Post by Goldash on Apr 18, 2008 6:08:19 GMT -5
I created this thread to limit the amount of questions I receive about production - many of the frequently-asked questions I've received over the past few years are included in this thread.
LAST UPDATED: JUNE 3RD, 2011
Why are you guys the way you are?
Check our wiki at ewrestling.wikia.com/wiki/Unnecessary_Roughness_Wrestling_League. Also, I would suggest to browse the forums. There's a lot of historical facts and information. I also try to spice up my commentary tracks with a lot of historical detail about the old days of the league, so keep your ears wide open for little trivia tidbits here and there.
What does "URWL" stand for?
Unnecessary Roughness Wrestling League.
Why don't you ever say the full league name in your commentary?
Because it's quite a mouthful. You can hear it at the beginning of all of our shows, though.
What's all this business about this league called the UNW? What was the UNW?
UNW was the URWL's name after a merger with a friend's e-fed, the NOW, in July 2002, at a pay-per-view called "Intoxication 2K2". The UNW name was dropped and replaced with the original URWL name after the text-based era ended in 2003 because I thought it wasn't a unique a name as "URWL" is.
Why were you guys originally suspended/banned from YouTube?
I don't know, but I'm thinking it's (strangely and pointlessly) related to the deletion of a few SCTV sketches on my "Goldash007" account. Anyway, it never should have happened. If I would've known better, I would never have uploaded those SCTV videos to begin with...but the past is the past.
What sites host the URWL's videos?
Check us out at...
YouTube - www.youtube.com/URWLcental
Megavideo - www.megavideo.com/?c=profile&user=Goldash007
What game do you use?
Currently, we use WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011. For Road to Rebirth, we used WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010. For Episodes 4-9 and for Discontent 2007, Digital Mayhem 2008 and Popular Demand 2008, the URWL used WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008. For Episodes 1-3 and URWL Asphyxiation 2007, we used WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007. We plan to use WWE '12 starting on the first episode of URWL Rush.
What gaming system do you use?
Xbox 360.
Do you play SVR online?
I'm not an online gamer period. It's just not my cup of tea. I prefer to have my friends/adversaries in the room. That's not to say I may try out the EASHL in EA's NHL series one day (hit me up on PM if you need an extra defenseman for your team!)
Do you play as both controllers, play against the AI, or simply simulate your matches?
I've tried every method. Episode 1 was all AI simulation, but from that point onward, I played against the AI. Asphyxiation 2007, however, was a 1 vs. 1 event between myself and VinceNeil1981. After Discontent 2007, however, I've been playing against myself more often because I feel it gives the most realistic results. So, to give a logical answer...I've used everything in the book at one point or another.
How do you record your matches?
I used to use an external Firewire video capture device manufactured by Sony. I plug my AV cables from my Xbox 360 directly into the yellow, white and red ports on the back of the device that correspond with the color of the cable heads. Now, though, I've invested in a DVD recorder and aim to use that as my main capture method (since the Sony device I previously mentioned was actually borrowed equipment from a teacher I once had).
What program do you use to capture your match footage?
On Windows, I used Windows Movie Maker. It's the most stable option I've used for capturing video on that OS. Now, I transfer my footage through the Mac OSX program "Handbrake", which allows for some high-quality DVD rips.
What program do you use to edit your matches?
On Windows, I used Vegas 6, Sony's non-linear editing suite. Now, I use a combination of Apple Final Cut Express HD, Adobe Premiere CS5 and Adobe After Effects CS5. When the long-awaited 64-bit Final Cut Studio releases, expect me to dump FCE and switch to that.
Is Vegas 6 free? If not, how much does it cost?
It's not free, unfortunately. However, it's an outdated version of the software so you may find it for a less expensive price than what Vegas 8 is currently going for (around $800 American dollars). You can download a free trial online, though, that gives you the full-featured Vegas for a limited time.
How do you make the namebars that show up on screen during entrances?
On Windows, I used Adobe Photoshop CS2 to create the backgrounds of the namebars, and then add text and transitions in Vegas. On Mac, I do something similar, except with Adobe Photoshop Extended CS5 and Adobe After Effects CS5.
