Hollywood Fantasy Draft: Round 1
Imagine that you are a Hollywood producer and want to make a movie, who would you pick to be your director and actors?
The Hollywood Fantasy Draft is about to kick off. So far, 21 of you have signed up to participate and I think we have the right amount to get this started. If you still would like to sign up, click on the link below and tell us in the comments. You will be added to the back of the draft order in the order you sign up.
Sign me up for the Hollywood Fantasy Draft >>
Draft Tracker
Go to the Second Round >>
Go to the Third Round >>
Go to the Fourth Round >>
Round 1
1.Red Beard | "For my director I’m picking Darren Aronofsky. I’m just picking him because our beards look exactly the same, I’m picking him because he’s got the balls to take chances, and the creativity to turn those chances into gold. Pi, Requiem for a Dream, The Fountain, The Wrestler and next Black Swan. I don’t think I need to say anything more." |  |
2.Travis | "I pick Christopher Nolan. He’s a great director and has a lot of buzz just by his name’s sake. He has a great style, can make great input in the writing and has a lot of good working relationships with other actors." |  |
3. Dan | "The director I’m going to pick is STEVEN SPIELBERG. The grandfather of the blockbuster. He might not be at the top of his game like Chris Nolan but there’s always buzz for each and every one of his movies. He can make all types of films from comedy, melodrama, action and adventure, horror and science-fiction – frequently combining elements of all." |  |
4. Anna | "My choice is Martin Scorsese. Revolutionizing the crime genre and making violence an art form, his line of work ranges from sports and biopics to thrillers and gangster movies." |  |
5.Novroz | "I choose Peter Jackson. I don't have much to say about him except that he is a great director that can transfer great books into great movies, The Lord of The Rings is a masterpiece. And don't forget the fact that he also produced the best movie of 2009, District-9." |  |
6. Joel | Joel selects Jon Turteltaub. "I am going for a popcorn flick feeling with a dream adaptation of mine (aren’t gonna tell what yet) so with that scenario John and Michael Bay were the obvious choices and between them I prefer John." |  |
7. Chris | "I pick… drumroll please… Zack Snyder! Chances are if casting goes my way, I’m going to end up with a movie that has very little substance but is stylistic enough to make your eyes bleed – and who better to direct such a film than Mr Snyder whose cinematic efforts, although lacking, have been visual spectacles. Bam." |  |
8. Red | "Going with the first actor chosen in this here draft, I’m going to go with one of the biggest stars today. While a huge star, RDJ still isn’t afraid to venture into wonderful arthouse work. The man has proven he can flourish in any genre and works well with just about anybody, which leaves me with plenty of options with my remaining six picks." |  |
9. Castor | "With the 9th pick in the draft, I select Christian Bale. The British actor has long been one of my favorite, becoming a huge household name while demonstrating his considerable acting chops in independent and arthouse-type movies. He proved himself as early as the age of 13 in Steven Spielberg’s underrated masterpiece Empire of the Sun and has played a variety of role from blockbuster mega-star to American Psycho and romantic lead. Christian Bale can be in my movie any time!" |  |
10. Corey | "I have decided to go with The Coen Brothers, as they are (in my opinion) the greatest living filmmakers in Hollywood. They were my top choice all along, so I’m pretty excited that they were still available. " |  |
11. Kai | "Taking a director for first pick is like taking a kicker… there’s always a good one out there. [scoffs] Still, I can’t take my true number one… this one kinda picked me. I’m taking Jo-Go… or as Castor so lamely calls him: JGL." |  |
12. Andrew | "Okay, a director I’ll pick because I’m afraid he’ll eventually get picked – Joe Wright. Though I don’t hate The Soloist I’ll pretend it didn’t happen and go on the brilliance of Pride & Prejudice and Atonement and the potential of Hanna." |  |
13. Ruth | "My director pick is Ridley Scott. He’s one of the hardest working directors in Hollywood and is so darn prolific it’s hard to imagine he’s in his 70s! Gladiator is one of my fave movies of all time, so naturally he gains my respect, though sci-fi fans will regard Blade Runner or ALIEN as his crowning achievement. Even with his already stunning resume, looks like there are still more great projects in store for us from this British auteur, just check out his extensive possible project list." |  |
