Alrighty. Here's what started all this:
((link to the thread here))

Furox then suggested:

This brought on an entire discussion on the possibility of creating the episode ourselves.

So, thus far, we've got Red Dragon offering to do the animation (with some models already made!!) & Liliwen as well.
I'm willing to do storyboards (I'm good at quick sketches), as is arrow.
Kay Yasha, arrow, and Deathshallcome are willing to try out some of the voicing.

So, DISCUSS!!!!
NOTE: I'm too lazy to edit this post to update who's offered to do what. I may later once we get the script and actually start work, but for now... lazy.




Core Group
Mari- semi-core-leader-thingy (storyboards)
Furox- semi-core-leader-thingy (Reel and editing)
Red Dragon- Modelling
Liliwen- Modelling


Volunteers
Voice:
SilverDragon
DemonicFury
arrow
Dragon Fanatic
Deathshallcome
atomicnewt2552
DragonboosterGirl
silverfang
Rhian

Model:
Red Dragon
Liliwen

General/Editing:
Nowna
Furox
Wyldfyrstar
atomicnewt2552
Artha_penn1995
Allye

Storyboard:
Mari
Dragon Fanatic
Nayade
DragonboosterGirl

Design:
Alexis
DragonboosterGirl
Dragon Fanatic
arrow

I'll add people to the core group once actual work is posted. ;) People can say they're storyboarding and never actually do anything. (I'm guilty- I did that on It's Time. I did 4 panels and never did anything else.)

I loved to help with this ;)

If I had any skills to contribute I would, but beyond basic computer savvy, I've got nothing to offer. Let me know if you have any jobs that could be outsourced to Korean toddlers paid in croutons, because that's my skill level.

I can animate a little in Flash, but I'm willing to voice some of the characters.

I guess I'd be willing to voice a character or two... Just call me if you need me! :)

This could be a fun project, though I have to wonder if everyone realizes the truly immense of work there is to do here. But if people really are going to pitch in and dedicate a large portion of their free time to this, then I can do the necessary audio and video editing.

We'll know better what we're dealing with once we see the script.

I agree with Furox, lets see the script first and then decide whats to be done.
This will be a very big project and will take up alot of everyones time and effort.

I am modelling anyway, so i will carry on with that.

I also a few weeks ago, got an tutorial for doing 'lip sync' in models, it takes quite a bit to set up but once you have the basics in place, you match the sound file up with the model animation and done. So that may come in handy.

So yeah, so count me in for modeling and anim, or what ever comes up.

I agree.Lets first see the script. But I realize the work and the time and effort it will take up. I am stil ready to help if you need it. ;) (If I will be able to help) I could voice someone.

You guys are awesome! It's neat to see all the talent here. Just to look at the fan artwork alone you notice. Whatever you do, it will be great! :D

I'll help with voicing... I hope I can help... maybe designs of new dragons. No animation though.

I might be getting a new computer and faster internet soon, so I'll be able to do animation, download some better programs and videos soon.

NOTE: I'll keep track of who's doing what:

VOICES
Crystal Wildfyr
The Furox
Silver Dragon
DemonicFury
Kay Yasha
arrow
Deathshallcome
atomicnewt2552
silverfang

ANIMATION/ MODELING
Red Dragon
Silver Dragon
Liliwen?


STORYBOARDS
Mari
arrow
Dragon Fanatic
Alexis
Nayade

EDITING
The Furox

Assorted Help
Crystal Wildfyr
Nowna
Elushun
Dragon Fanatic
The Furox

I'll update every time I get on. The list is getting longer... :D :)

I agree with the Furox, we need to get the script before we do too much.

while i'm waiting for the script i'm gonna be practicing some voices


funny, when the CBC was airing the last few episodes of season 3 the idea of making a fan episode popped into my head, even put a hint in one my posts of what we'll do when it stopped airing, nobody seemed to catch it :P

Oooh, the tutorial should be a big help. Great job, Red!!! (Oh, you are hereby dubbed 'Red' or RD, whichever I type. If that's ok with you. ;) ) And the models will be a HUGE help!!!! Great job!!!

Anyway, I'll see what I can do with Poser and I'll see if I can start any of the backgrounds. I suspect that Penn stables will need to be made. I'm not too good, so it will take ages, but I can always try. :P

Yeah. Anybody who wants to voice ought to make a recording of their voice saying something that the character's said in the show. I can compare them and we can start picking voices, if nothing else. Or at least who can and can't do which characters. :D

For the voices, I recommend we hold auditions where people submit recordings of themselves reading selected excerpts from the script (everybody reads the same excerpt so we can compare). We can then vote for who does the best.

We should also wait until we see the script before doing much work. In particular, this story will fill in some history, and I'm pretty sure it takes place in the past, like before all the kids in the show have been born. So there isn't much point in people auditioning for say Artha if Artha's not in the script. Same thing goes for making backgrounds or character models: we don't know what the script will need, so I wouldn't spend time on it now.

Once we get the actual script, we'll know what we're dealing with.

^_^ Oh Can I help?!

I'd like to do voices and help with the storyboard if that's alright.

