FUS Admins John Roberts, Paul Scott Now Credited Producers
This morning, we received an E-Mail tip from Fans United for SatAM co-administrator Paul Scott announcing a content partnership the website struck with Eddie Lebron and his upcoming Sonic fan film. It means FUS will hold the keys to some exclusive content as development progresses, as well as occasional Q&A sessions with the fan film writer. Already, the fruit of FUS’s labor are showing, with a few clean shots of some of the concept art we showed you earlier this week popping up on a new subforum there.
According to a supplementary announcement made by Lebron on the matter, which you can watch below both Scott and another administrator, John Roberts, gave a “generous” amount to the project and are now credited as producers on the film. Both expressed interest in both creative input and promotion, which led to the partnership.
For our part, we’re still working to bring you that partial audio transcript of the Lebron fan film panel from MAGfest last week, and we hope to have that here tomorrow. Because we’ve seen a lot of interest on seeing the trailer in the clear, we also put in an inquiry to Lebron asking if that can provided. In light of this information, that may ultimately end up on FUS first, but we’ll be sure to direct you to that trailer no matter what once it’s made available.
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This is great, our first large contributor for the film! Not sure what to say, I’ve respected this fan organization for quite a long time. This is one awesome partnership going on
“It means FUS will hold the keys to some exclusive content as development progresses, as well as occasional.”
…? Did you mean to add something there?
It probably implies that they’re privy to information about the film that is not immediately available to the general public/at all. If you go to http://www.sonicfanfilm.com and read what the Gold donators’ status entitles you to, it’s more or less that.
–Yes. Yes, there was. I added it now.
-T
You’re teaming up with FUS? When’s the funeral arrangements?
Sonic 1 cartridge in the background.
@AKR: I don’t think anyone is going to die XP
@ A Knothole Resident: I’m unsure how them donating and being entitled producers on the film means the death of the film. Does this mean they have creative say on everything we’re doing? Nope. I maintain creative control on the film and, like any fans who message me, I’ll listen to their advice but it’s my decision whether or not it works for the film. The death of the film rest solely on me since I’m the one making the decision.
Trust me, Eddie. Ive known FUS for over a decade and Im just warning you on what you’re getting into by associating yourself with those psychopaths. You better hope it doesn’t turn into another incident like with Matt Sullvian. Another, professional and ambitious Sonic fan that wanted to revive Sonic. He joined FUS, thinking he can gain feedback from them to improve his project. What he got in return, was sabotage. Anything that he presented to them would be brutally ridiculed to the point of harassment. It was enough to convince Matt to quit and leave the fan base to their destruction. In otherwords, theyre going to hurt the project then benefit it. You can still salvage the project if you bail out now. Don’t make the same mistake Matt and myself made.
@AKR: Is FUS of today ran by the same people you encountered with ten years ago? Because if I’m not mistaken, Sonique was the original founder way back when I was a lurker. It wouldn’t be fair to to current Admins of FUS to judge them based on your experience with older staff and members.
Some of the original members still remains, which is why they’ve been on this consistent downward spiral. In fact, they’re considered an embarrassment to SatAM fans at the way they operate. The newer members are no better cause they hold the same elitist mentality where everything is ran with an iron fist and nobody can disagree with their opinions. For example, Matt Sullivan presented concepts of his version of Sonic and people went ballistic and started attacking him. This of course pushed him to his boiling point, cause no matter what he did to please everyone, everyone would rag on the poor guy which lead to his exile of the fan base. Where just talking about some random fan, he was a professional storyboard artist and animator that worked on Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Simpsons, and Family Guy. He lurks on SMS, but Im sure if you contact him, he can fill you in on his frightening experience with FUS. And this happened 3 years ago. As as far as I can see, FUS hasn’t changed at all cause I sometimes lurk there. It’s the same mean spirited arrogance that plagued it back in 2000. Its either their way or nothing. So don’t be shocked if FUS members fly off the handle if Sonic’s quills are not long enough or if he has the wrong shade of blue. So unless you’re Ben Hurst, they don’t want ANYONE to meddle with Sonic.
The members of FUS have never been anything but supportive of this project. Maybe it’s because the people running the project haven’t lied to them or cried foul at the slightest criticism of their ideas.
@A Knothole Resident
… dude, you can just go back and block me from your youtube account, because after reading all that, I don’t have one kind hearted thing to say to you.
“In fact, they’re considered an embarrassment to SatAM fans at the way they operate.”
