Story [MythBusters] Busted (Buster & OCs / Dear Diary Challenge 2016) update: 5/30

NOTE: To prevent this fic from becoming an Actor Fic (a.k.a. Real Person Fic), none of the actual people from Mythbusters will make an appearance. An actual crash test dummy, on the other hand . . .



Busted

Thank you very much, Mr. Roboto
For doing the jobs that nobody wants to
- Mr. Roboto, Styx​

January 26, 2002

I'm going to have my own TV show!

Well, not exactly. I've been offered a slot on a reality show on the Discovery Channel about stuntmen. Or stuntpeople, or stuntbipeds, or whatever the PC term is.

I'm really excited about this, even if I don't get the job. It's about time we got our time in the spotlight. I mean, when we do our jobs properly, we're invisible. People only notice us when a stunt doesn't work on screen. Now, for the first time ever - except on Behind The Scenes footages, which don't count - people will see what we do and how we do it.

And I'll be famous!

 

I'm liking this already! Very excited to see where it goes

 

This is such a cool idea! I'll be following for sure.

 

Careful, Buster, you have no idea what's in store for you!

Fun idea! I'm looking forward to reading this.

 

Buster, it's a tough job, but somebody has to do it. You da man!! or something ...

 

March 5, 2002

They've expanded the reality show premise to special effects in general. And get this - it won't be about CGI, but practical effects using actual props.

Though it means my slice of the pie is smaller, I'm still excited about the show. Call me old school, but I think there's something more tangible, more concrete, more real about using physical objects as opposed to digital art. This might change with time as computer technology advances, but I think it'll be quite some time before we see something that looks realistic moving in a believable way on the silver screen.

Besides, who'd want to watch an hour of people moving stuff around on a computer monitor?

---

NYCitygurl - There will be much abuse. [face_evil]

Tarsier - Well, I do hope I can do the idea justice.

Thumper09 - Not to mention the extras I have in mind . . . [face_mwahahaha]

Mira_Jade - Now who are you calling a . . . oh, wait. He is, isn't he.

pronker - Yep, someone's gotta. [face_glad_it's_not_me]


And to the lurkers: thanks for reading, guys!

 

Very interesting!! More, please

 

Oh wow. This is again something out of Lazy K's mind, and only you could come up with it. Count me in for the ride, I'm going to love this

 

quite some time before we see something that looks realistic

Oh ho, it's got to be tough on actors *not including you, oh Dummy Magnifico* to react to green screen events. Mime just wouldn't cut it as sufficient acting skills!

 

April 16, 2002

We now have a working title: Busting the Hollywood Myth.

If I understand this correctly, the show's format will be in several ten-minute segments, each focusing on its own effect. They'll show what would happen if it was in real life, then explain how we create the effect, then show the final product.

My part, naturally, will involve stunts of the destructive sort. My agent - yes, I actually have an agent now! - is negotiating my contract right now. Hopefully, I will get a health plan that doesn't involve duct tape this time (just kidding!).

---

Mira_Jade - Myself, I'm mostly on the sidelines on the digital/practical effects debate. And as for Buster's job security . . .

NYCitygurl- I've been outlining this diary, and it seems I may have to post more than twice a month if I want to get it finished before 2017.

Chyntuck- Given that a prior DDC entry was of Yoda's lightsaber, I don't think anthropomorphising a humanoid object is too far fetched.

pronker - I would pay to see SW done in mime. Really.

 

Would superglue be a suitable alternative?

 

Was sorely tempted to laugh maniacally just now, even though I have a cold and doing so would really, really hurt. Hee! (Also: Lead on, Lazy!)

 

Hopefully, I will get a health plan that doesn't involve duct tape this time (just kidding!).

IIiiiissssss he kidding?

I'm glad to see more of these and excited to hear that you'll be posting often!

 

July 3, 2002

I got the script for the pilot episode, and it's . . . well, weird. To begin with, it's not a proper script. Not surprising, since it's a reality show. At least, I hope it's not surprising. I'm too young to be that jaded.

But I digress.

The show has mutated into something called MythBusters. Instead of tackling Hollywood special effects, the practical effects team will be testing urban legends to see if they could really happen. One of them involves flying a car with jet engines. I volunteered to be behind the wheel on that one because, well, it would be totally awesome, right? But they just gave me a look and said, "You're going to need a bigger insurance policy."

Oh well. At least they haven't changed my bit - and it's a beaut. It's the car flipping scene from The Fast and the Furious. They aren't going to let me drive a ten-second car, but it'll be great nevertheless.

---

For those of you who aren't familiar with MythBusters and their fixation with duct tape:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mythbusters+duct+tape



Chyntuck - Only if there's no duct tape available.

DaenaBenjen42 - Hope you're feeling better now. Thanks for reading!

NYCitygurl - It's February and I haven't even got to filming the show yet. I need to up my pace.

Mira_Jade - Well, you know how it is with MythBusters and duct tape . . .


And as always, to the lurkers: thanks for reading!

 

Oh yes. He hasn't caught up on the insurance policy issue and what it entails, apparently

 

Oh sweet, innocent creature

 

The link re duct tape -- I wonder if they originated the saying 'If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40, and if it moves and it shouldn't, use duct tape?'

 

Really enjoying this! I wonder if Buster's agent is a human or if other crash test dummies represent crash test dummies?

I'm looking forward to seeing his reaction to participating in his first scene. Break a leg, Buster!

 

July 6, 2002

I can't believe it. They actually cancelled my segment.

I'm told the legal department freaked out when they found out we were doing a stunt from a relatively recent film. Copyright infringement, they said. Possible lawsuit, they said. It's less than ten seconds, for crying out loud! That falls under fair use, right?

I'm going to raise a stink about this. I'll sic my agent on them and if that doesn't work, well . . .

---

Chyntuck - Actually, that was just a Jaws reference. But I must admit I like your interpretation better.

NYCitygurl - Think of this as the "Before" picture.

pronker - *googles* Since I've never heard them mention lubricants (aside from lard and one used in animal births), I would guess the answer is no. But I could be wrong.

Thumper09 - I haven't given the agent's identity much thought, so your guess is as good as mine. As for breaking a leg . . .

Lurkers - Thanks for reading, and please don't feel obligated to post a comment. Being a chronic lurker myself, I understand how it is.

 

Buster the crash test dummy who not only has an agent, an insurance policy and a diary, but even engages in lawsuits. I'm dying.

 

I am in love with any fanfic that mentions fair use.