It was exceptionally cold on the picket line this morning, until the sun exploded over the hills around 8:30 AM and suddenly... well, it was warm. Despite (or perhaps because of) the frustrating news from last week, attendance was actually up and enthusiasm/determination remains high. After getting an update on the state of the talks from a member of the negotiating committee (in our case we were briefed by Neal Baer, showrunner from LAW AND ORDER SVU), I'll just say that I'm confident in our leadership and look forward to, fingers crossed, some productive talks.
One of the news outlets had a quote from someone on the studio side complaining that it seems like writers would rather "rally than make a deal." Trust me, writers would like nothing better than to get back to work. If I felt the Guild was asking for something unrealistic or pie-in-the-sky, I'd be the first to push for a quick settlement, but the simple fact is, the WGA's demands are modest. So I'll cross my fingers once again and hope we can get this settled!
Monday, December 03, 2007
New... Split Enz?!
Just received a copy of "The Rootin' Tootin' Luton Tapes", a two-CD collection of demos from a celebrated series of 1978 studio sessions by Split Enz. As in the New Zealand band that included Tim and Neil Finn and eventually spawned Crowded House and myriad other musical ventures. A single-disc version of this session will be out from Rhino sometime "soon", but members of the "Frenz of the Enz" fanclub got this special two CD set, with lots more songs. Despite demurs in the liner notes that these are demos and hence less finished, they sound perfectly realized to me, and sound quality is superb. So it comes highly recommended to fans of the Enz, though that endorsement will be frustrating to those not in the (excellent) fanclub!
Sunday, December 02, 2007
WGA Strike - Days 27, 28
Interesting letter from Joss Whedon on developments, this from the always informative United Hollywood blog.
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/2007/12/
joss-whedon-looks-into-crystal-ball.html
The United site also has a FAQ letter sent out by the WGA negotiators in response to the AMPTP offer that was presented last Thursday. Give that a read to see why an offer sometimes doesn't feel like much of an offer at all...
FInally, one other "silver lining" to this otherwise unfortunate situation is learning about other writers. Who knew, for instance, that the fellow who wrote BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK (one of my favorite movies) also created MR. MAGOO (!). Millard Kaufman, take a bow!
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/2007/12/
joss-whedon-looks-into-crystal-ball.html
The United site also has a FAQ letter sent out by the WGA negotiators in response to the AMPTP offer that was presented last Thursday. Give that a read to see why an offer sometimes doesn't feel like much of an offer at all...
FInally, one other "silver lining" to this otherwise unfortunate situation is learning about other writers. Who knew, for instance, that the fellow who wrote BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK (one of my favorite movies) also created MR. MAGOO (!). Millard Kaufman, take a bow!
Friday, November 30, 2007
WGA Strike - Day 26
No picketing today, and since it's pouring rain in Los Angeles maybe that's a good thing. The blackout on official strike news was finally lifted last night and the news on the negotiating front was not great, but then expectations of a quick resolution were probably unrealistic from the start. Hank Steinberg, creator of WITHOUT A TRACE, sent out an excellent open letter that I've reprinted below. We live in interesting times, indeed!
FROM HANK:
To my fellow writers,
I'm sure tonight's email from the Writer's Guild was a
tad disheartening, particularly after expectations
were raised this week that we would be close to making
a deal and that the studios were prepared to make
substantial concessions.
I spoke to a member of the Negotiating Committee
tonight to get more enlightened myself as to what the
hell happened: what was the disconnect between the
rumors and expectations and the dismal results of this
week?
The answer, apparently, is that this is precisely the
studios' strategy: raise expectations through
disinformation in the media and elsewhere, get us
feeling comfortable, get us psychologically used to
the idea that the strike will end, and then dash those
hopes. This is essentially what they did on november
4th and they are trying to do it again. That is why
they leaked the news to nicky fink on monday that the
deal was essentially done. If we go soft and get
comfortable, the thinking goes, we'll end up accepting
a shitty deal. Apparently, this strategy has worked
for them in the past but we can't let it work now.
As long as we understand what they are doing and why
they are doing it, we should not be disheartened. The
studios' real mandate is to close this deal by mid to
late december to get the tv season back on track in
january and to save their pilot season. They have no
urgency right at this moment to resolve this. Their
coming back to the table now was part of a p.r.
mislead and was actually meant to raise our hopes,
then thwart them as a means of psychological warfare.
To wear us down. They will, in fact, probably not
negotiate for real until closer to their mid-december
deadline and in the meantime will try to work on our
collective resolve.
So although the idea of picketing for a couple of more
weeks doesn't sound particularly glamorous to any of
us, we're still in good shape to make a fair deal and
we shouldn't allow their tactics to dampen our spirits
or forget what it is we're striking over in the first
place. They need to make a deal, they will make a
deal, they just want to gauge us as much as they can.
I thought it enormously helpful to understand where
they are coming from and hope it will help you too.
The leadership understands that an informed
constituency is a motivated constituency and members
of the leadership and negotiating committee will be
out on the picket lines on monday to elucidate some of
this and to answer questions, but no reason to churn
and stew all weekend til then.
So rest up this weekend and don't despair.
And by all means, feel free to forward this email to
any of our brethren.
We're all in this together!
Hank
FROM HANK:
To my fellow writers,
I'm sure tonight's email from the Writer's Guild was a
tad disheartening, particularly after expectations
were raised this week that we would be close to making
a deal and that the studios were prepared to make
substantial concessions.
I spoke to a member of the Negotiating Committee
tonight to get more enlightened myself as to what the
hell happened: what was the disconnect between the
rumors and expectations and the dismal results of this
week?
The answer, apparently, is that this is precisely the
studios' strategy: raise expectations through
disinformation in the media and elsewhere, get us
feeling comfortable, get us psychologically used to
the idea that the strike will end, and then dash those
hopes. This is essentially what they did on november
4th and they are trying to do it again. That is why
they leaked the news to nicky fink on monday that the
deal was essentially done. If we go soft and get
comfortable, the thinking goes, we'll end up accepting
a shitty deal. Apparently, this strategy has worked
for them in the past but we can't let it work now.
As long as we understand what they are doing and why
they are doing it, we should not be disheartened. The
studios' real mandate is to close this deal by mid to
late december to get the tv season back on track in
january and to save their pilot season. They have no
urgency right at this moment to resolve this. Their
coming back to the table now was part of a p.r.
mislead and was actually meant to raise our hopes,
then thwart them as a means of psychological warfare.
To wear us down. They will, in fact, probably not
negotiate for real until closer to their mid-december
deadline and in the meantime will try to work on our
collective resolve.
So although the idea of picketing for a couple of more
weeks doesn't sound particularly glamorous to any of
us, we're still in good shape to make a fair deal and
we shouldn't allow their tactics to dampen our spirits
or forget what it is we're striking over in the first
place. They need to make a deal, they will make a
deal, they just want to gauge us as much as they can.
I thought it enormously helpful to understand where
they are coming from and hope it will help you too.
The leadership understands that an informed
constituency is a motivated constituency and members
of the leadership and negotiating committee will be
out on the picket lines on monday to elucidate some of
this and to answer questions, but no reason to churn
and stew all weekend til then.
So rest up this weekend and don't despair.
And by all means, feel free to forward this email to
any of our brethren.
We're all in this together!
Hank
Thursday, November 29, 2007
WGA Strike - Day 25 (early report)
Yes, I'm posting at 5:00AM, if it's Thursday it's time for another early morning of picketing. And coffee... a LOT of coffee...
Odds and ends. First, here's a pretty funny video telling the "AMPTP's" side of the story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF7b-5xFDJE
Now, you're probably asking yourself, "Mark, what do you listen to this early to get yourself revved up and ready for duty?" Here is a small list of today's favorite car tunes:
Dexy's Midnight Runners/"BBC Radio One Live", a small label release from 1995, this is a great live show by the Dexy's at their peak.
Robert Gordon/"Reunion 2005." Gordon's manager has released a series of limited edition live shows from throughout Gordon's career, and if you're into rockabilly you'll want every one. Check out www.robertgordon.dk for the details...
Squeeze/Extra tracks from 2007 tour. Five live tracks, complimentary to the new live CD, are available for download from officialsqueeze.com. Including a nice, 8 minute-plus version of "Black Coffee In Bed", a personal favorite... especially on mornings like this...
Odds and ends. First, here's a pretty funny video telling the "AMPTP's" side of the story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MF7b-5xFDJE
Now, you're probably asking yourself, "Mark, what do you listen to this early to get yourself revved up and ready for duty?" Here is a small list of today's favorite car tunes:
Dexy's Midnight Runners/"BBC Radio One Live", a small label release from 1995, this is a great live show by the Dexy's at their peak.
Robert Gordon/"Reunion 2005." Gordon's manager has released a series of limited edition live shows from throughout Gordon's career, and if you're into rockabilly you'll want every one. Check out www.robertgordon.dk for the details...
Squeeze/Extra tracks from 2007 tour. Five live tracks, complimentary to the new live CD, are available for download from officialsqueeze.com. Including a nice, 8 minute-plus version of "Black Coffee In Bed", a personal favorite... especially on mornings like this...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
WGA Strike - Day 24 + this is post #300 (!)
No weather report or reports of any kind today, since I'm under the weather and trying to recuperate. I suspect my comrades on the Barham gate soldiered on despite my infirmity, and with any luck I'll be back out with them for day #25. Meanwhile, rumors continue to abound about settlements close and yet so far; the scattered reports provide fodder to discuss on the line but otherwise don't mean much.
In other news, this is indeed my 300th posting on this blog. Who could have imagined? If I felt better I'd expound even further, but I'm afraid this is the special "man down! Bring the bloodstopper!" edition of FMVOF. FYI, "Bloodstopper" is nasty medical powder that will be featured in an upcoming season-four episode of BATTLESTAR. Evidently it's something you pour into bad wounds to quickly cauterize the area; i.e., it burns like an S.O.B. This lovely bit courtesy the diabolical medical/military mind of BSG writer/producer Bradley Thompson. Now, whenever someone on staff is feeling sick, the call goes out for "bloodstopper! More bloodstopper!"
Though I don't think it would have much effect on my sore throat, so back off, Bradley!
In other news, this is indeed my 300th posting on this blog. Who could have imagined? If I felt better I'd expound even further, but I'm afraid this is the special "man down! Bring the bloodstopper!" edition of FMVOF. FYI, "Bloodstopper" is nasty medical powder that will be featured in an upcoming season-four episode of BATTLESTAR. Evidently it's something you pour into bad wounds to quickly cauterize the area; i.e., it burns like an S.O.B. This lovely bit courtesy the diabolical medical/military mind of BSG writer/producer Bradley Thompson. Now, whenever someone on staff is feeling sick, the call goes out for "bloodstopper! More bloodstopper!"
Though I don't think it would have much effect on my sore throat, so back off, Bradley!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
WGA Strike - Day 23
Another early morning on the picket line. I almost feel like doing a weather report these days, since I'm seeing more of it than usual as I trudge the Barham gate. Enthusiasm continues to be high, rumors continue to fly, and that's about that for strike news. Info gets a little sparse when there's a news blackout on all sides.
On other fronts, the reviews for RAZOR continue to come in and I'm waiting for someone to do the cliche Sally Field riff, "you like us, you really like us!" Fingers remain crossed that the WGA will be able to come to terms with the AMPTP and we can finish BSG as intended, with 20 more episodes for season four.
On other fronts, the reviews for RAZOR continue to come in and I'm waiting for someone to do the cliche Sally Field riff, "you like us, you really like us!" Fingers remain crossed that the WGA will be able to come to terms with the AMPTP and we can finish BSG as intended, with 20 more episodes for season four.
Monday, November 26, 2007
New SQUEEZE!
As in the English rock band, popular in the late 70's and 80's, recently reunited for a tour. Songwriters/singers Difford and Tilbrook have been faves around here since their first album, and so anything unleashed from these folks is welcome indeed.
First up, a new live disc, "Five Live", featuring performances from their 2007 tour. Sound quality is exquisite, performances are great and if you like Squeeze, you're probably already trying to find it. (I got mine from www.glenntilbrook.com, but I believe Amazon UK also has it on sale).
Next, Tilbrook's releasing the second in a series of five (!) discs of demos. The first bunch, "The Past Has Been Bottled", was from the 80's, the next one is going to be from the early 90's. Don't have this in my greedy paws yet, but if the first release is any indication, it'll be a must-have item.
Finally, and definitely least but what the heck, the entire Squeeze catalog has been reissued in Japan in paper sleeves, as in identical reproductions of the original vinyl LP sleeves. Nothing new about that, there are hundreds of these paper sleeve reissues available for an incredible array of bands (Rubinoos? Rachel Sweet? Raspberries? Check!), but I admire the anal retentiveness of this particular release. The album "Cool For Cats" was original released in five different colored jackets, and the Japanese reissue actually comes with all five sleeves (though just one disc). I guess I just love that someone's actually more obsessive than me when it comes to this stuff!
First up, a new live disc, "Five Live", featuring performances from their 2007 tour. Sound quality is exquisite, performances are great and if you like Squeeze, you're probably already trying to find it. (I got mine from www.glenntilbrook.com, but I believe Amazon UK also has it on sale).
Next, Tilbrook's releasing the second in a series of five (!) discs of demos. The first bunch, "The Past Has Been Bottled", was from the 80's, the next one is going to be from the early 90's. Don't have this in my greedy paws yet, but if the first release is any indication, it'll be a must-have item.
Finally, and definitely least but what the heck, the entire Squeeze catalog has been reissued in Japan in paper sleeves, as in identical reproductions of the original vinyl LP sleeves. Nothing new about that, there are hundreds of these paper sleeve reissues available for an incredible array of bands (Rubinoos? Rachel Sweet? Raspberries? Check!), but I admire the anal retentiveness of this particular release. The album "Cool For Cats" was original released in five different colored jackets, and the Japanese reissue actually comes with all five sleeves (though just one disc). I guess I just love that someone's actually more obsessive than me when it comes to this stuff!
WGA Strike - Days 20, 21, 22
We're in the middle of day #22, but I've completed my early morning picket duty, and besides, the news of the day is that a settlement is imminent. Or so says Nikke Finke in today's Deadline Hollywood column. Ms. Finke is careful to caveat the report, but she's been pretty good at reading the tea leaves so far, so... I guess we'll see. My idea of a great Christmas present would be a resolution of the strike and, oh, a nice bottle of Hirsch Rye Whiskey. In that order.
We had quite a crowd at this morning's strike line, despite this being week four and some expectation (in "some" quarters) that folks might start peeling off. I don't get that sense at all, in fact, all signs point to the contrary. I'm seeing new faces on the line all the time, and our resolve remains steady.
Boy, it gets cold in the Valley at 6:00AM, but on the other hand there is a beautiful sunrise coming, and NO TRAFFIC (on the way out).
Going back was another story, since I was caught in the middle of a high speed car chase on my way home. Apparently some carjacking lunatic was going 120MPH (!) down the 101 freeway. He passed me, tailed by a caravan of police cars, then evidently took an exit and doubled around, because I saw him backtracking in the opposing lanes a few moments later. I was just mad I couldn't get home and watch it on teevee (talk about a guilty pleasure!), but I guess the lunatic wrecked his car going over some sort of barrier, took off on foot and was grabbed by the cops. A happy ending!
We had quite a crowd at this morning's strike line, despite this being week four and some expectation (in "some" quarters) that folks might start peeling off. I don't get that sense at all, in fact, all signs point to the contrary. I'm seeing new faces on the line all the time, and our resolve remains steady.
Boy, it gets cold in the Valley at 6:00AM, but on the other hand there is a beautiful sunrise coming, and NO TRAFFIC (on the way out).
Going back was another story, since I was caught in the middle of a high speed car chase on my way home. Apparently some carjacking lunatic was going 120MPH (!) down the 101 freeway. He passed me, tailed by a caravan of police cars, then evidently took an exit and doubled around, because I saw him backtracking in the opposing lanes a few moments later. I was just mad I couldn't get home and watch it on teevee (talk about a guilty pleasure!), but I guess the lunatic wrecked his car going over some sort of barrier, took off on foot and was grabbed by the cops. A happy ending!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA - "Razor"
It's been awhile since I've been able to announce a new episode of BSG, and it's going to be awhile before I can do it again, so...
RAZOR. A double-length slice of BSG history, dealing with the Pegasus, Admiral Cain, young Adama and a significant piece of Cylon history.
