lurkers-guide/ftp/CompuServe/cs98-05

JMS CompuServe messages for May 1998.  Collected by John Hardin
<jhardin@wolfenet.com>.


Date: 02 May 1998 20:03:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Lighting of season5

{original post unavailable}

      The color of the sets varies by location; DownBelow tends to be
more in the red end and brown end of the spectrum (hence the term Brown
Sector that sometimes applies), where most of the command sectors are
blueish.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 02 May 1998 19:56:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Will Caraway <73671.2434@compuserve.com>
Subject:  Kosh Poison

 Will Caraway <73671.2434@compuserve.com> asks:
> Was Kosh actually poisoned or did he just fake it for the
> natives?

      No, he wasn't faking it.  Understand that their appearance as a
being of light is only how they want to appear; they are life forms
much the same as many others, and can be poisoned if one knows the
right combination of substances.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 02 May 1998 19:56:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: All 
Subject: My Email

      A reminder to all and sundry:

      My private email box is only to be used for confidential or
deeply personal matters.  It is not to be used for jokes, uploads
without asking permission or informing me in advance (I have had my
hard drive trashed by viruses sent to me), plot questions or the like. 
You may decide, "Oh, that's a funny joke, I'll foward that to Joe," but
if 500 of you do that my mailbox becomes completely unmanageable and
important stuff scrolls off.

      If you have a general question or comment or something to pass
along, please do so in the public forums, where others can benefit from
the answer. The private mail box should be used only as a last resort,
for truly personal or confidential matters.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 03 May 1998 11:19:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: All 
Subject: jms at MIT Monday

      For those in the Boston area, I'll be speaking at MIT on Monday
the 4th from 7-10 p.m.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 03 May 1998 22:18:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: David Belt <72142.1365@compuserve.com>
Subject: Babylon Emporium Help!

 David Belt <72142.1365@compuserve.com> asks:
> Could you please have him or her contact me?
> Do you have any idea what Mira Furlan's next project is and what
> Bruce Boxlietner's next project is?

      Thanks...and try reelkosh@aol.com that may work.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 03 May 1998 22:18:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Crusade Confirmed

{original post unavailable}

      Many thanks....

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 05 May 1998 00:32:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Shane Shellenbarger <104305.3404@compuserve.com>
Subject: San Diego Comic-Con?

 Shane Shellenbarger <104305.3404@compuserve.com> asks:
> and will you be giving a B5/Crusade presentation?

      At this point, I don't know if I can do SDCC or not this year; I
had to cancel out one convention already around that time, because of
the need to gear up Crusade.  I'd assumed that I wouldn't have anything
going this Summer, so I booked a number of conventions all in the same
two month period of time, kind of a post-B5 blitzkreig.  Then all hell
broke loose.  So I may either not go (first time for that in 12 years)
or just pop down on one day for a quick Dealer's Room run-through and
out.  I can't just go for the one day if I do my full
presentation...I'm too whacked afterward for shopping at the DR, and I 
can do so beforehand because I'm prepping for the presentation.  So
I'm kinda unsure right now what to do, and what I'll have time for.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 05 May 1998 00:32:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ed Brandt <100274.2672@compuserve.com>
Subject: Crusade Confirmed

{original post had no questions}

      No, A Call to Arms isn't a Crusade pilot, it's a B5 movie that
somewhat sets the stage for the new show, but is not a part of it.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 06 May 1998 23:34:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: All 
Subject: CC Debate: Over

      Okay, from the beginning of the Claudia Christian departure,
I've been saying that she quit.  At the time, she said she was fired. 
And a lot of people said, "Well, we'll never really know."  This
despite all the basic facts being confirmed by both sides.

      I quote from an interview with Claudia just published in the
Summer issue of Sci Fi Invasion:

      Question: By you quitting, Straczynski lost Ivanova.  He
couldn't have been happy about that.

      Claudia: I think he feels like I put them out or something by
quitting the show, when in essence I don't really think it affected
anything.  (small snip)  I just didn't think there'd be a lot for me to
do, and I didn't want to be relegated to one more year of not having my
any challenges.

      She has finally confirmed it: I told the truth from the
beginning.  She quit.  She wasn't fired.  She quit.

      This debate is now over.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------



Date: 08 May 1998 03:31:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Kevin Kenney <104102.352@compuserve.com>
Subject: CC Debate: Over

 Kevin Kenney <104102.352@compuserve.com> asks:
> Any comment on those assertions, or at least a word on why you
> won't comment on them?

