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eboy
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Thursday, January 11th, 2018

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How to add a shell episode?

Hi.

I came across with a short (animated) film that was released in 2004 on TV in the country where it was made. However, this particular short film was ALSO released as a part of the animated series (dubbed in English) in 2004. So basically we are talking about the co-production between two countries: local version was shown on TV as a short film, and the English version was released - as far as I know - as a part of the animated TV SERIES (as episode).

From the guide ( https://help.imdb.com/article/contrib... ) :

”If a title is later shown as an episode of a series then it should be added as a shell episode. No filmography credits relating to the original title should be added to the shell to avoid crediting the work twice on the name pages of those involved. If the individual contributed to new material relating solely to that episode i.e. hosting segment then they are valid credits and may be added to the shell episode). Please also add a trivia item and a movie connection linking the episode to the original title page.”

So how to add this so-called shell episode? Meaning, if the short film is already added to IMDb (as TV short).

Thanks.

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4 years ago

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MykolaYeriomin

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8 years ago

Hello, Eboy!

I've recently stumbled upon a similar case: a French short film released in the US as a TV episode. You may refer to that case and add the short in question two times: as a short and as an episode (or one time if one of those already exists).  

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eboy

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8 years ago

Based on the guide (if I understand it correctly), it’s not really recommended to add the ”same” credits twice:

”No filmography credits relating to the original title should be added to the shell to avoid crediting the work twice on the name pages of those involved.”

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MykolaYeriomin

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We have a good reason to believe that if short film was ro-released as a TV episode it counts as exception, as it is a different version released as a different media form (as in aforemntioned Twilight Zone example). 

8 years ago

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Peter_pbn

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8 years ago

It is possible to add a new episode without adding any cast or crew credits.

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MykolaYeriomin

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It is, however why do that, if crew and cast credits may include additional attribute to specify archive footage? Plus, for examples like short films which were edited into anthologies, credited crew still applies to IMDb listings. 

8 years ago

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Peter_pbn

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Because that is what is meant by a shell episode.

It is not "archive footage" if it's the same film.

8 years ago

MykolaYeriomin

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I see. Sorry if I misunderstood the term - I've frankly rarely heard it before and can't find proper definition.

In most case when I've seen short films integrated into series, it usually alternates from the original version at least on some level, be it featured as a slightly re-edited segment as in "Off the Air", re-edited and supplied with additional opening and credits as with aforementioned "Twilight Zone", etc. How "shell episode" differentiates from such cases? Not trying to argue, just hoping to clear out the situation to know it better if I ever happen to encounter one in the future. Are we referring to cases when, for example, a kids show re-airs an animated short film?  

8 years ago

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eboy

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8 years ago

I don’t have problem of adding ”both” (short film and TV episode). Just wondering what the official guideline is etc. By adding both, there will be two different titles with the same name (short film and TV episode). It’s true that the short film doesn’t include all the ”series credits” (mainly dubbing related credits and some ”series producer” type of credits), but some credits will be duplicated.

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MykolaYeriomin

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I don't think it will be much of a problem to add people in both episode and short film, especially of credits are different, but list some of the same crew members in both cases. 

8 years ago

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eboy

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8 years ago

Well, I have to agree that it’s better to add full list on both of these (TV short/episode) than to have an ”empty” episode credits. The latter option probably confuses more than help.

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Meredith

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8 years ago

Hi Eboy,

In the case of a title being released as a short, and then re-released as an episode of a TV series, it is recommended to add the episode as a shell without the full list of credits. This will maintain the credits of the cast and crew on the original short film, and prevent the duplicate titles displaying on the page for the cast and crew. For any of the credits that appear on the TV series, but do not appear on the original short film - these are acceptable to add to the shell episode. It is then recommended to add a trivia item and a movie connection linking the episode to the original title page.

Hope this information helps,
Thanks
Meredith

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adrian

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Is there any indication that it is a "shell" on the page? Also, how do you keep people in the future from adding the cast/crew.

6 years ago

adrian

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I've started watching P.O.V. which shows a lot of previously released documentaries. This question was never answered and I wonder how we know a shell exists and what stops anyone from adding credits to the TV episode instead of correcting the movie?

4 years ago

Michelle

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Hi @adrian​ -

Currently, there is no obvious indicator on the title page to identify that the title is a "shell episode", however, there are certain rules that apply to shell episodes only which may help identify it as being a shell episode, this includes:

  • Will have a trivia item mentioning that the title is a rebroadcast
  • Will have a "Edited From" movie connection
  • There will be no listed cast or crew on the title page, and the cast/crew data sections  will be marked as "Complete"

IMDb staff will also take internal steps to prevent any incorrect merges, credit additions, etc.

I hope this helps clarify!

4 years ago

MykolaYeriomin

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@Michelle​ Just to be clear: when shell episode have introductions/conclusions like "Noir Alley" (2017-) or "Mystery Science Theater 3000" (1988-1999), cast and crew specific to said shell episode could be added, if known? 

It just so happens that I'm planning to add a Ukrainian show like that that had a long run and while some episodes (especially late in the run) only have shell episodes with opening of the show, earlier seasons have hosts, some credits etc., so it's lovely there is a discussion on shell episodes already. 

4 years ago

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adrian

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@nikolay_yeriomin​ 

Personally, I wouldn't have though of Noir Alley as a TV program. There are lots of segments on TCM, like Silent Sunday Nights and TCM Imports and just regular films during the day where films are given an introduction. I would have never considered these "TV episodes".

4 years ago

MykolaYeriomin

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@adrian​ These types of shows were always eligible in my recent memory. Apart from being very film-centric, production-wise they are definitely at least on par with web-series episodes. 

Introductions which are not a part of any show might not be eligible on their own, I guess, but "Noir Alley" (2017-) has it all: distinctive title and theme, cast, new segmments with significant runtime... There are also quite a few web-series spin-offs not yet on IMDb but very much deserving to be there, like "Noir or Not?" and "Noir Lingo". 

4 years ago

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