleesh, Taco, way to get my hopes up!

  45. That's a Stupid Question. by CranberryKing · · Score: 1

    A better one would be "How can they tailor Futurama to reflect wartime values to better suit the goals of the network?".. Survivor, New New York!

  46. Re:Fill Me In by Mafiew · · Score: 1

    King of the hill is a good show! It's the Simpsons FOX needs to put out of its misery.

  47. Re:Fill Me In by klenwell · · Score: 1

    King of the hill is a good show!

    Agreed. Think of it as redneck Futuruma.

    --
    Innovation makes enemies of all those who prospered under the old regime... -- Machiavelli
  48. Lrrr is outraged...yet again by Bushido+Hacks · · Score: 1

    "Lrrr demans to know the ending of Single Female Lawyer!"
     
    Why isn't there the same support for Invader Zim? That's what I'd like to know.

    --
    The Rapture is NOT an exit strategy.
    1. Re:Lrrr is outraged...yet again by vertinox · · Score: 1

      Why isn't there the same support for Invader Zim? That's what I'd like to know.

      No.

      1) Because Vasquez would do better if he made an R rated Johnny the Homicidal Maniac cartoon for HBO or slightly bleeped version on Adult Swim.
      2) Because Nick Studios doesn't really exist anymore.
      3) Because adult Swim would be better for the new series of Invader Zim, but see reason #1.

      --
      "I am the king of the Romans, and am superior to rules of grammar!"
      -Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor (1368-1437)
  49. new futurama by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    i believe that on his board, west commented that it wasn't straight to dvd anymore.

    that doesn't mean (and never did) that there was going to be 26 new episodes - it was the same information he posted a couple of months ago with the addition that it wasn't straight to dvd anymore.

  50. Wow by cpt+kangarooski · · Score: 1

    I think this sets the record for how fast Fox can cancel an excellent show.

    --
    -- This and all my posts are in the public domain. I am a lawyer. I am not your lawyer, and this is not legal advice.
  51. Hopes up by uberjoe · · Score: 2, Funny

    In that case I'll just get back in this suicide booth line here.

    --

    The days of the digital watch are numbered.

  52. Re:Fill Me In by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Mod parent up.

  53. Re:Fill Me In by Gilzors · · Score: 1

    I fail to see how this applies to anything.

  54. Re:Fill Me In by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Say what you will, King of the Hill is the only program on all of television in which the dad is smarter than the mom or the kids.

    Also, if you live in the South, it seems very true to life.

  55. What I don't get.. by multipartmixed · · Score: 1

    ..is why is it that when Geeks get to become "Neilsen Families" and so forth.. do they skip the commercials? I mean, that *must* be what happens, otherwise, how would the advertisers even know the behaviour of the geeks?

    I've twice had the opportunity to become a television-watcher (or whatever you call those). I made SURE that for that month I didn't watch -anything- that I thought sucked, and I DID NOT MISS a single episode of my favourite shows. I mean, why the hell not? It's like voting crap off the telly!

    If any of you ever get the opportunity to be surveyed or monitored with respect to television programming, JUMP at the opportunity, it's the only way the 90210-fans of the world will be conquered. Best yet, they'll send you some money in the mail when you're all done! (Not much, mind you...)

    --

    Do daemons dream of electric sleep()?
  56. So Sad by lewp · · Score: 2, Insightful

    This is the only show out of the current Adult Swim lineup that I still watch. In a block of programming that, IMHO, jumped the shark a long time ago, Futurama is a shining beacon of comedy with replay value.

    I've seen every episode multiple times, own the DVDs, and I'll still sit down and watch it if it's on when I wander past the television. How the hell King of the Hill remains on television while Futurama can't catch a break is beyond me.

