Forum:Interview with Mark Thornton

Questions and Answers
1. Can you tell us anything from Camp TV. Like the two teams, the winner, other contestants, etc.

Camp TV is Total Drama Island. The original working title for the show was Camp TV -- the characters and trailer that you see were only made for a promo when Tom McGillis was trying to sell the show idea. The name was changed based on feedback from potential broadcasters.

2. Do you let the fans' opinions effect the show a lot? Like, did you pick certain people to return based on how popular they were.

Yes -- the blogspot blog along with feedback that Teletoon received did play a part in who came back for season 2. We knew judging from people's reactions who the favourites were. It turns out most of the fan favourites were our favourites too -- but we also brought back some characters who we didn't think had enough of a chance to shine in season one.

3. Why did people who we don't know much about (Like Ezekiel, Noah, Tyler) not return for a second season, while people like Owen who made it far returned?

The decision was made early on that only half of the cast would be making a return to competition. A lot of dicussion went into which characters would make the most entertaining shows and we worked from there. Everyone from season one will be featured in some part in season 2 -- even if only for a bit.

4. Do Courtney, Heather, Izzy, and Noah have Camp TV designs? If so, would you be able to show them to us?

All of the old stuff has been posted on the blog already. Some of the characters hadn't even been created yet.

5. Can you help explain Ezekiel's elimination? The Bass only had five girls (so that's five votes for Ezekiel) and presumably the six Bass boys voted for Courtney.

Nope. That's the beauty of a secret ballot.

6. Does Harold have dot eyes? We ask because in TDDDI we found out Beth did, so does Harold ever take his glasses off?

Yes.

7. When did you decide Justin would be a villain? He seems to have completely changed considering he joined for a charity.

Justin is one of the characters that never had the opportunity to reach his potential in season one. His "new image" was one of the first things discussed in the writers' summit. (If I'm not mistaken, his "charity" is far from charitable though.)

8. Why are all these break ups happening in season two? Are you guys just trying to scare fans and then we're all relieved when everyone makes up (or for Geoff and Bridgette, make out) in the finale?

In my opinion the relationships between the characters are what keep people interested in the show. It's like a soap opera in a way.

9. Is Brady (Beth's alleged boyfriend) real? There is a rumor that when Beth gets eliminated Brady is waiting for her in the lame-o-sine.

Only time will tell.



10. Why are there no new characters in season two? (Other than new interns and one time characters)

It was a production decision. Having a new cast would have involved hiring all new actors, getting tons of new designs done and creating lots of new assets for animation. It was also felt that fans of the first season would want to see their favourites (and heather) back together again. Season 3 has a few new characters and some returning first season hopefuls. hope that helps --P.S. I've attached a photo of a real "guilded chris". -- i haven't uploaded it to the official blog yet -- so you can consider it an exclusive "scoop" to post on your site. (I'll be putting my photo up tomorrow.

Some of these may not be answered, and new ones will be sent.

Reaction
Any comments? -- Nalyd Renrut - Legendary  Snipe!   FIRE EVERYWHERE!  20:45, 24 June 2009 (UTC)

Questions

 * What made you think about directing Total Drama Island?  Webkinz Mania  blahblahblahblah!   ###  10:56, 24 June 2009 (UTC)
 * Why did you make Heather so mean?  Webkinz Mania  blahblahblahblah!   ###  10:56, 24 June 2009 (UTC)


 * When you created Izzy at first, did you ever think she'd evolve to go insane?--Supersonicdjs 11:40, 24 June 2009 (UTC)
 * Was TDI originally supposed to be like a huge joke to the actual reality shows, or did you think it would be this succesful from the start?--Supersonicdjs 11:43, 24 June 2009 (UTC)


 * Why didn't you let Courtney back in the first place? Zach (TDADJ)  The awesomeness  Thank me later.  11:44, 24 June 2009 (UTC)
 * Why did you let Izzy back? She's less and less funny. Zach (TDADJ)  The awesomeness  Thank me later.  11:44, 24 June 2009 (UTC)
 * Who is your favorite character? Zach (TDADJ)  The awesomeness  Thank me later.  11:44, 24 June 2009 (UTC)


 * What other television shows/cartoons influenced you while creating Total Drama Island to make it the way it was? Gamechamp11 11:49, 24 June 2009 (UTC)


 * How in touch are you guys with the fan-base, such as with fan art, fan fiction and fan's opinions on couples, friendships and favorite characters? Gamechamp11 11:49, 24 June 2009 (UTC)


 * And, of course someone has got to ask this, Have you ever referred to the Total Drama Wiki when in need of information? :) Gamechamp11 11:49, 24 June 2009 (UTC)


 * How did you do the character designs?go me! EggyPegster! 11:57, 24 June 2009 (UTC)


 * How did you think of the characters names and the way they look?-- NinjaIzzy. Who called the RCMP!.My jail records!.[[File:Gwah.png]] 12:03, 24 June 2009 (UTC)


 * Why did you choose the Top 14 + Justin for TDA as compared to the bottom 14 + another castmate?--Kigon TDI/A are the best shows EVER! 13:06, 24 June 2009 (UTC)

What can you tell us about Total Drama the Musical?-IzzyK


 * What do you think has made this incredible series so popular? ~TDI19!!!  ...To......From... 14:58, 24 June 2009 (UTC)
 * How did you pick the voice actors for each character. Each voice just works perfectly!! ~TDI19!!!  ...To......From... 14:58, 24 June 2009 (UTC)

How did you choose the challenges for TDI/TDA?--Cards777 15:03, 24 June 2009 (UTC)

I had to ask, which total drama couple is your favorite and why, also who is your least favorite couple and why? Surfer13 17:13, 24 June 2009 (UTC)


 * I've been really curious about this question for a while. It seems that Ezekiel doesn't have much to his character, is there a reason he was the first person eliminated in the first season?Wiki-Batman 17:45, 24 June 2009 (UTC)


 * We've got some stuff on the wiki, but I'm curious if it's true. Was Courtney, Heather and Noah's designs really drawn from the original designs of Bridgette, Ezekiel and Eva?  Also where did Izzy's design and character come from?   P.S. I love the show (it's my fifth favorite cartoon of all) and Izzy's my personal favorite character (she's so unique and a real out of the box character). Wiki-Batman 17:45, 24 June 2009 (UTC)

What inspired the choice for villainous Justin in season 2? Sunshine + Ravioli  17:48, 24 June 2009 (UTC)

Thanks for all the questions guys, and keep them coming! I'll try to get as many in as I can. -- Nalyd Renrut - Legendary  Snipe!   FIRE EVERYWHERE!  18:00, 24 June 2009 (UTC)

Why all the breakups in season two? Is it just to irritate fans as they see their favorite couples torn apart?

Is Brady real?-- Call me Zakkoroen. Talk to me.What I've done. 18:09, 24 June 2009 (UTC)