Can you show me how to (fill in the blank) like on your show?
I may be able to explain how to do some things but I'm not a very good explainer, to tell you the truth (I would be writing tutorials as we speak if I was). I learned a lot about video editing just by experimenting with software - chances are, if you play around with your editor, you'll find your own solutions to problems. Find some creative routes around things. If you're still confused, feel free to post on our "CAW League Help" subforum, which is located under the "Rantboard CAW Community" board. I and others will be glad to help you out.
How do you make your 3D logo and text animations?
Xara3D, which allows for easy 3D compositing and creation.
How do you make the characters' mouths move?
It's a program called "CrazyTalk", a fairly simple yet extremely complex 3d modeling program that allows you to take still images of people (or even animals) and manipulate mouth movements. Like I said, it's simple enough for beginners but hard enough to please expert 3D modelers out there. I give all credit to Gary, the owner of EFW, for introducing me to this program.
How do you record commentary?
I use a real microphone connected through a LightSnake XLR-to-USB cable.
What software do you use to record commentary and apply audio filters?
On Windows, I used Cool Edit Pro 2. It's been discontinued but a similar program can be found under the name Adobe Audition. On Mac OSX, I use a mixture of Apple Garageband '11 and Logic Pro 9.
What's (insert wrestler here)'s theme song? What was that song in (insert video segment here)?
Check the Official URWL Music thread. It's stickied and is part of the announcements at the top of every URWL-related board.
Will you accept my CAWs?
I'm sorry, but no. We aren't accepting members.
...but they're so much better than yours!
Maybe, maybe not...but no exceptions will be made. If I let one viewer-made CAW in, I have to let them all in. There are many other CAW leagues out there that do accept members, so keep your eyes peeled around the net. Either that or wait for the "You Are URWL" CAW contest to pop up again.
Do you use anyone else's CAWs from around the 'net in your shows?
No, because if someone's seen a character somewhere else, then he or she will become emotionally attached to that character. I use all of my own creations because I can have complete creative control over their characters and angles and not have to rely on someone else's ideas (with the exception of the original URWL text era members who have lent their original characters to the show). It may sound selfish but I honestly don't want to have to control egos like in my old text-based days --- I had a situation where people threatened to quit if they lost, which I found highly immature.
Do you want to do an interpromotional event in the future with my league?
Sorry, but no. Like CAW requests, it's a case of "if I please one, I have to please all". That's not to say I won't be open to some kind of interpromotional stuff in the future but it's highly unlikely at the moment.
Why did you delete my comment on YouTube about the winner of the match?
Because I'm making the videos more interesting to those who are watching them for the first time. It's just like if you read WWE spoilers...if you're watching the show for entertainment value or to follow angles, there's no sense in watching if you find out the winner beforehand. But, if you're like me and watch wrestling to observe execution...well, that's different. But still, don't spoil match winners on YouTube. If you want to talk about the winners of matches and where his or her career must be going, please post your comments in the spoiler threads for every URWL event in the Feedback Forum.
Can you give me the formula for (insert wrestler here)?
Sorry, I usually don't give away my formulas because these aren't just CAWs, they're characters. I make some special exceptions (e.g. Seth Stern to DWA, Merle Haggard Jr. to GWF and Matt Thompson to VWA) but that's because I thought it would be best for the character at that point in time or because I have faith in the people that use them.
Why don't you want us to advertise our leagues in the Rantboard CAW Community?
You'll be able to promote your league, but within reason. Please read the stickied "What I Mean By 'No Advertising'" thread for more information. If you don't want to play by our rules, try the CAWS.ws forums, the SMF forums or CAW Underground, who have plenty of advertising opportunities. I'm not like Roughkut.com was back in 2005 (long story), so if you post a link to your league in a thread asking for help or in a thread about the CAW or e-wrestling community, by all means, go right ahead. It's just the cheap advertising agencies I'm worried about. As long as you present yourself intelligently and not like a leech, I'm happy.
I'm upset you made (Wrestler A) job to (Wrestler B). It's not logical to me, dammit!
