A Fan Fiction Project in Development

[CB2001]

Hello ladies and gentlemen aboard the scattered ships in the fleet. My name is CB2001. I've decided to post about my project that I have been developing for 3 years now. It started off as a texted based fan fiction series, but became something more when I became introduced to the concept of machinima, the art of making one form of media through the use of a realtime 3D graphics engine or a video game.

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If you have not seen any of the old and new Battlestar Galactica TV shows, then I highly recommend you avoid going any further than here. If you have, but haven't gotten to the end of Season 2 of the new show, I urge you to catch up before proceeding any further from here. If you have met the requirements, please let me know what you think. Of course, this is a BSG board, and it's safe to assume that everyone here has seen every episode thus far. This warning is just for newbies.

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Title: Battlestar Galactica: Odyssey
aka Battlestar Galactica: Born to Run (Working Title, undecided on to go with new or working title for the series)
Format: Machinima Comic Book Fan Fiction Series
Presented in: PDF File Format
Premise: A group of survivors on Picon, starting off as prisoners of war, escape their prison and try to avoid being caught again by the Cylons. However, the Cylons are not the only problem they have to deal with.
Games/Programs Being Use to Make It: "The Sims 2" (with "University", "NightLife", "Open for Business", "Pets", "Seasons" and "Bon Voyage" Expansion packs) and "The Movies" (with "Stunts and Effects" expansion pack), "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas", "Need for Speed: High Stakes", Adobe Photoshop Elements (commercial, photoediting), OpenOffice (freeware, writing) and PlanetWide Games' "Comic Book Creator" software (commercial, comic book creation).
Games/Programs Being Considered for Use: "Homeworld 2" (to use BSG: Fleet Commander mod), "Orbiter" (freeware), "Celestia" (freeware), "Battlestar Galactica: Beyond the Red Line" (freeware), "CityLife", iClone (commercial), The Gimp (freeware, photoediting). Other also being considered.

Status Thus Far:
Due to several problems in the past, I've had to reconstruct some "set" lots, one of them happen to be the interior of a "Containment Area" and John Coba's apartment (which you can see pictures of down below for a "tour").

One of the major setbacks is finding good Sims of the other actors/actresses who play Cylons (excluding Tricia "Six" Helfer and Grace "Eight" Park). One of the setbacks that was originally included was trying to find a Cylon Centurion for "The Sims 2". But thanks to earendil over at ModTheSims2.com, she has created a Cylon Centurion that will be featured within the series.

From a story standpoint, the serie's overall run will be five "seasons". I have "Season 1" and "Season 2" plotted out and ideas on what to do for "Season 4" and "Season 5" (the only problem I do have is figuring out what to do for "Season 3").

Also, due to an object/game hack for "The Sims 2" that's in my downloads folder, it is causing the game to have a few hiccups (which I am trying to find out which one it is to remove it), which includes messing up the animations and in some cases, ceases all controls for Sims in certain neighborhoods.

Also, thanks to Rag Tag Fleet (http://yankeeclippersmobile.com/forum/) and some of the users over at Orbiter Hanger (http://www.orbithangar.com/), several BSG related ships have become available, which means that for "Season 4" and "Season 5", my initial idea of involving another surviving Battlestar, the Battlestar Athena (which will have the same exterior as Galactica, but a different interior), more possible.

I have been looking around for a place where the website can be hosted, as well as the comics for the series. So far, GooglePages has been considered as a major possibility, but still not sure. Any suggestions would be welcome, especially for web hosts that can support graphics heavy websites.

Hope you enjoy the pictures. Some of these pictures are early test ones. I haven't done any recent ones, primarily due to the problems with the game that I've had. Once I get everything fixed, more will be created and posted.

----Early Test Shots-----

Below is an attempt at recreating the proper "nuked out" appearance using a screencap from "The Movies" and Photoshop Elements. I have long since perfected the problem, seeing that the color is actually suppose to be orange, not yellow.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/Providence1.jpg

A couple of shots of the cast (at the time, not finalized, but now they have. Also switched out a couple of them, so some here may not be the same ones used in the series).

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/CastListing1.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/CastShot.jpg

Below is a shot of John Coba (base model Jake Gyllenhaal) and Kate (base model Grace Park). Note: Jake Gyllenhaal Sim picture has been replaced with a better one and I am also looking for a better Grace Park sim to replace the one I am currently using.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/JohnKate.jpg

Below are Sims of Rollin and Selena Phoebus (base models Vincent Cassel and Monica Bellucci). Note: The Monica Bellucci Sim has been replaced with an improved one.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/RollinandSelena.jpg

Below are Sims of Fred Cryas, Capt. Elle "Sheba" Malfi and Renta Norme (base models Keifer Sutherland, Sandrine Holt and Don Cheadle). Note: I'm considering on changing Renta's name to Glen Norme.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/FredRentaSheba.jpg

----Pages from "Test Comic"----

Not too long ago, in order to experiment with the Comic Book Creator program, I created a comic to test out the program by using screen caps from the first two seasons of the show and from in-game screen caps for two sequences. Below are two seperate pages. The name of the comic was "All We Left Behind", telling a story about Laura Roslin and being haunted by the memory of a relative of hers.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/Comic1.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/Comic2.jpg

------A Tour of A Interior Set-----

This was made back before my computer had crashed on me, which lead me to start reconstructing my sets. The character giving us the tour is Kate, the Model 8 Cylon who is one of the characters in the series.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/JCA1-001.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/JCA1-002.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/JCA1-003.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/JCA1-004.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/JCA1-005.jpg

-----Work in Progress-----

Some recent shots of exterior "sets" under construction.

The first shot is of the "Containment Area" exterior lot. The interiors will be constructed in a seperate neighborhood in the game.


http://www.bsgpilots.com/Themes/XD-Reborn/images/icons/assist.gifThis image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The original image is sized 650x488 and weighs 198KB.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/ContainmentArea1.jpg

This right here was originally what I had hoped for the story, but since it doesn't make sense about why there'd be a huge lot there, I decided to find some way to fill it in. The arrow points out to another exterior lot that was constructed and has importance in the first "season".


http://www.bsgpilots.com/Themes/XD-Reborn/images/icons/assist.gifThis image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The original image is sized 650x501 and weighs 235KB.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/CAPOV1.jpg

Below is a shot of the cityscape that is across from the "Containment Area".

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/CAPOV2.jpg


--------------The "Cast"----------
Below is a current listing of the "cast" of characters in the overall run of the series. This list is subject to change and there are several actors/actresses I am considering for models, but have not yet decided on who will be used as the models for characters. Below is what I currently have, and there may be more characters added as the series progresses.

