Freeborn vs. Blood and Chocolate

Renorei · Post by **Renorei** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 5:30 pm

Uh, so it's not like I'm opposed to B&C or anything. I read the book, and it was pretty good. I am looking forward to the movie.

However, I would like to state that I really really really think AB and all his staff should strive to have Freeborn released before B&C. I believe I read somewhere that currently, it looks like BandC will be out first, however I think that all of those who are working on Freeborn should do everything in their power to get Freeborn out sooner.

And here is why. Having Freeborn come out after BandC is going to make it look like Freeborn is trying to mooch off of BancC's (inevitable) success by having another werewolf movie.

For example, Spiderman or X-men or some movie came out a while back, then all of a sudden out comes Batman, Electra, Fantastic 4, Daredevil, Hulk, etc.

Also, the plots (at least the first half) are pretty similar. Werewolf falls in love with human, the werewolf's pack is angry. The endings seem to be fairly different, because in BandC [spoiler]the human ends up rejecting the wolf, she stalks him and his friends, he tries to kill her, some other werewolves try to kill her, and she ends up dating the pack leader[/spoiler]. However, (at least this is what it seems like from the trailer) in Freeborn, it looks like love will prevail, but not without consequences.

Although we, as werewolf fans, will be able to appreciate both easily, the rest of the world will just say the Freeborn is jumping on the werewolf bandwagon. So that's why I think that if there is any possible way, Freeborn should come out first.

Thoughts?

Figarou · Post by **Figarou** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 5:37 pm

Even if Freeborn (the movie) came out before Blood and Chocolate, (the movie) the book(B&C) came out before Freeborn.

If those that read the book, (B&C) they will think the same as you stated above.

And here is why. Having Freeborn come out after BandC is going to make it look like Freeborn is trying to mooch off of BancC's (inevitable) success by having another werewolf movie.

There is going to be mixed thoughts when these 2 films comes out.

Renorei · Post by **Renorei** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 5:49 pm

What you said about the book is true. However, I think more people will be likely to see BandC the movie than read BandC the book. Most (though not all) people that read BandC are people that were probably already werewolf fans, or at least cryptozoology fans, or are friends of people that are and the book was recommended to them.

However, people who see the movie may not necessarily be werewolf fans.

Example: I don't like vampires. However, I watched Interview with a Vampire and enjoyed it. However, I would never read the book, because I don't care that much about vampires to bother.

Figarou · Post by **Figarou** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 6:04 pm

The thing about Blood and Chocolate and Freeborn is that you won't know its a werewolf movie until you see it. The titles doesn't give you a clue that werewolves are present in the film. Someone out there may think B&C could be a vampire film since the word "Blood" is in the title.

There is allot of people that doesn't keep up with the films that are coming out. A guy and his girlfriend will look at the sign in the theater and may wonder what Freeborn is. They decide to watch it and may be suprised to see werewolves in it.

Us werewolf fans already know what Freeborn is. To let everyone else know, they need to see a theatrical trailer. That will draw everyones attention before the release of the film.

Now, which trailer draws the most attention depends on the studio's effort to inform the public.

Renorei · Post by **Renorei** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 6:14 pm

Hhmmm....

Well, I just don't want Freeborn to end up looking like those infinity superhero movies that came out after whichever one was first. (I know there are many other examples of hollywood 'bandwagoning' on a succesful topic, but I can't think of them now). I don't want it to look like Freeborn is trying to cash in on their success.

As far as whether people will know if they are werewolf movies or not, I think AB said he was gonna put some werewolf stuff in the trailer. We can't necessarily judge what the final trailer will look like based on the one we have now, b/c the people in that trailer aren't even gonna be the real actors.

Also, I think the movie posters might give it away.

Shadow Wulf · Post by **Shadow Wulf** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 6:40 pm

Excelsia wrote:What you said about the book is true. However, I think more people will be likely to see BandC the movie than read BandC the book. Most (though not all) people that read BandC are people that were probably already werewolf fans, or at least cryptozoology fans, or are friends of people that are and the book was recommended to them.

However, people who see the movie may not necessarily be werewolf fans.

Example: I don't like vampires. However, I watched Interview with a Vampire and enjoyed it. However, I would never read the book, because I don't care that much about vampires to bother.

I cant find blood and chocalyte at my school libary,

I would like to try the local libary but with gas prices at 2.50 I would dare adventure unless its something im going to buy.

