First hand set reports

[olfatback]

Okay Welshy, You've shut down my other topics which did indeed fall into other catagories but I thought this one would be of some real intrest and as we get closer to N.Y film dates I'm sure these things are going to start pouring - in . . .
I'm walking to work today in downtown Vancouver and notice NYC banners up and down the street, I follow them to none other than the BAXTER BUILDING. Looks dead-on Kirby-era. Two hundred extras holding I love FF signs. Oh shit, I say "Good morning" to Jessica Alba who is walking her dog, ( a pug) . She's in street clothes. I then ask a production assistant the million dollar question, " Where's Ben Grim?" This is the good part, he nudges me and with a head nod, point-out he's TWO FEET AWAY FROM ME!!!! Full costume talking on a cell phone, or rather speaking into a cell phone while someone holds it for him. Forget the shitty photos guys!! He looked Great!! I havent been thrilled to say the least about the pictures we've seen to this point but let me say with ever loving honesty, THE THING LOOKS BAD ASS!! Hands=perfect, Feet = perfect, Color/skin texture=perfect. I'm sure there will be lots of sneaky photos popping-up later today, but you heard it here first, IT'S CLOBBERING TIME BABY! This movie will look great 100% just based off of what I saw today. Now I'm planning to sneak out of work this afternoon and do some more snooping . . .

[Pod]

one question: i live in nyc and are they ever ganna shoot scenes here? i wish they could. wouldt it be cool to see the thing in manhatten.

[Junkyard]

It's getting harder to do movies in NY, I think. Imagine:
The scene is almost done. Everybody is doing their lines perfectly. Even the extras are all in sync. The dramatic moment is about to reach it's climax and-
the naked cowboy walks into the scene.
"CUT!"

[Pod]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Junkyard:
<B>It's getting harder to do movies in NY, I think. Imagine:
The scene is almost done. Everybody is doing their lines perfectly. Even the extras are all in sync. The dramatic moment is about to reach it's climax and-
the naked cowboy walks into the scene.
"CUT!"</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


omg! thats discusting! but u have a piont there. then i guess they should keep a giant cover over the set or make it in a building... oh wait how am i ganna see it then..DOU'H!(i've been watching too much simpsons episodes).

[Bigkid]

Thanks for those updates, OFB! That's so COOL that you are within walking distance of the set, that's great! By the way: they ARE doing some shooting here in NY, but only B unit stuff.... you know, shots of the skyline, shots of the harbor, of downtown, etc. I don't think that any of the actors are going to have to even set foot in N.Y.C.

[Bigkid]

Just saw some of those new set pics, and more reports. The newest pic of Ben looks great! He's looking more and more like the Ben that we all love. The brows look even a tad more protruding, not the way that is the classic Ben Grimm, but certainly looks much better than what we had seen in the first pics that came out. They are also going to be filming in Vancouver till about mid-November (the 19th being the last shooting date, they say). There are spoilers in the scenes that are being shot, so I won't say anything here. But I like what they reported about......it's not that big of a giveaway about anything in particular, but I'll let you all be the judges of that. From what these reports look like, I'm getting less and less nervous. I think things are shaping up to be o.k.

[Junkyard]

FOOLISH, IMPUDENT WELP! Do you not know that hope has no place here!? You will all grovel before DOOM! Curse you, RICHAAARRRDDDSSS!!

But seriously, I'd reccomend not getting too excited. You'll like the film more if you don't invest too much emotion into it beforehand.

[Bigkid]

That's actually some good advice.....don't want to get suckered into all the hype. But, I gotta tell ya, The Thing (in my humble opinion), looks really great! As does Ms. Alba (yum)!

[olfatback]

Sorry I havent got any new update from the set in the past week. They are still filming in downtown Vancouver, ( nights only) and the set is huge. The one production assistant that I spoke with last week confermed that it is Johnny's Porche that Ben crumbles-up. He also said the Miss Alba is a full-on b!tch and is totally full of herself and it's true ( as mentioned on a AICN talkback) that they wanted to replace her with Jessica Biel. With the Joblo footage and the magnitude of the sets, I'm starting to feel better about the whole thing. Only concern I have at this point is the corprate tie-ins. They are everywhere. The big Ben, Reed, Johny fight is at the X-Games. As a life-long skateboarder I hate that but understand the logic behind it. All of the N.Y. banners mention "Fashion Week by In-Style magazine" For those of you with girlfriends or older sisters you might recognize the title. Again this is hit you in the face marketing aimed at certin demographics. My concern is our little FF movie could turn into one big commercial . . .

[Ben#1]

This is the biggest bunch of Bulls*** I have ever read Jessica has been nothing but professional on the set and anyone that actually works with her on the set will tell you that. Jessica Beils please her name has not even been mentioned by anyone in control. I can see why your other threads have been deleted. You are clueless.