Main Cast "Season 1"
"The Survivors"
Keifer Sutherland as Dr. Fred Cryas
Don Cheadle as Glen Norme
Jake Gyllenhaal as John Coba
Grace Park as Kate/Model 8 Variations
Sandrine Holt as Capt. Elle "Sheba" Malfi
Monica Bellucci as Dr. Selena Phoebus
Vincent Cassel as Rollin Phoebus

The Cylons
Tricia Helfer as Juno (Dark Haired Six in Black Dress, seen in Season 3's episode "Torn")/Model 6 Variations
Lucy Lawless as Model 3 Variations (do not know if I will feature a "head leader" three or not within the series run, but have considered it)
Dean Stockwell as Cavil Variations
Rick Worthy as Simon Variations
Callum Keith Rennie as Leoben Variations
Matthew Bennett as Doral Variations

Characters Coming into Cast in "Season 2"
Thandie Newton as Cassiopeia
(Role Unassigned) as Lieutenant Brett Xenop
Jensen Ackles as Spartan Cadet Dennis Leniday
Franka Potente as Spartan Cadet Electra Collins
(Role Unassigned) as Spartan Cadet James Dillon
(Note: There may be more characters included in the group of survivors from Tauron, bet it more Spartans or Civies)

Characters Coming into Cast in "Season 4"
Jane Seymour as Commander Serina Larson
(Role Unassigned) as Adam Larson (Serina's son)
(Role Unassigned) as Colonel Troy Wellington
(Role Unassigned) as Dr. Salik
Natalie Mendoza as Agave
(Role Unassigned) as Halie
(Role Unassigned) as Andromeda
(Role Unassigned) as Ione
Shannyn Sossamon as Sibil
(more to possibly be featured)

Actors/Actresses considered for Models of Characters (Be they main and guest roles)
Kurt Russell
Natassia Malthe
Dirk Benedict
Gong Li
Michelle Yeoh
Clive Owen
Cillian Murphy
Steve Railsbeck
Mimi Rogers
Josh Hartnett
Bruce Willis
Denzel Washington
Kevin Spacey
Emile Hirsch
Harrison Ford
Elias Koteas
Dennis Haysbert
Linda Park
Mark Rendall
Anton Yelchin

That's about it for now. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask. Hope these catch your interest. http://www.bsgpilots.com/Smileys/default/cool.gif

[Hazend]

CB, If you need hosting space I may be able to help you. I have space over at Battlestar Central (http://www.battlestarcentral.com) and I may be able to give you what you need. Just let me know.

[Shane]

there is also battlestar pegusus which is free and simple. Wiki format.

[CB2001]

Hazend- Thanks for the offer, but from what I know with the test comic in PDF format, even when it was zipped, 10 pages equals out to 3 1/2 megs big. And since from what I have decided on the amount of comics per season, which are 9 comics (maybe more later on, depending), it would take out a large amount of space. But I'll definately consider it.

Ed- Like the with Hazend's recommendation, depends on how much space is available. But I will consider both of them.

Thank you both for the suggestions. Also, if there's any questions about the series, feel free to ask. I'll be more than happy to answer them.

[CB2001]

This is just a piece of a longer story. I originally was going to do this as a text-based story which would lead into the comic series, but I think I may rework the story to be as an actual comic for the series instead, serving as a prequel to "Season 4". But I figured it'd be somewhat of an interesting read. I hope you catch the tie-ins to "Razor" in the opening scene.

*- Working title, not set.

"Battlestar Athena"
A "Battlestar Galactica: Odyssey"* Prequel
by Code Breaker

I'm no warrior. I can never be a warrior, not in the same sense as my parents were. The Colonial Fleet was what introduced them together. They were both serving as Viper pilots on board the Columbia and had fortunate luck to be off the ship when it met its end over an ice planet. They had been present for the dedication of what they both referred to as “Columbia, Mark II” because THE Columbia was gone, as well as its faithful crew. And they ended up getting married after that. Then I came into the picture. I know they were expecting a warrior like them, but I came out a spineless bastard. I think they first noticed it when the school contacted them after I had gotten beaten up by Tyson Wikkon when I was in kindergarten, or it may have been when my dad tried to teach me how to play Pyramid when I was 12 and I twisted my ankle, panicking because I thought I broke it. But I think their fears were confirmed when I was 14 and became very handy with computers and electronics or when I told them I wanted to be a literature major when I go to college. I sometimes wonder if that was what lead to their divorce, me becoming a wimp.

I had completed my final year of private school on Caprica. Dad offered to take me in for the summer on Virgon. Though they really didn't speak much to each other, my mother agreed to give me a lift to the planet. The Colonial Fleet had plans on testing out some new fighters, and the trip back would have had her ship going right by. I didn't want to be on the ship with her and her crew, but it'd be cheaper than buying a ticket on a commercial space line, even though the trip would be longer. Out of both parents, the only one who apparently didn't care about anything in relation to me was my mother. I think after she noticed I was a wimp, she didn't want anything to do with me while my father, who had left the service when I was 14, attempted to have some sort of relationship. I kinda feel terrible that he's gone, but its not like the Cylons gave us the option to pick and choose who lives and dies. Nor did they give us the option on where we'd end up.

I had to wait for four hours until the shuttle arrived to take me to my mother's Battlestar. I sat in the corner, reading a copy of From Behind Burnt Eyes by Victoria Galatia, a novel set during the Cylon War, about a nurse and a victim of a Cylon attack on Saggitaron falling in love. The cafe area, which was a giant tent-like structure, had a big sign that hung high above main entrance that read Caprica Transfer Station. I was lucky that my mother had a pass for me waiting at the base when I arrived. Bruno, who was apparently the “head barkeeper” of the establishment, was talking to what I thought was a rather attractive woman, a Lieutenant in Colonial Blues. She had long black hair, half hanging down normally, some of it pulled back to keep from getting in the way of her face. One of the things I noticed about her was the small beauty mark on the right side of her her upper lip. She may have been older than I was, but being a guy, I couldn't help but ask myself what'd be like to get her in the sack. I couldn't catch her name, but she said something about serving on board Pegasus, which I did recognize as being a Battlestar. Afterwards, Bruno picked up an apparent conversation that he started with a Captain before I had arrived there and before the dark-haired woman arrived. This Captain didn't want to be a Viper pilot anymore. I couldn't help but chuckle when he quoted his father.

“A man isn't a man until he wears the wings of a Viper pilot,” the Captain told Bruno. “Helpful words from my dad, Bill Adama.”

If only this Captain had heard some of the encouraging words my mother tried to force-feed me to join the Colonial Fleet. Nothing as tame as this guy's father's wisdom words. I couldn't place where I heard Adama before, but I disregarded it because there were probably thousands of Adamas that existed on the many worlds. The P.A. announced a call of the Captain's name, signaling his time to go. The Captain picked up his bag and left. That was when Bruno came around to me, refilling my cup of coffee.

“Is that any good?” he asked me.

I looked up at him, couldn't help but smile. I don't think I had any adult before ask me my opinion on a book.

“It's a little slow in comparison to other the author's other novels, but where it lacks in pace it makes up for in story,” I told him. I placed a piece a paper that had been serving as my bookmark in between the pages before closing it. “I couldn't help but overhear that Captain's complaint about his father. He thinks he's the only person who ever had difficulty with parents who were in the Fleet.”

“I take it your parents were,” Bruno said, it coming more like a statement than a question.

“Pretty much.”

“Anyone I know?”

“Well, my father's long since been retired, so I don't think he'd be remembered by anyone recently. But I think you may have heard of my mother. Commander Serina Larson.”

He nodded.

“Yes,” he said. “Commander of the Athena, if I recall correctly. I take it she wasn't soft on you.”

“That has to be the major understatement by any human being in existence,” I told him. “I'm a wimp, not a warrior. I guess, in a way, I'm like that Captain that just left, except I didn't follow my parents dreams. I'm trying to follow mine.”

