prog: (Default)
prog ([personal profile] prog) wrote2009-09-13 09:43 pm
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Gameshelf #7 progress

Finished the first draft this evening, after putting another full weekend of work into it. Showed to it a focus group ([livejournal.com profile] classicaljunkie), and now have a bullet list of 17 fixes to make before release. This is good, but, goddamn I'm tired of this thing. This, too, is good. The burning sensation means it's working, etc.

The thing that's made this such an albatross is the lack of control. The gameplay was totally unscripted, and since I had no first-hand experience with Diplomacy going in, I had no plans for the show's structure once the cameras started rolling. This is not good. In my case this was 18 hours of raw, completely undirected footage of not good. It's at least tripled the amount of work I've had to put into this, compared to an "ordinary" episode. I will not knowingly make this mistake ever again.

I'm bummed because I really thought I'd be done this weekend. I'm not going to say when it will be done. I will surprise you. I just want this off my plate so I can move on, because I am excited to start applying everything I've learned to a fresh canvas.

[identity profile] queue.livejournal.com 2009-09-14 02:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Just want to chime in here that I'm eagerly anticipating the show (even though I'm sure I'll hide my eyes every time I see myself onscreen), and I'll be very happy to see it whenever it gets done. I'm glad you're doing this, and I hope you're able to keep your energy levels and spirits up to finish it and be happy with what you've created.

[identity profile] taskboy3000.livejournal.com 2009-09-15 12:09 am (UTC)(link)
You know, the way to look at the Dip ep is that it's a mashup. You're adding the order by editorial fiat. It's a hard thing to do, but I'm sure the results will be worth it. I'm surprised you've gotten as far as you have editing the ep. You've really got to have a good eye and a long memory to map those 18 hours into a tight 30 minute ep. Should be great!