    --
    Game... blouses.
    1. Re:So Sad by ph4s3 · · Score: 1
      How the hell King of the Hill remains on television while Futurama can't catch a break is beyond me.
      Probably because there are a lot more redneck couch potatos than there are geek couch potatos.
  57. Don't worry by slapout · · Score: 1

    I'm sure the 4 movies will eventually get broken up into episodes and shown on tv. (4 movies at 143 minutes each = 26 episodes at 22 minute an episode.)

    --
    Coder's Stone: The programming language quick ref for iPad
  58. Really want Futurama back? by Dretep · · Score: 1

    Prove that you're really a fan and buy the freakin' (sorry, it's the Family Guy in me...) DVDs. The execs might think about bringing it back if there really are some fans out there.

    1. Re:Really want Futurama back? by EvilCabbage · · Score: 1

      I own them all (despite the constantly shitty local region pressings of the discs), I buy Futurama merchandise, what the fuck else do you suggest I do to show my financial support?

    2. Re:Really want Futurama back? by R3d+M3rcury · · Score: 1

      Hey! I downloaded it off Bittorrent! What more do you want?

      (The preceding is a joke)

  59. But what about... by sharkey · · Score: 1

    The Lone Gunmen?

    --

    --
    "Outlook not so good." That magic 8-ball knows everything! I'll ask about Exchange Server next.
  60. No Fair! by PseudoSchizo · · Score: 0

    We changed the outcome by measuring it..

    --
    Proud Rememberer of the BBS Days.
  61. Unfortunately.... by Meph_the_Balrog · · Score: 1

    Its not the fans that dictate what shows are shown and when their timeslots are, its the advertising dollars.

    If a sponsor wants to advertise in a particular show, then the more money they spend, the more desirable the timeslot they will get. Coroborating evidence for this is the recent (within the last 5 years) influx of "this show brought to you by.." advertisements before and after many shows.

    This suggests that, rather than lobbying the producers, it would be more beneficial to lobby the shows (or alternatively try and market the show to additional) sponsors.

    Mind you, perhaps I'm just imagining things.. (Obligatory quote:) They say madness runs in our family. Some people even call me crazy! And why? Because I dared to dream ... of my own race of atomic monsters! Atomic supermen with octagonal-shaped bodies that suck blood out of ... [walks out of room]

  62. Six weeks ago by caliban-23 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Matt Groening told me personally that the series was going back into production for television.

  63. Let me be the first to say... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Fuck.

  64. FART by HeySergio2112 · · Score: 1

    Fathers
    Against
    Rude
    Televison

    Luckily, the members of FART have been able to once again thwart the efforts of the comedy loving humanoids.

  65. Re:Fill Me In by dangitman · · Score: 1
    I mean, at least this time there weren't a bunch of coal miners' families who were devastated when told their loved ones were actually dead, when the rumor a half hour previous was that they were alive.

    No, this is much worse.

    --
    ... and then they built the supercollider.
  66. Re:Fill Me In by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Maybe you just have to be cynical and from the vicinity of the real Arlen (Garland), but King of the Hill is very funny to me. I swear, I know at least a dozen Hanks, Peggies and LuAnns.

    And I know this hasn't occurred to you, but maybe Fox wants Matt Groenig to work exclusively on The Simpsons? It's their only successful show that hasn't been cancelled yet.

  67. As an animator... by AllenChristopher · · Score: 2, Informative

    No way.

    A student film typically runs about 45 seconds to 2 minutes. It takes one person about four months to storyboard, do layout, animate, clean up and colour. You need a 12-field scanner, which isn't cheap. You need thousands of dollars worth of proprietary software licenses if you want to actually distribute your film. Student films also tend to be simple... 20 cuts at most.

    Now, you can knock out a flash film in much less time, but Futurama it won't be. Futurama had very high-quality traditional animation. It's about as close to feature quality as you'll see made for TV. The jokes relied on surprisingly subtle and complicated staging. The cost of making it was huge.

    You might do Family Guy in flash without losing much. The scenes in Family Guy that have the most action are often the least entertaining.

