Chat with Rooster Teeth Productions, creators of "The Strangerhood", an all-new series of movies based on The Sims 2. They'll answer questions about writing scripts and creating movies with The Sims 2.
maxiskane (Nov 11, 2004 6:10:57 PM)
Please help me welcome Burnie Burns and Matt Hullum from Rooster Teeth Productions, the creators of The Strangerhood. They're here to talk about creating movies with The Sims 2. Welcome Burnie and Matt!
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:11:40 PM)
Hi everyone.
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:11:43 PM)
what up yo
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:11:48 PM)
Hey Matt.
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:11:55 PM)
hey talking head
Moemar (Nov 11, 2004 6:12:04 PM)
hey guys
MaxisShorty (Nov 11, 2004 6:12:51 PM)
All questions will be moderated by the Maxis Web Team, so if you don't see your question right away, don't panic. Just sit back and wait (or send more questions).
caramelcutie411 (Nov 11, 2004 6:13:34 PM)
The episodes have been great! How ofter do you plan on releasing new ones? Every week? Every month?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:13:34 PM)
Thanks! The plan is to release every two weeks until we get more experience with The Sims 2 engine and then start releasing weekly.
Treetoptiger (Nov 11, 2004 6:14:51 PM)
How did you guys come up with the idea of The Strangerhood?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:14:51 PM)
It was an idea we had been kicking around for a while, making fun of reality shows and sit-coms and pop culture in general. Then when we found the Sims 2, we realized it was the perfect format for that kind of satire.
fly28819 (Nov 11, 2004 6:15:03 PM)
when you make the movie how can we get the mouths to move with the words
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:15:03 PM)
There's really no trick there. It just takes lots of patience and work. Often, we will re-write dialog to match the characters' mouth movements. It's still the same basic line, just some different phonetic sounds to match the mouth.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:15:35 PM)
the sims 2 is great isnt it?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:15:35 PM)
Indeed! That question was easy.
rapcitypunkrocks (Nov 11, 2004 6:15:47 PM)
whats strangehood
MaxisLucky (Nov 11, 2004 6:15:47 PM)
http://www.strangerhood.com/home.php
Simwithabigdream (Nov 11, 2004 6:16:32 PM)
umm not to be dumb but whats strangerhood
kirbyetp (Nov 11, 2004 6:16:32 PM)
episode 2 of the strangerhood and episode 43 of rvb were awesome
MaxisShorty (Nov 11, 2004 6:16:32 PM)
The Strangerhood is a new machinima (animation created using a video game engine) series created by the Team that brought you the ulta popular Red vs Blue series.
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:16:32 PM)
Thanks, it's been a crazy week around here. Glad you enjoyed them.
SimInTheShadows (Nov 11, 2004 6:17:02 PM)
What do u have against cookies and tang >.
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:17:02 PM)
Nothing really. Except Tang's just not as good for dipping as buttermilk.
Stryse (Nov 11, 2004 6:18:06 PM)
Curious if you guys do all your Sims movie-making in-game or if you employ any additional tools or software. Like how do you get rid of the speech bubbles and such
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:18:06 PM)
We use the same engine you buy off store shelves. The speech bubbles are still there, just hidden with creative shooting and some letterboxing. The action icons are still there as well, but hidden by the same method.
meghanzwanenburg (Nov 11, 2004 6:18:17 PM)
how do you guys do the lipsync so well?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:18:17 PM)
We weren't sure we did, but thanks. Basically we watch a lot of bad overdubbed kung fu movies and then try to do the opposite. Or something like that.
kingdomfiend (Nov 11, 2004 6:18:36 PM)
I love the episodes! Dahrnt!!!!!
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:18:36 PM)
Durnt, dude.
Treetoptiger (Nov 11, 2004 6:19:51 PM)
Will we be seeing new characters in later movies?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:19:51 PM)
The Strangerhood parodies American television shows, so we will add new characters the way that TV shows do -- when we become completely desperate. Look for new characters very soon.
wyzone (Nov 11, 2004 6:20:06 PM)
How many man-hours does it take to take one episode from start to finish?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:20:06 PM)
Right now, it's well over 60 hours.
BuddyJesus (Nov 11, 2004 6:20:35 PM)
Will you be including materials and stuff from the expansion packs that will follow inevitably?
MaxisLucky (Nov 11, 2004 6:20:35 PM)
It's likely they'll include materials from Expansion packs after the pack is released, not before.