I've seen both the television cut and the DVD cut, and it's interesting how the same story plays out slightly differently between the two. The shorter TV version moves a little faster, naturally, and gets you where you want to go. The DVD version, due out Dec. 4, is uncut and unrated and features close to 20 minutes of extra footage, giving the story more scope and featuring scenes with folks unseen in the TV cut, including (for instance) a moment with our good friend Baltar and his ephemeral buddy Number Six.
RAZOR'S also chock full of space battles and combat action, so if you've been pining for that, sit back and enjoy.
It's running Nov. 24 on Sci-Fi Channel and probably multiple times after that, and again the DVD will be available on Dec. 4. Check it out!
RAZOR. A double-length slice of BSG history, dealing with the Pegasus, Admiral Cain, young Adama and a significant piece of Cylon history.
I've seen both the television cut and the DVD cut, and it's interesting how the same story plays out slightly differently between the two. The shorter TV version moves a little faster, naturally, and gets you where you want to go. The DVD version, due out Dec. 4, is uncut and unrated and features close to 20 minutes of extra footage, giving the story more scope and featuring scenes with folks unseen in the TV cut, including (for instance) a moment with our good friend Baltar and his ephemeral buddy Number Six.
RAZOR'S also chock full of space battles and combat action, so if you've been pining for that, sit back and enjoy.
It's running Nov. 24 on Sci-Fi Channel and probably multiple times after that, and again the DVD will be available on Dec. 4. Check it out!
Friday, November 23, 2007
WGA Strike - Days 16,17,18,19 + BRUCE CAMPBELL!
I'm spending the week in my hometown of Portland Oregon, usually rainy and cold but this year sunny and REALLY cold. I'm sorry I missed Tuesday's big WGA rally on Hollywood Blvd., which from the photos looked like quite an event, but I'll be back on the picket line bright and early Monday morning.
Most of this trip has been spent with family, but I did spend an afternoon with my friends at Dark Horse Comics and Bruce Campbell, who was up to review some MY NAME IS BRUCE stuff. We discussed everything EXCEPT the BRUCE sequel, since I'm on strike, yes, even against MY NAME IS BRUCE LTD., and can't mull new projects until this mess is resolved. Oh well.
For what it's worth, plans are still afoot to get the first BRUCE epic out in the Summer of 2008. There has been some consternation about how long it's taking to get the picture finished, but welcome to the world of indie filmmaking. Bruce likes to say indie films aren't released, they escape, and that's pretty much the story here.
I did take another look at the soon to be released EVIL DEAD comic pages, and once again I was dazzled by John Bolton's amazing art. This book is finished, done, complete, ready to go, so there will be no delays or late issues... a miracle!
Most of this trip has been spent with family, but I did spend an afternoon with my friends at Dark Horse Comics and Bruce Campbell, who was up to review some MY NAME IS BRUCE stuff. We discussed everything EXCEPT the BRUCE sequel, since I'm on strike, yes, even against MY NAME IS BRUCE LTD., and can't mull new projects until this mess is resolved. Oh well.
For what it's worth, plans are still afoot to get the first BRUCE epic out in the Summer of 2008. There has been some consternation about how long it's taking to get the picture finished, but welcome to the world of indie filmmaking. Bruce likes to say indie films aren't released, they escape, and that's pretty much the story here.
I did take another look at the soon to be released EVIL DEAD comic pages, and once again I was dazzled by John Bolton's amazing art. This book is finished, done, complete, ready to go, so there will be no delays or late issues... a miracle!
Monday, November 19, 2007
WGA Strike - Days 13, 14 & 15
I can post at 6:00AM on day 15 because I'm away from my picketing post as well as the State of California, dealing with family business and medical emergencies. And also because, with negotiations looming next week, there really isn't a lot to say. I doff my chapeau to my friends on the line today and tomorrow, and, honestly, wish I could be there as opposed to dealing with these other travails.
It's becoming almost a strike cliche to say this, but I've met more writers in the last two weeks than I have in my entire 20 year career, and if there is any silver lining to an otherwise extremely unfortunate situation (nobody likes being out of work, and nobody likes putting anyone else out of work), it's been that. There's nothing like walking in circles in a bright red shirt at 6:00 in the morning to bring people together.
In other, free associative news, I think I forgot how difficult it can be traveling around the holidays. Difficult, of course, is relative, but massive lines and traffic jams definitely = consternation. I'm beginning to think they should stagger holidays, last names A-M get Thankgiving on the second Thursday in November, names from N-Z get the third Thursday. Might be a little complicated with larger families, but that's a small price to pay.
It's becoming almost a strike cliche to say this, but I've met more writers in the last two weeks than I have in my entire 20 year career, and if there is any silver lining to an otherwise extremely unfortunate situation (nobody likes being out of work, and nobody likes putting anyone else out of work), it's been that. There's nothing like walking in circles in a bright red shirt at 6:00 in the morning to bring people together.
In other, free associative news, I think I forgot how difficult it can be traveling around the holidays. Difficult, of course, is relative, but massive lines and traffic jams definitely = consternation. I'm beginning to think they should stagger holidays, last names A-M get Thankgiving on the second Thursday in November, names from N-Z get the third Thursday. Might be a little complicated with larger families, but that's a small price to pay.
Friday, November 16, 2007
WGA Strike - Day 12 STOP THE PRESSES
Excellent news from the WGA and the AMPTP, they're going back to the negotiating table on Nov. 26. Let's hope a fair deal can be made and everyone can get back to doing what they love, which in the case of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA will mean getting back into the writer's room and finishing up season four!
WGA Strike - Day 12
Somehow the reporter on KNBC thinks the strike's been going on for 17 days, but no, it's just 12, though that's long enough. Looks like the John Edwards appearance at NBC was a hit, and I'm hearing reports that a lot of fans braved traffic to join the BSG writers. I'm sorry I missed it, but I hope a good time was had by all. Well, as good a time as possible given the circumstances.
Nothing much else to say or report, except to cross the fingers and hope both sides get back to the table soon...
Nothing much else to say or report, except to cross the fingers and hope both sides get back to the table soon...
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Springsteen, Anaheim, April 2008
Good news for fans of Mr. Springsteen, he's taking another swing through the southland next year. Having seen every tour since (gasp) 1978, I will definitely try to make this next stop, which I think is at a venue that used to be called "the Pond."
Meanwhile, Springsteen's official site has posted some great videos from the current tour. Unfortunately you don't get the complete song, but it whets the whistle AND gives me hope that there are plans afoot to release some sort of official document (DVD, CD, 8 track, I don't care) from the Magic tour.
http://brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html
Meanwhile, Springsteen's official site has posted some great videos from the current tour. Unfortunately you don't get the complete song, but it whets the whistle AND gives me hope that there are plans afoot to release some sort of official document (DVD, CD, 8 track, I don't care) from the Magic tour.
http://brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html
WGA Strike - Day 11
Another glorious early morning picket at the Barham gate behind Universal. Sure is pretty out at 5:30AM... and MUCH cooler. We've been walking over a peculiar burn-mark in the pavement most of this week... evidently an SUV (as opposed to an SVU, whose writers have been marching with BSG since the beginning) caught fire at that very spot one evening earlier this week. Perhaps scorched by the residual fury of the writers?
Big news is tomorrow (Friday), of course. It is an unofficial "fan day," and here is the poop as best I know it... BSG fans can meet with the writers at the big Universal sign on Lankershim, the one on Lankershim that marks the entrance to City Walk. (There's no gate #). Last I checked, the staff will be marching from 10:00AM to Noon or so, but that's been a little fluid, some may be there a little earlier.
You won't be meeting me, unfortunately, because I have a prior personal committment, but I'll be there in spirit. Hopefully no more cars will erupt in flame, either. Give my peeps a shout-out!
Big news is tomorrow (Friday), of course. It is an unofficial "fan day," and here is the poop as best I know it... BSG fans can meet with the writers at the big Universal sign on Lankershim, the one on Lankershim that marks the entrance to City Walk. (There's no gate #). Last I checked, the staff will be marching from 10:00AM to Noon or so, but that's been a little fluid, some may be there a little earlier.
You won't be meeting me, unfortunately, because I have a prior personal committment, but I'll be there in spirit. Hopefully no more cars will erupt in flame, either. Give my peeps a shout-out!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
WGA Strike - Day 10
Nothing much to report from the picket line, except boy, that's right, NOW I remember -- we're in the Valley, as in "hot."
The big news is what's coming up for Friday. Here's the straight dope as of this evening: folks/fans interested in joining us should come to Universal Studios, Gate #2, which is on Lankershim Blvd. Walk with us from 9:00AM to 11:00AM, then there will be a rally at Noon. There is also a chance that Presidential candidate John Edwards will come by sometime in the afternoon on Friday... more news as it develops!
Also, fans might want to check out fans4writers.com, a site that's devoted to fans and shows and all that fun stuff. Thanks to Terry Moore for the info!
In some fun non-strike news, we had a special private screening of the DVD version of RAZOR, the upcoming BSG film, this evening. It was a stunning high def presentation, a total knock-out. The TV version is great, but the uncut DVD version is really something. Coming VERY soon to DVD stores near you!
The big news is what's coming up for Friday. Here's the straight dope as of this evening: folks/fans interested in joining us should come to Universal Studios, Gate #2, which is on Lankershim Blvd. Walk with us from 9:00AM to 11:00AM, then there will be a rally at Noon. There is also a chance that Presidential candidate John Edwards will come by sometime in the afternoon on Friday... more news as it develops!
Also, fans might want to check out fans4writers.com, a site that's devoted to fans and shows and all that fun stuff. Thanks to Terry Moore for the info!
In some fun non-strike news, we had a special private screening of the DVD version of RAZOR, the upcoming BSG film, this evening. It was a stunning high def presentation, a total knock-out. The TV version is great, but the uncut DVD version is really something. Coming VERY soon to DVD stores near you!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Excellent Story On The WGA Strike
One of the better pieces I've seen, from today's Los Angeles Times...
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/
la-et-bigpicture13nov13,1,3048316.story
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/
la-et-bigpicture13nov13,1,3048316.story
WGA Strike - Day 9
Another day, another early morning of picketing. Contrary to most expectations, our group has been gaining more people day by day, and today we had the biggest turn out ever. Besides writers, there were fans, folks from the NY Film Academy and people from SAG (hi there, Jerry O'Connell) and the DGA. This, I believe, is what they call "solidarity." It's a great bunch of people, and hey, more are always welcome!
Afterward, Jane Espenson, David Weddle, Shamus Fahey and yours truly did an video interview for the Canadian Space Channel, which has been a great supporter of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA through the years. I'll post here when the interview goes up on the Space Channel site. You can see three sweaty writers and the ever cool Jane Espenson chat about the strike, BATTLESTAR and "etc."
And finally, I should have definitive times and places for the big "fan day" gathering this Friday very soon, it's still being figured and plotted and planned, but if you pencil in 11:30AM to 1:00 or 2:00 PM, you'll probably be in good shape.
I'm still a little fuzzy today, catching up after driving to Ventura Monday night for an audience screening of the BSG RAZOR movie. The crowd seemed to have a good time, and it was nice to have a vivid reminder of why we love what we do. If you didn't catch RAZOR on the big screen, remember to watch the Sci-Fi Channel on Friday 11/24...
Afterward, Jane Espenson, David Weddle, Shamus Fahey and yours truly did an video interview for the Canadian Space Channel, which has been a great supporter of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA through the years. I'll post here when the interview goes up on the Space Channel site. You can see three sweaty writers and the ever cool Jane Espenson chat about the strike, BATTLESTAR and "etc."
And finally, I should have definitive times and places for the big "fan day" gathering this Friday very soon, it's still being figured and plotted and planned, but if you pencil in 11:30AM to 1:00 or 2:00 PM, you'll probably be in good shape.
I'm still a little fuzzy today, catching up after driving to Ventura Monday night for an audience screening of the BSG RAZOR movie. The crowd seemed to have a good time, and it was nice to have a vivid reminder of why we love what we do. If you didn't catch RAZOR on the big screen, remember to watch the Sci-Fi Channel on Friday 11/24...
What They REALLY Think About Internet
Check out this short video and maybe you'll understand the frustration of negotiating with folks who claim they need a three year study to better understand the internet before considering a deal with the WGA...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a37uqd5vTw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a37uqd5vTw
Monday, November 12, 2007
WGA Strike - Day 8
I can post even earlier than usual because I was on a picket line even earlier than usual, 6AM to 10AM. There's still a lot of press (our line was interviewed by Entertainment Tonight, KNBC and CNBC) and much frenzied honking from passing motorists. Our strike Captain, Mick, is an amazing force of nature who keeps our spirits up with his incredible enthusiasm, but we're all motivated. And what a group, from seasoned feature writers to first-timers, staff writers to show-runners, and every step in between.
There's been some confusion about the upcoming "fan day", but it's definitely Friday and it's open to fans of ALL shows, not just BSG. More details as they become available, but keep Friday open! Meet the writers of some of your favorite shows! Watch them walk on aching feet!
There's been some confusion about the upcoming "fan day", but it's definitely Friday and it's open to fans of ALL shows, not just BSG. More details as they become available, but keep Friday open! Meet the writers of some of your favorite shows! Watch them walk on aching feet!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
WGA Strike - Day 7 Battlestar Edition!
We're hoping to gather up as many devoted BSG fans as possible to join us on the picket line THIS FRIDAY, 11/16. Time, studio and gate to be announced, but most likely outside NBC/Universal. If you're a fan of the show and you'd like to show your support (and maybe add a wee more pressure so we can get back to work and finish the final season!), start making plans now!
Saturday, November 10, 2007
WGA Strike - Day 6
First, an interesting article from Media Life Magazine...
http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman2/publish/
Television_44/Four_days_in_strike_tilts_to_the_writers.asp
Second, a link to Mark Evanier's site and a three minute clip of a remarkable mini-speech that was given at the big Thursday summit meeting just before the strike. A writer named Howard Gould, a self-professed moderate, totally nailed the issues at hand and I remember getting that "yeah, that's right!" feeling as he wrapped up. I wasn't alone, since as Mark notes Mr. Gould got a standing ovation from the writers still in attendance. Well worth a listen.
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_11_10.html#014339
Once you check Mark's site, read on for his other strike commentary. I've had the same experience that he has; people I never, ever expected to see backing a strike or marching on a picket line have picked up the mantle this time. There is an issue of flat-out unfairness in the studio stance that has trumped the usual, vocal trepidation over taking it to the streets.
http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman2/publish/
Television_44/Four_days_in_strike_tilts_to_the_writers.asp
Second, a link to Mark Evanier's site and a three minute clip of a remarkable mini-speech that was given at the big Thursday summit meeting just before the strike. A writer named Howard Gould, a self-professed moderate, totally nailed the issues at hand and I remember getting that "yeah, that's right!" feeling as he wrapped up. I wasn't alone, since as Mark notes Mr. Gould got a standing ovation from the writers still in attendance. Well worth a listen.
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_11_10.html#014339
Once you check Mark's site, read on for his other strike commentary. I've had the same experience that he has; people I never, ever expected to see backing a strike or marching on a picket line have picked up the mantle this time. There is an issue of flat-out unfairness in the studio stance that has trumped the usual, vocal trepidation over taking it to the streets.
Friday, November 09, 2007
WGA Strike - Day 5
Well, THAT was something. 4000 writers converged on Fox this morning, and the street was red with... shirts and signs and passion and all that good stuff. After a few probably interesting speeches and musical performances (I was too far back to hear much of anything), suddenly there was a loud "NOW LET'S MARCH" and brother, we marched. I ran into a lot of friends (old and new, amazing how fast you bond with your picket partners!) and was sort of amazed that 4000 of us could get together and do much of anything as one.
Bottom line? We're not going away. So I end with my customary plea, could we PLEASE get back to the negotiating table and make nice?
Bottom line? We're not going away. So I end with my customary plea, could we PLEASE get back to the negotiating table and make nice?
Why A WGA Strike?
The WGA's put together a good, short video that explains it all...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ55Ir2jCxk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ55Ir2jCxk
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Battlestar Galactica - RAZOR In Theaters!
Just a reminder that BATTLESTAR GALACTICA's two episode epic "Razor" will be getting a one night only theatrical showing at theaters across the country NEXT MONDAY, 11/12. I'm trying to attend the showing in Ventura California, so if you see a big guy with sore feet from picketing, that's me!
WGA Strike - Day 4
Another day, more picketing. The cast from THE OFFICE stopped by our site, so a hale and hearty THANK YOU to them. I got my picture taken with Creed, which some felt only appropriate. I wonder what they're trying to tell me?