14.Jonathan | "My first pick is an off-beat one for sure: Peter Dinklage. Dwarfism or not, the man can act. The Station Agent and his stint on Nip/Tuck showcased his dramatic side, while his brief roles in The Baxter and Saint John of Las Vegas showed he’s also got comedy chops. The man should gain a whole ton of fame, and as a producer, it’s my job to make that happen." |  |
15. Ripley | "I pick Lauren Bacall because she is among the last awesome actresses to survive that malevolent mistress known as Age. Get on it." |  |
16. Heather | "David Fincher The mastermind behind films like Se7en, Fight Club, Panic Room, The Game, and Zodiac. With some interesting future projects ahead of him, I don’t think I’d want my film in the hands of anyone else. He has a finesse and a deliberate touch to his film with a strong point of view, but never loses touch of the story. He is without question, one of the greats." |  |
17. Richard | "In light of my first and second choices being nabbed, I’m going to go with Terry Gilliam. At least with Gilliam at the helm, I know my movie will be made NO MATTER WHAT. Hell, he doesn’t even need a budget. He’s the Wile E. Coyote of moviemaking. However bad it gets, he just picks himself up and carries on. Brazil, The Fisher King, Twelve Monkeys and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Go, Gilliam." |  |
18. Marc | "I will have to go with Kevin Costner. The man is a solid actor, a fine director and Oscar Winner and all around humanitarian. His films have heart, an emotional weight, he understands how to handle a grand scope that borders on epic and more importantly tell a good story both behind the camera and in front of it. Open Range, Robin Hood, Fandango, The Guardian, Mr. Brooks, For Love of the Game, Silverado, Field of Dreams and of course Dances with Wolves! He's dependable and a hardworking entertainer. However, did I pick him as an actor...or a director? Guess we'll find out as the draft goes...consider him a double threat." |  |
19. Clara | "My pick for director is J.J. Abrams. He is imaginative and can think outside the box. I would love to see him create my PERFECT Chick Flick. His TV shows are hits and his movies make money. I am hoping for Oscars with this project. (how is that for trash talkin’)" |  |
20. This Guy | "Quentin Tarantino.: The master of the homage is the [re]definition of cool. From his canon blast of a debut (Reservoir Dogs) to his creme de le creme (Pulp Fiction), and even his underrated gems (Jackie Brown, Deathproof) Tarantino has proved that he wholly deserving of the title ‘son of cinema’. Oh yeah, and I think he directed Inglourious Basterds and those Kill Bill films, but I’m not sure. I’ll have to do an IMDb check on that.” |  |
21. Fitz | "Leonardo DiCaprio has proven himself in his numerous films and he has the magnetic presence to carry my film." |  |
22. Andrew Robinson | "So my first choice, I’ve decided that since I would love to fill out my cast but I’m going to start out with my Leading Lady.. Evan Rachel Wood. I loved her in The Wrestler as well as her pretty much weekly cameos in True Blood and other than her breakout in Across the Universe I dont think she’s had much of an opportunity for a leading role… so here it is." |  |
23. CS | "My first pick overall is none other than…Johnny Depp. Why? To put it simply, the man can play it all! Regardless of whether it is a big budget flick or an independent gem Depp always creates interesting and memorable characters. While directors are the hot choice in the first round, I look at them like the drummer in a band. They keep the beat going while everyone pays attention to the lead singer. Johnny is my lead singer who will bring the crowds into the cinema. Depp is one of the few actors that can appeals to both mainstream audiences and hardcore cinephiles." |  |
24. Michael | I picked Sofia Coppola because, like her father, she can make a very personnal film about important issues of our society: Lost In Translation (our inhability to communicate), Marie-Antoinette (the emptiness of the world of plenty we live in), Virgin Suicides (teenager suicide). I know, I picked her over many great directors that haven't been chose yet: Werner Herzog, Jean-Luc Godard, David Cronenberg, etc. But, I have a very specific idea for my script and she is the perfect fit for it... Besides, with Kathryn Bigelow winning the oscar for Best Director, woman director are in fashion! |  |