… How? Please elaborate?
“The newer members are no better cause they hold the same elitist mentality where everything is ran with an iron fist and nobody can disagree with their opinions.”
Really? I’ve been there nearly a year, haven’t seen anything like that. In fact, are you sure you don’t Nicochi.
“As as far as I can see, FUS hasn’t changed at all cause I sometimes lurk there. It’s the same mean spirited arrogance that plagued it back in 2000. Its either their way or nothing”
Now what does this have to do with the partnership, hmmmmmm?
“So don’t be shocked if FUS members fly off the handle if Sonic’s quills are not long enough or if he has the wrong shade of blue.”
Oh, that’s rich, coming from you… if anything, I really like the new take on him. It’s not my favorite design ever, but it’s bold and different…. seriously, I can’t think of one person on the board who’s said anything ill about Sonic or the look of the film.
And that’s coming from you, the guy who banned me from your youtube page for one critique, that makes me laugh.
Rich… I don’t know what to say. Everytime I keep thinking you can be an alright guy, and then you do something like this. Can you just cool off for once?
… Oh, yeah… Youtube account, Jesterclown17
Eddie, all I can say is just be cautious about what you say or do within their presence. Im just concerned about your well being and Id hate for you to experience the same crap that Matt and I went through. With that said, good luck with that partnership. Perhaps you’ll be the one that can break the curse of failed FUS projects.
Its good right?
Yes, partnership is very good.
@ A Knothole Resident
What I can’t wrap my head around is why FUS would rather make huge donations to this guy’s decidedly-un-SatAM friendly approach to Sonic (oh but he has Jaleel White, so that makes it better!) when you yourself are more or less making SatAM the Movie. Is there no justice in this world? Would FUS really rather empty their wallets just so they can hear Jaleel White’s voice coming from the mouth of a hideously animated Sonic Adventure-era model of Sonic (complete with hideously detailed fur), when you’re out there trying to make every SatAM fan’s wet-dream come true?
Maybe they are psychopaths.
@Matt
They destroyed a golden opportunity with you and shattered the hopes of reviving the show due to their selfish and stubborn ways. As I recall, wasnt it a FUS member that brought you into the fandom and announced how SatAM would get a legitimate revival for television broadcasting? Season 3 would’ve been made by now if everyone was mature enough to accept your concept of balancing out the Sonic mythos so everyone can enjoy SatAM.
But anyway, you bring up some interesting points. FUS’s objective has always been about preserving the legacy of SatAM and SatAM related elements from the Sonic franchise. Even though everyone is aware of what Eddie’s story involves, it doesn’t make sense why’d they’d jump on a project that has nothing to do with SatAM while mine obviously does. We already know there’s no mobian freedom fighters, so doesn’t that contradict FUS’s purpose? There’s no Sally, Bunnie, Rotor, Antonie or even Tails. What exactly do they have to gain from all this? Unless they decide to add in the original freedom fighters cause Im sure that’s the one major suggestion everyone on that site would emphasis.
I will say this. If FUS is only supporting the project just for Jaleel White, then that really is a shallow approach. If they’re actually going to contribute ideas to improve the overall story and character designs, then Im on board for that. Guess we’ll have to wait and see how this all pans out. In all fairness, FUS should support both our projects.
@ A Knotehole Resident
Oh, that makes perfect sense… talk smack about us and our website, whine about how your sonic movie is better and the owners are morons for going wither the “ugly” sonic, and then state that we SHOULD support your project as well.
Grow. Up.
I was going to stay quiet here but.. I just can’t. I guess a few things need to be said.
Ever since myself and John took over we have been slowly branching out the site into more non SatAM related things. I find that branching out and being open to the Sonic community as a whole is what has helped us increase our memberships, viewers and over all impression with the Sonic community. I like looking for new projects to help out. For example I’m in talks with someone who is doing a nifty Song/picture thing on DA. Its called the Sonic Boom project. You can take a look at that here: http://sonicboom-project.deviantart.com/ We are currently in talks on how FUS can help him out. I do like seeing projects succeed. After the success our Sea3on comic has had I think its safe to say we enjoy Sonic projects within the community. I also welcome everyone into FUS. Be you a SatAM fan or not. Check out some of our new stuff. We have Sonic game reviews, commentary, some good conversation on the comics, and a bunch of other stuff.
