I'm not sure if we want another series of Soulshadows or not....

But I do know that we would need a new narration writer and character...

And we would need someone to do the artwork and distribution...

So if you're interested, respond.

I do some photoshop work, what would this task entail?

Meh,

Tanis is gone for good? I don't see how it could be Soul Shadows without her. Maybe it's time for a new series title. Its like keeping Tales from the Crypt, without the Crypt Keeper. I've always wanted to write one though.

Bert!

James

Quoted from Asconch I do some photoshop work, what would this task entail?

An overall look for the series, like a logo, some promotional ad sort of banners, a 100x100 avatar for each episode, and a cover page for each episode.  

This is some of what I did for series II.

http://www.freewebs.com/mixelpixel/apps/photos/album?albumid=10025747

and you can see this stuff and series I (which had a different style) in action if you look here.

http://www.simplyscripts.com/category/soulshadows/

Quoted from jwent6688 Meh, Its like keeping Tales from the Crypt, without the Crypt Keeper. I've always wanted to write one though. Bert! James

I'm new here (obviously) and just noticed this "Soulshadows" thing. Seems interesting, something I could definitely get into, I'd love to contribute something sometime.

Quoted from jwent6688 Meh, Tanis is gone for good? I don't see how it could be Soul Shadows without her. Maybe it's time for a new series title. Its like keeping Tales from the Crypt, without the Crypt Keeper. I've always wanted to write one though. Bert! James

More like Dr. Who with a new Doctor.  It will definitely work.

Quoted from mcornetto An overall look for the series, like a logo, some promotional ad sort of banners, a 100x100 avatar for each episode, and a cover page for each episode.

Cool, I'd love to give it a shot. Are there anything specific things that should be included? Besides the obvious "Soulshadows". :P

You should include the pentagram and 3d.  Give some different logo looks a try and then we can post and judge them here.  

You want to start something new and fresh...Go for it.

I'm more of a brand sort of guy and once you have a brand you don't just get rid of it that easily.    Plus I think 3d would be an interesting chance for all of us to think about how to write for 3d movies.  We've had discussions about this and we know 3d stuff should be written differently, here's the chance to try it out.

I would LOVE to write an episode if there's a SoulShadows series 3. With the collective imagination of a writers' board, I'm sure we can find a way to continue the concept!

EDIT: Or, on seeing Pia's post, I'd be happy to discuss something new. Maybe it's time for another Killer game? I'm just eager to get writing again now exams / essays are done! I have a feature of my own in the planning stages, but I love the more immediate satisfaction these projects bring.

Well, I like the Soulshadows series and think a third would be a charm.  But if you change the series to something else as long as it's along the same lines then I'm in for an episode.

Well the 3D part...mmm.

Ghost

Quoted from ghost and_ghostie gal Well, I like the Soulshadows series and think a third would be a charm.  But if you change the series to something else as long as it's along the same lines then I'm in for an episode. Ghost

The series won't change.  Just the narrator.  Most likely the narration would be in the same grotto but someone has taken over for Tanis, like Tanis took over for someone else.

Quoted from JonnyBoy I would LOVE to write an episode if there's a SoulShadows series 3. With the collective imagination of a writers' board, I'm sure we can find a way to continue the concept! EDIT: Or, on seeing Pia's post, I'd be happy to discuss something new. Maybe it's time for another Killer game? I'm just eager to get writing again now exams / essays are done! I have a feature of my own in the planning stages, but I love the more immediate satisfaction these projects bring.

I won't be doing another Killer game until I finish the Dark.

Okay, MC I'm tracking.

Ghost

Quoted from mcornetto You should include the pentagram and 3d.  Give some different logo looks a try and then we can post and judge them here.

So this pentagram thing is mandatory, huh?

Not to say it doesn't have some importance to the series, but a symbol like that can be a bit off putting to some people I think, To be honest it was for me, I almost didn't read the first story I noticed in this series solely based on the pentagram. I hate to say it, but I thought " Great, another cliche supernatural-esque thing with a pentagram."

The idea is great, but I do think things could be improved to be a little more palatable to a wider array of people.  

It's your thing though, so I'm not about to tell you what you "HAVE" to do.

Just suggestions.

Let's make it G-rated!!

Maybe it can run on network on Saturday mornings!!

Quoted from Grandma Bear Let's make it G-rated!!

Sweet! Perfect!

Substitute that pentagram with a Carebear!

Boom, DONE!

All the stories have a supernatural element so the fact that you though it was supernatural up front - from the logo - is a good thing.  We wouldn't want you to read it if you're expecting romance, would we?

I would say when you do your logo tests.  Do some with pentagrams and some without.  Then we can let people judge which one they want.  Furry 'nuff?