I couldn't help but eye the brunette again, watching her as she was looking up and out of the door of the tent, at the blue sky with scattered clouds. I think Bruno noticed I was paying attention to her.

“Her name is Kendra Shaw, in case you're wondering,” he told me. “She definitely has her priorities straight. Knows what she wants like you do, from what I can tell. Definitely has that North-Eastern Thebian accent.”

“No, its Southern Corinth. My mother's North-Eastern Thebian. You can tell by how she says the A in her last name. She says it with a low “ah”, close to it sounding like “show”. Thebians say it their As with a normal “ah” sound.”

“You really don't sound like you have an accent.”

“I don't because I was raised here on Caprica, lived in East end of Caprica City for most of my life.”

“Heard those are some mean streets,” Bruno replied.

“Hardly,” was the only response I could give before taking a sip of my coffee. I wanted to add, “in comparison to my mother” but decided not to.

I tried to build up the nerve to go over and sit next to Shaw, see if I could get her number or something like that. But I decided not to. It was about an hour later that the voice over the P.A. system announced that Shuttle 33 was ready to head to the Battlestar Atlantia, where I had to change from a shuttle to a Raptor to get to the Athena, my mother's ship. The Athena was a step up from the original Nimitz class Battlestar design. She looked similar to the Battlestar Galactica on the outside, but her interior and computer systems were different from that, one of the first changes when they lost three of the original 12 Battlestars and started to create more, including the Columbia that my parents served on. Or at least that's what my mother told me. To be honest, I didn't know anything about Battlestar designs, even though now I've come accustomed to the computer systems here. If only I had known, stepping out of the Raptor onto the hanger of the Starboard pod that the Athena would be my home from that moment on.

The deckhands were all busy with doing their jobs, repairing various crafts, oiling up equipment and whatever else deckhands normally do. The air was a bit stiff to me. Never having to have been on a ship before, I've been told that it was common for first timers who have never had the chance to breathe recycled air. I gripped the handle of my suitcase as an Ensign waited for me to come down off it. He looked as if he didn't want to be there, but I seriously couldn't blame him. I didn't want to be there either.

“Mr. Larson, the Commander asked me to escort you to CIC,” the Ensign stated as he looked at me.

----------------------

One of the things that I have come accustomed to is standing on watch in CIC. Every morning when I got up, one of the first things I want is to circle the center console, keep an eye on everyone and everything to keep my ship running smoothly. Originally, I loved to get into the cockpit of a Viper, the feel of going out for the fight, getting my enemy in my crosshairs and taking them out of this existence if it meant saving peoples lives. But I knew it wasn't something that was going to be forever, and being a Commander of an Independence class Battlestar gave me that feeling of always being able to protect. I'll be honest, I didn't want my son to be on board. But since his father asked to bring him, it's the best I could do at the moment.

I've always found it hard to connect with Adam. It wasn't because of who he was, it was because I couldn't figure out how to be a mother. I knew I wasn't ready for it and I also didn't know what it took to be a mother. I grew up as an orphan with not much help. I guess that's why his father was able to connect to him, because he had a mother and father. I tried to help, but I can never tell if anything I say gets through. So, I treated him as a pilot, not as a son, because that was the only thing I knew how to do. I actually wished my second in command was in CIC at the time, so that he could act as a buffer, like Richard, Adam's father. Needless to say, I had to maintain my appearance as Selena Larson, the Commander of the Battlestar Athena, not as Selena Larson, a mother.

[Hazend]

Hazend- Thanks for the offer, but from what I know with the test comic in PDF format, even when it was zipped, 10 pages equals out to 3 1/2 megs big. And since from what I have decided on the amount of comics per season, which are 9 comics (maybe more later on, depending), it would take out a large amount of space. But I'll definately consider it.



No problem. I have a very large amount of space (over 200 GB) and will be updating the site to use more of it. Space isn't a problem.

[genji2000]

lol. I have 250GB on my laptop.

[Hazend]

:lol:

[BSGfan-atic]

CB2001 - Nice intro to your story. Sounds very interesting. Please keep it coming. I'd give you some rep, but you have disabled it. :thumbsup:

[CB2001]

Hazend- Cool beans. I'll definately think about it.

BSGFan-atic- Thanks. I don't even know about what the rep thing is (or that I disabled it). But I'm glad you enjoyed some of the text version of the "Battlestar Athena" story. I'm definately hoping to do it as a machinima comic book as a part of the series. I've actually got another prequel story that's text-based called "In Club Lavela", but it was written back before I update the cast number to include only seven characters instead of eight, and several other details have changed since to make the story seem uncontinuital as well, but I'll definately do it as a comic too.

Now all I have to do is find that file that's causing the problems with "The Sims 2" and then I can get the series jumpstarted. It may take some time, but I'll definately get it.

And just a heads-up: Much like the actual show, another Earth song (maybe more than one, actually) will definately be used as a cornerstone for the series. I'll give you a hint of one that will most deinfately be used: Steps taken forward, but sleepwalking back again.

[CB2001]

Just updating everyone here: due to a hardware upgrade for my computer, I haven't been able to perform the search to find the file that is messing up the game. But as soon as the hardware update is complete, I will look for that damaged file when it is up and running again.

Anyways, I've got a new question to propose. When I find the file that is causing the problem, I plan on beginning work on the first comic. I should let you all know, there is a drawback to this: The initial idea of the comic had the story following John Coba, the student, as the attacks occured, but I am considering on changing it to where we follow each of the characters as the life as they know it ends (much like how the original mini-series does), but I am not sure if I want to go that route or not. So, the question is: which one do I go with? Following just John or the whole group?

[genji2000]

The whole group. More of an ensemble piece that way, I think.

[CB2001]

The whole group. More of an ensemble piece that way, I think.


Probably a good idea, I've actually thought of having the same timeframe repeat itself for each of the characters (which would be about maybe a couple of hours for each, except for Rollin and Selena, the married couple, who are both together at the time the attacks occur, so their two hours would be together).

[CB2001]

Stats about the Battlestar Athena that will show up in the later half of the comic's run:

Name: Battlestar Athena
Type: Military
FTL: Yes
Battlestar Group: 82
Class: Independence
Commander of Battlestar: Commander Serina Larson, seven years on duty aboard the Athena (at the time the Athena is found by the survivors of Tauron and Picon).
Years of Active Service: 59 years.
Crew Compliment: 1,467 (Colonial Fleet) and 322 (Civilian) (NOTE: This is 1 year after the attacks on the Colonies, when the group of survivors from Picon and Tauron discover the ship)
Vehicle Compliment: 2 Full Squads of Mark VII Vipers, 2 Squads of Mark VIII Prototype Vipers. 15 Raptors. 9 Standard Shuttles.
Weapons: 10 Full Nuclear Magazines, 506 point-defense dual cannon kinetic energy weapons and 24 main battery cannons (typical of most early generation Battlestars).
Additional: Full Machine Shop Capable of Recycling materials for creatiing ammunition and smaller craft (first class of Battlestar to begin with this feature, which was used in some later Battlestar classes), The Garden (civilian-made replenishable food source), The Library (civilian-made electronic multi-media center), The Court (civilian-made Pyramid arena) and The Arcade (civilian-made rec. center that includes several electronic video game machines) (NOTE: More to possibly be added, some may be removed).