All of that should pretty much sum up why we decided to partner up with Eddie. Its a good chance to be apart of something big in the community, and we liked Eddies business way of doing things. He is extremely professional with everything.. Unlike some other people in this conversation. I do recall receiving a very interesting conversation the other day with you talking to a member of my forum. You didn’t seem to professional Richard. Perhaps this is why no one wants to fund your project?
Also, in all fairness I do believe it is up to myself and John what to do with our money and who we support. Also, calling us psychopaths isn’t the best way to win over our support. Just a tip for the future.
Oh, and the embarrassment for SatAM fans.. I do need to agree with you there. I mean we only went from 2 thousand people a month when myself and John took over to now 30 plus thousand a month. And we did that in a year and a half… We are a rather large embarrassment. I’m sorry.
Anyways, all sarcasm aside myself and John are looking foreword to working with Eddie and his team. I think it will be a great opportunity for FUS, as well as the whole Sonic community.
Thanks,
Paul R. Scott
Fans United For SatAM PTY. LTD. (ACN 144 795 291)
http://sonicsatam.com/
What I can’t wrap my head around is why FUS would rather make huge donations to this guy’s decidedly-un-SatAM friendly approach to Sonic (oh but he has Jaleel White, so that makes it better!) when you yourself are more or less making SatAM the Movie.
I’ve already explained it to you. “Maybe it’s because the people running the project haven’t lied to them or cried foul at the slightest criticism of their ideas.”
Also, we’ve seen AKR’s script.
And saying we should support your project over Eddie’s on ground that yours is SatAM based is just as shallow.
Holy fuck AKR you are as gigantic of a loser as that ED article made you out to be; YOU of all people talking about the complaints on Sonic’s appearance.
This fucking fanbase, I swear to God.
Is AKR blamming FUS for there not being a 3rd SATAM season? I heard FUS was involved in the JFK assassination.
@Haru: Passionate fans will be passionate fans. We appear as losers to you, but the thing is that we care about the mythologies and treatment of the franchise. Is there really anything wrong with that? If a character has traits that replaced the ones you liked, don’t you have the right to complain? It would help if such changes were explained through character development or aging (in the case of appearance), but that’s forbidden in this fanbase of course.
Greg — I think the issue was that AKR said “So don’t be shocked if FUS members fly off the handle if Sonic’s quills are not long enough or if he has the wrong shade of blue” when he seems to have conveniently forgotten that he himself has gone ballistic over things like Sonic having green eyes in the past. He is a hypocrite.
Ugly Sonic model?
…..
@ SEGAMew
Sorry SEGAMew, but ask around and I’m sure you’ll find I’m not the only one who thinks so.
Sonic just does not look right with realistic fur–SEGA themselves have attempted this in a few games, and it only met with backlash from the fans.
I’ll weigh in my opinion on this much: it’s pretty low of you guys (FUS) to be putting words in Richard’s mouth: he clearly wasn’t criticizing Lebron’s film in any way, only pointing out that Sonic fans being Sonic fans, they WILL nitpick it to death,
Actually I seen more people praised the unique furred/spiked Sonic model than scorn it. And I’ve been hopping around on roughly 10 different sites/pages. The ratio is like 65% love it/alright with it and 35% IT SUCKS/needs to change. The total number of people that commented is roughly in the 200′s and steadily increasing.
Dude, even if there were more people that liked it you still wouldn’t change it. It’s called “selective vision”. You choose to overlook the majority of the complainers. I honestly can’t believe that anyone would praise Were-Sonic (so dubbed because he looks more like the Werehog from Sonic Unleashed than actual Sonic).
When was the last time you actually looked at a picture of Sonic, or for that matter, a hedgehog? Throwing a bunch of fur at a cartoony character with a very well-established image =/= realism. It’s the same kind of artistic douchery audiences have come to expect from Dreamwork’s films with the hyper-realistic “eyes” they give each and every character to give them that classic “soulless” Dreamworks look. In other words, there’s a fine line between making something look more convincing and just making it look plain freaky. And you guys crossed it. Believe me, my inner-fanboy was squealing with delight when I heard Jaleel’s voice in that trailer, but my heart sank when I saw Sonic himself. It just. Doesn’t. Look. Like Sonic.
So, Matt, is there any reason anybody should care? So you don’t like it. Fine. Is there any reason why you have to keep shoving that fact down our throats? I’m not the biggest fan of CGI/live action hybrid films or of realistic fur on CG characters either. But I don’t go on long, protracted rants about it because I know it won’t accomplish anything but making other people miserable. You’re just pissed off because somebody is having success at a SatAM project and it’s not you.
