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Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 3:47 am Reply with quote

Alright because that one seemed to have the most people fooled (even a few verified accounts). Though the commentary (usually in all caps) was what made me suspicious. Unfortunately there's a few hundred gullible fans that would believe that's the real deal, including some political views that he certainly doesn't hold.



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Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 11:28 am Reply with quote

Slash Man :
Alright because that one seemed to have the most people fooled (even a few verified accounts). Though the commentary (usually in all caps) was what made me suspicious. Unfortunately there's a few hundred gullible fans that would believe that's the real deal, including some political views that he certainly doesn't hold.


I saw this account long time ago and I found incredible that people fall for it. First, there are Robo-related posts Laughing and then you have fun texts from "Weller himself", plus some bad photoshop edits from fake (and sometimes hilarious) films Weller "appeared".




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Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 1:47 pm Reply with quote

I originally thought it might be him because some older people are... not well adapted to social media. Though it became increasing apparent based on the things he was talking about that this wasn't the case. Then again that's foolish of me to think someone as well spoken as Weller would somehow be reduced to that imbecile on Instagram



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Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 4:58 pm Reply with quote

Slash Man :
I originally thought it might be him because some older people are... not well adapted to social media. Though it became increasing apparent based on the things he was talking about that this wasn't the case. Then again that's foolish of me to think someone as well spoken as Weller would somehow be reduced to that imbecile on Instagram


It seems even partners from the RoboFlicks followed that account. At first sight it could look like a real account, but when you see the posts you can see it´s a guy having fun of Weller. Watching how Weller reacts on interviews and public appereances I doubt he likes to spend time on the net.




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Posted: Sun May 19, 2019 5:28 pm Reply with quote

Hi. Haven't posted in awhile, but I did want to say something about Peter Weller -- I think it is unlikely that he ever earned very much money from ROBOCOP. ROBOCOP was made on 13 million, ROBOCOP II for 35 million. I'd guestimate Weller's salary at a five figure sum for the first, maybe a low six figures for the second. The ROBOCOP franchise has not been a huge hit since the first film, but MGM has made hundreds of millions off the franchise while Weller likely hasn't seen more than a small amount of royalties if that since ROBOCOP II.

As the person who was at the core of founding the franchise and whose performance remains the primary point of reference for all the subsequent films, cartoons, comics and video games, Weller has seen very, very little renumeration outside his initial earnings. I can understand Weller being unwilling to further popularize and prolong an intellectual property in which he has no stake and draws no further profit. If Weller is to promote the ROBOCOP franchise in any form whether it's appearing in a documentary or raising its profile in interviews, he wants to be paid for his time and effort.

I find that completely reasonable and acceptable; his time is valuable, his talent is special and unique and if MGM is going to earn money based on Weller's performance and craft, then Weller deserves a piece of that.




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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 1:03 pm Reply with quote

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Hi. Haven't posted in awhile, but I did want to say something about Peter Weller -- I think it is unlikely that he ever earned very much money from ROBOCOP.



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Posted: Mon May 20, 2019 1:18 pm Reply with quote

AceAlive1! Good to hear from you. I’m a big fan of your posts.I also like to think Cyberdyne made the Robosuit.



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Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 4:12 pm Reply with quote

ireactions :
Hi. Haven't posted in awhile, but I did want to say something about Peter Weller -- I think it is unlikely that he ever earned very much money from ROBOCOP. ROBOCOP was made on 13 million, ROBOCOP II for 35 million. I'd guestimate Weller's salary at a five figure sum for the first, maybe a low six figures for the second. The ROBOCOP franchise has not been a huge hit since the first film, but MGM has made hundreds of millions off the franchise while Weller likely hasn't seen more than a small amount of royalties if that since ROBOCOP II.

As the person who was at the core of founding the franchise and whose performance remains the primary point of reference for all the subsequent films, cartoons, comics and video games, Weller has seen very, very little renumeration outside his initial earnings. I can understand Weller being unwilling to further popularize and prolong an intellectual property in which he has no stake and draws no further profit. If Weller is to promote the ROBOCOP franchise in any form whether it's appearing in a documentary or raising its profile in interviews, he wants to be paid for his time and effort.

I find that completely reasonable and acceptable; his time is valuable, his talent is special and unique and if MGM is going to earn money based on Weller's performance and craft, then Weller deserves a piece of that.