25. Neon | Neon picks Clint Eastwood. Comment coming on Monday! |  |
26. Ben | "In the midst of such a depressing period for mainstream movies (let’s face it, finding a great, well-rounded Hollywood movie these days is like finding something healthy on the McDonald’s value menu), Paul Thomas Anderson is a writer/director that can take average-sized budgets and turn them into brilliantly crafted films. He knows the art of the business and makes some of the most artful, beautiful, and carefully written movies in the industry with consistently incredible acting performances. His rare skills have produced the likes of Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love, and There Will Be Blood. If I’m a movie studio, I want a director that I know can use reasonable budgets and still create mind-blowing masterpieces that critics and audiences all over will enjoy. Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the few that can rightfully be trusted with such a responsibility." |  |
Trade Tracker
- Castor trades his 2nd round pick (44th overall) and 3rd round pick (61) to Neon for a 2nd round pick (28) and 5th round pick (130)
How To Play
This is very simple so don’t worry if you have never participated in some kind of fantasy draft before. You will get the hang of it very quickly once we start playing. In essence, each participant gets to draft (=select) someone when it is their turn. If you would like to get a simple example of a fantasy draft, visit the first Hollywood Fantasy Draft post.
The Rules
- The draft will begin on Thursday, August 12 @ 7PM CT
- Draft one director and six actors for your movie (in no particular order)
- Out of the six actors, at least two must be of the opposite gender: This means that if you pick 4 actors in a row, you will be forced to pick 2 actresses to round out your cast
- Time limit of 24 hours will be enforced: You have 24 hours to make your pick from the time the person ahead of you made his/her selection. If your pick is not posted by then, you will be skipped and the next in line will be able to make his selection. In this case, you will be able to make your pick whenever you get back. I hope this doesn’t have to happen and everyone will check back regularly so wait time is minimal.
- If you are going to be away, you can send us your list of people you want us to pick for you so everyone doesn’t end up waiting for you to come back
- If you sign up after the first round begins, your pick will be at the end of the draft order
- If you sign up after x number of rounds have concluded, you will not be able to pick for the rounds you missed
- The director and actors you draft must be alive at the time of your pick!
- Trades: You can trade your picks with other producers at your discretion. Obviously, you need to work it out by packaging names and/or picks to get what you want.
Making a Selection
When it finally is your turn to pick, simply state who you are picking. Give us a few sentences on why you selected a certain director or actor as well as post a picture if you would like. Simple, yes? For bandwidth-sakes, limit yourself to two pictures maximum and nothing bigger than 500 pixel in width.
To post a picture in the comments, simply use this tag in the comments POST THE LINK and I will take care of it:
<img src="http://www.example-picture.com"/>
Example: “With the first pick, I select Robert Pattinson, the most beautiful actor on Earth teeheee!!! Pattinson also has some mad acting skillz as shown in his portrayal of Edward in the Twilight masterpieces and best of all, he sparkles in the sun hihihihi… What more can you ask for?????????? ^^ See you girls later XOXOXO… ^^ 
$$## ^^”
The Producers and the Draft Order
1. Red | 13. Marc |
2. Castor | 14. Chris |
3. Kai | 15. Andrew |
4. Travis | 16. Ruth |
5. Anna | 17. Jonathan |
6. Richard | 18. Corey |
7. Joel | 19. Clara |
8. Ripley | 20. Novroz |
9. Heather | 21. Dan |
10. Red Beard | |
11. This Guy | |
12. Fitz |
Using the numbers next to your name in table above (in order of sign-up), a random draft order was generated on psychicscience.org as shown in this screenshot.
This gives us the following draft order shown on the right:
Red Beard will have the honor of making the first pick! In the second round, the draft order will be reversed, meaning Fitz will make the last pick of the first round and the first pick of the second round. I will keep a table below to keep track of all the picks made.
