Babylon 5 posts by JMS for Jan 16, 1993 - Jan 31, 1993 This file includes a compilation of posts on GEnie by J. Michael Straczynski in the Babylon 5 topic. The posts are copyright 1993 by J. Michael Straczynski with compilation copyright by GEnie. ************ Topic 1 Mon Oct 26, 1992 SF-FANTASY [Yog Sysop] at 18:50 EST Sub: Babylon 5 Welcome to the Babylon 5 category! As always, offering or requesting copies of copyrighted material, whether it's the B5 Newsletter, photos, or the actual movie/episodes violates copyright law and SFRT policy. 555 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 337 Sat Jan 16, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:36 EST Actually, JoJo's...uhm...outfit is probably the best thing about the show...not for pure asthetics, of course, just...I dunno...I just kinda like the dynamics of it... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 342 Sat Jan 16, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:22 EST Indeed, they might withhold such participation, which the PC would be obligated to honor. Non-PC telepaths would be a different situation entirely, of course...and a danger...which only a PC (or one of the other government's own 'paths, if any) could work against. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 355 Sun Jan 17, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:01 EST The "Making of B5" piece is being re-edited; originally, the E! piece was going to be the one shown, but...well, no need to rehash all of that. The piece is being recut, and new stuff put in to replace the old stuff. It should be finished next week, I hear, and then provided to the stations. Great news about Arisia, Arne. Any other reactions come to mind? Re: using my posts for articles...by all means, proceed. BTW, it appears that the deal for a B5 game has been closed, and the winner is Electronic Arts. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 358 Mon Jan 18, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:47 EST This goes back to a very basic philosophical question: can you have thought without language, or language without thought? At one point in our evolution, we became conscious...was there language, or did language then come as a *result* of consciousnes? Or did the slow development of language *lead to* the development of true consciousness? jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 375 Mon Jan 18, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:38 EST I'll know more about the game in the weeks ahead. Apparently, Creation has licensed some stuff...mainly shirts and mugs and patches and the like, nothing major, but it's there. I got the first t-shirt design roughs today, and have some notes, but nothing too major. More as this is developed. BTW, does anyone know if there are any SF conventions this coming weekend in Dallas? jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 379 Tue Jan 19, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:00 EST Licensing Corporation of America. Based in New York. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 403 Fri Jan 22, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:03 EST You say, "New characters and sets apparently do not work." The basic problem, you seem to feel, is that it's the same show, and how do we go about making B5 different? I think that the question is more accurately phrased as, "How does one make DS9 more like TNG?" I'm going to do this absolutely as non-pejoratively as humanly possible, because this is fundamentally the truth. When TNG first went on the air, a lot of the legwork was done for them already. Much of the universe was established: phasers, the Enterprise, starfleet, klingons, warp speed, doors, terminology, on and on. There was additional material added on, but the basic *foundation* is the same. This is neither good nor bad. One can do (and there have been) good stories within this format. What it *is* is a continuation of the same universe. You can do good stuff with that, but it's still fundamentally the same universe. Now comes DS9, and again, it's much the same situation: it builds upon and integrates what went before. We have the Federation, stuff introduced in TNG (Bajorans, Cardassians), some overlapping characters, and a carry-through of many pre-existing stories and themes. Once again, and let me be clear about this, this doesn't mean you can't do good stories here. It's just that it's the same universe. It's not a question, really, of "sets and characters," it's a question of the universe overall, and the fact that it's really a repackaging of the same show, with some modifications. B5 simply does not take place within that universe. Every frame of film reminds you of this. Without making a qualitative judgment for a moment, consider ST vs. Battlestar Galactica. Both are space shows, but very different in tenor, tone and universe. (BG and Star Wars is, of course, a very different discussion.) The comparison I've always made has been to say "What if all the space science fiction stories ever published were written by Larry Niven?" Yes, they would be fine stories...but one kinda wants something different after a while. He might change characters, create different empires, but it's still a Niven point of view. And that -- to get to the heart of your question -- is the point re: B5. It's a question of *voice* as well as all the physical elements you see on your television. The *voice* is the underlying philosophy of a show and its creators, the perspective they bring to it. Babylon 5 brings in a whole different voice. Better or worse, that's a question for the viewer to decide...but it IS different. We don't really have to try to be different from DS9 or TNG because we were never like them in the first place. As opposed to DS9, which is linked to another show, and proceeds from the same producers/writers, and to which they have an obligation to make it, to whatever degree, much the same as TNG. Those who have seen the two shows have no problem telling them apart. And future B5 stuff will continue to remain separate and fresh for the same reason that the pilot is different and fresh: because it proceeds from another voice. Just as Clarke's stories have always been different from Asimov's has been different from Ellison's have been different from Bova's have been different from...well, you get the idea. No comparison of quality implied there, only as examples of voice. (One final note: B5 has always been conceived as, fundamentally, a five year story, a novel for television, which makes it very different as well.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 405 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:33 EST That's not a bad notion. As it is, the date given in each season of the show will change. I.e., "I was there at the dawn of the third age of mankind. It began in the year 2257." Then, "I was there at the dawn of the Third Age of Mankind. It was the year 2258." And so on. So it not only tracks the storyline, it'll be easier for folks to know which season they're coming into as soon as they tune in. BTW, y'know, I was thinking about this discussion as I sat chewing my lemon sesame chicken at the Good Earth Restaurant in Glendale this evening (my Spousal Overunit insists that I eat something healthy once in a while, apparently not believing that one can actually SURVIVE on beef jerky and little chocolate donuts and Crystal Pepsi)...and I was thinking about how this on-line discussion has now generated -- what? -- 7,000+ messages even before the show airs. So I got to thinking...what's going to happen AFTER this sucker airs? I kinda suspect that either a) we will see a lot of "I WUZ ROBBED!" notes followed by a silence vast as space, or b) this category is going to explode in the biggest blast since Tunguska. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 421 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:28 EST So, Denny, any comments of David's that you'd like to repeat here, or provide for PR use? If not, that's okay. Yeah, I'm inclined to think that there will be an upswing in interest. What intrigues me is the notion that we actually will have two audiences out there: those who've followed this discussion, and will be able to read into things the various background information posted here...and those who will see it totally absent any background on the characters or the universe. An offhand comment in the pilot would have more meaning for those who've been following this, and can fill in the blanks. As a writer, though, you can't expect anyone to bring prior knowledge of your story TO the story, it has to be self-sufficient, so we'll see how well it functions on that level when the new folks arrive. I'm sorry if it seems like there's an awful lot of self-examination going on here...my tendency is toward being hyper-critical of the work, rather than to try and make excuses for it. And again, I must selfishly admit that I learn a *lot* from these exchanges, and the diversity of opinions here, and the depth of the answers to questions asked, is quite striking and most invaluable. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 436 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:47 EST Funny thing is, I hadn't checked to see when the pilot would be aired in L.A. Kind of amusing...and appropriate, given the probability that the audiences will overlap. (The article to which Brett refers, btw, is a piece in the Palm Latitudes section of the LA Times Magazine that hit the newsstands today, which talks about the discussion here on GEnie, and has a photo of yr obdnt srvnt stuck inside a computer monitor which should probably be burned...the photo, that is...and as if that weren't bad enough, it's a Mac.) One other aside...Denny's friend David is the *first* civilian on theh planet to see the totally completed B5 pilot, with sound, music and credits. Hence the current sub rosa exchange. Katherine: yeah, I know there's a Good Earth in Studio City...was hoping Spousal Overunit wouldn't find out about it, but she did...sigh. By gosh, give me a hamburger, fries and a chocolate shake! The heck with this so- called health food. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 447 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:02 EST Hah! Phooey! Why do you think I grew up...as much as I did, anyway? So I wouldn't have to eat that stuff anymore. When I'm found dead at 90 in front of my TV watching Babylon 5: The Next Generation, let it be with a coke in one hand and a chocolate bar in the other. As Mark Twain said, "If you can't get to 70 by a comfortable road, don't go." jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 450 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:37 EST BTW, I'm giving some thought, since I'm going to be appearing at Con-Dor in San Diego this March as GoH, to bringing along some of the scenes we ended up cutting from the pilot, just to see folks' reaction to the stuff. (Filmed and cut, not cut before filming. There are about half a dozen extensive scenes available.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 454 Tue Jan 26, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:57 EST Don't know if these will ever show up down the road; in a few cases, where they're set pieces, we may actually be able to take one whole scene which is pretty much independent of the plot and drop it into an episode as part of a teaser. (One, for instance, is an encounter with an alien hooker, the other invovles a smuggler.) They were cut for reasons of time: we were 25 minutes over length, and something had to go. Several somethings, actually.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 470 Wed Jan 27, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:34 EST Correct, that's the shot seen in the magazine. Re: the B5 commercials...please drop me a line reminding me of this prior to con-dor, or I'll forget. (Jeez, between the commercials and the cut scenes, this is starting to add up to some considerable viewing time.) Coke, Pepsi, who cares as long as it's got caffeine? Katherine: I made a discovery, a better deli than Jerry's or Arts: Solley's, on Van Nuys two blocks up from Ventura, in the same complex as the multicinema. A good deli, and a great restaurant, with stuff I haven't seen elsewhere. (Corned beef and fried egg sandwich...might as well inject the cholesterol right into your veins and get it over with.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 478 Wed Jan 27, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:45 EST How the various shows interface, and how one is linked to the other, is best understood only by deities and studio guys; we'll have to see. Only problem with coke is that they changed the formula and now use sweeteners other than sugar. Though apparently they put out kosher Coke at passover. Eventually I'll have to get a proper dispenser with Coke syrup and seltzer, since the syrup apparently *does* still have the s ugar in it. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 494 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:57 EST No, I have no knowledge of the article in question; could you upload it to me in email? jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 519 Fri Jan 29, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:00 EST Katherine: my condolences on your recent assignment to a previously undiscovered circle of Dante's Inferno. Surely your current task is prohibited under the Geneva Convention.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 535 Sat Jan 30, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:13 EST So, I like the number 5. Actually, the length was something set with Ron at the time, and he produced the 5 miles figure (which is a bit short, in fact, of the "actual" length as it came out). And I didn't make up the L5 stuff...hey, it's synchronicity. Ohmygosh -- and I've been typing this with five fingers on either hand (well, nine actually, the left thumb doesn't actually DO anything that I'm aware of). Re: NATPE...Warners DID have a presentation doing on B5 there. Not a big presence, because they've already sold it to just about all the stations that'll be carrying it, and selling is pretty much the point of NATPE, but in any event, it was there. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 1 Message 548 Sat Jan 30, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:41 EST (BTW, Walter Koenig saw the pilot and said it was "a winner," adding that he thinks it "should get a lot of the Trek fans, plus a lot of more mainstream viewers.") How much of the basic "saga" is in the pilot? Some...bits and pieces. The problem, always, is that we have a whole new universe to establish, with all the backstory that goes with that. As it is, it's fairly "information intensive," as one person put it. We find out about the Earth/Minbari war, the curious surrender, Sinclair's past, the missing 24 hours, the relations between the various governments and their own personal agendas, and a hint of what's to come. This while establishing the backstory of all our characters, and telling a story in present time (for them). I think you will find indications of what we've talked about for the series present in the pilot. Which is why it bears watching more than once; you'll pick up more information and more of a sense of the world the more closely you inspect it. (We tried to come up with a pilot that actually BENEFITS from close inspection, rather than falling apart if you look at it too closely.) Had a meeting the other day with the folks who're going to be doing the B5 games. (As to platform...variations are being planned for ALL of the various platforms...CD-ROM, IBM, Amiga, Mac, Sega and so on.) It was a terrific meeting, with top of the line people. What was interesting was the fact that they seemed shell-shocked from dealing with other producers, the heavy restrictions, the interference, the hassles...my attitude on this show has always been, "Here...we're creating a whole universe for you to go and play in. Do so." So they're going to have a lot of freedom to come up with stuff. I *want* to be surprised. Hell, I want to play the games. Because of the need to avoid any substantial conflicts with the general arc of the story, I gave them a peek into the five year arc, a few things that had to happen. As long as things didn't cross into these areas, the territory was completely open. And knowing that going in, there are no surprises down the road to sabotage them. They seemed...well, there were a lot of very wide eyes when I explained some of what we were going to do. They also saw the pilot at the screening that night, and apparently loved it. We're cooking along, folks.... jms ------------ ************ Topic 2 Wed Nov 20, 1991 SOARON [Bio-Dread] at 19:41 EST Sub: General Information Babylon 5 will premiere with a two-hour movie entitled "The Gathering" early in 1993. The creator of the series, J. Michael Straczynski joins us on-line to answer your questions. (No story ideas please...) 394 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 114 Fri Jan 15, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:25 EST Speaking of EFX, I was talking to Ron Thornton during the final mix down the other day, and as we were watching it, he kept shaking his head at all the things he would've done differently if he'd known then what he knows now, and if he'd had the programs/techniques then that he has now. Just the few months since we finished photography have given him a number of tools that he didn't have then. We talked a little about what's capable now, what he can do now, and what's coming up, and it makes what's in the pilot look like nothing by comparison. (A lot of the critics talked about the extensive work that went into the DS9 jello-man effect, not to mention the cost involved; he turned his associate Paul into the same thing in a test that worked just as well and took one night and no money, just a little while behind the keyboard.) Once we get the go, he and I are going to spend a couple of days just sitting and talking about what can be done now, so that I can take full advantage of this new stuff. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 127 Sat Jan 16, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:46 EST "Bob" will never be seen talking anywhere, at any time, for any reason, in B5. I'll personally run a truck over him first, newscast or not (unless I think I can get a good gag out of it...). Re: my mental state...I'll know better in a week or so. I try not to get too personally involved with my own life. Basically, it's lots of fatigue. During the five days of editing, there was so much going on (the music/sound/dialogue edit), I was so obsessed with making sure it all fit together, that for two nights out of that I got no sleep at all, not so much as a minute...I'd crash, and just stare at the ceiling, brain chasing itself in ever-smaller circles, until gradually light started to come in through the window slats. (Did you know that Danger Mouse is on at 6:30 a.m. out here? I'd wondered where that show had gone.) This happened two nights in a row, so by the end of the fourth day, without really any sleep at all, I had elevated to a whole new plane of consciousness. The day after we finished, I slept for something like 18 hours straight. I tend to live crisis to crisis, and I guess right now my mental state is mainly one of concern for how the show does when it airs. First was the concern about getting the show made; then the concern about getting the show made RIGHT; then the conern about post-production; then the concern about...well, you get the idea. There's this great character in Eric Frank Russell's "Men, Martians and Machines" about a photographer who, on return starflights from the ship's exploratory missions, sits and does nothing but worry about his pictures coming back intact. The one time he DIDN'T worry, they were destroyed. So now that's what he does: sits, stares, and worries. That's about how I get through on shows like this. BTW, for those interested, the magazine Aboriginal SF has an article by Susan Ellison about B5, including an extensive commentary from Harlan about his involvement with the show. (The issue just hit the stands.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 152 Sun Jan 17, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:05 EST BTW, to correct an erroneous statement of mine earlier, there is not a species named Vee'lons that will be introduced on DS9. The Vee'lons will be introduced on Space Rangers. Some days, I just can't get a break.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 172 Mon Jan 18, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:42 EST I take great joy in being politically *incorrect* at every possible opportunity. I believe in the motto someone at the BBC once voice: "There are some people we WANT to offend." jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 185 Tue Jan 19, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:47 EST Re: starships from Earth...yes, you'll be seeing a wide range of ships, from smaller transports and trading vessels to big mothers. It is something of an empire, and the ships come in as many varied forms as we have cars and trucks and semis and tanks and on and on.... Re: talking vs. action...there's a shade more exposition than I'd like in the pilot, mainly because there's so damned MUCH background to establish, so much ground to lay...it'll be more evenly proportioned in the series. I like action. For me, the #1 crime of any TV show or movie is that it should bore. When in doubt, kill somebody. Or blow something up. Re: technology...yes, the point about the sudden jump via new technologies is exactly dead on. It *did* have a tramautic impact, and to varying degrees still does. The effect of technology, and the desire for same, will be a recurrent thread. There are some technologies that are considered too radical for some species, and are thus kept off limits, with prison sentences or even death sentences for smuggling certain kinds of technologies. One such tech-runner appears in the pilot. The parallel, I suppose, would be our current concerns with the spread of nuclear technology. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 205 Fri Jan 22, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:05 EST Matt: the most entertaining thing for a writer is creating a character; the second most entertaining thing is killing off a character. Believe me, as you'll see in the Fight To The Death in the pilot, I have no problem dropping a body. And as far as I'm concerned, only 2 or 3 characters in this series are indispensible...the rest are open to all kinds of interesting fates. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 206 Fri Jan 22, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:10 EST P.S. If you want," check out the Captain Power two-parter I wrote, "Retribution." That should answer the question.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 216 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:35 EST Yes, I *strongly* believe that there has to be diversity among our alien races...accents, political beliefs, religion, name it. I think that is VERY important. Yes, from time to time, you want the monolithic, perfectly homogeneous aliens, but if so, you want them to stick out a bit in contrast to the rest. As has been noted, there's a *big* split currently going on between the Minbari warrior and religious castes, for instance. More will come later. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 227 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:31 EST What happens if something happens to one of the actors? We'll deal with that when it happens. (Was that okay, Mr. Director...?) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 230 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:03 EST "Do not tempt the hand of fate...." Gee, I'm getting good at this. There may be a political career ahead of me. The best way to help the show get the attention it deserives, and to get feedback on everyone's efforts, is to contact your local station and Warners after the show airs. (Er, that should be "deserves" above. One of these days I'm gonna try Aladdin.) Right now, it's all in the hands of the one-eyed god of television PR.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 231 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:09 EST BTW, before I forget, in addition to the People Magazine ads (and others that'll be popping up soon enough), there's an article on Andreas Katsulas (G'Kar) in the current Starlog, which came out pretty well, and an A.P. story that features B5 that should show up in various papers in the next day or so. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 240 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:56 EST The comment re: Twin Peaks is correct; I loved TP dearly, but if you missed one episode, you were screwed. The way the story is constructed, you can come in at any point, even miss episodes, and still be able to follow the thing. It's just that the *more* you watch, the more you'll get out of it, the more things you'll pick up on. It's a very difficult task from a writing point of view, but worth the effort, I think. Re: the actors...yes, there was a great degree of comitment on their part. The head/hairpiece for Londo worked fine, but just to add to the authenticity, Peter Jurasik shaved his head for the duration of the shoot. All of the actors did research into their characters, got books on SF if they didn't know much about the genre, on and on. They *very much* got into it, down to consulting about their wardrobe and having input into prosthetics (to some degree). We want them to be comfortable, otherwise they can't do their best work. They're all certainly committed to doing the 5 year stint; as for being forever inserted into SF...there's the question of typecasting, and we've tried to circumvent that in some sneaky ways (who's going to recognize Mira or Andreas outside of their makeup?). Nimoy had problems because it was his face and head, just a pair of ears stuck on. If we have lots of alien makeup, we try to hide the actor's face (while allowing for varied expression) so they can do other stuff. I think it's important to try and think of your actor's well being and career...because then you create a good and healthy environment for them, and it serves you well in the long run. I've not been consulted re: closed captioning, and must confess that I don't have the info on this. Will see if I can find out. Yes, I was consulted about the ads, and while accepting the graphics, provided alternate copy for the ads, which I thought were a tad heavy handed. But overall, I'm quite happy with the approach that's being taken. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 242 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:16 EST I think that talk would be premature; let's see if it GETS that kind of attention, or if folks want to run us out of town. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 250 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:29 EST A video index...oh man...you're *deliberately* trying to make my life a living hell, aren't you? (More than it is already.) We'll see. It's something I'll mention, and see how they react. Meanwhile, here's a little something I came across in my computer this evening. I had always sensed that the Londo introduction/narration at the top of the pilot was the way to go. But it never hurts to try other avenues...you discover the darndest ideas that way. Anyway, I came up with an alternate introduction, just to see if it worked or not. I rather liked it...and still do, to some degree...but finally opted to go with the Londo intro instead, which is what we'll stick with. But since it's not going to be used, I figured...why not let y'all take a look at what would've been an alternate opening for the pilot? BABYLON 5 Insert/Prologue FADE IN: ON STATIC. Then: a BLACK SCREEN, OVER which we HEAR the FEMALE voice of a news broadcast in progress: FEMALE VOICE (vo) -- continue to bring you updates on the Interplanetary News Network. And now, gradually, a PICTURE begins to emerge from the darkness -- grainy, slightly washed out, a VIDEO IMAGE of Babylon 5. FEMALE VOICE (vo) In other news, the Earth Alliance space station Babylon 5 celebrates its first year in operation with the imminent arrival of an ambassador from the Vorlon Empire. And now: a MONTAGE of shots from within B5, and some EFX shots from outside...the casino, the customs area, the bazaar and other areas. During this, the IMAGE BEGINS TO SHRINK, to recede into the distance, and gradually the stars begin to come out on all sides of the picture, framing it. This UNDER: FEMALE VOICE (vo) Located in neutral territory, Babylon 5 has exceeded all expectations in dealing with the many life forms that pass through the five mile long station. As a result, Earth Central has approved an appropriations bill to keep the orbiting freeport open to travelers, businessmen and diplomats for another five years. And now the image shifts, and the picture continues to recede into the distance, now only a few inches across...a grainy black and white image: FEMALE VOICE (vo) Meanwhile, a new binary star discovered by Mars colony scientists has been named Kennedy Proxima, after 20th century president John F. Kennedy, born 340 years ago this week. And now, in the small picture framed by stars, receding more rapidly from view, we SEE footage of JFK speaking before the Democratic convention the eve of his presidential nomination: KENNEDY I believe that the times require imagination, and courage, and perseverance. I'm asking each one of you to be pioneers toward that New Frontier. My call is to the young at heart, regardless of age; to the stout of spirit, regardless of party; to all those who respond to the scriptural call, "Be strong and of good courage. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed." For courage, not complacency, is our need today. UNDER this, Kennedy's image recedes further into the distance, growing smaller and smaller until he is now one of the many surrounding stars splashed across the blackness of space. A moment, and the MUSIC RISES, brave and martial, as we TILT and PAN ACROSS to reveal Babylon 5 itself, up close and personal in all its huge splendor. PUSH IN on the station as a ship approaches, and we HEAR: LAUREL (vo) Confirmed, Delta Gammer Niner, you are clear for docking. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 251 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:33 EST That should be Delta Gamma Niner, not Gammer Niner. Typo. Sorry. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 265 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:17 EST Generally speaking, I agree with the sentiments expressed, and what you've picked up on are the reasons that I decided against using this particular form, even though there are things I like about it. What was, for me, the #1 reason for not using it is that it's...for lack of a better term, fairly prosaic. A news cast as opposed to the voice of the story teller, a sense of future-history you get through Londo's voice and the identification of him as the storyteller. Although I agree about the Kennedy tie, and that it can be somewhat problematic, what I like about it is that it fed into what I've been after with this show from day one...to tie our past, our present and our future. Done properly, it could've been fairly classy, I think. And there's Kennedy's voice -- I have the tape of his speech -- which rings powerful and true in that speech. It set a tone. But as has been noted here before, writing and acting and directing are fundamentally about making choices...this move rather than that, this attitude over that attitude. The Londo choice was the *better* of the two, even though there's much about this version to commend it. (A quick aside re: the MURDER question...the episode you cite was one done under my watch, but not the one I mentioned as the last I'd have anything to do with for this season. That one, which I wrote, aired about two weeks ago. The one you saw this weekend was from last season, as is the one coming up this Sunday, an episode of mine called "The Committee," a fairly gothic episode that actually came out quite well. The mystery element may or may not be that strong, but for me, MURDER was always a character story first, onto which you graft a puzzle.) Well, review copies of the pilot are going out, and have gone out. I heard through back channels that a major reviewer for a major magazine saw the pilot on Thursday last and his head exploded, thought it was terrific. The one comment that I keep hearing back from people is that it redefines SF on television. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best thing since sliced bread, but in terms of character and SFX and the general, more adult approach, it redefines what you can get away with. Which is all to the good. As for what I'm doing now...writing a script for a friend who's in a bind, ratcheting up the PR on the show a little more, giving interviews and suchlike, trying to get a leg up on my next novel so I'll be able to continue with it once this thing gets going to series, and some other stuff that, for the moment, is classified. It's now less than a month until this thing shows nationally. And just a tick over two weeks until those with satellite dishes pull the show out of the general ether. By February 22nd, I fully anticipate being a complete and total basket case. Fortunately, it's unlikely anyone will notice.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 272 Tue Jan 26, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:09 EST Rob: the scenario you posit is a viable one. Nuff said. RE: the making of stuff...rather than a half-hour show, the stations (which in some cases had a hard time breaking loose a full half hour) will be getting promos from a minute-thirty to 20 minutes in length, which they can drop in as they wish, giving them more flexibility. It *may* go out to them along with the B5 downlink, but I'm not sure. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 275 Tue Jan 26, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 07:17 EST (What the hell am I doing up at 4:15 a.m. my time? Watching B5 for the ten zillionth time. Picking it apart. Making notes. This is nuts. I'm going to bed. See you all in the afternoon..... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 288 Tue Jan 26, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:58 EST Artisan: I think j.roy's got some graphics that qualify; nudge him into e- mailing them. Nothing to pick at? Oh, dear. Stand with your face half an inch from the mirror, and tell me you see no imperfections. We all see the things others miss. Tell you what...at some point after the pilot's aired, after things have settled down, I'll go through my list of things to do better in the series, things we should've done different in the pilot, on and on. But that's the *purpose* of a pilot, to try a show out for size, see how it fits, and make adjustments. But no matter how good it gets, everything is open for improvement in some way. You have to keep constantly questioning and re-evaluating. The unexamined life and all that jazz. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 294 Wed Jan 27, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:36 EST Hmm...y'know, given the reaction here, maybe I'll fax the intro over to Warners PR and see if they can use it for a promo. Like I said, I liked it as well, it just wasn't up to the level of the rest of the show, I thought. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 295 Wed Jan 27, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:53 EST From the Associated Press article by Scott Williams on the new crop of SF TV series (specifically here, DS9, Space Rangers and B5), quoting David Gerrold. "I've seen the pilot, and it's [Babylon 5 is] the best looking of the three. I really do think that Babylon 5 will be the one for grownups to watch." (Article appeared in various newspapers over the last few days across the country.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 302 Wed Jan 27, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:01 EST "The Committee," which airs Sunday, is an episode of Murder, She Wrote, for which I was producer/writer until recently. Sorry, thought I was clearer. BTW, I recently made a horrific discovery about GEnie posting. In the past (since I compose on-line), I'd hit the carriage return at the end of a line...and nothing would happen. I'd wait. Hit CR again. Then I'd get the new line...and figured it just took a second to kick in. Turns out that every time that happened, apparently the buffer or something was getting full, and half the line wasn't getting through each time it happened...so there have got to be some sentences of mine that make even less sense than usual. Now that I'm aware of it, I'm going back and revising the line when I see the delay at CR. I'm meeting Friday with the computer game design people for a few hours to kick around the structure for the thing. Should be interesting; main thing will be determing the degree to which this thing should interface with the overall acr of the story, or exist totally outside of that arc. To the question raised 'way uptopic about comics -- yes, there may in fact be one. And I'm actually quite pleased with the idea (being a comics fan). Imagine what could be done by a Neil Gaiman or a Grant Morrison could do with the B5 concept. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 314 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:18 EST Y'know, when I posted the original idea for an introduction, I had no idea it would generate so many different responses. And all with some merit. Rob, the points you raise are correct: I've always felt very strongly that in this show, and in SF in general, it helps to connect the future to the present, to show the continuity of the species, of the common coin of our shared humanity, our cultures, our languages. I think there are other ways of doing it, and will do so. But given the "pro" response, maybe there might be some way of using this thing, whether it's as a promo or somehow using it in the show. (Y'know, it *could* be used in the course of a regular episode, as I think of it; no reason why it couldn't....) Well, one thing's for sure...if it ever DOES get used, it'll in large part be because of the reaction here. Thanks. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 318 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 06:54 EST Well, it's almost 4 a.m. I was going to give you three guesses as to what I've been watching -- again -- but I figure by now that's kinda pointless. I know, I know, obsessive/compulsive. Sue me. It's now 2 weeks and 1 day until those of you with satellite dishes see the pilot. I'll be very interested in seeing (well, reading) your reactions. I must confess that as this dialogue continues, I find myself learning more, and questioning more, and digging deeper for information that had been glossed over before. I very much appreciate your comments, your suggestions, even the occasional outbursts of Attitude. There will shortly be a private screening of the pilot on a real movie screen, just for cast and crew. The only time that I know of that this thing will be shown in the US on a big screen. Have been going over what I'm going to say to the assembled folks...how does one properly thank another for the fulfillment of a dream? How do you quantify five (now six) years of struggle, now given life by people you had hardly met one year before, but have given their blood and time and effort to see someone else's dream realized? During the filming, as I would be standing on stage, off camera, and we'd take a break between shots, invariably someone -- the camera operator, the costumer, an actor, a carpenter -- would come up alongside and say, "Is this close to what you saw when you wrote it? How are we doing on the dream?" They knew what it meant, the long road to get here, that it wasn't just a *job* for me and many others; it was something we wanted to do out of passion. And they responded to that...slept nights on the set rather than going home, produced work above and beyond the call of duty...how do you properly thank someone for reaching into your head and pulling out a vision and giving it form and weight and light and substance? I don't know. I don't know. Whatever the future holds -- win, lose or draw -- I think we've done something special here. And it's interesting to see how that sense pervades everything...the casting, the production...and now even this. I have noticed - - I do a LOT of bbsing, much to my spousal overunit's dismay -- that the tone on this category seems vastly different than it is elsewhere. I don't know...a give and take, no flame wars, a sense of community, the VERY SAME sense present on the set, in the dressing room, behind the camera. In the cold light of morning (when I manage to see it, when I'm not coming at 4 a.m. from the opposite direction), I tell myself it's just a television show, and six months from now, or ten years from now, no one will notice or remember. At night, as I watch the show again for I no longer know how many times, I allow -- just for a second -- the notion that we've carved out a little piece of history. Win, lose or draw, we got it on film, when everyone said we couldn't. And now it's yours. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 325 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:57 EST Bear: you're an evil man. I like that. Re: "Night of the Living Dead," yeah, that's Patricia Tallman in the lead role. Which is where I saw her for the first time, and decided at that moment that I *had* to use her in something. She's dynamite. I saw her at a number of gatherings in LA, including the Horror Hall of Fame parties at Universal, but didn't say anything because...well, when someone comes up to you and says, "Hi, I'm a producer, I'd like to use you in my next big project," it's invariably perceived as a come-on. So I waited until the right opportunity arose. Knowing she'd be perfect for B5, I had her called in to audition. As she was waiting in the hall, nervously practicing her lines, I stepped outside to tell her that I'd seen her work, that she was terrific, and that I looked forward to working with her. Apparently she didn't have any idea who I was...but found out when she was brought in to do the actual audition a few moments later. There was never any question in my mind about her doing the role, and it was one of the smartest decisions I made in this thing. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 345 Fri Jan 29, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:49 EST Re: the Trek story...no, that was very much of its form and of that universe; it wouldn't fit in the B5 universe. Anything else in the past to compare with B5? Probably the closest has been the novel writing, especially the one I'm working on now. But overall, no, this is the biggie. If it works, it'll probably be the single largest task of my career. If there's any one thing that I'd want to be remembered for, it's a B5 series. BTW...just a general note for those who are cycling in and out of the conversation...be sure to be around a week or so before the airing of the pilot. Many folks have asked how they can help; at that point, I just may put you to work, and take you upon that generous offer... jms (that should be up on, not upon...) ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 353 Fri Jan 29, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:21 EST EEEEEEEEEKKK!!!!! I just read the first eight messages in the new topic 19 (mine). Jeez, what a flashback. What redundencies. Did I really sound that gleepy? Oh, man. It's like looking at your high school yearbook photo. Are you guys *really* sure you want to do this? Eek, I tell you, Eek! jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 363 Sat Jan 30, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:20 EST Agreed on LBJ...he was something of a thug. Flat-out wasted tonight...we had a private screening this evening for cast, crew, some critics and some Warners execs. About 400+ people at the theater in the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in North Hollywood (in the shadow of a 50 foot Emmy). I don't think I've ever been as nervous, because here's where all the people who worked their butts off get to see if we screwed it all up for them or not. Everyone liked it bigtime. The few critics who said anything (most headed out, as is standard, you don't want to tip your hand) loved it...one CNN person said he hoped it would run for 10 years, another critic said it was the best SF television pilot he'd seen in the last 10 years...I think they liked it. Sitting here now with a MASSIVE headache from fretting over all this, so will probably make this short tonight. (Harlan kept hitting me in the shoulder after the screening, smiling and saying, "Will you for chrissakes ENJOY this? It's your night! It's a hit! It's wonderful! This kind of night only comes once in your life! Enjoy it!" I will...as soon as we get the series Go. Nothing can be allowed to distract from that.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 374 Sat Jan 30, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:50 EST The sound system at the theater was great; we ran it off the D2, the master tape, and it came out very well. The point you raise re: Starlost is one Harlan's made to me. When I was at times feeling a bit low -- I want the series NOW -- he would point out that no matter what happens, we made my show the way I wanted it made, no interference...as opposed to what happened with Starlost, which just yanked his heart out. And it's a valid point. Thing is, it took five years to get this made, and that it HAS been made...it's almost an act of sheer will. I decided five years ago that no matter what happens, this pilot WILL be made. You have to focus in on the goal like a laser beam (tm Bill Clinton). That's been done. Now the next step: the series WILL be made...and now I have to focus in on that one with equal conviction. It's quite literally the only way ANYTHING ever gets made in this town. Ask George. He's been down the same road. As for the question of the show working with non-SF fans...we've actually shown it to a number of people who don't know from SF, and the result has been that they've liked it enormously. The reason, basically, is that it's not a hardware-driven story. It's a character drama with a mystery story element. The solution doesn't come from cross-wiring the ramaframmit with the zigamakawanna, and computing the resonance factors. (And I have to confess that those kinds of stories bore me to tears.) You start and end with character, and drama...and if you're true to those elements, the audience will follow you even into unfamiliar terrain. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 379 Sun Jan 31, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:21 EST (btw...anyone here know of any major conventions between now and February 22nd around the country?) What has been said that's *negative* about the show? Do you actually believe I'll provide *NEGATIVE* information about my own show? You do? Oh. Then okay. Probably the number one comment, when there are any negatives voiced, is that the first half-hour is slow when compared with the rest of the episode. And I have to agree...there's SO much to establish, so much ground to cover, that the first half hour is very dense. Once we've established the foundation, that changes fast, because we now have a common ground of understanding about the universe in which the story is taking place. Let's see...one fellow from Starburst Magazine who was at the preview said that if it were his, he would've rearranged the last few shots. The current sequence is, Action Scene, Transition with Kosh, Confrontation with a Major Character and Sinclair, the Reception, Delenn and Sinclair in the Garden, and the final shot with Laurel in the observation dome. He would've put the Confrontation with a Major character as the LAST scene, and cut the shot of Laurel altogether. His sense is to end on a big scene...my sense is that it's better to end on a note that sets up the series to follow. Not so much a negative as a difference of opinion. Let's see...some didn't like the gun designs (others loved it), some felt we didn't do as much as we could've with the background aliens (some thought we did too much)...mainly they've been matters of taste, rather than someone finding something that Just Doesn't Make Sense, or an EFX shot that looks crummy. There aren't any Real Big Plot Holes, and insofar as I know, nothing major to pick on which is *objective*, only differences of opinion. (As we've seen here with the Kennedy stuff; some liked it, others didn't.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 2 Message 390 Sun Jan 31, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:24 EST I'll be getting in touch with Mr. Jonas. Re: the uniforms...yes, there's a certain traditional look to them, and this is deliberate. Look at any uniform from 200 years ago, and you have certain lines and forms that repeat, and which stay part of the uniform. There is a STRONG sense of tradition and history in any branch of the military. Heck, the navy not long ago went BACK to a more traditional dress after making some modifications. The basic dress uniform for your basic soldier on leave looks about the same now as it did during WW II. Much of what passes for SF uniforms/costuming in the future simply pretends that all that history and tradition just suddenly came to a screeching halt. In B5, we're trying to connect our past, our present and our future, to show the continuity of the human species. jms ------------ ************ Topic 3 Tue Nov 03, 1992 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:09 EST Sub: BABYLON 5 - Computer EFX Tech-Talk Some of the new computer EFX used in BABYLON 5 will be revolutionary, a new approach never seen before on this scale. It's all new tech, and this topic will try and address the new technologies involved. 549 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 3 Message 498 Thu Jan 21, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:20 EST While we may indeed have a CGI character down the road, it most assuredly *won't* be a shapechanger. I don't like to swim in somebody else's pond. Re: observatories...we'll be introducing the many other specialists who work at B5 as we go along, from environmental techs to astrophysicists, so we'll definitely find a place for this. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 3 Message 505 Fri Jan 22, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:37 EST Insofar as I can remember (problematic on the best of days), I never cited that the CGI character would be a shape-changer. Because such is not planned...though I suppose I could've been momentarily possessed by an idiot...it could happen. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 3 Message 520 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:45 EST My reaction...it's an interesting idea, yes. It's also a story suggestion, but one K.L. should let slide because I don't think it's a B5 kind of story...more of a TNG story. But the notion of different forms of communication than what we have come to accept or recognize as such is certainly valid and filled with dramatic possibilities. