From script to realization: Dollhouse

[scherbchen]

I found this to be quite fascinating. the original script for the Dollhouse pilot (quite an interesting read) http://www.docstoc.com/docs/3236356/Script_Dollhouse_1x01_-_Echo is a lot better, imho, than the actually aired pilot. not to mention that it has a better exposition of the concepts and characters as well as an entirely different plot.

I am assuming that most changes are due to feedback from tv executives and I can't figure out why they were made (not to mention that I'd probably go insane if somebody constantly required me to make changes to something I had created to the point of turning it into something that is completely different). is this mostly a case of "because I can" powerplay?

 

[Winner]

I found this to be quite fascinating. the original script for the Dollhouse pilot (quite an interesting read) http://www.docstoc.com/docs/3236356/Script_Dollhouse_1x01_-_Echo is a lot better, imho, than the actually aired pilot. not to mention that it has a better exposition of the concepts and characters as well as an entirely different plot.

I am assuming that most changes are due to feedback from tv executives and I can't figure out why they were made (not to mention that I'd probably go insane if somebody constantly required me to make changes to something I had created to the point of turning it into something that is completely different). is this mostly a case of "because I can" powerplay?

Thanks for the thread.

Pity you didn't include a poll: "How long will it take until FOX kills it like a Firefly?"

a) 5 episodes
b) 8 episodes
c) 11 episodes aired in wrong order

 

[El_Machinae]

It's currently competing with shows like Ghost Whisperer, and so I think it should do fairly well. Friday evenings just doesn't have much competition these days.

 

[Winner]

It's currently competing with shows like Ghost Whisperer, and so I think it should do fairly well. Friday evenings just doesn't have much competition these days.

I heard the ratings were disappointing.

 

[Gilder]

I am assuming that most changes are due to feedback from tv executives and I can't figure out why they were made (not to mention that I'd probably go insane if somebody constantly required me to make changes to something I had created to the point of turning it into something that is completely different). is this mostly a case of "because I can" powerplay?

There's fairly recent movie, came out in 2005 I think, called The TV Set about a writer who turns his life into a drama television show, but he loses creative control with the execs and they turn it into some wacky sitcom.

 

[scherbchen]

trailer looks, will check it out. thanks :>

 

[scherbchen]

after re-reading the script (Ilike scripts and reading plays, what can I say) and reviewing the pilot I believe the execs aimed for a dumbed down version because us tv viewers are not to be trusted with something complex that needs us to pay attention. heck, they might even be right...

reasons:

- reduction of Echo's multiple personalities
- not mentioning Alpha in the first episode
- reducing Echo's oddities as far as her role within Dollhouse is concerned
- her reasons (as far as they are revealed) for even being in this situation are crammed into the first scene of the actual pilot other than slowly being revealed through the plot. this seems very artificial to me and I knew the basic plot. weird choice.

while I am on the point of being obsessed with some of Joss' work this here for me is interesting merely because it offers an insight into how television is actually being made.

 

[Gilder]

after re-reading the script (Ilike scripts and reading plays, what can I say) and reviewing the pilot I believe the execs aimed for a dumbed down version because us tv viewers are not to be trusted with something complex that needs us to pay attention. heck, they might even be right...

reasons:

- reduction of Echo's multiple personalities
- not mentioning Alpha in the first episode
- reducing Echo's oddities as far as her role within Dollhouse is concerned
- her reasons (as far as they are revealed) for even being in this situation are crammed into the first scene of the actual pilot other than slowly being revealed through the plot. this seems very artificial to me and I knew the basic plot. weird choice.

while I am on the point of being obsessed with some of Joss' work this here for me is interesting merely because it offers an insight into how television is actually being made.

Heh, the same thing comes up in The TV Set. The network exec doesn't like the show because it's "too original."