Well, in that case, the opinion of the booker is different than the opinion of a fan. Unlike WWE, though, we provide a "Wrestler Discussion" forum where you can vent all you like about why Mr. X is a good wrestler stuck in crappy matches or Mr. Y is a crappy wrestler that doesn't need to be pushed.
Will you change what you're doing with a wrestler or with an angle if enough response is generated?
Three words: Never say never...
Why don't you have a color commentator?
VinceNeil1981 is the unofficial color commentator of the URWL, but we operate on parallel schedules most days of the week. We hang out often but not for URWL related stuff. I may plan to have some guests on color commentary in the future, however. For now, I'm sticking with the one-man booth because my major influence, Joey Styles, didn't really need a color commentator until he started making more money for what he was doing. I guess that's my reason for not having a permanent color man.
...I can do color commentary with you!
I don't want to try something like that out because of the obvious distance issue. If I have someone doing color with me, it has to be someone I'm in the same room with. Plus, you don't know if I'm running on a different schedule than you are, so it's a pretty complicated proposal.
Why do you censor the words "Hell and "Cell" in your "H*** in a C*** Match"?
That's an inside joke that only the original members of the URWL understand.
Why do you change the names of some of your match stipulations (like "Endurance Match" instead of "Ironman Match" and "Freestyle Hardcore Match" instead of an "Extreme Rules Match") ?
To make them less like WWE's matches. I know, it's still a WWE game I'm using, but that doesn't mean I have to abide by their standards. However, the Freestyle Hardcore Match was one of our original matches back in the old URWL days...I decided to rename the Extreme Rules Match the "Freestyle Hardcore Match" because of that. Most of the other stipulation names are just ways to break free from the WWE mold a lot of CAW leagues follow. You won't see any "Triple Threat" or "Fatal Four-Way" matches here...instead, it's either a "Three-Way Match", "Four-Way Match" or "Four-Way Dance" if elimination is involved.
Hey, you suck!
I'm sorry to hear that. If you're mature enough to follow up your staunch, intelligent criticism, there's a thread called "Anything We Can Do Better?" in the Feedback Forum that addresses concerns over production or execution of events. Don't worry, I won't bite. Or will I?
New questions will be added if the need arises.
LAST UPDATED: JUNE 3RD, 2011
Why are you guys the way you are?
Check our wiki at ewrestling.wikia.com/wiki/Unnecessary_Roughness_Wrestling_League. Also, I would suggest to browse the forums. There's a lot of historical facts and information. I also try to spice up my commentary tracks with a lot of historical detail about the old days of the league, so keep your ears wide open for little trivia tidbits here and there.
What does "URWL" stand for?
Unnecessary Roughness Wrestling League.
Why don't you ever say the full league name in your commentary?
Because it's quite a mouthful. You can hear it at the beginning of all of our shows, though.
What's all this business about this league called the UNW? What was the UNW?
UNW was the URWL's name after a merger with a friend's e-fed, the NOW, in July 2002, at a pay-per-view called "Intoxication 2K2". The UNW name was dropped and replaced with the original URWL name after the text-based era ended in 2003 because I thought it wasn't a unique a name as "URWL" is.
Why were you guys originally suspended/banned from YouTube?
I don't know, but I'm thinking it's (strangely and pointlessly) related to the deletion of a few SCTV sketches on my "Goldash007" account. Anyway, it never should have happened. If I would've known better, I would never have uploaded those SCTV videos to begin with...but the past is the past.
What sites host the URWL's videos?
Check us out at...
YouTube - www.youtube.com/URWLcental
Megavideo - www.megavideo.com/?c=profile&user=Goldash007
What game do you use?
Currently, we use WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011. For Road to Rebirth, we used WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2010. For Episodes 4-9 and for Discontent 2007, Digital Mayhem 2008 and Popular Demand 2008, the URWL used WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2008. For Episodes 1-3 and URWL Asphyxiation 2007, we used WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2007. We plan to use WWE '12 starting on the first episode of URWL Rush.
What gaming system do you use?
Xbox 360.
Do you play SVR online?
I'm not an online gamer period. It's just not my cup of tea. I prefer to have my friends/adversaries in the room. That's not to say I may try out the EASHL in EA's NHL series one day (hit me up on PM if you need an extra defenseman for your team!)
