The Movies (featured on Mm Picks and IGN) [images]

The Movies
PSN: Teebonesy
Location: Pacific Ocean, just west of USA
(Best results are to search for Teebonesy)

Hey everybody! Look out, here comes some craazy self-promotin'! Whoooaa!

I'm really not a fan of pimpin' and hustlin' and sellin'. I'm no pimp, hustler, or salesperson. Happily, somehow other people have done a great job for me in getting my levels seen.

This has been been featured on IGN's Level Lovers Anonymous feature, as well as Episode 21 of the User Created Content podcast.

I always wanted to be the one to do a level based on the pilgrimage we all make to movie theaters in order to be told stories. It was important to not make the movie aspect a gimmick, but to incorporate it in a meaningful way, with commentary and gameplay and style and humor and real care for the subject. It happened amazingly fast - SubGnosis created a thread at the LittleBigWorkshop about how he managed to make animation work with his Ephemera series. Mikey-Flies and myself jumped into the conversation and started tinkering with concepts, from emitters to zoetropes. Mikey-Flies was the first one to get a really good working screen up (to a sackboy, about the size of a large screen tv). I was sold. I immediately set out to work on my own large-scale versions, which within a couple of days of intense building became the level that exists today.

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Hey man. I'm glad you are here and I hope you become an active member of the forums. I saw your video on IGN and I was really impressed by what I saw and this forum could always use another great creator.

I actually haven't played it so far so I'll be sure to do that later tonight.

Thanks for replying! I played H.A.T.E. just last night! I thought it was incredible. I just wrote out a bunch of feedback, but I'll just post it in your thread instead of here. I couldn't finish it, but I intend to try again at some point, as the level really was engaging enough to make me want to come back. I'm just dreading that... that...

the w....

th... wh...

weel.....

*seizure*

Yes, yes, the wheel is hard. It is an execution after all.

Well, I just finished your level and it was just as awesome as I thought it was going to be. The trolley ride was alright. It wasn't boring, but it is a lot of just holding down R1. The movies were really cool, the dialog was funny, the black and white look is fitting, and and the technical aspects of the movies has to be impressive.

5 stars and hearted.

The trolley ride has been through many iterations! The earliest version of it was effing insane. Even WITH actual working movies in the level, most of my comments were "holy crap, that trolley ride was nuts!"

The problem was, it broke 1 out of 3 times. I had to tighten up my screws a bit. It slows the ride down, but makes it more stable. I'd LOVE to have the best of both worlds, and have it outrageously intense and still not break on me.

Here's what happens -
I've got a rubber wheel with a regular bolt pinning it to a solid-layer arm that is then pinned to flat arm by another regular bolt. That arm is attached to the trolley. So essentially there's one joint, which I call the elbow.

If the elbow is bent when the trolley falls to a new track, it absorbs all the shock and it's safe.
If it's fully extended when it lands, all of the energy pulls on the bolt, and often breaks it. It still happens in fact.

I'm open to changing the elbow system altogether, but I do want it to be a kind of twirly crazy ride. The problem I've found is in using a bolt, if I want the wheel to get any decent amount of speed, the "strength" attribute needs to be pretty low.
Low strength=tendency to break.
I could try a motorbolt, but I'd have to add in some switches to change the direction.

Would it be more stable if I used a metal wheel or something like that instead of rubber? I don't think that'd matter, as the problem is in the joint at the bolt...

Try cutting a 3 (or 7 counting the betwixt lines) plane circle-shaped hole straight through where your bolt is at in place of the bolt, and put what is essentially an axel or support strut in the hole with the same object you cut the hole with. It's basically cut, add, highlight, detach - it functions as a beam that allows for swivel and roll, and from my testing has proven to be more stable than the slip-easy bolts. It's not fool proof by any means, but worth a try.

Layering this axel with multiple materials and axels inside of it can increase it's strength as well. Same for the materials around it.

