Must Read!!!!!!!
 

I was talking to a fellow EFL friend and we both realized that our hobby, if played the right way is 1000% more exciting than majority of the hobbies that are on National television right now. Did you know that the game "Rock, Paper, Scissors" has an annual national tournament held on ESPN? Did you know that 3 years ago the card game "POKER" or "Texas Hold'em" wasn't even on the minds of ESPN broadcasters to promote and broadcast to a national audience? Heck even during the super bowl we have to sit through commercials that broadcast to a national audience "beer bottles" playing football! Is this crazy or what?

Can you imagine during the commercial break of the super bowl, 9000 EFL enthusiast crowded around a miniature version of the same stadium that years superbowl is being played in watching and cheering for 2 coaches decked out in NFL coaches apparel of the team that they are representing? I'd much rather watch that before I watch some beer bottles playing football. Here is how it can happen...

First of all you have to think to yourself why are those hobbies on television and we are not? The one common thread amongst all of them is "unity". "Poker" is one set of rules, Billiards is one set of rules, Bud Bowl has one agenda - Marketing and promoting Budweiser. Our hobby by far and away is more exciting than watching any of them. However, we are not a unit. We are filled with jealousy, envy, hatred towards our own kind and that intereferes with our progression. We have so many different styles of play that we won't come together to create a national set of rules because our pride does not allow us to be ok with struggling in a foreign environment on a national scale.

When you look at these events on television you see thousands of people in attendance! We need the whole Miniature Football Community at this event regardless if you are playing or not. It needs to look and feel like a Super Bowl! Our hobby is so filled with envy, hatred and jealousy that we can't get on one accord for the common good our hobby! Heck, once we get what we need out of this you can go back to playing your style of play, just sacrifice and help in the movement of of hobby for one stinkin event. I can care less what rules we use just get together and combine them and allow what would be condusive for television in and the other stuff out!

We're going to need a set of rules that would be condusive to television obviously but most importantly we're going to need 2 highly skilled coaches playing in it. In the NFL when a team runs a draw or a trap or even a counter play you can see that play develop. We need players skilled enough so that when a play works the audience can see why it worked. The audience needs to be able to see the design of the play, they need to be able to see the key block that allowed the runner free, they need to be able to see the strategy! We also need the best EFL Commentators this hobby has to offer! Preferably EFL guys who know the hobby and are in the profession of broadcasting. We need to be able to keep the audience interested and engaged during the setup time. Can you imagine walking into your local arena and a miniature stadium is set up at center court with 3 referees in zebra stripes, a coach on each side dressed in their team apparal and 8000 EFL enthusiast in the stands watching and listening on jumbo screen as if they were at a real live event? That would be truly the day that ESPN would say "we need to cover this"!

We need to get to this point guys. If we ever arrived here what 2 coaches would you like to see hook it up if you couldn't vote for yourself? Me personally, in this kind of event I would like to see two very experienced coaches that play at very high levels. My vote would be for...


Vince Peatros -vs- DC "the kid"

Although, I could easily vote to see many other matchups lets just keep it to one to see what coaches the country would most likely want to see play at this event.

One matchup
 

Love the enthusiasm...it really all starts with licensing, etc. That's where a major vendor/sponsor would really need to make it happen. No network would broadcast an event where the figures were made with unlicensed materials, etc. Everybody wants/deserves their cut. I wish the vendors overall would go this route, but it takes time/money/risk. I guess I think it will only happen as a top-down approach rather than bottom up. We don't have the numbers to be bottom up.

As for coaches, there are very many great ones in this hobby. Personally, I'd love to see a Raiderman vs Adrian Baxter matchup. Those two great champions of so many events with different styles have actually never played against each other in a tourney with the exception of prelims. It'd be fun to see who would come out on top. I'm not saying those two are the best coaches (though they have a case), but they are definitely on the short list.

Of course, I'd beat them both in a $500 winner take all...but I can't vote for myself.lffng$ lffng$ lffng$ lffng$

What's your facination with Vince??? My preference is to keep playground legends off the list and stick to Magic, Larry, and Michael that compete at the sports highest level.