Sorry, I meant Sonic project. Well, at least it’s SatAM-related.
By the way, I find it highly ironic that AKR was telling SEGAMew to watch out for FUS, then you two have lashed out against the film with more vehement criticism of the film than FUS everhas or will. Just more hypocrisy.
@furrykef: What? Because they experienced that shit first hand themselves? Mr. Sullivan especially. In fact, I too was guilty of jumping the bandwagon when he (by my memory) said that he wasn’t much of a fan. I guess that wasn’t too true if Matt’s words are any indication. But honestly they both have had to deal with shit from FUS before. Eddie Lebron just got into a whole new level of hurt once they start criticizing the project. If they don’t though, then chalk that up to hypocrisy as Matt and Richard’s projects are more faithful to the material that FUS works to keep alive in memory.
Oh wait you’re a FUS member yourself. Why should I bother…?
What? Because they experienced that shit first hand themselves? Mr. Sullivan especially.
How many times do I have to say this? This is different. Why is it different? Because Eddie isn’t a liar (AKR) nor does he whine endlessly about the slightest bit of criticism (Matt). You cannot draw analogies between AKR/Matt and Eddie.
Oh wait you’re a FUS member yourself. Why should I bother…?
Ad hominem much? Just ’cause I’m from FUS doesn’t make me not right.
SonicVSJasonGriffith — Sorry, I guess I did get AKR and Matt a bit mixed up. I never intended to “put words in [his] mouth”. There are far too many words in there as it is.
@Matt: The last time I seen pictures of Sonic or a real hedgehog? A few minutes ago, I have both in/on my wallet. And those Dreamworks characters, I felt they were going for more cartoony nature than actual realism, especially when thinking of films like Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda. And I guarantee you that everything that defines Sonic can NOT be rendered into a single CGI model. There are notable differences between every single Sonic across all continuities. Fleetway Sonic doesn’t look like Archie’s, AoStH doesn’t look like Sonic Underground, and you can even point out the differences between the Japanese and American boxarts of Sonic 1 for the SEGA Genesis/Megadrive.
Sonic has no set traits that absolutely defines him, so saying “Make him look like Sonic” is a rather vague statement. I personally dig the new take on Sonic. It’s fresh and I want to pet his head =)
As I recall, everyone at FUS were initially supporting and praising Matt Sullivan’s project, the same way theyre doing with Eddie’s. Over a short period of time, FUS became aggressive and demanding. You see, FUS are a bunch of perfectionists, but honestly, there was nothing wrong with Matt’s work. But the most selfish act of all, was when FUS didnt like the idea of compromising the modern characters with SatAM ones. Matt’s intention was to develop a show that appealed to EVERY Sonic fan and its truly the appropriate route to go from a marketing perspective. What Im driving at, is that Matt TRIED to please you guys but no matter what he did, he got nothing but ridicule and hate. Eddie is in the same situation, taking fan feedback and applying it to this vision. The reason Matt lashed out is cause FUS were being immature little brats and even berated his credibility as an animator just cause they didnt get what they wanted. But knowing FUS’s history, they’re going to be crass and insulting to whatever Eddie presents unless his vision is exactly the way FUS wants it. Im not assuming this is going to happen, I KNOW its going to happen. Many fan projects failed cause its either their way, or nothing. Matt and I didn’t want to be involved with the drama fest that went down with our projects since FUS instigated it. Just saying, be prepared Eddie. You’re in for one hell of a ride.
Just so I’m clear about what I am reading here…
Eddie’s movie is in danger because we at FUS are all Nazi-like psychopaths that blindly hate everything that’s not SatAM-related, even though all feedback from FUS has been in favour of it. However, if we do like the movie then we are hypocrites because we chose not to support Rich’s film. We’re accused of nit-picking and hating tiny details of said projects, yet the people accusing us of that are nit-picking and hating tiny details themselves. It’s FUS’s fault that the majority of the Sonic fandom thinks Rich’s movie has no support, it’s FUS’s fault that Mr Sullivan accomplished nothing with his SatAM revival pitch, It’s FUS’s fault that there is no third season of SatAM… How about Sonic Heroes, Sonic The Hedgehog 2006, and that bloody awful Shadow game? Maybe that’s our fault too?
To put it in very simple terms: We at FUS chose to support Eddie’s film for two very important reasons. 1. Eddie and his crew have already made a fanfilm – they have a proven track record. And 2. They conduct themselves like professionals.
