Monday, June 22, 2009

More questions answered ....


A few answers to some questions ...

Q: How is the order of elimination decided? Is is scripted from the beginning? Or do you actually wait until writing each episode to decide?

Yes and No. Way back at the beginning of the season -- before any writing takes place, we have what's called a "Writer's Summit". The Story Editors, Producers and Directors get together over the course of a few weeks and talk about what we would like to see happen in the season. Story ideas are pitched in, and character plot-lines and story arcs are roughed out. We break down the whole season into how we think it should happen. This includes who will be eliminated in which episode. Then the writing begins. All of these scratched out ideas start to fall into place and the characters and stories start to take on a life of their own. But, the situations have a way of revealing themselves naturally -- and on more than one occasion, we have changed the order of elimination because a certain storyline had become too much fun to do away with.
As far as the final episode goes -- we have actually written and produced multiple endings of the show -- so that no-one but a select few people actually know who the REAL winner will be. They may know the final 3 -- or even the final 2 -- but they won't know for sure who wins until it airs on TV.

Q: When You're Producing Episodes For The Show Do You Animate Episodes First Or Record The Voice Actors First,And Do Any Of The Voice Actors Add Lib To The Original Script?

A: All of the voice work is done first. Most of the actors come into the studio here in Toronto -- but a couple of them do their recordings remotely from places like Vancouver and Los Angeles. They stick pretty much to the script and record the lines AS WRITTEN -- but guys like Scott McCord (Owen and Trent) have a tendency to drop the odd ad-lib in. For instance, when Owen eats the entire fake food buffet in season two it was scripted that he tells everyone he's fine -- and that he has a gut like a goat. Scott recorded that then at the last second blurted out-- "nope! call 911". That line made us all laugh so we kept it in. Often our board artists think of funny gags too that need additional lines -- season one's "Purple Gerbil Fishpants" was coined by board artist Ted Collyer when he storyboarded the sequence when Owen got stung by bees. Since these new lines are often written long after the recording session, the actor's have to be called back to do the line. Sometimes the actor isn't available to record the new line before the scenes have to be animated. When this happens we record what's known as "scratch". One of the editors, or Todd or I will record the lines ourselves (There's a reason why some people are voice actors and some people are not) and the animator will animate to our voice. Then later on, the actor will have to watch the scene and say the lines to match the animation.

Good questions -- keep em coming.

93 comments:

BethIsMyFave! said...

I had a question(s) about Heather's baldness: When did you decide that her downfall would be caused by Lindsay's dare/having her hair shaved? Why did you choose that as her downfall, as opposed to something worse? Why was her head flat at first. If you answer, thanks!

TDIFan247 said...

I have a question about heather's baldness too. Is it because of karma, like that time earlier in TDI when she said to lindsay that she would cut off all her hair, or did you forget all about it and re-guess it?

Does the voice for heather do improv in the series?

Will heather ever stop having karma?

You seriously make MULTIPLE Endings to the seasons?

That leads to another question; why do you need to do that if everybody in the cast signs like some kind of waiver to NOT mention ANY of the winners?

Why doesn't Total Drama have any Guest stars, like Avril Lavigne?

Is Geoff turning into a mini Chris because he's gonna be hosting a later episode or season or something?

How many times have you had someone laugh during a recording that you had to do OVER and OVEr again?

Why did courtney have to win that lawsuit against the Total Drama Company?

How do you choose who the winner will be?

Is it at random, or is there some kind of thing that's watched while they record or something that determines it?

Why did you decide to make a parody of reality shows?

Have you guys thought of making a crossover of 6teen, SToKed, and Total Drama in one big episode at the end of the season?

What's the official 3rd season name?

Do you think there could be a 4th season of Total Drama if there were new characters to interact with?

Why did you make a Beth+Justin? That is like a match made exclusively to screw with people's mind, but that's IMO.

If there would be a 4th season of Total Drama, what would you name it?

Will Gwen and Trent get back together?

Will Geoff and Bridgette break up?

Will Lindsay and Beth fight face to face in the final two of Total Drama Action?

Is it true that Cody is coming back to TDA in an episode called 'Welcome Two The Jungle'?