Our numbers continue to grow day by day, as we're joined by more writers, friends, family and fans. Enthusiasm remains high while my feet remain sore, but so it goes...
Not much else to say, except to reiterate that I'm proud to be a member of the Writer's Guild, and continue to hope for a quick, fair resolution so I can toss the Dr. Scholls and go back to work!
Our numbers continue to grow day by day, as we're joined by more writers, friends, family and fans. Enthusiasm remains high while my feet remain sore, but so it goes...
Not much else to say, except to reiterate that I'm proud to be a member of the Writer's Guild, and continue to hope for a quick, fair resolution so I can toss the Dr. Scholls and go back to work!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
WGA Strike - Day 3
Another day, another fun filled picket at Universal Studios. The weather continues to cooperate, even if the feet are getting sore and cranky. The sun came out sooner than the last two days, but there was a nice breeze.
Today we had semi-permanent traffic police assigned to our corner(s), all of whom who were very nice and frankly welcome. Again, the vast, vast majority of passing cars and trucks honked and waved and gave us thumbs-up signs (sorry, Mr. Ebert), there was a lot of noise and traffic at our location. Universal security came out in force (well, three guys) at one point, but I'm not sure what that was about and we just kept marching.
No real rumors tore through the line today, just more of the same. A trio of CAA agents dropped by with much appreciated water, and a couple of struggling-to-be writers came by with chow and intend to join us tomorrow in solidarity. Thanks to all of them, sincerely, every ounce of support is appreciated. By the way, ANYONE can join us if you support the writers, walk for an hour or stay through an entire shift, come on down!
There continues to be this assumption that all the writers in the Guild are super rich and spoiled and etc., but the truth is writing is a mercurial business where you can have one good year and then three bad ones. It is not a regular pay day, which is why residuals (for reruns on the air, DVD and internet) are so important. They sustain a lot of writers through the lean years.
And I'll end with my constant refrain -- I urge the WGA leadership and the AMPTP folks to get back to the table as soon as possible and start hammering out a deal that's fair to both sides.
Today we had semi-permanent traffic police assigned to our corner(s), all of whom who were very nice and frankly welcome. Again, the vast, vast majority of passing cars and trucks honked and waved and gave us thumbs-up signs (sorry, Mr. Ebert), there was a lot of noise and traffic at our location. Universal security came out in force (well, three guys) at one point, but I'm not sure what that was about and we just kept marching.
No real rumors tore through the line today, just more of the same. A trio of CAA agents dropped by with much appreciated water, and a couple of struggling-to-be writers came by with chow and intend to join us tomorrow in solidarity. Thanks to all of them, sincerely, every ounce of support is appreciated. By the way, ANYONE can join us if you support the writers, walk for an hour or stay through an entire shift, come on down!
There continues to be this assumption that all the writers in the Guild are super rich and spoiled and etc., but the truth is writing is a mercurial business where you can have one good year and then three bad ones. It is not a regular pay day, which is why residuals (for reruns on the air, DVD and internet) are so important. They sustain a lot of writers through the lean years.
And I'll end with my constant refrain -- I urge the WGA leadership and the AMPTP folks to get back to the table as soon as possible and start hammering out a deal that's fair to both sides.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
WGA Strike - Day Two
Another fine day picketing outside Universal Studios. Different location, MUCH bigger reaction, 99.9% positive from passing cars and traffic. Much honking, noise, shouts of encouragement. In fact, the only overt anti-strike sentiment was expressed by some asshole wearing a halloween skull mask as he (I think it was a "he") drove by in a Universal truck flipping us off. So it appears the hellspawn Ghost Rider a), works for Universal and b), has a problem with the Writer's strike.
Went to a nearby restaurant afterward, where we bumped into John Stamos and Maura Tierney, both of whom said they would be joining us on the picket line in the afternoon. Big thanks to them, we need all the help we can get!
Nothing new to report in terms of negotiations, but I continue to hope that the WGA and the AMPTP get back in a room together and get back to finding a solution that works. Until then, "Writers United, Never Divided!"
Went to a nearby restaurant afterward, where we bumped into John Stamos and Maura Tierney, both of whom said they would be joining us on the picket line in the afternoon. Big thanks to them, we need all the help we can get!
Nothing new to report in terms of negotiations, but I continue to hope that the WGA and the AMPTP get back in a room together and get back to finding a solution that works. Until then, "Writers United, Never Divided!"
Monday, November 05, 2007
WGA Strike - Day One
Okay, so it's still mid-day, but I've finished my shift on the picket line, so... it's update time! The entire BATTLESTAR staff worked corners outside Universal Studios, covering a gate a little off the beaten track, but that's okay. Lots of folks honked in solidarity, and a few of Jane Espensen's fans dropped by in support, which was great.
A very friendly policeman dropped by to give us some instruction on how to handle ourselves and to ask if we had had any problems, since a picketer at the Sunset/Gower lot suffered a broken leg after being hit by a car. We didn't have any problems like that, but we were certainly being scrutinized by Universal security.
No celebs at our location, no cameras and no shade. At least the weather cooperated today, it was cloudy until almost Noon and temperatures were mildish.
Not a lot more to say. I hope this isn't a "long haul" situation, and a contract agreement can be reached ASAP, but we are definitely in it for the long haul, if that's what it takes.
A very friendly policeman dropped by to give us some instruction on how to handle ourselves and to ask if we had had any problems, since a picketer at the Sunset/Gower lot suffered a broken leg after being hit by a car. We didn't have any problems like that, but we were certainly being scrutinized by Universal security.
No celebs at our location, no cameras and no shade. At least the weather cooperated today, it was cloudy until almost Noon and temperatures were mildish.
Not a lot more to say. I hope this isn't a "long haul" situation, and a contract agreement can be reached ASAP, but we are definitely in it for the long haul, if that's what it takes.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Strike Prep Day 0
Barring a miracle of negotiation, WGA writers are hitting the picket lines Monday in full force. I have my red shirt (STAR TREK humor is NOT appreciated), my comfy shoes and perhaps most importantly, a sense that we as a union have that mysterious alchemic ingrediant called "resolve" in spades. I will try to post something every day as the strike goes on, sort of a running journal on these complicated and unsettling times...
Apocalypse End Times Have Arrived
The Sex Pistols performed "Anarchy In The U.K." on the Jay Leno show last week...
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Strike One...
As everyone pretty much expected in the wake of the big WGA membership meeting Thursday night, the WGA strike has been called for 12:01AM Monday 11/5. Personal belongings have been packed up, the last bits of work turned in, and now...
Well, now it's time for both sides to try and make a deal. The posturing continues (new drinking game, take a shot every time Nick Counter with the producers/studios calls the WGA "reckless"), but it would be nice to see that end and some actual negotiating begin. Negotiating that doesn't start with "take it or leave it", since obviously at this juncture the writers have decided to leave it.
Oh, and I guess you can expect more blog entries. I've got the time!
Well, now it's time for both sides to try and make a deal. The posturing continues (new drinking game, take a shot every time Nick Counter with the producers/studios calls the WGA "reckless"), but it would be nice to see that end and some actual negotiating begin. Negotiating that doesn't start with "take it or leave it", since obviously at this juncture the writers have decided to leave it.
Oh, and I guess you can expect more blog entries. I've got the time!
Friday, November 02, 2007
WGA, Strikes and "etc."
Guess I'll be able to remove the modifier "potential" when discussing the WGA strike pretty soon. I attended last night's gathering at the L.A. Convention Center, and all signs point toward a walk-out, possibly as early as Monday 11/5. We'll know by mid-afternoon today (11/2)...
Walk-out means walk-out. Shows will stop being written, production will stop soon after, and picket lines will be established.
I've been in the WGA for 17 years, having joined just after the long 1988 strike, so I've seen calls for strikes before, but I have to say, this feels different. There is a real solidarity out there, mostly because we all know how much this negotiation will impact our future. We really need to have some realistic payment structure for internet, webisodes and etc., because that's where the market is going. And our backs are up because we got burned back in '85/'88 by taking a lowball "we need time to study this!" number on home video. (Incidentally, that's no slam on the folks who agreed to that deal back in '85/'88, they paid quite a price to get what they did.)
Now that a strike looks inevitable, my new hope is that it is over quickly and we can all get back to work, not necessarily with big happy smiles, but with a new deal in place that addresses the future of this business...
Walk-out means walk-out. Shows will stop being written, production will stop soon after, and picket lines will be established.
I've been in the WGA for 17 years, having joined just after the long 1988 strike, so I've seen calls for strikes before, but I have to say, this feels different. There is a real solidarity out there, mostly because we all know how much this negotiation will impact our future. We really need to have some realistic payment structure for internet, webisodes and etc., because that's where the market is going. And our backs are up because we got burned back in '85/'88 by taking a lowball "we need time to study this!" number on home video. (Incidentally, that's no slam on the folks who agreed to that deal back in '85/'88, they paid quite a price to get what they did.)
Now that a strike looks inevitable, my new hope is that it is over quickly and we can all get back to work, not necessarily with big happy smiles, but with a new deal in place that addresses the future of this business...
Thursday, November 01, 2007
HOSTEL 1 and 2, Alternate Ending... SPOILERS!!
Maybe it's my grim mood recently, but I recently watched the DVDs of HOSTEL and HOSTEL 2. Reviews can come later, but the new double-dip version of the first HOSTEL film features an entirely different ending, one director Eli Roth shot but later re-considered after some intervention by Quentin Tarantino (!). There are some
SPOILERS AHEAD!
DO NOT read on if you're trying to keep the twists and turns of the two movies to yourself.
HOSTEL the feature currently ends with the surviving victim coming across one of his torturers in a train station, following him into a bathroom and killing him. One thing that intrigued me about HOSTEL was that for all it's horrific violence, Roth opted for some version of "retribution" in the end. The tables get turned on the murderous, sadistic killers big time. Unlike so many hardcore horror movies (TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE THE BEGINNING, anyone?), there is actually some redemptive comuppance for the evil-doers in HOSTEL, and I appreciated that.
The alternate ending, which is quite clever in a very sick psychological sense, is considerably less "audience friendly." In the alternate, our victim comes across one of his torturers in a train station, just as the torturer greets his young (six year old-ish) daughter. When dad and daughter split up to use the restroom, the daughter disappears and nasty Dad tries to find her, only to spot her in the clutches of our torture victim as they choo-choo away from the station on a train. The clear and unsettling implication from the little girl's struggles is that our victim intends to do her harm, hence becoming as cruel and demented as the torturer himself.
Obviously, the moral triumph deriving from the original ending would have been significantly, umm, "muted", in this version. I'm frankly not sure which ending I prefer, but in terms of "audience pleasing" (if such a term can be applied to a movie that features a kid getting power-drilled), seeing the torturer get his just desserts up close and personal probably trumps the little girl version.
Continuing on the theme of survivors and redemption, HOSTEL 2 opens pretty much where the first movie left off, catching up with the last survivor. And while I think Part 2 has, in many ways, a more compelling story than the first, something happens here that really bugs me. Call it the FRIDAY THE 13th PART 2/ALIEN 3/MANIAC COP 2 syndrome -- it's where the filmmakers wrap up the story from the last film by offing the last "survivor." What bugs me about this story-telling device is that it completely negates whatever sense of triumph the audience may have realized from the earlier chapter's resolution. So our victim survived the horrors of a torture chamber, so what? In HOSTEL 2, the bad guys track him down and take his cabeza off with a chainsaw anyway.
ALIEN 3 opens with virtually all the survivors from Cameron's brilliant ALIENS getting killed off camera. MANIAC COP 2 has the audacity to off Bruce Campbell's character (the BASTARDS), and FRIDAY 2 dispenses with the only survivors of Momma Jason's rampage in a jiffy. Guess it's just a pet peeve of mine, but can't we just leave some of these poor, troubled survivors alone?
SPOILERS AHEAD!
DO NOT read on if you're trying to keep the twists and turns of the two movies to yourself.
HOSTEL the feature currently ends with the surviving victim coming across one of his torturers in a train station, following him into a bathroom and killing him. One thing that intrigued me about HOSTEL was that for all it's horrific violence, Roth opted for some version of "retribution" in the end. The tables get turned on the murderous, sadistic killers big time. Unlike so many hardcore horror movies (TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE THE BEGINNING, anyone?), there is actually some redemptive comuppance for the evil-doers in HOSTEL, and I appreciated that.
The alternate ending, which is quite clever in a very sick psychological sense, is considerably less "audience friendly." In the alternate, our victim comes across one of his torturers in a train station, just as the torturer greets his young (six year old-ish) daughter. When dad and daughter split up to use the restroom, the daughter disappears and nasty Dad tries to find her, only to spot her in the clutches of our torture victim as they choo-choo away from the station on a train. The clear and unsettling implication from the little girl's struggles is that our victim intends to do her harm, hence becoming as cruel and demented as the torturer himself.
Obviously, the moral triumph deriving from the original ending would have been significantly, umm, "muted", in this version. I'm frankly not sure which ending I prefer, but in terms of "audience pleasing" (if such a term can be applied to a movie that features a kid getting power-drilled), seeing the torturer get his just desserts up close and personal probably trumps the little girl version.
Continuing on the theme of survivors and redemption, HOSTEL 2 opens pretty much where the first movie left off, catching up with the last survivor. And while I think Part 2 has, in many ways, a more compelling story than the first, something happens here that really bugs me. Call it the FRIDAY THE 13th PART 2/ALIEN 3/MANIAC COP 2 syndrome -- it's where the filmmakers wrap up the story from the last film by offing the last "survivor." What bugs me about this story-telling device is that it completely negates whatever sense of triumph the audience may have realized from the earlier chapter's resolution. So our victim survived the horrors of a torture chamber, so what? In HOSTEL 2, the bad guys track him down and take his cabeza off with a chainsaw anyway.
ALIEN 3 opens with virtually all the survivors from Cameron's brilliant ALIENS getting killed off camera. MANIAC COP 2 has the audacity to off Bruce Campbell's character (the BASTARDS), and FRIDAY 2 dispenses with the only survivors of Momma Jason's rampage in a jiffy. Guess it's just a pet peeve of mine, but can't we just leave some of these poor, troubled survivors alone?
More WGA Strike Stuff
As usual, Mr. Evanier interprets the latest machinations between the WGA and the studios better than I ever could...
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_10_31.html#014277
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_10_31.html#014277
Various WGA Strike Related Sites Of Interest
As I write this, it's still a "potential" strike, but even playing the eternal optimist, I have to say things ain't looking good. Here are a couple places I go to keep up with the latest:
http://unitedhollywood.com/ This is a blog formed by WGA strike captains, I believe, to discuss the latest state of the state.
http://newsfromme.com Mark Evanier's site, where he has been doing a running commentary on the situation from the perspective who someone who was intimately involved in the 1985/'88 negotiations and strike.
http://unitedhollywood.com/ This is a blog formed by WGA strike captains, I believe, to discuss the latest state of the state.
http://newsfromme.com Mark Evanier's site, where he has been doing a running commentary on the situation from the perspective who someone who was intimately involved in the 1985/'88 negotiations and strike.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
My Niece Makes THE DAILY SHOW!
My niece Jenny Hamel is a reporter on the Fox affiliate in San Diego. In this DAILY SHOW clip, she's one of the reporters Stewart cites during his riff on reporter chic. Jenny's the one in "goggles and fire jacket!"
www.thedailyshow.com/index.jhtml
It's the "Californincineration" clip from 10/29. I'm so proud!
www.thedailyshow.com/index.jhtml
It's the "Californincineration" clip from 10/29. I'm so proud!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Razor Screenings...
FYI, barring disaster, I hope to join the fine folks who make it to Ventura California for the Los Angeles "Razor" screenings, Monday Nov. 12. Check the Sci-Fi website for more info on getting tix to these events, which sound very cool. See you there!
My Latest Thoughts On The (Possible) Strike...
Actually, I've been so busy I haven't had time to consider it that much. That said, if stress and tension and general atmosphere means anything, it feels like we went on strike three weeks ago.
The problem is, nothing's really changed. The producers took the rollback of residuals off the table, but it never should have been there in the first place. As I told a friend, I guess now the writers can pull back on their "one million dollars a day" salary demands.
