My corner of your imagination
Posts tagged RIP
April 24th. Official launch of R.I.P. Ep4 “Perfect Pain”
Apr 22nd
After years of working on this project, we have reached an ending point in the series. While it’s not where I wanted it to end, it’s a good stopping point none the less. Due to production problems I’m having to make this Friday’s Episode the final one of the Series. But that’s not to say I didn’t have 8 more Episodes on Paper – or PDF as the case may be.
What makes Episode 4 such a perfect endgame is the collaboration with Crystal Witchery who brought her own unique style of Machinima to this Episode. It was quite a big moment for me, giving my script over to another director and wondering what the finished product was going to look like. And using her SFX and all but one music choice I added the voices and we had quite the stylistic end result.
At www.Youtube.com/BardNoir one might be able to catch a sneak peak of the post-midnight release, but fear not. I still plan to have a showing here on Facebook as well as making the high resolution video available for download here at the Tavern.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the series as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.
And once again, thanks for watching.
RIP Episode Updates
Jun 21st
Posted by bard noir in Bard\'s Abyss

There should be a caption contest for this one! Am I wrong?
Well the series is progressing once again after replacing the voice actress for ‘Rachel’ with the talented and helpful Kayla from Sims99. While you’ll have to offically wait unitl the Halloween Episode (Episode 7 ‘Evolutions’) to hear her voice the wait will be worth it.
Episode 4 ‘Perfect Pain’ is now in Post Production and should be released Late July.
Episode 5 and 6 are in joint production as they are filming back to back (Being both the first 2 Part Episode in the Series). If Episode 5 fails to release in August then it’s possible that both will be released as an extra long Speical Episode. The nature of the Episode forced it to be split originaly but the exact reason for this is still being kept mostly under warps.
So we’ve got a lot coming down the line so look forward to more from RIP.
Episode 04 Post Production Haulted…
Jun 14th
Posted by Knightmare Reporter in Machinima

Knightmare Knews reported today that were some tensions on set of the latest RIP Episode when the actor playing Dorian Graves (Sarastro) walked off set saying that he was taking the weekend off for ‘Father’s Day’.
While he was not able to be reached for comment the guest Director, Crystal Witchery, had only this to day “Stupid Sims.”
“This is a minor issue at this stage in the production” explained Executive Producer, Bard Noir “We’re still going forward with Principal Photography on Episodes 5 and 6 at this time.”
So far rumors indicate that Episodes 5 and 6 are going to be the first, two part segment seen in the series despite the Bard’s repeated statements that “RIP is not one show broken up into different Episodes.” when asked about this the Noir camp indicated that the Episode length “was due to the musical numbers involved.”
Hmmm… is that so?
Episode 03 Released with new lead
Jun 8th
Posted by bard noir in Bard\'s Abyss