So I played this the other day and was really impressed. Here are some thoughts:

The whole black and white choice fits perfectly with your theme and really set the tone for the player so great choice!

Although the trolley ride wasn't mind-blowing there were a couple of really cool moments such as passing by the massive King Kong cutout, very cool.

I loved the big MOVIES logo and your use of lighting here.

I really enjoyed all the funny dialogue you put into the level, it gave the level some character.

And now to the most important part: THE MOVIES! There have been a handful of moments in LBP that have really made me stop and say "wow!". This was one of them. The animation effec here was incredible and I am very curious as to how long it took you to create it and tweak it so that it looks so smooth. The whole constrcution of the theater itself is perfect and the curtains closing are the icing on the cake. My favorite movie was the first one, something about that giant wave lol. It seems like on the second movie you used some custom stickers so lots of respect for that. The movie posters were cool too and some of the dialogue really made me smile.

I do not really have any suggestions because you picked a very specific style of level to do and everything you did within that construct works perfectly.

I did not hesitate to give this 5 stars and a heart! Great work and if you decide to do a sequel then I would love to have a couple of more movies in the mix:)

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Originally Posted by OCK

Great work and if you decide to do a sequel then I would love to have a couple of more movies in the mix:)

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Thanks so much for the feedback! Very much appreciated. I've considered doing a sequel for some time, and utilizing a number of reel-changing, film-lengthening tools that we've been exploring. Mikey-Flies, the LBP genius who got the first zoetrope-style animation machine working, has a pretty mind-boggling idea for how to get lengthy movies working absolutely seamlessly. But it's quite complex and will take a hell of a lot of testing.

The trolley ride I've always wanted to do better. The idea as I mentioned earlier is to make it this mind-boggling nightmare ride. "No... no... not the trolley!!" Instead it's become sort of a joy ride with lots of expressionistic-urban scenery to enjoy. (there was an old version of the level with NO scenery! Imagine sitting through THAT.)

I just finished making a few aesthetic changes to The Movies. Gameplay wise it's a bit easier (the "V" letter is no longer slanted, so it's way easier to platform), there's now a cool animated popcorn sign in the concession (I actually really like it how it came out, and am tempted to use it elsewhere in the level, maybe the front lobby), King Kong has teeth and a lady, several lighting tweaks, a few more adjustments, like hiding the piston bases on the ice cream and removing a few other eyesores, and by far my favorite addition is the new scoreboard at the end. It's something I've always wanted to add to that level but couldn't squeeze it in. I shall say no more!

I also should probably give a bit of background on the 3 movies I chose.

The first one is a parody of Koyaanisqatsi, directed by Godfrey Reggio and featuring some of the most amazing cinematography in the history of film, by the great Ron Fricke. One of my favorite movies. Well-known and oft-parodied for its use of urban time-lapse and Philip Glass music.

The second one is basically a plug for my actual movie (as I'm a filmmaker here in BigScaryPlanet), The Library Chronicles. Anyone interested can peruse what's available at www.thelibrarychronicles.com (I also have a post in this thread). The site contains all of episodes 1 and 2 (years-old films that are a dark joy for twisted souls), and a scene from the 3rd one.

We're currently working on the latest entry in this long-running short film series. It's going to be a big project when it's finished (it's big now, and we're only halfway there!), and I'm very much looking forward to getting the **** thing done so I can start sharing it with the world.

The 3rd movie, as most people recognize, is based on George Melies' Le Voyage dans la Lune. One of my all-time favorite movies, of which I've seen countless times. A common fantasy of mine is to have been alive during that time and been involved in filmmaking, to essentially be a contemporary or competitor for Melies and Edison. Melies did with film what we get to do with LittleBigPlanet - exploring this incredible new thing, finding what kind of tricks we can squeeze out of our tools, always attempting to create something magical and surprise people with what's possible.

loved "The Movies" one of those holy cow moments on when I watched it. The parodies are great love the voyage to the moon one great stuff. hope to see another one soon, and welcome to the forums.