      I have commented on them.  Understand that this is an ensemble
show. We have (and have had) anywhere from 11-14 regular/recurring
characters, and it is common for any number of them in a crowd that big
to feel that they are being under-utilized.  I use each of the cast
members as much as the story requires.  That's all I *can* do, because
nothing else makes sense.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 08 May 1998 13:28:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: CC Debate: Over

 Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> Guess what?

      Bingo...that is as true a statement as I have ever read about
this stuff in general, and this case in particular.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 10 May 1998 00:52:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: New Show

{original post unavailable}

      That's the funniest rumor I've seen in months.

      Where do they GET these things?  And why on earth don't they
just ASK ME before printing something as silly as this?

      It's not like I'm hard to find....

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 10 May 1998 00:48:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Shane Shellenbarger <104305.3404@compuserve.com>
Subject: San Diego Comic-Con?

{original post had no questions}

      Again, that's not 100% sure yet, it's all kind of in a state of
flux. What's the latest the folks at SDCC would have to know either way
on this?

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 10 May 1998 00:48:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Will Caraway <73671.2434@compuserve.com>
Subject:  Kosh Poison

 Will Caraway <73671.2434@compuserve.com> asks:
> Following up on my Kosh question, had Kosh learned what was
> coming from Valen?

      Thanks...and there are some questions I'd like to pass on for
now.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 10 May 1998 00:48:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: Thanks/Regrets

{original post had no questions}

      Thanks...there's been much that was annoying in the online
conversation, but more that was positive and enjoyable, and in the long
run, that's what matters.  I don't regret having made the decision to
stick with it and stay accessible.  It's been a trial, no mistake...but
I'm glad I did it.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 10 May 1998 00:48:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: All 
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

      Victories come in all sizes; in some ways, this is a small one,
in other ways this is a big one.

      For four years, we bugged Warner Bros. Home Video about
releasing B5 on videocassette in retail outlets.  But WB has never
released a series before on tape, it's not something they *do*, not
sufficiently prestige when compared with their big movies.  Eventually
they were persuaded to let Columbia House try it for mail-order, for
the first season.

      And CH was *swamped* with orders.  Phones rang off the hook, and
tapes were back-ordered to try and fill the demand.

      And Warner Bros...noticed.

      And this month, they made a big announcement about the coming
release of Babylon 5 on video through retail outlets all over the
country.  I've seen the cover designs for the first batch, and they're
extremely good looking montages, each specifically designed for that
tape.  They're putting a lot of thought and effort and time into this,
and a big campaign.  I believe the first batch hits the stands in July
or August, somewhere in there.

      This is a big victory for us.  On a grand scale, it may seem
minor, but it's the most direct statement of "you were right" we've
ever had from WB, and they were sufficiently mensches to say so, and
act on it.

      If these go well, they're also talking laserdisks and DVDs down
the road, and should THAT happen, I'm going to push like hell to have
them release the widescreen versions.

      But that's the next campaign.  For now, this is a big victory
for us, and we're mighty pleased.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 11 May 1998 23:40:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: CC Debate: Over

{original post unavailable}

      No, I don't feel I need to defend it...but a lot of people made
a big deal about who you should believe...and now it's clear what was
going on at the time was what I said it was...and a few folks are
saying, "Well, now it doesn't matter."  Well, it does matter, when it's
my integrity and honesty that's at issue.  If the original question was
worth some folks making a big deal out of it, then getting the facts
straight should merit as much attention.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 13 May 1998 00:34:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: All 
Subject: More Good News

      TNT has moved up the airdate for "The River of Souls" to
November 8th (from November 22nd) so that a) B5 fans won't have so long
to wait, and b) to make sure both that and Sleeping in Light both get
equal promotion, and one doesn't get lost in the other.

      Also...when the fifth season begins again from "No Compromises"
in the first week of July, it will coincide with the debut of TNT's new
satellite relay which means that the 5th season episodes will air at
the same time on both the East and West coasts (I think 8:00 p.m., I
haven't heard the final on that yet)...AND they're adding a repeat of
each new episode the same night at 11 p.m.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------



Date: 14 May 1998 02:06:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: CC Debate: Over

{original post had no questions}

"It just seems to me that in the final analysis you have nothing to
fear. History will be kind to JMS."

      In light of the circumstances of most of my life, it would be a
kindness both welcome and uncommon.