Also, everything you have posted on this thread has been all over the internet in several places. So exactly how is it first hand? I'm sorry I don't mean to be cynical, but I haven't read anything that tells me you know what you are talking about. The dates and times of the shoots have been up on HNR for weeks.

[This message has been edited by Ben#1 (edited 11-07-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Ben#1 (edited 11-07-2004).]

[olfatback]

First off, I'm sure not the one to speak to like that. Second off, I'm just calling it as it was told to me straight from the dude with the walkie talkie standing on the corner of Burrard and Haistings Steets here in downtown Vancouver. My previous removed posting that I touched on at the top of the page was removed by Mr. Welshy because they were redundant and I didnt realize it at the time. Remember that we are sharing thoughts, info and ideas about the greatest comic (movie) magazine and not putting ourselves into a position of getting our asses beat down with smart-ass replys. I have nothing to gain by waisting my valuable time posting lies on this site. The real fans will see that my few set reports are real when the film drops July 4th. Sorry lil Ben#1 but I can see the whole downtown set from my big highrise office window. Maybe your attitude will change after you move out of your parents basement . . .

[Ben#1]

Hey I apologize if I came off too strong. That happens when people post things on these sites about actors that they don't know. (I tend to get rude) Words like "bitch" being thrown around "to me" are strong words and unless there is fact (proven fact) behind them they shouldn't be used. I also know that this is a free flowing forum, and you have every right to put it out there. As I have every right to contradict it. So, with that said, I apologize for my rudeness. But I won't apologize for giving another side to an actors work on the set. I have also spoke with people working on the special effects as well as extras. Their assessment of Jessica is very simple, she is focused, professional, and serious about her work. When the time comes that she can relax while working she is very polite, and very "down to earth". I guess its all in who you speak with. And again, I humbly apologize for my rudeness.

[This message has been edited by Ben#1 (edited 11-07-2004).]

[This message has been edited by Ben#1 (edited 11-07-2004).]

[WC]

Well I'm glad that's hopefully sorted out. There's no need to attack each other here in these threads. Simply state your opinions and abstain from being rude or getting personal.

Ben#1, Olfatback is right that his threads were simply closed down because there were threads already existing on the same topic - nothing personal at all against his opinions.



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Meoww! Send in the clowns!

[Ben#1]

I totally understad Welsh. Totally! I just don't like "off-handed" words thrown around. Its done way too often, just went over-board on the reply. Hopefully the apology will be accepted and we can move on.

[MarcoPolo]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ben#1:
I totally understad Welsh. Totally! I just don't like "off-handed" words thrown around. Its done way too often, just went over-board on the reply. Hopefully the apology will be accepted and we can move on. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Ben#1, are you also "AlbaFan" from over at Superherohype.com?? There is only one person I know, who get's that passionate when talking about Jessica Alba. I'm sure your are her. Tell me I'm right!!!


[This message has been edited by MarcoPolo (edited 11-08-2004).]

[Bigkid]

The thing of it is, Ben#1 or OFB could be correct about this on any given day. Jessica Alba couldv'e been having a bad day when OFB got the news that she was a major pain. On the other hand, Ben heard about her on a good day. We don't know. These stories are never 100% reliable anyway, so I would say to take all of them with a grain of salt. The real one consistent, though, is supposed to be that Michael Chiklis is supposed to be an absolutely great guy to work around on this. He likes to pose in pics with the extras in his suit, likes to goof around with the crew, etc. You'd think a guy, after being confined in a suit like that for hours a day (not to mention the amount of time it takes to GET INTO the damn thing in the first place), PLUS, they didn't have any sort of cooling device put into it in between takes, you'd think someone wouldn't be as fun loving as Chiklis to be around. But he's making it all work!

[Ben#1]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bigkid:
The thing of it is, Ben#1 or OFB could be correct about this on any given day. Jessica Alba couldv'e been having a bad day when OFB got the news that she was a major pain. On the other hand, Ben heard about her on a good day. We don't know. These stories are never 100% reliable anyway, so I would say to take all of them with a grain of salt. The real one consistent, though, is supposed to be that Michael Chiklis is supposed to be an absolutely great guy to work around on this. He likes to pose in pics with the extras in his suit, likes to goof around with the crew, etc. You'd think a guy, after being confined in a suit like that for hours a day (not to mention the amount of time it takes to GET INTO the damn thing in the first place), PLUS, they didn't have any sort of cooling device put into it in between takes, you'd think someone wouldn't be as fun loving as Chiklis to be around. But he's making it all work!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks Bigkid, for making the point that I tried to make, but completely f***** it up with my rude remarks.

