FOX screws the show again UPDATE: Everybody's signed

[Reply #120 on:]

Weird, I got my own post in my Unread Topics page, that never happened before.

[Reply #121 on:]

It's a new thing mod can do.

[Reply #122 on:]

Weird, I got my own post in my Unread Topics page, that never happened before.

It's called merge!

[Reply #123 on:]

From a Facebook message from the leader of the Save the Voices of Futuama group:

This was suggested by one of the cast members himself.

(If I reveal his name i might get...THE CLAMPS!)

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/futura13/petition.html

So this answers why Maurice was the admin of one of the groups and had to stop being it: it seems like he can't publicly be seen as a leader of a protest group. It also seems to lean towards the "this is not a hoax/publicity stunt" angle in my opinion.



And, if it wasn't mentioned, Bob Bergen, voice of Porky the Pig, has come out in support of the Futurama VA's:

Gang, this is a negotiation ploy. The cast of The Simpsons have gone through this several times.

The studio and network make zillions more than whatever amount the cast of Futurama is asking for. And whatever they are asking, they deserve!!

I've been on these actor's side of the negotiation table many times. I recently had to audition for Porky Pig again for the 4th time in 19 years.

I know we all want to work. But I beg everyone to stay clear of these auditions! There will be more jobs, I promise! You don't need this one!

Put yourself in these actor's places!! You know how you'd feel if the VO world went after your job.

I believe in karma! And I believe in character and ethics over a gig.

Many in the cast are friends of mine.

Please support them by refusing to audition!!

Thanks!

[Reply #124 on:]

Fox are cheapskates but what do you expect from a bunch of penny pinching jews.

[Reply #125 on:]

Oh and, 20th Century Fox have already ordered two more seasons, so there will be a 22th The Simpsons season.  How unfortunate that must be.

22nd?....that show should of ended about 10 years ago...and been replaced by Futurama Even Matt Groening no longer cares about the Simpsons....as evidenced by him allowing crappier and crappier episodes to air and pushing FOX to bring back Futurama. It annoys me that the Simpsons people get whatever they want whilst my favourite show just keeps getting screwed by the networks.....

[Reply #126 on:]

I think somebody said that Matt doesn't even do much with The Simpsons anymore, none of the daily operations stuff like he used to in the 90's. He's basically just Executive Producer of the show in name alone. Just watching episodes around 1997-2000 (Seasons 9-12) when Matt was starting up Futurama seem to show a decline in quality, and the commentaries from that era compared to all the Futurama commentaries seem to show him having more interest and daily operations with Futurama than The Simpsons.

It makes me wonder how Seth MacFarlene deals with now having three shows; does he pay special attention to one or gives equal attention to each? From the way Family Guy's been lately compared to American Dad, I have a feeling it's more of the former, Groening-esque scenario.

[Reply #127 on:]

I thought 1997-2000 was season 7-9 for The Simpsons.  Anyway, minor detail.

It's interesting though, because Matt Groening seemed to serve a similar purpose to Futurama as he did to the original Star Wars films.  He is a so called "idea man".  He generally has the overall plot line and a lot of imagination for his universe as well as some gags.  This is evident when you see the original Star Wars films.  A scene with robots walking in the desert?  Would never had made to air today.

In fact, most productions have since cut out the idea man and replaced him with a focus group.  Which is probably why the prequels sucked.  Along a tonne of other reasons.

But Matt Groening has really only been credited for writing one episode of Futurama.  The pilot.  But he seems to have been active on all episodes.  It is very evident when listening to the commentaries, there is also an idea he had for an episode, some gag or something.

Oh, and, i_c_weiner, that someone was me.

[Reply #128 on:]

Season 7 was 95/96.

And that's exactly how I feel, Svip. I don't think that Matt is too involved with the idea aspects of The Simpsons anymore at all; it's all Al Jean now, the current showrunner. Actually, I checked and the decline of Matt's involvement really starts with the Season 6 episode A Star Is Burns, which he requested his name be removed from because of it being a cross-over episode with The Critic.

And there hasn't really been anybody who's much of a replacement of MG or DXC for Futurama like MG had on The Simpsons. MG and DXC are very much so still the showrunners. And yeah, the commentaries are pretty good evidence to this, that Matt is still quite involved with the series, even with the Season 4 episodes and especially still with the movies.

[Reply #129 on:]

Does anyone know how Matt felt about Bender's guest spot in The Simpsons episode "Future Drama"? Was he involved in it?