      I will, however, hope for the best.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 15 May 1998 15:33:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Lennier the traitor

{original post unavailable}

      Maybe you ought to wait to see what happens this season, and act
from an informed point of view, than from gossip.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 15 May 1998 23:31:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

{original post unavailable}

      Actually, you have better resolution on a good PC monitor than
the average TV, so it's bound to be sharper there than on the TV.  (I
have a DVD player in my new system, and it's amazing....)

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 15 May 1998 22:07:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

{original post unavailable}

      It's two episodes per tape, and I think it's about $14.95 per
tape.  As for DVD, that's going to be a long ways down the road, so I'd
grab these while we can.  (And if they do well, the odds of DVD
increase.)

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 15 May 1998 22:07:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Zitaglio <102545.641@compuserve.com>
Subject: Level 12 Blocks

 Michael Zitaglio <102545.641@compuserve.com> asks:
> Since Lyta was able to break them thanks to Vorlorn modification,
> cant she also break Garibaldi's current block ( not being able to
> kill Bester )??

      You'll see.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 17 May 1998 00:57:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

{original post unavailable}

      I think a second audio/commentary thing might be do-able down
the road, but only for certain select episodes, not all of 'em.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 17 May 1998 00:57:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Paul Weddell <110213.1364@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

 Paul Weddell <110213.1364@compuserve.com> asks:
> Have you considered putting those scenes back in for the video
> releases - a sort of director's cut - or were the shows that
> aired exactly as you wanted them?

      No, we can't put the scenes in because it would mean a full
audio remix, which is very expensive.  The director's cut (which is
often extremely changed when John and I go in to do our version, so
you're basically getting the producer's cut from which we then cut
lines and bits) only exists on computer disk, not on film.  We'd have
to go back into the thing and that would take a massive amount of
money.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 17 May 1998 19:36:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Kalus <100265.3065@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

{original post had no questions}

      I love AC3...and we've arranged that when we do Crusade, we'll
be doing a THX quality mix with full 5.1 separation...it's gonna be
bitchin'....

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 18 May 1998 02:47:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Kalus <100265.3065@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

 Michael Kalus <100265.3065@compuserve.com> asks:
> How are you going to transport the AC-3 signal over the Channel?
> Or is this for the DVD / LD release only?
> IF you find a way to send it over normal ways, will it also be
> available in countries outside the US?

      It's my understanding that this is one of the things that will
be facilitated by the changeover to HDTV format.  But either way, the
delivery is up to WB, we're just focusing on making it as good as we
can in this respect, so we're ready for whatever comes.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 17 May 1998 19:36:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Costello <71045.3050@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

{original post had no questions}

      The funny thing is, the DVDs already cost less than laserdisks,
and will continue to come down, simply because they're smaller and
easier to produce.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 17 May 1998 21:29:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Deonaha M. Conlin <102531.2627@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

{original post had no questions}

      Actually, the WB tapes will also be available via online
ordering, through their site and thestation.com, so it'll be just about
as easy to do so, and cheaper.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 17 May 1998 19:56:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Costello <71045.3050@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 3 voiceover

 Rebecca Costello <71045.3050@compuserve.com> asks:
> My sister turned to me and asked, "Why does she say that?
> Isn't peace more important than victory?"
> As one person put it, we're just about swimming in the
> interpretations at this point, so I'd like to ask you: what was
> your intention with those lines?

      Peace can be a surrender as well as an achievement, especially
when facing an enemy dedicated to something unpleasant.  Chamberlin
returned from a visit to Germany with a so-called agreement in his
hands, and announced that by granting concessions to Hitler, he had
achieved "peace in our time."

      Peace is a byproduct of victory against those who do not want
peace.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 18 May 1998 02:48:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

 (blocked) asks:
> Will Columbia House still offer the B5 tapes?

      I don't know; I think they had a one-year trial on this thing
for the first season's worth of tapes, and with WB getting into it, I
don't know how this will break out down the road when that trial
expires.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 18 May 1998 14:17:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 3 voiceover

{original post had no questions}

      Yes, but liberty is never given, only won.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 18 May 1998 14:17:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

 Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> Did you film B5 in theater dimentions so that it would represent
> an easily available series which could provide HDTV content for
> the new stations which will be scrambling for it?

      Yes, B5 was filmed in widescreen and cropped for contemporary TV
format; same will be the case for Crusade.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 18 May 1998 22:13:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: New Show

 Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> You don't hide under the bed anymore?

