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The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5
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JMS CompuServe messages collected by The Green Meddler <kilgalen@tde.com>.
Subj: Bab5 books Section: Babylon 5
To: David Fox, Monday, July 03, 1995 11:56:25 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#259272
I'm involved in the books quite a bit, inclusive of
reading the manuscripts and approving premises. Some stuff
slips past me, mainly in the small details, but the bigger
picture is generally consistent with the show.
jms
Subj: role of Natoth Section: Babylon 5
To: David Fox, Monday, July 03, 1995 11:56:22 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#259271
The role of Na'Toth has not worked out as well in the
second season as the first; I may rethink my approach on
this a bit.
jms
Subj: Acts of Sacrifice/Lumati Section: Babylon 5
To: Chris Carrier, Monday, July 03, 1995 11:56:19 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#259270
I think one need look no further than the latest
communiques from Dole and Newt to get some idea on the
progenitors of the Lumati.
jms
Subj: Renewal Cont... Section: Babylon 5
To: Randy Pastrone, Monday, July 03, 1995 11:56:17 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#259269
KCOP will carry the third season; B5 has been renewed
overall.
jms
Subj: Bearded folks raise hand Section: Babylon 5
To: Jerry D Bookter, Tuesday, July 04, 1995 4:42:29 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#259828
Have recently grown a beard. The two most consistent
comments I get:
1) "Good heavens, it's so GREY!"
2) "Oh, my (son/husband/brother) just grew a beard...
he's going through a mid-life crisis too."
My kingdom for a nerf-bat.
jms
Subj: B5 Convention Section: Babylon 5
To: Brian A. Thomas, Tuesday, July 04, 1995 4:42:27 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#259827
For personal reasons, I'd urge *against* Atlanta.
Nothing wrong with the city, there are just personal reasons
why I won't go there.
jms
Subj: role of Natoth Section: Babylon 5
To: Jason Wong, Tuesday, July 04, 1995 4:33:31 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#259814
I don't think Mary really *got* the notion of Na'Toth,
though she did try gamely. So I'm moving in other directions.
jms
Subj: B5 Video Releases in UK Section: Babylon 5
To: Gerard Keating (Ireland)Friday, July 07, 1995 1:42:05 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#262062
That's very weird, because they're delivered in surround,
and it costs no more to dupe them in that mode.
jms
Subj: Bearded folks raise hand Section: Babylon 5
To: Brian Kornfeld, Thursday, July 06, 1995 9:24:22 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#261894
I *think* there's a jms gif somewhere in the files;
if not, it can be uploaded, as a "before" shot. The "after"
shot can be found on any Post Office wall....
jms
Subj: Garabaldi's Eyes Section: Babylon 5
To: Philip Hornsey, Thursday, July 06, 1995 2:51:27 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#261186
It's a screwup committed by the EFX guy, who was
"doodling" on Garibaldi's face while he was rendering another
shot, and didn't think he'd saved that one frame.
jms
Subj: Acts of Sacrifice/Lumati Section: Babylon 5
To: Chris Carrier, Thursday, July 06, 1995 2:51:26 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#261185
Yeah, well, you only need to watch Dole hold a pencil to
figure out why he came out for the disabilities act; if it's in
his personal interest, then he's for it; if it serves the rest
of the commonweal (except the big money boys, which thus also
constitutes a personal interest), he's a'gin it.
jms
Subj: B5 Specs Section: Babylon 5
To: Paul Sulkowski, Wednesday, July 05, 1995 10:07:13 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#261056
None of that information has been officially released at
this time; at some point down the road it may.
jms
Subj: B5 Convention Section: Babylon 5
To: Rae Augenstein,Wednesday, July 05, 1995 10:07:15 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#261057
"I assume you're not against the idea of this convention?"
I'm not against many ideas, except maybe tarring,
feathering and dead-catting, but I can't endorse it until it
gets to a less tenuous state.
jms
Subj: B5 Convention Section: Babylon 5
To: Brian A. Thomas, Wednesday, July 05, 1995 10:07:09 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#261055
I can't technically endorse *anything* until there's a
business plan and things get real. Y'unnderstand, I get asked
CONSTANTLY to endorse one convention or another in the
nascent stages, "We haven't done this before, but if you'll
endorse us, we know we can do it," and I'm the one who gets the
rap if things don't work out. So I really can't comment in
any kind of official capacity until this would get real-er.
jms
Subj: "Infection" question Section: Babylon 5
To: Robert Miller, Wednesday, July 05, 1995 10:07:08 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#261054
No similarity. Icarus is a Greek name, chosen for its
own reasons.
jms
Subj: "Infection" question Section: Babylon 5
To: Lynn Dimock, Thursday, July 06, 1995 9:24:25 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#261895
There are some deliberate connotations to be derived from
choosing Agamemnon, yes. Particularly as re: Cassandra, given
that G'Kar is our nominal Cassandra figure in the
story...someone gifted with the power of prophecy (though not
literally in G'Kar's case) who was cursed in that no one would
never believe her until it was too late.
jms
Subj: Emmy Nom. for B5? Section: Babylon 5
To: Rae Augenstein, Friday, July 07, 1995 8:20:13 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#262766
I certainly hope so. We've done all we can to help the
process along. We've put many of our actors up for it via the
application process, which is time-consuming and expensive,
we made videocassettes up for academy members of two of our
best episodes ("Coming --" and "Geometry of Shadows"), also
very expensive...so we can only hope they get the
recognition they deserve.
