• Joined: December 21, 2009

Topic: Reason (Update Thread)

Reason is a project I am about to begin based off of the Isaac Asimov short 'Reason' featured in his novel 'I, robot'. The story follows two robot maintenance engineers aboard a space station designed to harness the suns energy and transmit it to various planets. Their task is to field test the new robot QT1, or 'Cutie' as it is known, who is a prototype designed to take over the executive labour on the station and thus relieve it of humans. The robot however begins to question it's own existence and tries to figure out the 'truth' after rejecting the two humans explanations. 'Cutie' then comes up with his own theories, based purely on logic, which begin to cause problems for the engineers. The story progresses as the humans try to convince the robot of the facts. I won't go too much into the actual events of the story as I don't want to spoil anything.

The script for the film is fully written and features nine scenes. I have built one set which will cover two of the scenes and I am currently doing some animation and lighting tests on it. Production will begin within the next week and I post any updates on this thread.

Here are a few screenshots of the set so far.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127560693 … otostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127560693 … otostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127560693 … otostream/

Note: I will be posting a casting call in the near future and will post the link to that on this thread.

  • Location: New Jersey
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Re: Reason (Update Thread)

Really excited about this one!  I love clasic Sci-Fi and I know "reason" extemely well!  Can't wait to see it.  I'd love to see yr script too.  Good luck!

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Re: Reason (Update Thread)

This seems interesting, and looks like it'll come out pretty cool.
I've heard of the book, but never read it. Although from what I've heard it sounds like it'll make a great short film.

The set looks nice, and the use of the CMF robots is perfect. At this point, the only thing I can think of to improve is maybe tone down the really strong green lighting. It's sweet, and the third frame looks great since it is being balanced out by the red, but it comes off just a touch too strong in the first two screen shots.

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Re: Reason (Update Thread)

I recommend it, Pritchard.  The book is "I Robot", and it's an easy read, because it's told through several short stories, each with its own characters.  There's a couple of robot psychologists who emerge as regular characters, too, who thread things together nicely.  The sequel to "I Robot" is "Caves of Steel", and Asimov wrote an ongoing series.

It would be cool if, after "Reason", you went ahead and animated more short stories from the first book.

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"None practice tolerance less frequently than those who most loudly preach it."

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  • Joined: December 21, 2009

Re: Reason (Update Thread)

Update:

The casting call for 'Reason' is now open. Follow the link for more details.

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I am a huge Asimov fan and would love to do the entire 'I, robot' novel, although after finishing the script for 'Reason' I can see that to complete the entire collection would take years. I really enjoyed 'The Caves of Steel' as well and think that that too would make for an interesting film along with 'The Foundation Trilogy', however any one who wants to undertake that project is insane. There are so many great Science Fiction short stories and novels out there with really interesting concepts that are waiting to be read, my personal favourites at this point being Frank Herbert's 'Dune', and Philip K. !@#$'s 'Ubik'.

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Re: Reason (Update Thread)

I feel like putting on my 3D glasses.  mini/smile

Hope you get some great VA's to carry this.

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Re: Reason (Update Thread)

Sounds good, looking forward to this.

I agree with Pritchard though, the green is a little strong on the first picture. Other than that, great screenshots.

  • Joined: December 21, 2009

Re: Reason (Update Thread)

Update:

The first of the three major roles has been cast.

Production at the minute is slow as I am currently waiting for the dialogue to be recorded before I can animate, and as there is only one small scene in the film that doesn't involve speech it is difficult to find things to animate. If anyone is interested in voice acting for this project please follow the link in my previous post for more details.

Thank you.

  • Joined: December 21, 2009

Re: Reason (Update Thread)

Update:

The second of the three major roles has been taken. Once the final major character is cast I can fully begin production on the project. One of the nine scenes is also next to completion.

Thanks.