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| 10. THE GLASS TEAT
Marsters has grown into his Spike role. James Marsters plays the platinum-blond British vampire Spike on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER. He's eager for the coming season. Creator Joss Whedon has said to expect more of the British vamp, who became a regular character last year. Marsters said, "In the beginning, I was afraid. . . . But it's like a roller coaster. A third of the way through, you just throw your head back and begin laughing. I told him, 'Joss, I'll do anything you want.'" The new BUFFY season starts October 3rd. . . . How Sarah Michelle Gellar gets her kicks. BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER's star, Sarah Michelle Gellar, keeps herself buff by practicing the ancient Japanese art of Tae Kwon-Do. Gellar prides herself in doing a lot of her vampire slaying stunts on her own for the popular series - although she admits at times she needs a stunt woman for the most dangerous activities. But it's her training in Tae Kwon-Do that keeps her in shape, and helps her bash the vamps. She says, "I do not do all of my stunts but I do a good portion. I'm trained in Tae Kwon-Do and do gymnastics every now and then, but I do have to be able to show up for work the next day.". . . STARSHIP REGULARS makes both its TV and Online debut. Showtime has acquired the television rights to the Icebox.com animated series STARSHIP REGULARS, with plans to turn it into a live-action series which would premiere next year. The comedy series, created by icebox.com co-founder Rob LaZebik (THE SIMPSONS), follows the adventures of men and women living aboard a military spaceship. Three-minute-long STARSHIP episodes have begun airing on Icebox and Showtime. . . . DEADMAN walking. TNT will develop a television movie - the pilot for a possible series - based on the DC Comics series Deadman. Deadman tells the story of a stunt man who is murdered but allowed to return to Earth as a spirit. In the comics he was a circus performer and could occupy anyone's body temporarily. In the TV version he'll only be able to possess the body of his nerdy brother. Jason Pomerance, who writes the comic series, will also write the movie script. . . . PROFILER returns in re-runs. Court TV will start airing repeats of PROFILER at 8 pm ET & 1 am ET starting Sept. 18th. . . . Nightly doses of NIKITA now available. Starting Monday, September 11th, USA Network will begin running LA FEMME NIKITA late night Mon-Thur nights around midnight. Monday's will air at midnight or 12:05 am ET/PT and the Tue, Wed & Thur episodes will air at 12:30 am ET/PT. They will start from the beginning with the pilot episode. . . . TNT PSI high. PSI FACTOR: CHRONICLES OF THE PARANORMAL has been acquired by TNT. Look for re-runs daily at 4:00. |
| 11. LA FEMME IS NOT FATALE
USA Network officially announced the return of its canceled series LA FEMME NIKITA under a new agreement with Warner Brothers and Fireworks Entertainment. USA Cable President Stephen Chao announced that the series would return for eight new episodes, starting in "early 2001." USA had canceled the series in a contract dispute with Warner. "The fans of LA FEMME NIKITA have shown us the commitment they have for this show, and while we were determined to keep it on USA Network, their tenacity and obvious desire for the series to continue reinforced our decision to pursue negotiations aggressively for the series' return," Chao said in a statement. Nikita executive consultant Bob Cochran said in his own statement, "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to continue telling the story of Nikita and Section One. We have every intention of making these eight episodes as provocative and unpredictable as any we've seen before on the series. It's going to be a wild ride." The new episodes will bring back regular cast members Peta Wilson (Nikita), Roy Dupuis (Michael), Eugene Robert Glazer (Operations), Alberta Watson (Madeleine), Don Francks (Walter) and Matthew Ferguson (Jason Crawford). "However, because of this season's revised budget, not all actors can be in every episode. [The powers that be] are making the best of this situation by creating a season-long arc where every character plays a role in the overall story. In addition to our regulars, Kate Quinn will return to Comm, and there are plans to bring back one or two notable guest characters from previous seasons as well," Heyn said. Executive consultant Robert Cochran will head the writing staff and will write season five's premiere episode. As we have seen several times now with shows like STAR TREK, QUANTUM LEAP, BABYLON 5 and ROSWELL, fan input makes a huge difference. Heyn thanked all the fans, but particularly those at First Team and the Save LFN Web site for helping bring the show back. "Without your daily efforts in generating literally thousands of letters, e-mails and faxes (not to mention TV sets, remotes, VCRs and fliers handed out personally) to USA and WB, this deal probably would never have happened," Heyn said. |
| 12. THEY CALL ME "DR." SPOCK
Leonard Nimoy is to receive an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Antioch University. He will be presented with the doctorate at the university's McGregor School in Ohio this fall. The 69-year-old actor said that he was "very touched, very flattered and deeply honored". Barbara Gellman-Danley, president of the university's McGregor School branch in Yellow Springs, said she nominated Nimoy because of his efforts to take on Holocaust deniers. |
| 13. UPN LINGERS ON
Rupert Murdoch eased the anxiety of fans of shows airing on the beleaguered United Paramount Network. He told reporters during a conference call, "We're not urging CBS to close down UPN at all, and we'd like to see [UPN] develop, maybe with us as a participant." He then added, "But it's very early days yet." In follow-up remarks, Murdoch said that he was "certainly open to discussions" about a partnership between UPN and Viacom to keep the network stay alive and insisted that such an alliance "is not impossible." Pressed again on the matter, he remarked that "informal contact" has already been established about a UPN tie-up and then vowed: "We won't walk away from it. Others may walk away from it, but we won't be the first." |
| 14. SOMETHING NEW FOR J. M. STRACZYNSKI?