Kzinistzerg · Post by **Kzinistzerg** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 7:52 pm

use school liibrary

Renorei · Post by **Renorei** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 8:14 pm

Maybe your school library can do a book transfer or something. They might can get it from another library.

Silverclaw · Post by **Silverclaw** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:03 pm

I wouldnt want the production of Freeborn to be rushed( even though I'm freakin dying to see it!) I am looking forward to BC a lot as well; I really liked the book [spoiler]The ending was a surprise in that the human completely rejected her because of what she was. I was surprised he even tryed to kill her! Quite original

[/spoiler]
I'm a bit upset that the movie is going to set place in Europe; in the book it was in my state Maryland

If anything, maybe they could release the Freeborn teaser/trailer in front of movies earlier. That way people will already know of the upcoming Freeborn before B+C

Renorei · Post by **Renorei** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:06 pm

Silverclaw wrote:I wouldnt want the production of Freeborn to be rushed( even though I'm freakin dying to see it!) I am looking forward to BC a lot as well; I really liked the book [spoiler]The ending was a surprise in that the human completely rejected her because of what she was. I was surprised he even tryed to kill her! Quite original [/spoiler]
I'm a bit upset that the movie is going to set place in Europe; in the book it was in my state Maryland

If anything, maybe they could release the Freeborn teaser/trailer in front of movies earlier. That way people will already know of the upcoming Freeborn before B+C

Yeah, if Freeborn can't be released first, having the trailers come out first would definitely be satisfactory.

Why on earth are they setting it in Europe?! I am not happy at all about that. You wouldn't happen to know why this decision was made, do you?

Silverclaw · Post by **Silverclaw** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:11 pm

Something about they wanted to show the oldness/history of Europe/werewolves.
Though the book clearly stated that werewolves came to the new world(aka America) to get away from things like the werewolf trials, and such

Shadow Wulf · Post by **Shadow Wulf** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:15 pm

why the HELL do they want to change how the whole book goes, I may see the movie but im still buying the book, aswell as werewolf the apocalypse

sorry but im anxouse to read it.

Renorei · Post by **Renorei** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:26 pm

I hate when people make movies from books and screw it up. UGH!!!

I'm sure it'll still be good though....

ABrownrigg · Post by **ABrownrigg** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 9:52 pm

Silver has read B&C, and told me that it is mainly a teenage romance novel type thing. From what I've read about the film version, they are changing a lot about the original book. It will be set in europe, it will no longer be teenagers but folks in their twenty somethings (i'm sure for sexual reasons), and if I recall correctly, they're changing the ending so that the human ends up with the werewolf at the end. I'm not sure about that one, but I've heard that on the grapevine.

Either way, Freeborn while having certain elements that are similar to B&C, namely a human/werewolf relationship, is very different in plot, and storyline, and characters. I feel that they are going for a "interview with a vampire" style treatment of B&C. Making it so that the art direction can be stellar and mythic, and gothic and really 'out there'.

I prefer to have the environment of Freeborn be more real, up to date, and taking place in the type of normalcy that any of us have. And let the characters drive the plot, as opposed to the plot and scenery driving the characters.

All in all, I hope B&C is a wonderful film. I really would like to see it myself. I'm sure with all the large studio backing already in place with MGM that it will be out first. (we're still trying to negotiate a deal that will let us have more control over the project) However due to how quickly it seems to be coming out, and the change in directors/script, etc. I'm concerned it might be one of those that gets lost in the studio hubbub, and damages what might be a very good storyline. The same thing happened to Cursed, and we know what that was like.

I'll buy my ticket like everyone else however. It never hurts to learn, either from success, or from failure, and I wish any director who has the guts to get into this business in the first place, the best of luck.

Anthony Brownrigg

Silverclaw · Post by **Silverclaw** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:02 pm

and if I recall correctly, they're changing the ending so that the human ends up with the werewolf at the end. I'm not sure about that one, but I've heard that on the grapevine.

Oh, they better as hell not do that!!!

That was one thing I liked a lot about the book. I was like: "Damn, thats a bold move! And it worked" They will have at least one pissed werewolf on their tails if they do that

we're still trying to negotiate a deal that will let us have more control over the project

I REALLY hope you guys do get like 100% control on Freeborn. I'd hate to see it get raped by 'The Suits"

Fight the Power!