I think we'll have a strong shot at some of the technical
areas, like EFX, costuming, makeup, sound editing, music, that
sort of thing, IF enough academy members actually *look* at the
episodes, but the non-tech stuff, acting/writing/directing, are
always long-shots in the SF genre, sadly.
jms
Subj: Visions '95 Section: Babylon 5
To: Bob McLaughlin, Sunday, July 09, 1995 11:34:11 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#264496
If you're going to be speaking with her <Mira Furlan>,
her name is Mira, not Miri.
Miri is a Star Trek episode.
jms
Subj: WB Official B5 Web page? Section: Babylon 5
To: Michael Grabois, Sunday, July 09, 1995 5:31:06 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#264223
The only discussions re: a B5 web page involve getting
the elusive fan club going, which is still in progress.
jms
Subj: Babylonians at Starquest Section: Babylon 5
To: Jeannette Fornadel, Sunday, July 09, 1995 5:31:13 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#264224
The Rangers will be an increasingly important presence.
jms
Subj: <Acts Of Sacrifice> Section: Babylon 5
To: SysOp Dupa T. Parrot, Sunday, July 09, 1995 11:26:19 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#264492
<The hand-to-hand combat between G'Kar and the other Narn looked
really good. Did Katsulas do any of the stunts or were they done
by a StuntNarn?>
It was a little of both, yes.
jms
Subj: Garabaldi's Eyes Section: Babylon 5
To: Bob Perse, Sunday, July 09, 1995 11:26:18 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#264491
<What !!?? DOODLING on Garabaldi's face........why, the man
should be fed to the shadows! <g>>
He was.
jms
Subj: "Infection" question Section: Babylon 5
To: Philip Hornsey, Sunday, July 09, 1995 5:31:14 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#264225
<>> What one finds depends on what one looks for, and what
one sees.
JOE!
Congratulations! That was the ONE HUNDRED THOUSANDTH question
that you answered in a CRYPTIC and INCOMPREHENSIBLE manner.>
When the cat calls at midnight, your shorts will ignite.
jms
Subj: Londo in AOS Section: Babylon 5
To: Jerry D Bookter, Monday, July 10, 1995 3:41:22 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#265074
Thanks. He's a fascinating character to explore, and
the most careful balancing act of the bunch; part of the
character's appeal is that on a very fundamental level,
you *like* him, and you don't want to see him on this
terrible slide downward. So every so often, you have
to pull him back, go in a different direction, remind us of
his basic humanity and potential for heroism. He is, really,
any of us caught in a web of events spinning more and more
out of control every day.
jms
Subj: Londo in AOS Section: Babylon 5
To: Philip Hornsey, Tuesday, July 11, 1995 3:50:24 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#265555
The environment came first, then the broad sense of what
the story was going to be, then the characters, then how the
characters fit with the story, and how the story fit with the
characters.
jms
Subj: Ancient Ones Section: Babylon 5
To: Bob Perse, Tuesday, July 11, 1995 3:50:25 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#265556
<The alien on the planet (Epsilon3?) with all the miles of
machinery - was his race one of the First Ones?>
No, Varn was not one of the First Ones.
jms
Subj: Ancient Ones Section: Babylon 5
To: Bob Perse, Wednesday, July 12, 1995 2:41:06 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#266446
Of course, insofar as I recall, it wasn't stated in the
episode that Varn's people actually *built* the Great Machine;
after all, if they could build it, why would the others have
been searching for it so frantically for the last several
hundred years?
jms
Subj: L.Ditillio Section: Babylon 5
To: Walter J. Lee, Wednesday, July 12, 1995 2:54:31 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#266449
Larry's greatest skill is as a world-builder, and a
script doctor in working with other writers. The former
comes from his background as a gamer, the latter from his
years in TV.
Problem with B5 is that this world is already built
pretty completely, from one end to the other. Also, the job
of a story editor is mainly to sit and listen to pitches from
outside writers, and to rewrite their scripts when they come
in. But in the case of B5, virtually all the scripts were
based on presmises I'd assigned to writers; we took maybe two
pitches in two years. I wrote 12 scripts in year one, 15 in
year two, and personally did just nearly all the rewrites on
freelance scripts in year two. Bottom line, there wasn't
much for Larry to *do*, and there was a growing sense of
frustration, in that he wasn't in a position to do what he's
good at doing. So finally we parted ways. Not much more to
it than that.
jms
Subj: Ancient Ones Section: Babylon 5
To: Rich Foster, Wednesday, July 12, 1995 4:00:30 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#266985
<Was the Great Machine built by a member race of the First
Ones?>
Could be.
jms
Subj: Morden and his place Section: Babylon 5
To: Philip Hornsey, Wednesday, July 12, 1995 3:50:14 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#266966
<In Signs and Portents (as I remember) Morden was confronted by
Kosh in a corridor. Kosh said "They are not for you. Leave now."