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 3 Message 523 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:19 EST The hardest thing, of course, is making the muscles beneath the skin move realistically and correctly. That apparently has just been licked, though. Ron mentioned the other day that he just got some new software in that will let him do for TV what Spielberg's whole computer operation is required in order to do Jurassic Park. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 3 Message 531 Tue Jan 26, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 07:11 EST I'll ask re: Ron's new stuff. As for the changing technology, I'd like to keep things looking *pretty* much the same, so there isn't a big or noticeable jump, but things just sorta look clearer and better and more real over time, rather than changing things per se. jms ------------ ************ Topic 4 Tue Nov 03, 1992 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:12 EST Sub: BABYLON 5 - Cast and Characters For discussion of the actors who will be bringing BABYLON 5 to life with their performances...for information before, and discussion after the airing of "The Gathering" pilot. 505 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 4 Message 505 Fri Jan 22, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:06 EST Also, the contracts with the actors for the series extend to the window at which time Warners *must* either give us a decision. So we're covered. jms ------------ ************ Topic 5 Tue Nov 03, 1992 T.ORTH [Mr. Rico] (Forwarded) Sub: Grid Epsilon Irregulars - News & Info. This topic is for information about Babylon 5 fan groups, newsletters, fanzines, get-togethers, B-5 at conventions, and other general fun. 288 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 5 Message 218 Wed Jan 20, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:00 EST Yep...the "beep" stuff will all be clear by the end of the pilot. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 5 Message 267 Wed Jan 27, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:39 EST Hmm...two 3.5 floppies, that's...2.4 megabytes...my last novel was about 600k, so that's....FOUR NOVELS!? Okay, that's it. Everybody pony up a quarter.... Yikes! I was far less tired before I read that. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 5 Message 269 Wed Jan 27, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:34 EST (Hmm...that sounded vaguely like a threat....) jms ------------ ************ Topic 6 Tue Nov 03, 1992 T.ORTH [Mr. Rico] at 06:43 EST Sub: Where is Babylon 5? TV stations... Babylon 5 is a cornerstone of Warner's new Prime Time Network. Here is where one can find the station information.... 374 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 6 Message 287 Wed Jan 20, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:02 EST I'm scheduled for Gallifrey One Goes Forth? Oh.... Er...when exactly is that, again? jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 6 Message 291 Thu Jan 21, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:21 EST Yes, we've got WOR, which will only be blacked out if your local station requests it. If no one locally is carrying it, then it might indeed be available that way. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 6 Message 305 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:54 EST Okay, here's the deal on the "Making Of" stuff. Many of the stations indicated that they might have a hard time knocking loose a half hour on TOP of the 2 hour running time for B5. So Warners is providing shorter pieces -- 90 seconds, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 15 minutes and 20 minutes -- to the stations, giving them some flexibility. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 6 Message 309 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:37 EST Don't know the answers to the questions, but will post as soon as I do. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 6 Message 318 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:35 EST If you're seeing promos for KF and TT, then yes, you'll probably get B5 on the same station. As for the 2 1/2 hour feed...I don't know for certain, but it's *likely* that the making of clips will be included in that feed. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 6 Message 320 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:05 EST To the questions about airdates and times...there's no one central source for this information, alas; the best thing to do, unless someone else here happens to have the information, is just to give your local station a call and ask the programming or publicity departments. They'll be happy to supply the information. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 6 Message 323 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:52 EST BTW, a belated but *substantial* thank you to Jim Partridge for sending in the KBHK tape. Yep, they used B5 footage to promote DS9, all right. We just got it over to the Big Boys, and they'll take care of it from here. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 6 Message 342 Tue Jan 26, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:11 EST Enough stations *are* airing them together that it still causes a problem. Additionally, a "second night" also has financial meanings; the doubling of resources to acquire two more programs, making four series rather than two. So it applies in both ways. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 6 Message 351 Wed Jan 27, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:42 EST Yeah, I'd gotten it, I was just swamped. (Also there was no letter inside, and I had to tear through bags of discarded envelopes set to be recycled to find the mailing label with the correct info.) Would've mentioned it before, it's just...my head explodes sometimes, y'know...? Gary: that's *great* news re: KUSI. San Diego's my old home town, so it's good they're pushing it. Wish I'd known about the promo, I could have bugged some people down there to tape it for me. Ah, well.... jms ------------ ************ Topic 7 Tue Nov 03, 1992 J.HUDGENS [Fenn Shysa] at 23:07 EST Sub: Babylon 5 -- POTENTIAL SPOILERS If you've seen the B5 promos or the sales info packages and want to mention specific items or situations without worrying about spoiling it for others, post & comment here... THERE BE SPOILERS HERE! 467 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 7 Message 398 Sat Jan 16, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:50 EST There are actually several languages heard on B5, though you have to work to hear them. (Those with surround will have an easier time.) For instance, in the customs area, announcements are made first in English, then in Interlac. In the bazaar area, you'll hear chirrups and whistles and clicks and a wide range of language-sounds. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 7 Message 400 Sat Jan 16, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:12 EST There are about as many as now...with a few extras developed on the Mars and other colonies. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 7 Message 408 Sat Jan 16, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:29 EST Re: asking telepaths on a date...it would be verbal, assuming we're talking PC hrized scans are illegal, and thus they would not be "dipping" to know your intentions. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 7 Message 416 Mon Jan 18, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:48 EST (A job like that could take YEARS....) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 7 Message 433 Thu Jan 21, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:32 EST It's a very difficult area, and I thank Katherine for making the call for me...it becomes hard at this end sometimes to call. My sense, really, is that if there are VERY SPECIFIC plotlines put forth, then it becomes an issue suddenly. As an aside, though, one thing I did hear from the message was the Vorlons as Minbari question. This I can say definitively ain't so. They are two completely different species, with no common points of origin. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 7 Message 451 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:38 EST Cindy: smug because I've *GOT* the script? Cindy baby, I *WROTE* the script! I have not BEGUN to smug.... jms ------------ ************ Topic 8 Tue Nov 03, 1992 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:41 EST Sub: Behind The Scenes Production Designers, Art Directors, Costumers, Director, others...this is the place to discuss the production-aspects of B5...it's look and the process involved. 336 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 238 Fri Jan 15, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:27 EST BTW, it's my understanding that the monitor screens on TNG are not inserted in post; they're regular TV screens with edges that come out and cover any bends in the tube, thereby giving it a flat look. At least, that's what I hear.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 251 Sat Jan 16, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:53 EST I agree re: universal translators. Most everything in the ST universe is bent toward making the process easier, less challenging; I want to show the process of overcoming. I think it's great if an alien shows up from a previously unvisited planet, and they spend days trying to communicate with it. I think that some computerized stuff might work, as in the case where someone programs a machine to go from one specific language to another (sort of a species-specific interpreter), but thats about it. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 261 Sat Jan 16, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:37 EST The language facilities of aliens will vary; probably the most fluent (by virtue of necessity) are the ambassadors, whose english is perfect or nearly so (cyberlink to the brain dumping the English equivilants of their own language and grammar directly into the brain, very expensive and not a little painful). The drawback is that some cultural references or some contextual areas may not be as clear as required. (Londo wondering about ramoras, Delenn unsure for a moment about poetry....) Re: language in general...I agree that all languages must be "living languages" in that they are free to grow and expand and add new terms. There is a difference between this and a *collapsing language* in which the distinction between terms (the aformentioned less and fewer) becomes degraded, and meanings blur through misuse. Ase gradually becomes less precise. A language should be graded on how well it manages to communicate the thoughts of one to the other. If it begins to fail in that regard, then it is not a living but a dying language. (Another example: the way that "anxious" and "eager" have come to mean the same thing. "Anxious" carries with it some degree of worry or dread or fear; "eager" is a pleasant term, connoting something wonderful and nice for which one is longing. So when someone says, with a smiling and expectant attitude, "Yeah, I'm really anxious to see the new Lucas movie," it's a misuse of the term, unless there's some reason for worry.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 268 Sun Jan 17, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:11 EST In terms of the EFX, I think it's all Amigas, with some IBMs being used for general computing (letters, schedules, etc.). jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 281 Mon Jan 18, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:49 EST Re: TRON v2.0....I'd rather write kids in space. Re: places of origin...my sense is that they have their own unique names. We don't call our planet Terra (well, not really), or Hum (for Human) or Planet Human. Because some of the names are difficult to pronounce, the logical approach is to note them by designation, i.e., "And shall be shipped off to the Narn homeworld." That is the only time or I should say context by which we refer to their places of origin. The only exception to this, and I don't recall if this is in the pilot or not, is the Centauri homeworld, designated Centauri Prime. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 288 Tue Jan 19, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:35 EST Yes, there are definitely other human settlements...colonies and outposts and co-operative projects on other worlds with other species. It's mainly from this overlap that the EA draws its non-human members, though a few worlds have chosen to ally themselves directly with the EA. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 325 Fri Jan 29, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:08 EST The command level uniforms (Sinclair, Laurel, Garibaldi) are pretty much the same in cut, though Garibaldi's (and all of securityard grey more than blue. Medical uniforms have a somewhat different cut and lean toward charcoal grey. There's a slightly different cut for grunt-level security, and a slightly greener look. Station techs (maintainance crews and the like) generally get yellow outfits with the B5 logo (and are not directly part of the EA structure; they work at and for the station per se). Control techs, in the observation dome, for instance, generally don't wear jackets on duty, but rather shirts with the B5 logo. The shift commander, though, does wear a jacket with his uniform. (When B5 opens, you see Laural give a command to the shift commander, who then relays it to others. You can trace the line of command in the dome from there.) There are, and will be, other variations in uniform, but those are pretty much the ones you'll see in the show. (In addition, of course, to more conventional clothing such as that worn by casino workers, marked only by a glitter-B5 logo.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 327 Sat Jan 30, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:26 EST If the Garibaldi outfit you refer to is on page 30, that's the same cut of uniform as Sinclair's on 34, just a different angle on it. (And there's no white shirt under the outfits on page 28; those are high collars with gold braid.) Now, there *is* another outfit that both he and Sinclair wear, it's a black outfit (pants and long shirt) under a grey flak-jacket, which is a combat uniform. (The flak jackets are composed of various reflective substances that help refract and dissipate some of the impact of energy weapons.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 329 Sat Jan 30, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:53 EST Oops! Nope, you're right, yes, there *are* shirts under the jackts (actually, there are shirts under ALL the jackets, as you'd expect of clothing). I thought you were referring to the collar. My error. Actually, *ALL* of the costumes are layered. G'Kar can remove six different layers of his outfit, Londo can wear the jacket with or without the vest (which can also be removed for the shirt below), the Minbari wardrobe is equally layered and can be played with as well, on and on. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 331 Sun Jan 31, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:27 EST Rob: so what would you suggest? If B5 succeeds, there will be comics published in the same basic universe, as well as novelizations. These will be specifically encouraged to go in different directions, partly for selfish reasons, so they won't mess with my time/character line, and partly because I'd like to see what others can do with this universe...sort of like a shared world anthology. So yes, there's room to play, and with luck, we'll see it there and elsewhere. What other options would you suggest? If I've missed something, let me know. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 8 Message 335 Sun Jan 31, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 19:31 EST Rob...my friend, it took me five years to get this one show into production. The rest...I'll leave those to somebody else. Re: colors and uniforms...we decided against using color that much as service designation (red for security, and so on) for two reasons: one is that it's so associated with Trek. We're not Trek. We allowed a touch of it in the insignia, but in a very limited way. Second reason, you're dealing with aliens who see various colors and don't see others, and alien sectors where the lighting may wash out or totally change the color codes, which is why we went for specific *symbols* for different areas (security, maintainance, command and so on). If you're in the alien sector that uses red light heavily, and you need help fast, you don't want to try and figure out of that's a blue stripe or a purple stripe when asking somebody for help. jms ------------ ************ Topic 9 Wed Nov 11, 1992 T.RESTIVO [Little Guy] at 18:27 EST Sub: Babylon 5 Humor From *Beep Beep*, to Top Ten Lists to full-blown paradies, this is where to put your funny bone in writing! 172 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 9 Message 150 Mon Jan 18, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:24 EST Kosh as in "gosh." There's actually a last name, btw...Naranek. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 9 Message 156 Mon Jan 18, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:50 EST Pronounced Nuh-RAH-nek. jms ------------ ************ Topic 10 Thu Nov 12, 1992 SANDMAN [Henry] at 19:25 EST Sub: Sex in Babylon 5 Can't do without this one!! 104 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 10 Message 101 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:49 EST Yep. jms ------------ ************ Topic 11 Sat Nov 14, 1992 J.SHEEN1 [Leviathan] at 18:09 EST Sub: B-5 ADRIFT! BABYLON 5 Topic Drift If you feel like talking about it, but it doesn't fit anywhere else... If its only connection to B-5 is that you thought of it in this CAT... This is where to come and get it out. 373 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 11 Message 323 Fri Jan 15, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:48 EST Definite no on the question of matter transmitters. That's a little too much in the magic/science-fantasy area for my preferences. Space travel is done in ships. Re: Captain Power...it aired in 1987/88 in syndication. Was set in the future, after the MetalWars, in which one man, who caused the war (in the best interests of humanity) decided that to save humanity it must be digitized and stored in machines for the day when perfect metalloid bodies could give mankind immortality. Re: Twilight Zone...yes, I worked on the syndicated version. Among the episodes I wrote (I was also story editor) are "The Mind of Simon Foster," with Bruce Weitz; "Dream Me a Life," with Eddie Albert; co-wrote "The Curious Case of Edgar Witherspoon," with Harry Morgan, and co-wrote "Our Selena is Dying" posthumously with Rod Serling, from a long lost TZ outline. Other TZs that I wrote around that time, but whose stars I can't consistently recall: "The Wall," "The Call," "What Are Friends For?" "Something in the Walls," "Acts of Terror," "Special Service," "Rendezvous in a Dark Place," and have another shared writing credit on "The Trance." jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 11 Message 356 Mon Jan 18, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:50 EST No, I wasn't previously aware of "Agony" (except what I've gone through these last six months), but will look for it in future. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 11 Message 372 Wed Jan 27, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:43 EST Shot on 35mm film. Transferred to tape for post. jms ------------ ************ Topic 12 Wed Nov 18, 1992 B.WIST [Brad] at 18:12 EST Sub: Babylon 5 Sightings Post here when you've spotted Babylon 5, whether it be on Television, Magazine, or somewhere else. Let us know where we can find it/see it, too. 190 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 174 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:22 EST I think you'll see the biggest push 7-10 days before, yes; and given that the PTEN ratings have been quite good overall, it's kinda hard to argue too strenuously with that approach. I imagine that reviews and stuff will be coming out about the same time. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 176 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:01 EST BTW, I've been hearing more and more from our Warners liaison that the reviewers who've gotten copies of the B5 pilot have had their corneas melted by what they've seen. Half a dozen have already scrapped plans for other covers in their weekly television magazine/supplements in deference to a cover story on B5 (and this during Sweeps Week, no less!). Keep your eyes peeled, folkses...the stuff should start hitting the streets in the final week of our countdown. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 12 Message 186 Sun Jan 31, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:29 EST Getouttatown...really? I know Somtow, and I'm surprised he didn't tell me he snuck this in. That's funny.... Oh SOMMMMMMtow...c'mere...I wanna talk wit'cha.... jms ------------ ************ Topic 13 Mon Nov 23, 1992 T.ORTH [Mr. Rico] at 21:00 EST Sub: BABYLON 5 - Science and Technology Jump gates, nanotech, high-tech weapons, starship drives, sound in space, and other subjects of science and technology in Babylon 5. 269 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 152 Sat Jan 16, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:02 EST The defense system for B5 consists of a system of moderate level defensive grids, hull-mounted weaponry (which is generally concealed behind large plates, which would be blown off with explosive bolts to reveal the weapons beneath), and a small number of individual fighter craft stored in a docking bay at the rear of the station. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 158 Tue Jan 19, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:37 EST The two things on front -- the spikes, as it were -- are on either side of a second loading bay, this one expressly for cargo held in the zero-g cargo hold. The vanes in the back are heat radiators, as I recall from the original design notes. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 164 Thu Jan 21, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:26 EST Yes, there are definitely different levels in each section of B5. And yes again, down the road there will be both small flyers and individuals with air-packs in the zero-G section at the center of the Garden. Ron's worked out how to do it. How's it illuminated? Quite nicely, actually.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 172 Fri Jan 22, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:41 EST 250,000 is the *maximum* number of beings who can be there at one time; that's not necessarily the maximum number of living quarters. In some ways, B5 is like an airport; you come in, linger, then move on to your eventual destiny (catching a few winks in the customs area waiting for the right ship to come in or go out). jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 187 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:07 EST Yes, if a big ship went into hyperspace on its own power, it would likely have to accellerate first, but if it were near B5, it might well just use the jump-gate that's already there to save on energy and fuel. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 189 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:49 EST I'll ask Ron. This is one of those areas in which I'll have to defer until such time as we get a regular science advisor on the show. I know *some* of this stuff, but fact is, I ain't a techie, and this genre is best served by getting that kind of information from someone who knows what the hell he's talking about. (Which means we *will* be getting a science advisor once this thing gets rolling, btw...no one's set yet, but will probably cull from one or two strong possibilities over at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. My plan is to also bring on a freelance linguistics consultant to invent a few languages for us...and that may be somenoe I encountered right here on GEnie, as a matter of fact, but will wait until something Happens to give more info on that.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 199 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:04 EST As to what happens to their inertia/velocity when they come out, if they accelerate going in...yep, we deal with that. It's in the pilot, and we make it clear that they have to take time to decelerate prior to docking. I think in Kosh's case it took something like 2-3 hours to decelerate. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 214 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:22 EST MATH! MATH! YOU SAID THERE WOULDN'T BE ANY MATH ON THIS TEST! I DIDN'T STUDY! HOW MUCH OF MY GRADE WILL THIS BE?! AAAUUUGGGHHH!!! jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 219 Tue Jan 26, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:59 EST That's actually fairly close to what we were planning...have you been hanging around Ron again...? jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 221 Tue Jan 26, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:40 EST Disagreement: the coolest show ever made is THE PRISONER. I hope to capture a little of the flavor of that show, mainly by playing a little with surrealism, what's real and what's not...but it'll pale beside that show. THE PRISONER, for me, is the perfect television program. I've never really seen its equal. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 241 Wed Jan 27, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:24 EST I'd expect a comment like that from someone who watches GI Joe.