IDEA REPOSSESSION? Part II
Posted by terrance | Filed under Happenings
If you’re reading this blog, it stands to reason that you’re aware of Universal Picture’s upcoming film, Repo Men, which shares a suspiciously similar plot to that of REPO! The Genetic Opera. It further stands to reason you also know that REPO! Opera is based on a stage play with a ten-year history, created by Darren Smith and I. Repo Men, on the other hand, is based on a novel, The Repossession Mambo. This book came out in 2009.
Back in December, I posted “Idea Repossession?”, a detailed blog with the facts about, and my thoughts on, what many are calling plagiarism by Universal. This post has not deterred people from continually flooding my inbox with concerned letters, people who are just discovering Repo Men and are appalled by what seems to them to be an injustice.
Worse: a good number of these letter writers mistakenly think that REPO! Opera’s creative team has something to do with Repo Men and are angry, accusing us of selling-out by turning REPO! into a mainstream Hollywood affair.
These letters are frustrating; a negative taste is left in the senders’ mouths after discovering Repo Men, so negative, knee-jerk emails are then fired off to me. It sucks. I should be basking in the joy of completing the third issue of my new comic book series, The Molting. Instead, I’m sieving countless messages in the form of “Have you seen this new copycat movie? I hope you’re suing these pricks!”
Most of these letters come from fans of REPO! who are so incensed that someone might be bastardizing a project they love, that they hit SEND before researching the matter. While it’s frustrating to have to sift daily through these correspondences, it’s touching to have total strangers being so protective of something I helped create…even if they haven’t done their homework. I can accept this. I cannot, however, accept the same lack of research on the part of mainstream media outlets, which is why I’m compelled to write this blog.
A little over a week ago, AMCtv posted the article “How Repo Men Went From Also-ran to Front-Runner”. In this article, columnist Sara Cardace writes with confidence that REPO! Opera is based on the book The Repossession Mambo.
When I read this article, my jaw dropped. It’s bad enough that mainstream outlets have yet to shine an objective, just-the-facts spotlight on what audiences are intuitively feeling when they watch the 2008 theatrical trailer for REPO! and the 2010 trailer for Repo Men, but it’s irresponsible for them to spout outright untruths, especially when these “facts” can be easily dispelled with the most basic of searches: putting aside REPO!’s longstanding and very transparent stage history, how could our project be based on a book that came out a year after our movie was in theatres?
To make matters worse, the “comments” section on AMCtv’s article—a feature that appears on all of AMCtv’s posts—is deactivated, making it impossible for anyone to dispute the veracity of the writer’s claims.
My fear is that this article will be the first of many flagrant editorials that will try and paint REPO! Opera as a copycat. I fear that future reviewers will site articles like the one above as a “source” and use it to perpetuate further untruths. I fear that folks will read these articles and, in typical fashion, side with the “Big Guys”: the slick, well-funded PR campaign of Repo Men will make REPO! Opera’s unheard of authors seem like thieves.
So…what can be done? I’m not sure. My goal with this post is not to defer my frustration onto you, like so many of the angry correspondences I receive on the matter. Nor is my goal to badmouth Repo Men or the media: you could be a reviewer who legitimately hates REPO! Opera, loves Repo Men, and still be turned-off by distortions of the truth, especially when spread with impunity.
Why care…? I’m aware that this is only one article and that there are far greater injustices where I could (and probably should) focus my attentions, but I can’t help but care what people think of me. Moreover, I care about the projects I create.
I spend countless hours, often years (as is the case with REPO!) nurturing a project to life. Since I never plan to have children, I see these creations as my kids, my most precious contributions to the present world. It may sound corny, but I love my art. As such, I love REPO!, and I react like a protective hen when I feel someone is messin’ with my roost. It makes me want to strike back against their kids. I want to climb into the nursery window with a rattle, a ba-ba, and a cape, and assume the mantle of my villainous alter ego, SIDS.
Joking aside, I’m not going to do anything “childish” at AMCtv’s expense. I’m not going to send nasty or threatening letters. I’m not going to stalk their blogs. Nor am I advising anyone reading this post to do anything of the sort. I don’t condone that type of behavior, and aggressive negativity will not help REPO!’s cause. It will only make our fandom look petty and discourage anyone from taking our side.
That said, I don’t plan on being passive when articles like the one posted at AMCtv arise. And I would like your help on the matter:
If you’re a fan of REPO! and you come across an article that reports gross inaccuracies about the origins of REPO! The Genetic Opera, especially in relation to Repo Men, react. If there’s a place to leave a comment, do so. If there’s a listed address, write a letter. Politely inform the writer – and their readership – that they are mistaken in the reporting of facts. Kindly direct them to available sources that substantiate REPO!’s longstanding history. Sweetly recommend that they check out REPO! Opera, because the film, and the community surrounding the film, is awesome.
Kill ‘em with kindness. This is how we’ll bring people to our side.
Who knows, we may be able to inspire reviewers to write entirely new columns, editorials that not only vindicate REPO!, but that also showcase the wonderfulness of its fans? Audiences who have never heard of REPO! but are drawn to Repo Men’s gigantic marketing campaign, may become tomorrow’s REPO! Army.