We know Morden is never alone and that the Shadows with him
engaged in combat with Kosh (they knocked out the lights and
damaged his suit). What I want to know is who Kosh was talking
to when he said what he did? Was it Morden or the Shadows with
him?>
His comment would have been addressed to the shadows and
their current emissary.
jms
Subj: Londo in AOS Section: Babylon 5
To: Philip Hornsey, Wednesday, July 12, 1995 3:50:17 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#266967
<When you came up with Londo, had you just had an encounter
with a REALLY obnoxious relative?>
I don't have any other kind.
jms
Subj: This seasons shows Section: Babylon 5
To: Tony Scarpelli, Wednesday, July 12, 1995 4:00:00 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#266986
Thanks. We've been working very hard to make each season
better than the one before. The "48 Hours" approach did help to
explicate the show for new viewers.
jms
Subj: This seasons shows Section: Babylon 5
To: Tom Knudsen, Wednesday, July 12, 1995 11:05:13 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#267414
<EXPLICATE!!!????? It's not in MY dictionary.<G>>
"Explicate, n, to make clear, to explain (a literary work)"
Oxford American Dictionary
jms
Subj: This seasons shows Section: Babylon 5
To: J. Michael Straczynski,Wednesday, July 12, 1995 11:06:12 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#267415
Oops. Meant to type v for verb, not n for noun there.
jms
Subj: Emmy nominations? Section: Forum&Technical Hlp
To: Rae Augenstein, Thursday, July 13, 1995 2:00:25 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#267508
No, I believe the Emmy nominations are announced on July 20th.
jms
Subj: Gen. Haig/Control Section: Babylon 5
To: Robert Pierce, Friday, July 14, 1995 2:34:19 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#269009
No purpose in the name echo; and Hague of 2259 has no
bearing on our General Haig.
jms
Subj: B5 at Shore Leave Section: Babylon 5
To: Cynthia and Richard, Saturday, July 15, 1995 12:56:09 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#269454
<Just wanted to share with you and the rest of the online world
the wonderful time we had at Shore Leave talking to MOJO. [...]
P.S. Any signs of a B5 Convention, esp. on the east coast?>
That's good to hear. Glad it went well. The only other East Coast
con I know of for a bit is Magnum Opus Con in Florida shortly.
jms
Subj: Ancient Ones Section: Babylon 5
To: Laurence Moroney, Saturday, July 15, 1995 12:56:12 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#269455
Varn was the custodian of Epsilon 3, the planet below B5, who was
replaced by Draal, a Minbari.
jms
Subj: B5 at Shore Leave Section: Babylon 5
To: Richard P. Manny, Saturday, July 15, 1995 7:29:10 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#270001
As far as I know, Bruce Boxleitner and Patricia Tallman
will both be at Magnum Opus Con.
jms
Subj: B5 and JMS in San Diego Section: Babylon 5
To: Michael Grabois, Saturday, July 15, 1995 7:29:08 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#270000
It'll be pretty much the same, minus the MSTB5 stuff,
which was done by local fans. I definitely encourage folks
to be there for the 11am-1pm presentation I'm doing if you're
*anywhere* in the San Diego area, because the presentation
I'm giving won't be given again until after the new season
begins in November.
No confirmed cast members at this point, since they
only gave us the one time slot, except Bill Mumy, who
generally goes to SDCC every year, same as me.
jms
Subj: B5 and JMS in San Diego Section: Babylon 5
To: SysOp J. Shaun Lyon, Sunday, July 16, 1995 3:55:04 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#270240
It's that Saturday, 11-1. I think I may be on another
panel or two somewhere, but that's the main event.
jms
Subj: Fav. 2nd season moments Section: Babylon 5
To: William H. DiPaola, Sunday, July 16, 1995 5:18:06 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#270594
Actually, 18 were shown thus far, not 19. Four remaing out
of 22, that leaves 18.
jms
Subj: Big Bang Latest Section: Babylon 5
To: All Sunday, July 16, 1995 5:18:08 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#270595
Bad enough that Big Bang stiffed Michael O'Hare for the
remaining $5,000 on his fee to attend the convention, bad
enough the check to Mark Hammil to reimburse his travel
expenses bounced, but I was just told today that the check for the
remainder of his fee, $10,000, ALSO bounced. There are vague
mumblings about how they hope to replace the
check in, oh, three months or so, but nobody's holding out any hopes.
And, of course, there was the check to Walter Koenig that bounced
and had to be replaced (fortunately this happened just *before* the
convention, so he was able to make it clear he wouldn't attend if
it wasn't replaced immediately), the many people who still haven't
gotten refunds....
There were a few people here offering apologia and explanations
for the behavior of Big Bang/CMC earlier. I note we haven't heard much
from them here of late.
This behavior is unconscionable and unforgiveable.
jms
Subj: The Shadow and Jung Section: Babylon 5
To: Sam W, Monday, July 17, 1995 1:00:22 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#270870
There has always been a certain element of Jungian archetypes in the
show, both in the shadows and elsewhere. (Comes from having a degree in
clinical psych, I suppose.) There's a *lot* of thematic/symbolic stuff
going on in the show, actually....
jms
Subj: Oxygen Masks Section: Babylon 5
To: Jerry D Bookter, 75453,2257 Monday, July 17, 1995 1:00:23 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#270871
<A question: I noticed for the first time while watching 'Hunter, Prey'
tonight that the oxygen mask that Sheridan wore while visiting Kosh in his
quarters is lit from the inside. I'm wondering, is it to better light the
actor's facial expressions inside so the camera can get a
better view or does it serve some other function? Maybe it prevents glare or
unwanted reflections on the outside of the faceplate? Thanks.>
Er, it does both. Yeah, that's it, that's my theory, and I'm
sticking to it.
Though mainly it does make the actor's face clearer.
jms
Subj: The Shadow and Jung Section: Babylon 5
To: Sam W, Monday, July 17, 1995 9:27:19 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#271580
<Ever read this strange book by Julian Jaynes, "The Origin of
Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind" ?
