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The D&D Documentary / The Great Kingdom -- WTF is going on?

Started by JRT, April 03, 2014, 10:14:21 PM

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JRT

A few years ago, the Kickstarter for the D&D documentary was successfully funded, and people were enthused for it.  They posted frequent updates and people felt positive about it.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andrewpascal/dungeons-and-dragons-a-documentary/comments

But a few strange things have happened.  The documentary was I guess by three people, one of them named Andrew Pascal.  Andrew is actually the name of the Kickstarter "account".  But somehow, two things happened.  Pascal announced "The Great Kingdom", which appears to be an independent effort, and doesn't reference the other documentary, and if you follow the link and read the latest comments, it seems that the other project was unaware of this back in January, and I've noticed that Pascal's name has disappeared from the docs backer information (though not some of the media like the pitch).  Nobody's said an official word from either side.

So, I find myself a little perplexed by this.  Did the partners have a falling out?  If so, I am concerned about the backing because (a) did one party take some footage meant for this project for the other one, when we backed this one and (b) is this an amicable split or an acrimonious one.  I guess my concern is if this partnership has disintegrated, how does the funding get split or what effect does it have on previously released footage.
Just some background on myself

http://www.clashofechoes.com/jrt-interview/

Omega

Welcome to the not-wonderful world of ever increasing kickstarter failures.

Saw that some time ago while looking for gaming documentaries. Too bad it seems to have either fizzled out or one of the members made off with the money as happened to Doom that came to Atlantic City.

JRT

See, I don't think it's that simple.  Reportedly, both filmmakers were at GaryCon.  I think there needs to be some sort of update made.  They have fulfilled past rewards such as the books from associated people.
Just some background on myself

http://www.clashofechoes.com/jrt-interview/

Omega

That is odd. And 2 months of near silence on the project after the "We are investigating another D&D documentary" post January 30th. And a year and a half since the KS finished.

Could be they are just busy or have nothing to report? Rude yes. But distractions are  like that.

thedungeondelver

THE DELVERS DUNGEON


Mcbobbo sums it up nicely.

Quote
Astrophysicists are reassessing Einsteinian relativity because the 28 billion l

JRT

Well, the big problem like I mentioned is Pascal was one of the three partners in the documentary--looking at earlier posts he actually made updates.  But now, there's just silence about this, and it appears he's disappeared from this project.

I know that both camps were scheduled to make appearances and conduct interviews at GaryCon.  But the silence about this perceived split from both camps is worrisome, especially the statement on KS of surprise over this.

The key thing is, and what worries me, is if the person who left to do TGK is using footage and interviews paid for by the funds from this Kickstarter.  If so, that could be considered some form of fraud and perhaps actionable.  If there's any acrimony between the two camps it could be that there's a legal battle behind the scenes which is why there's silence.
Just some background on myself

http://www.clashofechoes.com/jrt-interview/

Omega

Well the KS page lists no risks. And KS itself is just a fasciliator of funding.

They could use the funds to make two docs, or funnel the funds into a second documentary, or whatever. As long as they produce a D&D documantary they are in the clear to do with the funds as they please.

Using the Atlantic City example again. The guy the funds went to took the money and bought a new house and filming equipment and made at least one short movie. The backers never got their game. But had he actually produced the game and funneled the rest into his movie. No one would have had any say.

As was though backers went after him in various ways. But to date only one person ever recieved a refund.

From the footage up as is it looks like they were being true to the project up untill the odd 2 month silence.

And that could be anything from being busy, to the aformentioned split.

Did they actually show up at the convention and did anyone talk to them there about this?

Gronan of Simmerya

Jesus Christ.  Why don't you just go to the two Kickstarter pages and ask them.

Yes, Andrew and Anthony were both at GaryCon.  Yes, I talked to them both.  Yes, they are both continuing their work on two different films.  Yes, I've been interviewed by both.

As far as details of what happened to funding, why the FUCK don't you ask the people involved instead of stirring shit over here?

Mother FUCK I hate gamers.
You should go to GaryCon.  Period.

The rules can\'t cure stupid, and the rules can\'t cure asshole.

Omega

Quote from: Old Geezer;740960Jesus Christ.  Why don't you just go to the two Kickstarter pages and ask them.

Yes, Andrew and Anthony were both at GaryCon.  Yes, I talked to them both.  Yes, they are both continuing their work on two different films.  Yes, I've been interviewed by both.

As far as details of what happened to funding, why the FUCK don't you ask the people involved instead of stirring shit over here?