BABYLON 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski told fans on a Usenet group that he's signed on to executive produce a new SF television series for an unnamed cable network. Without discussing details of the series, Straczynski reportedly said on the rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5 newsgroup, "It's slated to start with a two-hour pilot, which I'll be writing, and is due no later than December." Straczynski reportedly added, "What's nifty is that while there's a pilot required, as with any new series, in this case they're willing to go into production on the series based just on the script; we don't have to go out and shoot a full pilot first. . . . There's a high profile director attached to the project, and that involvement was one of the real inducements for me to sign on with this because I've always admired his work in TV and film." Straczynski also said the show would likely shoot in Vancouver. "We'll probably begin shooting in February or March for a fall debut. On a personal level, it pays over double what I got on [BABYLON 5] or CRUSADE, which is kind of nice." Stay tuned for further details. |
| 15. A LOOK AHEAD AT THE 2000-2001 TV SEASON
Imaginative TV is still hot, based on the number of shows on the air. But not as hot as it could be based on how the major networks are handling it. The only network show of the big three giants that could be considered imaginative TV is THIRD ROCK FROM THE SUN on NBC. All of the other shows are airing on the upstarts (Fox, the WB or UPN), on cable channels or in syndication. Twenty of the first-run, imaginative TV shows are returning, down from 23 shows returning last year. This is a surprising number, considering most reports during the season indicated that genre shows are on the decline. The returning figures would seem to indicate otherwise. Premiere schedules are dicier this year than ever. Besides contending with the usual World Series and counter programming against rivals, we've also got later-than-usual Olympics and presidential and vice-presidential debates that will be playing havoc on airtimes. Keep your eye on the calendar section. It will have the most up-to-date information available. There are still a pair of syndicated shows, SHEENA and THE IMMORTAL, for which there is scant information. Some of the details on the shows that are listed may be subject to additions and revisions. Keep your eye on future issues as details become available. |
| 16. CHANGES TO EXISTING SHOWS
ANGEL: New regular characters will be added during the season, two of whom were introduced to viewers last season: the leader of the vampire-hunting gang and the extra-dimensional princess from the episode "She." The season hopes to establish an ensemble of actors ala BUFFY. BEASTMASTER: Season two sees the addition of five new cast members to the show. Dylan Bierk plays a sorceress who pops up in the second half of the coming season. David Paterson will portray the bloodthirsty Nord king, who uses metal weapons to slaughter the Terrons. Sam Healy and Danielle Spencer will play the dual faces of Iara, a deadly serpent demon. Able to transform herself into a beautiful seductress or a venomous snake, Iara sets her reptilian sights on Dar in season two. Marjean Holden plays a fierce, sultry mercenary named Arina. BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: Buffy has a sister named Dawn who everyone remembers except us! She has paranormal abilities, appears towards the end of the season premiere, and each episode thereafter, but we won't find answers until the season's fifth episode. Also, Joss Whedon wants to bring Drusilla, Spike's ex, back to the series next season. He wants to make sure that he brings her in at the worst possible time for Spike. Word has it that Riley (Marc Blucas) may be gone by mid-season. Tara's dark secret gets revealed (something more profound than that she's more than a friend to Willow). We might see Faith pop up this year. CHARMED: In the season premiere the sisters get into a heated battle with a demon. They wind up in court, standing trial for murder. There's more to the district attorney than meets the eye. He becomes a regular love interest for Phoebe. EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT: Lili and Auger are all but gone in the new season, and there'll be less of Da'an and Zo'or, as the series attempts to take new directions in its fourth season. The Taelons' true plans for Humanity are revealed. We meet the Atlantic National Alliance and learn what they have to do with the Resistance. The Jaridians have made contact and they mean it. FUTURAMA: We'll be meeting more celebrity voices this year. Hank Azaria (SIMPSONS regular) will be Dr. Zoidberg's uncle, the famous silent hologram star, Harold Zoid. Bea Arthur is a "fem-puter" that runs an Amazon-like planet that terrorizes Zap Brannigan and Coolio co-stars in the Christmas episode as a "Kwanzaa-bot." ROSWELL: According to Jonathan Frakes, next season will continue the sci-fi emphasis begun late last season and lessen time spent on teen relationships. The biggie for the new season is that the series will add more types of aliens living secretly on Earth, not all friendly. SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH: This show has jumped from ABC to the WB. It now airs at 8:00 on Fridays. SEVEN DAYS: Kevin Christy (DHARMA & GREG) has joined the cast of UPN's SEVEN DAYS, as the team's new technical expert. SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE'S THE LOST WORLD: Season two explores mysteries opened in the first season. Who survived the fall into the ravine? Is the treehouse still standing? Have the raptors learned even more? Watch it and see. STAR TREK: VOYAGER: As the show enters its concluding season, look for the closing of the character story arcs. Seven is obviously going to be continuing her quest for humanity, and becoming more human. Viewers can expect the relationship between Tom Paris and B'Elanna Torres to heat up. The Doctor has been exploring his own humanity through the course