[Reply #130 on:]

The problem with A Star Is Burns was that it was openly-stated that the episode was made just so it would be free publicity for The Critic, and The Critic and The Simpsons are nowhere near the same universe as each other. Bender in Future Drama was difference since a cross-over had already been established in the comics. I have no idea if Matt was involved; it was during the Al Jean showrunning era, but in 2005, after Futurama had been canceled and before it had been revived.

[Reply #131 on:]

I thought the simpsons was a fictional show in the Futurama Universe and vice versa...

[Reply #132 on:]

i_c_wiener, I know you're not saying it, but it looks like you're suggesting that Futurama and the Simpsons could exist in the same universe. That doesn't seem right to me. The Critic and the Simpsons is much more believable than Futurama and the Simpsons.

Plus, don't those same comics go along with the fact that The Simpsons aren't real in the Futurama universe? And I don't think comics (which are stated to be non-canon) have much leeway into the actual shows.

But yeah, I understand ASIB and Matt's problem with it. It was a use of his show to advertise another (Married with Children was forced to do this 3 times) and to make it canonically the same universe, all without his consent.

I'd still like to know if he ever commented on Future Drama.

[Reply #133 on:]

Yes, they do say that they're not in the same universe, they're in the same multiverse. It's referencing the multiple Earths in Marvel Comics and multiple universes in DC Comics. However, ASIB makes it so that The Critic and The Simpsons are in the same universe.

[Reply #134 on:]

Back in the 1998/1999-ish when DXC was still working on The Simpsons there were some open references to Futurama before its start (like the Futurama t-shirt in Mayored to the Mob and DXC's credit in Treehouse of Horror IX as "David *watch Futurama* Cohen"). Unmistakenly a pubblicity stunt. And I'm sure MG had a hand in it.

[Reply #135 on:]

True, but they were low-key and didn't interfere with The Simpsons world.

[Reply #136 on:]

If I remember correctly, "Future-drama" (like "Lisa's Wedding" and "Bart to the Future", the other two Simpsons episodes set in the future) is considered as semi-canon. Therefore Bender's apparition in the Simpsons "real world" doesn't affect the Simpsons universe.

[Reply #137 on:]

He emerged from a 'quantum tunnel'.
Anything could emerge from a quantum tunnel. Even a fictional character.

[Reply #138 on:]

But Matt Groening has really only been credited for writing one episode of Futurama.  The pilot.  But he seems to have been active on all episodes.  It is very evident when listening to the commentaries, there is also an idea he had for an episode, some gag or something.

That's when Bender wanted to stick the plug in the pigs butt.

[Reply #139 on:]

I don't think that Matt is too involved with the idea aspects of The Simpsons anymore at all

Yeah, Matt's definitely more of a presence on Futurama than he is on The Simpsons. I think he's made it pretty clear that he's more passionate about Futurama as a whole, than he is about the current incarnation of The Simpsons.  He probably recognizes the decline in quality in the latter; my guess is he kind of resents Fox for keeping it on the air for so long, and for such transparently greedy reasons. Didn't he even say that he was rooting for Futurama to beat out The Simpsons at the Emmys the year "Roswell That Ends Well" won?

[Reply #140 on:]

WHAT!?  They're replacing the voice actors on Futurama!?  Noooooo!! It can't be!!!!  

This can't happen.  And I refuse to allow this to happen to Futurama.  

*signs the petition*

And I'm gonna email that casting person, too.

Oh my god....I sure hope they don't replace the Futurama cast with "sound alikes".  Ugh, they did this to Pokemon and it ruined the show completely.  I won't let the same thing happen to Futurama.

I swear, voice actors in the US get no respect whatsoever.  In Japan, voice actors are actually given the respect they deserve, and voice actors almost never get replaced over there.  But when it comes to US companies, they don't seem to care about voice actors at all.

I will do whatever it takes to make sure the original voice actors are kept!!

[Reply #141 on:]

Respect? I don't get no respect! When I was a baby my mother wouldn't even breastfeed me. She said she only liked me as a friend!

RIP Rodney Dangerfield

[Reply #142 on:]

This is Phil's current Facebook status:

Phil LaMarr  cannot believe how FANTASTIC the Futurama Fans are! On to COMIC-CON!

