Yousef goes Rogue?

[Smashing]

Update: as posted elsewhere, Yousef is not leaving the show.

Here is a myspace message I just sent Yousef:

You might not have an interest in doing this, but I think it would be VERY interesting.

Is there anything to stop you from continuing to make Danielbeast videos in character? They want audience participation? You should give it to them...on your terms.
If they are encouraging the public to make their own videos that cross into the "Breeniverse" how can they stop you?

I don't know what they have planned for your character, but whatever it is, if after you are supposedly gone from the show you turned up on a new YouTube channel giving a different story...all the fans would watch. If done right, it would be a playful "screw you" to them for firing you (if that's what happened).

Anyway, I obviously don't know the details of what's going on, and you'll be busy with whatever your new job is, but it seems to me like you could have some fun with this.

[Joss]

We were actually considering this option yesterday on the chat and we came to the conclussion that if he were just to talk to his audience as Yousef and not be a jerk to LG15 he would get a great response from his fans and still keep his doors open to any new cast available.

I personally think that he should do it.. Not allow his fans to forget him now that he has their attention.. Perhaps even doing his owm IMS or Vblog?

[Smashing]

So, we agree that he has an opportunity to grab fans' attention. If you are suggesting that if he posts as the Daniel character he is "being a jerk" I would have to respectfully disagree. I think it would be surprisingly appropriate, and frankly I don't see a good argument against it unless he wants to put the project behind him, which I could understand.

[Joss]

smashing said:

So, we agree that he has an opportunity to grab fans' attention. If you are suggesting that if he posts as the Daniel character he is "being a jerk" I would have to respectfully disagree. I think it would be surprisingly appropriate, and frankly I don't see a good argument against it unless he wants to put the project behind him, which I could understand.

I don't think his contract with the M&M's cult would allow him to do that.. Anyway.. What I had in mind was more of a Vblog where he would keep in touch with his fans..The way I see this Yousef has an added value for being a known character that would bring a lot of fans to any cast he would get.. If I were a director looking for actors I'd consider that as a point in favour of Yousef.

[lesbrent]

Yousef definitatly should handle this with care and not make any rash decisions. He might be prevented from contributing by say, his character dies, or something similiar. Maybe something legal like the NDA they all had to sign.

[hyemew]

I wrote to him too about keeping up vlogs in character, though his response didn't seem like that was an option. Perhaps part of the deal was the Creators own the characters, which would keep him from being able to do that. But he should definitely keep vlogging, even if as himself. MySpace Danielbeast has gotten a few "SAY IT ISN'T SO" messages regarding this and he's got a lot of fans.

[milowent]

hyemew said:

Perhaps part of the deal was the Creators own the characters, which would keep him from being able to do that.

I'm sure that's the case. Michael J. Fox couldn't just decide to do Back to the Future 4 by himself.

[Smashing]

This ain't a traditional movie was my point. Copyright on the characters, as long as it's kept within the realm of Youtube, wouldn't seem to apply if they are actively encouraging people to make videos involving their characters. They are waiving these traditional copyrights it would appear. That's what makes it different from a regular movie/show. I admit, there could be something in his contract about it, but anyway, this whole discussion is pointless at the moment with the announcment that he wasn't fired.