EDITORIAL: Why DC Needs It's Own Studio

EDITORIAL: Why DC Needs It's Own Studio

The importance and great possibilities of a potential DC Studio.

Editorial Opinion
By Durf - Jun 27, 2012 02:06 PM EST
Filed Under: Other



Well I have been saying for quite awhile now that DC needs its own independent studio away from WB, much like the Marvel/Disney arrangement. That sentiment was confirmed yesterday when I found out that Batman and Superman were going to be in a LEGO movie and be played by Will Arnett and Channing Tatum. Channing Tatum. Playing Superman. Yeah a separate studio is definitely needed. I was thinking about writing this after The Dark Knight Rises came out, but this news moved the article violently up. So indulge me and allow me to go into why I feel a separate studio is needed.




Green Lantern stands as a perfect example of why the separate studio is needed. WB had way too much influence on this movie and it showed. They obviously did not allow the minds at DC to have creative control and do what was necessary to make this a great movie. For example, Hector Hammond was a screaming moron and Parallax was a freaking cloud! They actually copied Rise of The Silver Surfer’s Galactus Cloud! Hello, there is a reason that people hated Galactus in that movie! Do you really think DC Studios would make those decisions? The answer is no. They just need to give DC creative control and only finance the movies, again like the Marvel/DC arrangement. If that happens, then I think they can make some great films. And yeah, they put Geoff Johns in charge, but his track record has not always been sterling either and he did not prevent the crap that happened in Green Lantern. Which brings me to my next point…




This would allow for DC to get their own Kevin Feige. Again, look at the success Marvel is having with Feige at the helm. All their movies have been well received and made plenty of money, especially that small movie that just came out this year… One big reason that they have been successful is that they have had one guy who oversees everything and keeps it together and cohesive. He also helps give the fans what they want. DC needs someone like this to make their movies and their (likely) shared universe work. Really, this will only happen with their own studio and there are some good candidates. Johns most definitely should not be the one to do this, as obviously he did not care enough to stop the travesties that went on in Green Lantern. The big ones I have seen are Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, and Andrea Romano. Personally, I would be okay with any of those three as the “Feige” of DC Studios. I think that any one of them could hold the whole thing together, make sure we get good movies, and make sure that the DCMU moves along like a well oiled machine. Also, I believe that any one of them would give us the movies we actually want.




This brings this whole thing full circle back to the beginning. DC Studios would actually be able to finally give us the movies we actually want. We don’t want a LEGO movie, we want an actual World’s Finest movie(personally I don’t because it’s just the same two characters again, but would be happy to watch said movie). Be honest, who is really asking for Mandrake the Magician and The Metal Men? Or a PG-13 Lobo movie? What’s that, no one is? That is what I thought. Those movies could be cool, but we don’t want them. We want Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Arrow, and Green Lantern (requel) solo movies! And of course, a Justice League movie. These are the movies that need to be focused on, so that we can get an awesome DCMU. Those solo movies would not only have a chance to be good movies, but also build up to a potentially awesome Justice League movie! These are the movies we want to see, not those other ones. I believe DC Studios would understand this and give us what we want.




I know DC purists/die-hards are going to be angry with me for suggesting this, but DC/WB need to take a page out of Marvel/Disney’s book. Create the studio and have it be funded by WB, but all creative control goes to DC Studios. It works for Marvel and Disney, why can’t it work for you too? Also, follow their MCU example and use solo movies to build to your epic team-up. There is absolutely no shame in doing so. Like I have been saying: The blueprint is there, just follow it.