History:
The Independence-class is the first class that is up from the Nimitz-class Battlestars (one of the most noticable Battlestars from the Nimitz-class being the Worlds Famous Battlestar Galactica). Though the Independence-class shares an exterior design of that of it's predecessor, it's interior is an improvement over the original design. It's computer systems were a step up from the Nimitz-class Battlestar, allowing them to process multiple functions to where one crew member could control three seperate systems at once (for example, the Nimitz-class originally used two pilots to control all of the ship's directions and have the FTL controls performed by a seperate crewman. The Independence-class ships allow for one pilot to control the ship's flightpath and perform FTL calculations and jump initiation from one terminal).

The Battlestar Athena was the 8th out of 100 Independence-Class Battlestars that came off the the line. She was introduced into the field during the middle of the original Cylon War, it was involved in a variety of major incursions behind enemy lines and was originally going to be involved with an attack against a major strategic assault on the main base of operations for Cylon Centurion construction on a desert planet a step outside of what would later become the armistice line, but the assault was called off due to the Cylons moving their base to another location. One of the last missions the Athena was involved with was the Battle of Ice Planet Zero, where she fought along side the Galactica and the Columbia. After the destruction, the Athena took on the extra load of Vipers and Pilots from the Columbia and served as the ferry of the refugees from Columbia to the Leonis Ship Yard.

Following the Cylon War, the Athena served as a "watchman ship", which would patrol the armistice line, along with her sister ships for 38 years after the the end of the Cylon War. There were plans on in the works to originally to scrap the Athena after the end of her 60th year of service, but for the remaining two years she served as a testing ship for experimental and prototype ships, including the prototype of the Viper Mark VII.

The Athena was commissioned again for the testing of two squads of Prototypes for the Viper Mark VIII at the time of the Cylons' attacks on the Colonies. While testing the ships in a remnant of a supernova to see how well their electronics could stand electric interference and heat, two Cylon Raiders attacked and tried to initiate a shutdown of the Athena's computer systems. However, due to the electrical interference, the Raiders couldn't gain wireless access through the comms systems and were destroyed by the Mark VIII Vipers. Commander Larson's son, Adam Larson, was well versed in computer programming and discovered the backdoor in the Navigation Program that was loaded into the Athena's Nav-Com discovering the scan of the "handshake ping" that was recorded by one of the Vipers. Following that, the Athena's reinstated a previous verison of the Navigation Program after being formatted three times to insure of no remnants of the backdoor could be used.

After discovering that Tauron, Picon and Caprica were hit the hardest by the Cylons, Commander Larson made it her mission to rescue as many people as possible and get them clear of danger. They discovered two civilan transports, to which they brought all of the civilans on board, landed their ships in the Port Landing Pod. Larson felt that they were already losing the fight with the constant reports of multiple Battlestars losing power as if "someone flipped a switch." As a result, she decided that the best course of action was to prepare to run, just in case. The Athena was jumped to the nearest 12 Colony planet, which happened to be Tauron. Half of Raptors and all of the Shuttles were sent down with the intention of gathering as many human survivors and food supplies possible. By the time they got back, the report of the Atlantia's destruction had come over the wireless. To Commander Larson, that signalled the only course of action left: to run with as many survivors as possible. Even with Commander William Adama's communication stating that he was taking over the fleet, Larson knew that there were only two ships hearing that particular message for sure: The Athena and the Galactica, both not prepared to face the massive amount of enemy firepower. Larson ordered a jump that placed the ship into an unknown part of space, leaving behind the remains of what had been their homes.

Over the few months following the destruction, Deck 5 had become home for the civilans, including the Commander's son. The reason Deck 5 was selected was due to the fact that it was in the middle of the ship, away from any potential targets for aerial or infiltration attacks by the Cylons and was also designed to serve as a fallout shelter should the ship be lost. The Deck consisted of many massive storage rooms, which served as living quarters for the survivors. Other, much smaller rooms were converted over to become recreation centers, including The Library, a data storage center where people could get copies of a variety of movies (one of the civilian ships had a collection of movies from a video store that was being moved from Saggitaron to Caprica, which included various genres, including a diverse pornography video section) or electronic copies of literary works downloaded onto personal PDA devices and The Garden, where fresh food is grown, amongst other rooms. The entire Port Landing Pod was shut down and used primarly as scrap storage (this was done because the two civilian ships that were landed were stripped and the metal, computer componants and other engine parts were reused for replacements for the Athena or the Vipers, the spare material was too big to place anywhere, and there was only enough room inside the hanger decks for it). The Starboard Pod became the primary landing and launching bay for the Vipers, Raptors and Shuttles. Though Commander Larson continues to be in charge of the whole ship, the civilians are often used if there are any that have skills that are required.

(The End for Now)

[Prolescum]

uncontinuital
Lol.

[CB2001]

Just to tease you guys, I've decided to go ahead and post the original test comic for the series, titled "All We Left Behind". This test comic was meant to test out the Comic Book Creator program by Planetwide Media. So, I constructed the test comic primarily out of screencaps from the first two seasons of the show. The story actually follows Laura Roslin two weeks before the discovery of New Caprica.

Now, I must point out one thing here: This is only a test comic. I may not actually consider it as a part of the comic series' canon. Some details may change (for example, the fact that one character in the comic has two connections to two seperate characters seen regularly on the show may be changed to only one) or have changed. The sims featured in this comic have actually been upgraded to better ones (including the one for Jake Gyllenhaal, who serves as the base model for the character of John Coba). And please disregard the "Cylon Centurion Variations". These were Centurions I made before I finally got my request for the Centurion from the actual to be made, so this will be the only time you'll see these variations.

Anyways, here is the download link. The file is 3.1 megs and zipped up. The comic is in PDF format and I recommend either Foxit Reader or Adobe Reader in order to view the comic. Also, since this is the Rapidshare free server, it's only going to allow 10 downloads, but I'm trying to find another host that would allow more (or try to figure out how to do the collectors free option). I hope you enjoy the test comic:
http://rapidshare.com/files/160480881/Prelude1.zip.html

[CB2001]

Lol.


I know, it's not a word, but that's how I think outside the box.

[CB2001]

Well, I figured I'd give some up to date info. This may not be a lot, but it's better than nothing.

I've got "The Sims 2" and all EPs reinstalled due to a technical problem. Though I have copied all the files from the download directory, including neighborhoods and saved lots, I have lost some of the sets I've constructed (again). So, I've begun to rework them while I still try to sift through the files in the download directory that was causing the control problems from before. One of the recent ones was a second version of the Containment Area, as pictured below:

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/RedesignContainmentArea.jpg

I've got to reinstall the Sim characters again and finish searching for the download(s) that's mucking up the game (worse case scenario, I'll end up deleting everything under downloads and then reinstall the stuff I know I definately need for the series). But despite the recent setbacks, things will be moving forward.

Also, I have another announcement: I have finally decied to stick with "Battlestar Galactica: Odyssey" as the final title of the series.

[pagad]

Are you restricted to using The Sims material as far as props and buildings go? It's just hardly an appropriate game to use for a sci-fi setting :)

[Pnutmaster]

Are you restricted to using The Sims material as far as props and buildings go? It's just hardly an appropriate game to use for a sci-fi setting :)

Unfortunately, what else could he use? The Sims II is one of few sandbox games that offer such a large amount of mods and resources. Honestly, the only other game I could think of is Second Life...lol.