[Bigkid]

No problemo, Ben#1! It's all understood. It's cool. Hey, I read the new reports from the set today, and even though I don't want to talk about them, because of many possible spoilers, I must tell you all to go to today's news and hit the link that will take you to superherohype.com and read what the guy who was on the set today had to say about the day's filming. Apparently (and this is the ONLY thing that I'll mention), it has to do with a fight sequence between Doom and Ben. REMEMBER: there might be some MAJOR spoilers in the story, so if you don't want to, don't go to the story. But from what I read, it sounds like it's going to be one cool friggin fight sequence!

[olfatback]

Well, that Thing vs. Dr.Doom set report on today's home page is correct. I dont really think that any of that info should be considered "Spoilers" I'm pretty sure we have all been expecting a big fight.
As far as what I saw last night . . .
Leaving work at about 9-10pm I figure "what the hell" and walk down Burrard Street to what is now a super set. Tons of smoke. A late model red Ford is crashed under NYC bus. A dump truck is also wrecked. I watched three takes of The Thing running accross the intersection. Bad news guys, the boots look bad, as do the blue tights. I'm still pretty happy with his over-all-look but the boots are a mistake. After seeing his kick-a$$ feet the first time I snuck in there the boots are pi$$ing me off. I saw no sign of the good Doctor but if there really isnt a generous green hood added to the mask, were in trouble. I spoke with an extra at length about the shoots and he said that Chilkis is indeed "the Man" and he gives pounds/handshakes/high fives to everyone on set. New filming notices have been posted on area buildings stating that due to SCRIPT CHANGES filming will continue at the Burrard/Hastings intersection until November 15th.
Not a huge "scoop" but while at the local comic book store on Monday the Comic Book Guy, ( Yes, He's the one from the Simpsons)told me that a few actors and one of the producers came in asking questions about a female charecter and purchased a few silver-age FFs. The hippo was tight-lipped about which female character it was but my guess would be Alicia. What about that for set reports?!! Did I mention I work about 70 hours a week too??!! I'm headed down there again tonight to snoop around . . . I'll keep you guys posted

[MarcoPolo]

Sweet man'.. Our very own "man on the scene".
Very cool!

[Bigkid]

Yes, this indeed is VERY COOL! I took a look at those pictures, by the way, that were posted on the HNR website, and I really like the way the production designers have turned downtown Vancouver into NYC! I think that stuff looks great! I also like the information that OFB has shared with us concerning what is going on with this film. It sound's awesome. Althought I'm sorry to hear that there is some disagreement with the way Ben's outfit looks. Everything else was sounding so great. Oh well, can't win 'em all I suppose!

[olfatback]

In today's home page link to superherohype's "set report" The kid failed to mention a few of the bigger additions to the set. I went by there last night and they had two foot deep grooves cut/broken - out of the concrete street. Not really sure what that's supposed to be but it looked heavy-duty, kinda like what would happen if Ben got his feet in a good foot-hold and was pushed or pulled by a force great enuff to break-up the streets. The NYC bus from last week has Major damage added to it, look's like it's been tossed around and ripped-up. The one major thing everyone is failing to report is that all the fighting is taking place in front of the Baxter Building. I'm going back down tonight and tomorow in hopes of finally seeing doom, That Entertainment Weekly photo has me feeling pretty positive. . .

[Bigkid]

Great stuff, Olfatone! By the way, the impressions that you saw of the concrete were, indeed, supposed to be the result of Ben landing in the street after getting whacked by Doom, who hits him with a street pole. The force of Ben landing in the street makes a crater. That was reported in the HNR stuff a few days before you reported this, as this was part of the big battle finale of the film.

[olfatback]

Please see my new post in 'Sequel Charact' for earth shattering gossip . . .

[Bigkid]

Just read it....... now read my RESPONSE!

On THIS topic (first hand set reports), I read this article today, and they toured the Baxter Building sets. It was pretty impressive what they had to say, and the final thing they report on sounds really funny! I won't mention it here, you all take a look for yourself!

Happy Thanksgiving, all! Even to those of you "across the pond".......whatever it is you are all celebrating THIS time of year, happy......whatever.... that maybe!

[norrinraad]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bigkid:
Happy Thanksgiving, all! Even to those of you "across the pond".......whatever it is you are all celebrating THIS time of year, happy......whatever.... that maybe!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

How come the American Thanksgiving goes for like half a week and here in Canada we only get a day???

IT'S NOT FAIR!!!! http://www.comics2film.com/UBB/tongue.gif

[Bigkid]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by norrinraad:
<B> How come the American Thanksgiving goes for like half a week and here in Canada we only get a day???

IT'S NOT FAIR!!!! http://www.comics2film.com/UBB/tongue.gif</B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

OH NOBLE NORRIN!
Well, we celebrate it on a Thursday, but to be honest, a LOT of us have to go back to work on FRIDAY (meaning moi)! If you guys up in the Great White North celebrated Thanksgiving on a Thursday (I don't know if you DO or not), you MIGHT be able to get a couple of more days off out of it. But I know a bunch of folks who have to go back to work after Turkey Day. As I said, meaning myself! So, in the words of former President Bill Clinton: "I FEEL YER PAIN"!