Well those are my thoughts on the situation, what do you guys think? Am I right? Am I talking out of my ass? How would you go about it? Who should be the DC “Feige”? Sound off with your thoughts below. Respectfully please
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Durf
Durf - 6/27/2012, 3:05 PM
@FIRG: My bad. I don't mean have DC Studio independent of DC Entertainment. Have it like it is for Marvel. And I don't mean get rid of WB completely, just let DC make the creative decisions. I do see what you are saying about the structure though, could be too much. Also good idea on Legendary possibly doing the CBMs. Thanks for the feedback!
Durf
Durf - 6/27/2012, 3:06 PM
Also, is that an actual question or sarcasm? lol
Zarog
Zarog - 6/27/2012, 3:06 PM
Agreed, but I would definitely want Bruce Timm as the guy to oversee. Dini is great, but I see him as a cowriter for many of the films, and a huge story contributor much like Brian Michael Bendis has done for Kevin Feige. Timm was the one that guided the DCAU back in the '90s. Let him do with movies what he did with animated serials. DCMU will be a difficult project, but unless DC gets more creative control and keeps the execs out of the filmmaking process, they're gonna continue to push out garbage like GL and Jonah Hex.
Durf
Durf - 6/27/2012, 3:10 PM
@Zarog: Yup, that is exactly what I was going for. And Timm does seem to be a very good choice!
6of13
6of13 - 6/27/2012, 3:14 PM
Lol. I Metal Men. Really? The idea of a metal men movie is a joke. Make the Flash or just put major reources into an epic Justice League.

Agreed. A DC-version of Kevin Feige is needed.

Knightrider
Knightrider - 6/27/2012, 3:16 PM
It is hard to say let DC have a studio, but then to say have WB fund it, but you want the WB not to have any control or input, it just can't happen.

The simple fact is WB is WB first, it has other projects, and can't just split a percentage of money to DC to make all these films, Marvel could do it, because, well, they really did have a choice when they started they either made a movie or the studio made no money.

People are always saying things like "We want Marvel studios to have all the rights back" That would be a very bad idea, as they would suffer from the issue the WB suffer from, they just could make them all and would find themselves prioritizing projects that would make them money I.E. Avengers.

I believe that a JL film is a matter of when as it has proven money is there to be made, however I don't think it needs to go as far as an independent studio, just put one of the 3 you mentioned in charge of overseeing the project and its done.
6of13
6of13 - 6/27/2012, 3:21 PM
@Durf I totally agree when that the WB execs should hand over creative control/freedom. It was one of the problems with Spider-Man 3 when the execs went over Raimi's head. I work as a graphic designer and sometimes I just have to go with some of the client's ideas even when they are awful ideas. And I think it is the same thing with WB and their creatives.
Durf
Durf - 6/27/2012, 3:23 PM
@6of13: yeah for sure

@Knightrider: I see that. My problem is that WB wants to be too involved in DC's movies. If that wasn't the case, I would say that DC wouldn't need a studio. I mean WB could have some input, but it would need to leave creative control to DC. I was thinking of kind of a Legendary Pictures situation, but DC would have probably a little more control over the creative part of it then Legendary pictures would. Or the Marvel/Disney relationship for this situation

I do agree thought that this is completely unlikely and just a pipe dream the more I think about it. I guess if we got one of the three I mentioned in charge it could drastically change the quality of the movies.

Thank you for reading and commenting.
Durf
Durf - 6/27/2012, 3:24 PM
@6of13: Yeah, I think that is a good example of what is going on too.
Durf
Durf - 6/27/2012, 3:27 PM
*Legendary Pictures does

*though. damn no edit button! lol
Knightrider
Knightrider - 6/27/2012, 3:35 PM
@Durf6199 No worries, if anything the Avengers has proved there is a lot of money to be made, so maybe now WB will be willing to put out these movies because they will make a return if good movies.

However if they take the Marvel route with solo movies, becoming the JL, then yes, they need a person in charge with a clear vision, of where the movies are heading.

It is a tough one, as I read Marvel and DC, but would probably say I prefer DC, mainly because I have always loved Superman as a character, and as such, I enjoyed the Avengers, but didn't get that feeling that being a true fan would get, so I am dying to have a JL movie, a good JL movie, so I can have that moment too.