Figarou · Post by **Figarou** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:05 pm

I'm really glad you're taking your time with this, ABrownrigg. I don't want this to be a race to see which film coming out 1st. (B&C vs.Freeborn.)

What I care is the stuff thats going into Freeborn. We helped by giving you ideas, thoughts, and what we want to see in a werewolf. I hate to see all that get thrown out the window.

Silverclaw · Post by **Silverclaw** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:14 pm

Damn straight!

Renorei · Post by **Renorei** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:34 pm

mmK, just so everyone knows it's ok with me if Freeborn comes out second, I just think it would be better for the film if it came out first. But if it's not possible there's obviously nothing that can be done.

From what AB has said, I don't like the direction BandC is going. Also, I can't believe they would change the ending!! The ending in BandC was awesome!!! Grrrr....

I was totally in favor of a teen romance type thing. That was one of the mosts appealing things about BandC for me, b/c when I read it, I was around 15. Also, I think the studios should aim towards teens. After all, we're the only age group (for the most part) that will go and see a movie more than once or twice.

Frigging idiots.

I'm going to pretend that BandC the movie and BandC the book are too entirely different things. If I do that, it will be less annoying when major details of the book and movie are totally different.

Figarou · Post by **Figarou** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 10:57 pm

I posted some info about the new director for B&C here.

http://calypso-blue.com/werewolf/viewtopic.php?t=241

I don't know why Rupert Wainwright was replaced. Did he give up? Was he not the right person for the job?

Thats something I really hate to see. Each director has thier own vision when they direct a film. When another takes over, the original vision can be shattered. Or it could be a good thing. It depends on the director. What if Tim Burton directed B&C? Would it still be a good werewolf movie? Maybe so. If James Cameron directed, it'll still be good. He did Aliens, did he not? If they both follow the same script, nothing should be changed much. Unless they decide to do some changes to suit the director's needs.

I never read B&C. Maybe I should since the film may not follow the book.

Whats good about Freeborn is that its not based from a novel or comic book. There is always some changes from the book/comic to film. As you already can see, there is a few upset Pack members about the changed ending to B&C.

Renorei · Post by **Renorei** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:01 pm

Tim Burton or Richard Kelly could be really cool for BandC. Or maybe that guy who directed the third HP. That one was the best of the three, IMO (but not when it comes to book+movie cohesiveness. But I doubt that was his choice).

Silverclaw · Post by **Silverclaw** » Tue Aug 16, 2005 11:38 pm

lol, I'd freak out if Tim Burton did direct B&C

And let us hope they dont screw up the already well done story of B&C, like do an idiotic thing like change the ending

ABrownrigg · Post by **ABrownrigg** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 5:20 am

Yes the film has a different director now. Anges Bruckner, and Oliver Martinez (from swat) will star.

It will be directed by Katja von Garnier, not very well known in the states, but has a good rep.

The difficulty in B&C now lies in its ownership. MGM has just been bought by Sony, and so who knows where the film might end up, maybe under Columbia title, or it could possibly get lost. Whenever one studio takes over another, many projects get scrapped.

Trinity · Post by **Trinity** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:25 am

Well good, in some aspects. This way someone might be able to pick it up and NOT do something silly..., like change the ending.

I like teh whole idea of it being a teen roamce novel. It always had the feel of a werewolf "coming of age" story, where she broke rules and did her own thing. Rebeled against teh status quo just to try and find her own identity.

I can understand maybe making the character a little bit older, late teens or something. But 20 somethings? Feh.

Lets just hope thinsg work out for the best.

Wolfhanyou · Post by **Wolfhanyou** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 7:02 am

Woof. I agree with the opinions already stated. [spoiler]Dear god if Tim Burton was actually directing that movie I'd have no problem in getting my group of friends out to see it. Not to mention that my best friend and I would probably end up squealing or something in the front row somewhere random in the movie and get popcorn thrown at us...[/spoiler] I don't really mind if Freeborn comes out second. I don't want the film to be rushed. And if someone comments on Freeborn being a 'bandwagon' film I'd probably go and punch their lights out, damned the consequences.

23Jarden · Post by **23Jarden** » Wed Aug 17, 2005 12:46 pm

One thing to remember is that great things come with time fi an entire year is needed to make the picture as well as youwould like then do so. Know that most of us will be patient. Take your time shock the audience. And give a great new meaning to the word werewolf.