'Fanboys' Protest Fizzles
Filed under: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Celebrities and Controversy, Fandom, The Weinstein Co., Comic/Superhero/Geek
Or did it? It seems it depends on who you ask. The Hollywood Reporter has a long story recounting the Fanboys supporters' attempt to picket Superhero Movie. The protest actually grabbed a few headlines, which would suggest there were numerous stormtroopers out there sticking it to the man -- claims denied by AMC theatre reps and by the Weinstein Co.The 501st (who are now denying any official stance or organized protest) says that at least 14 members showed up at a New York AMC, but when confronted by security guards, chose to buy a ticket to see 21 instead. They also claim that 20 stormtroopers showed up at Century City, but were asked to leave the mall by security guards. AMC denies both incidents occurred, and that the only protester in Century City was a lone Darth Vader.
A source close to the film says that it was eight protesters in Century City, and that they were taken out for pizza by a producer. That's certainly confirmed by a quote from producer Matthew Perniciaro: "We've been working on this movie for many years, and if someone is going to take time out of their personal life and support our film, whatever that support might be, at the very least what we can do is say thank you and buy them a couple of slices of pizza for caring abut this project as much as we do."
Anonymous fans insist that AMC theatres were prepared, and immediately quashed all dissent. "Guards were everywhere. "At one point, I counted nine, no joke. They hired a whole force, and whenever someone showed up looking around for the protest, they were surrounded by guards and told to leave instantly or be arrested. I guess you can't really hold a protest on private property." Once again, AMC denied any such showdown.
There's one thing that cannot be denied -- and that's the box-office numbers for Superhero Movie, which took in $9.5 million, well below the estimated $14-$19 million projected. Protesters are pointing to this as a sign that the boycott was victorious, and that even if few were picketing, many more still chose to spend their dollars elsewhere. On the other hand, it could be completely unrelated. Audiences may, at long last, be fed up with spoof movies.
It's difficult to say what happened -- Ten Days That Shook the World it was not, but it certainly cast more spotlight on a story that just keeps reaching new heights of insanity. My biggest question is when the Weinsteins failed Movie Publicity 101? Protesting stormtroopers, Darth Vaders eating pizza with Fanboys producers, a headline on Reuters -- how many people, happily living in ignorance, now know of a movie called Fanboys? And yet there is still no release date? Talk about being asleep at the wheel. Granted, I didn't take Movie Publicity 101, but it seems to me that something like "Fanboys comes out April 20th, 2008" would have been helpful tacked on the end of all the stories like this one.
If you are one of those happily ignorant people, and are reading this going "What's all this about?" you can start here, and work your way backward.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-02-2008 @ 2:43AM
Romain Rousse said...
Since this article may let you think otherwise, I would like to say out loud that the 501st Legion is in NO WAY affiliated with this protest against the movie.
Here is the official statement you can find on our official website ( http://www.501st.com )
"The 501st Legion is not involved as an organization in any protests, boycotts, or movements related to the film Fanboys, nor do we have an opinion or position on the film (which has not yet been released). A few of our more than 4,000 members in 47 countries participated in the project, and accordingly may have their personal opinions about the current issues surrounding the project. But their participation in this film was not coordinated through or sanctioned by the Legion. Our organization is an all-volunteer costuming club that focuses on official Star Wars promotions and charity work. Mounting protests is counter to the Legion's mission and would detract from the time and energy that we currently devote to more meaningful causes."
Therefore, despite what is written in the article, the 501st doesn't claim having organized a protest against the movie or having costumed members showing up for the premiere.
If you have any question about the 501st Legion, feel free to stop by our official website : http://www.501st.com/
Regards,
Romain Rousse - TK 3375
501st Legion
Public Relations Officer
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4-05-2008 @ 9:40AM
shertek said...
"The 501st (who are now denying any official stance or organized protest)... "
Your article reflects poor journalism - Please check your facts.
The 501st Legion is not involved as an organization in any protests, boycotts, or movements related to the film Fanboys, nor do we have an opinion or position on the film (which has not yet been released). A few of our more than 4,000 members in 47 countries participated in the project, and accordingly may have their personal opinions about the current issues surrounding the project. But their participation in this film was not coordinated through or sanctioned by the Legion. Our organization is an all-volunteer costuming club that focuses on official Star Wars promotions and charity work. Mounting protests is counter to the Legion's mission and would detract from the time and energy that we currently devote to more meaningful causes. If you would like to learn more about the 501st and what we do, please feel free to contact us.
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4-05-2008 @ 3:16AM
Elisabeth said...
I did check my facts. I visited the 501st website, which was reflected in the fact that I *linked* to it, which would allow readers to visit and see the official stance posted on the main page.
And, I wrote that the organization was denying any involvement. What more was I supposed to have said? My article was on the Fanboys picket, NOT an essay defending the stance of the 501st.
I am well aware of what the 501st is and what it does. Last year, I was one of many who e-mailed Bob Eubanks a complaint after he insulted the organization on television. I am the wrong person to accuse of slander.
The fact is, the 501st (who I have a good deal of respect for because of their charitable work) did a very poor job of damage control. The Legion was mentioned in *every single press article* ran on the Fanboys controversy -- I'm one of the few who mentioned your official statement at all, so rather than attacking me, why aren't you complaining to the original source, The Hollywood Reporter, and the numerous AP stories?
And further, why isn't the 501st looking inward for the source of the stories? I know who the 501st is, but I guarantee the AP and the THR do not. They didn't make the association out of nowhere, obviously, members were associating themselves with the legion. The 501st needed to quash that LONG before the picket even happened. Members should not be identifying themselves as representative of an organization who isn't endorsing their actions.
I visited the 501st site after the very first protest story ran. There was no official statement at that time, but I kept checking and made note of it in this article. And for that, I am insulted and scolded. Thanks.
4-05-2008 @ 2:15PM
Moo said...
maybe i'm dense, but i'm having trouble seeing how this is poor journalism or...even a controversy really. See if you poor shooting troopers can follow this:
Writer's quote: "The 501st (who are now denying any official stance or organized protest)..."
501st response: "The 501st is not involved as an organization in any protests, boycottts or movements related to the film Fanboys, nor do we have an opinion or position on the film..."
So what Ms. Rappe said is....they are denying any organized protest or official stance. What 501st said....they are denying any organized protest or official stance. Where is the difference? You are both saying the same thing.
Am i missing something? Or is the 501st just being a wee bit defensive here?
Fanboys...waddya gonna do?
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