THIS IS NOT A CORRECTION…
….this is a clarification and a request that people actually read what I write and not read what they want to read.
Of course Silent Hill is horror – pure, dark, intense visceral, psychological and character driven horror. That’s what the games are, that’s what I’m trying to deliver with this movie. No ifs, no buts. If it succeeds or not, that’s for the audience to decide but jeez, how could you even THINK it was an action movie? What is this, Resident Evil? I know everyone wants a poster, a trailer and release date and I’m here to tell you, I want those things too. I’ve explained that this entirely for the producers and distributors to decide. Don’t ask me. I have no control. All I’m doing now is grading the movie, supervising the visual effects, helping design the sound, working with the composers and trying to make it all as good as it can be. Everything else is marketing. I’m a film maker.
Clear?
Holy Shit! What happened here? What are you talking about? Have I missed something? Who said this is an action movie?
I’m going to ask about the trailers, like it or not, you have the freedom to answer or not, me and others who are anxious and worried. I do not think something so terrible and annoying to you that someone asks for it.
so the next movie is due out some time in 2012? to be 100% clear lol just asking, got tired of reading b.s comments and crap lol
Seriously we’ve waited long enough. Where is the trailer? Dark Knight Rises already has a trailer. And this movie has been in development longer… Having said that, Happy New Year everyone!!
For the tenth time, HE HAS NO CONTROL OVER THAT!
Why you throw shit like that? he just expressed doubts and questions. I would also ask the same thing, I know that supposedly the director has nothing to do with it, but if we can not ask that question to the director, to whom on earth are we going to ask?
And you expect a horror film to survive and be noticed next to and against the multi million dollar advertising campaign of mr. Inceptions final film in the acadamy award winning Batman series?
As i expressed to the last person who said this (in a thread that has now been deleted), Silent Hill Revelations campaign would not survive next to the active campaigns of Prometheus, Wrath of the Titans and The Dark Knight.
Silent Hill can be regarded as a massively anticipated film to people over the globe, but ONLY if it starts its campaign at the right time. Or else no one will give it a glance next to batman, aliens or Liam Neeson with a beard.
This message is for Heliotrope.
You are not very intelligent. Or perhaps you are lazy. Most likely you are just rude. How could you post a remark regarding the release of the trailer after Michael clearly stated his position on the matter. Your post needs to be deleted and removed from the site. And you owe Michael an apology.
Clear! Happy Holidays, and that’s why We love U !!!!
I simply meant that I don’t believe this to be the forum to discuss everything in regards to promotion, especially after MJB has so greatly expressed that he has nothing to do it. A place such as a forum related to Silent Hill is much more suited for such banter.
No offense intended, and I apologize for my language used in the previous post. A bit of alcohol may be to blame, I must admit.
I’m aware of that
I think that things are getting a little too serious on this forum; I don’t know if you agree or disagree on that. However, sinse you mentioned the name Prometheus and that Silent Hill is based off a vg, I thought it mildly funny to quote another vg as it was an opertune moment.
Can we stop giving MJB shit please? He doesn’t have to post here and he’s clearly getting fucked off with the notion of having bothered in the first place.
If the film turns out well and there’s an audience for a third movie, we’ll be lucky to get him back in the director’s chair for it after exposing him to this level of fanboy madness.
Hey young-bucks! Let me assure you one thing. The producers of this movie are not going to care how any of you commenting on this blog feel. If you are here commenting on Michael J Bassett’s blog they are not worried about you. YOU ARE ALREADY GOING TO SEE THE MOVIE! Whether you are stressed out or not. Its a very simple strategy. The release of the trailer and so forth will be targeting the market that has no idea what Silent Hill is. They want to create hype about the release of a new horror movie. Not to satisfy a small crowd that will see the movie regardless. So QUICHA BITCHIN!
Exaaaaaactly.
Bad time to even release a teaser anyway. They’ve only just released trailers for the dak knight, wrath of the titans and prometheus. Anything released now will be swept under the rug from the 3 marketing campaigns for the big year blockbusters. Only the fans or film buffs would notice, the general public wouldn’t know or see anything.
Go to silenthillforum.com and bitch about it there. There are plenty of unruly fans who like to complain about things regardless of the fact that they can’t change it. You’ll get along great.
This is not a game specifically made for fans, it’s made for everyone. Calm down.
What are you talking about? There are very few “unruly fans” on SHH, and none at all on the movie boards. Unless you’re just upset that people have the right to post their worries in a non-trolling manner there, which is what sounds like is going on.