Additional Producers
Some late-comers who recently signed up:
- Andrew Robinson: 22nd pick
- CS: 23rd pick
- Michael: 24th pick
- Neon: 25th pick
- Ben: 26th pick
Final Notes
Enough with all those rules and boring explanations, let’s not forget to have fun. Naturally, discuss each picks as much as you would like, that’s the entire point. If you still would like to sign up, it’s not too late.
That said, Red Beard, we are awaiting your pick by Thursday, August 12 @ 7PM CT! Let the fun begin!
![Watch: Creepy Trailer for Slasher Pic ‘Maniac’ [NSFW]](http://www.anomalousmaterial.com/movies/wp-content/themes/yamidoo_pro/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://www.anomalousmaterial.com/movies/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/elijah-wood-maniac-tb.jpg&w=50&h=50&zc=1)
262 Comments
My first pick is an off-beat one for sure: Peter Dinklage. Dwarfism or not, the man can act. The Station Agent and his stint on Nip/Tuck showcased his dramatic side, while his brief roles in The Baxter and Saint John of Las Vegas showed he’s also got comedy chops. The man should gain a whole ton of fame, and as a producer, it’s my job to make that happen.
Very interesting pick Jonathan!
Ripley is on the clock.
I love Ebert’s little blurb about him in his review of The Station Agent:
“Finally he climbs up on a table and shouts, “Here I am! Take a look!” And that is the moment you realize there is no good reason why Peter Dinklage could not play Braveheart.”
I’m going to be catching an 11:40 show of The Kids Are Alright. I don’t think you’ll get to me in the next three and a half hours, but if you do… I’ll be able to respond by 2pm PST, so bare with me!
Come on everyone that US based should be up now… =)
Yea… Ripley is always online except like right now!!!!!!
In cyberspace Ripley can’t hear us scream!
Maybe she will hear us shriek, shrieks of despair and frustration!
Please SEND me your pick beforehand if you know you are going to be away!!!!!
I doubt that you’ll get so far but I am catching Inception around lunch tomorrow and will be out of reach for some hours. I’ll check in in the morning and send you my pick beforehand if the pace have skyrocketed.
Everyone stop whining, a pick has been picked.
I didn’t expect Dinklage to be off the board this early. Hopefully my guy is still available with six picks left.
Castor, I’ve sent you my picks ’cause I ain’t gonna be online this weekend and I don’t want to keep everybody waiting after me.
You are my hero!
I wasn’t expecting that much, but thank you!
I pick Mila Kunis, because I just watched Sarah Marshall and loved it.
Shit, never mind. I pick Lauren Bacall because she is among the last awesome actresses to survive that malevelont mistress known as Age. Get on it.
Once a pick is turned in, it cannot be changed young lady!!!!! As the commissioner, I will let it slide this time!
Do you want a picture of Lauren Bacall at her current age or when she was younger? Post a link to the picture if you have one specific.
Your picture is lovely, thank you.
It was hard to decide on a director or my favorite actor first, but I know I won’t be lucky enough to get him in round two, so my choice is:
David Fincher
The mastermind behind films like Se7en, Fight Club, Panic Room, The Game, and Zodiac. With some interesting future projects ahead of him, I don’t think I’d want my film in the hands of anyone else. He has a finesse and a deliberate touch to his film with a strong point of view, but never loses touch of the story. He is without question, one of the greats.
I would just like it noted that both of my picks were stolen from me via women. Touché X chromosomes, touché.
Damn. I thought maybe somehow Fincher was gonna slip by untouched in the first round. Too good to be true, I suppose. Great pick.
Ah Fincher… and you’re completely right he wouldn’t have made it to the second round.
BTW I love that he is sitting among the grip equipment in that picture.
In light of my first and second choices being nabbed, I’m going to go with Terry Gilliam. At least with Gilliam at the helm, I know my movie will be made NO MATTER WHAT. Hell, he doesn’t even need a budget. He’s the Wile E. Coyote of moviemaking. However bad it gets, he just picks himself up and carries on. Brazil, The Fisher King, Twelve Monkeys and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen. Go, Gilliam.
Okay, the picture didn’t load properly. Technical ignorance, ahoy!
Edit: (Fixed)
Ever heard of Don Quiote?????
Ever heard of Lost in La Mancha? See, even when the movie doesn’t get made, something comes out of it.