For those interested, here is info on where to direct disputes to AMCtv about their February 9, 2010 post , “How Repo Men Went From Also-ran to Front Runner”:
Rainbow Media Holdings, LLC
11 Penn Plaza 15th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Attention: James Gallagher
Email: webmasterrm@rainbow-media.com
Fax Number: (646) 273-7190
UPDATED 3/1/2010: Due to your letters and comments, Sara Cardace has amended her article. It now accurately reflects the history of REPO! The Genetic Opera. Thank you all of for your support on this matter. You spoke, and your voices were heard. TESTIFY!
ShareThis
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:07 pm
[...] **UPDATED FEBRUARY 23, 2010: I received so many responses to this blog entry that I posted a follow-up article, “Idea Repossession? Part II”, which can be viewed here. [...]
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:11 pm
First off, I think you should know that my anti-spam word was “van”, in which case I think the automated anti-spam program is suggesting we find these people, throw them in the RAPE VAN and give ‘em what’s coming to them. I’ll bring my baseball bat.
Saying that, however, ruins the joke I was going to make about how obviously what happened here, that you’re not telling us, is that after you and Darren read “Repossession Mambo”, you were so inspired that you created a time machine so that you could travel into the past and create a much more interesting version of Repo Men first. Regardless of how much better it is, you guys clearly are the crazy thievery-doing people here. Going back ten years in the past to create a superiour performance piece, then stage play, then movie, all before the book you stole your idea was ever published. TO WHAT DEPTHS WON’T YOU SINK, YOU TIME BANDITS, YOU?
Ahem. Like I said, though, the joke is undone because I already expressed my utter RAAAGE.
Anyway. I think I shall send an email to the AMC people (and anyone else who I see popping up with utterly ridiculous wrong information), as soon as I can figure out how to compose something that isn’t entirely comprised of me going, “>:[!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ASSHATS!!!!!!!!” at them…
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Kill them with kindness………that’s my motto. I feel your pain, but you are handling things well. But do bask in the release of you new graphic novel. We are all behind you. Take care.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:00 pm
D: kill them with kindness is nice…
but so are torches and pitch forks.
It sucks people are accusing you &
Daren of selling out. Stupid people
will be stupid I suppose.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:26 pm
I applaud your response, as always, sir.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
I sheepishly admit I was someone that wrote you the first time, back before your first post regarding Repo Men.
I was angry about the circumstances in which Repo Men had surfaced, while you and Darren and all the amazing people that made Repo! a reality scratched and clawed just to get some publicity. You brought something to life that all of us as fans so desperately craved, a piece of nostalgia that would be long lasting and truly loved.
I never blame people for being pissed about Repo Men, but it is absolutely fucking appalling to accuse you of all the bullshit they have thrown at you without even growing enough of a brain to google their accusations. I am a life long Repo! fan, in love with the art that has been created and the feelings involved in partaking of said art.
I may only be one person, but I shall do as you ask. You are amazing, don’t ever doubt it just because some asshats decide to sling inaccuracies and accusations at you like a drunken monkey slinging feces from a disfigured paw.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:34 pm
On it.
Working on a big event for the 19th as well. No protests, harrassing film go-ers or damage to be done… promise.
All positive and positively in the name of REPO!
-Rox
PS.. I think it best I stay sober for this one. LOL.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Honestly?! really?!
What the fuck?
Okay hello this ladys a journalist right?
So she reports facts!
….Someones not doing there homework and speaking right out of their ass.
I dont fucking care if people think Repo! a ripp off i could easly point them in the right direction and kindly say “Hey check this place out here and read this and youll understand why i think your miss informed.”
But for her…the speck right out of her ass like that….on something that could be reserched so easily?
WHAT?!
are you that lame?
Shes payed to know what shes talking about!
The internet is ment for information to be sent stored, looked at, or whatever…..WHY NOT LOOK IT UP????
Theres all the repo! road tours, the blood, the sweat,tears,the years,the love, the time,the effort, The famous actors and actresses ect.
you even said yourself at one point you your playing graverobber druing the day and spending most nights drawing your ass off to fucking finish this project.
hello?
she just need to type in a few fucking words into a web browser….
WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU THAT LAME?!
im upset that shes that stupid and has a better job then me. Im upset that shes basing something i love. Im upset that she cant fucking ask someone. Im upset that lifes this fucked and that people that cant do there job are allowed to live.
honestly shes a journalist….come on.
I love repo!
and terrance youve inspired me to challange myself as an artist and start my own comic book….anyone that can inspire isnt someone that spends their time ripping off others ideas. your too awsome for that kinda of thing.
So honestly she should go fall off something vary VARY HIGH.
just keep doing what your doing.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:29 pm
That sucks. Seriously, I’m sorry, man. You would of thought that rumors and the my-idea-first games would stop after Elementary school. Looks like I’ve got that to look forward to later in life! I’ll be sure to defend Repo’s honor with the chivalry and dignity of a knight….minus the fearsome maces, swords, and lances.
And congrats again on the third issue! It sucks that this crap has to ruin your success.
The Little One
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:32 pm
The “comments” section is now enabled on this article.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:10 pm
How frustrating. Perhaps I have an overly sympathetic nature, but it makes me a little sad to think of you taken from the pleasure of a newly completed child to deal with the hiccups, issues and lack luster reporting of the outside world. Poor remarkable friend.