DesStarFamilySim (Nov 11, 2004 6:21:25 PM)
Hi there! I'm wondering, what video editing program do you use, and is there a specific program you would recomend?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:21:25 PM)
We use Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 on a PC. Matt's a Mac guy at heart, but I try to convert him. The program works well for us, but there are free programs available that would all you to do basic edits.
kirbyetp (Nov 11, 2004 6:21:55 PM)
so how long does it take to make an episode from start to finish?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:21:55 PM)
Depends on the episode of course. We're trying to tailor the stories around common parts of the game, to make things easier on us and because we think fans of the game will enjoy it.
wizardmon5 (Nov 11, 2004 6:22:58 PM)
So, which do you guys think will be more popular in the long run; Red vs Blue or The Sims?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:22:58 PM)
I think the audiences will be entirely different. There will be some cross-over -- probably comparable to people who play both games. I guess time will tell.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:23:28 PM)
How long is the entire season planned to be?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:23:29 PM)
We'll create at least 22 episodes this season. Maybe more if the story dictates. That's the nice thing about releasing on the Internet, you have the freedom to expand if you need to.
SmackleFunky (Nov 11, 2004 6:24:06 PM)
Do you seriously have time to do two online mechanima?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:24:06 PM)
Well, we're doing it. I think our families would disagree with us as it does not leave time for much else in our lives.
wizardmon5 (Nov 11, 2004 6:24:42 PM)
I'm not quite sure how the Sims 2 engine works. Do you have multiple players controlling all the characters, or does one person move everyone?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:24:42 PM)
One person does everything. You can do a whole episode with just one PC and one person working. It takes a WHOLE lot longer though.
TheBrit (Nov 11, 2004 6:25:25 PM)
Is the laughter track a permanent feature of the series?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:25:25 PM)
The laugh track has a very specific purpose and is one of the few elements that will span more than one episode.
Cool54654 (Nov 11, 2004 6:25:26 PM)
Is that root-beer MaxisLucky........... 
MaxisLucky (Nov 11, 2004 6:25:26 PM)
uh... yeah.... Root Beer.... sure. that's what I tell my boss, too.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:27:28 PM)
Is it more challenging, less challenging, or equally challenging as Red Vs. Blue is to create episodes.
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:27:28 PM)
They definitely present different challenges, so that's tough to say one is harder than the other. Sims 2 is more work for one person alone, while Red vs. Blue episodes are created with a bunch of people at the same time. It's similar to the way people play those games.
Histrion (Nov 11, 2004 6:27:45 PM)
Love the 'Hood, gang! My Q: Are some of the Sims' emotional states easier to work with than others? Like, do some of them provide you with a wider range of animations?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:27:45 PM)
We have to clone the characters to make them interact the way we want. For instance, the house has six Wades. One Wade is mean and sloppy, the other is neat and outgoing. The clones also have different relationships with other characters so that certain actions are available. When we want Wade to "act angry" we move all the Good Wades out of the house, and let Evil Wade run rampant.
adda (Nov 11, 2004 6:28:09 PM)
since you guys have 2 series to work on now, how do you manage your time between them and your normal everyday loves?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:28:09 PM)
We don't. Please help.
wizardmon5 (Nov 11, 2004 6:29:07 PM)
Will we ever get to see who does the voices, like you used to have the staff page for the old Red vs Blue site? Or will they forever be a mystery?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:29:07 PM)
Next month's issue of Wired should have the first picture of the cast. After that, it will be on the site. We didn't want people to try to "hear" RvB characters in SH episodes. There are many new actors as well.
Tonksy_Wonksy (Nov 11, 2004 6:29:17 PM)
How do you develop your storyline to work with your Sims? (they're not the most cooperative folks)
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:29:17 PM)
True. Burnie and I have likened the Sims characters to real actors. You really have to get them in the right mood to get them to do what you want. Sort of video game method acting...
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:29:34 PM)
nice job on episode 2 guys, keep it up!!
