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The Lurker's Guide to Babylon 5
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JMS CompuServe messages for January 1997. Collected by John Hardin
<jhardin@wolfenet.com>.
Date: 01 Jan 1997 18:40:31 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Actually, I was in the shower...and I don't usually have a
computer there, as it's rather dangerous.
"I wondered if you know what you'll be doing after (B5 is) all
over."
Depends. WB is very interested in the sequel series, and we
hope to have some info on that by the end of the month. That I'd
definitely want to do. Barring that, I'd like to find a show or a
structure where I could push the envelope again but in a different way.
If I can't find a show like that, or create one, I'll go back to prose.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 31 Dec 1996 10:17:50 -0700
From: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Why weren't others willing to take a chance with B5? Because it was
something new and different, or because you wanted to tell your story
your way and they didn't like that?
--Scott
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1997 18:40:34 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Two primary reasons why it was a hard sell: 1) SF has *always*
gone way over budget. The "V" series singlehandedly nearly destroyed
Warner Bros. Television. Producers always said they could do it, and
they lied, and the studios and networks were very skittish.
2) They're skittish about SF in general, and space stuff in
particular. We were told, repeatedly, in verbatim terms, "No space
series other than ST has ever survived more than a couple of sesaons.
There is no market for space SF other than Star Trek. The market won't
sustain it, isn't big enough to sustain it." That was, hands down, our
single biggest stumbling block.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1997 18:40:36 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Proper Boskonian duz JMS
I'd love a copy, thanks, as I haven't seen it yet. Whole or
just the clip, either is fine. You can send it to me via the B5 mail
drop, at 14431 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 260, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.
Thanks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Dec 1996 21:51:46 -0700
From: Ray Pelzer <70475.1263@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: G'Kar's monologue
> The writing of it...this is just an estimate, trying to remember, but
> I think it took me about 10-15 minutes. Which is actually a long
> time for me to stay parked on any part of the page.
Well, now I don't feel so bad. I realize my brief, occasional
scribbles don't come close to yours (or anyone else's), but I've found
that when I try to put pen to paper, either it comes flying out at top
speed, or it doesn't come out at all. That, and I tend to avoid heavy
re-examination of what I've done - if I look at it too long, I start to
second-guess myself.
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1997 18:40:39 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ray Pelzer <70475.1263@compuserve.com>
Subject: G'Kar's monologue
Exactly. Too often, errors come when you second guess yourself.
The scripts of mine that have always worked the best were usually
written in just a couple of days; the ones I nurse and revise and futz
around with for a week or so are always the ones that perform less
well.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1997 18:40:41 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Message to Great Maker
Sure...anything I write here can be reprinted elsewhere.
"how do you do it? How many years has it been since you've seen
genuine sunlight? =)"
I think you just answered your own question.
It's easy when you don't have a life outside the keyboard
umbilicus.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 31 Dec 1996 17:04:19 -0700
From: B <71513.2510@compuserve.com>
To: JMS <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: "Crusade" Spinoff?
I just read about your as yet fully formed concept of a B5 spinoff
involving the rangers. I would like to know some of your specific ideas
regarding this proposal. 1. Does the story take place before, during,
or after the 5 year B5 arc? 2. What characters, assuming you
can sign up the actors, would be involved?-Dellen, Marcus, Lanier,
Sinclair ?
John Morgan Devoted B5 Fan
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1997 18:40:43 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: B <71513.2510@compuserve.com>
Subject: "Crusade" Spinoff?
It would take place after the main B5 arc. As for specifics on
cast, nothing can be said until things get closer to being nailed down;
there's still a lot that can change on this, and it's a question of
what works best for the show, and who wants to move on, and other
aspects.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1997 18:40:46 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Do it all over again?
I had nothing to do with the marketing of the series itself, so
I can't affect that either way. What I'd do different with the
show...I'd just love one more chance to adjust every episode, but
that's an after-the-fact thing. What I'd do different otherwise...I
dunno. Maybe nothing. You take a different tack, you just run into
different problems, never fewer problems. So it's hard to say.
Overall, I'm as pleased as anyone can be with a show.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 01 Jan 1997 22:28:58 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Alliance (UK Con)
Actually, I rather like most British cooking. My problem at the
last Wolf was that the dining room was open for only -- what? -- 15
minutes at a shot, and never when I was either awake or not on a panel,
so all I had for four days, except for when we chose to go elsewhere
(and that was difficult) was fish&chips. Four days of fish&chips. It
will drive you mad. So finally, on Sunday morning, after the
restaurant had closed (having expended its fifteen minutes of food) I
planted myself in the restaurant regardless, and explained that unless
I had a proper breakfast I was going to go out into the hall and do my
version of Night of the Living Dead and start eating the flesh off the
first person I encountered. They saw the crazed look in my eyes, and
wisely fed me.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 02 Jan 1997 06:36:19 -0700
From: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
> I saw most of it all at once, and spent the better part of a year
> getting it all down on paper.
The entire 1000+ years at once? What were you doing when that
happened? So I am assuming the details have come as you've written the
episodes and it was the overall scheme of things that came to you?
When did you see the end of the story?
Thanks for taking the time with these questions.
--Scott
------------------------------
Date: 02 Jan 1997 15:20:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
I saw mainly the multi-year storyline of B5. The rest I filled
in as I went, in terms of the backstory and forestory of the B5
universe.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 02 Jan 1997 07:26:17 -0700
From: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
> Two primary reasons why it was a hard sell: 1) SF has *always* gone
> way over budget. The "V" series singlehandedly nearly destroyed
> Warner Bros. Television. Producers always said they could do it, and
> they lied, and the studios and networks were very skittish.
Ok, now you got me really curious, what is your budget and do you ever
run over?
> 2) They're skittish about SF in general, and space stuff in
> particular. We were told, repeatedly, in verbatim terms, "No space
> series other than ST has ever survived more than a couple of sesaons.
> There is no market for space SF other than Star Trek. The market
> won't sustain it, isn't big enough to sustain it." That was, hands
> down, our single biggest stumbling block.
So what finally convinced WB to do B5, especially after V?
--Scott
------------------------------
Date: 02 Jan 1997 15:20:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Our budget is under $1 million per episode, and we have run
slightly UNDER budget every season, which I think is a first for any SF
series.
To convince WB we first had to make the pilot, show we could do
it responsibly, and get the ratings, THEN we got the series order.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 02 Jan 1997 11:13:18 -0700
From: (blocked)
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Something . . .
I've been meaning to ask for a while . . .
How do think that your participation on the nets has affected you,
your writing, and B5 as a whole?
Earthstar and the Drifters T minus ?? days "Silly customer! You
cannot hurt a Twinkie!" Babbler, SOLD!, KP, SP, Montie, SPAMM, etc.
------------------------------
Date: 02 Jan 1997 15:20:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Something . . .
It's affected me in that it has put me in touch with the
audience, which is a rarity in TV, where all you usually get are the
raw numbers. It's given me a sense of the room, as it were. It's kept
me answerable and responsive, and that has the side effect of keeping
you modest and honest.
It hasn't substantially affected the B5 storyline because the
story is the story; any big committee, network or otherwise, will only
work against you at the creative level.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 02 Jan 1997 18:51:51 -0700
From: Gabriel Koerner <76767.3523@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Message to Great Maker
I'm wondering, Joe, do you at all know Harlan Ellison? I'm a fan of
his works...
As a literary SF lover, I'm sure you've read Asimov. My favorite works
of his are the Foundation novels (atleast the original trilogy... the
only one I liked of the later four was "Foundation's Edge", and even
that paled in comparison with the original trilogy). I'm also an avid
fan of his robot novels...
Do you, with all your responsibilities, still have time to delve into
the realm of literary science fiction?
--Gabriel
------------------------------
Date: 03 Jan 1997 02:04:18 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Gabriel Koerner <76767.3523@compuserve.com>
Subject: Message to Great Maker
Harlan's our consultant on the show, and has been my friend for
many years. So I definitely know his work.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 02 Jan 1997 21:59:40 -0700
From: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Is it my breath?
(This didn't seem to be *that* bad a question, so I figure you might
have missed it the first time I sent it. If you ignored it on
purpose, then just ignore it again -- I'll get the drift.)
Joe,
Should we assume that Major Atumbe isn't part of the command staff
of the Army of Light? I take it that he/she's still third in command
of the station (although why was Delenn running C&C in "The Summoning"?
I know, Atumbe works the night shift...), but not in the command ranks
of the AoL.
I say this, because you would think Atumbe'd be present at some of
the important War Council meetings if he/she were involved in that side
of things (I mean if Zack, a sergeant, is present, you'd think Atumbe,
a major, would be present).
I realize that production-wise, it simply isn't realistic to cast
someone to play Atumbe and, essentially, add a new regular character,
so that's why I'm going on the assumption that Atumbe is part of the B5
chain of command and not part of the AoL chain of command. Is this a
fair assumption? Will Atumbe ever be seen or the character's role in
things ever addressed?
Thanks,
-- Brent (who, for some reason, thinks about these obscure details
during re-run season)
------------------------------
Date: 03 Jan 1997 02:04:20 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: Is it my breath?
I'd assume he'd mainly stay within his division; not everybody
is in the AoL chain of command, or it'd get unweildy.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 03 Jan 1997 05:09:35 -0700
From: (blocked)
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: TD: Rod Serling
This New Year's the Sci-Fi Channel ran a Twilight Zone marathon, and I
watched Rod Serling's little gem called "The Monsters Are Due on Maple
Street" for the umpteenth time, and am compelled once more to marvel
publicly at the genius of this man. He could pack so many levels of
meaning into a brief 30 minute screenplay, and without a single special
effect in sight.
My age hadn't quite hit the double digits when TZ first aired, so I
guess I wouldn't have realized it then, but he did quite a lot of
pieces that referred in some way to the Blacklist and the McCarthy era.
And I noticed that Art Carney's character in the Santa Claus teleplay
was named "Corwin". Did he know Norman Corwin? Serling himself was
never blacklisted, was he? But clearly the issue affected him deeply.
------------------------------
Date: 03 Jan 1997 16:18:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: TD: Rod Serling
Everyone who came up as a writer during that time was in danger
of being blacklisted or greylisted, or at minimum knew other writers
and actors who had been listed and had their careers killed. Some
actors, like Jeff Corey, didn't work again for almost 20 years. So
certainly it had a profound effect on Serling and others.
As for Corwin...yes, Rod was a big fan of Norman's work, and
cited him as a kind of writer's writer. He began trying to do
Corwin-like stuff, as did Bradbury and many other writers. Norman is
one of those writers whose work may not be known to the public as well
as it should, but writers, any writer interested in genuine quality of
language and vision...we know his work. People like Bradbury and Stan
Freberg and Charles Kuralt and others have all described themselves as
"Norman's kids" for the inspiration he has provided.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 03 Jan 1997 16:18:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Alliance (UK Con)
Yup. I remember. You seemed quite fuddled to run into me
there.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 03 Jan 1997 11:29:20 -0700
From: (blocked)
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Something . . .
