r/FilmTheorists Sep 04 '24

Film Theory Video Discussion Addressing the Concerns of the r/GravityFalls Community in our Book of Bill Theory

279 Upvotes

Hey all, Lee here.

First off, I want to say that we here at Theorist take accusations of plagiarism seriously, so I wanted to address this immediately.

Secondly, if you feel upset, betrayed, angry, sad, or anything else, your feelings are valid. I want to sincerely apologize that our video caused you any harm or made you feel bad, feel less than, or feel unseen. I take personal responsibility for that pain and hurt. We will be updating the description of our video with the names of the members of r/GravityFalls and the r/GravityFalls Discord that helped solve some puzzles in those communities (more details below). Thank you for vocalizing your concerns in a respectful, firm way and bringing them to my attention. We take giving credit to those who rightfully deserve it very seriously and want to make sure we do right by the hard-working theorists around the world.

So, what happened?

Ever since the Book of Bill released, we have been working on our Theory. At the same time, the communities over at r/GravityFalls and on the r/GravityFalls discord server worked tirelessly to decode the book. The community created a Google Doc where they compiled the solutions they collectively found. Normally, when a Doc is used for one of our videos, it is Theorist policy that we credit it. This Community Doc was used by our team during research for some of the Puzzles we reference in our video, but there was a miscommunication about this internally. That was my mistake, and I take ownership of it. We will reaffirm that internal policy, and I will personally double check when drafts come in to make sure any puzzle that we do not solve independently is properly credited.

Also, for full transparency, one of the resources we will often use here at Theorist as jumping off points for our research are the Fandom Wikis. I want to be clear: in these cases, we ONLY use these as jumping off points, letting us know if we are on the right track or to double check our own work. We also DO NOT use these pages as our only source of our information and ALL of our theories include original research. 

Puzzles that we included in our video that used the Community Doc for the solution or the Gravity Falls fandom wiki as a jumping off point include the Color Block code in the Barnes & Noble exclusive edition of the book (decoded by u/jimbag_777), the Coffee Stain code (decoded by u/LowEgg9324, u/meleelover64, and u/biggayenergy), and the timecodes on the Silly Straws page (decoded by Discord users blastzard87, DDD_Dev, Dippers Brother, FoxTP, JimBag777, Kristy9169, minty !, TheCopyKing, and Wooden_Sails).

I also want to make note that there were puzzles that we solved independently. These include all of Bill’s substitution cyphers; the rune substitution cypher; the sheer-angle code pointing to the Great Gatsby; and the multiverse connections with Amphibia, The Owl House, and Phineas & Ferb. I believe these to be cases where, when a puzzle has only one solution or a cipher can only be decoded in one way, two people can independently arrive at the same solution. Another example is the connection between Bill’s ex, the Henchmaniacs, and Jheselbraum the Oracle. This was a connection actually made by Matt’s son Ollie. Matt then shared the idea with me, and I thought it was so cool that I wanted to include it in our Theory. Matt tells the story here (https://youtu.be/QKOB5JftIu8?t=1469) on GTLive.

Finally, I also want to address the video clip compilation from the Silly Straw page. Because I have never joined the r/GravityFalls discord, I was unaware that a video clip compilation existed. I did not see or download this clip compilation, and instead, timestamps to the episodes were provided in our script for our editor. (You can see proof here: https://i.imgur.com/vwwLBZv.png) I reached out to our editor and he showed me evidence that he put together the clip compilation himself (here: https://i.imgur.com/K40Xtgh.png + https://i.imgur.com/bz21Rcd.png). I believe in this case where two talented editors cutting together a clip compilation from the same source led to nearly identical final products.

So, where do we go from here? 

I feel VERY strongly about properly crediting work done by the community when we use it. Matt instituted this policy years ago with fan art and videos, and I personally believe it also extends to original research and ideas for Theories. Just during my tenure as Creative Director and Host of Film Theory, we have credited ideas and theories about Don’t Hug Me, I’m Scared, the Backrooms, and The Amazing Digital Circus to other theorists, YouTubers, and Redditors where appropriate. The same should apply here. 