I think what baffles me a little is the reluctance (a kind word) of the studios to even entertain formulas for sharing the wealth on the internet, i-tunes, downloads, webisodes, mobisodes and whatever-a-sodes. It's not like the WGA's demanding advance payments on money that hasn't been collected yet via these new distribution systems. We just want a (small) piece of whatever DOES come in. And yet somehow this is all too complicated, possibly requiring a three year study (gee, what a coincidence, three years until the next contract negotiations!) to figure out just how much money the networks are making from the new technologies that they can't share because it's all too heady... or something.
Jeff Zucker said today that NBC made "only" made $15 million from i-tunes. Okay. All we want is a percentage of that $15 million, then...
That said, it remains to be reiterated that the last thing ANY working writer wants is a strike. This is a tough, time sensitive, mercurial business, and work stoppages can have ramifications beyond the checkbook. And writers, especially in television, are not blind to the downside of what happens when shows go out of production. Besides the damage done to the production staff, when the shows stop coming it's possible audience eyeballs will go with them. So I'm still crossing my fingers that wisdom trumps... something... and next week finds us all busy at our keyboards.
That said, if I had to lay odds, I'd be hoping for nice weather Friday, because picket signs don't hold together very well in the rain...
The problem is, nothing's really changed. The producers took the rollback of residuals off the table, but it never should have been there in the first place. As I told a friend, I guess now the writers can pull back on their "one million dollars a day" salary demands.
I think what baffles me a little is the reluctance (a kind word) of the studios to even entertain formulas for sharing the wealth on the internet, i-tunes, downloads, webisodes, mobisodes and whatever-a-sodes. It's not like the WGA's demanding advance payments on money that hasn't been collected yet via these new distribution systems. We just want a (small) piece of whatever DOES come in. And yet somehow this is all too complicated, possibly requiring a three year study (gee, what a coincidence, three years until the next contract negotiations!) to figure out just how much money the networks are making from the new technologies that they can't share because it's all too heady... or something.
Jeff Zucker said today that NBC made "only" made $15 million from i-tunes. Okay. All we want is a percentage of that $15 million, then...
That said, it remains to be reiterated that the last thing ANY working writer wants is a strike. This is a tough, time sensitive, mercurial business, and work stoppages can have ramifications beyond the checkbook. And writers, especially in television, are not blind to the downside of what happens when shows go out of production. Besides the damage done to the production staff, when the shows stop coming it's possible audience eyeballs will go with them. So I'm still crossing my fingers that wisdom trumps... something... and next week finds us all busy at our keyboards.
That said, if I had to lay odds, I'd be hoping for nice weather Friday, because picket signs don't hold together very well in the rain...
Saturday, October 27, 2007
MY NAME IS BRUCE: Summer 2008
We're starting to get definitive about the MY NAME IS BRUCE release. Check out the piece on the FANGORIA website for the details...
http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?id=5249
http://www.fangoria.com/news_article.php?id=5249
Free Nick Lowe!
No, he's not in prison, but Nick Lowe the singer/songwriter/famed producer of Elvis Costello has been touring this year, and NPR has one of his concerts up on their website, for listening and/or download. Lowe's style has shifted with the years, from New Wave pop to country to laid-back swing, but it's all worth a listen.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14324500
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14324500
Thursday, October 25, 2007
EVIL DEAD The Comic - AT LAST!
It's COMING! The book that's been two years in the making! An expansion/adaptation of the first EVIL DEAD movie, written by yours truly and painted by the astonishing John Bolton. Four issues, all in the can, so start saving your $$$.
More details at the link, and some lovely art from this month's Diamond Previews backcover.
http://wizarduniverse.stores.yahoo.net/nov070021.html
More details at the link, and some lovely art from this month's Diamond Previews backcover.
http://wizarduniverse.stores.yahoo.net/nov070021.html
Skidoo The Movie is Coming...
I posted about Otto Preminger's astounding film SKIDOO some pages ago... suffice to say, the 1968 production is one of the strangest and most confounding big budget Hollywood movies ever unspooled. Rumor has it that Otto's estate has been keeping the movie under lock and key, but those fine folks at Turner Classic Movies have scheduled a run on January 4, 2008. Viewers will have to decide if this is a sign of the coming apocalypse or a wonderful New Year's treat...
Jackie Gleason goes on an LSD trip that includes, as a hallucination, Mickey Rooney. Carol Channing strips and sings. An elderly Groucho Marx plays "God." And when the thing's finaly over, you'll have the lyrics "Skidoo, skidoo!" implanted in your brain. See what all the hub-bub is about!
Jackie Gleason goes on an LSD trip that includes, as a hallucination, Mickey Rooney. Carol Channing strips and sings. An elderly Groucho Marx plays "God." And when the thing's finaly over, you'll have the lyrics "Skidoo, skidoo!" implanted in your brain. See what all the hub-bub is about!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Strike News? Here's Strike News...
Battlestar Sitrep pointed the way, and they're right -- Nikke Finke's column in the L.A. Weekly has some good info on the ongoing WGA labor negotiations. (And a lot of other interesting Hollywood gossip, but hey, who's interested in that?)
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/
http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/
24 - Season 7 Trailer
Soul patch is back (umm, but he's dead!), Chloe gets a cameo and evil Senators wanna know why mean ol' Jack keeps torturing people. Sounds like another politically messed up but gloriously insane season to me!
The U.K. preview trailer can be viewed at:
http://tinyurl.com/2lxz4s
The U.K. preview trailer can be viewed at:
http://tinyurl.com/2lxz4s
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Hello "Blogs Of Note" Folks...
If my sitemeter is to be believed, I've got a lot of new folks checking out my blog this week. As a quick look will tell, it's an eclectic mix of personal ramblings along with information on my professional projects. Look for updates on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, TEEN TITANS the movie and MY NAME IS BRUCE starring Bruce Campbell, along with my personal pop culture obsessions -- Elvis Costello, Smithereens, Swamp Pop and whatever else piques my interest.
The impulse to blog comes out of my life-long self-publishing jones; I've been writing small personal 'zines for (gasp) over thirty years, and I guess I just can't shake the impulse. I'm not big on design, just the facts, ma'am. (Did I mention I also love DRAGNET?)
Anyway, welcome!
The impulse to blog comes out of my life-long self-publishing jones; I've been writing small personal 'zines for (gasp) over thirty years, and I guess I just can't shake the impulse. I'm not big on design, just the facts, ma'am. (Did I mention I also love DRAGNET?)
Anyway, welcome!
Swamp Pop? Yes. Swamp Pop!
I've been a devoted fan of "swamp pop", an upbeat style of Cajun music, since coming across a compilation of Tommy McLain's best tunes a few years ago. McLain's big hit was a version of "Sweet Dreams", which has sold over three million copies since 1966 and continues to get air play.
Well, it seems Tommy and fellow swamp masters Warren Storm, CC Adcock and many others got together for a live show back in 2005, the results of which are available on an official release from the fine folks at the link below. If you're even vaguely familiar with the genre, you're going to know some of these songs.
1. Shirley (3:48)
2. Prisoner's Song (2:38)
3. Lonely Nights (3:19)
4. Cindy Lou (2:07)
5. Irene (3:49)
6. Life Problem (2:45)
7. Jukebox Songs (3:19)
8. Before I Grow Too Old (3:23)
9. Baby Doll (3:22)
10. First You Cry (5:06)
11. Mama, Mama, Mama Guess What Your Little Boy's Done (3:09)
12. This Should Go On Forever (3:58)
13. I Hear You Knockin' (2:11)
14. Sweet Dreams Of You (5:17)
15. Seven Letter (4:42)
16. Sea Of Love (3:25)
17. Verdi Mae (2:28)
18. Sea Of Love - Reprise (2:42)
19. Mathilda (3:22)
PERSONNEL
Swamp Pop Review:
Warren Storm
Tommy McLain
Phil Phillips
King Carl
David Egan
C.C. Adcock & His Band
AND MORE!
I'm a firm believer that it's important to support the music (and television shows and films and comic books) we like with more than praise and/or criticism... a little $$ helps ensure that these artists can continue to perform and small labels like the JazzFest folks can continue to record and release their music. Check out this release and a whole bunch more at:
http://www.louisianamusicfactory.com/showoneprod.asp?ProductID=4824
Well, it seems Tommy and fellow swamp masters Warren Storm, CC Adcock and many others got together for a live show back in 2005, the results of which are available on an official release from the fine folks at the link below. If you're even vaguely familiar with the genre, you're going to know some of these songs.
1. Shirley (3:48)
2. Prisoner's Song (2:38)
3. Lonely Nights (3:19)
4. Cindy Lou (2:07)
5. Irene (3:49)
6. Life Problem (2:45)
7. Jukebox Songs (3:19)
8. Before I Grow Too Old (3:23)
9. Baby Doll (3:22)
10. First You Cry (5:06)
11. Mama, Mama, Mama Guess What Your Little Boy's Done (3:09)
12. This Should Go On Forever (3:58)
13. I Hear You Knockin' (2:11)
14. Sweet Dreams Of You (5:17)
15. Seven Letter (4:42)
16. Sea Of Love (3:25)
17. Verdi Mae (2:28)
18. Sea Of Love - Reprise (2:42)
19. Mathilda (3:22)
PERSONNEL
Swamp Pop Review:
Warren Storm
Tommy McLain
Phil Phillips
King Carl
David Egan
C.C. Adcock & His Band
AND MORE!
I'm a firm believer that it's important to support the music (and television shows and films and comic books) we like with more than praise and/or criticism... a little $$ helps ensure that these artists can continue to perform and small labels like the JazzFest folks can continue to record and release their music. Check out this release and a whole bunch more at:
http://www.louisianamusicfactory.com/showoneprod.asp?ProductID=4824
More WGA Strike Thoughts... by someone else
My friend Mark Evanier continues to write some of the best and most thoughtful pieces on the looming possibility of a WGA strike. This piece, which includes a link to Nikki Finke's story on the current mindset of the studio bosses, does not paint the warmest picture of future events. But for those interested, it's definitely worth a read...
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_10_21.html#014224
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_10_21.html#014224
Sunday, October 21, 2007
MY NAME IS BRUCE - More Updatin'
From the 10/20/07 Portland OREGONIAN, a long, interesting interview with Bruce Campbell and Mike Richardson about the long developing saga that is MY NAME IS BRUCE. And no spoilers, not that you could EVER spoil MNIB...
http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/stories/
index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1192832733299910.xml&coll=7
http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/stories/
index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1192832733299910.xml&coll=7
Friday, October 19, 2007
Battlestar Galactica - Season Three Soundtrack!
Okay, so the DVDs are still a ways off, but you can still savor the musical genius of Bear McCreary with this new release, which includes the wonderful, controversial but musically exquisite version of "All Along The Watchtower." BUY BEAR!
Steeee-RIKE! Or not...
Seems to be some confusion about the announcement that the Writer's Guild membership has overwhelmingly approved giving our negotiating team authorization to strike. That does NOT necessarily mean there will be a strike, or that it's going to happen exactly on Nov. 1. It DOES mean that our negotiators go into their next work session knowing that 90+% of the membership will back them if they decide a work stoppage is the only way to be heard.
Also, it should be made clear that the vote does not mean that 90% of the membership WANTS to strike. I certainly don't! We're fully aware that a strike not only hurts our bottom line, but rolls through the rest of the entertainment community as well. Still, after being a member of the WGA for many years now, I also don't want to settle for rollbacks, or even the status quo.
I was on the periphery for the 1988 strike, which lasted four months, and it was devastating to far too many people, not to mention the business in general. Let's hope that cooler heads prevail and we can make a deal that's fair to both sides.
Also, it should be made clear that the vote does not mean that 90% of the membership WANTS to strike. I certainly don't! We're fully aware that a strike not only hurts our bottom line, but rolls through the rest of the entertainment community as well. Still, after being a member of the WGA for many years now, I also don't want to settle for rollbacks, or even the status quo.
I was on the periphery for the 1988 strike, which lasted four months, and it was devastating to far too many people, not to mention the business in general. Let's hope that cooler heads prevail and we can make a deal that's fair to both sides.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
30 Days Of Night... THE PREMIERE!
My buddy Mike Richardson at Dark Horse Comics/Productions got me into the premiere, and a good, scary time was had by all. After a hug from my pal D'Anna The Boxed Cylon (AKA Lucy Lawless, married to Rob Tapert, one of the producers on 30 DAYS, is that enough Kevin Bacon-ness?), we enjoyed two hours of vampire intensity. The story is in the title; when 30 days of night fall on Barrow, Alaska, a crew of vampires decide to "take advantage." Danny Huston is especially nasty as the lead vampire, who speaks a very bizarre Hungarian-ish dialect while chewing up every human in sight. Indeed, the vampire designs are fun, and clearly napkins are in short supply up North because they guys NEVER wipe up after a meal...
I've seen plenty of horror pictures so I'm pretty sanguine when it comes to gore, but 30 DAYS revs it up into high gear, with many spectacular "kills" and one especially spectacular/grueling on-camera whacking.
Vampires, blood, TWO giant mulching/grinding machines, and if that's really what Barrow Alaska looks like, I'm giving up on my plans to develop my "Alaskan Hideaway" vacation resort. Opens Oct. 19!
I've seen plenty of horror pictures so I'm pretty sanguine when it comes to gore, but 30 DAYS revs it up into high gear, with many spectacular "kills" and one especially spectacular/grueling on-camera whacking.
Vampires, blood, TWO giant mulching/grinding machines, and if that's really what Barrow Alaska looks like, I'm giving up on my plans to develop my "Alaskan Hideaway" vacation resort. Opens Oct. 19!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Elvis Costello & Clover - LIVE
That's right. Clover! The back-up band from Elvis Costello's seminal record MY AIM IS TRUE will be performing the entire album, with Elvis, live for the first time ever this November in San Francisco. It's a charity event and if I can possibly find my way North that night, I'll see you there!
http://www.gamh.com/artist_pages/
elvis_costello_clover_110807.htm
http://www.gamh.com/artist_pages/
elvis_costello_clover_110807.htm
Sunday, October 14, 2007
WGA Strike Heats Up! Ooo, boy, it's hot!
Not sure who wrote this, but it's been flying around in various e-mails. And I resent the comment about "surly, over-paid, bearded nerds." I shaved my beard YEARS ago...
WGA SETS STRIKE RULES
Writers Guild drafts really hardline regulations this round!
By DAVE MCNUNOVITCH
The WGA clearly wants to send a signal. The guild has formulated strike rules that would impose an exceptionally aggressive stance on its 12,000 members.
In addition to a ban on any guild-covered work in features and TV, a draft recap of the WGA rules said the guild plans to prohibit any writing for new media and declare that writers can't do animated features -- even though that realm is not under WGA jurisdiction. Included in non-guild covered restrictions, writers are further prohibited from writing personal letters, emails, texts, greeting cards and even from writing personal checks. Signing one's signature is not considered a violation, but writers are absolutely barred from filling out the amount of a check, who it's made out to, and from filling in the memo section. "Writing is writing," said guild Executive Director David Young, "that's our stand!" Many writers are understandably confused as to how they will be able to pay their mortgages and utility bills in light of this oppressive mandate. "Just fill out all your checks and holiday greeting cards through '08 before November first", suggests Young, "I did, now all I have to do is sign them."
The WGA didn't specify what the penalties would be for violating the rules, but would only somewhat ominously state that punishment would be swift and severe. When asked to elaborate, the guild would only respond with a sinister chuckle. It's also asserting that non-members who perform banned work during a strike will be barred from joining the guild in the future.
News of the rules began circulating Wednesday as the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers met in the afternoon in their eighth face-to-face session; they plan to resume talks next week. The two sides have achieved no progress during the previous sessions and have simply blamed each other for taking untenable stances. Violence broke out at the most recent sit-down when WGA West prexy Patric Verrone leaped over the negotiating table and tackled AMPTP head Nick Counter in a headlock, after Counter threw his beer in Verrone's face. Security had to break up the melee and the session was cut short as a result. While being escorted form the premises, Verrone and Counter continued to hurl insults at one another, Verrone was heard calling Counter a "parsimonious Philistine!" While Counter was overheard shouting, "You're all a bunch of surly, over paid, bearded nerds!" In light of such unprofessionalism, the industry was left scratching their heads Wednesday, wondering why drinking has been allowed to occur during such tenuous and heated debates.
In preparation for a strike, the WGA suggests that all members start Netflixing "Norma Rae", as it is the most famous movie in recent years to be about a strike. Also check out, "The Empire Strikes Back", though not about union striking, it does have the word "strike" prominently featured in the title and is widely regarded by many "Star Wars" geeks as the best of the six "Star Wars" films.