I'm still figuring out how to model and stuff, but I can practice for now, and maybe attempt some of the human models later when we have the script. Though I might do Artha now, if that's alright, to get the hang of things. And to let you know if it looks nothing like him. :P

I have an idea! How about we use some of the backgrounds in the show (ex. penn stables or one of the race tracks) and the designs of the characters. That way we won't have that much work of redesigning everything. We could also ask the show's creators to send us some backgrounds from the series. I full of ideas on how we could do it but the thing is.... i'm not good at any of the things you need :( Though i could give in some ideas and programs that might be helpful! :) I'll checking this topic reguraly so jast say here if you need any help, I'll be glad to do what I can! :lol:

I don't have any artistic skills such as animation or drawing brilliantly like so many others can, but I am moderately good in designing patterns or markings such as on dragons and what not. I am good at editing papers and checking spelling/grammar, as well as ideas for an episode plot, but I don't know if that will help at all. ^_^; So, if any of you need my help with some basics such as organization and what not, feel free to ask me, I'll be checkin' this thread out from time to time. OH! One more thing: If wer are going to be doing auditions for the voices, may I be a judge? I'm pretty good at observing things and connecting the dots. Good luck to all! :dance:

For your question earlier Arrow.. I can make my voice sound demonic and evil. I don't know... about making it sound like Armgy and Word... but if you need a prophicy voice I can do that.

I am really good with drawing character dragons, especially for Dragon Booster, so I can help with drawing out and planning dragons like there running positions and stuff. Along with facial expressions, designs, height, weight, wings, and all that stuff. Maybe gear to. I am also good at Dragon Booster gear. :) If I can do that? I would proudly like to help with the project. I am in! :lol:

The only things I can't help out with is animation, coiceing, script, editing, and modleing. Just pencil art. I just start out first with a rough draft then go to the big board and do my finals.

I'm a pretty good artist too. I could do some drawing stuff. If we need some.

Maybe me and you can both do the art! :P We can make the dragons, the riders and decide on the designs and stuff, but no fighting! It'll just rewin it!

Are you a control freak?

I am, so if I seem mean at one point, it's because I'm a control freak

Sometimes, but I can handle it. My mom is, so I have to deal with her. But it's ok. I think you wouldn't be through this because this is a fun and creative project, subject if I am wrong! :D Half the time I am and half the time I am not. But probably through this I would be! :lol:

OKay, I was just giving you a heads up.

I'm learning modeling, but can't do anything really, so nothing there. I'd be willing to audition for voice acting and help with anything else.

Thanks!! :) I can't wait to start it! Do we put in the Oc Dragon Booster dragons or our OC dragons and OC Dragon Booster dragons? :unsure: But it sounds realy cool! :dance: This is probably going to either take a year or half of a year, but still fun!!! :D

if we need to we could put our oc dragons and characters in the background (but mainly the non beau-looking dragons)

that would be great. if we atleast get designs of dragons and humans it'll make the job easier for the modelers. and modelers don't forget, we have plenty of templates you can use for models or model ideas

it would also be a good idea to use as little animation from the creaters as possible, since this is fan made

Yeah, I definitely wouldn't want to ask for anything. Maybe using some screenshots as backgrounds would be OK if we wanted to go for a flat look like that.

If we're really going to do this, be aware that it's going to take a really long time. The Gargoyles fans have been working on their episode for like 4 years now, and they don't have any actual animation yet. And we don't have a script yet. ;)

Looks like people are anxious to get started with something, so I suggest the following:

For those interested in auditioning for a voice: figure out how you're going to make a good quality recording now and practice it. You'll need a half way decent microphone, some software to record with that will produce either a wav, aiff or good quality mp3 file, and most importantly, you'll need to find a good room to record in. The reason the quality of the sound in the show is so good is because they record in a studio that has no echos. All you hear is the actor's voice without any room effects. Unfortunately, the rooms in our houses aren't anything like this and will yield a pretty poor quality recording. So you need to find a small room that's filled with soft materials to kill the echo. Thick carpeting, curtains and soft furniture all helps. If you really want to do this right, cover the walls, ceiling and all hard surfaces with blankets and bedspreads. Multiple layers is even better.

For those interested in doing storyboard work, start practicing. I suggest you take a short fan fiction and try storyboarding it (my own It's Time is pretty short). The idea of storyboarding is to find good camera angles and "blocking" which is the positioning of the characters. It should also establish the emotion of the scene by capturing the expression and body language of the characters during the pivotal moments of the scene. This is harder than it sounds, so I suggest practicing. The storyboard is important since it will ultimately guide the animation.

That's all I'd suggest doing for now until we have the script in hand.

I think it is a great idea to have your o.c. dragons in it, it will make quite a verity, plus they were not in the original series.
I have kept all the requested dragon models, so all i have to do is rig them and off they walk/run etc.

I also think that there will be no original characters from the show, exept the priests maybe.

And i think the saying "the more the merrier" goes with creating this episode.

Mari, it's ok to call me anything ;)

Liliwen, i fyou needany help, give me a shout. I'm not a pro at modeling by any means and i'm learning all the time. Also, are you useing Maya aswell?