[olfatback]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bigkid:
[B]Just read it....... now read my RESPONSE!

On THIS topic (first hand set reports), I read this article today, and they toured the Baxter Building sets.
It kinda seems like the films getting better every day from a fan standpoint.

[olfatback]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by MarcoPolo:
<B> [QUOTE]Originally posted by Ben#1:
[b]I totally understad Welsh. Totally! I just don't like "off-handed" words thrown around. Its done way too often, just went over-board on the reply. Hopefully the apology will be accepted and we can move on. </B><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Ben#1, are you also "AlbaFan" from over at Superherohype.com?? There is only one person I know, who get's that passionate when talking about Jessica Alba. I'm sure your are her. Tell me I'm right!!!

.................................................. ... .................................................. .......

WHOOP THERE IT IS
Sorry to get back on this one so late Mr.Polo, you got it right .

[Bigkid]

I guess this can go here, I thought I'd MAYBE start a new thread, but I thought it might get closed because it has to relate on the topic of "on set news". But the thing is, I've been reading a lot of these set reports that are being reported that we get from links like superherohype.com, et al. And the thing is, I've been seeing the same stories being re-treaded over and over again (the comicscontinuum have the f/x supervisor's interview again, but only a portion of it). I mean, shouldn't they just wait until new news comes out, rather than they keep bringing back older stuff? It's a tad on the annoying side, now, to be quite honest.

[olfatback]

Well, well, well. I guess you could say I told you so in regards to my "first hand set reports" from 2 months ago. If any of you guys have seen the Yahoo footage, ( which kicks ass) you can see in the Stan Lee / Thing pose that Ben's hands are huge, frickin huge! Bottom line, the Thing looks great. I personally hate that people, on other sites, are still complaining that Bens too small. Idiots. They're basing there opinions off of the Dumb-ass 90's cartoon and not the real Kirby, hell even Steranco or Byrne, Thing. He aint tall folks! My reservations are fading fast. This movie will own all of our asses . . .

[Bigkid]

It looks THAT good, huh? I was wanting to download that sucker off of the site, but I took one look at the download time (45 minutes it said), and I thought....."naaaaaa,I'll try it some other time"! Maybe I'll have to download that thing after all....... after the New Year! I just CAN'T be patient sometimes, ya know?? But it sound's wonderful at any rate! And I agree with olfatback: Thing wasn't supposed to be HUGE. I've liked so far of what I've seen of Chiklis, I think he's going to be fine. It's really Alba and Grufford that concern me.....but even Mr. Fantastic is starting to look better and better to me, I think it's because I've just recently read that 20th Century Fox is coughing up something like an ADDITIONAL 20 mil. in order to enhance the effects for him, because of the battle sequence in The Incredibles......apparently the Producer's of FF have been getting a little nervous that their OWN film's stretching person isn't looking nearly as cool as an animated one from another film.......and they wound up re-writing the finale battle sequence between Doom and the FF in order to get even MORE action sequences in for the finale! So, ya all GOTTA love that, right??

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!

[Bigkid]

Well, apparently, the news about 20th Century Fox coughing up more dough for the FF (and the reasonings BEHIND it), were apparently overblown. It wasn't because Fox got nervous about how great The Incredibles final battle looked as opposed to their OWN, it's because they wanted to make the grand finale look even better than the mid part of the film (or so the execs say). One never knows, maybe that is just some p.r. in order to cover themselves. But then again.....who cares?? It's a win win situation anyway. If Fox felt that they needed their Fantastic stretching person to outdo an animated one, or whether they felt that the action sequences had to get ramped up some.....what's the big f**kin deal?? The point is: it's getting DONE! 20 ADDITIONAL million dollars are being generated to the cause, isn't that great to hear??

[WC]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bigkid:
Well, apparently, the news about 20th Century Fox coughing up more dough for the FF (and the reasonings BEHIND it), were apparently overblown. It wasn't because Fox got nervous about how great The Incredibles final battle looked as opposed to their OWN, it's because they wanted to make the grand finale look even better than the mid part of the film (or so the execs say). <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, even if that were so, it would be a wise move on their part. The finale for Hulk was a let down compared to the big fight in the desert and the rampage through the city in the scenes before. Hopefully, FF won't go the same way as Ang Lee's direction.



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Meoww! Send in the clowns!

[Bigkid]

I agree with that, WELSHY. Although, in the end, I DID enjoy HULK, it would have been nice to have a much better final battle sequence. So it's great to hear that more money is getting pumped into this in order to insure against a let down.