Sorry, gang, production on the robot movie has been suspended until further notice. Reason? There are major, major issues with the story — issues I’ve known about for two years but have kidded myself into thinking were minor inconveniences…
The story has what I think is an amusing premise, but is bookended with and propped up by a bunch of silly, weak gags. Instead of a real plot like in Break Time, this thing has more in common with a subpar episode of “Spongebob Squarepants”. Needless, over-the-top histrionics, violence without plausibility, and a general sloppiness that will make it really tough to pace, especially at the end…
Yeah, Houston, we have a problem. A big one. And I don’t think duct tape alone is gonna fix it, either…
Shit…
Didn’t I see this coming? Why did I ignore the obvious???? Ever since I began working on this movie over two years ago, there’s been the tiniest voice of doubt squeaking in my ear, just the quietest of whispers. Sometimes my sense of self-doubt tries to be an overachiever and wreck the most sound, defensible idea I have with all its might, so over the years I’ve learned to ignore it, or at least lock it up in chains and toss it into solitary confinement until the project is over. Such is the case with this guy. But as I sat down to get props and cameras staged for our first scene, the voice… well, it got really loud. Fast.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — shit…
There are four episodes in this robot series. The other three are in good shape, much stronger legs to stand on. They have actual plots, conflicts, resolutions, the whole nine yards. Episode one is supposed to introduce the characters and the world they live in, so I can’t just skip it and go to episode two. It’s a big step backward from Break Time, and doesn’t jibe well at all with the feel and spirit of the later three…
Bottom line: if episode one doesn’t work, no one in their right mind comes back for episodes two through four. That’s the way the world works, baby. So, fix it we must…
Any silver lining to speak of? Well, like I mentioned before, I have an amusing premise to work with, something a story can anchor on. I love the hero robot – he’s fun to animate – and his little friend. And the world these oddballs inhabit has enough hooks and visual candy to be an interesting background. Good scenery to chew on. So, it’s got stuff working for it. That’s why I’m not taking it behind the building and putting a round between its eyes…
Next step? Time to pick up the sketchpad, the legal pad, some pens and pencils, and find a quiet area in the house to barricade myself in. I don’t know how much luck I’ll have with that right away, though — I figure I have another month of other distractions to contend with. Once I have a chance to let the dust settle, I’ll start working on the rewrite…
Damn — two movie casualties in as many months. That’s a record for me. Not something I’m proud of, but you gotta do what you gotta do… 