WGA SETS STRIKE RULES
Writers Guild drafts really hardline regulations this round!
By DAVE MCNUNOVITCH
The WGA clearly wants to send a signal. The guild has formulated strike rules that would impose an exceptionally aggressive stance on its 12,000 members.
In addition to a ban on any guild-covered work in features and TV, a draft recap of the WGA rules said the guild plans to prohibit any writing for new media and declare that writers can't do animated features -- even though that realm is not under WGA jurisdiction. Included in non-guild covered restrictions, writers are further prohibited from writing personal letters, emails, texts, greeting cards and even from writing personal checks. Signing one's signature is not considered a violation, but writers are absolutely barred from filling out the amount of a check, who it's made out to, and from filling in the memo section. "Writing is writing," said guild Executive Director David Young, "that's our stand!" Many writers are understandably confused as to how they will be able to pay their mortgages and utility bills in light of this oppressive mandate. "Just fill out all your checks and holiday greeting cards through '08 before November first", suggests Young, "I did, now all I have to do is sign them."
The WGA didn't specify what the penalties would be for violating the rules, but would only somewhat ominously state that punishment would be swift and severe. When asked to elaborate, the guild would only respond with a sinister chuckle. It's also asserting that non-members who perform banned work during a strike will be barred from joining the guild in the future.
News of the rules began circulating Wednesday as the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers met in the afternoon in their eighth face-to-face session; they plan to resume talks next week. The two sides have achieved no progress during the previous sessions and have simply blamed each other for taking untenable stances. Violence broke out at the most recent sit-down when WGA West prexy Patric Verrone leaped over the negotiating table and tackled AMPTP head Nick Counter in a headlock, after Counter threw his beer in Verrone's face. Security had to break up the melee and the session was cut short as a result. While being escorted form the premises, Verrone and Counter continued to hurl insults at one another, Verrone was heard calling Counter a "parsimonious Philistine!" While Counter was overheard shouting, "You're all a bunch of surly, over paid, bearded nerds!" In light of such unprofessionalism, the industry was left scratching their heads Wednesday, wondering why drinking has been allowed to occur during such tenuous and heated debates.
In preparation for a strike, the WGA suggests that all members start Netflixing "Norma Rae", as it is the most famous movie in recent years to be about a strike. Also check out, "The Empire Strikes Back", though not about union striking, it does have the word "strike" prominently featured in the title and is widely regarded by many "Star Wars" geeks as the best of the six "Star Wars" films.
More Smithereens! Christmas! Solo Pat DiNizio!
The New Year opened with an album of Beatles covers by Mssr. DiNizio and his cohorts, and now we're ringing it out with a CD-full of Xmas standards (and not so standards). CHRISTMAS WITH THE SMITHEREENS is exactly what you would expect from the boys, which means it is defacto great and deserving of your monetary support. Some pretty insane stuff here, ranging from "Christmas" (from the Who's TOMMY) to a rendition of "The Night Before Christmas" that sounds like a knock-off of Napoleon IV doing "They're Coming To Take Me Away, Ha Ha." If that sounds like something you absolutely, definitely must have, check out the link.
And if that weren't enough, Pat's just issued a solo record that's also tops on the MV hit parade. A little harder rocking than the Christmas CD, it's ten glorious slabs of DiNizio. Only a hard-hearted MONSTER would refuse to support Pat and the Smithereens as they enjoy one of their most prolific years ever!
And if that weren't enough, Pat's just issued a solo record that's also tops on the MV hit parade. A little harder rocking than the Christmas CD, it's ten glorious slabs of DiNizio. Only a hard-hearted MONSTER would refuse to support Pat and the Smithereens as they enjoy one of their most prolific years ever!
Friday, October 12, 2007
My Name Is Bruce - Smallish UPDATE
It's coming. Honest. Final version is almost locked and right now we're looking at a release in 2008, hopefully earlier rather than later. Lucky folks at this year's AFM (American Film Market) may actually get a peek at the final product...
Bruce Campbell. Guan-Di the monster. A cast of tens. Hillbilly singers. Dance numbers. The blacksmith guy from ARMY OF DARKNESS. You'll laugh, you'll cry (well, you probably won't cry), but forget that, because I'm telling you THIS MOVIE HAS IT ALL.
Bruce Campbell. Guan-Di the monster. A cast of tens. Hillbilly singers. Dance numbers. The blacksmith guy from ARMY OF DARKNESS. You'll laugh, you'll cry (well, you probably won't cry), but forget that, because I'm telling you THIS MOVIE HAS IT ALL.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Enough Strike Talk, How About Something Positive?!
With all the doom and gloom enveloping Hollywood, sometimes you need to pull back and smell more than a few roses.
For instance, it's always interesting to watch BATTLESTAR dailies. For those outside the film-jargon loop, dailies are essentially compilations of all the raw scenes done each day, slapped on DVD and sent to the producers to evaluate. What's fun about watching OUR dailies is a); they're almost always amazing and b), sometimes you get to a moment that just throws you back in your chair and forces you to go "wow."
We've had a bunch of those moments as season four rolls on, but recently we saw the dailies on a scene that was especially heart-wrenching. In my patented "no spoiler" mode, I will not disclose any info, except to say the scene involves one of our main characters in a very bad place (what else is new?), who then sings, to themselves, an acapella lament to help ease their pain. I got chills (and no, I didn't write the episode!), and it's the special moments like that that remind me, as all this other stuff is swirling around, why this is a pretty amazing job on a pretty amazing show...
For instance, it's always interesting to watch BATTLESTAR dailies. For those outside the film-jargon loop, dailies are essentially compilations of all the raw scenes done each day, slapped on DVD and sent to the producers to evaluate. What's fun about watching OUR dailies is a); they're almost always amazing and b), sometimes you get to a moment that just throws you back in your chair and forces you to go "wow."
We've had a bunch of those moments as season four rolls on, but recently we saw the dailies on a scene that was especially heart-wrenching. In my patented "no spoiler" mode, I will not disclose any info, except to say the scene involves one of our main characters in a very bad place (what else is new?), who then sings, to themselves, an acapella lament to help ease their pain. I got chills (and no, I didn't write the episode!), and it's the special moments like that that remind me, as all this other stuff is swirling around, why this is a pretty amazing job on a pretty amazing show...
Monday, October 08, 2007
Battlestar Galactica - Season Four Promo
I am, of course, biased, but there's a very cool promo for what's coming in season four over at the Galactica Sitrep site (see my blog list, "Battlestar News Site", and click to get over there).
Roslin with a gun, CHECK. Tigh with a gun, CHECK. Kara on the deck, CHECK. Ahh, that's my Battlestar...
Roslin with a gun, CHECK. Tigh with a gun, CHECK. Kara on the deck, CHECK. Ahh, that's my Battlestar...
Sunday, October 07, 2007
BSG and the WGA Strike...
If you've been paying any attention to the on-going machinations between the Writer's Guild and the Producers, then you probably have the idea that things aren't going so well and there may be a writer's strike. Of course, there is inevitably posturing on both sides as we come down to the wire, but this year's negotiations have a harder edge to them than I've seen before (I joined the WGA just after the long strike in 1988, so I missed what must have been considerable drama then).
My friend Mark Evanier has been active in WGA politics for quite some time and he's been posting informative articles re: his view of things over on his newsfromme.com website. If you're interested in some background on the whole strike issue and a seasoned perspective, give his pieces a look...
In terms of what a November strike would mean for BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, well, I'm not exactly sure, except there would be nobody writing scripts if a strike is called, and there are still several episodes left to be written. I'm hoping that the waters calm and a deal can be made, of course, but if there is a strike, then a lot depends on just how long it goes. A few weeks is one thing, six months is quite another... and nobody can predict anything.
My friend Mark Evanier has been active in WGA politics for quite some time and he's been posting informative articles re: his view of things over on his newsfromme.com website. If you're interested in some background on the whole strike issue and a seasoned perspective, give his pieces a look...
In terms of what a November strike would mean for BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, well, I'm not exactly sure, except there would be nobody writing scripts if a strike is called, and there are still several episodes left to be written. I'm hoping that the waters calm and a deal can be made, of course, but if there is a strike, then a lot depends on just how long it goes. A few weeks is one thing, six months is quite another... and nobody can predict anything.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Greatest Elvis Costello Album EVER
If your idea of a rollicking good time is listening to bizarre, inexplicable orchestrations of somewhat familiar Elvis Costello songs sung in heavily accented English by Japanese disco bands, have you got a treat in store! TRIBUTE TO ELVIS COSTELLO is a brand new and really quite amazing collection of E.C. songs (well, technically, "She" was a cover), "updated" in often unintelligible but fascinating style. I've probably heard the original version of "Oliver's Army" five hundred times, but even I had trouble figuring out the lyrics in this version, where the Oliver's Army refrain is mangled into "Olipert's Allami." And I swear to God, "Only Flame In Town" really does become "The Only Frame In Town."
It's an unfortunately pricey Japanese import only, but hopefully some enterprising America company will pick it up and give it the full U.S. release it deserves.
It's an unfortunately pricey Japanese import only, but hopefully some enterprising America company will pick it up and give it the full U.S. release it deserves.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Apa Nostalgia...
Paul Chadwick (of CONCRETE the comic book and MATRIX THE ONLINE GAME renown) gave a power-point presentation of his work during our talk at the VidFest in Vancouver last Monday, and it brought back memories of our time in Apa-Five, a fan group I organized when I was (*gulp*) 15. Apa stands for amateur press association, and that's pretty much covers it. Like-minded folks would write and publish their own small magazines every month or two, and a Central Mailer would collate them all into one nice book and send the package to all the members. Paul described it as an early, postal based version of the internet, and that's pretty much right. These magazines would comment on current events, offer reviews, and (here's the internet part) comment on other people's comments.
By odd coincidence some early issues of Apa-Five went up for sale on eBay a couple weeks ago, and I picked up a random issue. (I still have my copies, but they are buried in a complex that makes the warehouse at the end of CITIZEN KANE look like a Rubbermaid tool shed). It brought back a lot of memories, most specifically the difficulty involved in printing our little mags back in those pre-computer, pre-laser printer days. The cover of this particular issue (#38, December 1974) is a photo-offset Frank Miller drawing, but photo-copying wasn't that accessible and way too expensive for most members, so the magazines themselves were mostly a wonderful mish-mash of ditto printing/spirit duplication (a crude, chemical process that involved typing onto "ditto masters," attaching those to a roller that transferred purple ink to paper) and mimeograph.
Mimeo was process that involved typing on a blue-wax stencil and literally punching holes through the wax. (Reading this old copy of Apa-Five, I had forgotten that mimeo stencils came in quanities called "quires", 24 to a pack.) You would lay this stencil over a roller barrel filled with a tar-like black ink, which would be squeezed through the stencil holes and onto your paper. This process was an artform unto itself. If you made a mistake on the stencil, you corrected it by smearing a pungent correction fluid (we called it "corflu") over the wax and trying to retype your sentence. Suffice to say, the one thing you learned with both of these processes was how to write on the fly without making a lot of mistakes.
My father picked up a used mimeograph from his office (for $25) and that became my main printing press. I must have cranked out thousands of pages of material on that thing, though "printing day" was often accompanied by much cursing and cleaning and dealing with paper jams. Even the selection of the brand of paper was important, since too thin would allow the ink to soak right through to the other side. I finally settled on an incredibly absorbant type of stock called Fibertone that literally released puffs of paper dust as it went through the mimeo. Fibertone came in all colors and even there, some colors went through the machine better than others. After much trial and error, I settled on green and goldenrod...
In time, I actually got fancier and bought myself a used "thermo-fax", which wasn't a fax machine as we know it today but was a crude, heat-sensitive early copying process. The copying part wasn't so hot (the paper was orange, as I recall, and faded very quickly) but you could buy special heat-sensitive mimeo stencils that would allow you to "burn" images and print them with your high-tech tar machine. There were also all sorts of special mimeo graphics tools designed to help you draw directly on the stencils. Mimeography was an entire industry, supported mostly by the Gestetner company.
Anyway... I still belong to one apa, and I self-publish a small magazine every few months, and I suppose this is where I would say that I miss the old school mimeo process, but actually, I don't. It was awful. Nowadays I can print full color, text-justified small run material for pennies, and that's just fine with me. But it's fun to look back...
By odd coincidence some early issues of Apa-Five went up for sale on eBay a couple weeks ago, and I picked up a random issue. (I still have my copies, but they are buried in a complex that makes the warehouse at the end of CITIZEN KANE look like a Rubbermaid tool shed). It brought back a lot of memories, most specifically the difficulty involved in printing our little mags back in those pre-computer, pre-laser printer days. The cover of this particular issue (#38, December 1974) is a photo-offset Frank Miller drawing, but photo-copying wasn't that accessible and way too expensive for most members, so the magazines themselves were mostly a wonderful mish-mash of ditto printing/spirit duplication (a crude, chemical process that involved typing onto "ditto masters," attaching those to a roller that transferred purple ink to paper) and mimeograph.
Mimeo was process that involved typing on a blue-wax stencil and literally punching holes through the wax. (Reading this old copy of Apa-Five, I had forgotten that mimeo stencils came in quanities called "quires", 24 to a pack.) You would lay this stencil over a roller barrel filled with a tar-like black ink, which would be squeezed through the stencil holes and onto your paper. This process was an artform unto itself. If you made a mistake on the stencil, you corrected it by smearing a pungent correction fluid (we called it "corflu") over the wax and trying to retype your sentence. Suffice to say, the one thing you learned with both of these processes was how to write on the fly without making a lot of mistakes.
My father picked up a used mimeograph from his office (for $25) and that became my main printing press. I must have cranked out thousands of pages of material on that thing, though "printing day" was often accompanied by much cursing and cleaning and dealing with paper jams. Even the selection of the brand of paper was important, since too thin would allow the ink to soak right through to the other side. I finally settled on an incredibly absorbant type of stock called Fibertone that literally released puffs of paper dust as it went through the mimeo. Fibertone came in all colors and even there, some colors went through the machine better than others. After much trial and error, I settled on green and goldenrod...
In time, I actually got fancier and bought myself a used "thermo-fax", which wasn't a fax machine as we know it today but was a crude, heat-sensitive early copying process. The copying part wasn't so hot (the paper was orange, as I recall, and faded very quickly) but you could buy special heat-sensitive mimeo stencils that would allow you to "burn" images and print them with your high-tech tar machine. There were also all sorts of special mimeo graphics tools designed to help you draw directly on the stencils. Mimeography was an entire industry, supported mostly by the Gestetner company.
Anyway... I still belong to one apa, and I self-publish a small magazine every few months, and I suppose this is where I would say that I miss the old school mimeo process, but actually, I don't. It was awful. Nowadays I can print full color, text-justified small run material for pennies, and that's just fine with me. But it's fun to look back...
Friday, September 28, 2007
Crowded House Live-er Than Ever!
Kufala.com continues to offer a gloriously wide selection of live, authorized, straight from the soundboard shows from the current CROWDED HOUSE tour, and for a mere $420 you can get all 27 shows in a nifty box. Definitely only for the truly obsessed, but then I suspect most of the people reading this understand obsessive behavior. Sound is superb and the shows do vary from night to night, so buying all 27 isn't COMPLETELY insane. Just mostly.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
A Week Without Posting...
...is like a day without... something. But I've been busy, honest. Just got back from a visit with our glorious neighbor to the North, no, not Alaska, where shooting has resumed on the season-the-last of BSG. Meanwhile, I'm busy putting together the story for my next script on BSG, episode #15, currently titled "Untitled", as in I haven't figured out a title yet. And we're careening toward breaking the last few episodes and the big finale. It's all very exciting, and a little weird that we'll probably have the entire season close to written before viewers see the first regular season episode... but welcome to the wacky world of television.
Incidentally, I've been getting a few e-mails re: the proposed plan to split season four between 2008 and 2009. Here is my absolutely definitive response to these queries: I have no idea what the plan is and have no ability to affect it if I did. These decisions are made by Sci-Fi channel folks. All I can do is help make the best shows possible; the rest is up to others...
Incidentally, I've been getting a few e-mails re: the proposed plan to split season four between 2008 and 2009. Here is my absolutely definitive response to these queries: I have no idea what the plan is and have no ability to affect it if I did. These decisions are made by Sci-Fi channel folks. All I can do is help make the best shows possible; the rest is up to others...
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Battlestar Galactica: The Writer's Room!