What's the episode '2008: A Space Owen' about?

BTW, Sorry about all these questions. If you Answer, I'd be in total 'THANK YOU!!!!!!' Shock.

Melissa :) said...

Very cool, I always wanted to know how you animate this show. Thanks and keep 'em coming!

Anonymous said...

Thank You,I'm Honored That You Took Half Of A Post To Answer My Question. And If You Don't Mind I Have Another One Did You Guys Make The TDI Video Messages From Home Just For America? And Will There Be More Video Messages From Home For Every Season Including This One?

Unknown said...

I got a question. How long does it take you guys to finish one episode? With the animation, voice acting, and other stuff done

Anonymous said...

Can u release some info on season 3? R there going to b any new characters? Who will b returning?

Anonymous said...

is there any specific way you pick the winner? like is it at random or do you pick a winner and work around that?

Apples928 said...

Screw you Thorny for rejecting my comment when I asked you to answer my question.

Pyro said...

Do you have a favorite? Someone you'd bet on to win? Someone you like personality-wise?

-Pyro

Anonymous said...

Ive heard that Izzy will win this season with Owen's help. is this true?

Anonymous said...

I also have a question. Is it true that the TDI DVD that's coming out in the US has an alternate ending with Gwen winning? Please let me/every TDI fan know! Thanks!

BethIsMyFave! said...

I actually have a few more questions (and thanks for approving my other comment! :D)

1. Why did all the main characters (and Justin) return for TDA, as opposed to Ezekiel, Noah, and Cody?

2. I agree with the others; How do you decide the winner? I ask because I suspect the winner of TDA will be Justin (so a villain wins) or a girl (I swear if Courtney wins I'll cry. D:)

3. Why did you have people return, as opposed to a new cast? We've seen in the Aftermath guests, you guys still have new ideas for personalities.

4. (I hope this doesn't offend you guys. If it does, I'm really sorry.) Are you aware of all the animation mistakes in TDI? Like in Monster Cash, Heather's hair changes a few times.

5. How did you choose who'd be back for TDA.

I know you probably won't be able to answer all these questions, but I thank you in advance if you do.

Thorny said...

Apples928 said...
Screw you Thorny for rejecting my comment when I asked you to answer my question.

Sorry you're unhappy Apples, but the list of reasons for not getting published is plainly posted. As far as not answering your questions ... there's simply not enough time to answer everyone. P.S. A little politeness goes a long way ....

tofsilver said...

I got a question, can you tell us what ethnicity or backgrounds that the characters have? I remember that Todd Kauffman said that Heather is Asian, and on the Cartoon Network TDI site it said that Eva has a Polish background and that DJ's mom was from Jamaica. Can you tell us about the others? Thanks

BethIsMyFave! said...

Thorny, I thought of another question! (Sorry, I know you're probably sick of them from me :D)

How do you pick which questions to answer? I know you can't pick any questions that would result in you giving spoilers, but what about ones about TDI and how you plan things?

Melissa said...

I have a question about the TDI DVD... When does it come out in the USA?? It's okay if you don't answer it though.

Nalyd Renrut said...

Hey Thorny. I am in charge of a very large TDI fansite. I was wondering if I could send you ten questions somewhere for you to answer. I won't ask for any spoilers (if I do, you could give us a false or joking answer). I would like to ask you strictly professional questions, that perhaps a vast majority of users on the site are interested in. Please respond soon, -Nalyd Renrut.

P.S. This is not a message form some bot trying to advertise a website. I think it would be really cool to get somebody who actually works on the show participate in an interview.

Anonymous said...

So for example, Owen wins TDA in Canada, but not in the US.

Anonymous said...

will DJ come back like Izzy did because what he did was cool for his team and his MOM and he saved lindsay by the way cody was my favorot camper untill DJ done that and DJ whent on the show for a good reson

Anonymous said...

will pick the ending that seems the best to you guys but dont let beth win i dot like her and if cody orCourtney comes back dont let them win to because i think if you come in the game in the game late you dont deverve to win at all because the rst of the people stared from day one

Anonymous said...