[pagad]

I was just wondering if user-made props could be imported into the game.

[CB2001]

Well, to respond to both of your inquiries: Yes, user-made props can be imported into the game. "The Sims 2" allows not only for customizing of the characters, but you can also import "custom content". There are websites dedicated to custom content download. In fact, one of the original things that held me up was lack of BSG-related Sims 2 custom content (there's actually more "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" content than any other media-based content). The prime one was the Centurion from the new show (which was remedied thanks to a kind user who was interested in the Centurion (http://nene.modthesims2.com/download.php?t=294787) from the show after I talked with her about it). Two of the best sites you can go to for Sims 2 downloads are Insimenator.net (http://www.insimenator.net) and Mod The Sims 2 (http://www.modthesims2.com). They also have tutorials about Sim modeling and tutorials on how to make custom items.

There is one drawback. For example: Let's say you wanted to do the doors seen on Galactica, including custom animation. You would need to know how to create a 3-D model, and also know how to create animations. Then you would need to know how to import them into the game. Some content is easy to do (like retexturing clothes, creating "genetics" like high detailed skins, eye and hair color, recolors of objects) but for creating objects for the game (for example, a 1999 Ford Mustang convertable) would be harder to do unless you know how to do it.

So, when it comes to doing a BSG-related machinima-based work, it is a challenge to work with what I have. Part of the reason why that, later on, the Battlestar Athena is a "Indpendence class" (same exterior as the Galactica-style, different interior) is because there's not a lot of build objects to create the A-Shape Hallways and hatchways similar one to the show), but due there are some original sci-fi build objects that look like they could or couldn't be in the Galactica universe. It's like doing an independent film: work with what you've got.

[sensational]

wtf?

[The Dirt]

wtf?

Wow, you caught on quickly! My thoughts exactly, except it took me a couple of months.

[CB2001]

Is there anything confusing to either you The Dirt or sensational? If so, please let me know. I'll be more than happy to clear things up.

[CB2001]

New Update: After going over file by file, trying to find out what was causing the problem with my Sim controls, I have discovered the file causing the problem and have removed it. Now, the game is working correctly and will be able to continue working on the lots and the Sims so that I can get everything done. This is means I'll be able to get some more in-game shots made and hopefully, get the first issue out before the start of the last half of the 4th Season of the Show.

[thevarrior]

Huh? What's going on?

[CB2001]

Huh? What's going on?

Short hand version: Not too long ago, I had a problem with my "Sims 2" game. For some reason, after upgrading my Sims 2 game to the "Bon Voyage", the controls for the game and the animation of the characters weren't working properly. It's taken quite a while to getting the issue resolved due to the fact that I had to go through all the files, test run the game and had to work as well. Needless to say, now, I discovered what file was messing up everything and got it fixed.

Now, this means I can proceed with getting the first comic completed.

[thevarrior]

Ahh. Okay, full ahead.

[CB2001]

Ahh. Okay, full ahead.

Aye, aye! All ahead full.

[CB2001]

I figured I'd include some up to date information.

First off, I have recently requested over at Insimenator.org (originally Insimenator.net) an better Grace Park sim. Though I like the one I'm using, the Sim itself looks too cartoony (even with the changing of the skintone, or modifying it, it still comes off as too cartoony). So, I am hoping that someone over at Insimenator.org will make a better, high quality Grace Park sim to use for Kate and her Model 8 sisters (worse case scenario, I continue to use the Grace Park sim I've used in the test shots, no matter how cartoony it looks). Now, if only I can get Sims of the other Human Cylons (other that Model 6, which is available). I've also requested a Sim Lot based on the Orpheum Theatre, to which everyone knows that it has been used as the interior of the Opera House from the visions (which, like in the real show, will have importance in the comic series).

Also, from the set constructions...

Here are two test shots of the Centurion in "The Sims 2". I was going to "green screen" or "blue screen" it into a shot as testing two freeware photo editing programs, Paint.net and the GIMP. Both have failed in my point of view, and I may continue to use Photoshop Elements 3 to continue to modify and edit pictures to make sure that I get what I see for the shots of the comics.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/Test2.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/Test5.jpg

We are going to go from right to left in these pictures, but I'll definately cover these sets while their being constructed and explain what's going to show (even if it doesn't appear clearly in the comic series.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/snapshot_00000001_d6605e52.jpg
To the far right is where there's going to be mailboxes for the apartments in the building. I don't know if I'll place a big blue mailbox in that area or not as well, but I think one set of mailboxes would be enough.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/snapshot_00000001_36605e56.jpg
In this shot, you can see the door to what is suppose to be the office (interior will not be seen). Also, in the middle of the room is a Zen Garden (I would have fit in a fountain, but that would be a bit cliche, and would be interesting change to see a Zen Garden).

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/snapshot_00000001_16605e58.jpg
The set of double-doors you see in the far background here are suppose to be an elevator (TBH, they don't have a set of double-doors that look like they could be a set of elevator doors, so I went with the closest thing, which looks like this medival appearance thing).

That's about it for now. Hopefully more soon.

[Hazend]

Looking good thus far. Keep it up.

[CB2001]

Will do. I have decided on how the story for the first comic will be told (Note: I changed Renta Nomre's name to Glen Norme, because I've discovered that the name Renta is a girl's name in real life): John Coba (Part 1), Fred Cryas, Glen Norme, Rollin and Selena Phoebus, Elle "Sheba" Malfi, Kate and John Coba (Part 2). I figured that it would be best to have John's story be bookends to the situation, primarily because he is the closest to a normal civie than the others are.

[CB2001]

I figured I'd give a little bit of a heads up here: Over the next week, I will be off line due to moving to a new apartment and will not have internet available until either Monday or Tuesday of next week (may be more, depending on how things go). But I will be continuing to work on the first comic (at the rate of where I am at, I may not be able to make it before the start of the first of the last 10 episodes, but I will be getting it done, even if it means starting after the ending of the actual show, give people something to read in between the show's ending and the TV movie for "The Plan"). But this upcoming week will be rather busy for me, but as soon as the Internet is up and running, I'll be more than happy to let you all know of how things are progressing. By the time you read this, I may already be offline. But I'll see you guys soon. :D

[BSGfan-atic]

CB2001 - Nice work. I hope that there are no "back doors" in the comic that will lead to my computer system freezing up "like someone just threw a switch," thus leaving me vulnerable to a massive attack by homicidal robots! LOL. Keep it up!

[CB2001]

CB2001 - Nice work. I hope that there are no "back doors" in the comic that will lead to my computer system freezing up "like someone just threw a switch," thus leaving me vulnerable to a massive attack by homicidal robots! LOL. Keep it up!

I'm posting at a hotel that so happens to have wireless Internet (I wasn't aware of it until now. But I assure you, Saturday through Monday, possibly Tuesday, I will be without Internet access). Don't worry, BSGfan-atic. There will be no Cylon backdoors in the comic. But if there are, trying finding a Model Eight that can counteract it by interfacing with your computer. J/k. :D Will do.