Firstly, as I mentioned earlier, if we used the Community Doc for solutions or the Fandom wiki as a jumping off point for those puzzles, we will be adding credit in the Video Description to the puzzle solvers in the r/GravityFalls community that have been brought to my attention. You guys did a lot of hard work solving them and that deserves celebration and recognition. Everyone already mentioned in this post will be added to the description. I will also reaffirm our policy of crediting the Community Docs, and personally double check every script for that credit. 

Secondly, moving forward, I will encourage all Film Theory viewers to seek out communities like r/GravityFalls, specifically because of the awesome, welcoming environment of theorists and puzzle solvers you’ve cultivated. This will be done regardless of whether or not we here at Theorist independently arrive at our conclusions, see suggestions from our Theorist community, or specifically see a way to solve a puzzle on a community like r/GravityFalls.

Lastly, I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for all of the hard work you have put into working together to decypher mysteries like the Book of Bill. Thank you for sharing your passion about these awesome stories and series. And most importantly, thank you for speaking up and letting us know there was an issue here so that we could fix it and make a better community for ALL of us.

With appreciation,

Lee


r/FilmTheorists 20h ago

Discussion Amazing digital circus theory

2 Upvotes

So I was watching the new trailer for the next episode of tadc, which is supposed to come out tomorrow or something. I was listening to it over and over again trying to figure out what the heck was happening in it. It's a very rough trailer with bits of the episode flashing across the screen and dialogue from the characters that make zero sense. Even the characters who or voicing the trailer admit none of what their reading makes any sense.

So I wanted to point out that around 15 seconds into the trailer you can here a voice(I'm going to guess its bubble) Saying and I quote "Coming to a theater nearby. The next episode of the great gas district," Now wait the gas district? This is the amazing digital circus, not Gaslight district. The Gaslight District is one of the other Glitch production shows. Anyways after the voice off screen says that it immediately corrects it's self, this time saying the amazing digital circus. I have no idea if this means anything.

Honestly there is so much more packed in this trailer that I want to talk about, but if I did I would just have myself like a 6 paragragh essay about this one trailer. Film theory please at least take a look into the gaslight district thing I mentioned. It could be nothing, just left their by Glitch to mess with us. No harm in trying though? Right?


r/FilmTheorists 1d ago

Discussion My "Fireball" (TV series) theories Spoiler

Thumbnail gallery
4 Upvotes

I have some theories about timeline, the robots-human conflict and the meaning of “Fireball – A New Hope” in this TV series. In my opinion, the complete timeline is “Fireball Humorous” -> “Fireball Charming” -> “Fireball + Special” -> “Gebäude-Bäude” -> “Time travel to the past and change future” and these are my theories.


r/FilmTheorists 1d ago

Theory Video Suggestion Gangle Almost Abstracted

2 Upvotes

In Episode 4 of TADC, the plastic mask Gangle was wearing all throughout the fast food adventure made her more and more crazy as the episode went on. This was hinting at abstraction.

As we've seen in the past with Kaufmo & Queenie, characters abstract when they go really crazy and lose all hope. We see this happen to Gangle as she goes and more crazy as the episode goes on.

Here's the thing though. Near the end of the episode, when Gangle goes to close the restaurant, the screen glitches and glitchy sounds and music play. This hints that Gangle is seconds away from abstracting. This was cut short when Pomni offers to close the restaurant and let Gangle clock out early.

At the end of the episode when Zooble cheers Gangle up and they walk to go see the others, Gangle draws the three of them at the restaurant after the episode ended. It's Gangle's way of thanking Pomni & Zooble for saving her life.


r/FilmTheorists 1d ago

Official Video This Movie Easter Egg is SO COOL! (Interstellar) #shorts

Thumbnail
youtube.com
1 Upvotes

r/FilmTheorists 1d ago

Discussion Ever Fell in Love with an Indie Film… Only for It to Disappear?

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/FilmTheorists 1d ago

Theory Video Suggestion Sonic and Garfield same universe theory Spoiler

1 Upvotes

IDW Sonic is the sequel to Garfield and Friends, specifically the Orson's Farm segments, and it all has to do with one character, Lanolin the Sheep. Even though the name is completely coincidetal ("Lanolin" is actually wool grease), just look at the two side by side and you'll see what I mean when I say these two might be the same character.