I agree with everything you say, although it seems Weller does have a stake in the franchise (which surprised me) I think it's on the previous page where Archive posted a video interview where Weller states it.




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Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 1:41 am Reply with quote

It’s possible I misunderstood the video, but I thought Weller was referring to likeness rights for RoboCop toys. If I am dead wrong, please correct me!



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Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 7:40 am Reply with quote

I assume Weller means mostly likeness rights and so on? Just what merits as copyright is up for debate since most figures just show the mouth. The Neca ones look like Weller, but the new Mafex not so much. The new bust by Chronicle has a licensed Weller mouth so cash must keep rolling in.



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Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 9:53 pm Reply with quote

I'd like to revise my opinion on Peter Weller with the new information here -- I got confused by the video clip because I didn't see the whole thing; I didn't realize Archive's link went directly to the middle of the interview.

The full interview has Weller saying that he makes a pretty good living off ROBOCOP and ROBOCOP II thanks to what's (apparently) partial ownership of the franchise as part of his deal for the first film -- in addition to likeness payments for action figures, comic books and assorted merchandise.

If Weller has done well off ROBOCOP financially, he deserves to do so. He is the core of the franchise. His performance remains the primary point of reference for all the subsequent films, cartoons, comics and video games.

I also think it is right and appropriate that Weller expect additional payment in exchange for any action, appearance or labour to popularize and prolong an intellectual property owned by a massive corporation. Actors who don't actively pursue payment risk not being paid at all or getting pennies on the dollar.

The industry is filled with individuals like David Duchovny who had to sue the studio to get what they were contractually entitled to receive.

However... Weller is being compensated for his original work and expressed great satisfaction with his pay ("Keep buying that crap!"). I now find Weller's remarks inappropriate and disrespectful to the fans, indicating that he thinks they are giving him money in exchange for products and experiences that he doesn't feel are of genuine value. That is deeply unprofessional in any business transaction. Sellers need to sell products they believe in; buyers should feel they're getting value for the purchase.

And really, Weller's financial compensation is really a matter for him to address with the studio. It is not a subject to discuss in interviews or at convention appearances. To speak so brazenly and crudely is insulting to the fans and declares he is only interested in their money and not their appreciation of his talent and creativity.

DOCTOR WHO actors, in contrast, are extremely tactful when speaking of fans and money. The most overt they ever got: Sylvester McCoy expressed amazement that being the Doctor came with a retirement plan with earnings through conventions and audioplay performances -- and that it was incredible to continually revisit a career high point and meet the fans who enjoyed it.

Tom Baker expressed his love for meeting fans and that sense of unconditional love and warmth and respect and how he was heartened and humbled by the thought that his visits could make difference to children dying in hospitals.

Paul McGann engaged in cosplay at a convention to create a new costume for his character. Peter Davison filmed a mock-reality movie with Doctors 5 - 8 for the anniversary. They say that they do the audioplays and conventions and script readings "for the fans."

The actual truth is that the fans are merely a delightful bonus on a paycheque. The actors are paid for everything but the hospital visits. The payments are between the actors and the convention organizers and media producers and studio; actors shouldn't bring that into meeting with the fans once convention tickets are bought and autograph and photoshoots are purchased.

Weller is, I feel, discourteous in raising the issue of money within our rapport with him as fans to the actor. It would be different if he were not being properly compensated; then it's worth talking about as a cautionary tale to other performers and for fans to know that the creators of the content aren't being renumerated appropriately.

But by Weller's own bragging admission, that is not the case, which means that if he talks about he money, he's doing so to tell his fans that he has no interest in them or their experience.

The simplest and most appropriate comment for Weller to make on future ROBOCOP projects would be, "No comment as of yet, but regardless of my involvement, I think it'll be great." The most appropriate response to requests for appearances for documentaries or conventions given Weller's feelings is, "This is my fee; I apologize if it's too high, but I have to set it there or I'd be inundated with too many requests."

And the most professional sentiment on the money would be: "RoboCop's been really good to me and my career and I'm always grateful; a reboot's success is my success too and I want the fans to be happy." And if he doesn't care about his fans, then he should simply not communicate with them at all instead of saying what he does.

Former child actress Mara Wilson has an anecdote:

Quote:
When I was nine years old, I was asked, as part of a panel interview with some other child actors, whether I liked being recognized and signing autographs.

“Um, actually… not really,” I said, “I mean, sometimes I just want to be with my friends at the mall or at school and just want to be a normal kid…” I trailed off, noticing it had become very quiet in the room.