I'm from Canada, and I have productional questions about you and Todd;

1. How far did you and Todd Direct the Season before February 6th, in episodes?

2. Are you still directing this season?

3. As of June, Have you finished directing the last episode yet?

Anonymous said...

I have a question. Before I ask it I just want to say this is my favorite show. I LOVE TDI! Here is my question:Do you know the bonus features in the upcoming TDI DVD?

Anonymous said...

do you know when the next episode will be aired here in canada? because some places say the 24th and others the 28th, i'm really hoping it's on the 28th as i have grad starting at 6:30 (which is most likely when it would be aired) and i don't wanna miss it

CRRRAZY Sam said...

i have one question: why doesnt trent win anything. not inculding challenges.

Kendra M said...

I've been seeing rumours floating around the 'net about how Person A wins Season 1 in Canada, but Person B wins in France, Person C wins in Romania, and Person V, who was eliminated in the very first episode, somehow wins in Russia...

So, two questions, really:
1. In how many different languages has this show been made?
2. Do other countries have different winners? If so, why?

Baylee said...

How do u direct a cartoon?(sorry if its a stupid question i just kinda wanted 2 know):-)

Thorny said...

Hey Nalyd Renrut !! -- post again with your email address so i can contact you about answering the questions. I won't post your address don't worry.

~M

Anonymous said...

I heard rumors that teletoon had a glitch with oceans eight or nine. I want to know the truth on what's going on here. Thanks

Bubby00000 said...

Thorny is Teletoon gonna post the episodes of TDA early on their site again? Because they had "Ocean's Eight - Or Nine" up for a while.

Carol said...

Hi! My question isn't about the show , more on the characters. I always wondered what is Courtney's nationality? I mean I know she's Canadian!, but what else is she?

Anonymous said...

How did you decide who wouldn't participate in TDA and just watch from the sidelines?

Anonymous said...

Question about voice acting...

Is there a certain college that specializes in voice acting?

Apples928 said...

I like to know more Courtney facts.

Anonymous said...

Who will return to season 3?

Anonymous said...

here are 5 questions I understand if your to busy to answer

1. do you get ideas from family

2. who are your characters based on and who chose their names the actors?

3. will total drama the musical be girlie

4. do you let your children watch your show and do they like it

5.sorry if this is a inapproppriate question but why do you make your characters gay and gross

your awesome

kaylacurious said...

Hey, I think I have a question EVERYONE wants to know. HOW DO YOU SPELL CHRIS' LAST NAME?! MaClean? McCleain? PLEASE SPILL!!

Mary said...

wishful thinking but, will there ever be such a thing as a Total Drama comic book? or any other sort of book of panels or artwork from the show? That would be cool. I like making little comics about the characters like Bridgette going crazy and running away from the island.

Lauren said...

I also have a few questions.

Does the production crew have any favorite contestants? Do they all generally agree on a few select characters, or is it a controversial issue with many heated arguments?

When these alternate ending episodes are created, are they all completely finished? Are all of these endings nice and shiny, like you could actually air them? Or, do you only go part-way through production, to save time and money?

How long does it usually take to create an episode, start to finish? How many episodes do you work on at once?

Why did you decide to stick with already-existing characters when you made TDA? Is it because you could squeeze more drama out of them, or is it because you are hesitant in forming new characters?

And that is all.

Anonymous said...

wow! the order of elimination seems like a lot of hard work especially if you make a mistake and make someone eliminated then you realize a great story arc for that character later. Lot's of hard work but heck I would still do it.

Anonymous said...

I read all of the comments and there are a lot of questions on there. I would so be overwhelmed.

Anonymous said...

Hey do you think Heather will ever have hair again? because I would so be thankful if that happened. Her baldness is really creepy.

CRRRAZY Sam said...

im curios when trent will win a seires

Jacob W. said...

i LOVE your show and i was just wondering if there would b more merchendice 4 the show like plush toys, action figures, gilded Chris candy,etc. because that would b AWESOME!!!! plus i was wondering will Owen come back?

Chance said...

how many seasons of the total drama series are you going to do? i think u should make a season where WE get to vote off the charcters. also another season where there is all new charactors. and last, another season where real people get to be on the show and win, like in the cartoon.