"You don't hide under the bed anymore?"

      Not since the monsters moved in down there.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 18 May 1998 22:13:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: Balancing Act

 Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com> asks:
> And, as you're preparing Crusade, are you aware of an optimum
> cast size, or is it that you see the story, and the story
> dictates the cast size? In other words, the main difference I've
> seen between B5 and other series attempting to establish long-
> term storylines is that other series seem to require continuing
> guest appearances -- so, how much was the larger cast size of B5
> (and presumably, Crusade) dictated simply by the story you wanted
> to tell or your awareness as someone experienced in TV production
> of the best regular cast-size to accomplish long-term
> storytelling?

      There's really no best regular size.  B5 generally had about 9-
11 regulars and recurring (i.e., in the main credits) actors in any
given season, which was necessary because you had 4 different,
competing forces, each of whom required some representation (Earth/B5,
Minbar, Narn, Centauri Prime). With an ambassador plus aide, that's 8
minimum, plus at least one or two others for station operations.

      In Crusade, we're really dealing with one force encountering
others on a per-episode basis (mostly), so we've got 6 regulars/recurs,
with a subset of reappearing characters (a la Morden, Bester or Corwin
in B5).  That feels about right to me.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 19 May 1998 03:24:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: All 
Subject: jms TV Guide Online Chat

      FYI...John Copeland and I will be doing a live chat on the TV
Guide online site today (Tuesday) at 7:00 p.m. Pacific, 10:00 p.m.
Eastern.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 19 May 1998 14:00:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

{original post had no questions}

      No, as far as I know, the only two shows that were shooting in
widescreen was us, and Lois and Clark.  To my knowledge, though I'm
willing to be corrected, nobody else is doing it.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 19 May 1998 14:00:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: New Show

 Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> Will we be seeing any of these monsters in the first season of
> Crusade?

      Depends on their agents.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 19 May 1998 14:00:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Kalus <100265.3065@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

 Michael Kalus <100265.3065@compuserve.com> asks:
> How is the stage being build?
> How is this with B5 or was this toally bullshitting ?

      What I think they're referring to is the level of detail put
into finishing a set; there are imperfections you'll never see on the
average 27" TV screen that will be huge and obvious on a 35' movie
screen.  So that may be what they mean.  It's common to go for the
former level of detail than the latter on most TV.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 19 May 1998 23:49:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Kalus <100265.3065@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

 Michael Kalus <100265.3065@compuserve.com> asks:
> Yes, and how is this handled with B5 and soon to come Crusade ?

"Yes, and how is this handled with B5 and soon to come Crusade ?"

      It will be handled...well, of course.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 19 May 1998 14:00:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Steven Gaskell <101700.2032@compuserve.com>
Subject: Lochley - No Of episodes

{original post had no questions}

      I think she ended up doing about 10 for us.  And "Corps" was
Bester's last episode for B5 the series.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 19 May 1998 23:49:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Season 6?

{original post unavailable}

      Then be of good cheer, there's the CRUSADE follow-up series.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 19 May 1998 23:49:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: unauthorized books

{original post unavailable}

      I'm surprised...no, astounded, really, that you would ask me
this.

      What you are saying is that you want me to help your friend to
find a way around the problem of publishing an unauthorized book that
would not exist were it not for Babylon 5, but for which your friend
does not want to share any of the money or profit for that book with
the studio and entity that created it.  Granted that my portion of any
of this is barely enough to register...nonetheless, he is going to be
basing those trivia questions based on characters, dialogue and
situations that I created...but he does not see any reason why I, as
the person responsible for the material he is going to print, should
benefit from this book.

      If your friend wants to do a B5 trivia book, then I suggest he
take the very simple steps involved in doing so in an authorized, legal
and responsible fashion.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 19 May 1998 23:49:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Loveunrequited lennier

{original post unavailable}

      Yes, Lennier is in next week's episode...and as for the outraged
few: frankly, if folks go around reading spoilers that are taken wildly
out of context and get bugged by what they see (but don't
understand)...they got what they deserved.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 21 May 1998 01:19:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Gar Harris <76657.3333@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

 Gar Harris <76657.3333@compuserve.com> asks:
> Question Joe: When you shoot on wide screen do you block so that
> the primary action is centered for the 4:3 TV screen or does post
> have to do a pan and scan process to make it work on today's TV?