That also an perspective. I wouldn’t mortgage my house on a production where he was involved.
This is a game, right? The rules didn’t say I’d have to finance my director’s next picture. And I do believe one of his films has made the Elite Eight in the comedy tournament.
Ouch a little touchy… it is a game yes
Yes, I am Terry Gilliam’s secret lovechild.
Nice pick Richard!
Marc is on the clock but he already told me his potential pick via email.
So Clara, you are basically on the clock as well
Wow now we are talking flow… keep em coming!
I will have to go with Kevin Costner. The man is a solid actor, a fine director and Oscar Winner and all around humanitarian. His films have heart, an emotional weight, he understands how to handle a grand scope that borders on epic and more importantly tell a good story both behind the camera and in front of it. Open Range, Robin Hood, Fandango, The Guardian, Mr. Brooks, For Love of the Game, Silverado, Field of Dreams and of course Dances with Wolves!
He’s dependable and a hardworking entertainer. However, did I pick him as an actor…or a director? Guess we’ll find out as the draft goes…consider him a double threat. Man I can’t wait to see how this develops:)
clever choice! I had the same thoughts about Clint Eastwood but decided to go Bruckheimer style on this assignment, hence Turtle!
Bout went the director/actor route myself, and I still can since I passed on a director, but Costner is definitely one of the better guys who can pull off both.
I didn’t see this coming, but I love the pick. I actually said “NICE!” out loud when I saw it.
Hurry up people… I got a winner. What are the odds of getting back to me tonite? Null and void.
My pick for director is J.J. Abrams. He imaginative and can think outside the box. I would love to see him create my PERFECT Chick Flick. His TV shows are hits and his movies make money. I am hoping for Oscars with this project. (how is that for trash talkin’)
If you want to make a quirky movie, go with the Coen Brothers. With Joel & Ethan you will probably get George Clooney, John Turturro and Francis McDormand in the package. The same goes for Johnny Depp and Tim Burton.
Unfortunately Clara’s following picks are going to remain super secretive until next summer.
I guess that’s finally me, huh? Well, since the females bullied me and took Scorsese and Fincher (my top two picks) I’ll go with one that’s a bit obvious: Quentin Tarantino.
“The master of the homage is the [re]definition of cool. From his canon blast of a debut (Reservoir Dogs) to his creme de le creme (Pulp Fiction), and even his underrated gems (Jackie Brown, Deathproof) Tarantino has proved that he wholly deserving of the title ‘son of cinema’. Oh yeah, and I think he directed Inglourious Basterds and those Kill Bill films, but I’m not sure. I’ll have to do an IMDb check on that.”
By the way, I have a vendetta against the word “is” and refuse to use it more than once in a paragraph…. :-\
I was wondering when someone would pick him…he was my second choice for director. Well done.
Grazi.
I figured with him at the helm (or one of my other two alternates who I’ll refrain from naming since they have not yet been picked,) would make the casting process an interesting one. Though now I have to go and find a washed up actor to dust off and present in an Eliza Doolittle sort of way.
Maybe Sandahl Bergman
I was thinking Erik Estrada? It’s a shame Ricardo Montalban passed away recently.
I was going to pick him, but I figured it was too obvious, and there were enough directors/men anyway.
Definitely an obvious choice, but not one to feel like I got “stuck” with. I’m very happy with it.
ahaha good point, you picked the only woman so far Ripley.
Just goes to show you, man: don’t mess with tomboys.
So my first choice, I’ve decided that since I would love to fill out my cast but I’m going to start out with my Leading Lady.. Evan Rachel Wood. I loved her in The Wrestler as well as her pretty much weekly cameos in True Blood and other than her breakout in Across the Universe I dont think she’s had much of an opportunity for a leading role… so here it is.
She was wonderful in King of California. I’ve been meaning to see Thirteen for like five years now and just haven’t gotten around to it. Solid pick!
Nice pick and glad to see someone stepping up to the plate and picking an actress. Ripley was the only producer to pick a woman until that point lol
Loved Evan Rachel Wood in Across the Universe, unfortunately, her career never really got much momentum.