> It's kept me answerable and responsive, and that has the side effect
> of keeping you modest and honest.
And that's one of the main reasons we like you . . . sort of a
symbiotic relationship, or something. . .
> It hasn't substantially affected the B5 storyline because the story
> is the story; any big committee, network or otherwise, will only work
> against you at the creative level.
Have you ever done anything on the show because of a feeling or
request on the nets?
Earthstar and the new kitty T minus ?? days "Silly customer! You
cannot hurt a Twinkie!" Babbler, SOLD!, KP, SP, Montie, SPAMM, etc.
------------------------------
Date: 03 Jan 1997 16:18:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Something . . .
Nothing substantial that I can think of, no.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 03 Jan 1997 13:11:57 -0700
From: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Is it my breath?
Re: Atombe
As I suspected. Thanks. But, did you catch the final part of my
post? Will we ever see/hear of/from Atombe at any point in the story or
is he just background texture?
-- Brent
------------------------------
Date: 03 Jan 1997 16:18:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: Is it my breath?
Depends on if I can work it in seamlessly or not. It's kinda
late in the day to begin introducing characters.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 17:11:59 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Alliance (UK Con)
Yes, well, we've all been keeping tabs on your movements, you
know....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 10:07:35 -0700
From: (blocked)
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Something . . .
> Nothing substantial that I can think of, no.
Other than, of course, the Gethesmane incident . . .
Earthstar and the new kitty T minus ?? days "There's naught wrong
wiv gala luncheons, lad! And doan't you forget it!" Babbler, SOLD!,
KP, SP, Montie, SPAMM, etc.
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 17:12:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Something . . .
Yes, but that was a case of *not* doing a story for fear of
legal complications, rather than fan interaction contributing to the
show.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 03 Jan 1997 19:09:35 -0700
From: SysOp Dupa T Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Nature of Shadows
Joe,
In "Interludes and Examinations", Morden had to physically open the
door to Kosh's quarters in order for the Shadows to enter even though
they appeared to pass through the walls.
In the the "Garibaldi's Last Stand" scene in "Babylon Squared" and
"War Without End Pt 1," it was implied that those attacking had to cut
through the walls in order to invade (and the hole was not
Shadow-shaped).
Why is this? Or will this be covered later this season?
-SysOp Dupa T. Parrot, Technical Consultant
dupa@compuserve.com http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/dupa
OzWin 2.11 O-
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 17:12:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp Dupa T Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Nature of Shadows
Well, large boarding parties tend to cut through walls to get
large groups through, as they did in "Severed Dreams."
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 02:30:07 -0700
From: (blocked)
To: All
Subject: Paramount STRIKES!!!
With Christmas about to set in, people around the world were busy in
preparation for the holiday. Out of nowhere, Viacom / Paramount
started handing out Christmas presents to numerous web master a legal
warning letter to tell them close down their Star Trek Internet web
site or else.
For those of you who want to read about the letter, here is an
abstract:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
----- Re: Infringements of STAR TREK Copyrights and Trademarks
Dear (name here):
I write as attorney for Paramount Pictures Corporation ("Paramount").
As you are, no doubt, aware, Paramount owns all the rights to the
television series entitled STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, STAR TREK:
DEEP SPACE NINE, STAR TREK: VOYAGER, and all theatrical releases
relating thereto (collectively the "STAR TREK Properties"). These
rights are protected by numerous copyrights trademarks in both the
programs themselves and the characters, sets, and other elements
appearing in those programs.
We have recently learned that you have posted various elements of the
STAR TREK Properties on your site at (web site address here). Your
posting of these items is an infringement of Paramounts copyright and
trademark rights in the STAR TREK Properties.
Paramount does not, of course, object to all materials posted on the
Internet relating to the STAR TREK Properties. For example, Paramount
does not object to the general discussion of "Star Trek" over the
Internet. However, when such discussions rise to the level of copying
full scripts or excerpts therefrom, or providing detailed summaries of
the works, suck transmissions are clear infringements of Paramounts
rights. Similarly, posting of copyrighted material such as photographs,
artistic renditions of "Star Trek" characters or other properties,
sound files, video clips, books or excerpts thereform are likewise
infringements of Paramounts rights.
Based upon the foregoing, we hereby demand that you confirm to us in
writing within ten days of receipt of this letter that: (I) you have
removed all infringing materials from your site, including all images,
sound bites, and video clips; and (ii) you will refrain from posting
any similar material on the Internet or any other on-line service in
the future.
The foregoing is without waiver of any and all rights of Paramount
Pictures Corporation, all of which are expressly reserved herein.
(Lawyers name here)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Whats Wrong? Viacom Has Every Right To Do This!
True! Even I must agree. Viacom's action seems so reasonable ... and
yet to completely idiotic as not to be believed!
One thing must make clear at this point. IF a site private Star Trek
Properties for use in commercial manner or in any other way related to
commercial activity, then Viacoms action is a just one. But what
happens here is very different. How can a site maintained by a 14-year
old kid be a thread? Most sites were created and maintained by Star
Trek fans, these sites never charged a single cent. These sites were
created as a publicity and promotion mean to introduce others to the
show. It is these sites that saved Paramount billions in advertising.
It is these sites that snow ball paramounts income in the first place.
Star Trek had been and shall continues to be Paramounts valuable
asset. What makes Star Trek successful is the fans behind the show. It
is the fans who frock to theater to see the Star Trek movies; it is the
fans who pay for memorials; it is the fans who promoted the show to
others. For some mysterious reason, Viacom also think it is the fans
that is hurting their profits???
Is Viacom stupid enough to believe one will settle for an poster image
instead of the real thing? One will be satisfy by owning a 10-second
sound clip instead of a sound track? One will opted for a 20-second
video clip instead of the video tape or laser disc?
Internet was a place for freedom of speech, and I fail to see Trekkers
had abused their right. On the contrary, images, sound clips and video
clips are more like a bate to seduce us to buy the real thing and in
return, put our hard earned cash into Paramounts pocket.
I sincerely hope Viacom will come to its sense REAL SOON. Otherwise,
the Trek community will become so hurt that it might not exist any more
If you want to learn more about this disaster, use the site
http://www.stwww.com/viacom.html as your starting point to learn more.
If you feel it is time to act, please write to Viacom or Paramount and
let them know your feelings.
:) Rgds.
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 18:05:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Paramount STRIKES!!!
This is a most unfortunate development. But there are some ways
you can try to deal with this constructively.
Last year, WB became aware of the existence of many BABYLON 5
sites, and the Legal Affairs Department was of a mind to take similar
action (as has been taken by other shows, including the Simpsons). The
reason for their desire is simple. It's not that the sites present a
*threat* per se, but there is the issue of copyright protection at
stake.
To explain...and this may help you to at least understand
Paramount's position, even if you don't agree with it...if copyrighted
material begins to be passed around freely, and copied, and
redistributed, and published, without the proper protections,
eventually the material will become *public domain*. The studio no
longer owns it. In order to demonstrate that you own the material, you
must make consistent, and conscientious efforts to protect your claim
to that name and/or that property.
Many companies and individuals have actually *lost* the right to
the copyright of material they own or created because they did not take
steps to actively protect it. Which is why you often see
advertisements from companies like Xerox reminding people that it's a
*company name*, and not a generic term for photocopying. Otherwise
they risk letting that name become a word, part of the vernacular, and
as indefensible as saying "tissue paper" is a copyrightable term.
When material from a show is posted without the proper copyright
protection, every time you allow this to happen it moves that material
further and further into public domain. Once it *becomes* public
domain, the studio will not be able to profit from it, ownership
questions come up, and outside agencies can produce anything they want,
slap that name on it, and sell it. It's a cumulative effect, over time.
And it *is* a real problem; don't delude yourself by saying so because
you *want* it not to be so. The law is the law is the law.
When this came to our attention, we (acting sort of as fan
advocates) sat down with WB legal and discussed ways of doing it short
of sending out these exact sort of letters to BABYLON 5 sites. What we
came to was the following understanding: that WB would not actively go
after sites which used B5 photos and other material PROVIDED THAT the
proper copyright information was appended to the material utilized.
They are currently in the process of verifying and evaluating sites
before sending letters telling them to append this information.
This seems to me a fair and reasonable response to what is, in
truth, a genuine concern. What may help here is for system operators
of web sites to append the copyright information, and notify Paramount
that they are in full and complete compliance with copyright, and
acknowledge formally that Paramount is the owner of all copyrighted
material posted on that site. They may, or may not, accept that, but
it gives you a place to start. Obviously, magazines use copyrighted
images all the time, and Paramount makes no effort to stop that...but
if you look in the edges along photos and the like in these magazines,
you will see the words "photo copyright (c) 1997 Paramount Television."
That is the difference that allows them to use this material. There is
no immediate reason why sites should be viewed in any way differently
than a magazine, IF the laws are followed.
(Interestingly, there's a debate in the TV community about the
copyright of the original ST being in some dispute, since for about 10
years Paramount did little to protect the name of the original ST,
until the first movie came around. I have no actual information on
that, however, nor can I comment beyond just remarking on the topic.
If there *is* any merit to it, that might further explain their
reasonable concern about it happening with current material.)
So point is...the concern expressed by Paramount is legitimate,
and you should abide by it, OR see if you can find some compromise
position by adhering strictly to the copyright laws in how material is
displayed, and what material is selected, as we have done with the B5
sites. You may also want to write to those currently running the ST
franchise to see if the producers of the show can intercede on the
behalf of ST fans as we did for B5 fans. Lawyers have little or no
vested interest in the fan/show relationship; those involved directly
in these shows, do have a vested interest.
Usual disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and can only speak from
anecdotal information, and have no specific information about
Paramount, and am in no way suggesting any difference of opinion with
their actions. I'm only trying to help you understand the issues
involved.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 19:24:36 -0700
From: Mary Taylor <75530.2650@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Paramount STRIKES!!!
Everything you say is correct, of course, but I'm convinced that with
the Viacom/Paramount decision much more is at stake than the mere
protection of their copyrights. If that were all they were concerned
about, less draconian action, like the action taken by Warner, could
have been chosen. I'm convinced that the MSN site has everything to do
with their decision. Many fan sites were far superior to anything over
at Continuum (I don't belong to MSN and don't intend to, but a friend
does for her business, and I've seen the site), and thus in direct
competition with the exclusive, money driven MSN site. Of course I'm
sure you know all this, but I'm just raising the point.
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 23:23:25 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Mary Taylor <75530.2650@compuserve.com>
Subject: Paramount STRIKES!!!