Talking about process... ever wonder how the writing staff of BSG works out the story for an episode? Even through we're careening toward the end of the series and have a well defined road-map generated via story meetings with Ron Moore and the staff, each individual episode still requires much care and feeding to get off the ground. Here's how it (generally) works in the BSG --
WRITER'S ROOM.
First, a physical description of our space. Start with long, oak conference table in a big, comfortable room. Laz-e-Boy recliners. Smoked glass windows, a view of the ocean, masseuse in the corner to crack "writer's block," humidor for our cigars, a wet bar to break the tension and... no, wait, sorry, I think I just described the writer's room on HEROES. Our room is a small office with some couchs, white boards and the occasional outbreak of ants. And we love it all the same...
STAGE ONE: Staring at the blank cork board. This is depressing. If it's mid-season, moments earlier the cork-board was a colorful conpendium of scenes from the previous episode, all worked out, a masterpiece of hopefully searing drama, and best of all, it's finished! (Well, at least that PART of the process is finished.) Now the board is an arid wasteland, the episode number leering at us, begging for attention. This is usually the time when the hard-working professionals at BSG fasten our seat-belts, gird our loins... and discuss our favorite movies, last night's television, politics, lunch, practice our Walter Brennen and "Sling Blade" impressions, anything BUT the story. Because getting started is always the hardest part...
STAGE TWO: Ideas. Spit-balling. Okay, where are we going? This process changes depending on the type of story we're telling. If it's a two parter, the answers generally come a bit easier. If there's a gap in the timeline ("okay. It's one year later."), the field is a bit more open. This is when we start throwing up general benchmarks, and yes, these are benchmarks we actually intend to hit! What is the story we're trying to tell? Where are our characters in this moment of BSG history? What are we hoping to reveal about our people, about the BSG world, and about the uber-plot?
STAGE THREE: More. Staring. And. Frustration. Okay, there are some ideas up there, it's looking good -- now how do we make it better? What are the emotional linchpins, what are the revelations, and finally, what are we doing in this episode that we haven't done before? This can mean anything from revealing a surprising nuance in a previously established relationship to coming up with a new twist on the action sequense. The best room moments come when there's an idea that turns everything on its head, but still makes sense within the context of the show. Story traditionalist that I am, I find these ideas incredibly scary and hence always worth more discussion. Discussions like these lead to interesting (*ahem*) plot twists like "Tigh is forced to take drastic action with Ellen", or "four of the final five Cylons are...", or, coming soon, "the fifth Cylon is..." There are a lot of these "holy mackeral!" moments coming in season four, incidentally...
STAGE FOUR: Okay, now we've got a sense of the show. It's starting to come together. Now it's the nitty gritty of going through the story scene by scene, making sure we're getting the most out of the drama. Scene cards are swapped, moved, discarded (writer Bradley Thompson, aka "the card ninja", is the master of ripping dead cards off the board with a disdainful and powerful swoop), until the story feels like it's working. Deal with everyone's notes, tweaks, improvements, and then...
STAGE FIVE: Let's see how it flies with Ron...
TO BE CONTINUED...
WRITER'S ROOM.
First, a physical description of our space. Start with long, oak conference table in a big, comfortable room. Laz-e-Boy recliners. Smoked glass windows, a view of the ocean, masseuse in the corner to crack "writer's block," humidor for our cigars, a wet bar to break the tension and... no, wait, sorry, I think I just described the writer's room on HEROES. Our room is a small office with some couchs, white boards and the occasional outbreak of ants. And we love it all the same...
STAGE ONE: Staring at the blank cork board. This is depressing. If it's mid-season, moments earlier the cork-board was a colorful conpendium of scenes from the previous episode, all worked out, a masterpiece of hopefully searing drama, and best of all, it's finished! (Well, at least that PART of the process is finished.) Now the board is an arid wasteland, the episode number leering at us, begging for attention. This is usually the time when the hard-working professionals at BSG fasten our seat-belts, gird our loins... and discuss our favorite movies, last night's television, politics, lunch, practice our Walter Brennen and "Sling Blade" impressions, anything BUT the story. Because getting started is always the hardest part...
STAGE TWO: Ideas. Spit-balling. Okay, where are we going? This process changes depending on the type of story we're telling. If it's a two parter, the answers generally come a bit easier. If there's a gap in the timeline ("okay. It's one year later."), the field is a bit more open. This is when we start throwing up general benchmarks, and yes, these are benchmarks we actually intend to hit! What is the story we're trying to tell? Where are our characters in this moment of BSG history? What are we hoping to reveal about our people, about the BSG world, and about the uber-plot?
STAGE THREE: More. Staring. And. Frustration. Okay, there are some ideas up there, it's looking good -- now how do we make it better? What are the emotional linchpins, what are the revelations, and finally, what are we doing in this episode that we haven't done before? This can mean anything from revealing a surprising nuance in a previously established relationship to coming up with a new twist on the action sequense. The best room moments come when there's an idea that turns everything on its head, but still makes sense within the context of the show. Story traditionalist that I am, I find these ideas incredibly scary and hence always worth more discussion. Discussions like these lead to interesting (*ahem*) plot twists like "Tigh is forced to take drastic action with Ellen", or "four of the final five Cylons are...", or, coming soon, "the fifth Cylon is..." There are a lot of these "holy mackeral!" moments coming in season four, incidentally...
STAGE FOUR: Okay, now we've got a sense of the show. It's starting to come together. Now it's the nitty gritty of going through the story scene by scene, making sure we're getting the most out of the drama. Scene cards are swapped, moved, discarded (writer Bradley Thompson, aka "the card ninja", is the master of ripping dead cards off the board with a disdainful and powerful swoop), until the story feels like it's working. Deal with everyone's notes, tweaks, improvements, and then...
STAGE FIVE: Let's see how it flies with Ron...
TO BE CONTINUED...
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Predator Omnibus!
It's been out for a month or so now, but it's never too late to catch up with the Predator! This Omnibus features all three of my Predator mini-series, published by Dark Horse "back in the day." All full color! The first series, with artwork by Chris Warner, is one of my personal favorites, a straight-ahead action story with all the subtly of a Mack truck. (When it comes to Predator, that's a good thing.)
The first arc was also the series that caught the eye of producer Joel Silver and became the basis (sorta) for the PREDATOR 2 movie. My later mini-series, "Cold War" and "Dark River" are also included, along with some other Predator-iana by other writers/artists.
Predator Omnibus. Available at Amazon and fine comic shops almost everywhere.
The first arc was also the series that caught the eye of producer Joel Silver and became the basis (sorta) for the PREDATOR 2 movie. My later mini-series, "Cold War" and "Dark River" are also included, along with some other Predator-iana by other writers/artists.
Predator Omnibus. Available at Amazon and fine comic shops almost everywhere.
Monday, September 17, 2007
I Didn't See THIS One Coming...
2007 Beirut Film Festival Cancelled!
Fest was set to unspool Oct. 3-10, but worries over potential violence brought about by disputes between pro- and anti-government forces over the upcoming presidential elections have led to the event's shelving.
"We like to say the show must go on, but if there's a physical war, we cannot stage the festival this year. We have to be practical," said fest director Colette Naufal.
Fest was set to unspool Oct. 3-10, but worries over potential violence brought about by disputes between pro- and anti-government forces over the upcoming presidential elections have led to the event's shelving.
"We like to say the show must go on, but if there's a physical war, we cannot stage the festival this year. We have to be practical," said fest director Colette Naufal.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
MY FAVORITE THINGS - Shock Cinema Magazine
The new issue is out (#33) and as usual, SHOCK CINEMA is chock full of fascinating stuff for lovers of oddball and obscure film. Besides lengthy interviews with actor Michael Ironside, exploitation producer Arthur Marx and others, this issue features the usual wealth of utterly obscure movie reviews. Not the usual "Grindhouse" junk you might see name-checked in mainstream mags, but movies totally off the beaten track. "The Night Dracula Saved The World." "Little Red Riding Hood And The Monsters." "The Removalists." Still only $5.00, this is the best film mag on the market (especially since the demise of the much lamented PSYCHOTRONIC VIDEO) and can be found at most bookstores, or check with editor Steven Puchalski at ShockCin@aol.com.
Friday, September 14, 2007
The Battlestar Red Carpet...
With one win (for VFX) already in our pocket, the hale and hearty Battlestar staff will be attending the Emmy's Sunday night with fingers crossed, hoping to see Ron Moore and/or Felix Alcala take home some gold. Ron's up for writing the first two episodes of season three, "Occupation" and "Precipice", while Mr. Alcala has been nominated for best director for his work on "Exodus Part 2." Some show called the "Profundos" or the "Castratos" or something has been getting a lot of buzz, but we'll see...
Meanwhile, the march toward the epic conclusion of the BSG saga continues... production resumes in a couple of weeks (Vancouver has been on a long-planned six week hiatus) and then it's straight through to the end, wrapping in March of 2008. It's the RAZOR two-parter, then 20 episodes of BSG gold, "said the jokerman to the thief."
Meanwhile, the march toward the epic conclusion of the BSG saga continues... production resumes in a couple of weeks (Vancouver has been on a long-planned six week hiatus) and then it's straight through to the end, wrapping in March of 2008. It's the RAZOR two-parter, then 20 episodes of BSG gold, "said the jokerman to the thief."
Monday, September 10, 2007
SUPERMAN/BATMAN "Enemies" Review...
A nice review of my Superman/Batman "ENEMIES AMONG US" collection...
http://collectededitions.blogspot.com/2007/09/review-supermanbatman-enemies-among-us.html
I could try to explain what I wanted to accomplish with the series, but this reviewer gets the drift right off and says it better!
The same reviewer also tackles the SUPERGIRL "Candor" trade collection, featuring my out of continuity story from Superman/Batman #27...
http://collectededitions.blogspot.com/2007/09/review-supergirl-candor-trade-paperback_10.html
http://collectededitions.blogspot.com/2007/09/review-supermanbatman-enemies-among-us.html
I could try to explain what I wanted to accomplish with the series, but this reviewer gets the drift right off and says it better!
The same reviewer also tackles the SUPERGIRL "Candor" trade collection, featuring my out of continuity story from Superman/Batman #27...
http://collectededitions.blogspot.com/2007/09/review-supergirl-candor-trade-paperback_10.html
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Battlestar Galactica Wins SFX Emmy!
And the winner is --
For BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, "Exodus Part 2" --
OUTSTANDING SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS FOR A SERIES
Gary Hutzel, Visual Effects Supervisor
Michael Gibson, Senior VFX Coordinator
Doug Drexler, CG Supervisor
Adam “Mojo” Lebowitz, CGI Sequence Designer
Jeremy Hoey, Lead Matte Painter
Tom Archer, Lead Compositor
Andrew Karr, CGI Supervisor
Alec McClymont, Lead CGI Artist/ Animator
Brenda Campbell, Lead Compositor
The best SFX team in television, and an award well deserved!
For BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, "Exodus Part 2" --
OUTSTANDING SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS FOR A SERIES
Gary Hutzel, Visual Effects Supervisor
Michael Gibson, Senior VFX Coordinator
Doug Drexler, CG Supervisor
Adam “Mojo” Lebowitz, CGI Sequence Designer
Jeremy Hoey, Lead Matte Painter
Tom Archer, Lead Compositor
Andrew Karr, CGI Supervisor
Alec McClymont, Lead CGI Artist/ Animator
Brenda Campbell, Lead Compositor
The best SFX team in television, and an award well deserved!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
As The World Turns, BSG style...
A few updates --
Work on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA continues at a fever pitch. The two part RAZOR episode is almost locked and loaded (still a few FX to finish, this thing is HUGE!), and it looks great. Hard to believe we're only three months away from the air date, then DVD release. The FX guys have out done themselves on this one, adding some truly harrowing perspective to the original Cylon blitzkrieg.
Meanwhile, the rest of the season is screaming along. The hearty BSG staff is continuing on the rocket ride to the finish, with half the final season scripted and more episodes in varying degrees of progress. There are lots and lots of jolts and surprises coming your way, so don't fall prey to the endless spoilers on line, many of which are totally, sometimes jaw-droppingly wrong. (In answer to so many queries, no, David Eick is NOT the fifth Cylon...) It may be the final season, but we're trying hard to make sure it's also the best...
Work on BATTLESTAR GALACTICA continues at a fever pitch. The two part RAZOR episode is almost locked and loaded (still a few FX to finish, this thing is HUGE!), and it looks great. Hard to believe we're only three months away from the air date, then DVD release. The FX guys have out done themselves on this one, adding some truly harrowing perspective to the original Cylon blitzkrieg.
Meanwhile, the rest of the season is screaming along. The hearty BSG staff is continuing on the rocket ride to the finish, with half the final season scripted and more episodes in varying degrees of progress. There are lots and lots of jolts and surprises coming your way, so don't fall prey to the endless spoilers on line, many of which are totally, sometimes jaw-droppingly wrong. (In answer to so many queries, no, David Eick is NOT the fifth Cylon...) It may be the final season, but we're trying hard to make sure it's also the best...
Saturday, September 01, 2007
More Crowded House News...
For those who missed this current Crowded House tour or can't make a show, fear not. Kufala.com is selling authorized CDs of every show on the current tour, 2 CDs set going for $20 postpaid, or downloads for $9.95 a pop. Liam Finn's live CD is also available at the same site. Well worth checking out... sound quality is superb.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Bruce Campbell -- ON THE RECORD
The Man himself discusses EVIL DEAD, MY NAME IS BRUCE and more. Check out the audio interview at:
http://bruce-campbell.blogspot.com/
http://bruce-campbell.blogspot.com/
CROWDED HOUSE Live
Finally managed to catch my first ever CROWDED HOUSE show, after years of being a fan, and they did not disappoint. The new album, "Time On Earth", definitely catches fire in concert, and the old favorites ("Fall At Your Feet", "Mean To Me," "Don't Dream It's Over", etc., etc.) were given their full due. They're cruising the country so if you get a chance, this is a highly recommended tour. I almost said "reunion" tour, but this isn't some empty nostalgia exercise, they're a real band and I'm looking forward to whatever comes next!
Also, Crowdie front man Neil Finn's son Liam opens for the band on this leg of the tour, and his set is definitely worth catching. He does a wild one-man-band thing with guitar, bass, thermin and drums that's a lot of ear-splitting fun. At the show I attended (Green Theater L.A. 9/28), L. Finn was selling a limited edition live CD that features some of the same set, and it's worth checking out too.
Also, Crowdie front man Neil Finn's son Liam opens for the band on this leg of the tour, and his set is definitely worth catching. He does a wild one-man-band thing with guitar, bass, thermin and drums that's a lot of ear-splitting fun. At the show I attended (Green Theater L.A. 9/28), L. Finn was selling a limited edition live CD that features some of the same set, and it's worth checking out too.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Battlestar Galactica Frakkin' Sharkin' Jarkin' Video
Courtesy the Galactica sitrep site and Adult Swim: this is short and really funny.
http://galacticasitrep.blogspot.com/2007/08/what-frak-is-deal-with-bsg.html
http://galacticasitrep.blogspot.com/2007/08/what-frak-is-deal-with-bsg.html
TERROR SQUAD is back!
To my astonishment, someone just reviewed my first produced credit, TERROR SQUAD, on a site devoted to rare movies. TERROR SQUAD's never been released on DVD and is long out of print in video, so it was quite a surprise to find someone reviewing the movie in the here and now. The link will take you to the review and to the discussion I've been having with the review's writer.
http://madeoutofmouth.wordpress.com/2007/08/24/terror-squad-1987/#comment-610
http://madeoutofmouth.wordpress.com/2007/08/24/terror-squad-1987/#comment-610
Thursday, August 23, 2007
More Law and more Order!
After posting yesterday about LAW AND ORDER's occasion flirtation with character arc type stories, I was moved to do actual research (i.e., I went to a couple sites that do episode breakdowns) and discovered that the show tried to break the strict "only business" mold a couple of times. The biggest change of pace episode was the season ender where Jill Hennessy's character Clair (SPOILER ALERT for a fifteen year old show!) was surprise killed in a car accident. According to one website, none of the personal stories left open at the end of that season were actually continued into the next year. Restart button, ahoy!
It's still a great show. According to what I just read on AOL's news blurb (where I get 90% of my news these days, *sob*), L & O is coming back in midseason on NBC with new cast and stuff. I'll be there!
