Douglas Adams Continuum (DAC)

The pitch portfolio team for the making of the movie Restaurant at the End of the Universe have decided that Douglas Adams fans can decide which logo is going to be used on the Portfolio. They have a choice of the original art posted on DAC, or the new art which is in the same style as the first film.

The original design was inspired by the cover of the Promo edition book of Restaurant given away with The Observer, with the 2nd Logo design using the same styling and font as the first movie.

Vote away on either logo 1 (click to enlarge):

or logo 2 (click to enlarge):


Must be a member of DAC to vote. Poll ends on Wednesday April 25.

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Before long now, I'll reach the age where farting will be an essential part of propulsion.
(...don't piss us off)

The first looks more dynamic.

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The drug purportedly affected an area of the brain called "Shatner's Bassoon"

I used to think that the brain was the most wonderful organ in my body. Then I realized who was telling me this.
http://s267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/h2g230/

It's nice that they seem to care about what we think.

Michael if you pop round,

Jack Davenport was a favorite to play Arthur last time. If you're not using Martin Freeman as indicated, I'd suggest you try old Jack this time. I know I said I agreed he was too pretty boy-ish when I thought about it but he has such an uncanny Simon Jones thing happening, it's a shame if he doesn't at least attempt to play Arthur.

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"If there's anything more important than my ego around here, I want it caught and shot now!"

-- Zaphod Beeblebrox

-- Wrestling is a spectacle all right. But believe it or not, some of the most devoted fans are highly intelligent people

i would have said "design like the movie" - but if this is the final artwork, i´d also say version 1. mind, this is just because i feel the artwork on version 2 doesn´t really look like it´s supposed to imitate the movie logo. if you can make it work better, i´d vote for 2 like a shot (consistency and all).

maybe michael could get back to us on this subject? or do you know if this is the final version, dueky?

i´ll wait a bit for the answer before i cast my vote.

may i say that i feel pampered, being asked to make such a choice at all? thx for that, michael.

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"The human gene pool needs more lifeguards!
Either that or stronger chlorination...." (Pitbull)

I don't really like either. then again I wonder what their motivation is in asking us, one of the most prolific Douglas Adams websites to decide for them?

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Her mouth opened, her eyes patients, the variety of age and constitution as a pullets egg, with some gobbits of fat, and the heavy sand.

(... don't piss us off)

I would just like to comment on something right now:

In MJ Simpson's book, he stated the main reason Douglas was having so much trouble in the 80s with the film was because most of his drafts were either the book or radio show as a film script and neither of those were structured enough for film. In the movie Adaptation, Charlie Kaufman tells his fictional brother Donald there are no rules for screenwriting and anyone who says any different is nuts. Michael has told me he plans to do a straight adaptation of the second book. Iain has stated his main problem with the first one was they turned it into an adventure film.

For this reason, I should hope Michael is serious about what he's said about the second book because if his version turns out to be good, he can show Disney and Touchstone and whomever that just because it's not structured like a movie doesn't mean it won't be a good movie.

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"If there's anything more important than my ego around here, I want it caught and shot now!"

-- Zaphod Beeblebrox

-- Wrestling is a spectacle all right. But believe it or not, some of the most devoted fans are highly intelligent people

I like their honest simplicity (no sarcasm here, I do like them). But I prefer Logo 1.

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Sir Humphrey: With Trident we could obliterate the whole of Eastern Europe.
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You can't be a successful dictator and design women's underclothing. - Bertram Wooster, The Code of the Woosters

i think there´s your answer.

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"The human gene pool needs more lifeguards!
Either that or stronger chlorination...." (Pitbull)

The Second one, because the first one seems to say the The Restaurant Universe which sounds like an ad for Michelin or is it Firestone these days?

But really neither is great.

However I would still like to see the end product of these endeavours, because they do seem to be more sincere than the first effort.

No, that's my question! I think the answer has more to do with publicity than really wanting our opinion... Still, we're fair game.

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Her mouth opened, her eyes patients, the variety of age and constitution as a pullets egg, with some gobbits of fat, and the heavy sand.

(... don't piss us off)

I also don't like either of them. I think they both look a bit too much like the Force logos. A "neon sign" look is what I always think of.

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Shoes. - Doctor #3

Yes, I agree....it's more...well...Restauranty

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The drug purportedly affected an area of the brain called "Shatner's Bassoon"

I used to think that the brain was the most wonderful organ in my body. Then I realized who was telling me this.
http://s267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/h2g230/

Thirdeded.

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The truth ain't like puppies. A bunch of 'em running around, you pick your favorite.

There's nothing funny about a plastic vagina.

The Epic Project. It happened. Way too late.

Of the two, I'd go with the first, it looks less plain.

I've got an idea that in my head would look good. I think I'm going to try and draw it out, maybe post it here too.

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So long...etc.

I agree with most that neither are all that good, but between the two I like the second. It's easier to read.

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www.nocandyasses.com

"The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule."--H.L. Mencken

www.campaignforliberty.com

The colours are wrong on the second one, it assaults the eyes. The first one is better.