    Live action is much easier for an amateur. You roll cameras. Anywhere you invest less time or effort will reduce the quality, but it won't prevent the footage from getting made. You can make a film in a weekend. It won't be good, but it will exist.

    In animation, if you don't put in the effort, the footage doesn't get made.

    1. Re:As an animator... by ah.clem · · Score: 1

      I agree that traditional animation would be costly - I was thinking more along the lines of Flash or something similar. I found something called "Neo-Bender" which is Flash or Shockwave (not really my field, sorry) - I believe that if someone had more skill, they might do a creditable short with those tools. I've seen a few clever South Park animations - granted probably one of the easiest to copy. I haven't thought through all of the animated series I enjoy, but I see your point - I have watched closely to see how much actual animation is involved and it does vary widely - I believe you are correct about Family Guy - it's got a Hanna-Barbera quality, but in a good way.

      As far a comments re: the kids putting on costumes and using MovieMaker to hack together a week-end ST project - I was actually thinking about the "big budget" stuff that gets linked on Slash occasionally. I don't recall the names of the groups that do these, but they're full-length features or continuing half hour series. I believe that at least one of them takes more than 12 people and a year to put together an ep. That's the kind of commitment I was thinking of.

      Interesting reply. Thanks.

      ah.clem

      --
      "Life is not magic." Dr. Ron Weiss - "If we don't play God, who will?" Dr. James Watson
    2. Re:As an animator... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "I was actually thinking about the "big budget" stuff that gets linked on Slash occasionally. I don't recall the names of the groups that do these, but they're full-length features or continuing half hour series. I believe that at least one of them takes more than 12 people and a year to put together an ep. That's the kind of commitment I was thinking of."

      I completely forgot to mention a much more important factor, though. Programmers have a lot of extra time on their hands because they're paid either a salary or an hourly consulting fee. They're paid by their time. When they're off the clock, any work they do is recreational, free. Film-makers have a lot of time on their hands because there are always talented young film-makers who are between paying projects.

      Animators are paid by the foot. Every single foot of film an animator produces is worth money, and the studio you're working for is almost always willing to hand you more footage to do. The result is that few animators do side projects. Why animate your own thing in the evening if you would be making money animating for the studio? We also have to deal with pencil mileage. You can only draw a certain total length of lines in a day before your hand dies. Again, if you pour it in a side-project, you're losing money in a very direct and obvious way... and animators aren't really paid very much.

      When an animator does a side-project it's usually an illustration because we need a break from doing the kind of breakneck, low detail work that goes into television animation.

      If coders were generally paid by the line, I doubt open-source would exist. Most animators dearly wish they could make their own film, but few can balance the economic factors to make it worthwhile.

      Thanks for pointing out Neo-Bender. I'll take a look at it.

  68. Re:Fill Me In by elrous0 · · Score: 1
    Oops, looks like I pissed off some Whedon fans. Well guys, I tell you what. I'll agree to stop bad-mouthing him if you'll agree to move out of your parents' basements.

    -Eric

    --
    SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
  69. AW, COME ON, MODERATORS.... by hummassa · · Score: 1

    This was not offtopic: it was (at least attempting to be) FUNNY and on-topic WRT the parent posting referring to the fact that Fry is his own grandpa.

    --
    It's better to be the foot on the boot than the face on the pavement. ~~ tkx Kadin2048
  70. Re: Sequels by some+guy+I+know · · Score: 1
    Imho more than 1 movie on any theme is a disaster, stretching reapeating boring stuff.
    Several counter-examples:
    • Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
    • Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back
    • Aliens
    • LOTR: The Two Towers
    • LOTR: The Return of the King
    • Superman 3
    • Biodome 2
    • Plan 10 From Outer Space
    • Stargate SG-2: Electronic Bugaloo
    (O.K., those last four were just to see if you were paying attention.)
    --
    Those who sacrifice security to condemn liberty deserve to repeat history or something. - Benjamin Santayana