What I will say, is I would not be surprised if part of the reason to push MoS back, was to analyze Avengers, and give them time to perhaps alter or add a scene at the end.

Wouldn't it be awesome if even subtle hints at a bigger universe were in MoS, like as Kal-El's ship headed for Earth it passed Oa, or the Daily Planet was brought out by Wayne Enterprises. Mind you do we all remember Gotham being mentioned in Superman Returns? Does that mean DC did the first shared universe on the big screen? hahahah Nope! JK
Knightrider
Knightrider - 6/27/2012, 3:38 PM
Also, I hate watching that trailer that was done for DC Universe Online, because it is so darn good, and proves it a JL film could be done, if they are willing to go all out with it.

Durf
Durf - 6/27/2012, 3:40 PM
@Knightrider: lol. Yeah for sure. I am the opposite, always been more Marvel but still love DC too. Hopefully we can get a good JL movie soon. Also, that is an interesting theory on MOS. You just might be on too something... :)

@yoss: thanks bro
Durf
Durf - 6/27/2012, 3:43 PM
@IM53: Always appreciate good boobs!

@Knightrider: yeah that trailer is pretty epic!
bagadoosh
bagadoosh - 6/27/2012, 3:48 PM
Photobucket

respect to the durf !! LOVE the editorial
Durf
Durf - 6/27/2012, 3:51 PM
@Steve and @bags: the love and Love is appreciated. :)
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 6/27/2012, 6:25 PM
This IS the reason it seems as though DC doesn't care about their CBMs. WB has other properties and isn't overly concerned about exploring new venues. Superman and Batman are the most iconic superheroes around the world for a reason - they have had THE MOST films and television shows than any other (although X-Men is getting close).

The Dark Knight made over a billion worldwide. The Dark Knight Rises IS going to be a commercial success as it is the close of a trilogy... and if Nolan doesn't return for a fourth movie, you can BET WB will find another director and press on. Batman brings in the money, and Arkham City being what it is, goes to show you that people are interested in Batman, not just Nolan's Batman.

From a business standpoint, I don't see why WB would want to introduce all these unknowns to the market. I am referring to the unknown chance of success, not unknown characters.

As I keep saying, DC should make a theatrical animated film with the same style CGI as the Incredibles, only slightly less exaggerated. Look at the DC animated direct-to-dvd movies and how awesome they have been. As you've said in your article here, the brains behind DC's commercial success have been Paul Dini, Andrea Romano, and Bruce Timm. Suppose they gave it their all and made a Justice League movie for the big screen. No great concern would be given for the physicality of characters like Wonder Woman, Superman, or Batman. Filming would obviously be cheaper, and voice actors are less paid. It would introduce all of these characters to kids of all ages and give the opportunity to build franchises - live action franchises to expand on those characters.
Durf
Durf - 6/27/2012, 6:36 PM
@Tainted: That is pretty well said. I think you have some good ideas/points, and that is a good way to look at it. Nice!
golden123
golden123 - 6/27/2012, 6:37 PM
Geoff Johns was a creative consultant for Green Lantern. He wasn't a producer. He couldn't of "stopped" much. Kevin Feige was a producer. There is a difference. Green Lantern wasn't Geoff's fault. Stop blaming him! Geoof Johns would probably be a great DC cinematic universe "architect". He might not be as good as the three you mentioned, but he hasn't had a chance.
Durf
Durf - 6/27/2012, 11:01 PM
@FIRG: I know the general story, but not all of the details. I think I might look more into it because like you said it's a pretty good story and I would like to know more details.

Yeah, I could see Tull being a good way to go. I do like your idea of Legendary taking care of the DC movies. They seem like they could do a good job and wouldn't need to be another added studio or anything. Yeah Nelson needs to go, cause nothing is getting done in the film department.