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:29:34 PM)
thanks
Sash (Nov 11, 2004 6:30:16 PM)
if something funny and surprising happens in the game which you didn't see coming, do you try to incorporate that into the episodes?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:30:16 PM)
Absolutley. Machinima is a lot like live action filmmaking. Part of the fun is having unexpected things happen that work better than you expected. Then you get to take credit for it and claim you are an artisitic genius.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:30:49 PM)
Will you use user created content in the episodes or just the Maxis made objects?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:30:49 PM)
If you mean user created in the since that we created it in body shop, then yes. We've already started doing that.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:30:56 PM)
do you guys use Macintosh or PC?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:30:56 PM)
We use PC's for production. Matt uses a Mac for his personal computer.
enchanter (Nov 11, 2004 6:31:58 PM)
I love 'The Strangerhood', but I have to know will it just be bad things happening to stereotypes or will there be a larger plot? (or both ^_^?)
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:31:58 PM)
Both of course. We have some fun things planned, if our Sim actors agree to do them!
JAM3SSIM (Nov 11, 2004 6:32:03 PM)
Do all of you enjoy playing the Sims 2 as well as using it to make movies (do you play with the strangerhood characters to get movie ideas?)
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:32:03 PM)
I love The Sims series, going all the way back to Sim City. I just wish I could get Godzilla to tromp through Sam's living room.
notDan (Nov 11, 2004 6:32:13 PM)
can I get a log of all the awesome questions I've asked so far?
MaxisShorty (Nov 11, 2004 6:32:13 PM)
We will have a transcript of the chat on the site shortly after it concludes
notDan (Nov 11, 2004 6:32:42 PM)
excuse me, Matt and Burnie, I've heard you are swingers. Any truth to these rumors?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:32:43 PM)
Dan is a swinger. The rest of us are lame.
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:33:02 PM)
Leave my wife alone, Dan.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:33:23 PM)
Hi, I love the red vs blue series and being i like the sims games I was happy to see the strangerhood series start. Why kill off someone so quickly? Wouldnt it had been better to wait 7-8 episodes into the series like with red vs blue?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:33:23 PM)
I have to be lame and say "you'll just have to see"
SimInTheShadows (Nov 11, 2004 6:34:09 PM)
Who does the voice of wade?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:34:09 PM)
Joel Heyman voices Wade. He won the part because he was so good at being another stupid guy, Caboose, in Red vs. Blue. In real life, Joel is very smart however.
jaine (Nov 11, 2004 6:34:15 PM)
do you also find it hard to get sims to walk instead of run? and if so how do you accomplish it?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:34:15 PM)
There's lots of quirks. As far as movement goes, the hardest thing is getting them to face a specific direction. Walking has not really been a problem.
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:34:22 PM)
Just kidding. He's dumb as a post.
simmasterralph (Nov 11, 2004 6:34:37 PM)
are you able to choreograph the sims through scripts or do you activate their actions through standard sim actions?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:34:37 PM)
Standard actions. We just pause the game, line up the blocking and let it roll.
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:35:08 PM)
Joel still thinks he plays Dr. Chalmers. We don't have the heart to tell him.
SmackleFunky (Nov 11, 2004 6:35:50 PM)
Do you keep many versions of each house and set of characters so that you can easily switch between moods?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:35:50 PM)
We don't "not go crazy". Being crazy is a prerequisite.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:36:14 PM)
The voice actors are great. Are they also on your team or hired professionals?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:36:14 PM)
Several of them are professional actors. Catherine and Sam in particular.
cherryish (Nov 11, 2004 6:36:39 PM)
How do you keep out the thought bubbles and social ++ and -- signs out of your movies so well?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:36:39 PM)
just careful editing and framing. same way my family has been keeping me out of family portraits for years.
SimInTheShadows (Nov 11, 2004 6:37:11 PM)
IS burnie burns your real name? it has that fake name ring to it 
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:37:11 PM)
It's a nickname. My real name is Durnt McGee.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:37:26 PM)
What software do you use to create the characters voices?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:37:26 PM)
we record with a program called adobe audition. burnie and i have been using it a long time, back before it was even an adobe product.
Elysia (Nov 11, 2004 6:37:41 PM)
What you guys have done is very impressive. I wasnt interested in it at all when my sons first wanted me to watch. But now I am addicted to both RvsB and SH.
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:37:42 PM)
Addiction is a terrible thing. I hope you find the help you need.
MaxisLucky (Nov 11, 2004 6:38:00 PM)
Today's chat is about The Strangerhood - and we won't be answering questions about The Sims 2 gameplay today. Please check back soon for a regular chat with The Sims 2 Producers.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:38:22 PM)
where any of the characters based on yourself?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:38:22 PM)
catherine was based on me. i have a full line of tiaras.