After the lot of us try to see to this maybe you can go back to the skittering joy of your work.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 12:59 am
Ok… People are now able to comment on the post. I know Tor did and I submitted one to be posted. It has to be “approved”. We will see if all of my research material gets posted. If it does, you all should check it out!
I did my fucking homework!!!
I also sent a copy of my post and elaborated on it to the e-mail you provided. Hope that it warrants a rewrite.
Good luck to you and Darren. We are behind you…
Now, go un-whined! There is a perfectly good beer in the fridge and a warm comfy couch, calling your name. Give in to them!!!!
Alexie Star
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 1:12 am
**hugs** Hopefully something good will come out of this–like hordes of new fans who hear about REPO! when googling repo men.
Good luck with the email.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 1:21 am
Oh Terrance, I’m sorry. That is complete ludicrous. The fabrications that are currently being made up about Repo!
Even though it was in joking terms, Repo IS your baby. You have every right to want to protect you and Darren Smith’s creation.
People, supposed “journalists” should do their research before posting some half-brained accusation of Repo being a knock off of a movie and book that came quite some time after your beloved Repo was birthed.
We, your real fans will still promote, dress up, act in character, and recruit people to what we’ve started (and stated) as a instant cult classic. And show non believers that THIS movie is the ORIGINAL event and that Repo Men is not and never was competition.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 2:00 am
It’s sad to see all of this taking place, as they are blatently and outright selling lies, wether or not on purpose. But all we can do is talk to them, tell them the facts and help them get the story straight, as this had changed so many of our lives that we should not let it be tarnished in such a way. We just have to keep working at what’s important and show Repo! Opera to those who may not have gotten the chance to yet see it and know what a difference it can make.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 4:54 am
I am so sorry all of this is going on, Terrance. Do you best to enjoy the success of The Molting and try to not let stupid crap like this ruin all of that.
You have our support. Rest assured.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 6:04 am
This is EXACTLY what is wrong with Mainstream news these days… No research… No fact check.
It is appalling and disgusting to know that someone at a mainstream media network (which will most likely happen as soon as this stupid ripped off movie opens) doesn’t research what they write… especially when the rave reviews start pouring out about how “original” it is. I mean come on! The name is even one letter off from a particular great movie produced by my favorite Michael Nesmith called Repo MAN!
I agree with you 100% that you should be protective of your creations – especially your art… because it is your Art! You put the time and effort into it… you thought of it… you gave birth to it so your natural (dare I say it) maternal or paternal instincts are justified… These are your art babies…
I’ll post your blog about the heritage that is REPO where ever I see a pathetic excuse for a news report about the new movie.. I do hope there are some journalists out there that know how to report accurate and intelligent articles, even if it is just a critique of an up and coming movie…
Ok… I’ve said my peace… I am 100% behind your actions and hope I can help whenever needed!
xo
Michele
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 8:03 am
The Luigi Largo of the Scalpel Scots, a.k.a. Pudding a.k.a. Eilidh, wrote a rather succinct blog on the Repo! The Genetic Opera/Repo Men situation (and why Repo! is so much better).
http://cakepirates.blogspot.com/2010/02/repo-men-rip-off.html
It must be hellish working so hard on something original and then have other people call you the copycats. Take heart though, I can guarantee you Repo Men will never have a fandom as dedicated as us.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 8:31 am
Email Sent. Fax Sent. Letter in the mail.
And no, I didn’t rant even once, but will briefly now:
I’m so disappointed in AMC! They’ve always been the network that’s made a point of knowing the neat trivia factoids & stories that go into the creative process of classic / cult films. What a blatant example of sheer LAZINESS in reporting!
*teeth grinding*
Thanks for the post.
AMC needs to know they eff-ed up… in a kind, polite, and civilized way of course.
And who knows? They may even thank us in the end! I mean… it’s possible, right?? …Maybe???
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 11:25 am
Done and done, good sir.
Also, who the heck could criticize an artist for loving their art?
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 11:33 am
Done!
The comments feature is enabled now. They will be getting an onslaught of comments from us.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 12:28 pm
And just a minutes ago:
****************************************
By Sara Cardace on February 24, 2010 1:58 PM:
Thanks for checking in to correct me, folks! Right you (all) are. This was a complicated history to track and I must have gotten it scrambled along the way. Sincerest apologies – there was no disrespect intended for the fine folks behind Repo: The Genetic Opera.
For the record: Yes, it’s true. Repo: The Genetic Opera was based on an independent play. Repo Men is based on the novel Repossession Mambo, a totally different work. And Repo: The Web Stalker Snafu has made this writer determined to be a better self-fact-checker in the future!
********************************
Go Repo Army!
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
That is completely ridiculous! You would think that they would have researched more thoroughly. If they had they would have quickly found out that REPO! has been around for years, and that just because it isn’t a by-product of “Hollywood” doesn’t make it any less of cinematic and creative success. REPO!’s legion of fans is enough evidence that what you and many others did is completely original. (That made much more sense in my head, but I’m going to post it anyway)
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
WOW I am shocked how quick my little rant got on there and how quick more people responded I love Repo! and the way we all come together perhaps if we do this somewhere else, point out how this story began and where it all started. We might be able to not only get more people to see the movie, but we might even show people the truth, Like Terrence said though lets do it with kindness, not cussing just true facts with proof to back it. On that point is there anyone who still has any of the old playbills beside TZ and DB or things like that?
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Great work gang!