It's still a great show. According to what I just read on AOL's news blurb (where I get 90% of my news these days, *sob*), L & O is coming back in midseason on NBC with new cast and stuff. I'll be there!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Law And Order
Not the concept, the television show. I'm a long time fan and love catching up with an episode (or two or three) on TNT. It's especially interesting to find an episode from the season (1998-ish, I believe) where they tried to run "personal stories" along with the procedural stuff. Because the shows get so WEIRD. It's like LAW AND ORDER from another universe, with Briscoe worried about his kid's drug habit, Benjamin Bratt's family troubles, etc., etc.
The strange thing is, I love personal stories. It's what makes BSG such a joy to write and develop. But the framework of L & O just isn't designed to carry the weight of "my ex is taking my son." There's barely enough time to do the "Law" and the "Order," let alone the extraneous runners.
On the other hand, I applaud the folks on the show for giving it a shot. Sometimes (to quote another fine program) you gotta roll the hard six. But as all gamblers know, sometimes you lose. Extra kudos to those responsible for backing off when it was clear the classic version worked best.
I understand changes are coming to next season's LAW AND ORDER... good for them, I'll check it out! But classic is classic is classic...
That is all...
The strange thing is, I love personal stories. It's what makes BSG such a joy to write and develop. But the framework of L & O just isn't designed to carry the weight of "my ex is taking my son." There's barely enough time to do the "Law" and the "Order," let alone the extraneous runners.
On the other hand, I applaud the folks on the show for giving it a shot. Sometimes (to quote another fine program) you gotta roll the hard six. But as all gamblers know, sometimes you lose. Extra kudos to those responsible for backing off when it was clear the classic version worked best.
I understand changes are coming to next season's LAW AND ORDER... good for them, I'll check it out! But classic is classic is classic...
That is all...
Monday, August 20, 2007
My Name Is Bruce, that's right, BRUCE
It's been awhile since I had an update on our little epic, so here goes. Imagine old-style typewriters tap-tapping in the background as this news bulletin explodes across the internets...
Work continues apace on finishing MY NAME IS BRUCE the motion picture. Trust me, we're all itching to get 'er threaded up and throbbing inside your eager brain-pans. I've heard some of composer Joe (EVIL DEAD 2) LoDuca's soundtrack music, and it's pitch perfect. The terrifying Guan-Di monster is getting more monsterous by the day and the sound more soundariffic, but like fine wine, MNIB will not be released before its time. This is not because of any second thoughts, and in fact we (Bruce Campbell, Dark Horse honcho Mike Richardson and moi) are still gathering to palaver over a sequel. Nope. This post production stuff just takes time...
Okay, turn off the clickety-clack and return to your regularly scheduled blog...
8-30-07 ADDENDUM (and I mean DUM) -- corrected to fix the spelling of composer Joe LoDuca's name. I worked with a guy named Deluca once, sorry!
Work continues apace on finishing MY NAME IS BRUCE the motion picture. Trust me, we're all itching to get 'er threaded up and throbbing inside your eager brain-pans. I've heard some of composer Joe (EVIL DEAD 2) LoDuca's soundtrack music, and it's pitch perfect. The terrifying Guan-Di monster is getting more monsterous by the day and the sound more soundariffic, but like fine wine, MNIB will not be released before its time. This is not because of any second thoughts, and in fact we (Bruce Campbell, Dark Horse honcho Mike Richardson and moi) are still gathering to palaver over a sequel. Nope. This post production stuff just takes time...
Okay, turn off the clickety-clack and return to your regularly scheduled blog...
8-30-07 ADDENDUM (and I mean DUM) -- corrected to fix the spelling of composer Joe LoDuca's name. I worked with a guy named Deluca once, sorry!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
BSG Update The NEXT!
Our super double-secret BATTLESTAR writing summit is over and I'm sitting in an airport a couple hundred miles from our undisclosed location waiting for my flight. If I left the summit with any overall feeling, it's that I work with the best writers and producers in television, bar none. There were laughs, hard work, even a few tears, and in the end we generated a lot of material for the rest of the series. We knew where we were going, now we have a pretty good idea how we're going to get there. So if you're into BSG, you've got a lot of surprises coming your way. Think you know "the plan?" Think again!
Finally, there seems to be some small confusion about the number of episodes we're making for season four. In production terms, we're making 22 episodes total, with the RAZOR two parter being shows 401 and 402. We'll pick up the storyline off the end of season four in episode 403, written by Bradley Thompson and David Weddle, and roll on from there to show 422. And that, as they say, will be that...
Finally, there seems to be some small confusion about the number of episodes we're making for season four. In production terms, we're making 22 episodes total, with the RAZOR two parter being shows 401 and 402. We'll pick up the storyline off the end of season four in episode 403, written by Bradley Thompson and David Weddle, and roll on from there to show 422. And that, as they say, will be that...
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The Next Phase of BSG...
Posting may be a tad sparse over the next few days, as yours truly and the staff of BATTLESTAR go to an undisclosed location to recharge our story batteries and take dead aim on the big finale of the series. Eight episodes (counting the two part RAZOR) are in the can and others are well in process, so there is light at the end of the tunnel. Or are those uneasy shadows? Guess that depends on your attitude re: the end of the show.
The question is, who will live? Who will die? And how much will be left of them? (Thanks to the original TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE poster for the great tag-line, which actually may fit some upcoming BSG machinations more than you might imagine!). Obviously, there are a lot MORE questions to be answered than just that, and it's been fun and challenging as we plow forward to explore so much fertile ground...
Me? I gotta pack!
The question is, who will live? Who will die? And how much will be left of them? (Thanks to the original TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE poster for the great tag-line, which actually may fit some upcoming BSG machinations more than you might imagine!). Obviously, there are a lot MORE questions to be answered than just that, and it's been fun and challenging as we plow forward to explore so much fertile ground...
Me? I gotta pack!
Friday, August 10, 2007
VidFest Keynote
My good friend Paul Chadwick (creator of the comic book CONCRETE, and designer of the online MATRIX game) and I will be giving a co-keynote address at this year's VIDFEST (Vancouver International Digital Festival) in Vancouver B.C. on Sept. 24. We'll be discussing science fiction in the digital age, BATTLESTAR and chatting with attendees afterward. We're hoping that a good time will be had by all!
For more info on the Festival just check out their website at http://2007.vidfest.com
For more info on the Festival just check out their website at http://2007.vidfest.com
Thursday, August 09, 2007
More BURN NOTICE = More BRUCE
Bruce Campbell's new show on USA, BURN NOTICE, has been picked up for another 13 episodes. Something to whet the appetite while waiting for our hardcore slice o'Campbelliana, MY NAME IS BRUCE... which, by the way, is still getting its hair done by various CGI wizards. In the immortal words of Orson Welles, slightly amended, "we will serve no Bruce before it's time!"
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Burn Notice and BRUCE CAMPBELL...
According to Variety and the people who deal with ratings, Bruce Campbell's new show on USA, BURN NOTICE, is a hit. The highest rated episode landed it at #41 among ALL shows, quite an impressive achievment for a cable program. Even better, it's a genuinely fun show. Well written and fun, and Bruce is great as disheveled ex-spy Sam Axe. New episodes run Thursdays at 10:00PM on USA...
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Rocketbelts... this weekend!
If I wasn't stuck writing various scripts, you can bet I'd be trying to get to this:
http://www.rocketbelt.nl/
Well... not really. But it's still cool. (Thanx to the "This Modern World" site for the heads-up).
http://www.rocketbelt.nl/
Well... not really. But it's still cool. (Thanx to the "This Modern World" site for the heads-up).
POPEYE! (The Sailor!)
The long awaited, remastered collection of the early and best Popeye cartoons is finally out, and it's pretty amazing. As someone who has bought the color "Ali Baba" featurette at least ten times on video, laser disc and public domain DVD, this set is a revelation. The color bursts out of the screen with a vibrancy I suspect no one's seen since the very first release, and maybe not even then!
The black and white cartoons have also been cleaned up and remastered, and they're equally awesome. These are some of the wildest, funniest cartoons ever made, with a fluid animation style that reminds us just how much we've lost as the cheaper Saturday morning animation style has taken over.
I believe a Vol. 2 is due out in November... plenty of time to get through these dozens of cartoons AND the five hours (!) of commentary and extra features.
The black and white cartoons have also been cleaned up and remastered, and they're equally awesome. These are some of the wildest, funniest cartoons ever made, with a fluid animation style that reminds us just how much we've lost as the cheaper Saturday morning animation style has taken over.
I believe a Vol. 2 is due out in November... plenty of time to get through these dozens of cartoons AND the five hours (!) of commentary and extra features.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Assorted Thoughts...
BATTLESTAR
There are a bunch of rumors floating around about season four, nothing surprising about that, except some of the more recent "spoilers" I've seen are flat out wrong. So take a lot of what you're seeing out there with a grain o'salt. (And I'm not going to confirm or deny any of them, which I'm sure makes it all even MORE maddening...)
ROBERT GORDON
My favorite rockabilly stylist has a brand new album out, "It's Now Or Never", a collection of Elvis Presley covers. As with all things Gordon, this comes highly recommended. His pipes are just getting sweeter with age...
FLETCHER HANKS
The first edition of "I Will Destroy All The Civilized Planets", a collection of comic book work by the incomparable Fletcher Hanks, has completely sold out and a second printing is on the way. Much like Ed Wood, Mr. Hanks appears to be finding more fame in the afterlife than ever before.
POWER POP/RASPBERRIES
The reformed Raspberries have just released a two CD live set from Oct. 2005, "Live On The Sunset Strip." I haven't had a chance to sample the tunes yet, but it's the original line-up, including Eric Carmen, so I'm going to go out on a limb and assume it's great. All the hits and more...
There are a bunch of rumors floating around about season four, nothing surprising about that, except some of the more recent "spoilers" I've seen are flat out wrong. So take a lot of what you're seeing out there with a grain o'salt. (And I'm not going to confirm or deny any of them, which I'm sure makes it all even MORE maddening...)
ROBERT GORDON
My favorite rockabilly stylist has a brand new album out, "It's Now Or Never", a collection of Elvis Presley covers. As with all things Gordon, this comes highly recommended. His pipes are just getting sweeter with age...
FLETCHER HANKS
The first edition of "I Will Destroy All The Civilized Planets", a collection of comic book work by the incomparable Fletcher Hanks, has completely sold out and a second printing is on the way. Much like Ed Wood, Mr. Hanks appears to be finding more fame in the afterlife than ever before.
POWER POP/RASPBERRIES
The reformed Raspberries have just released a two CD live set from Oct. 2005, "Live On The Sunset Strip." I haven't had a chance to sample the tunes yet, but it's the original line-up, including Eric Carmen, so I'm going to go out on a limb and assume it's great. All the hits and more...
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Battlestar Battlestar BATTLESTAR
Now it's getting exciting. We're getting the cuts on the first season-four episodes and seeing our plans and schemes finally come together. There are some whopping surprises on the way, and some of the meatiest, most emotional turns yet for our hardy band of rag-tag survivors and their Cylon adversaries. Plus -- hellacious space battle action!
One of the joys of being ON the show is that I don't have to wait until January to see this stuff, but trust me, the wait will be worth it...
And, as the 6000+ fans at the San Diego Con event heard, Lucy Lawless will be back at D'Anna, tossing assorted Cylon monkey-wrenches into the proceedings. Good stuff is coming, I promise!
One of the joys of being ON the show is that I don't have to wait until January to see this stuff, but trust me, the wait will be worth it...
And, as the 6000+ fans at the San Diego Con event heard, Lucy Lawless will be back at D'Anna, tossing assorted Cylon monkey-wrenches into the proceedings. Good stuff is coming, I promise!
Monday, July 30, 2007
San Diego ComicCon 2007 - Aftermath
So San Diego 2007 was the usual exhausting but invigorating whirl of parties, panels and bumping into old and new friends. Highlights for yours truly:
I scored an invite to the world premiere of SHOOT 'EM UP, the upcoming Clive Owen action picture, and sat directly in front of Mr. Owen during the screening. SHOOT 'EM UP was produced by my pals Don Murphy and Susan Montford, and here's my early pre-review: WOW. Just when you think there isn't a new action scene under the sun, SHOOT comes up with five or six insane set pieces, along with a bodycount that rivals 300.
Each of my panels were fun in their own way, but most touching was the "Spotlight" panel, when the San Diego folks gave me an Inkpot Award for Lifetime Achievement. It was a total surprise, totally unexpected and greatly appreciated.
I wasn't on it, for obvious reasons, but the Women Of BSG panel wound up packing the convention's biggest hall and was a lot of fun. Yes, Lucy Lawless is coming back to BSG and her Cylon character, D'Anna, will play a pivotal role as we careen toward the conclusion...
I only came home with one box of old comics, but I found the usual slew of interesting/oddball books, including three issues of "Sue And Sally Smith - Flying Nurses!" (a nutty Charlton title from 1960), some in-your-face 40's era Fox Publishing Tarzan ripoffs like JO-JO and ZAGO, and many others.
And I guess I was lucky, too. The gaslamp district in downtown San Diego was a total zoo in the wee hours... follow the link for one man's unfortunate experience...
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/comiccon/2007/07/pow-bam.html
I scored an invite to the world premiere of SHOOT 'EM UP, the upcoming Clive Owen action picture, and sat directly in front of Mr. Owen during the screening. SHOOT 'EM UP was produced by my pals Don Murphy and Susan Montford, and here's my early pre-review: WOW. Just when you think there isn't a new action scene under the sun, SHOOT comes up with five or six insane set pieces, along with a bodycount that rivals 300.
Each of my panels were fun in their own way, but most touching was the "Spotlight" panel, when the San Diego folks gave me an Inkpot Award for Lifetime Achievement. It was a total surprise, totally unexpected and greatly appreciated.
I wasn't on it, for obvious reasons, but the Women Of BSG panel wound up packing the convention's biggest hall and was a lot of fun. Yes, Lucy Lawless is coming back to BSG and her Cylon character, D'Anna, will play a pivotal role as we careen toward the conclusion...
I only came home with one box of old comics, but I found the usual slew of interesting/oddball books, including three issues of "Sue And Sally Smith - Flying Nurses!" (a nutty Charlton title from 1960), some in-your-face 40's era Fox Publishing Tarzan ripoffs like JO-JO and ZAGO, and many others.
And I guess I was lucky, too. The gaslamp district in downtown San Diego was a total zoo in the wee hours... follow the link for one man's unfortunate experience...
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/comiccon/2007/07/pow-bam.html
Thursday, July 26, 2007
San Diego Con...
Got in last night, got our badges and goodie bag, then braved the preview night crowd... and it was, indeed, pretty crowded. As my friend Randy Stradley at Dark Horse said, "Welcome to Preview night, Saturday morning." (Saturday is traditionally the busiest day of the show.) I've heard that the show is totally sold out at this point, another first...
More reporting as the day(s) wear on... see below for my post re: times and places for my panels!
More reporting as the day(s) wear on... see below for my post re: times and places for my panels!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
On The Battlestar Front...
Blogging has taken a back-seat to duty the last week, as I've been in lovely Canada attending to my Battlestar Galactica production duties. We're well into season four now, with more twists and turns coming than whatever snake metaphor you care to employ. Edward James Olmos thinks its the best run of shows yet, and I'm not going to argue with him.
As always, I stand in awe of the cast and crew. One example: when you call for a new location in a show like Battlestar, you don't just drive around Vancouver looking for the right garage or steel mill. In space, location almost always means "new set," and our guys come through for us time after time with remarkable work. That's true of almost every design decision. The writers can suggest, but the designers and craftsmen who put this stuff together inevitably create something far better and more interesting.
One big "oh no" is realizing that when all is said and done, the CIC and sickbay and Adama's Quarters are all going to the great scrap-heap in the sky, recycled for other projects. The Galactica CIC especially is an amazing set, two levels, a myriad of gauges and handsets and switches that looks fully functional. You walk on that set and you're ready to start plugging in Jump calculations yourself...
Don't look for spoilers from me, BTW, but remember there are a couple of BSG panels at the big San Diego show next week, including one panel with Richard Hatch and another with the "woman of Galactica." Maybe they'll spill some beans...
As always, I stand in awe of the cast and crew. One example: when you call for a new location in a show like Battlestar, you don't just drive around Vancouver looking for the right garage or steel mill. In space, location almost always means "new set," and our guys come through for us time after time with remarkable work. That's true of almost every design decision. The writers can suggest, but the designers and craftsmen who put this stuff together inevitably create something far better and more interesting.