First of all...
 

I agree with you 100%. But as long as players are playing with the rules i've seen discussed on this board, the game will never be "made for tv". The start and stop style that most guys are using is boring and unrealistic. We have, over many years, of tweaking, have developed a style of play that is as realistic as EF can possibly get. The board is not turned off until the play is over. Below are just a few suggestions as to how to make the game more realistic, and viewable for potential television watchers.

1. Self-passing--You are the QB! You must survey the defense with the pass rush in your face, all the while looking down field for a receiver. If you feel the rush coming, with no one open, simply throw the ball away, take a sack, or try to drill one into traffic. The TTQB is boring, and unrealistic. Plus, with the foam balls, many times, you cannot tell if the ball hit the receiver or not. We use real replica balls for passing. Some on this board have suggested that with the speed of these monster boards, that you would never have time to get rid of the ball---TURN YOUR BOARD DOWN! I like the speed of the game to be realistic--not so that your players fall down when the board turns on. You can still play with speed with the board at a lower speed. If your receiver is knocked over by the ball, it is considered a diving catch, and the player is down at the spot of the catch.

2. Self-kicking--We use the thumb-kicking method. It makes for more realism, in that you have better control on field goals, kickoffs, and it is great for pooch punts. with about 20 minutes if practice, any player can learn to self-pass, or kick--not a problem.

3. Front of the base only tackling--Makes no sense for a guy to be tackled by a guy going backwards. We play corner to corner front of the base. This also gives the impression of broken tackles.

4. Real-time clock--We play 15 minute qtrs--just like real football. The clock is stopped only when a player goes out of bounds, on an incomplete pass, or other dead-ball situation. The clock runs during setup. Onside kicks are only allowed when you are trailing.

5. Setup--The offense sets up a play without the defense knowing whether it is run or pass. The defense must defend both. Once the offense is set, the defense may adjust, but once both players have agreed that they are set, the offense can either place a ball in a player's hand, or call out "pass". Since the defense is set, they cannot adjust to "pass". This makes for great audibling.

A Small Group
 

Ideally, I would like to see Norbert Revels and Reginald Rutledge match up in an electric shootout.

As far as implementing an actual event involving two coaches with commentators and real spectators is concerned, I think it is going to take a small group of hobbyists from the same league playing their style. They will provide the coaches, commentators, audio and video equipment. Under that system we will all come as spectators. It will not be the place of the spectators to dispute the rules of that particular event.

As Reg said, "If you build it, they will come."

Maurice

The Electric Coach

Mike, I would say...
 

go for it! If it can be done, you should try to put that into action.

Reg

MplsTom...
 

You got it my friend! This is actually another topic that we discussed. I'm glad you brought it up and we said the exact same thing that licensing is a huge part of it. We would have to put ourselves in the roles of music artist. We have to put together a venue much like this on our own and present it to the NFL powers that be in charge of marketing and promoting the game of football. Much like an artist would present a CD of his/her music to a record company. Can you imagine a kid watching the super bowl with his dad and during a commercial break he catches a glimpse of us playing and says "Dad I want that game?" Tons of sales all over the place. There is obviously more logistics to work out which I'm totally dumbfound to but it was just a hige idea!

Reg...
 

are you kidding? Lol...I just had this crazy idea. I wish that I could get together something like this. This is definetly not a one man gig and is going to take a lot of research and leg work. I think that with this College football series and several leagues converting to shootout rules that we are several steps closer to a national set of rules and maybe that's where we draw the line. However, I was watching Poker on t.v. and they now have their own network. It's obviously a money driven hobby but what an amazing thing this could be if we had an EFL Network! WOW!

I wish that...
 