@Tor: Yes! The elloquent and professional approach to this will allow people to hear exactly what we are saying. The facts. Otherwise, they’ll just hear (read) childish tantrums and disregard the entire point.
-Rox
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
God Terrance, I am so sorry that people would do this to you and your crew. Your idea has the brains and beauty that many do not have the capacity to get on their own so they have to steal it from you…That makes me sad. I honestly hope that their film tanks at the box office and Repo The Genetic Opera rises from the ashes like the goregous pheonix it is. I will continue to suppourt REPO and you.
COUNT ON IT
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
I must say the immediate and thorough onslaught of comments from informed REPO! fans on that article as soon as comments were enabled, and the rapid response from the writer were wonderfully gratifying. Now if the writer would only post an actual EDIT within the body or at the foot of the original article… Sadly, it’s been out there since Feb. 9, and there’s no telling how many people are touting it as gospel fact already. *sigh*
You are handling this with tremendous grace, sir, and I hope that I and mine may do you proud in OUR diplomacy when addressing this issue with would-be Repo Men fans. I simply look at them as potential REPO! fans, after all.
Thank you for taking the time to address this publicly for all of us, too. It’s a good reference to be able to send people to! *grin*
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
I agree with Courtney. Let’s shove them in the Rape Van!
On a more serious note, it is a shame that you have to worry about all of this negativity when you should be celebrating not only the 3rd issue of The Molting, but the success of Repo!. I mean, there are shadowcasts in 3 countries, a fan base that is supportive of the creators 100%, and events proving that We Started this Opera Shit everywhere.
I hope everything works out <33
- Taylor Sweet (Traitors to GeneCo)
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Ok…first…breath in…..breath out….
Now, I have to say, a friend of mine knowing me to be a big REPO! Opera fan mentioned how the new movie looked so much more alluring to him than the original!!! AGAIN…breath in….breath out….I opened my eyes and smiled and simply explained to him that in fact this was not a remake of MY REPO!, this was just a flattering imitation of THE ORIGINAL.
I am a great believer of killing them with kindness (and knowledge) and just letting them know the truth about what is going on and where they can find the answer. You have just won another star in my book for your very calm and educated way of looking at this situation and as you are doing now, I will also let anyone who asks know how this movie and the book differ from the REPO we all love and probably know by heart.
Much love…
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
Oh, one more thing… Just know we are all here if you need a very large and supportive shoulder and I can send you my voodoo doll (with daggers and pins attached) if you need something to stab.
much love.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Don’t lash out, smother them in sweetness. I get it, boss, I really do, but still… fuckin’ RAWR!!
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
I am glad the author of the article apologized to everyone, but she did so in the comments section, not in the actual article. So, here’s what I left for her:
Ms. Cardace, while I appreciate the fact that you took the time to apologize to your readers and confirm the fact that Repo! the Genetic Opera and Repo Men did NOT have the same source material, I don’t feel that doing so in the comments section is enough. Many people will only read or quote an article; they won’t take the time to sift through the comments section. The fact is that your published article misrepresents Repo! Opera (even if this was accidental). The appropriate and professional course of action would be to publish a retraction, edit the article, or maybe write a new blog that discusses the two films based in the actual facts.
I know all these comments you have received seem like they come from over zealous Repo! Opera fans. And while I will admit to being a part of the Genetic Opera fan “cult,” my complaints have to do with honest writing and good research. Unfortunately, Universal has a huge budget and can promote and advertise Repo Men for the next fifty years. What Repo! the Genetic Opera has is a very loyal and dedicated fan base that has tirelessly devoted their time in promoting the film they love through fan based artwork, ads, street performances, and over forty “shadowcasts” that perform weekly. Repo! Opera is a film that is still playing in theatres across the country and in Canada every single week, over a year after it was initially released in theatres. Only a small handful of films can make that claim. Around it a small but very close knit community of people has grown– the Repo Army. And again, not many films can claim that either. And perhaps that is where the real story lies.
Thank you for your time and consideration in the matter.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 24th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Wooo Whoo!!! We did if folks! They, at AMCtv are amending the story! Here is the post that the author of the article wrote.
“By Sara Cardace on February 24, 2010 10:36 PM
Apologies for making it seem like we were taking this lightly. We are already working on a full correction to the post – we just want to make sure we get it exactly right this time so there is no more confusion. You can expect to see an amendment shortly…
Best,
Web Stalker”
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2010 at 11:22 am
That’s great, Alexie!
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Hey, your friendly AZ graverobber here, Just to give you a heads up the author of that artical has updated it and even linked your blog with proof that you came first
.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Wow… Did anyone else get an email from AMC’s Legal Counsel to make sure you knew about the corrected article? Sheesh!! Looks like they were pretty freaked out (and rightly so!), but it’s all good now.
TESTIFY! (Kindly)
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
As an artist I feel copy right is too over done there is only so many ideas and musical rifts to go around. Beside people buying copyrights out of the very lacking public domain. Art builds on ideas and inspiration from other artist. To: Terrance Zdunich: I think your handling this very well Terrance. It is really Lions Gate’s problem if there was/is an issue with Repo Men movie. Congratulations on your third release of Molten Comic book and hope your day is smiles.