Great pick. I’ve seen almost all of her movies, and have yet to be disappointed. Now only if she would leave Manson, things would be better. Great picture, as well!
Cool, very happy to see that we made some very good progress today after a slow start. We are basically done with the first round since all the picks are in except for CS who should get back around midnight (Toronto time)
The second round will be conducted in a new post as this is beginning to get really cluttered. It will begin as soon as Ben makes his pick (27th pick overall, 1st of the 2nd round)
I have mailed in my second round choice since I am going to bed now.
Cya in the morning!
You crushed my heart! I was hoping she would stealthily drop to the 4th round where I would have happily snatched her away!!!!!!
Its not in the bag for me yet…
Sorry…I didn’t see this comment.
SHIT! Leo, JJ, and QT. I’m screwed.
This game is both fun and tenseful (is tenseful even a word?)
I kinda regret my 1st pick now…I wish I had picked one of my favorite actors 1st so that no one steal one of them.
This should be fun for me. I’m gonna try to choose actors no one would expect in a Scorsese movie. And I don’t mean actors who’ve spent/wasted their entire careers doing chick flicks. I let you guess.
I hope you are not choosing the same actor as I am Anna
My choice is so underated but very talented
Nah, I doubt it. The ones I have in mind are profilic. By that, I mean Oscar winners. I just hope no one chooses the main three actors I want.
My first pick overall is none other than…Johnny Depp. Why? To put it simply, the man can play it all! Regardless of whether it is a big budget flick or an independent gem Depp always creates interesting and memorable characters. While directors are the hot choice in the first round, I look at them like the drummer in a band. They keep the beat going while everyone pays attention to the lead singer. Johnny is my lead singer who will bring the crowds into the cinema. Depp is one of the few actors that can appeals to both mainstream audiences and hardcore cinephiles.
Depp is one of the few actors that can appeals to both mainstream audiences and hardcore cinephiles.
Boy, ain’t that the truth.
Excellent selection. Johnny can do no wrong in my book. Even with a bad script, he is interesting. Too badd you didn’t get the Coens as directors. I would love to see them work together. Now that would be an interesting movie.
- Michael picks Sofia Coppola with the 24th pick
- Neon picks Clint Eastwood with the 25th pick
- Ben picks Paul Thomas Anderson with the 26th pick
Make sure to explain your picks here when you get back guys!
The first round is officially over! The second round begins as soon as Ben makes the 27th pick to open the second round
In the midst of such a depressing period for mainstream movies (let’s face it, finding a great, well-rounded Hollywood movie these days is like finding something healthy on the McDonald’s value menu), Paul Thomas Anderson is a writer/director that can take average-sized budgets and turn them into brilliantly crafted films. He knows the art of the business and makes some of the most artful, beautiful, and carefully written movies in the industry with consistently incredible acting performances. His rare skills have produced the likes of Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love, and There Will Be Blood. If I’m a movie studio, I want a director that I know can use reasonable budgets and still create mind-blowing masterpieces that critics and audiences all over will enjoy. Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the few that can rightfully be trusted with such a responsibility.
I picked Sofia Coppola because, like her father, she can make a very personnal film about important issues of our society: Lost In Translation (our inhability to communicate), Marie-Antoinette (the emptiness of the world of plenty we live in), Virgin Suicides (teenager suicide). I know, I picked her over many great directors that haven’t been chose yet: Werner Herzog, Jean-Luc Godard, David Cronenberg, etc. But, I have a very specific idea for my script and she is the perfect fit for it…
Besides, with Kathryn Bigelow winning the oscar for Best Director, woman director are in fashion!
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3252271616/nm2225369
My first pick is Jennifer Lawerence. I’m a big fan of this Up and Comer. And as a huge hunger games fan I can’t help but pick her.
Wrong thread Joey. This is an old draft. You can go here for the current one:
http://www.anomalousmaterial.com/movies/2011/11/hollywood-fantasy-draft-first-round-2pm-ct/
Also Jennifer Lawrence was already picked
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm4212964352/nm0182839
my second round pick is Marion Cotillard, I figure i need some batman in this.
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