He posits that we, as humans, until recently, were raving
schitzophrenics. He claims that the Iliad and the people of
it were unconscious, schitzo, and only recently the corpus
callosum fully integrated to form a conscious mind.>
Yeah, I've read Jaynes' book, and was fascinated by it.
But then I've always found the whole issue of the function of
the corpus callosum to be of interest, particularly the
split-brain experiments of the 1970s. Fascinating stuff.
jms
Subj: Odd gadget in "H,P" Section: Babylon 5
To: Nathan Wallace, Monday, July 17, 1995 2:46:02 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#271232
<there's an odd gadget set on the bulkhead by sheridan's
contact inH,P before she takes out the "whoop" anti-bug
shield. it seems pointedat sheridan. later, when he gives her
the data crystal, sheridan seemsto be holding it. neither
mentions it, so i don't suppose you'd like to give
us a hint as to what it is......?>
It's a flashlight, and he's also holding one. You caught
a very small glitch. Originally, he came out, flashed twice with
his flashlight, giving the code; then she did the same, and
THEN stepped out of the shadows, putting her flashlight down on
the ledge beside her. It took too long, though, interminably,
so when we edited it, we cut out that sequence...and
hoped nobody'd notice the flashlight sitting there.
jms
Subj: Fan Club - Next action? Section: Babylon 5
To: Don Chase, Monday, July 17, 1995 9:27:17 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#271579
Don't wait on us; we've been fighting/negotiating for a year
and a half on this fan club, and it's taken this long to get even
to this point.
jms
Subj: Big Bang Latest Section: Babylon 5
To: David Chandler-Gick, Tuesday, July 18, 1995 1:47:29 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#271731
<I have just returned from NASFiC in Atlanta, which I have to say,
compared to what I heard there of Big Bang, it was the second worst Con
this month...
From an Exhibitor who attended BB; John Delancie was left at
the airport for 3 hours!
When he finally arrived at the Con, he was told that his
presentation was cancelled because he was late. He stood up to them,
reportedly, saying that the presentation would go on because it was
thru their fault, not his, that he was late.
When attempting to go on with the presentation, the BB people
shut off his lights and microphone. DeLancie then told those who were
interested could meet him outside and he would talk to them.
The auditorium where the autograph line was had been
sandblasted the day before. For four hours, while the Big Bang
Security Geeks let their *friends* ahead of everyone else, the fans
were breathing concrete dust!
Everyone was told there would be a limit to 2 autographs - to
which Mr. DeLancie responded by signing everything he could get his
hands on! BRAVO!
My source for this info (as he related to me) knew there was
problems when he got in the taxi and the driver never even heard of the
place!
Gee, we at NASFiC had it made in the shade compared to that!>
Yup...and that's just the beginning of the nightmare....
jms
Subj: Fav. 2nd season moments Section: Babylon 5
To: Robert Miller, Tuesday, July 18, 1995 1:49:16 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#271732
How do you get a shot of Morden's head on a pike past
the censors?
Easy.
You frame the shot so the head is draped...in shadows.
If I were to be planning such a thing, of course....
jms
Subj: Big Bang Latest Section: Babylon 5
To: SysOp J. Shaun Lyon Wednesday, July 19, 1995 12:39:29 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#272608
<Joe - For your information, and the information of those in this
Forum, a user came into both SFMEDIA and our companion Forum, SFLIT,
advertising a "professionally edited" tape of highlights of the
convention.
Due to the nature of the events of this convention -- something I
consider to be fraud -- these messages have been pulled from public
view and said person will NOT be allowed to advertise Big Bang
materials on this Forum.
Just our small way of helping get rid of this kind of stuff in
the future.>
Certainly inquiries should also be made as to whether or not
the actors gave permission for their performances to be edited and
sold in a profit- making capacity. A copy of the contract should be
provided if so, to help avoid any liability for CIS.
jms
Subj: Fan Club - Next action? Section: Babylon 5
To: Philip Hornsey, uesday, July 18, 1995 3:08:26 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#272138
It's nothing to do with support; it's the process of making the
deal with WB, which is like jumping rope with the rope on fire.
jms
Subj: CGI FX for next Season Section: Babylon 5
To: William H. DiPaola, Tuesday, July 18, 1995 3:08:28 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#272139
It's *really* hard to quantify this stuff; the key is to make it
look more real overall, so in a way you don't *notice* it as much.
So yes, it will continue to improve; but how to quantify that, I've
no idea.
jms
Subj: CGI FX for next Season Section: Babylon 5
To: Kenneth Porter, Wednesday, July 19, 1995 12:39:00 AM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#272609
You can't move the NASA zero-g trainer; it's where it is, in
Florida. We're in California. Also, they don't really have a zero-g
trainer in the sense you mean; they have a water-tank that simulates
zero-g using carefully balanced counterweights and lifts. Again, that
won't transport to CA. We can't use the Vomit Comet airplane in a series
like this, which only lets you shoot for 30 seconds at a time, at hideous
cost.