Tonksy_Wonksy (Nov 11, 2004 6:39:09 PM)
Is it still possible for those of us who aren't the best with computer skills to make these movies?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:39:10 PM)
Absolutely. Maxis added to the game some tools that help you. You don't need to buy a capture card to do machinima in The Sims 2. You can just use the in-game capture feature. The cap card we use for other projects cost about $1100.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:40:35 PM)
Do you have a finished script you are following or do you make up new stuff each episode?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:40:35 PM)
some of both. our plan with both series has been to map out a good portion of the episodes, then write dialog for each episode just before or as we record them.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:41:47 PM)
will we see celeb cameos?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:41:47 PM)
why, do you know any celebrities? can you get me an autograph?
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:41:56 PM)
I noticed a plumbob only once in Episode 2. How do you guys get around those annoying speech ballons and plumbobs? Especially when we see all the characters in one room.
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:41:57 PM)
You saw a plumbob? Uh oh. We didn't frame that shot well. That's how we get around it usually. If we have a wide shot, we stick our dummy Sim (a non-character Sim) in a closet and make him active. That way the plumbob is hidden from view. For machinima projects, we always have characters that "help" production that you never see. Like "dummy" in SH and "driver" and "cameraman" in RvB. They're like Production Assistants, only better paid.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:42:27 PM)
Do you plan to make charaters that look like you?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:42:28 PM)
are you saying Burnie DOESN'T look like Tovar?
Elysia (Nov 11, 2004 6:42:48 PM)
Did you ever expect RvsB to take off like it did when you first started creating it?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:42:48 PM)
We had hopes, but it well surpassed any expectations.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:43:14 PM)
Question for Matt and Burnie: Who's baby-momma is hotter?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:43:14 PM)
Get back to work, Dan.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:44:18 PM)
what's up with Dr. Chalmers? why's he always grumpy?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:44:19 PM)
he has amnesia. he just doesn't remember how to not be grumpy. duh!
eve (Nov 11, 2004 6:45:08 PM)
Could you answer one question for me: When is the second episode of the Strangerhood going to come out?
maxiskane (Nov 11, 2004 6:45:08 PM)
Episode 2 is out now!
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:45:13 PM)
Did you need to work out a special deal with Maxis & EA to allow you to publish your films outside the Sims 2 website? And if not, what do you recommend for us aspiring machinimakers re: web hosting, merchandising, and all that other evil but necessary stuff?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:45:13 PM)
I hope that's one of the positive effects of what we do, that it provides an opportunity for other people to do what we do or at least an example to point to. Especially for younger filmmakers who don't have any experience in the business realm.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:45:29 PM)
why do this much animating if it takes so much time, why not just stick to one series. It's for the chicks isn't it?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:45:29 PM)
yes, and all other tiny birds we love so much.
wyzone (Nov 11, 2004 6:46:35 PM)
Any specific people that inspired the characters or are they just stereotypes? Dutchmiller is hilarious.
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:46:35 PM)
we get inspiration for characters from a lot of different places. we do bad impressions of our friends a lot of times. some of those friends don't speak to us anymore.
m1a1 (Nov 11, 2004 6:46:47 PM)
Using sims 2 it seems that mouth movements of characters are impossible to control. Do you perform the voice acting before or after the filming in order to get the best effect?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:46:47 PM)
It's a combo. We write and record dialogue, then shoot the scene, then re-record to watch what we have. We're getting better ar it all the time.
bikini04 (Nov 11, 2004 6:47:57 PM)
um do u know when the first sims2 exspansion pack comes out
MaxisLucky (Nov 11, 2004 6:47:57 PM)
Someday. It will definitely be out someday.
Ace_TMWC (Nov 11, 2004 6:48:09 PM)
About the roosterteeth community, I am a member of it since a while now and I wonder, do the staff ever surf the "normal" member pages, or do they rarely check these out. I'm not sure about this?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:48:09 PM)
we do. the community is growing so fast it's hard to keep up with everyone.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:48:38 PM)
Do you actually have any REAL jobs?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:48:39 PM)
Yes. I work full time besides my machinima work. Matt doesn't. He is a bum.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:50:21 PM)
what is your favorite social interaction?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:50:22 PM)
favorite social interaction? awkward pause. wait... did you mean in Sims 2?