Do you play as both controllers, play against the AI, or simply simulate your matches?
I've tried every method. Episode 1 was all AI simulation, but from that point onward, I played against the AI. Asphyxiation 2007, however, was a 1 vs. 1 event between myself and VinceNeil1981. After Discontent 2007, however, I've been playing against myself more often because I feel it gives the most realistic results. So, to give a logical answer...I've used everything in the book at one point or another.
How do you record your matches?
I used to use an external Firewire video capture device manufactured by Sony. I plug my AV cables from my Xbox 360 directly into the yellow, white and red ports on the back of the device that correspond with the color of the cable heads. Now, though, I've invested in a DVD recorder and aim to use that as my main capture method (since the Sony device I previously mentioned was actually borrowed equipment from a teacher I once had).
What program do you use to capture your match footage?
On Windows, I used Windows Movie Maker. It's the most stable option I've used for capturing video on that OS. Now, I transfer my footage through the Mac OSX program "Handbrake", which allows for some high-quality DVD rips.
What program do you use to edit your matches?
On Windows, I used Vegas 6, Sony's non-linear editing suite. Now, I use a combination of Apple Final Cut Express HD, Adobe Premiere CS5 and Adobe After Effects CS5. When the long-awaited 64-bit Final Cut Studio releases, expect me to dump FCE and switch to that.
Is Vegas 6 free? If not, how much does it cost?
It's not free, unfortunately. However, it's an outdated version of the software so you may find it for a less expensive price than what Vegas 8 is currently going for (around $800 American dollars). You can download a free trial online, though, that gives you the full-featured Vegas for a limited time.
How do you make the namebars that show up on screen during entrances?
On Windows, I used Adobe Photoshop CS2 to create the backgrounds of the namebars, and then add text and transitions in Vegas. On Mac, I do something similar, except with Adobe Photoshop Extended CS5 and Adobe After Effects CS5.
Can you show me how to (fill in the blank) like on your show?
I may be able to explain how to do some things but I'm not a very good explainer, to tell you the truth (I would be writing tutorials as we speak if I was). I learned a lot about video editing just by experimenting with software - chances are, if you play around with your editor, you'll find your own solutions to problems. Find some creative routes around things. If you're still confused, feel free to post on our "CAW League Help" subforum, which is located under the "Rantboard CAW Community" board. I and others will be glad to help you out.
How do you make your 3D logo and text animations?
Xara3D, which allows for easy 3D compositing and creation.
How do you make the characters' mouths move?
It's a program called "CrazyTalk", a fairly simple yet extremely complex 3d modeling program that allows you to take still images of people (or even animals) and manipulate mouth movements. Like I said, it's simple enough for beginners but hard enough to please expert 3D modelers out there. I give all credit to Gary, the owner of EFW, for introducing me to this program.
How do you record commentary?
I use a real microphone connected through a LightSnake XLR-to-USB cable.
What software do you use to record commentary and apply audio filters?
On Windows, I used Cool Edit Pro 2. It's been discontinued but a similar program can be found under the name Adobe Audition. On Mac OSX, I use a mixture of Apple Garageband '11 and Logic Pro 9.
What's (insert wrestler here)'s theme song? What was that song in (insert video segment here)?
Check the Official URWL Music thread. It's stickied and is part of the announcements at the top of every URWL-related board.
Will you accept my CAWs?
I'm sorry, but no. We aren't accepting members.
...but they're so much better than yours!
Maybe, maybe not...but no exceptions will be made. If I let one viewer-made CAW in, I have to let them all in. There are many other CAW leagues out there that do accept members, so keep your eyes peeled around the net. Either that or wait for the "You Are URWL" CAW contest to pop up again.
Do you use anyone else's CAWs from around the 'net in your shows?
No, because if someone's seen a character somewhere else, then he or she will become emotionally attached to that character. I use all of my own creations because I can have complete creative control over their characters and angles and not have to rely on someone else's ideas (with the exception of the original URWL text era members who have lent their original characters to the show). It may sound selfish but I honestly don't want to have to control egos like in my old text-based days --- I had a situation where people threatened to quit if they lost, which I found highly immature.