Immediately following the panel, my father took me aside and told me, “Mara, if anyone asks you that again, just say yes.” I protested that I had told the truth, but he said, “No one wants to hear that. These people are your fans and they support you. It’s a compliment. How would you feel if someone you liked said they didn’t like having you as a fan?”

How would I feel? I would feel terrible. My father was right: to these people, I meant something. The next time someone approached me, I reminded myself that I had made a significant difference in this person’s life, and I had to respect that.



If Weller is doing well in terms of money from ROBOCOP, he shouldn't be bringing it up with us and indicating that he just wants our money and doesn't care about our love for his work. It's rude. We're his fans.




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Posted: Wed May 22, 2019 10:23 pm Reply with quote

ireactions :
I'd like to revise my opinion on Peter Weller with the new information here -- I got confused by the video clip because I didn't see the whole thing; I didn't realize Archive's link went directly to the middle of the interview.

The full interview has Weller saying that he makes a pretty good living off ROBOCOP and ROBOCOP II thanks to what's (apparently) partial ownership of the franchise as part of his deal for the first film -- in addition to likeness payments for action figures, comic books and assorted merchandise.

If Weller has done well off ROBOCOP financially, he deserves to do so. He is the core of the franchise. His performance remains the primary point of reference for all the subsequent films, cartoons, comics and video games.

I also think it is right and appropriate that Weller expect additional payment in exchange for any action, appearance or labour to popularize and prolong an intellectual property owned by a massive corporation. Actors who don't actively pursue payment risk not being paid at all or getting pennies on the dollar.

The industry is filled with individuals like David Duchovny who had to sue the studio to get what they were contractually entitled to receive.

However... Weller is being compensated for his original work and expressed great satisfaction with his pay ("Keep buying that crap!"). I now find Weller's remarks inappropriate and disrespectful to the fans, indicating that he thinks they are giving him money in exchange for products and experiences that he doesn't feel are of genuine value. That is deeply unprofessional in any business transaction. Sellers need to sell products they believe in; buyers should feel they're getting value for the purchase.

And really, Weller's financial compensation is really a matter for him to address with the studio. It is not a subject to discuss in interviews or at convention appearances. To speak so brazenly and crudely is insulting to the fans and declares he is only interested in their money and not their appreciation of his talent and creativity.

DOCTOR WHO actors, in contrast, are extremely tactful when speaking of fans and money. The most overt they ever got: Sylvester McCoy expressed amazement that being the Doctor came with a retirement plan with earnings through conventions and audioplay performances -- and that it was incredible to continually revisit a career high point and meet the fans who enjoyed it.

Tom Baker expressed his love for meeting fans and that sense of unconditional love and warmth and respect and how he was heartened and humbled by the thought that his visits could make difference to children dying in hospitals.

Paul McGann engaged in cosplay at a convention to create a new costume for his character. Peter Davison filmed a mock-reality movie with Doctors 5 - 8 for the anniversary. They say that they do the audioplays and conventions and script readings "for the fans."

The actual truth is that the fans are merely a delightful bonus on a paycheque. The actors are paid for everything but the hospital visits. The payments are between the actors and the convention organizers and media producers and studio; actors shouldn't bring that into meeting with the fans once convention tickets are bought and autograph and photoshoots are purchased.

Weller is, I feel, discourteous in raising the issue of money within our rapport with him as fans to the actor. It would be different if he were not being properly compensated; then it's worth talking about as a cautionary tale to other performers and for fans to know that the creators of the content aren't being renumerated appropriately.

But by Weller's own bragging admission, that is not the case, which means that if he talks about he money, he's doing so to tell his fans that he has no interest in them or their experience.

The simplest and most appropriate comment for Weller to make on future ROBOCOP projects would be, "No comment as of yet, but regardless of my involvement, I think it'll be great." The most appropriate response to requests for appearances for documentaries or conventions given Weller's feelings is, "This is my fee; I apologize if it's too high, but I have to set it there or I'd be inundated with too many requests."

And the most professional sentiment on the money would be: "RoboCop's been really good to me and my career and I'm always grateful; a reboot's success is my success too and I want the fans to be happy." And if he doesn't care about his fans, then he should simply not communicate with them at all instead of saying what he does.

