Uploaded July 2014 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago

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I've found a reason for me
to change who I used to be
a reason to start over new
and the reason is you ♬

There are now three things in my life so far that I've hated everything about, but then fell in love with. One was characterization, then a certain writer/now friend, and the third... is Iron Man. I'm getting a kick now over what a certain Circle friend of mine will think of this latest live-action vid from me, because I did start a tiff with him about how horrible Tony was, a year ago on his HTTYD Iron Man 3 trailer dub (youtube.com/watch?v=P5w8a51TwaU). Let me just tell you now, crow has been very much eaten!!

I've always had a judging eye on arrogance, but last year's foray into Doctor Who taught my narrative mind a lot on understanding how someone's bark isn't his heart, not all the time, and how someone can be self-centered but not necessarily selfish, and how the shallow side of someone doesn't always define their core. I've learned to read behind the lines even more, and to understand how two opposite but equally important ideals can exist in one person. It also helps that I went ahead and watched Iron Man 2 and 3 (and rewatched Iron Man 1), and the rest of the Marvel canon (yes, even Agents of SHIELD), and I know now the *writer's* (MCU's) mind behind everything, and how that writer is telling a story of responsibility, sacrifice, and change: from a (super)man to a hero, in one's heart.

Tony Stark's story is no different, and his relationship with Pepper Potts is one of the most meaningful ships in my fleet. His vulnerability, frustration, and search for identity is in many ways wrapped around Pepper, and his love for her which changed him into the hero he has become. He wants to protect her, and that one climactic moment in IM3 (1:36 in this vid) when he put the suit on her and not himself, well... that was the first part I made of this vid, because the lyrics and scene apply as much to me as to Pepper on Tony's character.

About the vid. It's in widescreen, using my editor's (Premiere Pro CC) latest native filters, some downloaded overlays and transition plugins (trying to Vegas my editor, ha!), and features lyric highlights at the end. I'm trying on the posh styles of other live action editors I've been watching lately. Hope this one measures up!

About the making. It's true. I'm strapped for time. So what am I doing with a wild Marvel vid? My sis and I have been wrapped in feels for several months now with the Marvel canon... Coulson, Cap, Tony, Loki. This song came along and just screamed Pepperony. Guess I was inspired and had to do it before I lost that drive. Making NF95's birthday video helped push me into my editor. And in case Whisper is listening, I still have your dedication vid in mind. As the time edges on the more perfect I want to make it. Needless to say, I have some big ideas I'm hoping to perfect.

// ~ voiceovers

Tony: Got a family?
Yinsen: Yes. And you, Stark?
Tony: No.
Yinsen: So you're a man who has everything. And nothing.

Pepper: I can't take this anymore. I never know if you're gonna kill yourself or, or...

Pepper: Tony!

Tony: You deserve better. You've taken such good care of me.

Pepper: Tony. What are you not telling me?

Tony: And I have to protect the one thing that I can't live without. That's you.

Tony: Pepper! (2x)

Pepper: Tony!
Tony: Just do it!!
Pepper: You'll die!

Jarvis: Shall I try Miss Potts?
Tony: Might as well.

// ~ credits

(end of video)