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The first one is a parody of Koyaanisqatsi, directed by Godfrey Reggio and featuring some of the most amazing cinematography in the history of film, by the great Ron Fricke. One of my favorite movies. Well-known and oft-parodied for its use of urban time-lapse and Philip Glass music.

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OMG, i finally found somebody that know these incredible movies that are Koyaanisqatsi, Powaqqatsi and Naqoyqatsi!!!:p
You just gave me a great smile on my face!
Be sure that i will take a look to your level and will be back to comments!

Koyaanisqatsi...Koyaanisqatsi (soundtrack in the ears...)...Koyaanisqatsi...

You know how I feel about the levels, Teebonesy. The movies is one of my favorites. ^_^

Hey there, Teebonesy! Just want to drop in and give some feedback, although I have reviewed your level before on gamefaqs, I would like to throw a quick comment on your level here! This level is good! I like how you took an artistic idea and actually made you (gasp) WORK FOR IT! So often do people make an artsy level, I go in to look at it, say "oh, isn't that nice" and leave, never to return. But you actually have to make it through some platforming to get there and it pays off! (I mean, it IS a game after all, you SHOULD have to, y'know, run and jump and whatnot). Not to repeat my self, but the only issues I had was that the black and white color filter made a few things hard to see (and actually started to bother my eyes after a bit) and I WANT A MOVIE POSTER! What can I do to get one? lol, over all a great level, I shouldn't have to tell anyone to go try it, but just in case someone is hesitant, GO TRY IT!

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Originally Posted by NinjaMicWZ

Try cutting a 3 (or 7 counting the betwixt lines) plane circle-shaped hole straight through where your bolt is at in place of the bolt, and put what is essentially an axel or support strut in the hole with the same object you cut the hole with. It's basically cut, add, highlight, detach - it functions as a beam that allows for swivel and roll, and from my testing has proven to be more stable than the slip-easy bolts. It's not fool proof by any means, but worth a try.

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Oh wow, somehow I didn't even see this post when I was reading this. This sounds like a great idea - I'm going to try it right away in fact. You have excited me with the prospect.

I've been playing with the axle system and it definitely seems to be solid. I have to use a 2-layer axle, as a 3-layer will get caught on king kong.

Problem is it isn't really much faster than my current bolt setup, in fact it tends to get hung up on really tiny little imperfections in the track. If it hits any kind of divet or bump, it just sort of instantly stops, and then only the swinging of the trolley itself will move it forward. I'd have to re-draw the track I think to get this system working, but it is a pretty cool setup. It felt really strong, I feel like if anything goes wrong with that setup, it would be at the elbow.

Yeah, sorry, man. I didn't think of the parameters of the track itself. I use this set up for vehicles all the time, but never one's on guided tracks. It's getting caught up because the circle shape isn't actually a perfect sphere, as you know. It's all the unseen vertices of what is basically an icosagon, instead of a sphere. Oh well, thought it was worth a shot. Good to know for future projects though. It's too bad the bolt physics are so fickle - it's funny seeing them completely slip out of synch with gravity sometimes.

Try bolting a sliver of material to a heavy piece of metal, and bolt the other end of the sliver to a moving object - it's pretty weird how the bolt no longer connects and the lower object continues to stay attached, floating in the air and still following the movement pattern, but not atually connected to the moving object above. (probably makes no sense the way I said it, but basically, bolts will do some crazy stuff and are entirely unreliable)

I'm actually about to play this level finally, and I'll be back in a bit with some thoughts... looks so cool.