of the series and his struggle for holographic rights. He'll be up against that very issue in a big two-hour movie, "Flesh and Blood." It's about a holographic uprising that the Doctor gets involved in. The Doctor becomes very politicized by these holograms and becomes a proponent of their cause The rumor is now that the ship & crew will get home in the series' final season. But one of the crew will perish making that happen. Who? The only clue is this phrase in UPN promos: "Some Heroes Die Young." Kate Mulgrew was on THE LATE LATE SHOW with Greg Kilborn. In response to Kilborn's question about Janeway's fate in VOYAGER's last season, she said, "I can't tell you exactly. Now, I may stand alone in this, and I'm sure it's going to be controversial. I think it should be poignant. . . . I think it should be stunning. Unpredictable. Heartbreaking. The audience should guess, but it should be the last frame of the last episode. An extreme close-up of a beloved character. Out." Kilborn asked, "Are we fading to black, or is she?" "I can't, I'm not allowed to say," Mulgrew stammered. "I think you should see the ship go up in flames, deck by deck. Just get to the escape pods." "Wow," Kilborn said. "You're going to . . . you're going to die!" "I was told not to speak of this," Mulgrew said. "As you can see, I'm the biggest blabbermouth in Hollywood." Later, Mulgrew clarified, "I didn't say Janeway was going to die." THE X-FILES: In addition to the new partner for Scully, Chris Carter is talking more seasons. Picture the series as a "Weird Crime" drama where a pregnant Scully is the (role-reversal) believer, with new story-arc mysteries started while the final alien conspiracy threads are explained. Carter hopes it to be a year to breathe new life into the series, maybe even bring back Frank Black (Lance Henrikson's character in MILLENNIUM). Certainly it will be a year of transitioning Duchovny out of the series. Answers to big questions will be forthcoming, like more information on the alien races, whether the Cigarette-Smoking Man is dead, the full stories of what happened to Mulder's sister and to the mind-reading Gibson Praise. Carter hinted that there is also more to reveal about Scully's relationship with Mulder last season and her pregnancy. When asked by Fox entertainment president Gail Berman who was the father of Agent Scully's baby, he answered, "I am. . . . I'm the father and the mother." He was equally coy in response to other questions. Will Scully deliver the baby this year? "I haven't thought about it yet," Carter said. Did Mulder and Scully consummate their relationship? "Viewers will have their prurience indulged." Could Scully turn out not to be pregnant at all? "I would never assume anything in THE X-FILES. But I think that would be a real cheat. . . . It would be like bringing back a dead character." Carter did say that about six or seven of the upcoming 20 or so episodes will deal with the series' mythology. Whatever the show's fate, the show's ultimate finale is bound to disappoint, according to executive producer Frank Spotnitz. "I believe that when we do wrap up the series, whether it's this year or next, there are going to be a lot of people who are going to get to the end and go, 'That's it?'" Spotnitz said. "They're going to be disappointed, because there are so many expectations about what the ending should be and what answers they're going to get." He added, "What I don't think most people are really aware of is how many answers have already been given. We've spread them over the last two years, especially since the movie. We've answered a lot more questions than we've raised, and there are a lot of smaller questions where there will never be a definitive answer." |
| 17. MEET THE NEW KIDS: DARK ANGEL (FOX-TUESDAYS
9P.M.)
DARK ANGEL is James Cameron's first show to television. Set in San Francisco in the year 2020, Jessica Alba stars as the title character, a motorcycle-riding heroine who has escaped from a military project where she gained genetically-engineered abilities. She finds herself in a post-apocalyptic society that has been dramatically changed by an electromagnetic pulse that destroyed all electronics. She is assisted by cyber-reporter Logan Clarke in evading her nemesis, Lydecker, who seeks to return her to the project. James Cameron has promised inspired visuals and a full-season story arc to give the freshman series' more cinematic feel than is usually injected into TV productions. You can look forward to a "big-screen" look to this series. The debut episode will be a little unusual. It's airing on Fox 9-11P.M. That means that most Fox affiliates will have to re-schedule their usual 10:00 newscasts. That's an exercise in pure muscle from Jim Cameron. PREMIERES 10/3. |
| 18. MEET THE NEW KIDS: FREAKY LINKS (FOX-FRIDAYS
9P.M.)
FREAKY LINKS is a sci-fi drama that combines the interactivity of the Internet with the power of television to spin tales of the unexpected, and often unexplained. Both a television drama and an Online series, FREAKYLINKS follows a young Web master whose paranormal Web site leads him to his long-deceased twin, who may be very much alive! We're told to watch for the series to "lighten up" after the first several episodes. Series creator Tommy Thompson (THE PRETENDER) tried to explore darker themes and fellow co-creators David S. Goyer (writer of BLADE) and Gregg Hale (co-producer of THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT) have quit day-to-day running of the series. David Simkins (MERCY POINT) is now at the helm. He's thought to be able to make the show lighter and fluffier. Fox pushed for the new feel. ''It's classic," Goyer said. "How many times have you heard about that happening in Hollywood? I've had four pilots made, and two of those have gone on to [become] series. In every situation, I was brought on board to give the show an edgier feel, and it was always too edgy. They always say they want edgy, but they really just want the same thing over and over again." |
| 19. MEET THE NEW KIDS: FREEDOM (UPN-FRIDAYS 8P.M.)