We have, however, vastly improved the interior of the station, which
you'll see in more detail than ever before in one of the final four
episodes. I think it's a *substantial* improvement.
jms
Subj: <<B5 Comic #8!!!>> Section: Babylon 5
To: Z. Michael Milutinovic, July 18, 1995 3:26:04 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#272154
<After reading Issue #8, and looking back at previous eps, I think the
encounter Talia had with Kosh and the ViCaR in season one make it appear
more interesting. (In "Deathwalker")>
You may very well see an echo of that scene, and learn why it was
there in the first place, in that episode.
jms
Subj: Oxygen Masks Section: Babylon 5
To: Will Gearhart, Wednesday, July 19, 1995 1:52:24 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#273040
<But don't the lights in the masks also make it hard for the people
to see?>
Actually, our actors never seem to have a hard time getting
around in them, so I'd guess no.
jms
Subj: Emmy Rip-Off Section: Babylon 5
To: Jeannette Fornadel, Thursday, July 20, 1995 3:25:01 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#274030
Not to pick nits...X-FILES got nominated for Best Series, only
the second time this has happened (I think the first was TNG, which
I believe got a nomination in its final year). So that's very
encouraging.
And we've gotten 3 nominations so far, and as for EFX, the
ballots are still being counted in this and several other areas in
which we think we have a good shot.
Three nominations ain't bad...Kung Fu got zero, Baywatch zero,
DS9 got only two, Pointman got zero, Hercules got zero....
jms
Subj: Emmy Rip-Off Section: Babylon 5
To: C. Bussjaeger, Thursday, July 20, 1995 9:57:19 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#274410
Actually, I only included Hercules because it's genre.
In going over the list, you realize how kinda special this is; out
of all the shows on television, network and syndicated, only 62 series,
movies, comedies or specials were nominated; out of that, only ELEVEN are
dramatic series. And that eleven includes DS9, ST:V, X-Files and B5.
So four out of those eleven dramatic series are genre series, about
45%. That ain't bad.
And this time at bat, B5 got as many nominations as The John
Larroquette Show, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Liz Taylor story,
Murder She Wrote, Murphy Brown, the Simpsons and the Tonight Show. And
*more* nominations than Lois and Clark, Love & War, Politically Incorrect
and DS9, among others.
So apart from the actors situation, I don't feel in the least
slighted.
jms
Subj: Emmy Rip-Off Section: Babylon 5
To: Marte Brengle, Thursday, July 20, 1995 9:57:21 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#274411
Breast augmentation is also a science.
jms
Subj: B5 Emmy Nominations Section: Babylon 5
To: Barbara Pfieffer, Thursday, July 20, 1995 3:45:18 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#274038
As an aside...there are other areas in which we hope to receive
recognition, among them directing, special effects, music and sound
editing. Those ballots are still being counted, however, and won't be
announced for another week or two.
That aside, it's *very* hard to get actors recognized for their
work in SF. Ditto writing. But we continue to improve. The pilot B5
movie got one nomination; the first season got two; the second season has
gotten three so far, and possibly one or two more yet to come.
If we keep going at this rate, it's going to be impossible for them
to ignore us for long. As is the case with X-Files. They've begun
receiving nominations in areas normally reserved for mainstream shows (and
I'm absolutely thrilled spitless that they got the nom for Best Series; that's
just terrific), so that bodes well for gradual change in the industry, and
for B5 to start getting recognition in those same areas.
jms
Subj: 3rd season scripts Section: Babylon 5
To: Barbara Pfieffer, Thursday, July 20, 1995 9:57:16 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#274409
Scripts to date are five: Matters of Honor, Convictions, A Day in the
Strife, Voices of Authority, Passing Through Gethsemane, and due sometime
next week, Dust to Dust.
jms
Subj: New season Section: Babylon 5
To: michael, Friday, July 21, 1995 2:15:08 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#274963
Thanks. And yes, nothing new comes out until the first
week of October, then straight through to about December 14th.
So unless there are any last-minute changes, you'll have
something like 11 new eps in a row.
jms
Subj: 3rd season scripts Section: Babylon 5
To: Jeannette Fornadel, Friday, July 21, 1995 2:15:11 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#274964
No idea yet on how many I'll finally write; I usually
don't know until it's over.
jms
Subj: Emmy Rip-Off Section: Babylon 5
To: SysOp Lee Whiteside,Friday, July 21, 1995 2:15:12 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#274965
Actually, I think the rules on the EFX award *have*
changed, it's no longer a juried award.
jms
Subj: New season Section: Babylon 5
To: Joe Salemi Saturday, July 22, 1995 10:54:09 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#276375
Hmmm...if your info is correct (not saying it isn't, only
that I haven't heard this new bit), the "new season" that begins
for Voyager in August probably consists of the last 4 episodes
they held back from their first season. Assuming they play through,
then the next month would have new season two episodes. They
only started filming their season recently, so they're really going
to have to rush post-production to get material out there in time to
meet airdates.
Doesn't affect us at all (except perhaps the Mountain is hoping
to get a leg up a bit), but I hope it doesn't cause compromises in
quality to do it that fast.
(The Mountain is LAspeak for Paramount; Warner Bros. is the
Shield.)
jms
Subj: San Diego Comic Con Section: Babylon 5
To: Sheree Harrell, Saturday, July 22, 1995 10:54:11 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#276376
I'll be doing my primary B5 presentation at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
on Saturday. CAn't give details, but I suggest you be there.
jms
Subj: New season Section: Babylon 5
To: Anne L. Warner, Sunday, July 23, 1995 5:53:23 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#276992
<By the way, you have completely destroyed my calm, unruffled
lifestyle. After 23 years of happy TV-free existence, B5 caught
us in less than 6 weeks after a loaner Tube landed in
our living room. This morning we wired up our new Surround sound
system. It's ALL YOUR FAULT. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
(And an extra thanks to Mira Furlan. Delenn is the one who hooked
me!)>
I'm simply here to serve the commonweal.
