About the Rifftrax movie choices, and related stuff.

[gammer]

On that subject, how much would it take to "sponsor" a Rifftrax?  Say several of us got together and wanted to sponsor a Rifftrax of Red Dawn.  What amount would it take to make it cost effective for Rifftrax, given that the Rifftrax would be expected to sell poorly.  For the right movie, I'd be willing to chip in some moolah.

I think this is an awesome idea.  If it's the only way Mike would riff a movie like House of the Dead, I'd love to chip in on something like this.

We could have one of those 'goal meters' and as more donations are made, it increases until the 'goal' is met.

[Minnesota]

meh, I don't care for suggestions that mean higher fan prices. I think they can afford to take the occasional risk (ala the successful Star Wars Holiday Special), I don't know that Red Dawn would bring a lot of money, but I think something like an improved ranking system on the main site might help. And more integration with comments. Like others have said, you've basically divided you're fan base into the forum and not the forum. Clearly, the silent majority might make a comment or two if it were integrated into the main site. Ie; User Reviews like Amazon and Netflix

It's pretty clear that Rifftrax is becoming a victim of its own success. They've created a paradox wherein 3-man Rifftrax are more expensive to produce, but are also more profitable. This means no more smaller movies.

[RVR II]

On that subject, how much would it take to "sponsor" a Rifftrax?  Say several of us got together and wanted to sponsor a Rifftrax of Red Dawn.  What amount would it take to make it cost effective for Rifftrax, given that the Rifftrax would be expected to sell poorly.  For the right movie, I'd be willing to chip in some moolah.

I think this is an awesome idea.  If it's the only way Mike would riff a movie like House of the Dead, I'd love to chip in on something like this.

We could have one of those 'goal meters' and as more donations are made, it increases until the 'goal' is met.

I'll sponsor Red Dawn IF You all would help me & sponsor DUNE

[gammer]

meh, I don't care for suggestions that mean higher fan prices.

I think we were thinking of it being a donation type thing for the folks that *really* want it riffed, but they would charge the same price for the release ($3.99) when its done.

Also, I don't think it would have to be on a regular basis...maybe do it once or twice a year.

Heck, Rifftrax could try a 'beta-run' of it once just to see how successful it is.

[James of LinHood]

meh, I don't care for suggestions that mean higher fan prices.

I think we were thinking of it being a donation type thing for the folks that *really* want it riffed, but they would charge the same price for the release ($3.99) when its done.

Also, I don't think it would have to be on a regular basis...maybe do it once or twice a year.

Heck, Rifftrax could try a 'beta-run' of it once just to see how successful it is.

Yep.  That's exactly what I was thinking.  Some might only chip in $10.00.  Others might chip in $100.00.  And once we reach the number they set for us they'll make the Rifftrax.  This probably won't happen but it would really be awesome.

[Minnesota]

Maybe the Rifftrax.com website should model itself more like Netflix, Amazon, or other film sites. There could be a section for Reviews of the movie. A spot for how the fans rate that rifftrax. A spot for best sellers, most popular at the moment. Maybe try harder to move the forum into the actual website, so the fan base isn't so divided.

[Bill Corbett]

If I may step aside from the sales figures for a moment, here's an interesting question for the people who buy riffs. And note I don't ask this with any kind of malice, but

Are you willing to be this forgiving when Hollywood releases a movie solely to cash in on something?

It just seems hypocritical to say "Oh, Rifftrax is cashing in on newer releases so they can make money, I totally understand" and then go "Oh, Hollywood is cashing in on the superhero crazy, those Hollywood dirtbags!"

What do you do for a living, Greg?  Or if you're still in school, what do you plan to do?

[Minnesota]

To sum up my thoughts... Surely there must be a middle ground for bad films that both the masses want riffed and the forum wants riff'd. Increasing prices is not the answer.

[MontyServo]

meh, I don't care for suggestions that mean higher fan prices.

I think we were thinking of it being a donation type thing for the folks that *really* want it riffed, but they would charge the same price for the release ($3.99) when its done.

Also, I don't think it would have to be on a regular basis...maybe do it once or twice a year.

Heck, Rifftrax could try a 'beta-run' of it once just to see how successful it is.