FREEDOM is set in the near-future. By this time the U.S. is under the totalitarian rule following a military coup. A team of four guerillas use martial arts and futuristic weapons as they fight to restore freedom to America. Stars include Darius McCrary, Bodhi Elfman and Scarlett Chorvat. |
| 20. MEET THE NEW KIDS: GENE RODDENBERRY'S ANDROMEDA
(SYNDICATED)
GENE RODDENBERRY'S ANDROMEDA stars former HERCULES star, Kevin Sorbo, as Dylan Hunt, captain of the sentient Commonwealth starship Andromeda Ascendant. The Commonwealth spans three galaxies, a myriad of cultures, but is in decline.Similar to Roddenberry's STAR TREK, Andromeda will have a heroic captain, a starship and a mission. Sorbo will play Dylan Hunt, the captain of the starship Andromeda Ascendant which, with Hunt, was caught in a black hole for 300 years before being rescued. A captain, a starship - that's where the similarity to STAR TREK ends. The show takes place in the far, far future when the Earth is a small part of a larger "Commonwealth." The show crew consists of non-military humans and aliens who attempt to bring order back to the planets of the Commonwealth. Based on an idea proposed by Gene Roddenberry before his death. |
| 21. MEET THE NEW KIDS: IN SEARCH OF
IN SEARCH OF is rather elderly to be a "new kid." Since it originated back in the 70's, in human years that would make it 572 years old! But on TV everything old shall be new again - provided someone can make a buck off of it. Fox and USA Network have partnered up to revive this disco-era paranormal non-fiction television series. They'll air eight new episodes in the fall on both networks. The episodes will deal with such topics as ancient astronauts, Bigfoot, the Loch Ness monster and voodoo. Those of you Web-saavy sonuvaguns out there can follow the link to their site where they're asking for feedback on various show topics. Okay boys and girls. It's insert your own wisecrack time. It goes like this. "Hey, I got it! Remember [insert title of over-hyped over-bloated big budget cinematic time-killer]? Let's go IN SEARCH OF the [a.producer's/b.director's/c.writer's/d.actor's/e.Spock's] brain!" Oh, you cad you! How do you come up with this clever repartee'? Absolutely amazing! |
| 22. MEET THE NEW KIDS: LEVEL NINE (UPN-FRIDAYS
9P.M.)
UPN's upcoming cyber-thriller series LEVEL 9 deals with threats only a few years in the future. It tells the story of a fictional top-secret government task force set up to combat Internet crime. Even though it's set in the future and deals in high-tech stuff ,according to series co-creator Josh Meyers, it's NOT a science-fiction show. "It's a law-enforcement show. And we're trying to stick very closely to what's real and what's out there. . . . We think that cyber-crime is the big tidal wave that's coming, and federal government's not ready to deal with it. And so we created what we think would be . . . kind of what they should be doing." Myers is also a reporter for the Los Angeles Times and a consulting producer for LEVEL 9. The series stars Kate Hodge as team leader Annie Price and Max Martini as defense intelligence agent Jack Wiley. The series was created by Meyer, novelist Michael Connelly and China Beach creator John Sacret Young. "One of our biggest challenges is making sure that [the writers] don't slip something in that isn't real," Meyer said. "We spend a lot of our time doing research to make sure that stuff is very accurate. We're not going to make anything up." LEVEL 9 comes to UPN in the fall with a 13-episode commitment. |
| 23. MEET THE NEW KIDS: LONE GUNMEN (FOX-THURSDAYS
8P.M.)
LONE GUNMEN is a spin-off of THE X-FILES. The show stars Tom Braidwood, Dean Haglund and Bruce Harwood as Frohike, Langly and Byers, the three hi-tech conspiracy investigators who make up the group known as The Lone Gunmen. They are joined by Zuleikha Robinson who portrays a female conspiracy investigator. Expect a lot of character development in this show, as well as unique takes on numerous popular culture and fictitious conspiracies. Word has it that the show will retain both the high-tech tone of the Gunmen episodes on THE X-FILES, as well as the often less than totally serious tone of many of those same episodes. PREMIERES MARCH, 2001 |
| 24. MEET THE NEW KIDS: MATTHEW BLACKHEART - MONSTER
SMASHER (SCI-FI CHANNEL)
MATTHEW BLACKHEART - MONSTER SMASHER features a hero who fights "human-like Nazi-engineered creatures in modern-day New York City." Our title character is a re-animated World War II superhero who fights Nazi monsters (maybe he's Captain America's brother). The show is executive produced by veteran movie producer/director Richard Donner and stars Robert Bogue in the title role. DEBUTS EARLY 2001 |
| 25. MEET THE NEW KIDS: MYSTERIOUS WAYS (PAX-TV)
MYSTERIOUS WAYS stars Adrian Pasdar as Declan Dunn, a college anthropology professor who, following a miraculous excape from death, has committed his life to investigating miracles and the absolute proof of their existence. Rae Dawn Chong stars as his skeptical assistant, Peggy. Together they investigate uncanny, inexplicable phenomena in a quest to explain what science cannot. PAX-TV is a combined network of broadcast and cable stations. SHOW HAS ALREADY DEBUTED |
| 26. MEET THE NEW KIDS: NIGHT VISIONS (FOX ON STANDBY)