All I know is that something needs to change and DC/WB need to get moving on their live action films. Whether that be creating a DC Studio, using Legendary, or just getting off their asses to make movies. It needs to happen! lol Thanks again for the feedback man
Durf
Durf - 6/28/2012, 12:16 AM
@FIRG: wow, eerie how similar they are. I like success stories like that though. Now both Marvel and Legendary have big backers to fund them after working hard to get there. They earned what they got and it's nice to see them rewarded. Both Feige and Tull have done fantastic jobs making great decisions and films. Really glad that Feige stayed with Marvel instead of taking the "big" job.

Too bad Tull can't run DCE because of Legendary not being part of WB, even though he should be in the running for it. I think he would do fantastic, but we can dream and hope right?

I think any of the three I listed in editorial could do a good job though, because they at least know the properties and want to see them made.
Durf
Durf - 6/28/2012, 12:17 AM
And Legendary does seem fitting. lol
Durf
Durf - 6/28/2012, 12:26 AM
For sure. I get that, and now I really would hope that Tull would get the job. But since that is unlikely, those three are really the only major ones I know of that have a knowledge of the properties and would really want to see them done right. If not them running it, like you said they should at least be producers.

Who else do you think could do it?
Ghostfire
Ghostfire - 6/29/2012, 1:48 AM
Great editorial bud. You make some really good points.

I seriously can't believe that we're getting a metal men movie before a WW film. I honestly don't know what the hell is going on over at DC/WB. All those rumors that were flying around about a JL movie in the works, well, I won't believe it until I see it on the silver screen.

But for DC to have creative control, someone needs to step up and tell the WB execs to back off. Besides the TDKR, WB is always putting there 2 cents into the equation and hence we get, GL.

When Disney acquired Marvel, Feige was outspoken and was upfront about his concerns. And, well, the result they got was that Marvel has creative control with the house of mouse funding their projects.

WB is a big company, but Disney is a monster and Marvel was able to tame it. So why can't DC do the same? Simple.. No one wants to step up.

In the end, DC needs to figure out what their future holds, because besides MOS there is nothing else on their map, and Marvel is kicking their ass on the silver screen.
Durf
Durf - 6/29/2012, 1:55 AM
Thanks Ghost!

I completely agree with everything you said. You also make some very good points. lol. But they really do need a Feige type guy to nut up and tell WB to back up a few steps. Hopefully it happens soon, or they could be in trouble...
Ghostfire
Ghostfire - 6/29/2012, 10:28 AM
@Durf
No doubt, they need a Feige type guy over at DC. But I think that's the issue. I don't believe there's anybody that wants to step up and take that responsibility. Why has it taken this long? What are they so afraid off? I just think if a project fails nobody wants to be at blame. Sooner or later someone needs to grow some balls and get DC outta the gutter and put them on the level that Marvel is at right now.


It's beyond me that DC has all their characters under their roof, yet, instead of just experiencing DC's The Justice League, we got Marvel's The Avengers. I'm not biased nor I pick sides on which company is better, but DC is really losing my respect on how they treat their fans and their characters. If DC continues this way, Marvel is going to be so far ahead if the game that once DC joins the party, the general audience will practically say they are copying what Marvel did.

All I'm saying is this, I don't want to be 50 yrs old and wait that long for my goddamn WW or JL film, know what I mean bud!
Coldblood6
Coldblood6 - 6/29/2012, 11:21 AM
There is one thing everyone seems to forget, and that is that the MCU was a radical, innovative concept that noone was sure would work. Only this year are we sure it can work and that's only PHASE I. PASE II and beyond will come with their own challenges and questions.

We really cannot blame DC for not doing what MARVEL has accomplished with the MCU.

Now they can take that chance, but of course they will be seen as copying.
Durf
Durf - 6/29/2012, 1:17 PM
@Ghost: for sure. agreed on everything there!

@Coldblood: I get ya. They shouldn't be afraid of "copying" though, as studios have been copying each other for a long time now. If they make great films, I think that people won't care if they are "copying" Marvel
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