Do you want to do an interpromotional event in the future with my league?
Sorry, but no. Like CAW requests, it's a case of "if I please one, I have to please all". That's not to say I won't be open to some kind of interpromotional stuff in the future but it's highly unlikely at the moment.
Why did you delete my comment on YouTube about the winner of the match?
Because I'm making the videos more interesting to those who are watching them for the first time. It's just like if you read WWE spoilers...if you're watching the show for entertainment value or to follow angles, there's no sense in watching if you find out the winner beforehand. But, if you're like me and watch wrestling to observe execution...well, that's different. But still, don't spoil match winners on YouTube. If you want to talk about the winners of matches and where his or her career must be going, please post your comments in the spoiler threads for every URWL event in the Feedback Forum.
Can you give me the formula for (insert wrestler here)?
Sorry, I usually don't give away my formulas because these aren't just CAWs, they're characters. I make some special exceptions (e.g. Seth Stern to DWA, Merle Haggard Jr. to GWF and Matt Thompson to VWA) but that's because I thought it would be best for the character at that point in time or because I have faith in the people that use them.
Why don't you want us to advertise our leagues in the Rantboard CAW Community?
You'll be able to promote your league, but within reason. Please read the stickied "What I Mean By 'No Advertising'" thread for more information. If you don't want to play by our rules, try the CAWS.ws forums, the SMF forums or CAW Underground, who have plenty of advertising opportunities. I'm not like Roughkut.com was back in 2005 (long story), so if you post a link to your league in a thread asking for help or in a thread about the CAW or e-wrestling community, by all means, go right ahead. It's just the cheap advertising agencies I'm worried about. As long as you present yourself intelligently and not like a leech, I'm happy.
I'm upset you made (Wrestler A) job to (Wrestler B). It's not logical to me, dammit!
Well, in that case, the opinion of the booker is different than the opinion of a fan. Unlike WWE, though, we provide a "Wrestler Discussion" forum where you can vent all you like about why Mr. X is a good wrestler stuck in crappy matches or Mr. Y is a crappy wrestler that doesn't need to be pushed.
Will you change what you're doing with a wrestler or with an angle if enough response is generated?
Three words: Never say never...
Why don't you have a color commentator?
VinceNeil1981 is the unofficial color commentator of the URWL, but we operate on parallel schedules most days of the week. We hang out often but not for URWL related stuff. I may plan to have some guests on color commentary in the future, however. For now, I'm sticking with the one-man booth because my major influence, Joey Styles, didn't really need a color commentator until he started making more money for what he was doing. I guess that's my reason for not having a permanent color man.
...I can do color commentary with you!
I don't want to try something like that out because of the obvious distance issue. If I have someone doing color with me, it has to be someone I'm in the same room with. Plus, you don't know if I'm running on a different schedule than you are, so it's a pretty complicated proposal.
Why do you censor the words "Hell and "Cell" in your "H*** in a C*** Match"?
That's an inside joke that only the original members of the URWL understand.
Why do you change the names of some of your match stipulations (like "Endurance Match" instead of "Ironman Match" and "Freestyle Hardcore Match" instead of an "Extreme Rules Match") ?
To make them less like WWE's matches. I know, it's still a WWE game I'm using, but that doesn't mean I have to abide by their standards. However, the Freestyle Hardcore Match was one of our original matches back in the old URWL days...I decided to rename the Extreme Rules Match the "Freestyle Hardcore Match" because of that. Most of the other stipulation names are just ways to break free from the WWE mold a lot of CAW leagues follow. You won't see any "Triple Threat" or "Fatal Four-Way" matches here...instead, it's either a "Three-Way Match", "Four-Way Match" or "Four-Way Dance" if elimination is involved.
Hey, you suck!
I'm sorry to hear that. If you're mature enough to follow up your staunch, intelligent criticism, there's a thread called "Anything We Can Do Better?" in the Feedback Forum that addresses concerns over production or execution of events. Don't worry, I won't bite. Or will I?
New questions will be added if the need arises.