      We protect for the center of frame, yes.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 20 May 1998 11:38:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Kalus <100265.3065@compuserve.com>
Subject: unauthorized books

 Michael Kalus <100265.3065@compuserve.com> asks:
> What would someone have to do if he would be interrested in
> writing a part of the B5 Universe history?

      That's something we're discussing in-house.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 20 May 1998 11:38:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Guy Schwartz <103343.116@compuserve.com>
Subject: More Good News

 Guy Schwartz <103343.116@compuserve.com> asks:
> Does that add to $$$ for WB, or you, or do they allready pay for
> the right to air twice, thrice, etc?

      No, they paid for the rights for a given period of time, during
which they can run it as many times as they want.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 20 May 1998 11:38:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Sean P Reiser <110427.1773@compuserve.com>
Subject: unauthorized books

{original post had no questions}

      I considered that, but the original message was exploring WB's
"level of comfort" with an unauthorized book, you don't inquire about a
"level of comfort" if you're just going to go ahead and do something
authorized.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 May 1998 01:29:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Darran Williams <101656.2143@compuserve.com>
Subject: Crusade Pilot?

 Darran Williams <101656.2143@compuserve.com> asks:
> You said recently that 'A Call to Arms' was a lead-in to Crusade
> and not a pilot, does this mean will be doing another feature
> length pilot for Crusade or will the first episode be of normal
> length ?

      No, the first episode will be of normal length.  A Call to Arms
is primarily a B5 movie, which sets the incidents in place that lead to
Crusade, which then hits the ground running with its first episode,
regular length, same as the other 21 TNT has signed for.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 May 1998 01:29:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: unauthorized books

 (blocked) asks:
> Final question: can you point him in the right direction with a
> name/phone/email or whatever so that he can attempt to become
> 'authorized"?

      There's not much secret that Del Rey Books is doing the licensed
B5 books these days.  That would be the place to go.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 May 1998 01:29:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brian Makuch <104125.736@compuserve.com>
Subject: Creating Crusade?

 Brian Makuch <104125.736@compuserve.com> asks:
> Is there a chance something like that might come to fruition?

      I'm sure somebody will do it eventually.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 May 1998 01:29:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Don Berg <74147.1753@compuserve.com>
Subject: Lochley - No Of episodes

 Don Berg <74147.1753@compuserve.com> asks:
> Does this mean the Garibaldi / Bester arc is left hanging?

      Yes and no.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 21 May 1998 18:06:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

 Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> How much of a cost does that impart?

"That was smart. How much of a cost does that impart?"

      It's negligible, it's mainly a little more time-consuming.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 May 1998 18:06:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ed Brandt <100274.2672@compuserve.com>
Subject: Crusade Pilot?

 Ed Brandt <100274.2672@compuserve.com> asks:
> When will you start filming Crusade?

      We start filming around the end of July/first of August.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 May 1998 18:06:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: A Word of Support

{original post unavailable}

      Thanks...it's been a hard road, but in the final analysis, it
was the right thing to do.

      But it does illustrate the weaknesses in the Usenet system,
however well intentioned, that I've practically *never* had to post a
note like that here on Compuserve, which doesn't allow such behavior.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 May 1998 18:06:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com>
Subject: More Good News

 Philip Hornsey <74053.2101@compuserve.com> asks:
> So there's no real roadblock to the B5 Network?

      I like it...All B5, All the Time....

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 May 1998 18:06:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Deonaha M. Conlin <102531.2627@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

{original post had no questions}

      On the other hand, as far as I know, Columbia only acquired the
rights to sell the first season, because they weren't sure how it would
all work out. So it might dovetail well into the WB tapes for the
episodes thereafter.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 21 May 1998 18:06:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Paul Knibbs <106345.2745@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 6?

{original post had no questions}

      I've no idea at this time.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 22 May 1998 17:43:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Deonaha M. Conlin <102531.2627@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

{original post had no questions}

      I don't think misled is the word...I think they were intent upon
acquiring them down the road, but now that WB is doing all of them,
that may become more problematic.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 22 May 1998 17:43:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: WorldCon

{original post unavailable}

      If I can swing by, I will, thanks.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 22 May 1998 17:43:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: FRANK J. FURFARO <74031.1005@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 video release

 FRANK J. FURFARO <74031.1005@compuserve.com> asks:
> Is that how WB is handling the release, or will they also be
> available individually? Also, do you know how many eps are going
> to be in the first release?