If recollection serves me correct you moderate one of the Silent Hill fan sites. Generally speaking, how often do participants become rude and uncouth on that site?
I’m confident that the producers, namely Don Carmody and Sam Hadita, will soon announce an admirable release date for the film. Untill then, us Silent Hill fans just have to be patient. Also, when put into perspective, we have been waiting for a sequel sinse the publication of Silent Hill in 2006. Between then and now we recieved a plethora (spelling?) of fun, exciting and sometimes’ dissapointing information- some factual, some fallacious. But, that is about 6 years of waiting~ so, waiting perhaps a few more months to maybe a year (I honestly do not think it will be a year; it’s included as a ‘worst case scenereo’ however) is really no big deal in my opinion.
Prometheus was punished by the gods for giving the gift of knowledge (fire) to man. He was cast into the bowels of the earth and picked by birds.
they cant give us a teaser just because we want one…they have to work on it, select some material for it, etc…be patient!!
Keep up the good work, Michael…I, sad to admit, was one of the people asking about trailers and release dates, and I apologize. I realize now that I took the time to think, that you are answering our questions as best as you can and I appreciate it. I am continuing to look forward to the release. Best wishes to you and all working on the film!
~Emily
Why do you apologize? You just, asked about the trailer. …Jesus.
Lol at the Resident Evil comment. They’re good movies, but good to hear this will be nothing like them in that sense. Haha.
At least 2012 is essentially the year of Silent Hill. We’ve got so much on the horizon in the next few months, i’m fine with waiting.
Appreciate all the updates, Mike.
Anxiously patient. That’s how I can best communicate my feelings about this movie. I don’t really like the 3D thing, but it’s what sells nowadays I guess. Can’t wait to see your vision on this sequel. Silent Hill 3 was probably my favorite of the series, so this will be interesting. I love the fact that you have all taken your time with it and not rushed it out there. That gives me great hope for the movie. The first one left me with goosebumps. Perhaps this one will rekindle my interest in writing a Silent Hill play.
BTW, have you ever been to Centralia, PA? I’ve heard that town is the real life counterpart of Silent Hill.
I’ve never known a blog like this – you’ve got big brass balls to be making an adaptation of a game with a cult following AND, by updating your blog pretty regularly with meaty info, giving said following an avenue in which to contact you directly with all their fears and concerns over the project you’re putting out for them.
It’s an interesting read anyway, and I look forward to seeing the film!
Wasn’t that already clear?
Damn, people never read.
What are you referring to specifically? If it’s in reference to Akira, YES I know about this and have known about it for a while – doesn’t negate the right to THANK Michael for getting a fan favorite Silent Hill composer on board. Some of us aren’t able to read blogs every day. I’m just very grateful that Michael is receptive to the Silent Hill fanbase.
Pretty sure his comment was to the blog and not your comment. He probably would have replied to your’s in that case.
You’re right.
Sorry for the late reply to confirm, I wasn’t expecting a reply myself.
Hey Michael:
First and foremost, I, like a ton of other people here, want to extend a TREMENDOUS thanks for taking the time out to [i]even communicate with us[/i]. As you stated, you don’t have to keep a blog, or much less even communicate with the public, but you do, and I am extremely thankful for that.
Secondly, I’m not going to ask you about trailers or whatnot, because there are some things that are simply out of your hands, as you’ve reiterated several times over. The only way you’d be able to affect the other aspects (i.e., trailer release dates, and the like) was if you were an auteur, and I don’t know of any auteurs that would: a)do a 3-D feature, and b)handle all the work associated with doing a 3-D feature.
All I know is I’m simply VERY MUCH looking forward to seeing the finished product, and also know that if you need extra time (with the basic simple fact that doing a 3-D film is like editing one movie TWICE), it won’t hurt me to wait any longer. Take whatever time you need to take, and I hope that you get to take a vacation after finishing up SHR. Also, overjoyed to know that Akira is back involved with it and I hope that one of the songs we’ll get to hear in the finished movie is, “End of Small Sanctuary”. That’s one of my favorite songs from the SH3 soundtrack.
Anyway, good luck with the rest of the process, and continued success with all your endeavors. Thanks again.
Respectfully,
Critical Eye
Since the movie is “locked”, can you give us an estimate on the length?
I could but I won’t. It’s not an epic.
Since producer Don Carmody wants Revelation to have a late spring or early fall release.
I was wondering Michael what is your opinion on the release date and when would you like to have Revelation be released?
What Don says makes sense to me. It’s all about picking the right weekend.
Here’s info about SH:R release date:
http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/164319-producer-don-carmody-on-silent-hill-revelation
You said previously that you are a gamer. Which Silent Hill games have you played? Which video games are your all-time favorites?