I could have one hour with Mr. Goodell. The NFL is screwing up the license it took away from Miggle. I assume that some of you have purchased the NFL Vibrating Football game. The figures are cool, the board is cool, but the field is too small, and the bases simply don't work well at all. The NFL has never sensed the mass appeal that our sport could have, if marketed correctly. I see a day when there is a partnership between all of us and the NFL to create a real MFL, with one game being televised weekly on NFL Network. You can't tell me that true football fanatics wouldn't watch--given that the rules and gameplay were such that viewers would not be turned off. My vision would be similar to what the league does with EA Sports. Real NFL teams, with replica players. Of course the NFLPA would have to be dealt with, but they do it with Madden! Real replica stadiums and all. The NFL does not realize what kind of revenue they are missing out on. As I heard Goodell say at the Super Bowl--"we are always looking for new sources of revenue". Kids all over the country getting their dads to buy em a board! Are you feeling me people?

sounds great and we all want some of that....
 

... i love the idea and have sorted through my DVD and VHS of past EFL on film. I have a couple of items that would win a few doubters over to our side.

as for the 2 finalist, I feel that a coach that has displayed multiple attacks and execution of real plays (currently) should get the nod over a coach who is one dimentional (passes only; runs only).

K-LO

Alamo City Electric Football League
 

Mr. Michael--you need to call me!!:eek:

The Hobby Would Shine If We Came Together To Do This.
 

For this to get on espn or the nfl network, it must be a massive showing of support by the ef community. A total oversight happened this year, i did not hit me until after the fact. Here in ny we all know they hold the nfl draft. When turning on the tv to watch all you saw were fans of all NFL TEAMS sporting there jersey's. 'WE SHOULD HAVE HAD A STADIUM SET UP AT THE HOTEL WERE EVERYONE STAYED AND AT THE DRAFT ITSELF. We could have picked up a major number of new MFCa memebers just on that saturday.
GOT BAMIT!

If the nfl were to sponsor our hobby for a tv spot, they would need to see concrete evidence that this can be exciting for viewers to watch. I want to run by weirdwolf setting up the 'MFCA TV NETWORK'. What if we all got together and pooled our money purchasing a high powered streaming service that can bring crystal clear images streaming in real time or tape delayed. A section right here on this chat that brings you to the tv network. We can talk about the cameras needed later.

We are closer than you guys think...
 

Ever since I took a break from EFL to venture out into filmmaking I have learned a lot about this business.
This hobby/sport is ready for TV and has been.
Even though to some it may be boring due to the speed of the game or time it takes coaches to set up and make decisions or the "TTQB" passing(i still think this has to be used) or just the length of a game....
We all have to realize the power of editing.....I'm a huge Texas Holdem fan...but have you ever just watched a game that wasnt on TV? Boring!! but on TV...intense, dramatic, suspenseful for others...and theres always great "characters"......

In my opinion this is not about licensing with the NFL but merely a manufacturer of the game. We dont need the NFL....its about money..who will be the "producers" making the show and making the money? who will be in chanrge? Because a show like this will make money...

The ground work and foundation has already been laid by the LAEFL. In case you have never seen their Nissan video then check it because this is how it needs to be presented but on in venues that look like the poker ones or the hot dog eating contest and chess tournaments.

To get things going maybe this needs to be in Vegas because of the amount of people that are there and always looking for something to view. Its a place people are willing to travel to in a heartbeat because while watching EFL the wife can go off and enjoy the city....the city is always alive and we could stay up all night an play like we do anyways..its a city that never sleeps....
The producer and production company would have to present it like this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijCNk0PqaCs&NR=1

Sponsorship is always key....who is going to fund the episodes? How many will air? Usually a TV station wants to see 6-13 episodes already done, THEN they will either buy the show OR say hey lets do it on a larger scale.

This is something I presented years ago to a production company after watching this show(the name slips my mind) where techs created custom machines that would fight in the middle of this ring...they had a GREAT concept and the show was put together professionally...it was picked up because they had financial backing from sponsors they were able to film episodes that were broadcast ready.

I would be willing again to work as a producer on this but at the end of the day its going to take money to do it right.

I just worked on a TV show for the past 2 years where I was a producer and assistant director....it can be done but good quality production costs.

Feel free to hit me up at ohioproducer@yahoo.com

I mean think about it....we were just on ESPN...before that CBS Sunday Morning News. And I looked good on those shows LOL

AJ

Battlebots!!!!!
 