[BSGfan-atic]

:biggrin:CB2001 wrote:

Don't worry, BSGfan-atic. There will be no Cylon backdoors in the comic. But if there are, trying finding a Model Eight that can counteract it by interfacing with your computer. J/k. :D Will do.

Well, if that is the corrective action that is called for, how about if I interface with her, and just toss the computer?:D

[CB2001]

:biggrin:cb2001 wrote:



Well, if that is the corrective action that is called for, how about if i interface with her, and just toss the computer?:d


lol. :D

[CB2001]

Hey again guys. I'm broadcasting at a Wendy's right now near Full Sail. My hopes of getting my Internet and Cable installed on Tuesday wasn't possible. The reason why is primarily due to my transfer credits and the lab I have to take for my first class. Basically, instead of having a second day of orientation, due to my transfer credits, I had to attend my first class and lab. As a result, the lab would have ran to 5 o'clock (my appointment was between 4 and 7pm). So, I ended up rescheduling my appointment for Friday for installation of cable and Internet (which means I may be able to get a chance to watch the premiere of the last half of our beloved Battlestar. But if not, I have my dad recording it for me back home (which he will bring down with him on Saturday. Needless to say, I will not be out of the loop.

For updates, no one has yet to pick up my request for a better Grace Park sim. I would get in contact with HystericalParoxysm of ModTheSims2.com, who did the Sims of Gaius Baltar and Six, as well as Starbuck, to see if he is going to do the Grace Park/Model 8 Sim and when he plans on releasing it, but I do not know if he would constitute it as a request and I really do not want to disturb him. But it may have to come to that (so, thus far, the Boomer sim that I have is still in play). Also, still no luck on Sims of the other human Cylons.

I'm trying to devise a way for me to be able to create a "city street" set that will actually have different facades on each side so not to construct so many exterior sets, but so far, I have yet to implement them. And I'm still trying to design the "sets" for the Rollin house, Fred Cryas' apartment and some other much necessary lots. But it will be done.

That's about it for now. Will talk to you guys later (hopefully, the next time will actually be at my apartment).

[CB2001]

New Update: I've managed to find two Sims that can be used for the series. The first sim is a Xena: Warrior Princess Sim (http://sapphiresims2.com/showthread.php?t=15038) which, in comparison to most of the other Sims I've seen of the character, looks close enough to Lucy Lawless to be used for the comic series as the Model Three Human Cylon model. Also, at the same place where I found that Sim, I found a Jane Seymour Sim (http://sapphiresims2.com/showthread.php?t=26932) that I may be able to use for Commander Serina Larson when the Battlestar Athena is introduced in the series. Both will have to be modified in order to get them to look the way I need them for the series (for the Xena: Warrior Princess Sim, not just the hair, but the skintone may need to be changed. For the Jane Seymour Sim, not just the skintone and the hair, but the age of the Sim so that it matches Ms. Seymour nowadays). Now, all I need are the four male Human Models (Simon, Cavil, Leoban and Doral) as Sims and I'll have all my primary cast for the first "season" of the comic series. :D

[CB2001]

Now, I need a bit of an opinion from you guys. I've done some alterations to that Xena: Warrior Princess Sim I made mention of in the previous post. I've changed the outfit, the hair and the skintone in hopes of making the Sim look like Lucy Lawless does, so to make sure I have the look down right for make the Sim be the D'anna/Model 3 Human Cylon. Let me know if you think this matches her, or if it doesn't and what I can possibly do to make it look closer to her.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/Danna1-1.jpg

[CB2001]

I'm back again. Sorry for the long wait, been trying my best to find the four Sims I need for the series (basically, I need a Cavil, Simon, Leoban and Doral sims). I've been trying to test out multiple filters to find the best way to give the series a comic appearance (I am trying to do it because I would like to use screencaps to incorporate into the comic panels and not stand out. For example, it would be a great idea to use screencaps of interiors of a Basestar than it would to struggle to find the necessary items to create a set lot, especially with the resurrection tank). I'm trying to see what would be the best adjustments. Right now, there are two tests I've done to determine which ones would work.

Here is the first test picture, without any filters applied:
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/Test1.jpg

Here is the first test with filter adjustments.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/Test2-1.jpg


Here is the second test with a different filter adjustment and method to make the comic appear a certain way.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/Test3.jpg


Like I said, these are only two of many potential adjustments. Let me know what you think of these two adjustments and if there are any others I should try, also let me know. And also let me know if the comic appearance is a good idea as well.

[Pnutmaster]

I prefer the first test image with filters adjustments, very comic-book-esque.

Speaking of which, it is a good idea. Otherwise, your readers are basically staring at screenshots of the Sims :p

[Prolescum]

I like the last one, CB. Glad you're still doing it.

[CB2001]

Thanks Pnutmaster and Prolescum.

Yeah, I'm still doing it. The only thing holding me up right now is the 4 Sims I need. But I'm hoping to remedy it soon so I can begin work and give fans something to read between the end of the show to "The Plan" TV Movie and "Caprica" as well.

[Prolescum]

If you can't find a Doral model, use a Kevin Spacey one.

[CB2001]

If you can't find a Doral model, use a Kevin Spacey one.

LOL. I wish it were that simple. :p

[BSGfan-atic]

Put me down for the last one as well, nothing against the others, it's all good, but the last one really jumps out at me.

[CB2001]

Put me down for the last one as well, nothing against the others, it's all good, but the last one really jumps out at me.

Another vote for the second filter alteration test picture. :)

[CB2001]

So, here is the latest update on all things in relation to "Battestar Galactica: Odyssey".

Since the last few episodes have been shown, they pretty much have forced me to rework a lot of my story ideas as well as abandoned others.
Those abandoned:
1. John Coba being related to Laura Roslin- Since we have been shown Roslin's sisters (both of them looking well under the age of 30), it makes it impossible for John Coba to be her 25 year-old nephew, especially since both of them are killed shortly after the introduction.
2. How the Cylons went from metal to humanoid- I was going to explain the how and where they got the genetic material to go from metal to humanoid. But due to Sam Anders and Ellen Tigh, it has been completely abandoned.

Those heavily altered:
1. The Head Characters: Though they are "angels" in the show, why they stuck around Earth after 150,000 years later doesn't make sense if all that "God" wanted was to get them to the planet we would know as our Earth. I still have belief that a certain group is involved with what is going on, and that "God" is one of them.
2. The Series' Ending: Originally, I believed that humanity and Cylon was going to kick each others' butts until there was a handful, thus resulting them in landing on a planet that would become the new version of "Kobol". And for the ending of the comic series, it would have involved "the group" transferring the Battlestar Athena to another spot in the universe where the people on board would be "out of the cycle", and that would eventually become our "Earth". But since the actual show ended where our Earth is, it has forced me to consider using a concept that I do not know if it is within the show's realm or not: alternate realities. It is the only way now that I can keep the ending as I had planned and still use the group that I wanted to. If you have an opinion on the idea of "alternate realities" and if it is possible that they could exist in the BSG universe or if it seems just way too typical sci-fi to exist in the BSG realm.


Now, on the "production" side of the update, here's what's going on.

As stated before, the only thing that is holding up the production is four Sims that are necessary for the series. The Sims I need are of Cavil, Doral, Leoban and Simon. I've even gone as far as to make a Call For Help Video on YouTube in hopes that someone there may have already one made or will be able to make one. I also call for other Sims 2 items, as well in the video. I've even posted requests for the Sims, but no takers as of yet.