Former child actress Mara Wilson has an anecdote:

Quote:
When I was nine years old, I was asked, as part of a panel interview with some other child actors, whether I liked being recognized and signing autographs.

“Um, actually… not really,” I said, “I mean, sometimes I just want to be with my friends at the mall or at school and just want to be a normal kid…” I trailed off, noticing it had become very quiet in the room.

Immediately following the panel, my father took me aside and told me, “Mara, if anyone asks you that again, just say yes.” I protested that I had told the truth, but he said, “No one wants to hear that. These people are your fans and they support you. It’s a compliment. How would you feel if someone you liked said they didn’t like having you as a fan?”

How would I feel? I would feel terrible. My father was right: to these people, I meant something. The next time someone approached me, I reminded myself that I had made a significant difference in this person’s life, and I had to respect that.



If Weller is doing well in terms of money from ROBOCOP, he shouldn't be bringing it up with us and indicating that he just wants our money and doesn't care about our love for his work. It's rude. We're his fans.


He's a colourful character for sure. Money orientated which at 72 years old I don't really understand - because when you're already a multi-millionaire, someone who would never have to worry about money...and you're closer to the end door than the front door...what's the point??

The reality is. The reason he made those millions was because he was insanely disciplined and driven. He also had a huge ego. I watched a live convention clip from the cast of RoboCop the other day and you see it annoying him that others are speaking and getting applause. Even Nancy has a look of "I don't wanna piss him off" about her.

The guy is hard work. That's for sure.




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Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 8:16 am Reply with quote

NukeLord :
He's a colourful character for sure. Money orientated which at 72 years old I don't really understand - because when you're already a multi-millionaire, someone who would never have to worry about money...and you're closer to the end door than the front door...what's the point??

The reality is. The reason he made those millions was because he was insanely disciplined and driven. He also had a huge ego. I watched a live convention clip from the cast of RoboCop the other day and you see it annoying him that others are speaking and getting applause. Even Nancy has a look of "I don't wanna piss him off" about her.

The guy is hard work. That's for sure.


Which one? Got a timecode? I didn't notice that, but might've missed it.

No actor wants to be known for a part where only his jawline is visible for 90% of the time. He played the part exceptionally, but was wholly unsuitable for others. He's an odd, weird, eccentric performer, with a voice that alternates between a booming cowboy and a neurotic mental patient. He can't handle nor is equipped for certain roles, and that's bothered him I think over the years. They've unfortunately been failures and not the box-office hits he assumed they would be; assuming meaning out of this ego he has.

When you're as cocky as you say he is (or was), you expect everybody to love you, no matter what you do. That arrogance manifests itself and in Weller's case, on-screen. Terribly excessive performances that were grating, over-the-top and poor, he's guilty of that, but can't go back. He can't re-do those films and can only make sure no one else does by directing them (in TV...where most actors get their start, incl. him).




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Posted: Thu May 23, 2019 10:25 am Reply with quote

I'd like to see this video clip too.

Actors can be eccentric. Peter Weller can be rather cruel and hurtful -- which was part of what made RoboCop so imposing and disturbing and inhuman and unnerving onscreen. Weller is a genius, but that can crowd out the space in one's brain for generosity and kindness. Generosity is not merely a matter of money; it exists in terms of spirit and empathy. It's all about not worrying what people think of you but worrying very much about how you make them feel and, if you're famous, how you make your fans feel.

Patrick Stewart once said that whenever he meets a fan, he gets very nervous because they have a perspective and a frame of reference on STAR TREK THE NEXT GENERATION as a viewer whereas Stewart will only ever see TNG from the viewpoint of an actor and he's worried they'll want a shared connection he cannot offer. They expect Stewart to be the stalwart diplomat and leader instead of the troubled, silly man of make believe he is in real life and he is very careful and gentle in his interactions. He cares.

I think most of that for Weller is so tied up in the characters he plays and his projects that he doesn't extend it to actual human beings.

I really like his acting, however. One of my favourite performances of his his "White Tulip," an episode of FRINGE where Weller plays a cold, cruel scientist who is repeatedly making people suffer and die in a timeloop to resurrect his wife who died in a car accident. As events proceed, Weller's performance softens and he rearranges matters so that the timeloop will claim no lives in the end, and Weller's achievement in the end is merely to be with his wife and die with her in the accident. He starts out in full Weller-esque robot mode but becomes totally human by the end and is perfectly capable of doing so.

A great actor is not necessarily a good man.




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