EDIT: This is such an accomplishment, here, man. I very much enjoyed this level and really everything about it. I can tell you had a passion for making it and tapped into everything you probably are as a person, with interests and ideas, to create a world here. The platforming is fun on top of all the artistry, and of course... the animation is so ridiculously well done. I could never fathom doing something like that in such a perfect sequence. The color correction and lighting, and the textures you picked to harmonize within the color correction were perfect - especially the theatre room itself, with the buttoned-up sofa look. The dialogue was great, especially the knock against everyone thinking they're a genius for "getting it" and interpreting a message that isn't even there lol - and finally the poor maitre d, the unsung hero of Hollywood heh

Good stuff, man. I especially liked the reference to Sub Gnosis, and LBP levs in general. The one to Sub Gnosis seems to solidify that there is a sphere of influence and a sense of accredited accomplishment for creators in LBP, at least amongst themselves. As guys like you, Voltiare, and Donkey Show continue to gain accolades it makes me wonder what this community has to offer in the future and who will be seen as the off-beat, relatively unknown "ahead of their time" creators. It's like you're Spielberg and were influenced by a noir director and trying to subliminally pay homage and respect - funny too, because the smoking woman in Ephemera Two really was something straight out of a noir piece.

Just reading into it like the movie goers do lol but all in all, I'd like to say this is a great level and a milestone for LBP. I'm always happy to see people with talents in other fields and mediums finding this game to be an outlet and venue like I do.

Yeah what Ninja said. :p

Truly a remarkable level. It's levels like these that make me happy that I blew 60 bucks on this game. Your dialogue ranks up there with the best of them and a lot of it made me laugh pretty hard (especially the Isaq interpretations hahaha). Also giving cred to some of your personal favorite levels throughout made me smile. I appreciate that you appreciate other people's work, so bravo man!

And yeah the gameplay was right up my alley with the platforming. Artistic, timing and user-friendly. Just awesome man!

My only problem was I think I just experienced my first ever seizure on the trolley hahaha. That's not your fault, just mine. Too much television and gaming today. :p

Anyway, thanks for bringing your revolutionary level to this site, and I hope your here to stay. It goes without saying 5 stars/heart/creator heart. Amazing! :cool:

This was, as others have said above, really, really good. I loved the artstyle and especially the whole "Big city" atmosphere you created, the chosen background (metropolis) fitted in perfectly.

You surprised me by making an actual level, I expected some scenery and a single movie, but I got an entire (slightly light on gameplay but that's fine with me) level with multiple movies even!

I enjoyed the trolley ride, especially due the scenery, yet it was a bit long but it wouldn't stop me from playing again and enjoy the scenery. I liked the dialog too, genuininly (spelling??) funny.

Some critical notes (I'm straining to find some, but it might help you on next levels)
One thing I did miss was the climactic ending, you get to the movies, watch a few and somewhere it kinda just stops.

The trolley ride, apart from gloriously seizure inducing, has no sense of danger, if it would swoop over some (effectively harmless) menacing looking spikes it would be even more exciting.
Think of it like this: if in a standard platforming level you are jumping over some pits, would it be more exciting if the pits were a long drop into some gas (not onscreen as long as you don't die), or when you leap just over a pit of burning material, flames tickling your feet every jump. Even if the flames do not make it more dangerous, gameplay wise, it does intrude on the gamers personal space, making him/her feel uncomfortable.
The popcorn thing is truly hard, but yet again, I just might be a bit of a *****...

Ok I'm out of material :)

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Originally Posted by Wyth

This was, as others have said above, really, really good. I loved the artstyle and especially the whole "Big city" atmosphere you created, the chosen background (metropolis) fitted in perfectly.

You surprised me by making an actual level, I expected some scenery and a single movie, but I got an entire (slightly light on gameplay but that's fine with me) level with multiple movies even!

I enjoyed the trolley ride, especially due the scenery, yet it was a bit long but it wouldn't stop me from playing again and enjoy the scenery. I liked the dialog too, genuininly (spelling??) funny.

Some critical notes (I'm straining to find some, but it might help you on next levels)
One thing I did miss was the climactic ending, you get to the movies, watch a few and somewhere it kinda just stops.