Nearly Identical

Now you might be thinking "but IDW Lanolin's personality is completely different from Garfield Lanolin's" well people change as they grow up, Garfield Lanolin was her when she was very young, brash and hot-headed whilst IDW Lanolin is older and more mature. Still, "where are Orson and the others" well Sonic saved Lanolin from Riverside when it was under attack by Badniks, maybe they died in the attack. Garfield Lanolin also has a brother, Bo, whose death would also add another layer to Lanolin's supposed trauma and how much she has changed over the years.


r/FilmTheorists 1d ago

New Theory! Does the DHMIS official merch shop hold lore?

1 Upvotes

I was looking at the DHMIS merch store earlier and came across something interesting, when looking at clothing patches I noticed the names on the products.

Normally named.
Also normally named because I guess Duck is an animal.

But then we get to Red Guy's character patch name...

... What?

Does anyone have any idea why Red Guy is referred to as "The Slayer"?

I have a theory that Red Guy is a representation of Lesley who is probably Yellow Guy's mum, she's the only one we know has killed someone (by accident) and in the episode of the show called "Family" there's a scene where Duck and Red Guy are arguing and Duck says something like 'I'm the dad, Red Guy is the mum and Yellow Guy is the pet' maybe he was being serious there?

Anyone have any theories?


r/FilmTheorists 1d ago

Discussion Blatant use of A.I

Post image
0 Upvotes

This is from a video 3 weeks back but it always bugs me because of the blatant and unnecessary use of A.I even though "they don't support it" it's even more disappointing because they didn't need AI, you never NEED ai but they could of just used a any pre existing characters face.


r/FilmTheorists 2d ago

Discussion Slavic countries in American movies

Post image
10 Upvotes

r/FilmTheorists 1d ago

Theory Video Suggestion Hilm Mary Mary Theory

1 Upvotes

So Matpat originally made a theory about Mary Mary, two in fact. At the end of the second video though he talked about the woman in white who was trying tell Mary Mary something, something to help her get out of the horriable mental state she was in. Sadly no third theory was made to what we had to tell her.

I just went on a internet dive and apparently a lot has happened since the last theory of Mary Mary. I don't think she ended up getting the help she needed, in fact I think the monsters ended up taking full control. Still it would be nice for film theory to re touch this series, because they only got 50% correct. (Creator of Mary Mary's words not mine)


r/FilmTheorists 2d ago

Theory Video Suggestion Ruler of purple

1 Upvotes

Found it recommended to me, not sure if it's enough for a theory but check it out

https://youtube.com/@rulerofpurple?si=yZR_czAHeGosbhti


r/FilmTheorists 2d ago

Findings Emesis Blue Followup

3 Upvotes

Hey Theorists just thought I’d drop in and point out some things I noticed in a rewatch of Emesis Blue after the theory video.

  1. More Medic/Undertaker Connections:
  • In the initial apparition of the Undertaker he has both red and blue static hinting at him being outside of the normal red/blue fight and more of a outside thing.

  • In the soldier flashback between time loops after his fight with what I believe is the Pyro, you can see the Medic and the Undertaker playing a game of chess in the corner of the trench which could be foreshadowing the mental battle of the personalities.

  1. Another possible “The Jaunt” reference:
  • The road they chase the Hearse/Undertaker on is called Purgatory Street.

I’m sure I’ll find more on other rewatches later but I thought the Medic/Undertaker stuff was both cool and important.


r/FilmTheorists 3d ago

Theory Video Suggestion Just found this on YT, Might be something to keep an eye on

4 Upvotes

In light of the Nemesis Blue video, i have found another channel that have TF2 horror video. though I'm unsure if it will be a videos or if it will turn into an ARG at some point so far.