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 243 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:24 EST Nope, the music is all original to our composer, Stewart Copeland. And it be WAY cool. (On the B5 blooper reel, there's a shot of all these alien faces, and that rock song with the lyric, "Everyone's strange, when you're a stranger, faces look strange, when you're alone" going on in BG. Very funny.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 246 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 02:59 EST That's probably something that'll have to be worked out between the Language Person and Warners. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 253 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 06:34 EST Okay, okay, I got the lyrics wrong, but I got 'till *right*. Thing is on the language stuff...it honestly isn't my choice. There is a little thing called "separation of rights." Publishing rights would probably accrue to whoever does the language stuff. It's not my call. I would be giving away something that ain't mine to give. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 13 Message 266 Sun Jan 31, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:30 EST Just for clarity, I don't want to "slip Prisoner elements in" in the way described. Was only referencing the show as the kind of show to emulate with a beginning, middle and end, and a sometimes surreal aspect that leaves you questioning what's real and what isn't. jms ------------ ************ Topic 14 Thu Dec 31, 1992 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:59 EST Sub: Lurkers/Introductions: Please Sign In A place for newcomers to come in, say hello, whether you want to jump into the conversation or not, just to let us know you're here. 187 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 14 Message 132 Sun Jan 17, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:15 EST Hey, Mark, good to have another H-25er around. Pat: I taught at Grossmont College for about one semester, it's a pretty good place. (Went to San Diego State and meself.) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 14 Message 135 Mon Jan 18, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:52 EST I taught writing (what else?)...I *think* it was around 1979 or 80. After a while, everything blurs. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 14 Message 143 Mon Jan 18, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:59 EST Re: SDSU, no, I had very little to do with the cinema/telecom dept. there. I crashed two courses -- mainly because I wanted to learn from a particular instructor, Norman Corwin -- and had one or two others, but that's it. My interest was in other areas...one degree in Clinical Psychology with a minor in Philosophy; another in Sociology with a minor in Creative Writing, that sort of thing. BTW, if you go down to the offices of the Daily Aztec, and ask to see the archive volumes of the paper around 1977/78 or thereabouts, you'll see several zillion articles by me in there. At more or less the same time, I was the resident book reviewer, film reviewer and theater reviewer, had two weekly humor columns ("A View from the Rabbit Hole" and "A Modern Cynic's Dictionary"), as well as regular feature articles and profiles, and the occasional investigative article, including one on the CIA. The frequency of articles led some to describe the paper as The Daily J. Michael. At the same time I was doing cover stories for the San Diego Reader, the Daily Californian, features for the SD edition of the Los Angeles Times, and entertainment reviews for KSDO-AM Newsradio. But the Daily Aztec stuff was great fun. I worked without pay, the only one on staff who did, in fact...because I didn't want to be beholden to anybody, could write what I wanted, nobody had any leverage. Which was all for the good, given the massive numbers of angry letters and the occasional bomb threats elicited by what I wrote. Can't imagine why.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 14 Message 147 Tue Jan 19, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 22:57 EST Yes, a VERY large blunt object. The one point of any possible interest to draw from this comes from something I tried to beat into incoming students when I was an orientation counselor at SDSU: if you go to college, and all you see are the class rooms, the bathrooms, the parking lot and the cafeteria, you will cheat yourself of 99% of your possible education. Any university or college has vast opportunities for writers and others. In the former case, write for the university newspaper, or the university theater (and most schools have an ongoing one-act production program)...take classes in acting or film, to get a sense of history, or the hands-on process of being on stage...the range of experience open to you is enormous. Don't just follow your major to its conclusion. There is a world of experience you can get while you're there *that you may never have the chance to experience again*. Take it. End of sermon. I shouldn't even be here, frankly, this is for the new folks and others to sign in and introduce themselves...both for the interests of our own private party, so we know who's come into the room, and for any possible future mailings or opportunities. Let's hear from y'all. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 14 Message 152 Thu Jan 21, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:28 EST KBHK Channel 44 in San Francisco. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 14 Message 160 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:08 EST Shane...imagine, if you will, a slow fuse being lit...as I stare at the name, thinking, "There was something...something I was supposed to do, something...writing?" Then, finally, the fuse works its way through the dense foliage I laughingly call my cerebral cortex and explodes with the words "THE ARTICLE, STUPID! YOU NEVER FINISHED PROOFREADING THE ARTICLE HE SENT YOU!" A thousand apologies, Shane. The piece came in right when I was in the midst of finishing B5 and leaving M,SW, my life was degenerating into stark, staring madness, and I put it down, intent upon taking care of it that evening, and next thing I know...I see your message here. Hope I didn't screw anything up.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 14 Message 165 Tue Jan 26, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:13 EST I forget...which one of us was wearing the rabbit outfit that night? jms ------------ ************ Topic 15 Thu Dec 31, 1992 J.ROY18 [Jonathan] at 21:29 EST Sub: BABYLON 5 - Alien races Aliens races in Babylon 5... their politics, abilties, technology, history, and any other discussion specificly about non-humans. 128 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 15 Message 71 Tue Jan 19, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:01 EST Yeah, that's one thing I've kind of slated in as a B story in a given episode...an alien comes aboard and they just can't quite manage to communicate, it's just too damned foreign in its thinking. (What I'd love is for them to find out at the end that it's some other alien's damned cat or something, and they've been spending all this time trying to communicate with something that ain't sentient...but with aliens, how can you tell sometimes?) jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 15 Message 88 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:40 EST Yeah, you kinda need binocular vision for survival purposes and the utilization of tools. Re: alien plans...that's something that we'll have to work out down the road with our prosthetics people. I don't think we used the full range of aliens (both versions) as well as we might have in the pilot. We get only one medium-long shot of Black Eyes, for instance, and that's one that I feel came out VERY well and should be highlighted more. Some of the others were less effective, but were kept to the background. I'd like to keep a mix going, about 50/50. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 15 Message 96 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:51 EST An entire planet of mimes.....AN ENTIRE PLANET OF MIMES!?! NUKE 'EM! NUKE 'EM TILL THEY GLOW THEN SHOOT 'EM IN THE DARK! YAAAAAGGGGHHHHH! jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 15 Message 118 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:02 EST till (til) conj. & prep until ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Oxford American Dictionary jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 15 Message 122 Thu Jan 28, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 06:38 EST Your teacher was wrong. The dictionary accepts till. If required, I can call Mrs. Nash, assuming she survived the process. Re: aliens...yeah, there was a somewhat naturalistic look to the things that I'd like to experiment with come the series. This was a deliberate choice on Criswell's part. And by and large, it worked out okay. I just think that for the series, it would limit us. Criswell's elves actually did a *lot* of research, trying various textures and color combinations drawn from nature. Of course, that's all nature as would evolve in an oxygen atmosphere, 1g. We have to go beyond that, and I think there's some nifty stuff that can be done down the road. jms ------------ ************ Topic 16 Fri Jan 15, 1993 T.ORTH [Mr. Rico] at 01:02 EST Sub: "No kids or cute robots, ever!" This is a topic for discussion of the unofficial slogan of Babylon 5. 99 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 16 Message 2 Fri Jan 15, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 03:31 EST On the other hand...maybe it might be better if our Sysoptrix took the last, oh, 100 or so messages from 1 about this and transplanted 'em here. Get the whole context in place. And lord knows, it's not like she has anything ELSE to do, other than nudzhing me.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 16 Message 21 Sun Jan 17, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:19 EST Something I forgot to mention uptopic, when asked if I can write a story with kids...it's appeared in a lot of my prose. The two leading protagonist in my most recent novel, OTHERSYDE, were around 16...the lead character in one of the first short stories of mine ever to be published ("Your Move," in Amazing SF) was about 13, and the second story of mine published ("A Last Testament for Nick and the Trooper," Shadows 6) featured two kids maybe 19. Provided only for the sake of completeness. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 16 Message 26 Tue Jan 19, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:03 EST Absolutely. I love being proven wrong. Though there are few survivors to carry the story.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 16 Message 42 Fri Jan 22, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:25 EST Ah LAHKES Crow an' Tom Servo.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 16 Message 57 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:47 EST If you can find Harpo, we'll book him on the show.... Or Chico, or Groucho...but definitely not Zeppo...or Flammo, the Marx Brother who ended up on the cutting room floor. "Getta you tootsie-fruitsie ice-a cream...." jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 16 Message 64 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:29 EST Rob: that was very funny stuff. And believe me, I know from Gummo; the Flammo reference was from a play by Louis Phillips, "The Last of the Marx Bros. Writers," very surreal, where they mention Flammo. The play is about...well...the last surviving Marx. Bros. writer, who is living in a one room flat, doesn't go out, and keeps having delusional conversations with God. "Make Me Laugh," God says. The writer starts a joke. "Heard it," God says. Which is, of course, the problem...he's heard ALL of them. BTW, if you're a true-blue Marx Bros. fan, you might want to find (if you already haven't) the book "Flyweel, Shyster and Flywheel," which contains many of the radio scripts of that Marx Bros. show, no surviving audio copies of which have survived. Very, very funny stuff. "How much do you charge to perform?" "Ten dollar." "How much to perform but leave out the rehearsal?" "Twenty dollar." "How much not to perform at all?" "Oh, no, boss, you couldn't afford it...." jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 16 Message 81 Wed Jan 27, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 04:36 EST KL: though it galls me to quote commercials, I heard something on one the other day that's actually quite telling...some restaraunter quoting something his father told him: "The guy who says he never had a chance, never TOOK a chance." What you say is correct: write it, send it out, write another, send it out, write another...on and on and on...if it's good, sooner or later somebody'll notice. jms ------------ ************ Topic 17 Tue Jan 19, 1993 C.STOBBE [Colin] at 21:02 EST Sub: BABYLON 5 - Merchandising A place to discuss all the neat Babylon 5 merchandising coming out (hopefully) soon 55 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 17 Message 3 Tue Jan 19, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:00 EST I'll know more about the computer game next week or so. Best thing in general is to write to Licensing Corporation of America to get on their mailing list for future B5 promotional stuff and merchandising. The Creation designs for shirts look okay, if a tad prosaic...there has got to be one central image to promote this show, but I'm darned if I can figure out what it is at this stage. The logo looks swell, though, in any event. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 17 Message 21 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:59 EST Jack's message is correct. The only "sale" aspect was that the GEIs in question had to send $1 to help cover postage; the shirt was free. (I hear a few have shown up at auctions for sale; $50 for one, in fact.) And yes, the triangle logo has been pretty much officially dropped. Whether or not we'll find another use for it down the road is an open question, but for now...yep. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 17 Message 25 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:47 EST Oh, yeah, before I forget (again)...look for ads in People Magazine and elsewhere to start appearing in the next few weeks. And local TV reviewers are going to start getting their copies this week. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 17 Message 27 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 00:08 EST Well, this IS a science fiction topic..... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 17 Message 32 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:11 EST BTW, for anyone going to NATPE -- wherever the hell it is -- this coming week, there's going to be a big B5 display at the Warners booth, and some posters available. I've asked to get one of the posters for my archives. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 17 Message 39 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:30 EST Boy, those time distortion fields are tricky, aren't they? jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 17 Message 42 Tue Jan 26, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 07:13 EST Go ahead....YOU tell G'Kar he's ToTo. Me, I wanna live a while.... jms ------------ ************ Topic 18 Fri Jan 22, 1993 SF-LAWRENCE [Katherine] at 01:57 EST Sub: Law and Order on Babylon 5 The sociology of the B5 station is already being discussed and has generated so many messages, they deserve their own topic. Here's where we can discuss Law, Order and Penalties for breaking the law, on B5. 85 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 18 Message 1 Thu Jan 21, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] (Forwarded) The death penalty question is one I've been debating in terms of B5 for quite some time. Look at the math involved...if you find someone guilty of murder, do you spend all the money and time and effort and so on to ship them to a penal colony? The cost would be ENORMOUS. Do you keep them imprisoned on B5? If so, eventually you'll run out of room. So the question becomes, Do you space them? Kill them humanely? There's a B5 story I have in mind that will explore this question, but I'm not yet sure which way I want to go on it. And to the question above...some stations air PTEN shows on different nights, yes, there's some flexibility. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 18 Message 4 Thu Jan 21, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] (Forwarded) Ah, but you see, for starters, the issue may not be one of reform; okay, A kills B, so we transform A into a better person...this by you is a punishment? What is the purpose of the law, to reform or to avenge? Plus you run into the other problem...what of the other species out there who may require death for certain offenses, such as murder of their own species? And consider this: A kills B. B happens to be your little sister, age 12. A gets transformed by the psychs. And you're now living side by side with A, you see him every day, in a closed station...would thisn ot lead to MORE murders? jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 18 Message 31 Fri Jan 22, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] (Forwarded) Yes, but of course the problem *there* (making them work it off) is that it begins to institutionalize slavery. How can you safeguard against situations leading to indentured slavery...Person A is *falsely* accused of a crime for the purpose of shipping him off to the work colony where he will slave away for the Company indefinitely? In a way, when you're dealing in this context -- far space -- the question of "is murder humane?" is really less and less the operative question. (By "murder" I mean the death penalty in the above.) You're living in *very* small quarters, when you get down to it. It costs quite a lot in time and money to get there. And to send someone away. How much time and money do you allocate for extradition across, potentially, x-number of light years? The best metaphor, I suppose, is a boat at sea. There are ten people in the boat. A kills B. You don't really have the resources to rehabilitate there. And barring that option, there's no way of knowing if A won't kill C in his sleep...or that D, B's friend, won't kill A at the first opportunity. Meanwhile, you've got to put your attention to getting this ship to port without totally disrupting operations and sinking before you reach port. On Earth, if someone commits a crime, you send them to prison upstate, out of sight, out of mind. But where do/can you send them in such closed quarters? I raise this mainly because what I've always tried to do with B5 is to Ask The Next Question. Very often the answers to those questions aren't easy, or comfortable...but they have to be asked, and answered, if your universe is to make any sense or have any degree of consistency. (And just in general, btw, everyone who comes to B5 operates under EA laws, so Earth laws have jurisdiction under *most* circumstances. But there are always exceptions. And those would be a *real* test.) As to the idea that the death penalty costs more than life...yes, that's true as far as it goes on Earth...but a station wouldn't have time or money or resources for those kind of endless appeals. Justice wold (would) have to be fairly swift, or the entire operation would come to a screeching halt. So what happens to civil rights? To the question of cruel and unusual punishment? Where does one draw the line? They're very hard questions. And the thing is...there IS no right answer. On to other things (meanwhile, feel free to keep this discussion going...there are a lot of sides to this argument, and it's good to hear all of them). Yes, there are starmaps around, some are visible in Sinclair's briefing room, although they got kinda washed out to a light blue and you really can't see them well. We'll fix this later. There are weapons, and we'll see them eventually. Can the station move? Yes, but only marginally, as required to maintain its L5 position. As for the engine room...since this isn't a starship, the engine room is not exactly the same. There's not much of an engine per se; it was built IN one place to STAY in one place. There are maintainance areas and operational sections, the blue-collar stuff, though, and that we will be seeing. Had something great happen today. Got a call from a friend, and there was a guy in town from Magazine X (I can't give the title), which covers computers, and SF, and other related areas. He wanted to see B5 and do a quick interview/review. Now, this guy is very skeptical and not a little cynical, even by his own admission. I said okay, and he came to the house where I cranked up the system and showed him the finished pilot. This is the first time a civilian has seen the *completed film*, sound, music, pic all. And a reviewer, no less. His responce, (response), when the pilot was over? He pronounced it the best SF pilot ever made, the "most significant SF event" he had ever seen. He was just croggled by it. I am a happy man. It's a start. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 18 Message 41 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 01:03 EST And there I agree...in our current situation, I much prefer live (er, life) imprisonment to the death sentence, first because it allows for more time to correct errors if the person's innocent; and second, if the person's guilty...deny him an easy way out. But again, that's *here* and *now* and may not necessarily reflect the sorts of problems and considerations that may exist on a station such as B5. Leviathan: you say that the law should "protect, not avenge." But protect how? How do you protect against the lover who, in a fit of jealous rage, knifes his fiancee to death? Do we have cameras in every room of every house, monitoring for potentially dangerous behavior? What is the dividing point between privacy and endangerment? Is not the aspect of protection or prevention hinged upon the idea of retribution if caught? If there is no avengement, where then is the prevention? If there is any privacy at all, where is the protection? jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 18 Message 53 Sat Jan 23, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:52 EST I think that, to avoid a western-centered show, you have to work from the assumption that the EA has incorporated laws other than those of the good old US of A. Which will add some color to things. As for how dangerous a place B5 is...the comment about the prior Babylon stations is a good and telling one. There are almost two levels of understanding on this...the sense of those who work there and maintain the environment, who know just how fragile this situation really is, and the sense of those who come and go, whose sense of safety has to be reinforced if B5 is to be commercially viable. Which opens up some interesting moral and ethical dilemmas for some of the crew.... jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 18 Message 61 Sun Jan 24, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 20:14 EST Little Guy: there is, admittedly, a certain advantage to throwing a topic out there, and watching a number of intelligent, articulate people who know SF debate the thing...it opens your mind to many possibilities. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 18 Message 66 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 05:50 EST Jim...hmm...interesting...an inquisitorial system could make for a good adjunct to something I'd been thinking of...something Harlan suggested, actually, during our first B5 brainstorm session last year. Which I'll elaborate on at some point in the future, but in the interim...good idea. jms ------------ Category 18, Topic 18 Message 72 Mon Jan 25, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] at 23:32 EST Re: the use of psi's in the judicial system...there was a whole long discussion of this in another topic...which answered all of the questions asked. In fear of being redundent...does anyone out there remember where that discussion took place, so we can send this fellow to the right message(s)? jms ------------ ************ Topic 20 Fri Jan 29, 1993 SF-LAWRENCE [Katherine] at 06:32 EST Sub: "Babylon 5" - Information Only 2 Topic 1 is for old messages, already archived into the library. This topic is for newer posts, and like topic 19, will remain a CLOSED topic. Get your hot Straczynski messages here! Hot off the topics! 1 message(s) total. ************ ------------ Category 18, Topic 20 Message 1 Fri Jan 29, 1993 STRACZYNSKI [Joe] (Forwarded) The command level uniforms (Sinclair, Laurel, Garibaldi) are pretty much the same in cut, though Garibaldi's (and all of securityard grey more than blue. Medical uniforms have a somewhat different cut and lean toward charcoal grey. There's a slightly different cut for grunt-level security, and a slightly greener look. Station techs (maintainance crews and the like) generally get yellow outfits with the B5 logo (and are not directly part of the EA structure; they work at and for the station per se). Control techs, in the observation dome, for instance, generally don't wear jackets on duty, but rather shirts with the B5 logo. The shift commander, though, does wear a jacket with his uniform. (When B5 opens, you see Laural give a command to the shift commander, who then relays it to others. You can trace the line of command in the dome from there.) There are, and will be, other variations in uniform, but those are pretty much the ones you'll see in the show. (In addition, of course, to more conventional clothing such as that worn by casino workers, marked only by a glitter-B5 logo.) jms