P.S. My two year old daughter has her first crush on you as the Grave Robber. She wants me to fwd to your scenes all the time and wants to watch your interviews online. Pointing at you with a smile on her face.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Ah, the power of persuasion!!! I think the apology was done due to all the messages posted, but secretly I think she’s just terrified of us sending a RepoMan after her.
Hugs and kisses to all that helped and will help this clarification be heard.
TESTIFY!!!!!
TZ much love for you.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
You have no idea how shocked I am :c
When I first saw the Repo Men trailers, I obviously didn’t pay enough attention to notice that it follows a plotline WAY too similar to REPO!’s. A few of my friends even mistook it as the sequel but I spotted your name nowhere so I didn’t care for it.
Now what AMC did is simply wrong. Only one minute of time could’ve been wasted researching REPO! instead of just spreading a lie.
But you have no idea how much I love you. I had to write a paper about complaining to a certain company and now I’ll actually write happily and actually care! Of course, I’ll take a calm approach c:
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
AS if that wasn’t bad enough It turns out Deviantart Ids holding a design a fake body part contest. But I was glad to see That I was not the only one apposed to Deviantarts contest and a large majority of Deviantarts Repo community is bandin together to try to boycott the contest.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
What kind of journalist doesn’t fully do their homework before writing an article? Obviously not a professional one.
I’m so sorry that all this is happening to you and Darren and everyone. It’s unfair and it makes all us Repo! fans very upset.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 25th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
I am in the process of reading Repossession Mambo, and there are many similarities. Spooky wrote a blog about it.
I find it shocking that people thing Repo! is based on this book, yet it’s understandable to the ignorant.
Even so, reporters should do their homework.
-sigh-
We need to make more noise. Pleasant noises about this. Real repomen sing.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2010 at 9:17 am
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by Medxcal: http://www.terrancezdunich.com/blog/?p=3223...
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
I just sent an e-mail to the address that Terrance posted above. It wasn’t an angry one, it just clearly stated how bad that woman fucked up. TESTIFY!! ^_^
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Those of us who know the real truth will always stand behind you and follow you and your work.
We become angry because we know you deserve to reap as much reward as you can from your brilliance, not have it taken by others. The world seems to be filled with lies and greed. Such a pity.
Continue your greatness, sir! And thank you.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Thanks for being a voice of reason in all this. Us Repo! fans are a passionate bunch, so of course blood’s gonna boil. I like seeing that you and Bousman are taking the high road in this. It’s going to be very important down the line.
How are we going to increase the fan-base if the current one looks like a bunch of rabid fanatics. That’s only going to scare people off.
(Also, funny story. I ended up getting into this because I thought the NJ stop on the 3rd road tour was a limited engagement for “Gene Generation”. No regrets of course, but hey, lightening could strike twice. Something to think about.)
So yeah, thanks for keeping a cool head Terrance. I appreciate it.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 26th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
“Imitation is the highest form of flattery”…Repo:The Genetic Opera, may be imitated, but NEVER duplicated! Terrence, you guys rock our world!
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 27th, 2010 at 10:17 am
I looked up that article and all of the comments were about how the reporter had gotten her facts wrong, and what the truth really was.
Thanks for presenting the facts so calmly- it helps the rest of us keep a cool head about this.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 27th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
I have been a long-time fan of Repo! and have just lurked this blog for a long time but now I feel the need to say something. Terrance, I respect your views on this and sympathize with you. However, your reaction and response to this, along with DLB’s, have left me with an empty feeling of hopelessness that this travesty will NEVER be brought to justice. I mean, you guys have worked SO HARD to bring this to us only to have it so blatantly ripped-off. I seriously had to turn my TV off and scream for ten minutes when Adult Swim played Repo Men TV spots back-to-back. IT WAS DISGUSTING AND THIS NEEDS TO STOP! D:
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 27th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Okay, maybe I’m over-reacting. But I am a firm believer in defending art and “Repo! The Genetic Opera” is a TRUE work of art.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 27th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
The book/movie makes me want to bang my head against my keyboard and pull a Luigi.
But, hey, it’s pretty darn satisfying to direct people raving about “Repo Men” to “Repo! The Genetic Opera.” I’ve already converted some friends.
I love the outlook you have on this. It feels so great to know that the people who created the “original” aren’t losing their heads about it, but are taking the high road and being polite.
It makes me want to shove this blog in the faces of the big guys at huge companies.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 27th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Sara Cardace wrote an amendment and apology as of the 24th of Feb. Damn… Took only 24 hours. She also has stated she needs a better fact finder. lol. But at least she did back up and apologize. Perhaps she can do an article on Repo! itself later to further the apology for marring Darren and Terrance’s good names. She should.
~Repo! The Genetic Opera (movie), 2008
The Repossession Mambo, 2009
Repo Men, 2010~
LONG LIVE REPO!
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 28th, 2010 at 7:38 am
Twat. If she’d read anything by the fans, she would never have been able to get the chronology wrong. Hell, even if she just went with official lines, she would have come across you guys saying ‘let’s not do anything hasty, yeah? So they’ve ripped off our baby and cashed in on blatant plagiarism, but we won’t do ourselves any good by hurling abuse at them.’.
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 28th, 2010 at 8:33 am
I’m kinda pissed off more than I have ever been now. I just checked Repo Men’s IMDB page and the majority of its ratings are the highest they can be. This is injustice at such a low level I can’t even describe it. If Repo Men wins an Oscar my world of fighting for what I love will be over, even though I’ll always love Repo!