Anonymous said...

I have some questions:

1. What's with the hiatuses during TDA?

2. Is it true that Geoff and DJ come later in the season?

3. What's Courtney's ethnicity?

4. How do you spell Chris' last name? Maclean or MacLean or any other spelling I'm not aware of.

Thanks :D

Tina said...

Yeah, I have a question, you probably won't answer it, but is there any reason for me to fear the break up of Courtney and Duncan? This would ease my, and a whole lot of other people's, mind. Like I said you probably won't answer, but that's okay , at least I asked!

Anonymous said...

I HAve a question and its "Why Won't Kauffman and Thornton be the diectors of season 3?

PS I know its you guys that are running the website. Please tell us The third season won't be as good I can already feel that.

Anonymous said...

I have a question. Can you tell us at least a small thing about Episode 14?

Anonymous said...

hey i know you probly will not awnser back but i am realy getting nervous who is going to win and if dxc break up all havioc will break out on youtube so if you do awnser back it will realy put all the dxc fans mind at rest

Anonymous said...

Please don't make new characters!

Anonymous said...

I have some great questions and suggestions

Do you make animation mistakes on purpose

I also thought of another suggestion you could give to the creator how total drama island 6teen edition

how old are the voices of the characters

When the people who voice a certain character end up getting eliminated what do they do

why is justin evil

why is izzy crazy

Unknown said...

HEY I HAVE A QUESTION THATS BEEN IN MY HEAD SINCE THE FIRST SEASON REUNION AIRED......"WILL ANYONE BESIDES COURTNEY COME BACK THAT WAS NOT SUPPOSE TOO? BECAUSE I AM HEARING LOTS OF RUMORS THAT CODY WILL BE RETURNING.
ID WOULD LOVE IF YOU CAN ANSWER MY QUESTION THATS BEEN IN MY HEAD FOREVER!
-ALEX (:

lightflame2009 said...

I created my own tdi/tda character. if you go to my blog page you can see it. Her name is chelsea. It took me a LONG time to create her.

OMGness said...

I just caught the 13th ep of TDA on youtube, and oh my gosh it was awesome! I don't wanna say what was so great about it, 'cause I don't want to spoil it for anyone, BUT IT WAS AWESOME!!! AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! I can't stop thinking about how AWESOME TDA is!!!

Zach said...

I have a quetion. Last season, you posted new episodes one after the other, without any re-runs or breaks. Why is it that you have so many breaks this season?

Zach said...

I have a quetion. Last season, you posted new episodes one after the other, without any re-runs or breaks. Why is it that you have so many breaks this season?

soccrluver6 said...

i hve a question bout 6teen nd tda. Are all of 6teens characters hve the voices of sum tda characters lik gwen/jenn nd duncan/jonsey nd also lindsey/caitlyn

justinrulez said...

hey i hve a suggestion bout tda i think justin nd lindsey should together bcuz they both always think bout lookin good

CC said...

Why is it the Killer Grips our having such a hard time in this competition. I mean, even though the Killer Bass had a rocky start last season it was never this bad. I really hope they shape up soon or this contest might be over too soon. Something tells me Courtney will be the one to whip them into shape. Go Courtney!

lightflame2009 said...

srry. to view my tdi/tda character just go to http://www.blogger.com/profile/07672663044096774724 k thanks.

Anonymous said...

You guys are really starting to make me mad with these stupid breaks between episodes. and I mean REALLY mad. Word now is Episode 14 isn't out till august 23rd. Seriously? Two frikken months!?!?!??!!

Yeah I'm not wasting my summer looking forward to that. Forget it.

Love Fool said...

Hi, Thorny. First, I just want to say how much you and Todd have inspired me. As you can tell by my name, I like to sketch. . .a lot. Second, I have a big TDA question. Since there are less characters in this season, is when are they being voted off? I imagine that if you voted someone off every week, that season wouldn't last very long. I don't know if this question's been asked already, but I still wanted to ask you.

kaylacurious said...