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:50:45 PM)
Can we get an example of the unexpectedness?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:50:45 PM)
Yes. Tovar's moustache started disappearing on some close up shots. So he got a shave. It was easier than re-modelling his whole face.
Laura1up (Nov 11, 2004 6:50:54 PM)
I see there are some Maxis Reps here. Allow me to thank you from the bottom of my heart for Sims and Sims2, my favorite games.
MaxisLucky (Nov 11, 2004 6:50:54 PM)
Thank you very much - we'll pass on your nice words to the rest of the team.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:51:45 PM)
how much Sims 2 did you have to play before you had enough of a "handle" on the game to start filming?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:51:45 PM)
a lot. our biggest challenge right now is that we don't have enough time to just PLAY the game as much as we'd like. fortunately, my wife is willing to be a full-time sims 2 researcher.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:51:49 PM)
How do you add music to your movies?
maxiskane (Nov 11, 2004 6:51:49 PM)
We've got about 12 minutes left in the chat.
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:51:50 PM)
We have a very talented guy who lives in Boston. His name is Nico Audy-Rowland. He makes all our music and sound effects and we edit them in. He wrote "Crazy Zoo" the theme to The Starngerhood.
*Wolfbane (Nov 11, 2004 6:52:09 PM)
Will StrangerHood have any P.S.A.s like RvB?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:52:10 PM)
Possibly, but they will be very different.
mojomasta (Nov 11, 2004 6:52:45 PM)
Hello there I ride spinners from time to time. I wanted to ask burnie about his YO. He's cool that way.
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:52:45 PM)
My yo should not be discussed in public.
Stryse (Nov 11, 2004 6:53:25 PM)
can we use maxis-created characters/families in our movies?
maxiskane (Nov 11, 2004 6:53:25 PM)
Sure.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:53:35 PM)
Are there any insanely funny "blooper" shots where random sims started fighting or something?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:53:36 PM)
there are LOTS of bloopers where sims characters don't do what we expected, and it can be really funny. at 3 in the morning trying to finish an episode though you want to put that sim in a pool and take away the ladder.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:53:38 PM)
I'm not familiar with the Sims, how do you get the camera angles, through a person in the sims, or just by moving a game camera?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:53:38 PM)
There is a free camera in The Sims 2 that you access by hitting TAB. It's VERY helpful.
DragonEdge (Nov 11, 2004 6:54:05 PM)
How does one apply for job at RoosterTeeth?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:54:05 PM)
you have to bring us the teeth of an actual rooster.
MentosMan (Nov 11, 2004 6:54:24 PM)
Is there going to be a supscription service for Strangerhood like RvB?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:54:24 PM)
We release videos early for people who sponsor teh site. That all goes through Roosterteeth.com
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:54:28 PM)
Is any part of Strangerhood inspired by things your sims "naturally" do (Evil Wade runs rampant?) or is it all scripted?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:54:28 PM)
some of both. we try to work in the natural elements of the game.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:54:33 PM)
will the strangerhood charcaters be available as downloads in the future
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:54:34 PM)
Most likely.
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:54:56 PM)
Last question was: will we make characters available for download?
Rein (Nov 11, 2004 6:54:59 PM)
When will the next chat about sims 2 be?
MaxisLucky (Nov 11, 2004 6:54:59 PM)
Check back on the website for more information on the next chat for The Sims 2.
simmasterralph (Nov 11, 2004 6:55:20 PM)
The modding community are starting to discover Sim interaction scripting, do you think this would help in future episodes?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:55:20 PM)
definitely.
SmackleFunky (Nov 11, 2004 6:55:55 PM)
There is an object called "Red vs. Blue" Oil Portrait in the sims (Which I think you use in the videos). Is that just a coincidence, or did Maxis envision your involvment?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:55:55 PM)
We discovered that after Maxis contacted us. It was in there before we started working with them. We were so proud. We especially like that the painting is of a girl.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:55:59 PM)
How much easier is using a game to do the animation rather than a computer animation program?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:55:59 PM)
generally, it is much faster to use a game, but you have to deal with the unexpected.
Manon (Nov 11, 2004 6:56:10 PM)
how much time is left?
maxiskane (Nov 11, 2004 6:56:10 PM)
8 minutes.