I heard that Billy, Phil, Maurice, and Bob Paulsen (Pinky from Pinky and The Brain) were at The Hollywood Show at the Burbank Airport Marriott today signing autographs. Maurice said it was a slower day signing-wise but that he "met a lot of really nice people". I'm guessing both Phil and him are referencing Futurama fans who went out to meet them and showed their support of the voice actors. If I hear of any more signings or other events, I'll make sure to pass them along to you guys as soon as possible.

[Reply #143 on:]

Despite people's ignorance (those who actually believe they are going to replace the actors), what troubles me more is when people sort of suggests that "soundalikes" will be 'okay', if "done correctly".

Not only is that entirely incorrect, but if they are to sound like the current characters, Fox would have to hire an even greater cast than their current and it would cost them even more in the long run, it doesn't even make sense to replace them.

As for the quality, I'd rather watch a fucking French dub of Futurama than watching soundalikes of the original version.  Yeah, you heard me.  You might want to look into the dubbed versions to get an idea just how many people the foreign versions needed to replace the "smallish" cast the original version of Futurama had.

[Reply #144 on:]

Just to re-let you guys know, there are two Facebook groups dedicated to Fox keeping the current cast.

Leave the Cast of Futurama Alone!!!! has over a thousand members and is mostly a general support group.
Save the Voices of Futurama has over 700 members and is mostly in the field of protesting. This is the group's plan of attack:

Use YOUR voice to save THEIR voice

•Step 1:
Write an email with "Save the Voices of Futurama" in the subject line

•Step 2:
In the body of the email start with, "If the vocal cast of Futurama is changed I will not watch the new episodes"

•Step 3:
Add whatever additional comments you would like to make. Please be decent and respectful. Don't allow them to discount your opinion because of rude or crude comments.

•Step 4:
Send this email to the following addresses:

futurama@scottmullercasting.com

melissa.sugiura@mtvstaff.com

steve.albani@comedycentral.com

•••••Extra Credit/Extra Fun•••••
Literally use YOUR voice instructions:

•Step 1:
Record an MP3 file in the voice of your favorite Futurama character saying, "Leave the cast alone!"

•Step 2:
Attach file to email with Subject "Casting call"

•Step 3:
Send to futurama@scottmullercasting.com

We have until July 24th to make as much noise as we can. If you care about the integrity of the show, please take the time to participate in it's Futurama!

With much hope,

Dave

P.S. In case anyone was wondering why these contacts were chosen:
•Scott Muller is the casting agent with the unenviable task of trying to find talent to replace legends.
•Miss Sugiura is listed as the Manager for Futurama on Comedy Central's website
•Mr Albani is the Vice President of Comedy Central in charge of Marketing and Promotion. It would stand to reason his job would be a whole lot harder if he is required to promote a show with no viewers!

It seems simple but quite effective, so anybody can do it.


Wow, the Brazilian and French casts are huge! Quite a shame that they think it would be easier to just get soundalikes...

[Reply #145 on:]

As I said elsewhere, I sincerely hope that this is nothing more than smoke and noise, and, at worst, a highly deplorable bargaining tactic (with no concomitant strategy). Oddly enough, Katey Sagal's site doesn't mention anything about this, or for that matter the sixth/seventh season(s) (though she might have a Facebook/Bebo/whatever page I haven't found).

Hopefully by the time ComicCon's over, we'll have some concrete answers (or the Fox exec buried in concrete; eh, whatever )

[Reply #146 on:]

So I just want to throw my two cents out here, but if you're reading this and haven't sent emails to the casting people (as per the Save the Voices of Futurama instructions above) or signed the online petitions that are floating about, I'd urge you to do so.  I know there's a lot of skepticism as to whether any of the high ups at Fox/Comedy Central give a s*** about the emails that they get, but even if they don't read every email, I think the mere volume of emails could have an impact - i.e. If they get 10,000 emails protesting the recasting versus 1,000 that might cause them to pay attention.

And it only takes a few seconds to send an email or sign an online petition...

[Reply #147 on:]

Right I've emailed the three of them. The amount of times I've stuck in support for this show over the years, the amount of times...

What I wrote...

Hi there,
 
I was so excited to hear that Futurama will be brought back. I'm a huge fan of the show and have been for years. I've bought all the DVD's, figures, comics, tin signs and even a Futurama limited edition giclee. Therefore I am very disappointed to hear that the original voice cast may be changed. If the vocal cast of Futurama is changed I will not watch the new episodes. They are an integral part of the show, you can't replace pure talent. They aren't just voices, they are the characters themselves. They give life to the drawings, and by changing them you'll alienate most of the Futurama fan base who made the show so popular.
 