Hey Michael, I’m a HUGE Silent Hill fan, and I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed your posts! I’m so glad that the fans have some one like you putting your vision into this re-imaging of what is my favorite game in the series! I know some fans get impatient and nick-pick every change and so forth (please be patient with them, many are very protective of this franchise), but some of us do understand that film is a very different medium than video games (though in some ways very similar) and that there are different challenges depending on the type of film that is being put out, not to mention just the basic hassles that come with dealing with studios. Many of us understand that you are putting a lot of your passion and love into this project, and we appreciate it! The fact that you are so hands on with the fans puts you a cut above many of the more “established/renowned” hacks that somehow blow millions on making generic, by-the-numbers, tired old movies that are utterly forgettable in the long term. I know when I go to see this in the theaters that care and actual thought was put into this production (as I saw from the previous installment). Though I haven’t seen your other films (an error I plan to correct shortly, in fact, what would you recommend?) your blogs have added a wonderful sense of reassurance. Please keep it up!
Also, as an actress, I am thrilled with your picks for Claudia, Heather, and Leonard. Absolutely thrilled! I’m a huge Malcolm McDowell fan!
Keep up the good work, Michael. We’re cheering and rooting for you. And personally, I’m very excited about this film, and support every view you have expressed. Must be busy and stressful days. Enjoy them, as you’re making the stuff you love to do.
Best of Luck!!!
Sebastian.
Michael…i just found something…can you confirm if its fake or not?: http://www.behance.net/gallery/illustration-SILENT-HILL-2/1970939
thanks…
Fake.
oh, ok. Thanks for responding us everytime its possible.
Actually, those artworks first turned up on a site run by a concept artist who’s worked with Roger Avary before, so they’re likely works commissioned by Avary before Bassett was brought on. So they’re not entirely fake, but they’re also not relevant to the current version of Revelation.
OK….i knew it had something to do with Avary!…then, his sequel was going to be called revelation as well?
It’s Revelations, so almost the same. I genuinely hope every concept in the prom posters except the general idea of PH was removed by Bassett. I’m really, really glad Avary doesn’t still have the script after seeing that PG-13 teenagerthon artwork. I’ll bet Bassett’s posters will be better. Hopefully, they’ll be super symbolic like the mouthless one for the first film.
Really? You had to ask if those are fake? Jesus christ
Yes, i had
Im glad it will be a horror and im also glad you are FOLLOWING how the atmosphere should be! Not many people do that. Do you think this will be your best film?
You’re right and it’s totally okay to love or hate my work. But you’re wrong about having to face comments. I don’t have to keep this blog. I’m a director, not a PR person or a marketeer. I know plenty of film makers who have no participation with the people who see their work and have no interest in the judgements the audience/critics make. In many ways that would be an easier path but hell, I like doing this. (for now, at least)
It’s funny how most people on this blog take that for granted. Some of us still don’t. Keep on doing what you do. It is greatly appreciated. No matter how some of these folks handle themselves.
You don’t give yourself enough credit Michael, the fact you interact and like to hear from the fans pretty much elevates you above the directors who don’t care, at least you’re not arrogant about your work and are more down to earth than most directors.
Kudos Sir!
You’re the first directot that I know that actually interacts with the public. I think that it’s a fantastic thing to do, because it not only shows how engaged you are with the work but it also shows how you care about the ones who’ll be the main public of what you’ve been working on.
It’s okay that this isn’t an Hollywood production with millions and millions of cash but how many directors interact with people like this?
How many directors actually care about keeping the fans updated? So far I believe you’re doing an excelent job, and hope that it become obvious in this movie. I must say that I wish I’ll have the chance of interacting the public like this when I start working in the filmmaking industry (I’ll still studying), and who knows if we don’t work together in the future? I must say that directing a future Silent Hill sequel would be a dream (as a Silent Hill fan) however it’s just a dream that it’s unlikly to come true
Exactly, Michael, you’re doing this because you want, not because you must.
No matter what one may think about your work (to be honest, I hated Deathwatch, but I was pleasantly surprised how good and climatic Solomon Kane was), you’re really nice and down to earth person. Thank you for that and thank you for talking with us.
I know that this isnt the best place to ask this, but, as you also confirmed this for vincent…is claudia going to have some of its original personality, too?
Yes she is.
OMG! thanks! … im hoping for her “they ve come to witness the beginning” phrase!…thanks for responding!