Right now, still trying to determine if I want to make the Battlestar Athena a Galactica-style Battlestar on the exterior or if i want to use the TOS Nova Class Battlestar design for her (basically, what the Galactica was in the original series). Either way, the interior will be different from either of the old or new series.

Also, I'm still trying to figure out what filters I want to go with. I will be performing a couple of "greenscreen" shots really soon and see how they look.


As of right now, I'm lingering because I'm waiting for the four Sims I need. I've got some BSG-related papercraft models I could construct to kill some time, but I've been thinking about replicating some paper props seen in the show (I've even considered on getting a Axcess BestBuilt Binder and make a replica binder like those seen on the show). I'm in limbo and suffering BSG withdrawal at the same time. Not exactly the spot you want to be in. I want to get the series started, to give fans something to read and keep themselves occupied during the next few months up until "The Plan" and the release of "Caprica". But I WILL get it out as soon as I can. I really would hate for this project, which I have taken four years to get off the ground, to die out before it can even get a chance to start.

That's about it for now. So say we all. :)

[Jonathan]

If it isn't too late I'd also like to put a vote in for the last one. The blacklining really makes the images pop. I read a lot of graphic novels, and review them too, and the thick black lines is a great way to call attention to the artwork.

Consequently, if you choose to use the black lining you could do it and remove all color turning it into a B&W comic. The blacklining here would really make the artwork pop while also focusing on the story. This method would almost be reductionist and/or minimalist. I'm not sure if it would be less work intensive or more for you.

[CB2001]

If it isn't too late I'd also like to put a vote in for the last one. The blacklining really makes the images pop. I read a lot of graphic novels, and review them too, and the thick black lines is a great way to call attention to the artwork.

Consequently, if you choose to use the black lining you could do it and remove all color turning it into a B&W comic. The blacklining here would really make the artwork pop while also focusing on the story. This method would almost be reductionist and/or minimalist. I'm not sure if it would be less work intensive or more for you.

Thanks for the input. And no, it's not too late to do the voting. It's just that I'm trying to make sure I get the alternation right and plan on performing a couple of "green screen" test shots to see if it's possible for me to use live action screen caps with Sims greenscreened into them and if they stand out at all or not.

TBH, I have considered to tell a story or two in black and white, but only if the story called for it. I originally was going to use black and white for a "flash forward" effect back when I was having a lot of "cause and effect" scenarios that come up (basically, choices made by characters in the comic series have affects that show up in the actual show. For example, originally, Ellen Tigh was going to be placed on board the Rising Star by Sheba. But since it's been revealed that a copy of Cavil placed her on board in the show, I'll still have Sheba give up her spot on the Rising Star to allow for Ellen Tigh to end up in the Fleet in the show. And if I had used the "cause and effect" scenario, I would have had a flash forward in black and white where Ellen Tigh talks about being placed onboard the Rising Star from "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down"). In the test comic, I used black and white for scenes that are meant to be character thoughts. But now, I think I will use black and white only when the story calls for it.

[Jonathan]

That is what I call a solid creative decision with solid reasoning to support the decision. I think it will make readers take notice almost like a call out box in a magazine or newspaper.

[CB2001]

That is what I call a solid creative decision with solid reasoning to support the decision. I think it will make readers take notice almost like a call out box in a magazine or newspaper.


Thanks. I tend to be one who comes up with ideas and reasonable thoughts behind them. And I tend to notice small details that often cause ideas upon ideas to flow. In fact, the John Coba and Kate (Model Eight Cylon) relationship was inspired by a single detail I noticed and a question I couldn't help but ask: Why would the Cylons go through the trouble of planning and executing the Farms for human female to male Cylon crossbreeding experiments in an controlled environment, yet trust Helo to get Athena knocked up in an uncontrolled environment where other factors would cause health problems? (After putting on my Cylon thinking cap, the only logical answer I could come up with was this: "Our original planned controlled test subject discovered the truth about the Cylon female by accident. So, Helo is a convenient backup. Granted, we've tried to kill him for the past five days, but better to use him and his connection to Boomer than to not have a test subject.")

Of course, I do not know if I'll still be doing the "cause and effect" thing (may just limit it to be references that fans will get), but I will be doing black and white when the story calls for it. All I need are the four Sims I'm missing and everything will go full swing. So, waiting I will do. :)

[CB2001]

Hey hey! It's me again, and I've got a new update. While in between doing class work and patiently waiting for the Sims I need to start work on the series, I have recently installed a new version of Photoshop as a part of the MasterCollection for Macintosh. So, after taking some "green screen" shots, I have placed a Sim into a screenshot to see if it's possible to do it and it be not noticeable as it would be if I left it normally. By doing this, it will help determine if comic bookizing the pictures will be the true way to go for the series. So, here is the first "green screen" test shots (more may follow)

Original Photo, no filters, Sim "greenscreened" in and light rendered to best fit the lighting in the picture.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/GreenTest1A.jpg

Photo with Find Edge Filters, as well as adding another layer with dodging effect to lower color intensity.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q94/codebreaker2001/BSGBTR/GreenTest2A.jpg

Let me know what you guys think which of the two blends together and if the filter applications made comes off better than the previous test shots: Using unfiltered shots with Sims greenscreened in or using the filters with greenscreened Sims in.

[CB2001]

BTW, I need some help here. I have a question for you: alternate realities - possible in the BSG universe or too typical Sci-Fi for the show? The reason why I ask is because I have to rework a lot of details including my ending, since Ron Moore sort of took my idea about a song being the co-ordinates to a new home planet for a group of human and Cylon refugees.

[CB2001]

Another update, not a whole lot:

After some discussions I have finally figured out a way to keep my series' ending without changing anything except for one detail. And it's something established within the show itself.

I still have not been able to find the four necessary Sims of the Cavils, Dorals, Simons and Leobans. So, in other words, the series is still in stall. I would begin now, but I think it would be weird to see Picon covered with just Model 3s, Model 6s and Model 8s (though most guys would see that as the perfect world, it would conflict with what we've seen on the show).


I'm working on another fan-based related work called "Operation: Rewatch", which will start on April 30. The idea is to rewatch episodes of the RIS BSG from now until the premieres of "The Plan" and "Caprica" (the series, not the DVD). This is an unofficial project that will utilitize the Launch Tube chatroom at BSGPilots.com. So, if you're a fan of the show and happen to have the boxsets, feel free to come. We will be starting it at 8 o'clock pm on April 30 (Thursday) with the mini-series and will be watching the extended episodes, and in chronological order (which means that "Razor" will be watched during Season 2 after "Captain's Hand" and before "Downloaded). And there will be a bit of an introduction video I'm working on too for it which will only be seen once. If you want to check it out, you are welcome to join in on it (Note: You will have to register in order to use the Launch Tube, however, registration is free): http://www.bsgpilots.com

[CB2001]

Hey everyone! Sorry for taking so long for new updates, but I've been rather busy. I've got some good news and some ongoing questions I'd like to ask you guys (feel free to chime in with your two-cubits).