Mother FUCK I hate gamers.

er.. People have been asking... That was the problem. No answers. As said. I just assume they are busy.

JRT

Quote from: Old Geezer;740960Jesus Christ.  Why don't you just go to the two Kickstarter pages and ask them.

I was about to write something on their page since I was a backer, but I assumed perhaps somebody like you would have heard something, so rather than "make a stink" right on their page, which might be interpreted as hostile, I figured somebody who was recently interviewed or who might have heard something, and perhaps relay that message, so I wouldn't have voice a concern right on the Kickstarter page.

Keep in mind, some people invested heavily into that.  

Also, The Great Kingdom does NOT have a Kickstarter page.

Quote from: Old Geezer;740960Mother FUCK I hate gamers.

Kind of a weird thing to say and gives off a hint of self-loathing, especially if you're interviewed and at GaryCon.  Seriously, your not gonna get far with any Kickstarter of your own with that attitude.
Just some background on myself

http://www.clashofechoes.com/jrt-interview/

Gronan of Simmerya

Quote from: Omega;740964er.. People have been asking... That was the problem. No answers. As said. I just assume they are busy.

Grar.
You should go to GaryCon.  Period.

The rules can\'t cure stupid, and the rules can\'t cure asshole.

Gronan of Simmerya

My apologies to everyone, I'm just feeling pissy tonight.

Sorry.
You should go to GaryCon.  Period.

The rules can\'t cure stupid, and the rules can\'t cure asshole.

JRT

Just some background on myself

http://www.clashofechoes.com/jrt-interview/

lordsofdiscipline

The two projects are separate.  TGK is NOT funded by Kickstarter.  Anthony kept that money when the two parties dissolved the partnership.  Andrew went on and funded the TGK on his own.  Andrew hired a new director and the new director came with new ideas. No footage originally shot for the kickstarter doc is being used for The Great Kingdom Doc.  Andrew and company started from scratch.  Anthony and Andrew were not in agreement about the direction of the kickstarter documentary.  Allegedly, Anthony is trying to shut down Andrew and The Great Kingdom by way of lawsuits and arbitration.  Anthony's project is supposed to be the definitive D&D documentary, covering all aspects of the game from inception to modern video games.  The Great Kingdom focuses on the personal lives affected by the development of the game and the company.  

There is bad blood between both parties. Why the split? Creative differences I'm sure, however, it is rumored that Anthony held the original footage hostage and didn't allow Andrew to see any footage.  It's a shame that this is happening.  There's room for two documentaries - one focusing on the complete history of the game itself and its far reaching influence ( a discovery channel project) and one focusing on the people behind the game (a film festival project).

The kickstarter backers should ask Anthony about the status of the original documentary and if he is spending the kickstarter money on legal counsel. And, separately, ask Andrew why the original partnership dissolved.  

I'm sure we will know more as both projects move forward or get buried under litigation.  Let's hope we get to see a kick-ass documentary about the game we love.

lordsofdiscipline

Quote from: lordsofdiscipline;741162The two projects are separate.  TGK is NOT funded by Kickstarter.  Anthony kept that money when the two parties dissolved the partnership.  Andrew went on and funded the TGK on his own.  Andrew hired a new director and the new director came with new ideas. No footage originally shot for the kickstarter doc is being used for The Great Kingdom Doc.  Andrew and company started from scratch.  Anthony and Andrew were not in agreement about the direction of the kickstarter documentary.  Allegedly, Anthony is trying to shut down Andrew and The Great Kingdom by way of lawsuits and arbitration.  Anthony's project is supposed to be the definitive D&D documentary, covering all aspects of the game from inception to modern video games.  The Great Kingdom focuses on the personal lives affected by the development of the game and the company.  

There is bad blood between both parties. Why the split? Creative differences I'm sure, however, it is rumored that Anthony held the original footage hostage and didn't allow Andrew to see any footage.  It's a shame that this is happening.  There's room for two documentaries - one focusing on the complete history of the game itself and its far reaching influence ( a discovery channel project) and one focusing on the people behind the game (a film festival project).

The kickstarter backers should ask Anthony about the status of the original documentary and if he is spending the kickstarter money on legal counsel. And, separately, ask Andrew why the original partnership dissolved.  

I'm sure we will know more as both projects move forward or get buried under litigation.  Let's hope we get to see a kick-ass documentary about the game we love.

Anthony was well aware of The Great Kingdom Doc when the two parties split last year.