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 28th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
I am saddened by the lengths to which this crazyness has gone to…
Now a certain reputable (or at least formerly reputable in my opinion) art community website has begun a contest for concept art for the new Repo Men movie. When I saw the announcement, I was nearly physically ill.
I can say that 90% or more of the comments on the contest are by outraged and concerned Repo! fans or others who recognize that this movie’s concept did not appear out of thin air.
Sadly, too, there is a lot of arguing going on over there over the definition of originality, what constitutes moral plagiarism, and the like.
It’s a shame that this is going on right now. I recently purchased issues #1 and #2 of The Molting, and though I haven’t gotten to finish issue #1 as of yet, it’s AWESOME and I can’t wait to get to issue #3. I’m sorry that this crap is making it harder to celebrate your third issue!
My best friend and I introduced another friend to Repo! today, and she intends to share the film as well. Hopefully, through sharing a love of your film more strongly than any type of hate for Repo Men, we can help do what you’re suggesting here.
Much love for RTGO, as always… And a hope that something or somethings positive can can somehow come out of this crazy mess!
----------------------------------------------------------------
February 28th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
It just occurred to me, the big boys at Lion Gate must be pulling out their hair right about now that Universal cashed in on an idea they were offered first. Maybe the bright side of all this is to tip your hats to Lion Gate and say “SEE I TOLD YOU SO!!”
On a much happier note, I just got my copy of “The Happiest Place on Earth” and “Ootheca” and I have to say; Mr. Zdunich you never disappoint. The artwork is, as always, amazing and the story line is interesting and keeps me wanting more. Can not wait for Part 4. Please revel in the knowledge that you are an admirable artist and I for one will always look to the future to see what you will come up with next.
much love
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:31 am
I’ve been a fan of Eric Garcia’s work for years. (He wrote Matchstick Men, now a Nicholas Cage film by Ridley Scott, and Anonymous Rex, which was butchered by SciFi.) When I saw his new book on the shelf, I bought it immediately. It’s a noir thriller, one that an SF fan like me can really appreciate.
However, I am also a fan of “midnight movies,” the type of cult hits and Japanese B-movies that indy theatres play on Friday nights. I enjoyed Dr. Horrible; I’ll see REPO! someday too.
(I like both Star Trek and Star Wars – what a concept!)
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Here’s what I’m doing and some of you may want to do the same. Even though, at this point, it’s almost pointless, I’m going to send an anonymus letter to Universal of outrage. I also plan on telling them that, no, it’s not technically stealing in the legal world if it’s only a concept or idea, so they shouldn’t mind if I pirate Repo Man since I wasn’t ever going to pay to see it and they’re not going to lose any money from it. I’m not sure who it should be sent to, but Universal’s address is Universal Orlando Resort, 1000 Universal Studios Plaza, Orlando, FL 32819-7610. If you can find the addresses of Miguel Sapochnik (Director), Eric Garcia (screenplay and author of Repossession Mambo), Garrett Lerner (screenplay), or Relativity Media, Stuber Productions, and Mambo Film Productions (production), then I suggest doing the same. I’m getting my family in on it too. And the power of writing annonymously? You can send more than one letter… We can triple our numbers! Remember…TESTIFY! Stand up for what’s right! Even if we can’t stop it now, I’ll feel better knowing I tried!
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:01 pm
I have to comment, because my love for Repo!. I’ve spent the past 2 years correcting idiots who THINK they know Repo (sorry, but John Lithgow is NOT in the movie. I’m tired of telling people this one. lol). Anways, I’m very pleased to see that no one involved with Repo! was involved Repo Men! THANK GOD! I’m holding out hope for a sequel, and when I seen the trailer for Repo Men, I got excited – until the trailer was over and I was left sitting there in disappointment. Definitely un-original. But, the way I see it, Jude Law fans may flock the theaters once to see it, be very disappointed and NOT bother to rent/buy the movie. I doubt anyone’s gonna make a girls/boys night out the day it comes out to BlueRay. And, no one is gonna hear their soundtrack being blared from a car at Sonic. (sorry to other Sonic-goers…couldn’t help it!
) That all said, Terrance and Darren, could you please come out with the prequel/sequel????? We’re dying here!!!!!!
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 4th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Some friends of mine are asking to borrow my copy o REPO! to see the similarities. Everyone who’s seen it loves it. Repo Men can have some positive side effects.
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 4th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
I am a huge Repo! fan. i have been since i was 12 (im currently 13) and i was VERY annoyed when i saw the trailer for repo men. after i saw it, my friends and family kept asking me this one question: ‘do you think repo men is a copy of Repo!?’ and i didnt know what to tell them. i wanted to see what you and darren said before i went around saying anything.
now because of this blog, i can now tell them no
thank you Terrance Zdunich, for providing answers.
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 4th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Terrance, you are an amazing guy to keep such a level head on your shoulders throughout this. As a huge fan of Repo!, I can only spread the word about it when someone talks about Repo Men, because I adore this movie so much. I will admit, I was infuriated when I first read about a mainstream Repo movie coming out. But, reading your blogs about it, has made me confident that this Universal film may even be some publicity for Repo! and get more people into it. Your confidence is easily picked up through your blogs. You have amazed me with the actions you have taken with this. As a Repo! fan, i pledge to stand behind you 100% and spread the word about your works.