      I think the 3 pack is the initial release, but all will be
available individually.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 23 May 1998 23:25:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Bill Hirst <104106.431@compuserve.com>
Subject: More Good News

 Bill Hirst <104106.431@compuserve.com> asks:
> But what about Crusade?

      Funny thing is...I've written about 200 or so produced episodes
of TV. Assuming a bit over one third of that is animation, figure 80
half hours and 120 one-hour shows...that's 160 hours of TV...the
average network programs series from 8-11 p.m. 7 days a week, that's 21
hours a week...so it would fill 8 weeks of prime-time programming on
one network, plus the five B5 movies.

      Suddenly I have the profound urge to take a nap....

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 22 May 1998 17:43:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Vadim Naroditsky <72133.1175@compuserve.com>
Subject: No more Bester?

 Vadim Naroditsky <72133.1175@compuserve.com> asks:
> Is it true?
> Will he be in Crusades?

      It's possible that Bester would appear elsewhere, whether in a
TV movie or elsewhere, maybe even Crusade, we'll have to see.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 25 May 1998 23:37:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: T.P.Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 in Toronto, Canada

{original post had no questions}

      I haven't really been plugged into this, and while on the one
hand I can see how it's a pain in the butt, at the same time I can
understand why TNT would feel this way.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 26 May 1998 01:22:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Marte Brengle <76703.4242@compuserve.com>
Subject: Easter Egg in Guide?

{original post had no questions}

      Play in the alarm sounds area.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 26 May 1998 01:22:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Costello <71045.3050@compuserve.com>
Subject: More Good News

 Rebecca Costello <71045.3050@compuserve.com> asks:
> Now, was that the animated "Ghostbusters" that aired back in the
> eighties?

"Now, was that the animated "Ghostbusters" that aired back in the
eighties? My memories are dim because I was only maybe seven at the
time (showing my youth here) but my brother and I absolutely loved the
animated "Ghostbusters"."

      Yeah, that was my show.  I did the first network season of 13
episodes, and the syndicated season of 65 episodes...of which I wrote
something like 16 or 18 episodes.  Left it when they insisted on
changing Janine into a mommy character and knocked all the edges off
the show.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 26 May 1998 16:45:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jeff Peterman <75361.430@compuserve.com>
Subject: Easter Egg in Guide?

 Jeff Peterman <75361.430@compuserve.com> asks:
> Are there two versions of the Guide?
> So, are they just a little slow in thier reviews or is their a
> new version?

      They're just a little slow...there's only the one version.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 26 May 1998 16:45:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: More Good News

{original post unavailable}

      Thing was, the show was successful *across the board*...all
ages.  It was ABC's number one rated animated series.  That's when they
came to the "Well, anything can be improved...let's call in some child
psychologists and consultants," which is when the whole thing went to
hell.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 26 May 1998 22:56:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

{original post unavailable}

      I'm with you, I want 'em on DVD myself (have also made the
transition, and have to say I love the format, it's massively cool).

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 27 May 1998 01:56:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

{original post unavailable}

      And btw, good to see you back around the old cyberhearth
again....

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 27 May 1998 22:00:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Vadim Naroditsky <72133.1175@compuserve.com>
Subject: No more Bester?

 Vadim Naroditsky <72133.1175@compuserve.com> asks:
> Does it mean you haven't decided or you just don't want to tell
> us? BTW, out of curiosity - how old are you (at least the age
> group)?

      Meaning I know but I ain't telling.

      And I'm 43.

      Funny story there...I had occasion to take a cab recently, and I
get in, and the driver is this Russian guy, medium-accent.  He looks
back, and he says, "I am trying to decide which of us is older, you or
me."  Jokingly, I suggest that it's probably me, and he says, "No, it
is probably me.  I am 52. I am guessing you are...48."

      "Actually, I'm 43," I said.

      "FORTY THREE?!" he says...and damn near drives off the road.

      I shrug.  "I've had a hard life."

      "Must be," he said, shaking his head.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 28 May 1998 23:20:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com>
Subject: No more Bester?

{original post had no questions}

      It would take a hell of a lot more than greying hair and
wrinkles to make me look respectable.

      And yeah, the show has definitely aged me.  I recently saw a
friend whom I haven't seen face to face since about year 1 of B5, and
the first words out of his mouth were "Jesus Christ what happened to
YOU?"  (Thanks, great to see you, too....)