Yep.  That's exactly what I was thinking.  Some might only chip in $10.00.  Others might chip in $100.00.  And once we reach the number they set for us they'll make the Rifftrax.  This probably won't happen but it would really be awesome.

Yeah, that's what I meant by sponsoring a Rifftrax.  The Rifftrax would still cost only $3.99 for everyone else once it is completed.  The sponsors would be raising the money for the production of the Rifftrax, offsetting the anticipated monetary loss of doing an older, less popular film.

[gammer]

meh, I don't care for suggestions that mean higher fan prices.

I think we were thinking of it being a donation type thing for the folks that *really* want it riffed, but they would charge the same price for the release ($3.99) when its done.

Also, I don't think it would have to be on a regular basis...maybe do it once or twice a year.

Heck, Rifftrax could try a 'beta-run' of it once just to see how successful it is.

Yep.  That's exactly what I was thinking.  Some might only chip in $10.00.  Others might chip in $100.00.  And once we reach the number they set for us they'll make the Rifftrax.  This probably won't happen but it would really be awesome.

Yeah, that's what I meant by sponsoring a Rifftrax.  The Rifftrax would still cost only $3.99 for everyone else once it is completed.  The sponsors would be raising the money for the production of the Rifftrax, offsetting the anticipated monetary loss of doing an older, less popular film.

And lets face it...at the end of the day, no matter what direction RiffTrax takes, there will always be un-happy folks and complaints. We just have to live with that.

[Minnesota]

How cool would it be if we could tag lists of movies on the main site (current box office, all-time box office, AFI 100, IMDB bottom, etcetera) ...possible tags "Must Riff", "Don't Riff"

[Minnesota]

or a simple thumbs up, thumbs down system. I imagine most of the silent majority would mark films with a thumb, while the 'vocal minority' pleads there case, pulling out the occasional lurker. Why does the fan base need to be divided into "the forum" and "not the forum", just change the suggest-a-trax... its clearly a unique and popular feature specific to Rifftrax... bring it to the main site.


edit: Just so you'all have some idea what I'm talking about. Note the BIG difference in views vs. comments!

spoiler] Slickdeals.net is a website that operates entirely on the Thumbs up, Thumbs down system. http://forums.slickdeals.net/forumdisplay.php?sduid=0&f=9 . I'd imagine the Rifftrax could feasibly do the same thing for something like "IMDB's bottom 100" ... meaning that "House of the Dead" would be a thread in of itself with a place for comments, but the thumbs show up on the "IMDB page" like slickdeals ... well makes sense to me at least. I'm done brainstorming now.  [/spoiler]

[Bill Corbett]

Good morning denizens of the Forum,

I'm writing Rifftraxeses this AM, but I'll try to address a few more points later this afternoon.    There are some good ideas here.  I'm honestly not sure which are feasible or not, if any.  Appreciate you trying to brainstorm, though.   I may not be the final word, but if some strategy seems like a winner I can lobby for it. 

That sad, my original points in this thread stand.    We really have considered this -- it hasn't fallen on deaf ears.  If some of you are disappointed, I'm sorry.  We never like to disappoint.   But we do have to keep the biz going, and our potential for branching out depends on us building, for the time being. 

I will also say that I think some of you aren't giving us much credit for putting out the shorts every week, which are hardly just-released blockbusters.  They may not be your cup of tea, and that's fine.  But it doesn't fit the template of laziness, or cynicism, or money-grubbing-ness that the few of you who are angry have accused us of. 

I can't argue every point or I'll be here forever, and I suspect the discussion will keep looping back... nor can I address every movie, sorry.   There's riffing to be done, and I'm burning daylight here.

Most of the comments have been smart and helpful, though. Much appreciated.  You lovable bastards, I wish I could reach through the screen and give you all affectionate noogies.   

In my mind, I am serving you all big plates of thank-you bacon.   

[SaucyRossy]

that was the best post ever.


thanks bill! 

[gammer]

Thanks for taking the time Bill.

My comment on the shorts:

First off, I love 'em. I know that they are RiffTrax's 'Rain Maker'. Quick to write and no cost on the source material. Also, because they are sold with the video and RiffTrax audio mixed in, I'm sure it opens up to different demographic of folk. I totally see why (financially) you guys are pumping these out.