TESTIFY!
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 4th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
I have to admit I was disguisted when I saw my first ad for Repo Men. It is sad that so many people, both media and readers, will see these articles and assume REPO! is the copycat. Your REPO! is awesome and deserves more credit (and revenue) than it has been given. Like David Spade’s Hollywood Minute from SNL…..”Repo Men, I liked it the first time. When it was called REPO! A Genetic Opera.”
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 4th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
They’re not just ripping off “Repo!”. When I read a description of the plot, my reaction was “oh, they’ve combined Repo! with Logan’s Run, and are trying to pass it off as original”.
I mean, we’ve got a futuristic dystopian society, and there’s men whose job it is to kill people who resist the normal regulatory processes that would otherwise kill them (Sandmen vs. Repo Men). We are introduced to a pair of them who are buddies/partners (Logan & Francis vs. Remy & Jake). And then through some involuntary circumstance, one of those men is suddenly and unexpectedly in the position of being a *target* for this “service”. And then Logan/Remy becomes a sort of “runner”, and Francis/Jake remain true to their once-shared profession and hunts them down.
TLDR: It’s not an original work, and not a purely-Repo ripoff; it’s a mashup!
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 4th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Oh, Terrance, I forgot two other things I wanted to mention:
1) If your work is going to be ripped off to be part of a mashup, having it combined with Logan’s Run is actually a bit of an honor. I mean, that’s a classic film that’s really important to a lot of people. Seeing that when someone else wanted to rip it off and strap a different face on it (like Pavi), they chose *your* face to wear (like Amber’s), that could actually be reasonable to take as a compliment.
2) Considering all of this nonsense, you should *totally* go out and get completely drunk with Lloyd Kauffman. You should promise not to tell any of *us* what the two of you end up talking about, but it seems like you really ought to go hang out and get shitfaced with him.
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 5th, 2010 at 12:07 am
I love how any mention of Repo Men’s intellectual content begins with “they”, as if the faceless corporation known as Universal rejected REPO!, and then immediately brought in a second-rate roomful of summer-movie hack writers to exploit the idea.
The Reposession Mambo started in 1997 as a short story by Eric Garcia. He knew it was darkly humorous, and it wouldn’t be an easy sell, but by then he had fallen in love with the story.
He wrote and published other novels while he polished Reposession Mambo: the Anonymous Rex series, Cassandra French’s Finishing School For Boys, and Matchstick Men.
Meanwhile, he and writer Garrett Lerner developed a screenplay based on the as-yet unsold novel. No studio would touch it, until Jude Law made it his pet project – after his agent practically forced him to read the script.
This is a creative work sprung from two minds, Eric and Garrett, just like REPO! came from Terry and Darren. They’re not out to create a phenomenon, or to squash the wonderful creative work that is REPO!, they just want to tell a story. Like Digimon and Pokemon, like Bradys and Partridges, there’s room at the table for two.
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 7th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Just found this out (I actually read something – lol!) For all Repo! fans, I think you should check out the review for Repomen on imdb.com. I’ll just say that I’m pretty sure a Repo! fan wrote it.
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 8th, 2010 at 8:03 am
your a class act!!!
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 10th, 2010 at 7:12 am
Stand up for the rights of Repo! the Genetic Opera in your own way! Here’s the plan (and what I plan on doing)
On March 19 Repo men will be released to theatres. This is where true Repo! fans come out…dressed in their Repo! T-shirts and swag or dressed as their favorite character. Go see Repo Men in style (or just stand outside the theatre or go to a different movie), when people ask, show them you’re copy of Repo! The Genetic Opera. Show them the real Repo!
Who knows…maybe the media will lap it up.
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 12th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
You are such a class act Terrance. Well done on the way you have behaved through this and the example you’re setting. I wish you nothing but luck in your future
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 13th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
I’ve gotta tell you, I’m glad that you have taken the high road in this matter. So many people would have flipped their lids if this had happened to them.
I was describing REPO the Opera to a friend at work who then informed me that there was another movie with this premise and I was in disbelief so I went home and googled it. My jaw dropped. I too was outraged because I am utterly in love with REPO the Opera.
I now read these blogs and comments and think wow, I never realized what kind of fan base it had and how loyal these people are. That’s amazing!
To all of the fans of REPO,you all are amazing. With all of your support and the ,no doubt, flood of emails and letters sent to Sara Cardace about this matter has made her stop, re think and re write. Awesomeness. People think that a simple letter or email cannot get results but you’ve all proven it can.
Kudos and keep up the good stuff.
To Terrance, no need to worry about your chicks, as long as you have them in your heart and the hearts of others (not to mention the appropriate paperwork) they will always be yours and they will always be safe. The media/entertainment business is always going to ruffle your feathers, but as long as you hold your head up and try not to let them get to you, you’re golden.
I’m looking forward to seeing you’re latest work
Thanks for sharing with all of us your gifts, talents and creations.
Jenni
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
i must concur with jenni i’m glad you’ve taken the high road.
and i plan on doing everything i can to both abide by your wishes while i “testify” to the truth of REPO!
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 17th, 2010 at 6:57 pm
If I could speak in english properly I’d write a bid article about this… but as my english s*cks…
The only thing I can say is that I hope Repo Men could even wish to be as original as Repo! The Genetic Opera
Here in Spain it’s a really hard-to-find movie (I saw the trailer on the internet but didn’t know anything else). Finally I could find the DVD in a specialized horror movies shop U.U I couldn’t believe I had it in my hands hahaha.