And the Dolby Surround Sound corporation.
Thankyew.
jms
Subj: San Diego Comic Con Section: Babylon 5
To: Don Berg, Sunday, July 23, 1995 5:53:27 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#276995
It's held at the SD Convention Center down by the Harbor.
It's HUGE, the usual attendance is over 25,000 people.
jms
Subj: More third season stuff Section: Babylon 5
To: Barbara Pfieffer, Monday, July 24, 1995 2:39:13 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#277836
<I read on Usenet that you're introducing a new character
named Marcus. Can you tell us anything about him, the actor
portraying him, etc?
I was also wondering if you could upload a new gif or two of
the station.>
I think that uploading can be done.
As for Marcus...he's a Ranger, who'll be seen a lot
in the coming season.
jms
Subj: More third season stuff Section: Babylon 5
To: Barbara Pfieffer, Monday, July 24, 1995 10:35:04 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#278476
I'll give more info on Marcus after we've closed the
deal with the actor.
jms
Subj: New season Section: Babylon 5
To: Anne L. Warner, Monday, July 24, 1995 2:39:15 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#277837
Thanks, yeah, I think we're just on the cusp of finally
breaking through in a big way; my sense is that we're right
around where X-Files was just before it broke.
jms
Subj: Deep Space Franchise Section: Babylon 5
To: Robert Miller, Monday, July 24, 1995 10:43:09 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#278478
<About the line in "There All the Honor Lies">
Correct; the Deep Space Franchise line is *all* Peter's.
jms
Subj: Deep Space Franchise Section: Babylon 5
To: J. Michael Straczynski, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 7:14:23 AM
From: Peter David, #278753
And as I wrote it I sat there thinking, "And as Peter kisses
his Trek novel career good-bye...."
PAD
Subj: B5 & JMS books Section: Babylon 5
To: Jeannette Fornadel, Monday, July 24, 1995 10:43:11 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#278479
Re: advice on getting your foot in the door.
Have a persistent foot.
Write constantly. For anyone and everyone.
Patience, determination, direction and strength.
And never follow somebody else's path; it doesn't work
the same way twice for anyone...the path follows you and rolls
up behind you as you walk, forcing the next person to find their
own way.
jms
Subj: More third season stuff Section: Babylon 5
To: Burhaan Ahmad, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 1:57:01 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279129
<The same Ranger who sought out Garibaldi?>
Different ranger.
jms
Subj: More third season stuff Section: Babylon 5
To: SysOp Dupa T. Parrot, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 10:39:05 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279852
I believe he will be in the opening credits next season, yes.
jms
Subj: More third season stuff Section: Babylon 5
To: John Lester, Wednesday, July 26, 1995 2:27:20 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#280570
I would not be surprised to see Sinclair in a two-parter
this coming season, on the B5 station.
jms
Subj: UK airing / video taped? Section: Babylon 5
To: David Chandler-Gick, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 1:57:02 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279130
Warners is legitimately concerned about people offering to
make mass numbers of copies of episodes and send them out to
others, whether for profit or not. Particularly when
they haven't been seen in this country, such that it violates a
lot of laws both domestic and international. If someone is
engaging in mass copying, be assured that Warners will have
men with badges knocking on their doors in very short order.
jms
Subj: UK airing / video taped? Section: Babylon 5
To: Michael Beemer, Wednesday, July 26, 1995 10:06:26 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#281108
Irony is generally lost on studios.
jms
Subj: B5 & JMS books Section: Babylon 5
To: Jeannette Fornadel, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 1:57:06 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279131
Everyone always tells you it won't happen, you're wasting
your time, it's pointless...because that's how they want to think,
because someone achieving something makes someone who may not have
done so feel self- conscoius, because they KNOW you and as it says
in the New Testament "A prophet is without honor only in his own
land and among his own people," and because overall the system is
designed to keep you IN. A writer by nature removes him- or herself
from the system of 9-5 office type work. Over time you make your
own hours, your own schedule, you select who you work for... you're
outside the normal space/time continuum, and between you and that
goal is one hell of a lot of surface tension.
Every writer has been told, at some point, "You'll never make
it, why waste your time?" Ninety percent of the time, they're right.
Ten percent of the time they're not. But you won't know which camp
you fall in until you try.
jms
Subj: B5 & JMS books Section: Babylon 5
To: Jeannette Fornadel, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 5:12:14 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279382
I started writing at 14; started selling at 17.
One warning re: 300+ page books at this point...if nothing
happens, and it may or may not, it can be a big stumbling block to
get over. Don't let the smaller stories get away from
you either. It's good to do a variety of things.
jms
Subj: B5 & JMS books Section: Babylon 5
To: Jeannette Fornadel, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 10:39:08 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279853
The differences between screenwriting and a novel...would take
a book to communicate. Suffice for now to say just that the strengths
of a novel are all internal (internal monologue, POV, narrative
descriptions), and the strength of a screenplay is all external
(dialogue and visuals).
Which is why the best novels often make the worst movies.
jms
Subj: B5 & JMS books Section: Babylon 5
To: Jeannette Fornadel, Wednesday, July 26, 1995 2:27:21 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#280571
I could probably adapt the B5 storyline very well to a novel,
since it would provide the chance to expand on a lot of stuff.