“The one who’ll lead us to paradise, with blood stained hands”
LOL, exactly!!…i would like to hear those lines…but i dont care if they are there or not…having my favorite character (Claudia) in this movie is enough
…also…she is the “antagonist”, right?
Yep.
Yikes. This is exactly why I lurk and don’t obsess over this site every day. It’s hard; I’m as eager as the next person to see this film come to fruition. I’ve waited YEARS for a movie to find out it will never see the theater, much less the light of day period. I thought I would be drinking ice water in hell before another Silent Hill movie got the green light. I know everyone is on here and Facebook demanding a trailer, but seriously, we all know this movie caters to a specific fan base and they have to make this movie marketable to a wider audience than it is. They can’t just cater to the die-hards, they already have our 9 bucks. It is too bad Michael’s words got misrepresented, and I can see why it’s upsetting because what we say as fans represents the movie as well. We could let potential viewers, and ourselves down by making too many speculations. We’re lucky ( and I know most of us here on the blog have said so, or at least the ppl that matter ( suck it haters) that there is someone who cares about the franchise, and wants to bring it to life again; bigger, better, and SCARIER than its predecessor. I hope to see more articles, art, stories, and other media among the fans to tide us over and get the word out about the film so maybe some of those big wig producers will take notice. Well, there’s my rant for the month. LOL Thanks Mr. Bassett for all of the hard work!
Amen.
Wow Amanda, could you suck Michael’s cock a bit harder? The whole sycophantic thing isn’t endearing; it’s annoying as shit
Not a cool comment, my friend. Please don’t insult other posters here, no matter what your feelings. That’s not why I run this blog.
I agree, not with the insult, but nonsense sycophants comments tend to bother me.
Hear you’re leaving Canada this week. Hope you enjoyed yourself here while you resided. If not, head on over to Brantford and I’ll treat ya to a few pints in a really cliched British Pub before you leave. I think they have some seriously horrendous Karaoke on Tuesday nights…..Cheers!
I find it is always better to not just read the initial post, but all the follow ups before posting a response. That way, you know the direction an entire conversation is going. This is just good netiquette, and it can save you from making silly judgement errors. Too often people write something and wish to take it back, and think that because it’s in writing, they can just edit. They forget that the internet is almost like a live conversation, where once something is said, it can’t be unsaid. Taking the time to read what was said before you, and what you are typing, and how others might interpret that post, is not that much of a burden. If your emotions are stirred up, that’s the best time to stand up and walk away from the keyboard for a while.
I’m glad you touched on the whole “Not an action movie” thing. people don’t seem to get the difference between Resident Evil and Silent Hill.
Michael, looking at how passionate you are here, coupled with your films passed, I can’t believe how lucky we fans are that you got the job, you seem to understand the series so well and know to stick somewhat close to the source material (rather than the usual film route [ala Resident Evil] of introducing new characters and settings)
I can’t wait to see this film, take as long as you need to make this film perfect
I sincerely share your pain.
I love you for this man!!!
[...] Michael J. Bassett’s blog GA_googleAddAttr(“AdOpt”, “1″); GA_googleAddAttr(“Origin”, “other”); [...]
Do you have a firm grip on the rating of the film yet…are we getting an R-rated Silent Hill…..not even sure if you can answer right now..
i Hope We Know of Release Date of Silent Hill 2 By San Diego Comic Con or I Goto Give Up Wait For DVD
Heh, thanks for crediting me again, Haven. Thankfully all is well now. You can come out of time out and go play!
Michael! See one of the early shots from the first film with Rahda Mitchell running through the overpass tunnel with the huge “PAUL” spray painted on the wall? I’ve always liked to assume this was somehow connected to me, seeing as how soon after the first was announced in September 2004, I wrote Roger Avary a sincere fan letter of support. I think I just upped the ante… will you? :p
Joking aside, rock on. Cravin’ me some finished shots, man!
(KLM – Cute SH fans FTW!)
I think most of the people that comment on this page are doing it just to do it. And they’re just asking questions to feel like they accomplished something when you comment back. That’s why they only read enough to make a comment. Which is sad because you only do this to keep us informed, it’s not for your benefit it’s for ours. No offence to those of you who actually reed the posts and do this to stay informed. So thank you Michael for taking the time out of your day to do this, some of us actually appreciate it.
Michael, please read. I’m sorry for misreading your last blog post. I’ve been doing nothing but reading Psychological papers and Neuroscience for WEEKS for my senior year at university. Finals are next week and I stayed up WAY too late and got sloppy reading your blog post and freaked too much, making myself seem like a complete nut. I apologize for myself and everyone else on here for being so demanding of you. You have enough going on already without having annoying fans like myself upset you. You’re a sweet, nice guy and don’t deserve any of it. Please forgive all of us. Best wishes and Merry Christmas.