Paul and I will be offering funding assistance to Sonic related projects (not yet, but we’ll be looking into starting it soon-ish-ish). We’ll be welcoming people to pitch us their ideas, their projects, their ultimate dream Sonic fan creation that need a bit of starting cash to get off the ground. As long as people can prove their seriousness to see their project through, and they can conduct themselves as professionals, your proposal will be seriously considered.
And that is exactly why we refuse to show this kind of support to Rich’s film. Yes, he’s making a SatAM-esque movie, and yes, that kinda is a wet dream to us as we are a SatAM supportive website. But after seeing how he and his supporters conduct themselves over the years (in this very comment section as a prime example), why on Earth would we want to business with people like that?
We won’t. And I cannot put it any simpler than that. I will say no more about it.
Cheers Tristan for making the news report, and thank you to everyone else that has shown their support.
John Roberts
Co-owner Fans United For SatAM PTY. LTD. (ACN 144 795 291)
sonicsatam.com
@ A Knothole Resident: Harsh criticisms and hate isn’t going to make me drop a project. When one MM forum hated what I was doing with “MegaMan”, another praised it. When one site bashed it, ScrewAttack embraced it. I’m prepared for the ride of hate. Fan films based on franchise with a huge following are always subjected to this. Even if the members of FUS ever got angry at what I was doing, I’m not going to let that hurt what I’m doing. I listen to feedback and take it for what it is. Sonic is too furry? I agree. His quills need reworking? Let’s look into a way to fix that. There’s humans in the film? Yes but I’ll do my best to make them work and if someone doesn’t like it, I’m sorry my film doesn’t work for them. If things get dramatic on the forums? I defend my case and if they still attack, I leave the forum and work on my movie. There’s an audience for everything and if certain people aren’t keen on my vision of what Sonic movie is, then they don’t need to watch it nor support me.
Long story short, don’t worry Rich
! I’ve been through this song and dance for many films(“MegaMan” included) so I’ll be able to handle this 
. FUS has been good by me so far so I have faith in them. Thanks though for watching out for me!
@ A Knothole Resident
Interesting how trouble follows you wherever you go, isn’t it? I also like how you comment on the design opinions of those on FUS after going on a 5+ minute rant on YouTube over Sonic’s eye-color in a SEGA game. Most on FUS, in fact, love Sonic’s design in Eric’s fan film, and are being very supportive in his project. I’m also sure Eric did his research and made sure that joining with FUS was absolutely in the best interest of the film project. And seeing FUS’ positive reaction to the fan film, it would seem as if Eric did his research well.
Wow and here I thought I thought AKR and Matt were a thing of the past.
I’d like to say John and Paul have done a steallar performance in thier duites in improving FUS. I say they have accomplished thier goal with making the site better. There are gonna be some folks that will be jealous, and thats thier business. I for one am glad I am a part of FUS and aiding them in making the place better.
@AKR:
You know I really wish I could have seen what you could have done under normal circumstances. I feel bad you have been dealt a couple of bad hands in life. I know living with your parents sucks, and looking for a career that you spent alot of years for in school to be hard to find. I sympathize with your position with the current state of the economy, but your hardships doesnt excuse your actions. Seriously man, you need to get your own house in order, concentrate on finding a job (it is possible, not everyone knows everything you did on the net). Then you can move out of the house and maybe youll be a little more calmer in your approach with your project and other pursuits. What I’m trying to say keep at it when you get your life in order, unlike a certain other who claimed a pitch you actually did something. Its a good start.
@Matt
I had a feeling i’d see you again, I was hoping I wouldnt, but its wishful thinking on my part. The only reason (from what I read) you got flack for what you did is you fooled people. You knew what you did was morally wrong by getting peoples hopes up, and worse to this date despite what you claim you have yet to prove if you are who you say you are, and this so called work you have done. As far as I am concerned you are fraud until proven other wise. That is most likely the reason you too have a negative reputation. A little advice for you, if your life so droll and mundane you have to stoop to this level behavior I offer you the same advice as I did to Kuta and focus on getting your life back on track and stop sporting the green with envy skin you and Kuta have when someone else is trying to do a project successfully.
To close, I commend Mr Lebron’s project and I wish him all the luck with his venture. I look forward to seeing the final result of all the work being done by both FUS and Mr. Lebron.
ACStrife
Sonic Fan/Mod of FUS