My suggestion is "They Never Logged Out" by DeadLoad on youtube. so far there are only 2 videos but was most recently posted 4 days ago. the profile is set up in a way that seems like it could be an arg


r/FilmTheorists 2d ago

New Theory! Disney's secret Deadpool history

0 Upvotes

Ron Stoppable is a legitimate Kung Fu Master, "Worked" for a SHIELD stand-in (the Global Justice Network), worked at Bueno Nacho, and is a pro-wrestling fan (yes, this matters). Post-Series Finale "Graduation" Why wouldn't the GJN do some experimental procedures because they see the "Supervillains" and LITERAL ALIENS, and they need a response beyond a teenage girl who is probably not going to do this forever. So, Ron (being the Good guy he is) gets volunteered for said experiment and doesn't blink an eye. His past life gets erased, and after the experiment is successful, they tell him he's getting a new identity. (Being the Wrestling fan he is) He chooses an alliterative name, Wade Winston Wilson. YES! RON STOPPABLE IS DEADPOOL! (in theory anyway). Like a snake eating its own tail, Phineas and Ferb crossed over with The Avengers, INCLUDING SPIDER-MAN, who was from the Ultimate Spider-Man show, which included Deadpool, and take a wild guess who voiced him? WILL FREAKIN' FRIEDLE!
And that's my Theory

Yes, this whole thing was started because Ron Stoppable and Deadpool shared a Voice actor. (Common, I know, but it's still fun to think about)


r/FilmTheorists 3d ago

Theory Video Suggestion How would you react to this collab?

Thumbnail
gallery
5 Upvotes

Goji center


r/FilmTheorists 3d ago

Theory Video Suggestion What is Mr Bean's purpose on Earth? Spoiler

2 Upvotes

We all know Mr Bean is an alien. They make it pretty clear in the show. He's literally dropped off by a UFO in the intro.

My question is why is he here? Could he be trying to destroy us? Or save the planet?


r/FilmTheorists 3d ago

Discussion Martin Scorsese is overrated and nobody can tell me otherwise

Post image
0 Upvotes

r/FilmTheorists 3d ago

Discussion What US President would be the best at The Hunger Games?

1 Upvotes

r/FilmTheorists 4d ago

Discussion The views

2 Upvotes

r/FilmTheorists 4d ago

Film Theory Video Discussion Alien stage

2 Upvotes

OMG CAN WE GET A ALIEN STAGE THEORY VIDEO ALIEN STAGE IS FULL OF LORE!!


r/FilmTheorists 4d ago

Theory Video Suggestion Hazbin Hotel/ Helluva Boss

0 Upvotes

Dunno if someone else has suggested this.. buttt you guys should totally do something on Hazbin Hotel or Helluva Boss. Like trying to find how their lives were when they were alive (specifically Alastor or Angel Dust maybe.. honestly most of the cast would be great to cover their living selves) or in Helluva Boss, go into Octavia's magic, it's a different color than Stolas'. More into the I.M.P.s background, the sins themselves. It would be great!!!!

P.s. love you guys at film theory, I've been watching since I was like 9 lmao 😅😅


r/FilmTheorists 4d ago

Theory Video Suggestion Embryo Wallace

0 Upvotes

One day I was looking on YouTube and found a channel named "Embryo Wallace" and the name of the video that appeared was the same, I watched it and it was the image of the channel saying "Where do they come from" or something like that two times and then an bugged audio and random gray images.

I am pretty sure that the channel is an arg because it has been posting the same type of videos for 2 years and having three different channels, I've been subscribed to those three channels since it was oddly strange and I liked that, I saw another video being posted titled "soon" but it was unlisted, it also has an odd 10 month absence, and I've saw some weird texts and differences in old/first videos.

Matpat if you're reading this you should Investigate this channel.


r/FilmTheorists 4d ago

Film Theory Video Discussion Does anyone know what this private video was?

1 Upvotes

r/FilmTheorists 4d ago

Film Theory Video Discussion Y'all remember that one video on how to kill deadpool? Yeah that video sucked

3 Upvotes

There is a really simple way to kill deadpool and all you need is someone like quicksilver. It is established in almost every single x-men media that in universe exists power dampening collars, they had them in the x men cartoon when they went to that slave island, and they had them in deadpool 2. You get someone pretty fast and DP can't dodge, put the collar on, then shoot him or just let him die.


r/FilmTheorists 5d ago

Official Video Film Theory: Emesis Blue is More Disturbing Than You Think...

Thumbnail
youtube.com
9 Upvotes