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You know what you are? You're a beard with an idiot hanging off it.

I like the slant on the first one, but I can easily read the second ... plus, it's more sparkly.

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(... don't piss us off)

i can understand why some of you guys vote for the "neon" look - but keep in mind, the logo should advertise a movie, not a restaurant ...

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"The human gene pool needs more lifeguards!
Either that or stronger chlorination...." (Pitbull)

Number two, at a push. Although with the reprinted books the first might trigger a few brain cells in the back of peoples minds.

The neon of the audio version, not sure. Anyhow



Didn't we get the hyphens and apostrophies sorted out before this was released?

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I'm going to start a new company. It's going to be called 'Easy McApple.' The revenue stream will be based on betting who will sue me first...

Anyhow.

Why would anyone buy this version when you can listen to Douglas himself reading it? Nothing against Martin Freeman but Douglas' reading is one of the best things in life there is!

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Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.
(Douglas Adams, "Last Chance to See")

I don't what the chances are of this ever happening, but I always liked the style of the poster font.



Knocked up in 5 minutes - took longer to upload it and link it...

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If it takes shit to make bliss, well, I feel pretty blissfully.

The Crashing Sound of Insanity Impacting Reality.
http://justanothersheeldz.blogspot.com/

Try it.

Gentlebeings,
Thanks for your feedback about the Logo's. It should perhaps have been added that the Logo designs created will be animated, underscored with the theme from the first movie...

To address a number of your points above, we did find it difficult to decided which Logo to go with from the get go. Including the rather nice job done above by Sheeldz, we had 5 different logo's to 'choose' from. I had always liked the logo from the cover of the promo edition of Restaurant, so that was what we started with.

As to puzzling over why we are asking fans for thier opinion, it really isn't anything to do with publicity. the pitch portfolio must stand on it's own merit, regardless of whether fans like it or not. The reason for asking you is that this film will be, perhaps more than any other novel adaptation, be first and foremost for fans, and that includes everyone that is working on the portfolio! We are all afficianado's of Douglas' work, and want to see this film done right. Otherwise we will be roasted alive and then have to shave our hair off and go into hiding in South America.

Oh, as for casting choices, anyone else think that Richard E Grant would make a kick-ass Zaphod?

Shalom, and all the best...

Michael.

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"If you are disappointed in any way with our service, then please. Don't hesitate. FEEL disappointed." Fentible.

Not liking the blocky look at all, I must say.

The neon one has some definite flair. Might be a good idea
to stick with that sort of style.

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Steal Compass. Drive North. Disappear.

twitter: @kensocrates

Yeah...think ahead to the merchandising...the mugs, the t-shirts, and more importantly, the real restaurant chain franchise. Vision man, vision!

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The drug purportedly affected an area of the brain called "Shatner's Bassoon"

I used to think that the brain was the most wonderful organ in my body. Then I realized who was telling me this.
http://s267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/h2g230/

Serving "mostly harmless" beefburgers and "so long and thanks" fish and chips perhaps?

All served by waiters dressed as Thor

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I'm going to start a new company. It's going to be called 'Easy McApple.' The revenue stream will be based on betting who will sue me first...

Seriously, I've always thought the potential is there, if a movie can generate enough momentum...

Perfectly Normal Beast Sandwiches, Arthur's green salad, the talking cow braised in a little white wine sauce, Aldebaren liqueurs, the PGGB itself...make the decor like a planetarium...I'd go there.

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The drug purportedly affected an area of the brain called "Shatner's Bassoon"

I used to think that the brain was the most wonderful organ in my body. Then I realized who was telling me this.
http://s267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/h2g230/

richard e. grant? can´t say i really know the bloke, but the imdb.com page had some interesting facts about him ... the attitude seems to work, but isn´t he a bit old by now?

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"The human gene pool needs more lifeguards!
Either that or stronger chlorination...." (Pitbull)

What you need is someone naturally two faced, George W. will be looking for work soon, offer him the part, President of the Galaxy would probably appeal to him.

Agreed. It'd have to have just enough kitsch to make fans happy while being normal enough for the average restaurant goer to have a fun, quirky experience.

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Shoes. - Doctor #3

I dunno why, Michael, but this Richard E. Grant, if he's the same guy we're both thinking of, seems more suited to play Zarniwoop than Zaphod to me.

I personally think you need to go to an American California surfer dude and/or rock star type to play the big Z. Or even if you didn't, at least go to an Englishman who can do a passable California accent. I mean, Mark Wing-Davey has to be at least fifty-eight years old now and they still had Zaphod doing that schtick on the new radio shows.

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"If there's anything more important than my ego around here, I want it caught and shot now!"

-- Zaphod Beeblebrox

-- Wrestling is a spectacle all right. But believe it or not, some of the most devoted fans are highly intelligent people

Paul Kaye:

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The drug purportedly affected an area of the brain called "Shatner's Bassoon"

I used to think that the brain was the most wonderful organ in my body. Then I realized who was telling me this.
http://s267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/h2g230/

Michael,

Are you pitching to the same people who did the first one? If so, I highly suggest you tell them to lay off of you this time because if you are pitching to the same people, that's where they went wrong.