First off, I've got great news. I've found a Simmaker who is working on some BSG Sims and she is willing to not only make the Significant 7 Cylon models I need, but will also allow me to use them in the series. The Lucy Lawless Sim I originally selected to be used for the comic will be replaced with a new one by her. So far, for the Cylon Models she has done, she has a D'anna and a Sharon done. Honestly, I feel both look closer to the actresses than the previous Sims I found of these two and plan on going with them. And I have sent pictures for her to do Leoban next. Let me know what you guys think of the D'anna and Sharon:

D'anna: http://v7images.ibibi.com/1177/1177876.jpg

Sharon:
http://v7images.ibibi.com/1180/1180515.jpg

The Sims Resource Page for hehthur (the user making the Sims): http://www.thesimsresource.com/members/hehthur/

Note: She also has a Helo, a Dualla and an Apollo she's done. All of them are available for download if you want to go with them. :)

I apologize if this has been mentioned before, but I've found quite a lot of Sim pose objects that have opened up a wide possibilities of Sim poses that may be able to use in the comic series.

I'm still putting on finishing touches for the first story in the comic series. I've just got to make sure if I want to include Kate's side of the story in the first story or wait for the second comic, which she shows up again in. I'm also trying to decide to have Selena and Rollin leave their home and then be caught, or to attempt to leave the planet and get caught. Also, trying to decide on how Glen Norme gets picked up. I may have to change Sheba's story a bit, since I've discovered that Cavil didn't just put Ellen on the Rising Star, but stayed with her during the events in "33" (I saw this in a special 30 second preview on the Sci-Fi website). But, needless to say, the series will be coming really soon.

One of the big questions I keep asking is this: "For the Battlestar Athena, will I have her be the TOS Galactica or the new Galactica design?" I definitely need some help here and an opinion: Should I go with the TOS Galactica design for the Athena or the new Galactica design for the Athena? I will admit, I have had one user send me to a couple of websites for designs of RIS BSG inspired vessels, but those models aren't available for the "Orbiter" space sim (to which someone has offered to help out for space shots, though as cool as it would be to have a different design for a Battlestar, the odds of getting a 3-D model to be converted over for the sim may be difficult, while the TOS Galactica and RIS Galactica are already available).

I've still got some "sets" to construct, primarily being some empty streets, "Union Central" subway station, a bus/school bus depot and several others for the first half of the comic series. I'm even looking at utilizing some of the lots constructed by other users. I will also get around to installing "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas", as well as the mods for it in hopes of making some necessary shots as well.

I've come across a site that has allows users to create their own Wikipedia for free. I've considered on opening one for the comic series. But I am not sure about it. For a homepage, I am still not sure of one I can use. I would prefer a free website and utilize a free file host to host the comics.

I know that this is not much of an update, but it's better to have something than nothing. Anyways, submit your feedback when you can.

[Prolescum]

Congrats, CB2001. I would follow your lead in choosing the TOS ship.

[CB2001]

Congrats, CB2001. I would follow your lead in choosing the TOS ship.

Thanks! I almost forgot to mention this before. But I was lucky enough to find a couple of users who are not only making RIS BSG related items, but TOS BSG items (such as costumes, model ships, etc) for the video game "The Movies". I've contacted both to see if I can get them when they are done. Don't know if it will be or not. But still, things are rolling. :D

[CB2001]

Well, here's the update. It's not much, but I figured I'd at least attempt to get something out there.

Remember the user I told you about, hehthur, who is suppose to do the Sims I need of the human Cylons? Well, I PMed her over the past few months with links to the screencaps I made of the actors I need for the series. Well, I haven't heard from her in a long while. In act, according to her board profile at The Sims Resource, she hasn't been on since June, when she posted her Boomer sim. And since The Sims Resource doesn't show e-mail addresses, I don't have a means of contacting her other than through TSR. So, I'm pretty much in limbo.

This limbo is beginning to make me wonder if I should proceed with the series. I really want to, but with all the setbacks throughout the five years of development, I'm beginning to wonder if it'll ever get off the ground. I'm also beginning to wonder if I made a mistake by changing the story's medium from typical text based to machininma. Looking at the whole thing, by doing text based, it would have afforded me the option of inviting other users to get involved in the creation of the series and it's entire run. However, by doing it as machinima, it affords me the ability to use the concept of "a picture is worth a thousand words", as I can convey the story through pictures and not have to the problem of finding the right words to describe events as they occur. But the drawback of it is the fact that I cannot invite others to be involved and help expand the story. In short, I'm in the middle of a mid-story-life crisis, contemplating on how and if I should proceed. It sucks, I know... But what else can I do but question my position at the current moment?

That's about it for now. Any feedback is welcome.

[CB2001]

A long overdue update:

Before I begin, I apologize for the long period of time in which it has taken me to post some sort of update. It's just film school has been chaotic for the past couple of months and since we're starting the new term today, I haven't had a real chance to get a word in edgewise for an update.

Now, onto the news. Remember that user I told you about, hehther? If not, here's a quick update: I originally commissioned her back in June to not only use her D'anna (Three) Sim and Sharon (Eight) Sim for "The Sims 2", but to also make the four Cylon models I need for "The Sims 2". After that, she sort of disappeared from the forum I ran into her at, I tried to find a way to e-mail her or some sort of other contact, out of concern that maybe something bad had happened. Well, I found she had a YouTube account and sent her a PM back in October. Still, there was no response. However, over the past weekend, I received a PM from her at YouTube to let me know she was alive and well, and the reason for not hearing from her in such a long time was due to her being pregnant and that she was sort of busy getting things settled before the child's birth. She has informed me that she still plans on making the Sims I need if I am willing to wait for it. Since I've waited this long, why not?

What does this mean? This means that, as of right now, the series is still on and a go. However, it doesn't mean that I am not going to be doing anything in the mean time. I have decided to work on a couple of smaller works that tie into the storyline for the "Odyssey" storyline, including a short fic called "Transcript", which is meant to be a chat log between seven models of Cylon on Picon, including a couple of Cylons that show up regularly in the series. I plan on doing some smaller comics dealing with the individual characters of the main group. And I'm still trying to pre-plot some events in the series run (such as the one year jump that occurs in the actual show, if I want to include the cast in the New Caprica setting or keep them aboard a Basestar during the period of time), as well as construct more "sets" in "The Sims 2".

I have also acquired a new useful game mod called "Garry's Mod", which I can use to make some setting shots that the characters can be green-screened onto in addition to green screening them into live action shots (as I have done the test shot for), as well as possibly execute one sequence I have long planned to perform with "Grand Theft Auto San Andreas". All I can say it may be more useful than I expect.

I have acquired "The Plan" and have watched it. Despite it answering some questions, it doesn't address the details I noticed throughout the series run. So, that means these details are going to be expressed in the comic series.

I know, not much of an update. But it is better than nothing.

[Prolescum]

Can't wait, dude. School's more important, but glad you haven't abandoned it.

[CB2001]

Can't wait, dude. School's more important, but glad you haven't abandoned it.

Thanks. The first thing you guys may be able to get that is related to the comic series is the "Transcript" short fan fic. It may not be at all interesting, but it's something.

[thevarrior]

I know how you feel - I'm in medical school so my time to contribute here is a bit limited as of late :(. Definitely keep us posted.

[CB2001]

I know how you feel - I'm in medical school so my time to contribute here is a bit limited as of late :(. Definitely keep us posted.

Most definitely will.