Did you guys think up all the characters, or did you have help? What was it like designing the characters; eyes, clothes, personalities, etc. I've created a few of my own TDI/TDA characters, and, I've gotta say, it's hard. Sometimes, the head shape and body is excellent, but the eyes don't fit. I have to experiment with different eyes and facial expressions to match what I want them to be like. What was it like for you?

justinrulez said...

i know tht the 1st season of tdi is comin out in august but do u know exactly wer itz comin out thx..

jake said...

Hey guys! I have a few question, but I want to say I AM IN LOVE WITH TDI! :D

1. What is with all the hiatus, I mean sure you need the show to be almost as long as tdi. But you do a elim. ep then a reward ep, a elim ep, a reward ep etc, yet 6 more weeks of waiting. Especially since we just waited 6 weeks for episode 13 now we have to wait another 6 weeks for episode 14!!! SO STUPID!! (No offense :P)

2. Have you finished making tda?

3. Someday, will you try to make a REAL Tdi, like have real people compete for 100k? If so I would SO join!!! :P

4. If a player is elimated, what would happen to the actor for the rest of the season?

5. How Many countries do you do tdi in?

That would be like so awesome if you could answer some. Cant wait for more tda!!!

Anonymous said...

Hello there! First off, I adore you show and the complex simplicity of it! It's all so awsome!!

But I wondering, Were any of the characters based off real people? Because to me Chef Hatchet kinda reminds me of Samuel Jackson.

And my other question is, is the Courtney and Duncan realationship based on Grease's Sandra and Danny? or Breakfast Club's Claire and Johnny?

I was wondering since it's soo similar.

dumbquestions said...

I've always wondered this.
Why are Lindsay's boobies so big?

CRRRAZY Sam said...

i have been hearing rumors that linsday wins. is that true?

CRRRAZY Sam said...

can there be a grease movie challenge? i did something like that. i was a THUNDERBIRD!!! though im a girl i had everyone call me trent.

re11ding said...

Yeah here's a question i never could think of an answer to.

In TDI Heather made an alliance with Lindsay and Beth. Later on in the episode where Duncan tries to make an alliance with Heather but after that episode it was like forgotten until Duncan got kicked off. In TDA it says that Justin made an alliance with Beth but after it its forgotten as well. (by forgotten i mean like they act like it never even happened)

so basically, Why are you making alliances and never keep going with the idea? Thanks.

~Jonny

Jayfeather (Girl :U) said...

I've been wondering this for a EXTREAMLY long time lol, What program(s) do you use to animate!? :D I just use final cut express and photoshop, i'd like to learn about other programs then that to animate :P (i only animate cats and stuffz)

dumbquestions said...

Ohmygod, I hope so. I'm gonna be Lindsay for Halloween. Just gotta find a long blond wig. . .hmm. . .
I have another question.
Who wins in Canada? I hear people saying all the time that Gwen won here in the US. But Owen won. I saw it with my own eyes. Does Gwen win somewhere else. God, I gotta know. PLEASE tell me, Thorny and/or Todd.

#1 Trent Fan Club said...

We all miss Trent alot. Just after the episode, we all missed him. Justin should go next. That big jerk. Oh, and no more Justin or it's na na, na na na na, hey hey, good bye to you Thorny and Todd.

Oh this might inclued a swear but, Why did Justin make Owen gay? Jeord and I think it's wrong. His little sister Jillian watches this show and she is only 7.

We made some TDI people ourselfs. Me as Gwen. I have a regular brown streeks then red streeks. A tie-die shirt with blue pants. Brandon (Trent) Dark brown hair. Same shirt but the hand print is the words The Smiths. Jillian (Linsday)
A pink sparkley shirt with a purple sparkley banndana, A blue skrit with a black belt. Jeord (Geoff) A black hat, A black jacket with white shirt underneth, on the back it said Thunder Birds, Black pants. Thats all we have right now.

Signed,
Sam
Brandon
Jeord
Jillian
Allison
Ryan

P.S.
We have no idea why Jeord wanted his dude to be a Greese guy.

Anonymous said...

Who will return in season 3? Also what kind of extras can we expect on the DVD?

Anonymous said...

What is the name of TDA Episode 14?