Quoted from mcornetto All the stories have a supernatural element so the fact that you though it was supernatural up front - from the logo - is a good thing.  We wouldn't want you to read it if you're expecting romance, would we? I would say when you do your logo tests.  Do some with pentagrams and some without.  Then we can let people judge which one they want.

I actually read that the series had a supernatural element before I noticed the pentagram.

Quoted from mcornetto Furry 'nuff?

Like a bunny. ;D

Checking in real quick before signing off for the night, I noticed this.

Interesting idea.

Cornetto did not run this particular idea past me, but I just wanted to go on record that I am fine with what he is doing.  Just thought I should say so.

Corney and I have discussed it before, and moving on without Tanis was actually my call.  I thought she was great, but with the season two finale, I had taken her about as far as I could.

Cornetto's idea of another character "taking over" for Tanis is interesting, too, and I have no objections to that.

But take it from me, do NOT stick them in a cave for the entire duration of the series.  Give them some breathing room.

And like bert had when he did the narration, whomever decided to do the narration this time will have complete creative control over the character and the narration.  It's a very good exercise in character development.  

And that is why Tanis is not continued because the character belongs to bert.  He can use this very full character he's created in any future tale he writes.  

Quoted from Grandma Bear I'm out then...

Your loss.

Just saw this. My thoughts.

I'm down for a soulshadows 3. I would have prob suggested my Christian character as narrator but I don't think many people liked him. So, I'm curious to see what type of character gets selected or is created for this.

Gabe

How about the biggest soul collector of them all....Satan, that would be kinda cool.

G-rated  anything isn't going to work for me or you Jordan...

Nobody's going G-rated.   There's not any censorship going to happen so you can forget about that.  

haha i know..we be fucked :P

Pia

do you goosebump type of stories?

My kids read the goose bump books...

All I'm saying is that if this is going to be TV clean I won't take part.

My favorite script of mine is when I went "balls out" and didn't care what people thought.

Now I try to fit in with what people want and I hate it!

We should start a Goosbumps type thing..... Call it Duck-zits or something.

I think it could be gold.

All jokes aside, I would love to be a part of some on going " Tales from the Crypt" "Creepshow" kinda thing.

I'm ready. :)

Quoted from Grandma Bear My kids read the goose bump books... All I'm saying is that if this is going to be TV clean I won't take part. My favorite script of mine is when I went "balls out" and didn't care what people thought. Now I try to fit in with what people want and I hate it!

Pia, you know you are always welcome to go balls out whenever you want and I would never complain.  

Soulshadows isn't a kids show and will never be one.   I don't have an objection to someone starting a kids show if they want.  Any practice is good practice.  

Yeah, I'd be up for a third series.

Regarding the narration, I think maybe a character that is in each episode could be an idea? Instead of an object it's actually this guy (or girl) that affects things. The bookends could just be voice overs. They could even take on different 'human' forms in order to attract or trick the protagonist so the writers would have room to play around with them.

Quoted from Grandma Bear so, what's next? and how is writing 3D any different than any other script?

I thought that was interesting.

I suppose it's about creating 3D moments...you need to invest the scripts with moments that are geared towards 3D..whether that's certain elements protruding from the screen (eg the pick-axe going through the eyeball in Bloody Valentine) or by creating set-scenes that really work 3D on a more interesting level.

Tron Legacy was shot in 2D in the "real" world...then jumped into glorious 3D in the computer world. That kind of thing would be in the script as well...the flat, lifeless normality juxtaposed with the vibrant alternative reality.

Quoted from Grandma Bear and how is writing 3D any different than any other script?

It's not that different from writing any other script but you do have to be considerate of opportunities where 3D could be utilized in an effective way. I think the way I tend to write scripts, there might be a handful of moments that could make for good 3D in a given script of mine but not necessarily enough to make producing it in 3D worth it. That said, I've written a script specifically for 3D and tried to work in a lot of moments where the visuals could really jump out at you.

You can see the difference in the movies. Some movies are made for 3D. Others get the 3D treatment at the last minute. Which ones do you think are better?

And for the record, if the new SoulShadows is officially happening, I'll totally write a script for it.

While I really think the major contribution for 3d films comes from the director I think as a writer there are some things we could do to assist.

Like James says we can provide 3d moments.  But we also should avoid moments that imply fast cutting because this ruins the 3d experience.  Montages, series of shots, and intercutting should all be kept to a minimum.    

I'd love to be involved with another season of Soul Shadows!

I think a new host would be great as well, but I'm not too keen on the 3D thing.  IMO, it's pretty much a waste, as first of all, these things aren't being produced, aren't of the quality to shop (as a package deal), and TV shows aren't being filmed in 3D anyway.  I can see a bunch of blatant attempts to incorporate cool 3D scenes that would most likely come off incredibly cheesy.