Whether or not that ever happens is anyone's guess.
jms
Subj: B5 & JMS books Section: Babylon 5
To: Jeannette Fornadel, Wednesday, July 26, 1995 10:07:15 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#281112
It took 5 years to sell B5.
jms
Subj: B5 & JMS books Section: Babylon 5
To: Philip Hornsey, Wednesday, July 26, 1995 2:27:24 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#280572
Some comics adapt well, some don't; Watchmen would be great.
jms
Subj: Competition 4 B5... Section: Babylon 5
To: David Chandler-Gick, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 2:13:00 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279163
I don't consider Space competition in that sense, except
that it will be something more motivating us to work harder
(like we lacked that). From where I sit, the more, the merrier,
and welcome to them.
jms
Subj: <<Divided Loyalties>>> Section: Babylon 5
To: Simon Grierson, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 5:12:10 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279380
Boy, a whole lotta questions, and not *one* I can answer at this
time without spoiling stuff for down the road.
Well, actually, there *is* one I can answer.
No, the B5 facilities were never flooded.
And thanks for the reaction....
jms
Subj: <<Divided Loyalties>>> Section: Babylon 5
To: Simon Grierson,Tuesday, July 25, 1995 10:39:02 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279851
Some of it's the sound of the name, some has actual roots in
other places (minbar is the term for the pulpit in a mosque; delen
is middle english for divided).
jms
Subj: B5 Syndication? Section: Babylon 5
To: Glenn Storey/Wa., Tuesday, July 25, 1995 5:12:19 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279383
The show is already in syndication, just not stripped daily.
You usually only trim network shows, which are longer than syndicated
shows; since we're already at that shorter length, it should be okay.
jms
Subj: B5 Syndication? Section: Babylon 5
To: Glenn Storey/Wa., Wednesday, July 26, 1995 10:07:14 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#281111
It wouldn't likely go daily until the 5 years are up.
jms
Subj: <<DL real spoilers !>> Section: Babylon 5
To: Richard McLaren, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 5:23:05 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279407
C4 is showing the eps in the right order; don't worry.
jms
Subj: <<DL real spoilers !>> Section: Babylon 5
To: Martin Colloby, Wednesday, July 26, 1995 10:06:27 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#281109
<The Long, Twilight Struggle Divided Loyalties Comes The
Inquisitor The Fall Of Night>
No, they're not correct. That's the production schedule,
not the preferred airdate schedule.
jms
Subj: <<Divided Loyalties>> Section: Babylon 5
To: Colin Radford, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 5:23:06 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279408
Remember, Kosh was the one who sent those images into Sheridan's
brain, not anybody else; he was communicating useful information that
may come up down the road, but in rather symbological form.
jms
Subj: Star Fury Models Section: Babylon 5
To: C. Bussjaeger, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 10:39:01 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279850
<BTW, you do cons- ever heard the Frank Hayes song 'Little
Fuzzy Animals?'>
No, never heard that song.
jms
Subj: <<DL questions>> Section: Babylon 5
To: Tom Knudsen, Wednesday, July 26, 1995 10:07:17 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#281113
<Would a letter to WB about how not showing these episodes in the
US, but allowing them to be shown in England, has spoiled the
surprises you had planned for many of the biggest and most
supportive (but weak willed and looking for a B5 fix) fans of the
show do more harm than good?>
It wouldn't do a bit of good.
jms
Subj: Bless B5 and Thank You Section: Babylon 5
To: Deon W. Becic, Sunday, July 30, 1995 8:42:04 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#284792
<Thanks for creating B5. We've had our first X Files
convention in Sacto, how about B5 stopping by?>
Thanks. We're definitely growing, it seems. And the prospect of a true
B5 convention is indeed a possibilitiy, though down the line a bit.
jms
Subj: Speculation V Story Line Section: Babylon 5
To: Mark Sloan, Sunday, July 30, 1995 8:42:05 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#284793
Introducing new story elements vs. speculating on what events already
shown may mean. That's the dividing line.
jms
Subj: Unlicensed Bumpersticker Section: Babylon 5
To: Jeff Frank, Sunday, July 30, 1995 9:00:08 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#284800
<Joe:
I inadvertantly purchased an unlicensed bumpersticker from Starbase Columbus
thru the mail. The sticker says "Beyond the Final Frontier lies Babylon 5"
with the B5 logo (trademark not acknowledged). The sticker was produced by
Pegasus Publishing and shows their copywrite.<sic> It also has a lousy
production quality -- that will teach me to order thru the mail.
Would you like this sticker and the address & phone for Starbase Columbus?>
Yeah, I'd appreciate the info on that. And if you've got one, all the
better.
Bad enough it's pirate, but to have crummy artwork...sheesh....
jms
[[[ EDITOR'S NOTE: MESSAGES WITH SPOILERS FOR THE LAST FOUR EPISODES CAN
BE FOUND IN THE FILE "spoilers" IN THIS DIRECTORY. THEY'LL BE MERGED
BACK INTO THIS FILE AFTER THE US/CANADIAN AIRINGS OF THE EPISODES. ]]]
Subj: Bless B5 and Thank You Section: Babylon 5
To: Jean Teneglio, Monday, July 31, 1995 11:29:01 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#285752
Some parts of the world are in first season, some are in second.
It varies by area.
jms
Subj: Party Suggestions? Section: Babylon 5
To: Randy j Zimmerman, Monday, July 31, 1995 12:45:19 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#285238
The only thing I'd suggest is adding either And the Sky Full of
Stars and/or The Parliament of Dreams.