Anonymous said...

plz write back THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT QUESTION IVE WANTED TO KNOW EVER SENSE I STARTED LIKING THE SHOW will there be a total drama action/total drama island video game??like i play as the charecter u choose and if u do bad enough you get elminated and start over or u win if u never get voted off. and u vote ppl off every time u loose that would be so cool plz write back

Unknown said...

Okay big question. How do you spell Chris's last name? McCleain, McLean or what?

Anonymous said...

Yeah, how DO you spell Chris' last name? PLZ PLZ PLZ SPILL!

Anonymous said...

Did you guys decide at the beginning of the series that Courtney would return, or did the massive amount of Duncan and Courtney fans persuade you to add her in? Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Hi. i just want to ask where do you make the total drama series because im making a book for each season and i wanted to show you the first book for season one. so if you can, can you please tell me the adress so that i may send you the book. if you cant i understand. thank you.

CRRRAZY REDD said...

Ohmygod, I hope so. I'm gonna be Lindsay for Halloween. Just gotta find a long blond wig. . .hmm. . .
I have another question.
Who wins in Canada? I hear people saying all the time that Gwen won here in the US. But Owen won. I saw it with my own eyes. Does Gwen win somewhere else. God, I gotta know. PLEASE tell me, Thorny and/or Todd.
-
look it up on youtube ;)

Danielle said...

I had this idea a while ago nut I will tell you anyway

I thought about having a total drama island videogame where you choose a character or make one of your own etc.

Do you think it is a good idea?
Please reply to me somehow.
(Im live in Australia and would love to get in contact with you.
What is your email address?)

Anonymous said...

hi. i am a fan of cody. i was wondering if cody returns to TDA. thanks.

pikachuandarceus said...

hey! I have a question! I know that most of the charachter's names are puns on their personalities, like trent=trend, but I was wondering where each name comes from? is it another pun? did you make it up on the spot? are the characters named after someone?

Anonymous said...

When and where will TDA be shown in England cause I love TDI and so do my little brother and sister and we really want to see what happens next!

Anonymous said...

I got more questions about you and Todd!

-Okay. So, I've been thinkin'...Do you think maybe, If you're haven't started making the FINAL final episode of TDA, Do you think MAYBE you can get Todd to come back and direct that very last episode?

1. I mean, think about it. Now that Todd left, How are the campers going to act now compared to the earlier eps.? Will Owen, especially, stay the same? Will there still be equal amount of Drama as to when he was here?

2. Because I just like to see a reunity of everything in production and the episode's airing! You both can still leave after the Season, but I just want to experience that one more time.

If you can do that, that'd be great! Thanks! :)

-Daniel

PS, that's my name from when I asked about the previous questions.

PSS. The truth is I'm not really from Canada, I'm about to be 17, just like the 22 contestants and am from America, and since I love the show so much, I just wanted to get the answers from you so I could know.

Thank you! :)

izzys alter ego said...

Major fan and i just wondering if izzy returns

Anonymous said...

More questions!

Who usually decides which characters will come back? How are they decided? Will any Season 1 characters return for Season 3 as well, because I think the 13 old ones should be everyone in TDA except Owen and Justin.

-Daniel

Polly L. said...

Can You add in a little scene in Total Drama the musical, or total drama comedy???PPPLLLEEEAAASSSEEEE???Okay so, here it goes,
Duncan and Courtney (or some other couple):
Duncan: pulling rope that is pulling Gwen higher, and higher.

Courtney:Hey why don`t you take a break for a moment.So I can tell you all the things why I hate YOU!!!
Duncan: *Lets go of rope, and hears a crash*
Duncan and Courtney`s eyes widen.
The whole cast rushes to an unconious Gwen.You make the rest.

If you could put that in somewhere,in the show, that would be great! thnx!

Anonymous said...

I really think you should make new characters in some of the new seasons. Some people, including myself, are getting sick of the characters.

Anonymous said...

Yet still more Production Quests;

Of both Seasons, what has been your positions OTHER THAN DIRECTING?

Like, What else did Todd Handle ever since the start, and what else did you do?

jason said...

hey everybody 1 hour before the finale starts WOOT!

Daniel said...

Imagine the scratch lines being kept and aired in an episode of a Total Drama show. That would be really weird.