I think we should first take ideas on a new host...as in 1 writer who will take over Bert's impossible to take over role, as well as an actual character.  Maybe whoever is interested can put together a little character study with some ideas, including settings, etc.  Then, we vote and see which we like the best.  At the end of the season, the narrator gets to tell his/her story, like Bert did with Tanis.

The 3D thing isn't just about cheesy scenes.  It's about writing with a slightly different type of production in mind.   I think it's a good exercise.  It shouldn't be a huge change to the way anyone writes it but it will give them something to think about when they do.   And it will give us something interesting to comment on when we do read them.

Bumping this so it doesn't just disappear from the portal and everyone's attention. Clearly there are enough people who want to write an episode to put together a new season...who's up for narrating? Granted, bert and Tanis' shoes are pretty big ones to fill.

No one replied to my post or ideas.

Any ideas out there?

Quoted from mcornetto More like Dr. Who with a new Doctor.  It will definitely work.

Or like Rosanne with a new Becky.  Or like Bewitched with a new Darren.


Phil

Quoted from stebrown Regarding the narration, I think maybe a character that is in each episode could be an idea? Instead of an object it's actually this guy (or girl) that affects things. The bookends could just be voice overs. They could even take on different 'human' forms in order to attract or trick the protagonist so the writers would have room to play around with them.

I guess there were some replies...sorry.

That's not a bad idea at all, Ste.  Actually, I like it, but I do feel it would also pose problems for many of the writers in keeping with whoever/whatever/however that character is portrayed from the get go.

But, as you also mentioned, this character could take on different forms and the like, which would do away with trying to write the same characteristics in each episode...but then again, if this central character takes different forms, what makes it a central character?

Not sure, good idea though.  Sorry I missed it.

I would offer my christian character up but I think people didn't like him before so i do not know who.

Quoted from mcornetto The 3D thing isn't just about cheesy scenes.  It's about writing with a slightly different type of production in mind.

I don't like the 3D idea Michael. I saw Avatar and Tron: Legacy in 3D. I like it. Never, at any moment, did I think the fact that they were in 3D, changed the way the script was written. The new 3D doesn't POP out at ya. It just adds depth to the screen. You see into it.

I hated cheesy 3D of old. Like Friday the 13th 3. Old man holds an eye ball out in the beginning. Pops out of the screen. Some peoploe cringe, others laugh.

I think Soul Shadows should just be about the story. Why 3D? Who's gonna film it.

As far as a host... Tell Bert to get off his lazy ass and bring Tanis back. If not, Got a redneck character, My mom's from West Virginia, no offense, Sharp witted old gal with a foul tongue named Bealulah. I'd toss her into the ring. Be different from the usual for sure.

James

No one is asking you to write cheesy 3d.  Just to write with 3d in mind.  That means no quick cutting such as montages and series of shots because that ruins the experience.   Also, if you wanted to provide opportunities that take advantage of the 3d you could.  Add some depth to your script, have people shout at each other from a distance.   There's all sorts of little things you can do that aren't cheesy.  

The point of this is that it is an exercise.  I believe most of you can write a supernatural thriller, but can you write one with additional production requirements.

I've got an rough idea I'll throw into the ring...

A guy's held prisoner on an alien craft (in various rooms, which would help with being confined to the same place each episode, and would allow for some pretty cool visuals from the narrator).  Each episode, he's interrogated by an unseen entity.

The questions/etc. are in terms of human qualities, both positive and negative, and his responses take on the shape of a story each episode, giving insight into the human race, and why we've succeeded and failed. I'd like there to be some sort of either/or evil or supernatural element, but I haven't thought that far forward yet.

Just a rough concept I came up with a few minutes ago.

PS  Hey Rip, what Christian character are you referring to?  Can't place him right now...

I wrote him in the soulshadow's episode "Caine". He transforms into other people. This is similar to what Ste was talking about. Simply offering him up even though people might not like him...

Gabe

What if we go for a character that is the field agent for Tanis?  Someone has to collect these items that Tanis gets.  So he/she's on the scene - maybe even part of every story and he/she narrates the episode.

Very Twilight Zone-ish. I like it.  

Pretty cool concept Jeff, Could work for a few episodes. He tells stories about his past as we slowly get to know him. Then everything comes to a head?

Still, SS needs a good solid character to replace Tanis. Someone odd, unique.

Cornie, Still on the outs with ya on the 3D thing. I don't think it should be a factor. We're just lazy writers... You, my friend, are becoming a director. Cheers to that...

James

Yeah James...pretty much in that vein.  Of course, he/she would have to be a unique character with some cool, unique traits.  I didn't spend much time on the concept, but obviously for it to work, the main character would have to be engaging in many ways.