The trolley ride, apart from gloriously seizure inducing, has no sense of danger, if it would swoop over some (effectively harmless) menacing looking spikes it would be even more exciting.
Think of it like this: if in a standard platforming level you are jumping over some pits, would it be more exciting if the pits were a long drop into some gas (not onscreen as long as you don't die), or when you leap just over a pit of burning material, flames tickling your feet every jump. Even if the flames do not make it more dangerous, gameplay wise, it does intrude on the gamers personal space, making him/her feel uncomfortable.
The popcorn thing is truly hard, but yet again, I just might be a bit of a *****...

Ok I'm out of material :)

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I agree with you on all your notes! My original inspiration for the trolley ride was a few early levels I played in which you rode a topsy-turvy zipline that was on electrified rails. The rails made it seem horrificially dangerous, although it was just an illusion, as they were on flat layers. So much fun. I tried to get a bit of that, but essentially it's a scenery ride, with very little actual danger or gameplay. It might be something I continue to tweak as I come up with ideas, but I'm at the point where thermometer is a major problem for me.

As for the popcorn quest, it is a tricky bit, which is why it's optional. It's ESPECIALLY hard in multiplayer, nearly impossible. My test for difficulty is in having my girlfriend play it. If she can do it without getting too fed up or frustrated, and without losing all her lives, I keep it as is. This is the main reason I tweaked the giant "Movies" sign to be easier.
It took her a while, but she eventually got that **** bag of popcorn, so it remains where it's at. If anything, I might just slow down the burger pistons and extend the length of the ladder's top rung, which should make things a mite easier.

I'm with you all the way on the lack of a climactic ending. I'm squeezed aaall the way to the right edge of the level! You literally go from the top left corner, to the bottom right corner while playing this level. It doesn't feel like it, but it's the whole shebang. I'm really big on endings. My first level, A Very Sony Christmas, is a very complete story (even though I had to tear my idea in half originally). It ENDS. There's a very solid ending that puts a nice shiny lid on the whole affair, which is important for a story-based level.

The Movies is less story-based, and more set-piece oriented, but I do agree with you. I've actually been considering using the last ounce of thermometer space to make the ending a sort of transition into my NEXT level, because they're somewhat similar. I'm not sure though... It would have to be a jump backwards in time, which might be confusing for some people.

I might just add in a joke along the lines of "oh crap, how in the hell am I going to get home?", and maybe bring up the fact that King Kong has likely just destroyed your apartment building.

I like the downer endings. I'm a fan of the downer. Makes me smile.

Hehehe, quite a reply there. Good that you acknowledge (minor) shortcomings. I don't think you should put to much effort in trying to change it in this level, yet keep them in mind for the next one.

I don't like the sneaky comment that your girlfriend is a better LBP player than me though ;) (jk, I use the exact same method, might be the cause that my levels are quite easy :D)

played your level and WOW fantasic. The look was great. I've fallen in love with the wooden plank material thanks to you :D
Your films were ingenious and I would love to see someone make a long version.

5 stars and hearted :)

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Originally Posted by muttjones

I would love to see someone make a long version.

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It's actually possible to do. I have a working reel system that allows for several scenes in a row. I'd add in an extra (longer) movie if there was room, but unfortunately, the level is stacked to the rafters with stuff.

there's also theoretically a way to do a nearly endless animation completely seamlessly, the concept was devised by one of the greater technical minds in the entire LBP-scape Mikey-Flies. It's quite complex, and as of now completely untested, but in theory it could work. It has to do with emitting each individual frame within the wheel when needed, using custom timelines for the scenes. This would involve such a massive amount of work to test and get working that none of us dare approach it!

But all the tools are there to have very long animations in this game. You could even attempt to sync the video with sound effects. I don't know if anyone will ever go there, but it's possible - it's out there. It's absolutely do-able, and I hope someone reaches for it eventually.

Edit: Another thing I forgot to mention. I separated A Very Sony Christmas into its own thread, as there seemed to be little chance of it being discussed in the same topic as The Movies, and it's just cleaner and neater all around.