And seriously, do you have a screenwriter in mind who knows the material? (I'm asking because quite frankly that also is where the original team went wrong).

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"If there's anything more important than my ego around here, I want it caught and shot now!"

-- Zaphod Beeblebrox

-- Wrestling is a spectacle all right. But believe it or not, some of the most devoted fans are highly intelligent people

Fourthed.

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This has been another random act of nonsense.

Guys,
I understand that there is 'strong feeling' that the Hitch Hiker's film went off track at certain points, and that the creatives behind it (Nick and Garth) probably had the studio breathing down thier neck. This is an unfortunate fact of any potential franchise. We feel that by sticking as closely as possible to the novel we get to excercise it's greatest strength. If push comes to shove (as it were) we would rather walk away from the project than be involved in some half-hearted rehash of the book.

As for concerns about potential screenwriters, we have approached one particular writer who is more than qualified to write the screenplay with credits in the british comedy field.

Anyone who considers Richard E Grant unsuitable to play Zaphod should recall the Argos advert featuring him as the faded rock star. I feel strongly he is more than qualified to play the role and would offer him the part without hesitation. Let the flaming commence...

Michael.

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"If you are disappointed in any way with our service, then please. Don't hesitate. FEEL disappointed." Fentible.

That's fair comment Michael. It's easy to typecast anyone, especially someone like REG.

Any thoughts about Quordlepleen? Colin Jeavons was near-perfect in my opinion...we need someone with Monkhouse-like presence and smarminess.

Good luck in your project. In my opinion this is the book that teams most with brilliant ideas. I'd like to see something that retains the depth and comic timing of the radio and TV series, but with the gloss of the movie.

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The drug purportedly affected an area of the brain called "Shatner's Bassoon"

I used to think that the brain was the most wonderful organ in my body. Then I realized who was telling me this.
http://s267.photobucket.com/albums/ii297/h2g230/

But Michael told me in a PM he always saw another actor as Zaphod when reading the book. I won't say who, if Michael wants to, I'll let him come around and say, but he's an actor with the wrong accent but the right look. But the accent thing can easily be remedied. It's just too bad Douglas didn't take up that option when he cast Sandra Dickinson in the TV show.

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"If there's anything more important than my ego around here, I want it caught and shot now!"

-- Zaphod Beeblebrox

-- Wrestling is a spectacle all right. But believe it or not, some of the most devoted fans are highly intelligent people

I actually think Richard E. Grant would be a very fine choice, we would probably see a very different Zaphod from Sam Rockwell's but it may just turn out to be better. His portrayal may be closer to Mark Wing-Davey's.
And maybe it's a bit of a (way too) longshot, but Eddie Izzard as Max Quordlepleen?

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Sir Humphrey: With Trident we could obliterate the whole of Eastern Europe.
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You can't be a successful dictator and design women's underclothing. - Bertram Wooster, The Code of the Woosters

Please try to keep Stephen Fry as the voice of the book.

I also like the neony sign logo best, but hey...who am I to judge?

Thanks, Michael, for giving this the old college try. And even if it ultimately doesn't work out, feel free to drop in and be our friend.

And here are a couple pictures to try and express my emotional state at you giving this a go:

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It's terrible, but I guess songs are just interesting things to do with the air.
-Tom Waits

hey! is this a pic of Knut?

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"The human gene pool needs more lifeguards!
Either that or stronger chlorination...." (Pitbull)

I've not seen much of Richard E. Grant (actually the only time(s) I've seen him is when he's been on QI!) so I can't really say anything about him as Zaphod. Remind me, who is Max Quordlepleen? Is he the guy running the show in the restaurant? Introducing everyone and saying how it's going to happen etc.? I think Izzard would do that role well, but Alan Kalter would too, although strictly speaking he's not really an actor. But he does work as an announcer at the Late Show with David Letterman and he does try to be funny so I dunno, might work, might not.

As for what Michael said about either doing it properly or not doing it at all I couldn't agree more. We want the best film possible and if they're not happy about what they're doing it's better to drop it than to produce something they're not happy with. Since they're so keen on listening to what the fans think, it means that if they're not happy we won't be happy either, because what they produced came out of listening to us in the first place! If they don't think they've got it right we won't like it and if we don't like it we won't buy it. It's a vicious circle!

But I'm very happy about this whole project, with some luck it might work out really well for both parts!

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Batman: Nobody wants war.

Robin: Gee, Batman. Belgravia's such a small country. We'd beat them in a few hours.

Batman: Yes, and then we'd have to support them for years.

Yes, Max is the Restaurant's show-man. I don't know this Kalter fellow, but now that I've come to think of it again I'm convinced Eddie Izzard would be almost perfect.

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Sir Humphrey: With Trident we could obliterate the whole of Eastern Europe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can't be a successful dictator and design women's underclothing. - Bertram Wooster, The Code of the Woosters

I think Richard E would be a great choice!

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love is a wet spot on the mattress of my life! Tracy Lundgren

after our performance a bunch of little kids were in awe of the size of my bassoon. Appogg