I don't think the stories would have to be about him/her, necessarily.  He'd merely serve as our storyteller, and again, I haven't worked out any details.

Subjects could be as generic as...

Fear

Courage

Honesty/dishonesty

Fortitude

Etc...

Just a thought...

PS  I'm with you, James about the 3D stuff.  IMO, it's a bad idea that would only serve to mess things up and muddy the waters.

Re the 3d.  You guys just don't want to think visually about your films...

Get off your butts.

As far as using anything besides the Tanis mythos for Soulshadows, I would say start a different series.  While we could get away with changing a character the actual series needs to stay the same.  

Cornie, I have to disagree with 100% about not thinking visually about my writing.  Personally, I play out every visual to the nth degree.

As for your other comment, I'm really confused now.  I thought the object of this discussion was to come up with a new narrator, so to speak?  What am I missing here?

Change the character. Don't change how the series runs (keep it stilll with objects that contain human souls.)

I did have a couple of ideas for new narrator characters. I'd need to re-read Tanis to double check a mythology point to see if the second idea would work.

Speaking of writing visually, it wasn't until I started looking back at some of the old SoulShadow scripts that I realised just how well Bert writes! It's pretty amazing.

I whipped this up the other day, it's definitely in the early stages.

Just a little banner thing.

Any thoughts?

Looks pretty good!

Quoted from Asconch I whipped this up the other day, it's definitely in the early stages. Just a little banner thing. Any thoughts?

Looks good. I like how you hint at the pentegram with the smoke.  Only thing it needs is a 3D.

Yep, listened to Tanis all the way through, think I know how the series could easily continue without having specifically her as the 'bookend' character. Bizarrely it also ties in neatly to Asconch's draft poster.

For those of you who haven't read the script (and it's absolutely brilliant by the way), I need to warn you of:

SPOILERS

Okay, so Tanis becomes the guardian of the Soulshadows because she gets sucked into the magic, cursed book she tried to use to revive her friends, right? She opened the book, read its secrets, was sucked in and taken to the cave which may / may not exist in the real world. The Soulshadows are in a display case, and every episode Tanis picks one out and tells us about it. All fine and dandy.

So, two possible ways to go spring to mind. One is quite specific, although the actual idea came to me pretty quickly and actually nearly fully-formed. BUT it would take the whole first episode of Soulshadows Season 3 to just do, and that would set up the new narrator. Only trouble is, having never watched Tales From the Crypt I didn't know anything about the Crypt Keeper...and now that I've looked him up on Wikipedia I see my guy could be quite similar. Don't know if that would be a problem, but I have a feeling some people would have objections.

The other way to go is actually very simple, and all it really is the transition by which any other character could step into the role. Tanis gets sucked into a book, right? And that's when she is transported to the cave and begins her duty as 'keeper of the secrets'. There's a backstory given for the book in the episode. But (and apologies to Bert for this), what if that backstory was wrong? What if there were other books? Other books all around the world, and other people who'd read them and been sucked into them, only to find themselves in some sort of location (as Bert said, it doesn't have to be a cave) watching over a display case full of possessions? It could be James' Bealulah in a tiny little shack in a never-ending field. It could be an old hermit in a hut in the desert. It could be a woman on an island. Anyone anywhere, also the reluctant keeper of one of those books.

That's the other idea. I don't think you can replace Tanis in the cave, because it doesn't feel right to just have someone take her place without explaining where she went. But if we'd just switched focus to another 'secret keeper', somewhere else...I think that could work.

Thoughts?

Quoted from mcornetto Looks good. I like how you hint at the pentegram with the smoke.  Only thing it needs is a 3D.

Glad you like it, I'm going to go eat dinner but I'll probably finishing tweaking it later tonight.

I think that's a pretty good idea, JB.  It could easily work and maintain the feel and idea of what Soul Shadows has been from the beginning.

Maybe Tanis could even start things off by introing the existence all these other books and "keepers".  Could even be episode one of the 3rd season that focuses entirely on this idea and then segging into the actual new keeper and narrator.

Works for me.

I find this idea that I'm going to give comical but what the hell. Brainstorming.

What if Tanis got promoted from being storyteller and now someone else takes her place? Like a regular job. The next one promoted is the field agent that Cornetto suggested in thread 4. :)

I also believe that it's time for organization here. The ideas need to be grouped together so everyone has an idea of what people contributed and determine if people like/dislike/or has something new.

Gabe

So when are we thinking of doing this? Some time after the three week challenge?

I'm with Gabe, we should get a list of ideas organised so that people can vote on which one they want.

Wanted to bump this up to find out what's the status of this.

Well, no one is taking charge so that means I will have to, in which case it  needs to wait until I have the time.

Alright.