Urk...I'd forgotten about the MSN site. I wonder also if there
is any advertising at that site. That might also prompt them to want
to drive people there for ST material, so they can ensure there's only
one place in town to get it, and then collect ad revenue. Nothing
wrong with advertising on a web site in and of itself, of course; it's
a natural progression that will, in time, give sites greater resources
to do stuff. Most web sites are "dead web," interesting to look at,
but with the resources to make the site very deep.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 18:19:09 -0700
From: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Proper Boskonian duz JMS
from message #631358 >>RebelCon 1997 is coming August 8-10, 1997 at the
same Taunton Holiday Inn in Massachusetts that saw this year's
successful convention on July 5-7, 1996. This year's announced guests
(as of January 1, 1997) are: J. Michael Straczynski, creator and
producer of Babylon 5 (in one of his few East Coast appearances!);<<
Joe, I'm just curious, but do you have some kind of an
aversion to New York? :) I guess to see you at a
convention I'd have to travel out of state.
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 23:23:27 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Proper Boskonian duz JMS
Actually, I'm doing the Icon convention in Long Island this
spring, so that's closer to your turf.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 18:19:04 -0700
From: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: "Crusade" Spinoff?
> It would take place after the main B5 arc. As for specifics on cast,
> nothing can be said until things get closer to being nailed down;
> there's still a lot that can change on this, and it's a question of
> what works best for the show, and who wants to move on, and other
> aspects.
It sure sounds like Claudia is with you if you want her there.
<g>
I was encouraged by how happy she is not only to be
with this show, but *why* she's glad to be with it, and her high praise
for you and your ability was beyond reproach. Quite frankly, she may
have even gotten some people within your industry a bit hot under the
collar by what she said, which delights me to no end. However, it may
not be in her best interest to do such things unless she's real
confident in her ability as an actress and is not worried about
politics standing in the way of her career.
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 23:23:29 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: "Crusade" Spinoff?
Claudia is notoriously fearless. Actually, that applies to most
of our cast, which is fun. If you see interviews with our cast,
they're right out there on the edge, being outrageous...because that's
who and what they are.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 18:33:00 -0700
From: SysOp Dupa T Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Nature of Shadows
> Well, large boarding parties tend to cut through walls to get large
> groups through,
Yeah, I can see *that*.
But what about the scene in "Interludes and Examinations" where, after
Morden opens the door, the Shadows appear to pass through the walls. If
they can pass through the walls, why do they need an opening?
-SysOp Dupa T. Parrot, Technical Consultant
dupa@compuserve.com http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/dupa
OzWin 2.11 O-
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 23:23:32 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp Dupa T Parrot <70040.104@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Nature of Shadows
They're not passing through the walls, they're just phasing into
the visible spectrum. It's probably something of an optical illusion
given the distance between the walls and themselves.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 18:19:08 -0700
From: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Sci Fi Universe
Joe,
Have you read the article in the latest edition of Sci Fi
Universe magazine? They were mostly very good to you and your entire
team in their articles. There was one main article and several small
ones pertaining to standout episodes. I suspect you must have seen it
by now.
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 23:23:34 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Sci Fi Universe
No, haven't seen it yet...will probably get it this week.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 02:33:27 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Paramount STRIKES!!!
Again, this was a conversation we had with WB, and as long as
sites have a link to either the WB site or the official B5 fanclub
site, we don't see a problem in coexisting.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 23:41:04 -0700
From: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Proper Boskonian duz JMS
> Actually, I'm doing the Icon convention in Long Island this spring, so
> that's closer to your turf.
Excellent!
Can you tell me the dates and location? I really would
like to be there for it.
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 02:33:28 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Proper Boskonian duz JMS
It's the April 4th weekend, at the University of Stony Brook,
Long Island. Harlan will also be present, and many others.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 04 Jan 1997 23:42:37 -0700
From: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: "Crusade" Spinoff?
> Claudia is notoriously fearless. Actually, that applies to most of
> our cast, which is fun. If you see interviews with our cast, they're
> right out there on the edge, being outrageous...because that's who
> and what they are.
I tell ya, I really loved it! <g> It came right near the very
end of the article and it was the last thing I expected to see. :)
Go Claudia!! <bg>
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 02:33:30 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: "Crusade" Spinoff?
BTW, which article are you referring to?
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 14:31:29 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Alliance (UK Con)
You can *never* be paranoid enough.
(BTW, you left your window open again last night.)
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 05:30:43 -0700
From: (blocked)
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Historical reference?
In my most recent viewing of Hour of the Wolf, I noticed that the
metalwork in Cartagia's palace looks suspiciously like the "rising sun"
emblem of Japan. Is there a historical significance that my meager
knowledge of history in general and military history in particular is
preventing me from seeing, or did it just look cool? All I can come up
with is a parallel between Cartagia and a kami-kazi pilot.
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 14:31:30 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Historical reference?
I think it's just a general sense of empire style symbols,
nothing specific to Japan.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 12:23:02 -0700
From: mike lovitt <75021.1731@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Centauri Eye
Mr Stracznski:
With the show in reruns I've been thinking about the
Centauri Eye. How long was it missing, and its been along time since
I've seen it, but has it been shown recently?
Mike
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 14:31:32 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: mike lovitt <75021.1731@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Centauri Eye
The eye is now safely back home and on display.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 14:53:24 -0700
From: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Broadcasting in order?
Joe,
Apparently someone over there at WB has finally woken up out of the
fog because they're actually showing the repeats in the order that
they're supposed to be shown. This is a first!
Were you made aware that they were going to start doing this?
I'm just curious, but it's about time!
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 22:03:38 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Broadcasting in order?
They asked us what order this latest batch should go in, and we
made a suggestion. It seems to be working well.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 21:11:32 -0700
From: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Hour of the Wolf
Joe,
WWOR stationed in NJ, which also happens to be my NY station,
threw me a curve ball this week by airing B5 Saturday night at 8:00
p.m., and then again on Sunday night at 8:00 p.m.. This has me
wondering if they're thinking of moving the show back to its Sunday
night slot at 8:00, which they abandoned back on September 26th when
they moved it to Saturday nights at eight.
At any rate, I ended up watching the same episode back to back
both nights, which really didn't bother me because it's a pivotal
episode which I enjoyed. I'm writing you this because I must tell you
that I've gotten such a kick out of the way in which he handled
bringing Emperor Cartegia into the arc. When first we see him, he's
sporting a new hairstyle not fitting with Centauri tradition. Right
away this is a sort of "heads up" for the viewer to take notice of, but
it's not clear why. Does he view this new trend which he's stirred up
to be "chic," perhaps simply because he is young, or is he somehow
mentally and\or emotionally off balance? He's smart enough to assess
Molari during the first meeting that we the viewers get to see between
these two men, and we know he's up to something, though we're not sure
what. It all becomes clear once he spouts his "deification" speech to
Molari, and I must commend you on handling the scenario most
effectively. It is not until this point that both we and Molari get to
truly see the Emperor for what he is for the first time --insane. <G>
When Molari first enters the room he is so alarmed, so irritated, so
utterly frustrated by what the Emperor has done that he dares to grab
at his arm as if he were scolding an incorrigible child. Only moments
later does he realize what he's truly up against, a mad ruler, and his
utter speechlessness upon listening to the Emperor's insane notion is
priceless! <bg> It is also a true credit to Peter Jurasik as an actor,
who earns more of my respect for him as a performer on a seemingly
regular basis.
Anyway, just a little aside about something which I
particularly appreciated. I know that what we're looking at when we see
Cartegia is a reincarnation of Caligula, but it's all just so much fun
to watch. :) This episode also got me wondering about how Morden will
meet his end, and at whose hands, Molari's or the Shadows.
Cheers for producing such quality entertainment! ;-)
------------------------------
Date: 05 Jan 1997 22:03:40 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: Hour of the Wolf
Thanks; it's a nifty little episode, and it sneaks up on one
very nicely.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1997 15:41:15 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Alliance (UK Con)
"everybody being mean to me"
Well, there *was* that petition, after all....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 06 Jan 1997 20:03:12 -0700
From: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Perfect Beauty Training
jms -
Upon rewatching "...Wolf" one slight question occurred to me:
When Kosh was "tutoring" Sheridan and set up the Moment of Perfect
Beauty, did Kosh have the Lorien experience in mind as something for
which to prepare, or was the relinquishing of the pin leading to an
interesting encounter more to do with authorial artistry?
-rje-
I can almost feel the rustling-in of some kind of enchantment already.
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1997 12:56:17 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: Perfect Beauty Training
I think it was a more general sense than preparing him
specifically for Lorien.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1997 12:56:18 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Alliance (UK Con)
Something like *that*, you only need to do it once.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1997 16:16:41 -0700
From: (blocked)
To: Joe Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Garibaldi's Badge
Hi joe,
My friend dennis Queally wants to know whose police badge that was in
Garibaldi's room in the HOTW.
Thanks mike
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1997 21:16:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Garibaldi's Badge
It was a prop.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1997 16:49:17 -0700
From: (blocked)
To: Joe Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Mail Address
Hi,
Youve given me an address to send you some tapes a while back but I
lost the file. Could you please give that to me again. Terri has
something she'd like to send you. How have you been holding up stress
wise?
Thanks
Mike
------------------------------
Date: 07 Jan 1997 21:16:15 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Mail Address
Holding up just fine so far....
Address for me is via the Babylon 5 mail drop, 14431 Ventura
Boulevard, Suite 260, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 08 Jan 1997 11:24:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Alliance (UK Con)
One little mistake?! Do you realize that that cat's fur will
probably NEVER grow back?
jms
------------------------------
Date: 08 Jan 1997 09:23:57 -0700
From: Ronald Legro <75136.2066@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Perfect Beauty Training
> I think it was a more general sense than [Kosh] preparing him
> [Sheridan] specifically for Lorien.
I like that "I think." Suggesting, of course, that the Great Maker can
still be surprised or uncertain regarding his B5 creations.
-- from Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA via Amiga AUTOPILOT v1.80
"Wherever you go...there you go again!" -- Buckaroo Bonzo
------------------------------
Date: 08 Jan 1997 11:24:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ronald Legro <75136.2066@compuserve.com>
Subject: Perfect Beauty Training
I just report the news, I don't make it.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jan 1997 00:40:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Two novels, DEMON NIGHT and OTHERSYDE, an anthology, TALES FROM
THE TWILIGHT ZONE, all out of print, and short stories in AMAZING SF,
PULPHOUSE and others.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 08 Jan 1997 12:15:49 -0700
From: Douglas Piligian <70760.2440@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: ISDN
Joe,
Any luck finding an ISP to use your ISDN modem with?
Doug
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jan 1997 00:40:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Douglas Piligian <70760.2440@compuserve.com>
Subject: ISDN
Haven't really had time to deal with it yet...the show is
keeping me kinda busy lately....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 08 Jan 1997 23:15:29 -0700
From: Debbie S. Bohdal <105457.2417@compuserve.com>
To: jms <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 CD-ROM?
I was just reading some old posts from you in the Lurker's Guide
about a B5 CD-Rom (from Comton's?) that would be released someday
including some cool features like voice recognition and the ability to
build a small scene using a
set of dailies. Any word on the current status of this project?
If this topic has been beaten to death, I apologize. Just sounded
like a real neat piece of software and I'd like to get more of an
insight on how the creative process works on B5 (including the actual
software you use to do your editing, mixing, etc).