The show i was thinking about is Battlebots...
If we follow this concept for a TV show we are on to something big.

www.battlebots.com

AJ

Sponsors, sponors, sponsors
 

One of the things that will drive this venture is sponsors. Why? You get paid to do what you enjoy doing..playing electric football and you will be able to travel to events easier and sponsor paid.....imagine that.

Imagine having a custom home field with the sponsors logo in the middle and endzones...they would love to see this on TV..look at all the pro stadiums now with sponsors.
Have a custom jersey made with your sponsor all over it.
Is there an audience like poker? Make flags to wave around to support your team. Hats, T-shirts...We did this for my flag football team and landed a nice sponsor.
Create logo stickers for the back of your teams bases.

Here is a great article from the battlebots website about getting sponsors...

http://www.battlebots.com/bnc_sponsor.asp

Main sponsor- The main sponsor would put up the prize money, money for venue and help cover production costs..you cant just use any production company for this.
Who will the host be? Will there be guest host? Herm Edwards seemed very interested in EFL...get him on the show and people will watch.

Individual sponsors- can help cover travel, hotel
Tom from Minneapolis is great with sponsors and could give more insight too.

This project would be a grind....are we really ready?

Just to give you guys and idea of cost. When Dewayne and I presented this to a production company here in Columbus they loved the idea..and still do...
You are looking at maybe $3-$5k per episode(30 min show) or per day(you could actually get 3-6 episodes per day if filmed and edited right. One weekend tournament could be an entire season of episodes. This would cover various camera angles, producers, directors, crew and editing. Shows are not cheap and thats on the low end.

So lets say we raise $10k(prize money, production and post production) to shoot in one weekend. A non stop tournament to the championship.....out of that lets make 6 shows...Now the show is picked up or bought and paid for by commercials or the network looking to buy programming.....so lets now say the creators of the show sell it for $10k an episode...now the network makes their money back from the commercial spots....
Electric Football is now on TV.......

AJ

all I can say is.....
 

Michael, you are speaking my language! This is doable!

AJ...WELCCOOMMME BAAACCKK! we've spoken about this before and you know I'd like to see this happen.

We probably need to put together a small team that shares an interest in getting this done. I know there are a few others that share this vision. If we work together it is doable!

DMC

I Took A Poll
 

I took a poll a while ago and threw in some "what ifs" as far as rules and equipment were concerned. I got about 20 cats that DON'T CARE what we play with or how. So I would start there and let all the naysayers watch the DVD. ;) I am taking a video production course at my local all-access cable channel, so I'll definitely have a lot more insight into the backside of doing something like this. I'M ALL IN!!! LMK. thmbsp$

And I remember printing the 80+ pages of the "Battlebots" Rulebook, AJ, a few years ago when you wanted to go this route. I still think that's one of the best models out there to follow as far as getting sponsorship and the setup and all. I SEE YOUR $50K, AND I RAISE YA $50K!!! thmbsp$

I'm down...
 

So whats up? Mike I support you...
Jimbo thats great you are taking some production classes. Welcome to the fraternity of producers because now you are one...LOL
I also agree lets open it up. No figure shall be left behind. This has to be fun, intense and even dramatic..thats what sells...

I also want us to give back to foundations or be involved in some type of community service. Cancer is huge and since we have lost several coaches and wives I want us to be able to honor them in video as well as donations to research.
I'm also a veteran and would like to give to the families and kids who may have lost a parent in the war. Death benefits for veterans is only 10K for giving their life for us. Would be nice to put a smile on a kids face with some EFL and to help out families.

Well thats my two cents.
Jimbo i'm about to study the Battlebots structure again and also do research on all that is needed for production to start putting budgets together.

Is anyone against Vegas? Since Mike Turner is there I know he can get me some info on nice looking venues that would allow and elaborate set up for tournament play.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

AJ

Research
 

Fellas,

I just learned the Battlebots will be returning to ESPN so I now have a call and emails to the organization so I can pick their brain.

As soon as I get some info I will update you.

AJ

Gotta agree with Dallcow4life..........ppls$ ppls$ ppls$ even if he is a Cowboy fan.lffng$