Also, i accept that the models i have done so far may not be in this, but the more i model, the better i can get, plus i can 'addapt' my models aswell to make them look different.

I looked at downloading Maya, but the file size is too big for me. My internet's too slow, and it would take forever. I use Blender. I actually just made a simple, weird looking person and put a hat on him. :D Now I know what to do to put a helmet on people. :dance: I'm getting there...and if I get stuck, I'll ask you. Maybe Blender and Maya work in the same sort of way...

Ok, tell me when I can get started on the dragons. If we are using OC's then people can send in their OC dragons. I would need idea's on the dragons as well. Like send templates and stuff for me to work with a craete dragons, and Dragon Fanatic said that she can help to, so don't forget about her. I don't want to be the only one. This is going to be great. But I can wait until the script and storyboard is done. Then I can pot and get strated with that, the drawings and riugh drafts of dragons, designs and such.

That's actually what I meant. Thanks for putting it into normal terms, Furox! :rolleyes: :P

Anyway, we SHOULD start prep work, even though we won't get the script for several months yet. I suggest the people who write the storyboards start on that. I, for one, will. Then we can use judges to decide whose angles and perspectives work best. Heck, it can be a blend of several peoples' storyboards, and from there they'll have to cooperate and together write the final board. We ought to have an official "contest" of sorts, in order to eliminate whining. I think It's Time should be the official piece that the people should write boards for. I have no suggestions for a start-date or end-date (if we bother with that at all), but one thing I do suggest is that we use Furox as a judge. He's good at impartial decisions. :rolleyes: :D

Models also need to be built. Later, for animation, we'll need to find a way to make the models accessible to all the animaters. I suggest we save them as files and host to, say, Megaupload.

As for the audio, we know we'll HAVE to have Word and Conner. That's a given. Other than that, we ought to hold out on any other voices until we get the script, which may take a while.

Anyway, I'll get to work on the storyboard for It's Time. That, at least, ought to be something that doesn't require the script for the episode.


Ooooooh, the OCs are a GENIUS idea!! No more duplicated and re-colored background characters!!! Perhaps there ought to be some sort of contest for deciding the OCs, because we REALLY don't want to overload our poor modellers. There ARE other things in this that take priority, like the canon characters and dragons.

That I don't know. I'm not sure if there is a standardized format for importing and exporting things between different 3D animation applications. Red Dragon may know. :unsure:

Yes, the story board will most likely be too much work for one person to do the whole thing. This depends on how long the script is of course, but what I think we'll want to do is to divide the script into scenes and then dole them out to the people who have the necessary skills. I'll then take all the completed storyboard panels and edit them together with the dialog to produce a story reel of the entire script. This is the way it works in a real production environment. From there, we can move on to animation. Our animating team can be building models and sets while the story board work is being done.

I'll also volunteer to divide the script into numbered scenes.

I can do that if you want. Or we could vote as a group. Either way though, I'm sure we'll need several storyboard artists.

There is the compatibility issue from above. Not everyone has the same software, so exchanging models and such may not be possible. We'll have to decide how to handle this.

We could share the models by changing the format of the file to one kind which all the software is able to use. I doubt that each software writs in only one format. There is probably a lot to choose from.
I suggest that all the modelers post here in what format their program is able to write and than decide on one final one. Than it'll be easier to upload them and all software will be able to open them.

So.... we are putting our OCs into this... eppie? Because if we are you will need my voice for my ocs voice. If you are making an eppie with our ocs that is.

Same for me. Or actually, I just need two girl voices for my OCs

yeah will put our oc's in here

a note to people who've never done story boarding before: these don't have to be high-quality pictures. having no details on the clothing is fine, even making little chibis, we just need to know the camera angles.

last night i just thought of something. we're going to need music for this. but that requires the script, and it'll also be near the end of producing this eppie.

Well.... there are tons of midis out there we could borrow from their owners with their premission of course. Take Video Game Midis Not My Site! for example

If you get the ok from them you will have a unlimited amount of music from different verity of games.

Regarding the formats for the models, i'm pretty sure most if not all 3D apps can import '*.OBJ' files, by exporting the whole scene as an OBJ file, it should also export the shaders/materials so they can be used by another program.
Maya saves normal scene files as an .MB file type, but i know about exporting the full obj files.

The only thing i would have about sharing my models, and this will most likely be with others aswell is that we will need to share them to people doing this ONLY.
I have nothing against that but what i wouldn't want to happen is someone from the 'outside' getting these and then claiming them for their own, but we can sort this out the nearer we get to showtime.

I believe the suggestion regarding OCs was to use them to fill in crowd scenes in the background. OCs obviously aren't in the script, so there won't be a speaking part for any of them, so there's no need to voice any of them. At best, the OCs will be standing in the background or walking by. Perhaps if there's a crowd cheering scene, we can record a few cheers for them.

For now, we don't even know if there will be any crowd scenes at all, so it's too soon to assume anything about whether there's anyway any OCs can even appear. So I wouldn't plan on anything until we see the script.