Thanks!
Debbie
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jan 1997 00:40:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Debbie S. Bohdal <105457.2417@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 CD-ROM?
That one has been put back, though we're doing a different CD
rom in house currently.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jan 1997 00:44:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: HELP! HELP!
Que Queg was the name of one of the characters in MOBY DICK, the
harpoonist, I believe, from a South Pacific island.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jan 1997 05:36:17 -0700
From: Darran Williams <101656.2143@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 CD-ROM?
> That one has been put back, though we're doing a different CD rom in
> house currently.
jms <<
Speaking of CD's, does Chris Franke have a definite release date for
the second music CD yet? I know the Sonic Images web page says January
but it's January now. Also if there is a release date is it a US only
date or world-wide. I'm over in the states at the end of the month so
if it is a US release date I'll have to have a look out for it whilst
I'm there.
Thanks in advance..
Darran...
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jan 1997 12:17:22 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Darran Williams <101656.2143@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 CD-ROM?
I just got the full soundtrack (58 minutes) yesterday...I'm
going over it now and making notes and some suggestions. Shouldn't
take much longer to make the small changes and get this puppy out the
door.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 10 Jan 1997 00:46:46 -0700
From: Debbie S. Bohdal <105457.2417@compuserve.com>
To: jms <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Killing Kosh2 etc.
Hi!
A couple FTA questions if you have the time:
During the battle between Sheridans forces and Kosh2, why didnt they
allow Kosh2 to escape once he broke out of his encounter suit? Were
they concerned Kosh2 would take them all out before he left? Or were
they unaware he was trying to make a getaway? Or did Sheridan really
want to kill him - was that Sheridans ultimate goal or would he have
been satisfied if Kosh2 left the station when Geribaldi asked him to?
And why did Kosh2 leave through the ceiling instead of the floor
(which should be the faster way out right? -- or was he too busy
fighting with Kosh1 to notice)? How far can a Vorlon travel and how
long can they stay in space without a ships protection?
Also - Delenn prizes life. How does she feel about Sheridan murdering
one of the ambassadors? She seemed to have a sick look on her face
when she was watching Kosh2 being shot down. Did she support Sheridans
decision, and will it affect her perception of the man who has returned
from Zhadum?
Wow - more questions than I meant to ask And I can think of 100 more,
but Ill stop bombarding you. I appreciate any insight!
Thanks!
Debbie
------------------------------
Date: 10 Jan 1997 15:39:32 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Debbie S. Bohdal <105457.2417@compuserve.com>
Subject: Killing Kosh2 etc.
The idea was to force Kosh2 out of the station, to where it
could be destroyed outside with a minimum of damage to the station.
Delenn wasn't happy about it, but also recognizes that war means
sometimes having to kill somebody.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 10 Jan 1997 09:52:50 -0700
From: Hero Games (Sue) <75162.372@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: B-5 RPG
I've recently heard that the reason we haven't seen the Babylon
Project from Chameleon Eclectic is because they never received the
proper permission from you to create it. Is this true or is it hung up
for the more usual RPG-never-on-schedule reasons?
If you haven't given permission, is it forthcoming or is the game no
longer a possibility?
Thanks for your time.
Sue
------------------------------
Date: 10 Jan 1997 15:39:33 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Hero Games (Sue) <75162.372@compuserve.com>
Subject: B-5 RPG
No, the game is coming along fine, it has all the proper
permissions. There have been some delays at my end of things, just
because there's so much material to review, but what I've seen has been
terrific. So no, it's definitely coming out, and I think it's great.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1997 22:55:55 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: How many in a row?
They'll air 5 through 9 in the next batch.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1997 22:55:59 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Killing Kosh2 etc.
Nope.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1997 18:15:09 -0700
From: Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com>
To: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
Subject: Kosh1 vs. Kosh2
Joe:
Some of us were wondering: Did Kosh1 voluntarily participate in the
fight against Kosh2, or was he just a semi-conscious pawn of
Sheridan/Lorien?
Thanks.
SJE
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1997 22:56:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com>
Subject: Kosh1 vs. Kosh2
It was conscious, yes.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1997 22:56:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Kosh1 in charge?
Yes, he actively participated.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 10 Jan 1997 23:36:25 -0700
From: Phyllis Schmulenson <72447.224@compuserve.com>
To: all
Subject: Hal
I'm surprised no one noticed Sunday Jan. 12th 1997 is the day Hal
became operational in 2001-A space odyssey
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1997 23:06:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Phyllis Schmulenson <72447.224@compuserve.com>
Subject: Hal
Well, THAT explains why my computer's been acting funny, now I
have to warn the world before it cuts me off from th
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1997 13:56:16 -0700
From: John M. Graham <74166.3727@compuserve.com>
To: All
Subject: Claudia CD?
Recently saw a graphic image of Claudia Christian on the Web which
purports to be from her CD. I've never heard of one. Anybody have the
scoop on this?
Thanks, John.
------------------------------
Date: 11 Jan 1997 23:06:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John M. Graham <74166.3727@compuserve.com>
Subject: Claudia CD?
Where's the photo located on the web?
jms
------------------------------
Date: 12 Jan 1997 15:29:53 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
(blocked) asks:
> Does the audience NEED to be as big for a syndicated show
> compared to a network show in order to survive? I think you
> mentioned in your "Quick Requests from JMS" message something to
> the effect B5 has about 10-15 million viewers -- would that be
> enough to sustain it on one of the big three or even the little
> two (UPN, WB)?
It doesn't need to be a BIG audience, but it does need to be big
enough to make a profit. And that's what they didn't know. Since
then, they have made a very tidy profit on B5 already.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 12 Jan 1997 15:41:55 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Killing Kosh2 etc.
{original post unavailable}
Had Kosh2 left when asked, it wouldn't have had to be done, no.
It was vaguely possible, but they had to plan as if he would not do so,
which in fact was what happened.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 12 Jan 1997 22:18:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: Betwixt the Betweens
{original post had no questions}
Good points.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 13 Jan 1997 18:41:26 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Sue Wachowski <74743.3703@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Sue Wachowski <74743.3703@compuserve.com> asks:
> The whole concept of knowing that the show has a beginning,
> middle and end, and that's it, makes it more exciting as a
> viewer...has this ever been done before? I know some shows produce
> endings when they aren't renewed or are choosing to go off the
> air, but are there any shows that knew the ending from the
> beginning<g>? If the spin-offs of B5 aren't done the same way,
> will there be that same thrill? Will you continue this way of
> structuring a TV series? I find that I don't watch pointless TV
> anymore...and if a series has no ending in mind, how can they
> work towards a goal, except within episodes and scenes? I guess
> what I want to know is, why hasn't this been done before? Why
> doesn't TV produce more structured series like this? Will you
> continue to create shows in this way? A TV novel, is there a term
> for it? How about *Noveries*?
> Is this enough of an introduction to myself?
"Why hasn't this been done before?"
To which the only answer is...because nobody's done it before.
(At least, here in the US...in the UK similar things have been done for
some time, a la The Prisoner.)
I guess mostly it's because in TV, the question is always "are
we going to last 9 weeks?" and nobody thinks that far ahead. To set
things up that you won't pay off for *years* takes someone a little
insane, a) to believe you'll be on the air that long, and b) to count
on the audience to be patient enough to wait for things to unfold.
And over time, I do think you're more likely to see more of
this sort of thing as B5's impact grows over the coming years.
My general sense for what comes next for me...assuming the B5
sequel goes...I've done a hard-linked and extremely intense drama with
an adventure component...and now, having done that, and proved that it
*could* be done, despite many who said it couldn't, my feeling now is,
"Okay, we've done that, how can we tweak it so that the sequel has a
different feel to it?" So I'm looking at something that's a little more
in the adventurous mode, with a serious underpinning, with an arc to it
that's not quite as intense in tone, but is still good drama.
Characters that grow and change, a definite ending, several mysteries
enclosed inside other mysteries, with a much larger canvas, and an even
stronger sense of wonder. B5 I did to prove a point, to some extent;
now I'd like to try something where, having achieved that, I can sit
back and, knowing the format now, have some fun with it. Maybe turn
it on its head in a few places.
As with everything else I do, I try to find what I'd enjoy as a
viewer, and take it from there. That was how B5 came about, and that's
how the new show would come about, should it happen.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 13 Jan 1997 18:41:28 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 TV ratings?
(blocked) asks:
> And, while I've got your ear, what is your opinion on the TV
> ratings?
I think we got stuck with a TV 14 rating...and frankly, I think
the ratings system is massively stupid, and will be broadly ignored.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 13 Jan 1997 18:41:31 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John M. Graham <74166.3727@compuserve.com>
Subject: Claudia CD?
{original post had no questions}
I got it, thanks....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 13 Jan 1997 18:41:34 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> How do they make a profit?
> From syndication fees?
> Or is there other evenue streams?
> And, if I may ask, how do you get paid?
They get their money from commercial advertising and foreign
sales. I get a piece of the *net* profit, and since the numbers are
always jigged so that no TV show or movie ever shows a profit, we know
how much that will result in...zilch.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 13 Jan 1997 18:47:22 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Alessio <71333.714@compuserve.com>
Subject: Atn: JMS- Story Arc
{original post had no questions}
Just one problem: I never SAID "Crusade" would not have a story
arc. I have only said that it won't be as *intense* an arc as that on
B5, because the tone is somewhat different, because I don't want to do
the exact same thing twice. But it will have an arc to it.
My suggestion: wait until you see what it IS before you ask me
to make it what it's not.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 14 Jan 1997 12:45:12 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp Lee Whiteside <76711.2660@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post had no questions}
Yeah, it did *really* well, and they're aware of that.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 14 Jan 1997 12:45:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post unavailable}
No, that's the standard practice in town. Actors have sued for
their net of shows that have been in syndication for 25-30 years, and
been told that it's "still in the red."
jms
------------------------------
Date: 14 Jan 1997 12:45:15 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post unavailable}
No idea.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 14 Jan 1997 18:00:45 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 TV ratings?
{original post had no questions}
Here's the insidious part of all this...they say they want a
ratings system, but of *course* it won't be used for censorship
purposes, they just want it for informational purposes...and the system
wasn't even in place for a week before pinheads like Rev. Wildmon were
out there calling for a boycott of EVERY show rated TV14, on the
grounds that it shouldn't be on TV. (Leave out the insanity that you
only have to create a TV15 rating, make all the TV14's another
category, and suddenly *they're* okay, the same programs would be fine,
if there were another nastier category.) It's the same thing that
happened with record ratings, which were instantly used to pressure
some record stores into not carrying more mature fare.
It sucks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1997 00:18:38 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 in South Africa?
{original post unavailable}
I believe it is, yes.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1997 00:27:37 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: Lock and Lie
Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> If the Captain felt his ships and people were in danger and fired
> in perceived self-defense, then why on Earth would he feel the
> need to lie about it? Did he know that the Minbari were not a
> threat? If he did, why did he fire on them?