Phopo Jijo (Nov 11, 2004 6:56:58 PM)
I heard from someone cool, very cool (Okay... I read it on IMDB...) that at least one of your cast members (Tex's voice) was casted to do an actual fair sized budget film (Clifford Movie), how many offers/contracts/jobs did your team-members receive since they first launched Roosterteeth with -- well, whatever your FIRST film was.
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:56:58 PM)
Matt actually comes from Hollywood. He just finished work on Clifford and Spongebob Squarepants.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:57:17 PM)
Do you guys think that Strangerhood would be as good with live-action actors as opposed to Machinima?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:57:17 PM)
not if they were us. sims 2 characters are much better looking than we are. especially dan.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:57:30 PM)
is there a set storyline behind the strangerhood or are you making it up on the fly?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:57:30 PM)
Like TV, we plan to make each episode a standalone episode -- with maybe some two part ones.
Laura1up (Nov 11, 2004 6:58:17 PM)
Hi, It's ToolPackinMa*. I love your work, especially Strangerhood. Please tell me that you don't feel too constrained by the TEEN rating. I could understand how that might be a damper on your creativity, but sometimes limits actually stimulate creativity, yes?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:58:17 PM)
That's all part of machinima -- the creativity comes form having a limited world to work in. It's as fun as it is challenging.
Aruxion (Nov 11, 2004 6:58:36 PM)
How long does it take to 'prepare' each character before filming? I imageon like real actors, if they're unhappy with somthing or not in the mood, they won't do it.
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:58:36 PM)
sometimes characters get in the mood very quickly. there was one shot we did that took about five sim days to get them in the right mood though. that was tough.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 6:58:57 PM)
was the wade shirt in SH a default shirt or was it one that you actually made especially wor the game?..and if it was a default, how did you get the rights to make an actual shirt of it for your online store?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 6:58:57 PM)
We made the shirt oursleves and added it to the game.
Snika (Nov 11, 2004 6:59:15 PM)
Do you have all the houses on one lot, or separetly?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 6:59:15 PM)
we have lots of different configurations. and multiples of almost everything.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 7:00:11 PM)
will this chat be transcribed on the Rooster Teeth forum?
MaxisLucky (Nov 11, 2004 7:00:11 PM)
They're going to try and get it up on their site. It will be up on TheSims2.com later today, too.
Dismountie (Nov 11, 2004 7:00:11 PM)
You've mentioned having a "dummy" and many clones of an actor to get the right animations, but are there any additional tips or tricks you've learned so far while working with Sims 2 that could help those of us trying to make our own "Strangerhood"?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 7:00:11 PM)
Make clones houses as well. We have about ten Sam/Wade houses with different character sets. We move between them like sets.
TheGroovyMule (Nov 11, 2004 7:00:53 PM)
So, how many Sims have you killed in the process of filming? Seriously....
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 7:00:53 PM)
I am proud to report that our sets are accident free since last Tuesday.
simmasterralph (Nov 11, 2004 7:01:11 PM)
So, lets say, for a particular shot with multiple camera shots, you line up the sims multiple times for different angles?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 7:01:11 PM)
exactly. it's like filming a movie instead of a sit-com in that sense.
simms2sim (Nov 11, 2004 7:01:57 PM)
I would just like to say thanks to the creators of the Strangerhood. It has brought me MUCH laughter and fun. Especially Darnt Dude!
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 7:01:57 PM)
Thanks!
cybordemon (Nov 11, 2004 7:02:03 PM)
where will the transcripts be from this chat? do you have a link to what page it will show up on?
maxiskane (Nov 11, 2004 7:02:03 PM)
The transcripts will be up later today on this page: http://thesims2.ea.com/community/chat.php
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 7:02:14 PM)
thanks everyone
Dismountie (Nov 11, 2004 7:02:32 PM)
Do you record large chunks of an animation and re-edit it later in post or do you only record what you need?
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 7:02:32 PM)
We record LOTS of footage. And edit it down as much as possible.
Guest (Nov 11, 2004 7:02:42 PM)
Matt, You guys seem to love including the "straight" characters, ie Sam and Doc. Is that because you are normal and boring too?
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 7:02:42 PM)
bingo.
maxiskane (Nov 11, 2004 7:02:45 PM)
The chat is now over. Thanks Matt and Burnie for joinging us today!
RoosterTeethBurnie (Nov 11, 2004 7:02:56 PM)
Bye everyone! Thanks!
RoosterTeethMatt (Nov 11, 2004 7:03:04 PM)
bye guys