Photos or other residue can always be sent along to us, at the
address: 14431 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. Be sure to
include C/O Babylon 5 in the address.
jms
Subj: Party Suggestions? Section: Babylon 5
To: Anthony Ho, Monday, July 31, 1995 11:29:25 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#285749
Pretty much the order they were shown in is okay, though again
Knives should precede Z'ha'dum; the rest is okay, as far as I can
remember.
jms
Subj: Women on B5 Section: Babylon 5
To: Eric Baker, Monday, July 31, 1995 12:45:22 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#285239
There is no pre-determined male/female ratio on the show; it's
pretty much the luck of the draw or the script. One thing that might
help, though, is that we've changed casting directors. We kinda kept
nudging the one before for a greater diversity in guest roles (looking
for different ethnic groups, looking for men and women equally in parts
that can go either way), and our new one is definitely more inclined
in that direction, so this will doubtless improve.
jms
Subj: Renderings on B5 Section: Babylon 5
To: John Lester,Monday, July 31, 1995 11:29:04 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#285753
All I know is that it's indeed now a PC/Dos environment, using an
exported brand of Lightwave. You may want to leave a public message here
for Paul Beigle-Bryant, co-CGI maven at Foundation Imaging, who is known
to hang out here from time to time.
jms
Subj: Ferengi rules rumor? Section: Babylon 5
To: Burhaan Ahmad, Monday, July 31, 1995 11:40:12 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#285758
I doubt very much anyone from B5 ever started that rumor because,
frankly, I don't even know what the heck he's *talking* about.
jms
Subj: Season 3 Starts Shooting Section: Babylon 5
To: Brett Sherris, Monday, July 31, 1995 11:40:14 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#285759
We did indeed shoot our first day on year three today, and it went
very well. We wrapped about a half hour early, about seven-ish, the cast
is happy to be back, everyone's fallen right into step...it's a wonder
to behold.
jms
*******************************************************
* SPOILERS FOR FINAL FOUR SEASON-TWO EPISODES FOLLOW. *
*******************************************************
Subj: <<Divided Loyalties>> Section: Babylon 5
To: Derek Paterson, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 2:13:01 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279164
Re: things you don't expect to happen...that's kind of one
aspect I was after here. By way of comparison....
There's one great thing about The Shining, despite some other
flaws in the film: they set up Scatman Cruthers (sp?) as the one guy
who understands what's going on...he gets the Shining, he's a potentially
heroic character, and when all hell breaks loose, he's the one to
get into the snow plow, cross terrible weather, we're all sure he's going
to get there and fight the menace...he overcomes weather and nonsense
to get there...he blows through the front door, ready for action....
and gets an axe in the middle of his chest and dies.
I *loved* that, and always kinda wanted to something of that nature,
where you set someone up to be that kind of character, the future,
whatever, then you yank it back and let the audience say, Oh, hell,
NOW what?
jms
Subj: << Divided Loyalties >> Section: Babylon 5
To: Brian Deane, Tuesday, July 25, 1995 5:12:11 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#279381
I'd say the next 3 are equal or more on a wow scale,
in some ways.
One other thought on Talia...one of the motifes we've played
with from the start was always showing Talia in mirrors...in Race,
in Z'ha'dum and others...always showing the reflection, her opposite,
just to set stuff up on an emotional/symbological level.
jms
Subj: <<DL questions>> Section: Babylon 5
To: Ruth Ballam, Wednesday, July 26, 1995 2:35:22 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#280585
In the B5 universe, as a general rule of thumb, people don't just
come back after something like this. "Talia" has been destroyed
permanently; that's what it said in the episode, and that's the way
it'll stay.
jms
Subj: <<DL foreshadowing?>> Section: Babylon 5
To: Robert Miller, Sunday, July 30, 1995 8:42:09 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#284794
One thing you have to remember is that while Talia is in the opening
credits, to Psi Corps she's just one more of many programmed individuals in
various places. The character in "Spider" was a highly valued infiltration
unit, with very expensive "parts." Of the two, Talia would've been far more
expendable. And I don't recall that Control actually issued any death order;
it was the Psi Corps/B13 in any event.
jms
Subj: <<DL foreshadowing?>> Section: Babylon 5
To: John McAuley, Monday, July 31, 1995 11:29:29 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#285751
The problem in trying to keep something mysterious and
vague is thatsometimes you can outsmart yourself, and get
confusing. The *theory* isthat there was the Bureau as Control
overall back on Earth; and a minor Control figure on B5. And
Controls are always referred to as "he"regardless of the facts
to avoid giving any means of identification to anoutsider based
on gender.
So it would be
BUREAU CONTROL
----------------------|---------------------
| | |
Earthdome Control B5 Control Minipax Control
(That's a breakdown using artificial and not necessarily
correctelements, just for illustration.)
It is, however, a confusing bit of terminology, so it's been
amended subsequently.
jms
Subj: <Divided Loyalties> Section: Babylon 5
To: Malcolm Pemberton, Monday, July 31, 1995 11:29:26 PM
From: J. Michael Straczynski, 71016,1644#285750
<I wonder if you would settle an argument that has been raging about
the shooting at Lyta in Divided Loyalties.
Is the hand with the gun Left or Right?>
I don't remember offhand; I'll have to check the tape. (I have a
vague memory that it was a right hand originally, flopped to shoot in the
other direction.)
jms