> Did he learn something between the time of the incident and the
> lie at the Earth base? Is this something that will be made clearer
> in the upcoming movie, or is it something you can comment on
> here?
The Minbari approached with their gun ports opened...but they
also hadn't locked on. They were a potential menace, but had not gone
into the territory of definite menace...and when they fired, it was
clear from the moment or two it took to respond that the Minbari ships
weren't ready to attack. So he chose to cover his butt rather than
take responsibility for screwing up a first contact situation and
plunging Earth into a war.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1997 12:49:26 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: MrsPeel <103112.2040@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 TV ratings?
{original post had no questions}
Yup...I agree on about every level.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 15 Jan 1997 12:49:26 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> So I assume that you get paid a salary as well as the
> (non-existant) net? Is there anyway you can get a better deal?
Yes, I do get a per-epsode producing fee, and script fees.
No, no chance of changing the deal, it is what it is...and no,
I do not personally own B5 in any way, not in copyright, licensing, any
of that. WB owns all rights.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 02:07:43 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com> asks:
> Joe, If they're out of print, then how might we get them?
Some libraries and SF oriented bookstores still carry them.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 02:07:45 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> So I take it this is an industry standard set up?
> So how would you, in the future, get a bigger piece of the pie
> you've created (such as with Crusades)?
Yep, that's how they get you, and yes, I hope that the success
of B5 will allow for a slightly better deal on the new show, though
again the definition of net profits will almost certainly still be such
that it adds up to oh...about zip....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 02:07:48 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> So when you pitched it to them and they agreed to make the show,
> did you get paid for the rights, or do they get the rights in
> exchange for making the show?
They get the rights for financing and distributing the show; we
make the show.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 02:07:50 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Sue Wachowski <74743.3703@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Sue Wachowski <74743.3703@compuserve.com> asks:
> Isn't it also a question of how TV views its audience?
> What IQ do they assume we all have?
> What grade level reading do we understand?
> I guess that's not fair, but how mindless do we want our
> entertainment to be? Also, what about the TV executives that have
> to like a show first? Are executives changing?
> Are their attitudes toward what they like swinging towards TV of
> a higher level? So, are there things you would change about B5,
> knowing how it's done? Is it more like, those who grew up on good
> SF Literature are now in a position to influence the creation of
> today's SF shows and movies?
Yes, more writers and folks at the studio/network levels do know
a little from SF, but not as much as should be. I think that will
continue to change with time. Now that B5 has broken the strangle hold
of "no other SF than Star Trek has ever been profitable on TV," I think
maybe it'll have a positive effect.
RE: how the networks view viewers...lemme quote something to you
a suit at one of the networks said: "Our sense is that most of the
viewers with money or an education have cable, VCRs, laserdisks, and
they watch those instead of the networks. Our programming more and
more will have to turn to those who don't have any real education or
money for other programming options."
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 02:07:53 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Carl Cantarella <105030.3700@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post had no questions}
Our visibility is increasing, no mistake, but we still haven't
hit critical mass, and most viewers/reviewers are still largely unaware
of us. But that's okay, I went into this figuring this would be a long
haul. Once the show is done, it's done, and nothing will ever change
that; the only thing that will change is the size of the audience.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 02:07:55 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
(blocked) asks:
> But you have some kind of influence when it comes to
> merchandising arrangements, right?
I have approval over what gets licensed, and the form it takes.
I work closely with all our licensees.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 02:07:57 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ray Pelzer <70475.1263@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Ray Pelzer <70475.1263@compuserve.com> asks:
> A piece of the NET profit?
> Gadzooks, so you and James Garner will be spending a lot of time
> together at the accountants' offices, eh?
Bingo.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 02:07:59 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 TV ratings?
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> What kind of a show would get a TV-M?
Apparently, the TV 14 is not a permanent thing...whether this
changed after we complained, or it was always going to happen, I
dunno...it'll change from episode to episode. Funny thing is, NObody
at WB knows who assigned it that rating.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 02:08:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 TV ratings?
{original post unavailable}
Just replied on this...it's ep by ep.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 14:06:27 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John Ordover-Trek Editor <72674.1362@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post had no questions}
Exactly. And of course what they tell the advertisers is
likely a very different story. I just about fell down when I heard
this one.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 22:01:46 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael R. Brehmer <75303.2242@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Michael R. Brehmer <75303.2242@compuserve.com> asks:
> Do you believe that "network suites" are following that
> philosophy to a certain degree? Or is that many people's
> perception that network TV used to be better mere nostalgia? Even
> with your busy schedule, do you ever get a chance to watch any
> network TV?
I don't get much chance to watch TV these days, for obvious
reasons. I try to carve out room for X-Files, Simpsons, 60 Minutes,
The Tick, the Larry Sanders Show, Dateline, Nightline and a couple of
others, but that's about it for the week.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 22:01:48 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John M. Graham <74166.3727@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
John M. Graham <74166.3727@compuserve.com> asks:
> I am curious of whether my friend's view is prevalent in the
> industry, whether it is technically accurate, and whether such a
> view has hampered (or maybe helped?) to some extent your ability
> to market B5 accross the country?
All I know is that in 4 years, I've never heard anyone in the
industry refer to B5 as a soap. So that may answer your question.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 22:01:51 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John Ordover-Trek Editor <72674.1362@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
John Ordover-Trek Editor <72674.1362@compuserve.com> asks:
> You ever feel that all the networks (and many companies) would
> run better if they "inverted" the company every once in a while,
> ie, put the people currently on the front lines in the back
> office, and vice versa?
I dunno...sometimes I think that's the *problem*. It used to be
the case that network suits stayed in one place for a long time, and
held sway for years...now you've got kids coming in who know nothing
BUT TV running the show. The median age at the networks is very low
these days, and the turnover is quite high. The longer you can stay at
the job (within common sense limits) the more confident you can get and
start taking some chances (until you get TOO comfortable, natch). Now
the rule seems to be "cover your ass and don't make trouble" competing
with "I've gotta do something big to make a splash so I can get a
better deal with I go to another network."
Very few people make decisions based on what they think will
work, it's all based on research now, focus groups and other means of
being able to point to someone else and say, "I did my job, research
said it was a good show, it's not my fault."
Most of the really imaginative work being done in TV these days
is happening in cable, frankly.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 16 Jan 1997 22:01:54 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John M. Graham <74166.3727@compuserve.com>
Subject: Sneak Attacks.
John M. Graham <74166.3727@compuserve.com> asks:
> He accepted an invitation to peace talks, bought just happen to
> bring along two nuclear missles with him which could not be
> detected by the enemy (and just why didn't the "Eye" detect his
> ploy? My problem here is, after such a sneak attack, why do the
> Minbari still rally around him? Why don't they change his
> knick-name to "City-Killer" and go off to fight this war the
> honorable way?
Well, you're looking at very different scenarios. A "sneak
attack" a la Pearl Harbor is against a nation that is not at war.
In the Black Star situation, Sheridan's ship was damaged, and
they used that to lure in the aggressor ship (which was coming in to
eliminate them) and destroy it. They were already at war, and they
were taking drastic steps to keep from being destroyed themselves.
In the Z'ha'dum situation, again, there was a war of aggression
on, pursued by the shadows. In wartime, one does sometimes bomb the
capital cities of aggressor nations, from Iraq to Dresden to Tokyo, on
and on.
But neither situation is in the *least* comparable to a sneak
attack. Was there cleverness? Sure. But sometimes you need that to
beat a technically superior enemy.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1997 15:02:59 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John Ordover-Trek Editor <72674.1362@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
John Ordover-Trek Editor <72674.1362@compuserve.com> asks:
> Finally one Viacombot said "Well, how do you know the fans even
> want an Encyclopedia? Did you do a focus group?"
> Our producer relpied "How about the 750,000 people who bought the
> book version?
Back at you:
WB did a focus group for B5. Peeled of 20 folks for an in-room
review, the rest of us watching through mirrored glass. One guy hates
the show vehemently, keeps saying it's not science fiction. Finally
the guy running the group says, "Could you tell us what you feel is an
example of good science fiction?"
And the guy says, "Power Rangers."
I damn near went through the glass at him.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1997 15:10:44 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Stargazer creditors mtg
{original post unavailable}
Btw, could someone over in the UK who knows somebody over at
the CultTV awards let them know that we still haven't received the
awards from last year's presentation...and we're building an awards
cabinet, and they'd look great in it....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1997 18:05:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John Ordover-Trek Editor <72674.1362@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
John Ordover-Trek Editor <72674.1362@compuserve.com> asks:
> Thing is, they're talking about the -same- book.<G> That ever
> happen to you on episodes, getting "too thin" from one person and
> "too fat" from another, when they are talking about the same
> episode?
Yeah, that's common...one person wants more EFX, another more
character, another more arc...and if it doesn't have one of those
things, that which works for them best, sometimes it gets written off.
That's one of the things you learn in workshops...that you didn't like
it doesn't mean it's bad, only that it didn't work for *you*. But on
many occasions I've seen a note from someone who felt that, because it
had no CGI in it, it was perforce bad.
Which is why, in the final analysis, one must listen to the
small voice in the back of one's head when writing. If networks
comprise one sort of committee, fandom -- well-intentioned as they all
are, and as sharp as they all tend to be -- is still another (and
larger) committee, even more diverse. As you say, there's no one thing
the fans want...they're not some monolithic group...they're a diverse
and fasacinating group.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1997 18:05:15 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post unavailable}
You never know...it's a mug's game, TeeVee....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1997 18:05:16 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 TV ratings?
{original post unavailable}
Yeah, it was a good show, wish it were around more.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 17 Jan 1997 18:05:18 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 TV ratings?
Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com> asks:
> Just out of curiosity, have you ever seen "Politically Incorrect
> with Bill Maher?" I know, I know, but what the hey, it nevers
> hurts to dream, no?
I have no special urge to see my face on TeeVee, frankly...I'm
a writer, and happy just with that.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 18 Jan 1997 01:36:59 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Sanjiv S. Purba <102735.1770@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Sanjiv S. Purba <102735.1770@compuserve.com> asks:
> Who does the licencing for B5 novels?
Dell has thus far licensed the right to do the books; the
current three books under contract are all filled.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 18 Jan 1997 01:37:01 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post unavailable}
I think it may have had something to do with the three guys who
tackled me....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 18 Jan 1997 01:37:03 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Tom Knudsen <72347.1626@compuserve.com> asks:
> Has there ever, in the history of television that you know of,
> been a hit show (a big hit, not just a show that stuck around a
> couple of years) that was instigated/designed based upon this
> research??
Not that I know of.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 18 Jan 1997 01:37:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: ben dibble <105430.3170@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
ben dibble <105430.3170@compuserve.com> asks:
> Joe, do you ever wonder if your doing ever so many episodes for
> B5 is going to make any others following in your footsteps have
> second thoughts about "the arc thing?"
I think a *lot* of people wonder about me.