One big "oh no" is realizing that when all is said and done, the CIC and sickbay and Adama's Quarters are all going to the great scrap-heap in the sky, recycled for other projects. The Galactica CIC especially is an amazing set, two levels, a myriad of gauges and handsets and switches that looks fully functional. You walk on that set and you're ready to start plugging in Jump calculations yourself...
Don't look for spoilers from me, BTW, but remember there are a couple of BSG panels at the big San Diego show next week, including one panel with Richard Hatch and another with the "woman of Galactica." Maybe they'll spill some beans...
Friday, July 13, 2007
MY NAME IS BRUCE IS #1
If you check the ratings over at the Internet Movie Database (imdb.com), you'll discover that MY NAME IS BRUCE is the highest rated horror film AND comedy EVER, going by viewer ratings. There is something truly disturbing about seeing MY NAME IS BRUCE towering over DR. STRANGELOVE (!). Considering the movie hasn't been released yet, and has only been seen by a few hundred people in unfinished form, I guess there's nowhere to go but up from here!
Speaking of "the release", work continues on the special FX and other post-production stuff. Last I heard, we're still hoping for an October release.
Speaking of BRUCE, as in Bruce Campbell, interested folks should check out BURN NOTICE, his new series over on the USA Network. Bruce plays Sam Axe, a burned out, acerbic ex-spy who reluctantly helps the hero solve various cases. If you take the Axe character and double the sleaze/wise-ass factor, you'll have some idea of the "Bruce Campbell" character that Bruce Campbell plays in MY NAME IS BRUCE. If that makes any sense...
Speaking of "the release", work continues on the special FX and other post-production stuff. Last I heard, we're still hoping for an October release.
Speaking of BRUCE, as in Bruce Campbell, interested folks should check out BURN NOTICE, his new series over on the USA Network. Bruce plays Sam Axe, a burned out, acerbic ex-spy who reluctantly helps the hero solve various cases. If you take the Axe character and double the sleaze/wise-ass factor, you'll have some idea of the "Bruce Campbell" character that Bruce Campbell plays in MY NAME IS BRUCE. If that makes any sense...
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Contribute to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
If the following story causes you as much head-scratching as it does me, then do what you can to support the defense fund. I've seen the comic book in question, and as the article notes, there's nothing sexual about Mr. Picasso's nudity... he's just, well, nude. There is more to the story (I don't think the retailer meant to hand that comic to a minor, it was an accident) but the point is, does the guy deserve to be persecuted and run out of business? Me, I say no.
Gordon Lee Trial Date Set – CBLDF Needs Your Help!
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund urgently needs your help. This August, the long-running case of Georgia v. Gordon Lee will finally go to trial, with court costs expected to hit $20,000.
For nearly three years the Fund has defended Georgia retailer Gordon Lee, seeing him through multiple arraignments and procedures, and racking up $80,000 in legal bills. The charges stem from a Halloween 2004 incident in which Lee handed out, among other free comics, an anthology featuring an excerpt from the critically acclaimed graphic novel The Salon. The segment depicted a historically accurate meeting between 20th Century art icons Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, the latter depicted in the nude. It was a harmless sequence, no more explicit than the nudity displayed in the award winning Watchmen. Yet because the title found its way into the hands of a minor, Floyd County prosecutors hit Lee with two felony counts and five misdemeanors. The Fund eventually knocked out most of the charges, but must now defeat the two remaining misdemeanor counts of Distribution of Harmful to Minors Material, each carrying a penalty of up to one year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines.
The case is slated to go to trial the week of August 13. We urgently need your support in order to wage the best defense possible against these remaining charges, and that means raising the $20,000 that the trial is expected to cost. Here’s how you can help:
Make A Monetary Donation: Every dollar counts, so please make a tax-deductible contribution today. As a thank-you for making a donation of $30 or more, the Fund will give you a brand new t-shirt displaying the text of the First Amendment in the shape of an American flag. Show your commitment to free speech, and your support for this very important case.
Join The CBLDF: Now is the time to join or renew your membership in the Fund. Your member dollars provide the baseline of support that we need to perform our casework, and defend your right to buy whatever comics you wish. If you join now with a basic membership of $25 you will receive a CBLDF Member Card, featuring new Groo art by the one-and-only Sergio Aragones, as well as a subscription to our news publication Busted!, and special admission to CBLDF events across the country. If you join at a level of $100 or more, you will also receive one of the new
First Amendment t-shirts.
Donate Original Art & Collectibles: With summer conventions upon us, the Fund needs original art, high-grade comics, and other collectible items to make the most of our summer auctions. Please e-mail cbldf1@gmail.com for more information about how to donate to our auctions, or with a description of your intended donation. If your donation is accepted for our summer auctions, you will receive a letter of acknowledgment and a 2007 membership. To ensure that your donation is received safely, please do not send physical items until accepted by the CBLDF.
With Gordon Lee's freedom in the balance, the CBLDF needs everyone who values Free Expression in comic books to do his or her part to support this very important case. Please make your contribution today.
Gordon Lee Trial Date Set – CBLDF Needs Your Help!
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund urgently needs your help. This August, the long-running case of Georgia v. Gordon Lee will finally go to trial, with court costs expected to hit $20,000.
For nearly three years the Fund has defended Georgia retailer Gordon Lee, seeing him through multiple arraignments and procedures, and racking up $80,000 in legal bills. The charges stem from a Halloween 2004 incident in which Lee handed out, among other free comics, an anthology featuring an excerpt from the critically acclaimed graphic novel The Salon. The segment depicted a historically accurate meeting between 20th Century art icons Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso, the latter depicted in the nude. It was a harmless sequence, no more explicit than the nudity displayed in the award winning Watchmen. Yet because the title found its way into the hands of a minor, Floyd County prosecutors hit Lee with two felony counts and five misdemeanors. The Fund eventually knocked out most of the charges, but must now defeat the two remaining misdemeanor counts of Distribution of Harmful to Minors Material, each carrying a penalty of up to one year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines.
The case is slated to go to trial the week of August 13. We urgently need your support in order to wage the best defense possible against these remaining charges, and that means raising the $20,000 that the trial is expected to cost. Here’s how you can help:
Make A Monetary Donation: Every dollar counts, so please make a tax-deductible contribution today. As a thank-you for making a donation of $30 or more, the Fund will give you a brand new t-shirt displaying the text of the First Amendment in the shape of an American flag. Show your commitment to free speech, and your support for this very important case.
Join The CBLDF: Now is the time to join or renew your membership in the Fund. Your member dollars provide the baseline of support that we need to perform our casework, and defend your right to buy whatever comics you wish. If you join now with a basic membership of $25 you will receive a CBLDF Member Card, featuring new Groo art by the one-and-only Sergio Aragones, as well as a subscription to our news publication Busted!, and special admission to CBLDF events across the country. If you join at a level of $100 or more, you will also receive one of the new
First Amendment t-shirts.
Donate Original Art & Collectibles: With summer conventions upon us, the Fund needs original art, high-grade comics, and other collectible items to make the most of our summer auctions. Please e-mail cbldf1@gmail.com for more information about how to donate to our auctions, or with a description of your intended donation. If your donation is accepted for our summer auctions, you will receive a letter of acknowledgment and a 2007 membership. To ensure that your donation is received safely, please do not send physical items until accepted by the CBLDF.
With Gordon Lee's freedom in the balance, the CBLDF needs everyone who values Free Expression in comic books to do his or her part to support this very important case. Please make your contribution today.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
My San Diego Comicon Schedule: ENHANCED!
Here's the official dope, straight from the convention website...
11:30-12:30 Writing with Mark Verheiden—Comic-Con special guest Mark Verheiden, co-executive producer of Battlestar Galactica and writer of the upcoming live-action Teen Titans movie, offers advice to aspiring writers in a lively Q&A session. Want to write for television? Features? Comic books? Bring your best nuts-and-bolts questions! Room 4
10:30-11:30 The Art of Adapting Comics to the Screen—As the cinematic renaissance of comic book–based films continues, here's your chance to learn what it takes to adapt these dream projects to the screen. Moderator Jeff Goldsmith (senior editor, Creative Screenwriting magazine) hosts a panel featuring Stan Lee (Fantastic Four), Don Payne (co-writer, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer), Mark Fergus (co-writer, Iron Man), Kevin Feige (president of production, Marvel Studios), and Mark Verheiden (Teen Titans). Room 6A
6:00-7:00 Spotlight on Mark Verheiden—The popular writer of movies (The Mask, Timecop), television (Smallville, Battlestar Galactica), and comics (Superman Batman, The American) comes to Comic-Con as a special guest. Mark Verheiden talks to writer and friend Jeff Gelb about his career storytelling on the big screen, the small screen, and the printed page. Room 2
I understand some very lovely actresses and swell executive producers will be plugging a show called BATTLESTAR GALACTICA on Saturday, too. Jeez, is that thing still on?
11:30-12:30 Writing with Mark Verheiden—Comic-Con special guest Mark Verheiden, co-executive producer of Battlestar Galactica and writer of the upcoming live-action Teen Titans movie, offers advice to aspiring writers in a lively Q&A session. Want to write for television? Features? Comic books? Bring your best nuts-and-bolts questions! Room 4
10:30-11:30 The Art of Adapting Comics to the Screen—As the cinematic renaissance of comic book–based films continues, here's your chance to learn what it takes to adapt these dream projects to the screen. Moderator Jeff Goldsmith (senior editor, Creative Screenwriting magazine) hosts a panel featuring Stan Lee (Fantastic Four), Don Payne (co-writer, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer), Mark Fergus (co-writer, Iron Man), Kevin Feige (president of production, Marvel Studios), and Mark Verheiden (Teen Titans). Room 6A
6:00-7:00 Spotlight on Mark Verheiden—The popular writer of movies (The Mask, Timecop), television (Smallville, Battlestar Galactica), and comics (Superman Batman, The American) comes to Comic-Con as a special guest. Mark Verheiden talks to writer and friend Jeff Gelb about his career storytelling on the big screen, the small screen, and the printed page. Room 2
I understand some very lovely actresses and swell executive producers will be plugging a show called BATTLESTAR GALACTICA on Saturday, too. Jeez, is that thing still on?
Monday, July 09, 2007
BATTLESTAR IS NUMBER 12!!
Apparently a bunch o' TV critics got together and picked their favorite shows from Jan to June 2007. BATTLESTAR came in #12, tied with those wacky kids at ENTOURAGE. We're actually in some pretty esteemed company...
Go to...
http://tvweek.com/news/
...and look for the 2007 Best Critics Poll!
Go to...
http://tvweek.com/news/
...and look for the 2007 Best Critics Poll!
New Release: ALIENS OMNIBUS
Long before I was involved with BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, SMALLVILLE or PERVERSIONS OF SCIENCE (look it up on the IMBD.com database), I wrote a bunch of comics spinning off from the second, James Cameron ALIENS movie. Dark Horse Comics has just reissued all 14 issues of the three mini-series I did, along with the very first short story from DARK HORSE PRESENTS, in a nice, full color collection called ALIENS OMNIBUS. These were some of the most successful comics I ever wrote, with the 14 issues collectively selling several million copies.
These are the "remastered" versions, with the names of the characters changed from the original release. "Billie" was originally "Newt", etc. Unfortunately, after ALIENS 3 came out, some of the story points in my tales were, umm, mooted by the deaths of several main characters from the Cameron ALIENS movie, so Dark Horse re-lettered the stories in the 90's to put the books back into continuity with the movie franchise. Doesn't really change the story, just a piece of trivia for you ALIENS buffs...
I also did three PREDATOR comic series "in the day" that I'm hopeful will also get the OMNIBUS treatment. There's quite a story behind that bunch of comics, too, but I'll save that for if and when they're released...
Here's a link if you have a mind to pick a copy up...
These are the "remastered" versions, with the names of the characters changed from the original release. "Billie" was originally "Newt", etc. Unfortunately, after ALIENS 3 came out, some of the story points in my tales were, umm, mooted by the deaths of several main characters from the Cameron ALIENS movie, so Dark Horse re-lettered the stories in the 90's to put the books back into continuity with the movie franchise. Doesn't really change the story, just a piece of trivia for you ALIENS buffs...
I also did three PREDATOR comic series "in the day" that I'm hopeful will also get the OMNIBUS treatment. There's quite a story behind that bunch of comics, too, but I'll save that for if and when they're released...
Here's a link if you have a mind to pick a copy up...
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Things I've Seen In L.A...
I've been down in Southern California for a lot of years now, and in that time I've seen some "things." Some fun, some not so fun. Here are a couple:
FUN: Driving home from the studio the other day, I passed Jay Leno into some 1930-ish classic car, and Ed Begley Jr. behind the wheel of an all electric Rav. It's a weird world when you have more star sightings sitting in traffic than you do at a movie studio. Aaron Douglas popped by the BSG offices the other day, but kibitzing with the cast of your own show doesn't really count as a sighting...
NOT SO FUN: I was waiting in traffic on La Brea Avenue awhile back (going South toward the 10 freeway, to place the scene for L.A. natives) when I noticed the tell-tale flash of police lights up ahead. Usually this means an accident and a still longer wait, but this time it was evidentally a police action involving some sort of "problem" Because as I sat in the crush of cars, an African American man charged down the middle of the street, weaving between cars, laughing and swinging a Samurai sword as a couple of LAPD officers (toting shotguns) made chase. The odd thing is how L.A. motorists more or less took the event in stride. I watched the guy approach, bounce off my side mirror, then continued to follow his progressio in the rear view as he continued down the street, swinging and laughing that sword as the cops and their shotguns made chase...
FUN: Driving home from the studio the other day, I passed Jay Leno into some 1930-ish classic car, and Ed Begley Jr. behind the wheel of an all electric Rav. It's a weird world when you have more star sightings sitting in traffic than you do at a movie studio. Aaron Douglas popped by the BSG offices the other day, but kibitzing with the cast of your own show doesn't really count as a sighting...
NOT SO FUN: I was waiting in traffic on La Brea Avenue awhile back (going South toward the 10 freeway, to place the scene for L.A. natives) when I noticed the tell-tale flash of police lights up ahead. Usually this means an accident and a still longer wait, but this time it was evidentally a police action involving some sort of "problem" Because as I sat in the crush of cars, an African American man charged down the middle of the street, weaving between cars, laughing and swinging a Samurai sword as a couple of LAPD officers (toting shotguns) made chase. The odd thing is how L.A. motorists more or less took the event in stride. I watched the guy approach, bounce off my side mirror, then continued to follow his progressio in the rear view as he continued down the street, swinging and laughing that sword as the cops and their shotguns made chase...
Monday, July 02, 2007
So You Wanna Be A Writer...
The fine folks at the San Diego Comicon asked if I'd be up for a seminar-ish sort of session on the wonderful world of writing, and fool-heartedly, I agreed. The session is scheduled for 11:30AM on Thursday 7/26...
I've done this sort of thing before, but this time I want to try something a little different. Rather than pontificate on topics that intrigue me (Fletcher Hanks? Elvis Costello? SEP/IRAs?), I want this session to address your writing questions and concerns.
So, umm -- what are they? Do you want tips on how to get a job in television? Are you curious what a BATTLESTAR outline looks like? Want a rundown on the process involved in taking a TV script from idea to production to what finally goes on air? Are you curious about agents? Managers? Want to discuss the typical structure of a TV episode VS a feature? We can talk comics, too. Would you like to see samples of comic scripts, TV scripts, movie scripts?
Or rather than nuts and bolts, do you want to talk about scene construction? How to develop a story? "Where do you get your ideas?"
Pick your poison!
So talk to me. I'll publish the best suggestions in comments and take your thoughts into account when facing the music down San Diego way...
ADDED 7/7 -- thanks for the suggestions, both in comments and via e-mail!
I've done this sort of thing before, but this time I want to try something a little different. Rather than pontificate on topics that intrigue me (Fletcher Hanks? Elvis Costello? SEP/IRAs?), I want this session to address your writing questions and concerns.
So, umm -- what are they? Do you want tips on how to get a job in television? Are you curious what a BATTLESTAR outline looks like? Want a rundown on the process involved in taking a TV script from idea to production to what finally goes on air? Are you curious about agents? Managers? Want to discuss the typical structure of a TV episode VS a feature? We can talk comics, too. Would you like to see samples of comic scripts, TV scripts, movie scripts?
Or rather than nuts and bolts, do you want to talk about scene construction? How to develop a story? "Where do you get your ideas?"
Pick your poison!
So talk to me. I'll publish the best suggestions in comments and take your thoughts into account when facing the music down San Diego way...
ADDED 7/7 -- thanks for the suggestions, both in comments and via e-mail!
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