I just fell in love with the movie, I like EVERY SINGLE detail on it…
Thank you Terrance for bringing Repo! to the world, you can at least be proud of all the fans supporting you and the film team in moments like these
All the best from Spain, and good luck with all you projects, you deserve it
Yadira.
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 18th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
[...] of “Repo!” in its many incarnations and Zdunich has every right to be angry, posting a blog that refutes an AMCtv article that stated at one point that “Repo!” was based [...]
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 18th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
I am glad that you are being so cool about this Terrance. It shows that you are mature and can think about things in a different matter. I love Repo! don’t get me wrong, and when I saw the trailer for Repo Men I too thought it was a rip off. But no matter if it is or isn’t, Repo! will always (and forever!) be #1 in my eyes. Nothing can replace the hours (or days) I have spent enjoying the music, watching the film, and trying to suggest to my friends that they should watch Repo!. But once again, thank you for being so cool about this whole situation.
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 19th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Thought you’d appreciate this part of a review of RepoMen:
“There’s been some kind of apocalypse, stripping Hollywood of new ideas.
This leaves rookie helmer Miguel Sapochnik, as well as screenwriters Eric Garcia and Garret Lerner, with no choice but to make do with refried plot devices about heartless capitalism and mechanized humanity.
They take chunks of Blade Runner, Logan’s Run and District 9, add a dollop of Total Recall and fry it up in the lard of Repo! The Genetic Opera. Season and serve.”
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/article/782055–repo-men-recycled-parts-but-an-entertaining-whole
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 20th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Much has already been said, so I will not rant about how I feel about the new Repo Men movie, book or certain plagiarist details.
But I do feel it is important to state that Repo! is a unique and extraordinary film that will never compare to anything produced by “Hollywood”. The best that can come from this situation is that Repo! receives some free press and more fans.
TESTIFY!
----------------------------------------------------------------
March 24th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
Oh, Terrance. Dead baby jokes? Really? (I knew there was a reason why I love you!)
Repo Army, here’s a plan: Next time you go to the theater, take a stack of fliers for Repo! Opera (they’re easy to make, I promise; bonus: you can fit quite a few fliers in those huge ugly handbags that are so fashionable right now) and put them up in every stall of the bathrooms, on the backs of doors at the exits, whatever, anywhere, everywhere. Get your friends to help. It’s for a good cause.
TESTIFY, bitches.
----------------------------------------------------------------
April 9th, 2010 at 7:49 am
You may or may not be pleased to read the differences in Reception that these two films got.
For Repo Men:
The film received generally negative reviews from critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 24% of 101 critics have given the film a positive review, with a rating average of 4.2 out of 10.[9] Among Rotten Tomatoes’ “Top Critics”, which consists of popular and notable critics from the top newspapers, websites, television and radio programs, the film holds an overall approval rating of 15%, based on a sample of 20 reviews. The site’s general consensus is that “Repo Men has an intriguing premise, as well as a likable pair of leads, but they’re wasted on a rote screenplay, indifferent direction, and mind-numbing gore.” Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score out of 1–100 reviews from film critics, has a rating score of 32 based on 31 reviews. (Note the Rotten Tomatoes 24% positive. This site rarely has positive reviews at all.)
For REPO! The Genetic Opera:
On March 4, 2008, there was a test screening of Repo! The Genetic Opera, with many critics and crew in attendance. The reviews written from the screening were all extremely positive. However, the film they saw was not the fully completed version. Some noted that the sound mixing was not finished. The director finished the final touches on the film as of March 31, 2008. The Fantasia Film Festival, held in Montreal, Quebec on July 18, 2008, had the first official fully edited screening of Repo! the Genetic Opera. The show was sold out and the film won the “Fantasia Ground-Breaker Award”. The Fantasy Filmfest, held in different towns of Germany (August 2008), showed a very positive review to Repo!.
The film review aggregating website Rotten Tomatoes reports generally negative reviews, with only 33% of reviews being positive. The consensus of the film given is: “Bombastic and intentionally gross, Repo! The Genetic Opera has a unique style, but lacks the wit and substance to be involving.”
Out of the two, REPO! had the most positive reviews. 33% positive from Rotten Tomatoes, as opposed to 24% for Repo Men. REPO! is also a Cult Classic, and had a following -before- the movie was ever released. Repo Men has no such following.
I do hope this information quells some of the rage of your fans that read this. =)
----------------------------------------------------------------
June 9th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
sorry TZ, but i can’t kill them with kindness… maybe a knife, but not kindness. i remember as a kid i always thought opera’s were kewl, how they would sing everything not just speak it. to say the least such views made me quite unpopular. thus when repo! came out i went “yes! now here are people who get me!” i had to buy 3 copies of it just because my friends kept borrowing it from me for months at a time. and the funny thing was i had heard word of a sequel so when repo men came out that was my first thought. let’s just say things went down hill from there. i won’t call it a direct rip off, repo! is an opera, repo men is not. this being said there are far to many things in common to simply look the other way. it occurs to me that the best way to deal with these idea thieves is to repossess the idea and never let it die. testify everyday~
----------------------------------------------------------------