And it doesn't have to be done by one person; the third year it
came about because so much was changing, so much was happening, it made
it hard to bring in anyone...in year four, I've had to structure this
extremely elaborate tree so I can flip either way depending on whether
or not we get a fifth year, and again you just can't farm that out in
any realistic way.
I'm *very* much looking forward to never, ever doing this
(writing an entire season or two singlehanded) again for the rest of my
natural life....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 18 Jan 1997 01:37:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Sanjiv S. Purba <102735.1770@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 TV ratings?
Sanjiv S. Purba <102735.1770@compuserve.com> asks:
> When are new episodes of B5 going to air?
New eps start around the week of January 27th.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 18 Jan 1997 20:27:45 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Richard P. Manny <70762.141@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post had no questions}
Typical...and saddst of all to know that your story is not at
all uncommon.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 18 Jan 1997 20:27:47 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post unavailable}
You don't skew the group ahead of time; you get a random sample,
some who like it, are neutral, or don't like it. That's the public
opinion measurement biz.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 18 Jan 1997 20:27:50 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Richard Wakefield <100534.504@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Earth-Minbari War
Richard Wakefield <100534.504@compuserve.com> asks:
> The E-M war lasted five years (2242-2247 I believe), if the
> Minbari were so superior technologically why did it take them
> years to beat us back to Earth ? Will we ever see more info about
> the war ?
The 2-hour prequel will get into the question of the war in far
more detail.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 18 Jan 1997 20:27:52 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 TV ratings?
{original post unavailable}
For five weeks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 19 Jan 1997 16:05:57 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post unavailable}
No, the figures are correct. DS9 does rate higher than B5,
though it's lost about 18% of its ratings over the last year, according
to the trades, while B5 has been gaining over the same period of time.
Interestingly, on a head-to-head basis with new episodes, we're
generally only about half a point behind Voyager. DS9 averages a
couple of points ahead of us.
BTW, I found out the other day that apparently when Scott Adams
had done the Dilbert cover story, he'd intended for B5 to get the
cover, but the folks at TV Guide put Star Trek on at the last minute
because they felt it would sell more copies.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 19 Jan 1997 21:09:41 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 director
{original post had no questions}
Thanks. Mike is one of our core directors; he wasn't available
to us for the first batch of episodes because another show locked him
down before we got renewal notice for year 4 (you can't book directors
if you don't have a commitment), but he's directing one now, and is
going to do a bunch more. He's a great visual stylist. If I know we're
going to have him as a director, I'll actually write the script a
little differently and call for the kinds of visuals I know he can give
us.
Funny story...turns out that in Spanish, "vejar" means to abuse,
degrade and humiliate. So one day, all the crew vanished from the set
mid-day and reappeared moments later wearing bright red shirts with
black type reading "I'VE BEEN VEJARED!" They're still very popular.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 19 Jan 1997 21:09:45 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com>
Subject: Atn: JMS- Story Arc
Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com> asks:
> is Crusade definate?
Crusade isn't definite yet, we should know soonish, though.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 19 Jan 1997 21:09:46 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: ?s of Sordid Biz Nature
Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com> asks:
> Does WB tell you if they're promoting B5 at NATPE each year (this
> year in particular, since the whole 4 or 5 season termination is
> such a burning question)? If so, do they tell you the results, or
> do you have to rely on industry jungle-drums to find out how B5
> fared at NATPE?
We've never heard squat about NATPE or much of anything else
over these four years. Also, NATPE is mainly useful for selling new
shows, not renewing older ones.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 19 Jan 1997 21:09:48 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com>
Subject: Opening Credits Season 4
Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com> asks:
> Just got around to really trying to breakdown the opening title
> sequence, haven't been lurking here for a couple of months, don't
> see any messages, so am curious if this has been "documented" -
> who says what? Is this right??
Not quite...rebirth goes to Lyta (since Pat had just had a kid
recently), and Claudia got the year everything changed, to put her in
the same grouping with Jerry and Bruce.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 19 Jan 1997 21:09:50 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com>
Subject: 3rd Age of Mankind...
Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com> asks:
> Or am I completely in left field?
Sorta kinda...close. You won't have to wait long.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 19 Jan 1997 21:09:53 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com>
Subject: Mr. Garibaldi vs. Talia
{original post had no questions}
No, the Garibaldi situation doesn't relate to or act as a
surrogate for that earlier thread.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 1997 13:57:20 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> How do you keep from becoming ensnared in what THEY want the show
> to be?
Fortunately, most studios don't know what they want...they only
get into it if whatever it is, isn't working. B5 is working, so they
leave it alone. Also, I think they know by now that if a project I care
about is going to be bastardized...I walk. I've done it many times
before, and wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 1997 13:57:21 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Hugh Kennedy <70042.710@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Hugh Kennedy <70042.710@compuserve.com> asks:
> And WB still don't want to release B5 on tape in the US?
It's got nothing to do with making money...if you look around,
aside from the cartoon stuff, NO WB series are out on disk or tape,
because that division prefers to deal with guaranteed big sellers
(Batman, etc) than with TV, which they feel is kinda below them.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 1997 13:57:23 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> Do you actually have this entire thing drawn out on paper so to
> speak?
I figure they'll probably bury the darned thing with me...and
I'll still be laying there and revising it....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 1997 13:57:26 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: Atn: JMS- Story Arc
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> Will we find out about Crusade at the same time as year 5?
> Or are they under different groups?
> Are the movies confirmed, and will there be more movies after the
> 2 by TNT?
The two TNT movies are confirmed; I imagine I'll hear about the
sequel before I hear about year 5, but the difference in time will
probably be only a few weeks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 20 Jan 1997 13:57:28 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: JOHN GRAVES <102735.1124@compuserve.com>
Subject: B5 Audio Problems
{original post had no questions}
This is the first I've heard of it, but I've printed your
message and will give it to George Johnsen tomorrow so he can look into
it.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1997 13:46:28 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Makeup Question
(blocked) asks:
> How long does it take Andreas to get made up every day under
> normal circumstances (excluding the last couple of episodes)? What
> does he do all that time?
Last I heard it takes about 2 hours, not too bad, actually.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1997 13:46:30 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jean S McKnight <105513.130@compuserve.com>
Subject: Writing
Jean S McKnight <105513.130@compuserve.com> asks:
> I know that you have the overall arc of the series mapped out,
> but when you write an individual script, do you follow a
> "template" of some sort and create the story to fit it, or does
> the story just spring full-blown into your head, a la Mozart? Do
> you, for example, decide ahead of time how many scenes there will
> be and where the characters will be at the end of each? If there
> is no set method that you use, could you, as a kindness to the
> adoring masses of lesser mortals, try for a moment to imagine
> that you are not a genius, and you must write a story from
> scratch, by lunch, or its no beans for you? What would you start
> with? Would you begin with a framework/checklist of some sort, or
> just set a character down and see what he does?
It's a combination of things, and very hard to explain. I come
to a given episode knowing I have to do X...X might be "this is the one
where I have to plant the info about the giant space ferrets," or "this
is the one where Lennier gets nailed in bed by Londo." Then I kind of
check in on the characters in my head...I know what they've been going
through, and I see how they're feeling about it, where they are, what's
going on...then I sit down and "watch" the events in my head like
watching a movie, or watching the news. Some scenes are vaguer than
others, so I keep replaying it in my head until I can see the whole
thing...then I write it all down.
In the latter case you mention, having nothing, and being under
the gun, I always, *always* start with character rather than a series
of incidents or plot points. Because character is the key to
everything: plot, structure, all of it. All you need to know is who
your character is, what he wants, how far he will go to get it, and how
far somebody else will go to stop him. The rest follows naturally.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1997 13:46:32 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Kevin Dobson
(blocked) asks:
> Is this the actor Kevin Dobson of Kojak, Knotts Landing fame and
> currently F/X The series?
Same name, different person.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1997 13:46:35 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Bester
(blocked) asks:
> When's the next Bester episode?
407, "Epiphanies."
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1997 13:46:38 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> So how big is this thing?
> And what do you put on it?
It's about as big as my life these days....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1997 13:46:42 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> But would most studios care in other situations?
> Where else have you walked from?
> And, if I may ask, why do you do all of this (make the show, talk
> with us, deal with the studio, etc)?
I walked off THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS when they decided to soften
the characters and turn Janine into a mommy figure, off CAPTAIN POWER
when they decided to give the sponsor (Mattel) more control over
stories...and others.
Why do I stay on the nets? I was here before B5, and I'll be
here after, to one degree or another. I see no reason to change.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1997 13:46:44 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: MrsPeel <103112.2040@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
MrsPeel <103112.2040@compuserve.com> asks:
> Someone in Hollywood with artistic integrity?
There are lots of folks out here with integrity; they're just
not as colorful to write about, and they don't fit in with accepted
cliche.
Mainly, I'm genetically a pain in the butt.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1997 13:46:47 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
(blocked) asks:
> Is your life natural?
You can never burn out as long as you're doing what you enjoy.
When it stops being fun, then you burn out. And I'm still having fun.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 21 Jan 1997 13:46:49 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B4 & After
{original post unavailable}
You misremember. The whole point of going back was to make
sure the last war was won, so that the shadow fleet would have *fewer*
ships coming up to the present, not to get more ships for our side.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1997 01:49:56 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post had no questions}
"So in other words, you like it here (the Nets) and you do what you do
(make great stories) because you're having fun, and you don't
compromise on principle. That must be hard in the town you're in."
Not really. Not as long as you know what you're in the business
for. I'm a storyteller. The rest is superfluous. And it's not really
that hard because I live a sensible life...if they take it all away, I
should still be okay, and I can go back to writing books, or teaching.
A story is a story, doesn't matter to me which venue it is. Where this
town gets you is if you're in it for the money. Money's nice, but
doesn't really mean that much to me...you can only sleep in one bed at
a time, drive one car at a time, eat one meal at a time...how much do
you *need*?
"Joe, you are a truly remarkable man, much like the ancient Bards of
old. In my humble opinion, you are Shakespere and Homer wrapped up in
one."
Not a chance. If I work hard and write my brains out, then in
20 years *maybe* I'll be fit to carry their pencil cases, but no more
than that.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1997 01:50:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John M. Graham <74166.3727@compuserve.com>
Subject: Sneak Attacks.
John M. Graham <74166.3727@compuserve.com> asks:
> Was there cleverness?
> Again I ask, why do they follow him still?
I think the main reason the Minbari have a problem with the
Black Star incident is mainly because it happened to *them*. And even
there it's mainly the warrior caste that's annoyed by it...even though
they were en route to doing something just as reprehensible, the
equivilent to strafing lifeboats in WW2. Frankly, I don't think the
warrior caste would give a fig who else it happened to...they're
outraged because it happened to *them*.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1997 01:50:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: Another John?
Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> I don't know what you think of the man, but have you heard that
> John Rhys-Davies is available? Do you prefer them over
> contemporary? TVG: What science-fiction novels have you enjoyed?
> Would you sign up if the opportunity presented itself?
> Wouldn't you?
