Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Premiere Coverage
While Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom signed autographs, the writers and supporting cast of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End worked their way down the red carpet at Disneyland for the world premiere of what could be the final Pirates movie.
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Transcript: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End Premiere Coverage
Rebecca Murray from About.com Hollywood Movies at the world premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.Screenwriters Terry Rossio and Ted Elliott on Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
How tough is it to live up to fans' expectations?Terry Rossio: "Oh, now that's the best question we've had so far. On the first film, our secret weapon…"
Ted Elliott: "The first film, of course, going in a pirate movie based on a Disney ride, it was low expectations and the element of surprise. Obviously coming into the second and third, we didn't have those low expectations anymore. Our theory kind of on storytelling, actually I'm cribbing this from Stan Lee of Marvel Comics, is figure out what the audience wants and then do not give that to them. Give them something else; give them something better. But whatever you do you have to fulfill those expectations while exceeding them."
How do you know you've done that? What strikes you when you're writing a script and you know you've gotten there?
Ted Elliott: "Actually if we think it's cool… I know that sounds terrible. There's always that idea, too, is we really try to avoid what we call 'first draft theater'. I know that sounds terrible but basically you know if it's what anybody could have come up with, we've still got a lot of work to do."
How does the collaborative process work?
Terry Rossio: "Well people think that if you have a writing partner you do half the work, it's actually not true. You both do all the work."
Ted Elliott: "I've got to shoulder this burden 100% and vice versa."
Terry Rossio: "You both do all the work but hopefully the finished product is better."
If this is the last Pirates movie, is it going out with a bang? Is this the best?
Ted Elliott: "I really think there will always be the problem of the surprise of the first one, it just took everybody off guard. I think this one's actually better than the first or the second. I think it's a worthy end."
Terry Rossio: "The last 35 minutes are climatic."
Setting up a number four?
Terry Rossio: "No, finishing off the trilogy. The last 35 minutes…"
Ted Elliott: "Why are all these people asking about 4? This is the third movie. Focus on this one!"
Terry Rossio: "We think we've pulled it off but we'll let the fans decide."
The Pirates Wenches – Lauren Maher and Vanessa Branch
You're both playing wenches again. Are you tired of it or do you love it?Lauren Maher: "Yes, I'm incredibly tired of slapping Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom for a living. I just wish that I could drive a taxi instead. If somebody gives me a break, I'm out of here man."
Vanessa Branch: "Wait a minute. I know someone who knows someone. You might be able to get into that."
Lauren Maher: (Laughing) "Really? We could do it together. She's really good with maps. Me? Not so much."
So how much fun is it to go back and play these wenches again?
Vanessa Branch: "It's ridiculously fun. It doesn't get much better. It really doesn't."
What was life like on the set?
Vanessa Branch: "We can't tell you because this is Disney."
Lauren Maher: "That's classified. It was wonderful, especially down in St Vincent itself. The island is just so beautiful with those crystal blue and green waters. We went snorkeling. In our spare time we'd sit around in hammocks and play card games. It really wasn't rough living down there."
Do you think this is the last Pirates movie?
Vanessa Branch: "I hope not. You know, you don't really know. I think if there was something it would probably be a long way out, you know? Who knows?"