Please re-consider. You have to pay for quality, and you have to spend money to make money. Think of the revenue these episodes will bring for years to come, and think of how much money will be lost if you replace the voice actors from disappointed fans. It may save money now, but in the long run you'll end up with a poorer quality show that makes less money.
 
Thanks for reading, and please re-consider.


Will it do any good? eh...

[Reply #148 on:]

Wow, the Brazilian and French casts are huge! Quite a shame that they think it would be easier to just get soundalikes...

Exactly, unless they were planning on hardly paying the soundalikes at all it would surely cost more money to replace the cast. The huge number of voices they do....each one would need a different person, it wouldn't really work would it? 

[Reply #149 on:]

Just sent an e-mail.  I swear, the stupid studio suits who thought up this idiotic idea should be drawn & quartered...

[Reply #150 on:]

Just sent an e-mail.  I swear, the stupid studio suits who thought up this idiotic idea should be drawn & quartered...

And then burnt and crushed into a fine powder...

[Reply #151 on:]

It's not true. Couldn't possibly be. Billy West practically is the show. If he'd have died back when he had his cancer scare there'd have been no more Futurama.

It'd be just as impossible to have The Simpsons without Dan Castellaneta, for example.

For me they can have John Dimaggio and Dan Castanatella do the whole thing.

[Reply #152 on:]

I think Phil Hartman would have been the main player and Billy West wouldn't have been in the cast at all. Too bad

Are you serious? Billy West was always going to do Fry and be the main player regardless. Sounds to me like you have a personal dislike for Billy West, were you the one from this board who stalked him and got banned from Billy's site?

I didn't stalk anyone and it's a long story, let's leave it at that!

So did Billy molest you when you were a little kid or what?

[Reply #153 on:]

For me they can have John Dimaggio and Dan Castanatella do the whole thing.

For me, it all boils down to a simple thing; the character of Bender.  I can't imagine any of the parts being voiced by new hires, but Bender is the cornerstone of the series for me; not just his voice, but the personality of the character as voiced by John Dimaggio.  If they replace him, then they're really trying to fuck it up, and they deserve all the bad will & poor ratings they'll receive.  'Cause I won't watch it...

[Reply #154 on:]

The way that Billy and the other actors talked in the commentaries makes it seem like it will end up being an all or nothing deal. I really don't see Billy standing in a booth across from someone other than Tress doing Mom or John doing Bender. A move like this would take the heart out of the show and completely alienate a fan base that, as I have said before, resurrected the show twice now.

[Reply #155 on:]

The way that Billy and the other actors talked in the commentaries makes it seem like it will end up being an all or nothing deal. I really don't see Billy standing in a booth across from someone other than Tress doing Mom or John doing Bender.

To me, some of the actors coming back--while others don't--seems like the equivalent of crossing a picket line. That's why I don't think any self-respecting and/or legitimate voice actor intends to respond to Fox's casting call. And it's also why I'm pretty sure the original cast will eventually strike a deal with Fox, and all will be well in Nerd World once again.

[Reply #156 on:]

A new comment (about 1 hour ago) from Phil LaMarr at Facebook (about $$ numbers mentioned in the Variety.com article):

Article in Variety - apparently Fox has decided to just make up numbers. The $75,000 figure they cite is not even close to what the cast is asking for. If it was, Katey Sagal would be there now during character designs!

[Reply #157 on:]

A new comment (about 1 hour ago) from Phil LaMarr at Facebook (about $$ numbers mentioned in the Variety.com article):

Article in Variety - apparently Fox has decided to just make up numbers. The $75,000 figure they cite is not even close to what the cast is asking for. If it was, Katey Sagal would be there now during character designs!

Wait, what?  The first two sentences are plausible (though it's entirely a he-said-she-said story at this point).  Unless I'm missing something, the third sentence makes no sense at all in relation to the first two.

EDIT:  Eh, I guess he means that if the actors were asking for such a large salary, they'd be present during production as a show of good faith or something.

[Reply #158 on:]

I think I was right when I said it was a joke.

[Reply #159 on:]

Wait, what?  The first two sentences are plausible (though it's entirely a he-said-she-said story at this point).  Unless I'm missing something, the third sentence makes no sense at all in relation to the first two.

Was he saying that, if Fox was really planning to pay them that much, Katey would be all over the offer?  Kind of a weird statement, though.