NIGHT VISIONS aims to fill the void left by the demise of other one-hour anthology series. It purports to take viewers weekly through supernatural adventure, horror and psychological dramas. The punk rocker and actor Henry Rollins (JOHNNY MNEMONIC) will host the new series. It will feature supernatural or paranormal stories starring well-known actors such as Aidan Quinn, Bill Pullman, Bridget Fonda, Brian Dennehy, Gil Bellows and Cary Elwes. The pilot was shot without a host, and series creators and executive producers Dan Angel and Billy Brown noted on several occasions that any host would have to be unconventional. |
| 27. MEET THE NEW KIDS: QUEEN OF SWORDS (SYNDICATED)
QUEEN OF SWORDS is an action-adventure series, that gives birth to a new warrior in the world of heroes. Born of Spanish nobility, Maria Theresa Alvarado (played by newcomer Tessie Santiago) is a rich, fiery and adventurous young woman who journeys to California seeking the truth behind her father's death. What she finds is her hacienda in ruins and the people living in fear and oppression at the hands of an evil military Governor. With Marta, her gypsy mentor at her side, she dons a mask and a new identity - an identity born out of the magic and mysticism of the Tarot. The QUEEN OF SWORDS will ride into glory and legend. |
| 28. MEET THE NEW KIDS: SCIOGRAPHY (SCI-FI CHANNEL)
SCIOGRAPHY is a new monthly series that dissects a different classic sci-fi television series in each episode to reveal the circumstances and machinations behind each series. When I first heard about the show, I feared that it would be a prolonged infomercial to get the viewers to watch re-runs on the Sci-fi Channel. Instead it's a sharp, sometimes irreverent documentary about shows that it profile. It is not afraid to bite the hand that feeds it. The series expects to reveal who, what, when and how classic shows were created, blossomed, and ultimately died using exclusive new interviews, never-before-seen footage, rare home videos, outtakes and insights from fans. Known series to be convered include BATTLESTAR GALATICA, QUANTUM LEAP, BABYLON 5, THE INCREDIBLE HULK and THE BIONIC WOMAN. SHOW HAS ALREADY DEBUTED |
| 29. MEET THE NEW KIDS: SHEENA (SYNDICATED)
BAYWATCH babe Gena Lee Nolin will be the Queen of the Jungle. She'll have an edge on her cartoon role model. Not only will she be able to communicate with the animals. She'll be able to become one (think of her as Mrs. MANIMAL). |
| 30. MEET THE NEW KIDS: THE TICK (FOX-ON STANDBY)
THE TICK stars Patrick Warburton as the comic book defender of justice, The Tick. This half-hour superhero comedy follows in the footsteps of shows like MR. TERRIFIC and CAPTAIN NICE (both from 1967). Here's hoping that it's better than them. |
| 31. MEET THE NEW KIDS: ULTRAVIOLET (FOX-ON STANDBY)
ULTRAVIOLET is based on the British mini-series of the same name that aired this summer on the Sci-fi Channel. This one-hour drama is a blend of science fiction and drama from former producers of THE X-FILES and MY SO-CALLED LIFE. It delves deep into a bizarre New York underworld where vampires are fighting a government agency. Can one NYPD cop rescue his partner before the vampires claim him as their own? |
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| 32. THINGS TO COME
OTAKON, August 4, 5, 6 is an anime' convention being held in the Baltimore Convention Center. It started out in State College, Pennsylvania in 1994 with 350 attendees. Last year it blossomed into the second largest anime' con in the U.S. with 4,500 in attendance. Their guest list is made up of the greatest names in anime' today. They're offering Simon Yam, Kunihiko Ikuhara (Be-Papas), Shinya Hasegawa, Hiroaki Sakurai, Yoshitoshi ABe, Yasuyuki Ueda, Mitsuhisa Ishikawa and bôa as their featured guests, along with a host of others. Tickets run $45 for the three day weekend, $25 for Friday only, $30 for Saturday and $15 for Sunday. MAIN MISSION:2000 is taking place September 1-3 in New York City at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. According to them, the purpose of organizing MainMission:2000 is four-fold: 1)To raise funds and awareness for the National Parkinson Foundation and for AIDS through the Gay Men’s Health Center; 2) To bring together noteworthy writers, actors, directors, producers, and other film and television celebrities to share their experience and knowledge of the industry for those who are at the early stages of their own careers; 3)To commemorate and celebrate the life and works of one of the finest playwrights of this century, George Bernard Shaw; and 4)To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the highly influential epic television science fiction classic, SPACE: 1999 (which they feel strongly influenced all filmed science fiction to follow [including STAR WARS, ALIEN, etc.] with its groundbreaking special effects work), as well as to pay homage to other quality science fiction television series from the mid-1970s such as BATTLESTAR GALATICA. Not surprisingly, their guest list is made up mostly of people connected with SPACE: 1999. From the show they've gotten Martin Landau (ED WOOD), Prentis Hancock (DOCTOR WHO, RETURN OF THE SAINT ),John Hug, Zienia Merton (DR. WHO, HAMMER HOUSE OF HORROR), Barry Morse (THE FUGITIVE), Alibe Parsons (ALIENS), Anton Phillips, Suzanne Roquette (RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK), Catherine Schell (RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER, DR. WHO) and Nick Tate (X-FILES, STAR TREK:"VOYAGER). They also have creative and technical people from the show, including George Bellak (SPACE: 1999 writer, debut episode, "Breakaway"), Johnny Byrne (SPACE: 1999, Writer and Story Editor), Brian Johnson (SPACE: 1999, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Aliens Special Effects Director), Chris Penfold (SPACE: 1999 Writer and Story Editor), David Tomblin (THE PRISONER, SPACE: 1999 Director) and Keith Wilson (SPACE: 1999 Production Designer). Additional guests include Richard Hatch (Captain Apollo, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA), John Muir (author of Exploring Space: 1999 & An Analysis of Battlestar Galacitca), Corinne Orr (actress, voiceover talent Corinne Orr SPEED RACER), Phil Plait (Bad Astronomy Web Page), Chris Trice (Motion Control Model Supervisor, BATTLEFIELD EARTH) and Grace Lee Whitney (Yeoman Janice Rand, STAR TREK), Karen Lynn Gorney (SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER). Tickets are $55 a day or $150 for the three day weekend. For more information either e-mail Tom Lowery at t.lowery3@gte.net or you can reach him at UnitedVision, Inc. 473 Monmouth Street, Suite 6; Jersey City, NJ 07302 GAYLAXICON 2000 will take place in Arlington, Va. at the Arlington Hilton on October 6-9. This is the only fan-run science-fiction and fantasy convention for and by Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered people and their friends and is sponsored by the Gaylactic Network. Guests include numerous artists, authors and others working in the field of literary sci-fi. Registration is $45 until September 8 and $55 afterwards. To contact them click on the above link or write to Gaylaxicon 2000/ P.O. Box 1862/ Annandale, VA 22003-9862 USA FARPOINT will be held on October 6-8 at the Marriott Hunt Valley Inn, just north of Baltimore. Featured guests include Andreas Katsulas (G’Kar, BABYLON 5), Cecily Adams (Moogie, ST:DS9), Aaron Eisenberg (Nog, ST:DS9), Max Grodenchk (Rom, ST:DS9), Chase Masterson (Leeta, ST:DS9), Tucker Smallwood (SPACE, ABOVE AND BEYOND), Lolita Fatjo (Pre-Production Coordinator, ST: VOYAGER) and Astronaut Ed Mitchell (the 6th man to walk on the Moon). A special "Celebrity Showcase" event will take place on Friday night. Max Grodenchik is writing a sci-fi parody to be performed that evening by guests Chase Masterson, Cecily Adams and Aron Eisenberg. There will also be a Klingon Feast on Friday with live (and appropriate) entertainment. There will be a Saturday night masquerade gala. And of course there'll be a dealer's room, art show, auction, panels and films. The pricing is a bit complex for all of this, depending what package you select. You could do a basic weekend for $45 or a basic weekend with reserved seating for $55. Neither of these includes the Friday night play, which is an extra $20. They have day rates that range from $10 to $40, depending on how many extras that you throw in. For more information, click on the above link, e-mail at farpointcon@bigfoot.com or write to Farpoint, 6099 Hunt Club Road, Elkridge, MD 21075. CHILLER THEATER will take place in New Jersey's Meadowlands on October 27-9. At this point guests include Billy Dee Williams (THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK), James Doohan (STAR TREK), Robert Duncan McNeill (Tom Paris on STAR TREK: VOYAGER), Ethan Phillips (Mr. Neelix on STAR TREK: VOYAGER), Andrew Robinson (STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE 9), Bob May (The Robot from TV's LOST IN SPACE), Dick Tufeld (The Robot's Voice from TV's LOST IN SPACE), Carel Struyken (Lurch from the movie THE ADDAMS FAMILY), three cast members from the 1965 Russ Meyer classic-FASTER PUSSYCAT, KILL KILL (Haji, Tura Satana & Lori Willams), Tina Krause (actress, director, model - "Fracture Films"), Pamela Hazelton (author, designer & The Black Dahlia Web Site), Richard Lynch (BAD DREAMS, INVASION USA), Jospeh M. Monks (author, Cry For Dawn, Agony In Black) and BernieWrightson (legendary horror artist). Tickets ordered before September 29th are $25 for the weekend. Otherwise they're $15 a day. If you're interested hit the above link or write to P O Box 23, Rutherford, NJ 07070. ELECTICON
will be held November 10-12 at the Ramada Hotel in Newark, New Jersey.
This is a unique convention. It has its focus on fanzines, TV and movies.
They have panels, trivia contests, dealers, and most of the things that
you'd expect for a convention to have.What they don't have, and have sworn
never to have, are guests! This is strictly fan run and fan attended. Registration
is $40. For information on attendance contact Kathy Agel; 9-11 Ayres Court;
Bayonne, NJ 07002-3510; E-mail: Eclecticon@aol.com
or Eclecticon@juno.com
PHILCON 2000
takes place November 17-19 at the Adams Mark hotel in Philadelphia. The
guests are yet to be announced. This seems to be more of a celebration
of literary science fiction than the visual image. There'll be a ball on
Friday night, a belly dancer on Saturday and a masquerade that will have
the theme of "Out with the Old Millennium and In With the New Millennium."
Registration is $35 until October 25th, $40 afterwards. They can be reached
at Philcon 2000; P.O. Box 8303; Philadelphia, PA 19101 or by e-mailing
Rich Kabakjian: registration@philcon.org.