Hmmm...interesting....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1997 01:50:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp Mike Willmoth <76170.1037@compuserve.com>
Subject: Writing
{original post had no questions}
Twain was the same way; he said, "You should never start writing
a work until you have finished it to your satisfaction."
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1997 01:50:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jean S McKnight <105513.130@compuserve.com>
Subject: Writing
Jean S McKnight <105513.130@compuserve.com> asks:
> Is this cerebral cineplexing a learnable skill, and if so do you
> have any suggestions as to how to learn it?
I dunno...I've always been this way, seeing it in my head.
Helps to have been a solitary-minded kid, I suppose, always off by
myself. When I first began to read novels, I saw them in my head in
full technicolor with surround sound. Especially with Bradbury's
stuff, which is full of imagery; I can still summon up my mind's eye
view of Usher 2, the Martian deserts with their silver windsailing
vessels, the race for the ship in "The Golden Apples of the Sun"...it's
the way I'm hardwired.
Which is why my scripts for B5 (and most shows) are *very*
detailed; I don't just write action and dialogue, I go shot-by-shot,
close-ups, fades, juxtaposition of shots, lighting, sound, framing of
actors, all of it, to try and most precisely recreate the script (and
the episode) to look like what I saw in my head.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1997 01:50:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com>
Subject: Yr. 4/5
Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com> asks:
> How does the process work in choosing a director?
> Do you have input and/or final say?
> Just out of curiosity have you ever considered Jonathan Frakes?
Given that Paramount already pressured one director associated
with ST not to work with us, I'd rather not take that chance again.
We choose directors based on prior work, a demo reel of their
stuff, a personal meeting, and gut instinct. They have to understand
that the job is to service the text, not to rewrite or change. We look
for directors whose work shows a great visual style, and who are
willing to take chances. We get some directors who come to us because
they can't do the kinds of things they want to do for any other show.
Here, we *encourage* them to experiment. The worst that'll happen is
that it'll fall short. Big deal. If you succeed, it's brilliant.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1997 13:25:18 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post unavailable}
The amazing thing about TV Guide is that here we are, doing
this show for 4 years, with 2 Emmy awards, a Hugo award, a bunch of
other awards, the fifth highest rated syndicated drama series...and in
those 4 years we have never, ever had a B5 cover on TV Guide.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1997 13:32:13 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: MONICA FLYNN <101771.3174@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post had no questions}
So, like, you're saying I should stay away from boats....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1997 13:32:14 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Mark Sloan <100407.3462@compuserve.com>
Subject: SFX Readers Awards
{original post had no questions}
That's great news, thanks.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 22 Jan 1997 13:32:15 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: MrsPeel <103112.2040@compuserve.com>
Subject: Writing
MrsPeel <103112.2040@compuserve.com> asks:
> The next time I went in to pitch, I purposely structured my ideas
> around the thought, What do we need to say about the characters?
And therein, I think, lay the problem....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 01:29:06 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Another John?
[Reply to message #640368, which is no longer available]
More than I can tell you, I would *love* to do a film or
miniseries version of "Canticle." I *love* that book.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 01:46:50 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John F Davis <73455.43@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post had no questions}
My credits list is very long and very dull and very boring...can
there be anything less interesting than somebody reciting their work
history?
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 01:46:52 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Writing
(blocked) asks:
> Are you a fan of his?
Yeah, I've always enjoyed Bradbury's work, though more the
earlier stuff than the later stuff.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 01:46:53 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Press and Year 5
{original post unavailable}
It's the same we've had from the start. Some say yes, some say
no, and the press usually reports the no's because they're more
interesting than the yes's.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 01:46:57 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: No Surrender!
Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> Care to comment?
Not really.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 22:09:32 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ed Brandt <100274.2672@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Ed Brandt <100274.2672@compuserve.com> asks:
> True or false?
3 to four OTHER spinoffs?!
The thud you just heard was me fainting.
No...definitely not the case. Yikes....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 22:09:34 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Another John?
(blocked) asks:
> Is it a possibility?
> Did anyone ever buy the dramatization rights?
Given that it's a seminal work of SF, I'm sure *somebody* must
have the rights....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 22:09:36 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Another John?
(blocked) asks:
> Did you ever hear the NPR radio dramatization?
I caught bits and pieces of it...what I heard, I liked.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 22:09:38 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Too Much Success?
{original post unavailable}
Yeah, the sequel and the fifth year could conceivably happen at
the same time...or not...or one or the other...it's utterly in flux.
Totally fluxed up.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 22:09:40 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: "Lensman" Series
{original post unavailable}
Actually, they're written in order, and whoever you're buying
them from will likely have that information, or they'll be released
that way. From memory, I don't have them in front of me, it goes from
Triplanetary to Lensman, Second Stage Lensman, Grey Lensman and
Children of the Lens...I think that's right....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 22:16:28 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John F Davis <73455.43@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post had no questions}
If it's just shows, then there's also He-Man, She-Ra, Jayce and
the Wheeled Warriors, Real Ghostbusters (animation all)...then the live
stuff with Captain Power, the new Twilight Zone, Murder She Wrote,
Nightmare Classics, Jake and the Fatman, Walker Texas Ranger and B5.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 23 Jan 1997 22:16:29 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Stuart C. Hellinger <70402.1371@compuserve.com>
Subject: Press and Year 5
Stuart C. Hellinger <70402.1371@compuserve.com> asks:
> Oh, btw, will TNT also show the "The Gathering"?
Yes, TNT will show the pilot movie. The theory is to do the
prequel first, then the pilot, then the series through one run at
least, then the second original TV movie to freshen the cycle, then
onward.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 24 Jan 1997 13:31:58 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Another John?
{original post unavailable}
The deal is that what makes for a great novel is not what makes
for a great movie in most cases; novels are internal, movies are
external. And often execs hear about a big SF book, they don't know
anything about it except that it's popular or famous, and they option
it...then find out what it is and have no idea how to make it...or what
it was...or why it works... and after buying it for what it *is* they
try to make it into something it's *not* because they're more
comfortable wit what it isn't but could be than what it is and can't
be.
And the fact that I actually understood what I wrote and was
entirely serious in it suddenly tells me that I've been in this town
WAY too long.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 24 Jan 1997 13:31:59 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com>
Subject: Press and Year 5
Brent Barrett <75063.3305@compuserve.com> asks:
> Had you or anyone else thought about getting TNT to fund the re-
> editing of that movie the way you originally wanted it?
We've talked with them about it, and there's still nothing set
yet. We think we may be able to get this reworked to some extent, at
least re-edited, with some new CG, but it isn't final yet.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 24 Jan 1997 22:52:18 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Mug Rug
{original post had no questions}
It just came in today (well, I just got it today from the mail
drop, nominally the same thing)...looks great, and it'll look great on
my office desk at the studio. Tell her thanks for me, it's nifty.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 24 Jan 1997 22:52:19 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: fave books ?
(blocked) asks:
> So what are your favorite sf books ?
> Who are your favorite writers ?
I'm somewhat a traditionlalist in my SF/fantasy
reading...Bradbury, Clarke, Asimov, Ellison, Russell, Smith (EE and
Clark Ashton), Lovecraft, others. I've fallen a bit astray of the
newer folks, though I never miss an opportunity to plug Jonathan
Carroll's work.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1997 00:44:18 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
{original post had no questions}
"Less than unbiased" didn't even BEGIN to cover it.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1997 00:54:20 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Meryl Yourish <103470.2703@compuserve.com>
Subject: Changes
Meryl Yourish <103470.2703@compuserve.com> asks:
> How has B5 changed me?
Re: "Never eat anything bigger than your head"...that goes back
a long ways. It's part of a litany of country-wisdom stuff that has a
long history. I think the first part of it is, "Never eat anything
bigger than your head, never eat at a place called Pop's, never shoot
pool at a place called Mom's, the difference between horses and people
is that they're too smart to bet on what we'll do, and a fool and his
money were lucky to get together in the first place." I like that last
one particularly.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1997 00:54:21 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 CD #2 is Available!
{original post unavailable}
So what do you think? I've listened to it about five times now,
counting the two times prior to approval, and I like it a lot.
Here's the interesting thing, and it shows how sometimes you can
never quite shake the fanboy aspect in your (my) perceptions. When I
first listened to the CD, and I spoke to Chris, I gave him a series of
notes, based on how much I liked the first CD, to make it more in
keeping with that.
I went on at this for some time, and Christopher pointed out
that it was obvious I liked the first one...but that if he went along
with what I was saying, it would make the second soundtrack just like
the first one...in which case, why make it? Which was just what I'd
been saying about wanting to do the sequel series, if it's picked up,
in a different way.
We all come to like something a certain way, and want the next
one to be just like the *last* one. And I realized that he was utterly
correct, and I let it go through without changes, trusting to his
creative instincts.
After the finished CD came in, I listened to it again at the
office, and called Chris. "I'm glad you stuck to your guns," I told
him. "You were right and I was wrong."
Which is the other good thing about B5...nobody here is afraid
to argue with me if they think they're right. I expect nothing less.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1997 00:54:24 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jean S McKnight <105513.130@compuserve.com>
Subject: JMS' scriptwriting book
Jean S McKnight <105513.130@compuserve.com> asks:
> Pathetic, really, isn't it?
"no animals were harmed during the typing of this message."
I would've believed this until a petition signed by 47 ferrets,
ducks and hamsters arrived on my desk a few minutes ago....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 26 Jan 1997 18:36:16 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Sanjiv S. Purba <102735.1770@compuserve.com>
Subject: From jms re: yr 4/5
Sanjiv S. Purba <102735.1770@compuserve.com> asks:
> How does one get to bid on a book contract that needs to be
> filled? Is it possible to submit a book proposal?
> How do you submit ideas for other types of licences?
You need to write an outline and submit it, though lately we've
been assigning books to published authors based on a premise from
in-house. You can't just submit ideas for licenses...a company has to
approach WB with an offer and a business plan.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 1997 03:41:46 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Rebecca Eschliman <76072.2345@compuserve.com>
Subject: JMS' scriptwriting book
{original post had no questions}
"They were forced to sign the petition by a terrorist group of
meerkats, kinkajous and bandicoots"
Oh...*them* again....
Same old story.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 1997 14:26:50 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Press and Year 5
{original post unavailable}
TNT will begin showing B5 after it's finished.
Crusade is in development, and will take place within the B5
universe, but with a distinctly different plot.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 1997 14:26:51 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: David Cerreta <72630.3433@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Long Night
David Cerreta <72630.3433@compuserve.com> asks:
> How many could say that now?
Thanks...and yeah, lots of folks were eager to write off Vir at
the start. I think they've all changed their minds by now.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 1997 14:26:52 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: Press and Year 5
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> Do you have all the scenes you shot for the piolit on disk
> somehwere? One other thing I just thought of, how long do you keep
> the shots from the episodes on disk?
We don't keep them on disk after we finish editing; in the case
of the pilot we're redigitizing dailies to go in and make our changes.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 1997 14:26:53 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: What's the word?