No worries Kassandra. Good luck with the finals.
Thank you, Michael.
Producers need to get a move on. You should threaten to pee on Carmody’s car door handle everyday until he gets a release date.
Peeing outdoors during a Canadian winter…. that’s a visit to the ER right there
The first time I was ever in Toronto was in the winter and -from experiance- Canadian winters are no joke. Especially if you’re originally from California, like myself. XD
Well said, good luck
i love you, michael basset!
bassett! my T key is wonky.
A question… Is common for UK films or “not so big” productions movies to take this long to begin marketing campaign? Im asking as your experience inside the industry is relatively long. I mean, a zilion dollar production like Dark Knight Rises already got more than a teaser, of course the campaign for this movies is as long as six month…
You answered your own question…. they have a gazillion dollars. Our money has to be spend much more cautiously. But everyone does things differently. This is how this one is. That’s all I can say. If I was the producer I’d be working it from day one. These guys want to do it another way – maybe they’re right.
I apologize for mis quoting. I misread it after being up late.
I did make sure to correct it soon after thanks to Paul S. Pinto
Okay. We’re cool. But you can see how a little thing like this can spread like wildfire and really start a misconception which I really don’t want.
I understand. Thank you for accepting my apology.
These things happen sometimes; i believe KLM, who started the debate about this here, misread the entry all on her own, just like you did, so you’re probably not the only one.
The important thing is that all of it has been clarified, and made publicly available.
I am curious as to who would categorize this movie as an action instead of it being a psychological horror? Many S.H fans who have been following MJB’s blog sinse the announcement of ‘Revelations’, myself included, are well aware of your intention to stay true to the genra of the sourse material. How someone could think that this movie is an ‘action’ flick is beyond me, but I digress. However, I would’nt worry too much about what some might mis-classify Silent Hill ‘Revelations as; for you know what it is and that is all that should matter
I am sorry if you are frustrated with the people misreading your blog entry. I personally thought you were very clear in your previous entry, and I think a lot of people are being unfair to you. You have already told them before that you don’t have control when the film or its accessories will be released and that it is up to the distributors. Unfortunately people are being very impatient and ignorant. They should be appreciative that you took the time to even make a movie for them and the public.
I hope you don’t think any differently of the fan base because of this. They are only but a few. There are others, including many of my other Silent Hill fan friends who wish you all the best. We’ll wait for as long as it takes. =)
I apologize for criticizing other fans; I was really angry and was venting. I know everyone here cares about the film and wants it to be great, but we should also be patient. It will be here, but with all great works comes time right?
Silent Hill means many things to many people, and I can’t wait to see what it means to Mr. Bassett when the film is released.
Again, I am sorry if I offended anyone with my last post.
I think it makes sense that most people think the director has some part of marketing. After all, it would seem logical on the outside. I still remember my first day of film school, when the professor said the director has no part in marketing. Everyone in the room was just kind of staring at her like “What is this chick talking about?!” But yeah, they do need to read Bassett’s posts. I definitely think there’s something a bit weird going on with the lack of a release date, but it’s not Bassett’s doing.
I know a lot of folks hate the RE movies since the director lost the trueness of the RE feel for it, RE is a survival horror, not an action thriller, nor is Silent Hill.
You are making a great film, keeping true with the feel of it unlike the guy that did RE. You keep it as a physiological horror, terror and darkness, it’ll pull you right onto the edge or your seat or have you pushed back as far as possible, and when you least expect it, a monster will pop out!
Keep with it good sir, and if more people rant about it being action, they clearly haven’t play SH.
Well… RE was survival horror…
Today, I don’t think it’s really sure what it wants to be.
RE4 and especially RE5 have no right to call themselves survival horror games, and that’s their main problem – they are claiming to be something they are not; however, one must admit that both games are rather enjoyable to play – it’s just that they lost the values that the series once had, and replaced them with something else, something that is not along the same lines; if only these games carried some other name…
(Of course, RE4 and especially RE5 had some really ridiculous moments, aside from the usual stuff that barely makes sense… Just remember the ending of RE5… A fight in a lava lake in a volcano crater? One doesn’t just go into a crater like that…And Wesker swims in lava? I don’t care how mutated he is, lava is certain death, end of story! Lava can’t kill him, so they need to use a rocket launcher? … sry for the rant…)
My point is, when it comes to RE, it will has a certain meaning for one generation, and a completely different for the next.
Now, about how RE was transferred to film – that’s another thing entirely…