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| 33. BABYLON 5 CREATOR J. M. STRACZYNSKI DEBUTS
HIS NEW BOOK ONLINE
Tribulations, a new novel by J. Michael Straczynski, joined the company of Stephen King and other authors who have used the Web to launch new books. Tribulations appeared exclusively on the Bookface Web site, starting on August 7th. It is being released for free in four weekly installments. The site offers readers the option of buying the paper version of the book through Darktales Publications. Tribulations is described as a contemporary dark fantasy novel set in present-day Los Angeles. Susan Randall, a crime reporter with the Los Angeles News-Tribune, encounters Raymond Weil, a man with a questionable past who believes that the series of murders she is investigating has a supernatural origin. |
| 34. GEORGE ROMERO'S DEATH OF DEATH
George Romero has launched a Website that will be featuring his zombie novel, The Death of Death. The novel will be looking, minute by minute, across the globe, at the worldwide rebellion of the dead against the living. Romero will offer the novel up in installments. He'll also take part in monthly online chats and promises more content in the future. He said "My dream (we'll see how it goes) is to shoot another zombie flick and offer it exclusively on the Web." |
| 35. "MIDNIGHT NATION," NEW STRACYNSKI COMIC, IS
SET TO DEBUT
Straczynski detailed his new, 12-issue Top Cow supernatural comic series "Midnight Nation." "It is set in contemporary America. There is one character, an L.A.P.D. officer, who loses his soul--like that's never happened before," Straczynski quipped. "But he has a chance to get it back, unlike most of the L.A.P.D. It's his journey across America to find what it takes to get it back again. You see a side of the country that you don't normally see, the side of the country that is out of the corner of your eye: the dispossessed, the lost, the disheartened, the thrown-away. There's an education to it on a number of levels, but it's mainly meant to be entertaining." |
| 36. LOOK FOR YOUR FAVORITE SCI-FI CHANNEL SHOWS
IN THE COMIC BOOK RACK
Andromeda Entertainment will publish a new line of comics based on productions of The Sci-Fi Channel, the company announced. The first series will be based on SCI FI's original series FIRST WAVE, created by Chris Brancato and produced by Francis Ford Coppola and Larry Sugar. "First Wave" comics will appear starting in December. "The fans are gonna love this!" Brancato said in a statement. "Comic books are a bold, fantastic, visual medium and the perfect venue to expand the FIRST WAVE universe. I'm really excited about exploring Cade Foster's mission with the writers and artists at Andromeda." |
| 37. MIKE NELSON'S MOVIE MEGACHEESE
I'm departing from form here. In all the billions and billions of pages of "The ICS Files" you've never read a review from me. You're not apt to again. But I couldn't resist sharing the delights of the former MST3K host and head writer, Michael J. Nelson and his new collection of skewed reviews in Mike Nelson's Movie Megacheese. This gives us an idea of what they might have done on MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER if they had the budget to rip into the butt cheeks of big budget Hollywood bloat. Below are a few examples: BATMAN & ROBIN
The book is a collection of DVD reviews that he wrote for "Home Theater" magazine. At it's listed price of $15.00, it's less than a penny a laugh! |
| 38. CAMPBELL SCOTT AND TIM CURRY STAR ON SCIFI.COM
Campbell Scott and Tim Curry are the latest actors to star in J. Michael Straczynski's City of Dreams, an original audio production of SciFi.Com's "Seeing Ear Theatre." Scott plays Gregory Ferguson in "Tolling of the Hour," a demanding boss who must pay for his sins by seeing his life fly by ever more rapidly until he has lived an entire lifetime in a single day. Curry portrays Ben Joseph in "Night Calls," which features two parallel story lines. Joseph is called by the Holy One (also played by Curry) to build a second ark, like Noah's. The second, interwoven story line introduces the character Mark, who gives his friend Richie an Internet address to hell. |
| 39. RIGHTING OLD INJUSTICES
The Writers Guild of America has attempted to bring a tragic era of American history to a close by correcting the screen credits of 14 additional films to indicate that they were actually written or co-written by writers who were blacklisted in the 1950s and early '60s. Half of the lot were written by Dalton Trumbo, who died in 1976. Four of the fifties were sci-fi and horror written by Bernard Gordon. The Gordon films were THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS (1962 - fronted by Philip Yordan), THE MAN WHO TURNED TO STONE (1957), ZOMBIES OF MORA TAU (1957) and EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS (1956). These last three were all written as "Raymond T. Marcus." Other writers who will receive credit for films produced during the blacklist era include Carl Foreman, Paul Jarrico, Ring Lardner Jr., Hugo Butler, Cyril Endfeld and Ben Barzman. Only Lardner and Gordon are still alive. |
| 40. THE FATHER OF OUR IMAGINATIONS TURNS 80
For good or for ill, much of what I am today, much of my ability to dream, to wonder, to see the unseen and unseeable began when my young eyes raced across the words inscribed by my hero, Ray Bradbury. The same, I think, is true for many of you. Before a packed Burbank, Calif., theater on Aug. 19, this inventor of flight for our imaginations celebrated his 80th birthday. The celebration took place at the Burbank Center Stage, the new home of the Colony Theatre Company, which will open its new season with a revival of Bradbury's musical "Dandelion Wine." "I've been labeled a science fiction writer, but that's not what I am," Bradbury said. "I'm a mythologist, a collector of metaphors. I grew up reading mythology. And when myths collide with the memories of one's own experiences, then a new metaphor is born." Norman Corwin, Stan Freburg, Charlton Heston and William Schallert were among the performers from Bradbury's past who attended the fete. The theater company performed scenes from Bradbury's works, including theatrical versions of "The Martian Chronicles" and "Fahrenheit 451." Happy birthday Mr. Bradbury. As time goes on you'll be subjected to the iniquities of time to which the human frame is subject. Yet you've already triumphed over that. Your legacy will shine forever. |