(blocked) asks:
> Does he have good information, or can I write them a nasty letter
> for making me panic?
Not having been told this myself, I can only say I'll have to
check it out.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 27 Jan 1997 14:26:54 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: JMS' scriptwriting book
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> Why is it everyone around here thinks you don't like cute?
> Is there some comment that you made regarding "cute fuzzy
> things"??
Ah hates cute....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 11:54:55 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com>
Subject: Press and Year 5
Scott Baker <76072.1744@compuserve.com> asks:
> Correct me if I'm wrong, but everything you shoot is stored
> digitally for final mixing and the CGI effects to be added,
> right? So, what are dailies and how are the stored?
> And what happens to the data after the episode is sent off?
Dailies are the actual film, developed overnight and
transferred to video. The videotapes are then digitized, and dropped
into the editing machines. Once editing is finished, the main disks
containing the digitized dailies are wiped; we only keep the list of
shots and frame counts for the supercomputer to use in assembling the
film.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 11:54:56 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Kathy Sheldrake <76236.254@compuserve.com>
Subject: Changes
{original post had no questions}
Yeah, it goes way back.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 11:54:58 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: SysOp Lee Whiteside <76711.2660@compuserve.com>
Subject: Press and Year 5
SysOp Lee Whiteside <76711.2660@compuserve.com> asks:
> Does that mean you are definitely rediting the pilot or that's
> what you'll do if you get the go-ahead?
We've got a definite maybe, but we can't wait until the last
moment to begin digitizing stuff.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 11:55:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: T.P. Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com>
Subject: >>the Long Night<<
T.P. Chai <104674.3064@compuserve.com> asks:
> What I'm wondering is, the dialogue about Vir being "harmless",
> was that written before or after you realized what should happen?
> In general, do you go through a lot of drafts and
> insertion/deletion?
No, I usually go through only a couple of drafts. The line
about Vir seemed correct regardless.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 11:55:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Long Night
{original post had no questions}
Thanks. The White Star mission in that ep has definite roots;
during WW2 to convince the Germans we weren't going to land at
Normandy, our own agents were fed incorrect information, set
loose...and then info was leaked to the Germans allowing them to pick
up the agents and torture the information out of them. This wasn't
quite as bad as that, the crew at least knew what they were getting
into...but there are often no good choices in war.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 11:55:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Vadim Naroditsky <72133.1175@compuserve.com>
Subject: Press and Year 5
Vadim Naroditsky <72133.1175@compuserve.com> asks:
> Does that mean UPN will not be showing reruns?
UPN has nothing to do with B5.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 11:55:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: JOHN GRAVES <102735.1124@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 Cancelled?
JOHN GRAVES <102735.1124@compuserve.com> asks:
> Any comments?
If I had anything to say on this, I would've said it. All I
know is that this exact thing has happened before in previous seasons.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 17:05:02 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Ruth Spradlin <73477.3155@compuserve.com>
Subject: Scott Adams cameo
Ruth Spradlin <73477.3155@compuserve.com> asks:
> So -- what the hey?
Nope, it'll be as a human. It's a small role but should be
good for Dilbert fans.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 17:09:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: New episode...
{original post had no questions}
Two things....
The episode that preceded "The Long Night" aired last
week...and bear in mind that Cartagia has never been shown to be
weak...he's young, and Londo ain't...he takes pride in being a lady's
man, so given that he got behind Londo, a weak position for anyone,
it's very reasonable.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 17:09:11 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: matt greenslade <111111.1445@compuserve.com>
Subject: Mr Garibaldi
matt greenslade <111111.1445@compuserve.com> asks:
> Can anyone answer why Garibaldi has a security level of
> 'Ultraviolet Alpha' (presumably high) and yet in the same
> conversation last series reveals that he has been dismissed from
> his last four jobs? I mean is he a hacker, a liar or a very lucky
> guy?
He got his clearance when he came onto B5, after Sinclair
fought to get him the job. And that clearance mainly pertains to B5
stuff.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 22:13:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: B5 cancelled?
{original post unavailable}
Nothing is known for certain yet.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 28 Jan 1997 22:13:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Long Night
{original post unavailable}
No, this was always G'Kar's path.
I think it also showed the League that he was willing to
sacrifice his own people, that he *means business*...and is prepared to
go all the way for this, and they'd damned well better be as well.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1997 03:54:46 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: New episode...
(blocked) asks:
> While I've got your attention, any new word on renewal for season
> 5?
No word yet.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1997 11:54:08 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com>
Subject: Scott Adams cameo
Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com> asks:
> For those of us with friends and aquaintances who are Dilbert
> fans and occasional B5 watchers, can you tell us which episode
> Adams will appear in?
I seem to remember dropping his cameo into "Moments of
Transition."
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1997 11:54:09 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com>
Subject: New episode...
Scott J. Epstein <71514.2733@compuserve.com> asks:
> I'm thinking of the scene when Cartagia (with his hands covered
> with G'Kar's blood) finds Londo and Vir in the garden, and says
> to Vir, "What are *you* doing here?"
Who knows, sometimes the characters know more about this stuff
to come than I do....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1997 22:44:55 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: NATPE & Rumors
(blocked) asks:
> Is it possible that somebody sold you a bill of goods about the
> value of going to NATPE? Would B5 have fared better if people had
> been pushing it at these industry shindigs? Do you have someone in
> WB Domestic TV seriouly honked off at you? Or is someone trying to
> generate support, using reverse psychology, by floating a
> cancellation rumor, so the loyal fans will rise into a collective
> high hover and start yet another letter writing campaign, to
> "rescue" the show?
I understand...thing is, people carried back the same reports
from the same NATPE convention *last* year...so where does one start?
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1997 22:44:56 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com>
Subject: Harlan on 'PI'
{original post had no questions}
Yeah,I was astounded myself. Neither he nor Star Parker knew a
thing about what the Blacklist was really about...I think if you're
going to do a show like that, you should do your homework.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1997 22:44:58 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com>
Subject: Harlan
Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com> asks:
> Is that a good thing or a bad thing do you suppose?
> Is it true that you and he will be at Icon in New York early
> April?
Yeah, we'll both definitely be at ICON.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1997 22:45:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: The Long Night
{original post unavailable}
It was gonna be Londo right up until 2 pages before the
scene...then Vir said, "Nope."
jms
------------------------------
Date: 29 Jan 1997 22:45:04 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com>
Subject: The Long Night
Roseann M. Caputo <103510.1542@compuserve.com> asks:
> The whole scene with G'Kar and the other Narn and then to have
> them ask, what did he endure????? And Vir, I didn't even see that
> coming? Did he?
> When you write, does it ever feel like that there's this person
> inside your head who keeps bugging you to tell a story about
> them, or do I need that vacation more than I know??? Do you have a
> lute at home?
Certainly there's an obsession to get this story out. And the
characters are alive, on one level...because you have to imagine them
as being real in order to write them. 22 times a year I crack a window
to peer in at them....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1997 02:04:52 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jean S McKnight <105513.130@compuserve.com>
Subject: Catherine Sakai
Jean S McKnight <105513.130@compuserve.com> asks:
> Forgive me for being out of the loop, but I was just wondering
> (you see, I got B5 religion sort of late in life and hence missed
> the early eps, except those I begged copies of once it hit me) if
> anyone knows what ever happened to Catherine Sakai? Did she go off
> to Minbar with him? Did he just go traipsing back in time without
> so much as a phone call? Or was it just not dealt with, what with
> the universe needing to be saved and all? Or maybe she took one
> look at Sheridan and was too overcome by lust to remember her own
> name, let alone Sinclair's? Whatdaya think?
> Any chance she'll show up again, and maybe a technomage can give
> her a one way ticket to Valen-land on the orange blossom express?
The fate of Catherine Sakai will be revealed in a coming B5
novel from Dell.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1997 12:31:55 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com>
Subject: Harlan on 'PI'
Michael Beemer <71551.1670@compuserve.com> asks:
> "He" being Maher?
He didn't know what the blacklisting was...if he did, he'd know
that 90% of those called before HUAC had *nothing* to do with the "Evil
Empire" of communism, and have been shown to have been innocent. If
anything, the hearings gave aid and comfort to the other side.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1997 12:31:56 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Alan Mulvie <100566.1444@compuserve.com>
Subject: Season 5 Cancelled?
Alan Mulvie <100566.1444@compuserve.com> asks:
> I'm sure you would keep us well informned, but on a metter of
> copyright/ownership if the worst came to the worst and Warner
> Bros pulled the plug on Season 5, would you be able to take it to
> another station/production company? I don't know how this all
> works, but for instance could Paramount or Fox legaly allow you
> to finish the five year arc?
No, the show can't leave WB for any reason. It's this or
nothing.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1997 12:31:57 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: Heroes
{original post unavailable}
No, I think you nailed it pretty well, anything I could add
would just be lagniappe.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1997 12:31:58 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: (blocked)
Subject: NATPE & Rumors
(blocked) asks:
> Is this enemy action, or a devious friend?
Neither...I think it's just people talking to talk, to show
they may have some inside information, whether such exists or not....
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1997 12:32:00 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: John Yuen <72466.1621@compuserve.com>
Subject: JMS' scriptwriting book
{original post had no questions}
Yeah, well, when they're that small and young, they move fast,
I couldn't get a bead on her.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1997 22:42:05 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jean S McKnight <105513.130@compuserve.com>
Subject: Writing
Jean S McKnight <105513.130@compuserve.com> asks:
> Can you recommend any books on writing?
I don't keep up with the general writing books, I'm afraid.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1997 22:42:07 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com>
Subject: Catherine Sakai
Jonathan Kass <74130.443@compuserve.com> asks:
> any that are out that you might recommend especially?
Basically, my opinion on the novels is that they've been wildly
uneven. Some were pretty good, some just fell down, for me. A large
part of the problem was that we went through the notion of taking
proposals for books, and 9 times out of 10 the writer wanted to tell
the story about his guest characters, and the main characters took a
back seat. I protested and yelled, and finally decided that the only
way out was to pull novels out of my notes, and out of the series
itself.
So novel 1 of the next batch is about Anna, Morden and the
Icarus; in my view it's the best of the line published so far, I worked
very hard with the author to keep it in line with the series; the
second novel is set on Centauri Prime, from a short premise from me,
during the time when G'Kar is kept prisoner in Cartagia's cells, and
again our characters are in the center, though I think it isn't as
strong as the first one in this batch of three; the third novel, which
I haven't yet read in manuscript form, again from an assigned premise,
follows Sinclair and Sakai to Minbar and the creation of the Rangers.
With any luck, this batch will be very strong.
jms
------------------------------
Date: 30 Jan 1997 22:42:10 -0700
From: J. Michael Straczynski <71016.1644@compuserve.com>
To: Deonaha M. Conlin <102531.2627@compuserve.com>
Subject: ><The Long Night>>
Deonaha M. Conlin <102531.2627@compuserve.com> asks:
> "Di.....?'
Thanks...I'm quite happy with this episode. It's fun.
jms
------------------------------