After some production issue and recasting that fell through forcing recasting we’ve finaly managed to get Episode 03 “the Dark Slayer” out and in production.
The cast also welcomed first time Machinima, and veteran stage actor, Sarastro into the part of Dorian Graves following a production misshap on set. The series also introduces Jezebel the Dark Slayer played by Crystal Witchery who’s also directing a future Episode of RIP in her own unique style.
Check out http://rip.bardstavern.com for the latest on the newest RIP Episode.
RIP Episode 3 and 4 finishing post production
May 16th
Posted by bard noir in Bard\'s Abyss
Actually at this rate, Episodes 3 and 4 are going to end up released at the same time. Heh-heh!
Just got the nearly completed Episode 4 and it’s about as far along as Episode 3 is. Huge thanks to Crystal Witchery for taking time out of her Cold Companions to pull this one off for me.
I now feel I should promote her films so I will: www.crystalwitchery.com
RIP Episode Updates
Apr 27th
We will be finalizing Episode 03 ‘Dark Slayer’ in the coming weeks and Episode 04 ’Perfect Pain’ is moving into post production soon from report. The follwoing two part Episode ‘More than Words’ (Parts 1 and 2) have already finished PreProduction so look foward to that.
The following Episodes, after ‘More than Words’ are seasonal. So I need to get a copy of Sims 2 ‘Seasons’ (Hook me up EA! Heh-heh) but it also means I’ll be more Hell Bent on keeping to the schedule.
Thanks for being patient.
RIP Episodes as Free Down Loads
Apr 20th
So I’ve held off long enough. I’m now offering the current RIP Episodes for Download. In addition I’ve added a section (to the right) that will show you the ReRun Episodes. Per usual you’ll be able to watch them via YouTube but when Episode 03 is released it will be offered as a lowres video OR a direct, hi-res, download via the Tavern.
Yes this means I’m still working on Episode 03 – and I can really use some help so if you want to be a part of the show in any capacity then shoot us an e-mail.
Tragedy on Set!!
Apr 16th
The Herald’s News has just learned that a horrible accident occurred on set during the filming of the latest R.I.P. Episode.
A Fire occurred while filming Episode 4 “Perfect Pain”, which in and of itself was ironic. So far reports have linked the cause to either faulty wiring or the fact that Dorian Graves likes to read dry, dusty, hand written tomes on an old sofa near very large open flames… we’re still not fully sure, but rest assured a full investigation is being conducted by our insurance firm of Larry, Curly and Moe.
Episode Director Crystal Witchery was reached for comment saying, “stupid sims” (I swear I’m not making that up). “While this is a minor set back in production, Episodes 3 AND 4 are still going strong.” said Bard Nor, R.I.P. Producers and Head Writer, “But this is just too funny!”
Meanwhile Dorian Graves was rushed to the nearest hospital facility, the Allied East clinic which he was very apprehensive about going to initially.*
Melanie was treated on set and Erika managed to escape without any injuries. Which is another irony since she has slayer healing powers yet was also the only one who ran out of the room fast enough. Her stunt double however was killed continently solving a budgeting issue Crystal was having with the production of Episode 4 (okay that one I AM making up).
This will likely cause some delays in production pushing Episode 4 into late June, but we’re still glad to hear that Erika’s okay… she’s hot!
*in Episode 1 Dorian killed 3 Vampires in the Allied East Blood Bank.
posted for humor
A Writer's Rights?
Apr 14th
Posted by bard noir in Bard\'s Abyss
Harry Potter Author Goes to Court
I’ve been following this story, from a distance, and I have to say it is with nail biting anticipation that I await the outcome possibly this week or next.
If you’re not familiar with it, read it. Heh-heh! But in short it’s regarding Steven Vander Ark who runs a Harry Potter based Website (http://www.hp-lexicon.org/) which had collected, categorized and indexed a great deal of information about the Harry Potter universe. “Potter-Wiki” would be another way of looking at this site.
But now Ark (via RDR Publishing) wants to publish a book based on the website, which is based off JK Rowling’s works. So I’m sure you can see where this is going.
Personally, I support Rowling in this. Granted the website was never the subject of an attack but let’s face it – the website is a hobby. www.BardsTavern.com is also a Hobby. I’ve never made a penny off my Buffy Inspired series “R.I.P.” but I still pay for my domain name and I pay for my hosting service. And like Ark, I too have started looking at way to offer merchandise related to the spirit of this Tavern mostly in hopes of off setting this cost. I doubt he, like I, entered into these project as anything more than labors of love and a way to support other fans.
But recently Ark was approached by publishers stating that they wanted to turn his website into a book, and as the aspiring writer he was, he refused when he felt it would be a copyright violation. Until Rowling released the 7th and final book… now it seems RDR Publishing and Ark are ready to go full steam ahead in publishing a book intent on making a profit.
In short they are seeking to make money off of the works of JK Rowling, and there in lies the problem I have with the whole process. I don’t think someone should be allowed to be the sole beneficiary of profits made from someone else’s unique imagination. Now in my world Rowling would get a cut of all the profits made from the sale of the book since they are just publishing re-writes of what SHE wrote.
I personally hope they don’t win this battle, mostly because I believe this kind of information SHOULD be free. On top of that if it does turn out that Ark is allowed to make the book because it’s an extension of his website then writers will have to start cracking down on internet sites and forums (which would make fan based Wiki’s targets galore). On top of that it probably wouldn’t take long for Ark to realize that people may not buy the book if the same information is on his website for free. So the next step would be to minimize the amount of information you can find on his site without some “premium” membership of some kind. Now, suddenly, the information that was free for any fan to enjoy and absorb is now ruled by the all mighty dollar (or pound).
Remember the Golden Rule: He who has the gold, gets to make the rules.
But mark my words; If Ark DOES win this thing, then I’m going to get started on a Mistborn Lexicon before the month is out. Either that or I’ll try writing something of my OWN imagination… it just depends on how lazy and unimaginative I am when they deliver that verdict.
Episode 4 still in Production
Apr 11th
As life gets back on track I decided to share the newest Episode progress. We are, in fact, working on two Episodes at the same time. And while things have gotten out of control in the Noir household it doesn’t mean we’ve stopped working all together.
I’m still committed to this show, and the people working hard to help me bring it to you.
Here are some shots of Episode 4.

I think Cyrstal Witchery is doing an amazing job and I MYSELF am looking forward to the finished product based on the dailies I’ve seen so I know you should be loving it.

The Episode is called “Perfect Pain”, written by myself and directed by Crystal Witchery – Episode 03 “Dark Slayer” was written by Aiwe and directed by myself so it’s offically the first one in the series that has a different writer and director however Episode 04 “Perfect Pain” is the first in the seires NOT directed by myself so it’s been an interesting process of letting go and trusting Crystal, but I think she brings her unique style to the series for the better. The Episode is actually named after one of my favorite Anubis songs.
BTW – if you need to know more about Anubis, you can check them out at www.myspace.com/anubisband
Some time earlier this year I saw them live, so I’ll throw up pictures on that later.