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 28 May 1998 23:20:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: No more Bester?

{original post unavailable}

      All my characters are in some way based on stuff I either see in
myself, or would like to see in myself were I a nobler and smarter
person.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 27 May 1998 22:00:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brian Prothero <76711.663@compuserve.com>
Subject: WB Home Video Does B5

 Brian Prothero <76711.663@compuserve.com> asks:
> Do you have any suggestions on how to convince WB to release B5
> on DVD?

      If the tapes sell, they'll almost certainly do DVD.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 27 May 1998 22:00:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: More Good News

{original post unavailable}

      I go for what someone at the BBC once said: "There are some
people we WANT to offend."

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 27 May 1998 22:00:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Laura <102701.3660@compuserve.com>
Subject: Lochley - No Of episodes

 Laura <102701.3660@compuserve.com> asks:
> But, what about Garibaldi?
> How is he going to get back at Bester if Bester isn't going to be
> on the show anymore?

      Watch, and learn.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 28 May 1998 04:02:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Cast Decline Crusade

{original post had no questions}

      To clarify:

      Jerry was never offered a contract on Crusade.  When he
negotiated his deal on "A Call to Arms," WB attempted to get an option
on him for the series, as a matter of due course.  They did so for
everyone appearing in the movie, including Jeff and Tracy, since it is
in many ways a set-up for Crusade.  This is a pro-forma thing done in
such situations by any studio when they're dealing with a new series
being set up.  It doesn't exclude any kind of appearance in Crusade on
a guest basis or more than that.

      Frankly, I think Jerry would do better on a per-episode
negotiation (and would be better featured that way) than to get tied up
with an option. And told him so when he approached me for advice on
whether or not to let himself get saddled with an option.

      The best possible situation would be a central core of new
characters who can move through the B5 universe, and run into our
familiar characters, on an as-needed basis, as determined by the story.
It gives the story maximum flexibility, and lets the actors negotiate
sort of "a la carte," if you will, which means they'll almost certainly
get more than if they get locked down and have to do X-number of
episodes at a pre-negotiated price.

      And that seems to be pretty much what we're heading toward.  In
addition, I think we need to have the B5 cast available for a feature
film that is getting more and more probable by the day.  That, to be
honest, is where they're finally going to make the kind of money
they've all earned by staying with this show for this long.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 28 May 1998 12:53:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Cast Decline Crusade

{original post had no questions}

      One last follow-up to underline why I suggested Jerry not go for
the option.  A CONTRACT is a *guarantee* that you will pay X actor Y
dollars to appear in Z episodes.  An OPTION ensure's the studio's
*right* to your services, but does not *guarantee* them.  So you can be
under option, and at the last moment, the studio can decide not to
exercise that option...and you get nothing.

      Why is this important?  Because all of the actors are out now
looking to build on what they've established in their careers over 5
years of B5, with possibilities of leads on other better-paying network
gigs, features, who knows.  But if you go to network A and they want
you, but find out that someone else has an option on you that may
preclude you from working for them, then they're going to find someone
else.

      An option like this ties you down, with the possibility of not
getting any other work, and in the end may not even be exercised. 
Coming hot off the big fifth year promotion, I can see why this might
not be high on someone's list of possibilities.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 28 May 1998 14:11:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Steven Gaskell <101700.2032@compuserve.com>
Subject: Cast Decline Crusade

{original post had no questions}

      As far as I know they'll be handled by WB international, same as
B5.

                                                                  jms

------------------------------

Date: 28 May 1998 12:43:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Meditations on the Abyss

{original post unavailable}

      Thanks....

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 30 May 1998 17:52:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: David Crader <104635.1044@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 video release

 David Crader <104635.1044@compuserve.com> asks:
> How many episodes per tape???
> Will they go the excellent Fox route ala The X-Files and put two
> on a tape, or will they take the Paramount Star Trek screw-job
> route and have only one?????

      It's two per tape.

                                                                  jms


------------------------------



Date: 31 May 1998 23:10:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Shawn D. Ratner <73753.175@compuserve.com>
Subject: Babylon Project: Crusade

 Shawn D. Ratner <73753.175@compuserve.com> asks:
> I was wondering who owns the rights to Crusade, Warner Brothers
> or TNT? How is Crusade's development going?

      WB owns the rights to Crusade...and we're in serious
preproduction now on Crusade (casting, design work, other stuff).

                                                                  jms


------------------------------