| 41. THE RACE IS ON IN HOLLYWOOD
Film studios are accelerating their efforts to get movies into production before they are hit by an expected strike by writers and actors next year. Susan Tick, a spokeswoman for Columbia, said, "We are trying to get everything done and wrapped up by a June deadline. You don't want to be halfway through a project when the strike hits." Similarly Warner Bros. spokeswoman Barbara Brogliotti said, "We're taking the possibility of a strike very seriously; we are aggressively preparing for it." The newspaper said that producers at 20th Century Fox have been told that no productions will be permitted to start after March. The question arises, if they see a strike coming almost a year ahead of time, why not try to avert it now instead of hunkering down for the disaster? |
| 42. HOLLYWOOD TREMBLES AT GOP BLASTS
The issue of sex and violence in movies and television turned up in the 2000 Republican platform in a section concerning, oddly enough, environmental health risks. The section reads, "Just as environmental pollution affects our physical health, so too does the pollution of our culture affect the health of our communities. There is much to celebrate in contemporary culture, but also much to deplore: The glorification of violence, the glamorizing of drugs, the abuse of women and children, whether in music or videos, advertising, or tabloid journalism." Interviewed at the convention by CNS News, a unit of the conservative media watchdog Media Research Center, Moral Majority founder Jerry Falwell praised the platform plank and urged that the entertainment industry be challenged in the courts. "Why not sue them like the tobacco companies?" Falwell asked. "The fact is that television does influence behavior." |
| 43. HOLLYWOOD TREMBLES AT THE DEMOCRATIC TICKET
The bottom half of that ticket, to be precise. The decision by Democratic presidential contender Al Gore to select Sen. Joseph Lieberman as his running mate was greeted warily in Hollywood, which has often been the target of Lieberman's political assaults. For example, Lieberman once advocated that the TV show FRIENDS be shown late at night because of its raciness. Asked whether Lieberman's strong views about the entertainment industry could dampen Hollywood's usual support for the Democratic candidate, MPAA chief Jack Valenti, a former aide to Lyndon Johnson, responded, "That would depend on how this is handled in the election, how vehemently it is pressed and how persistently it is pressed." He then added, "I don't think it's going to be an anti-Hollywood campaign." An unnamed TV network insider commented, "I don't think anyone is panicking at the thought of Joseph Lieberman being elected vice president. . . . It's not a sense of panic - but people are waking up sort of sobered at that prospect." At least one person is terrified. Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas (BASIC INSTINCT, SHOWGIRLS, AN ALAN SMITHEE FILM) took on the Democratic vice presidential candidate in an ad in the showbiz trade paper Variety. Eszterhas is challenging Lieberman on the Connecticut senator's active opposition to sex and violence in movies and on TV. Under the headline "No More Hollywood Money for Al Gore," Eszterhas writes: "I'm a writer who likes pushing the envelope, and Joe Lieberman frightens me." |
| 44. I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR PSYCHO
Universal Awards Best Scream Universal Studios commemorated the 40th anniversary of Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO, by holding a Best Shower Scene Competition in Hollywood. Chicago receptionist Sue Pelinski screamed for the highest number of decibels - and got to pose with Norman Bates' favorite bathtub toy, Janet Leigh. The fragrant Ms. Leigh once again claimed she is still so affected by the movie that she's altered her hygiene regimen. She says, "I don't take showers. It had left such an indelible impression on my mind that I cannot take a shower. And that's the truth." In lieu of showers Ms. Leigh is said to travel once a year to Bayonne, New Jersey for a rigorous three hours of scraping, sand blasting, chemical strippers and a fresh coat of polyurethane. At least, that's what I've heard. |
| 45. BLAIR 2 PLOT DETAILS REVEALED
The next chapter of BLAIR WITCH begins with real-life news footage chronicling the hoopla surrounding the first film. The film then segues into a story playing off the BLAIR phenomenon. The main characters include a Maryland tour guide who takes people on tours of the "Blair" area woods, a couple obsessed with details of the Blair Witch legend, a "goth" girl, and a woman who practices Wicca. The group travels to the house seen at the end of the first movie; finds their videotapes buried underneath the house; returns to the guide's big house; and watches as strange things begin to happen. If you were a fan of the shaky hand-held video camera in the last film, you'll be disappointed this time. This movie has a smooth 35 mm look. Amorette Jones from Artisan's marketing said, "We're going after an audience that saw the first movie, but didn't think it totally delivered." Okay, they've created a sequel designed to appeal to people who thought their first film sucked. Which means that they don't seem to care about reaching out to the people who enjoyed the original film. Hmmm. Well, check it out for yourself. Watch for BOOK OF SHADOWS: BLAIR WITCH 2 to open in Burkittsville (and everywhere else) on October 27th. 46. DOH! GET READY FOR A SIMPSONS MOVIE
47. MGM IS SET TO DEVELOP "RISING STARS"
48. SNIPES HONES IN ON BLADE 2
49. RENDEZVOUS WITH RAMA BACK ON TRACK!
50. MATRIX 2 SCRIPT IS DONE
51. INSTANT STAR WARS!
52. MARK WAHLBERG GETS THE GORILLA OF HIS DREAMS,
MAYBE
53. MOVIE FALLS VICTIM TO "THE CURSE OF THE MUMMY!"
54. THE MUMMY PREQUEL HIT BY A ROCK
55. NEW ANN RICE VAMPIRE FLICK GETS SHOT
56. IMDB GLOSSARY
57. JACKIE CHAN'S HARD ROAD TO FAME
58. INDIANA JONES ITCHING TO CLEAN HIS DAD'S CLOCKS
59. PACINO'S NEXT CO-STAR MAY BE NEW, BUT NOT A
"VIRTUAL" UNKNOWN
60. FINAL FANTASY TO HAVE AN ALL VIRTUAL CAST
61. ANTHONY HOPKINS NEXT CO-STARS SET TO "HOG" THE
CAMERA
62. HALEY JOEL OSMENT NO LONGER SEES DEAD PEOPLE
63. GEORGE CLOONEY REFLECTS ON BATMAN
64. CLINT EASTWOOD DENOUNCES HOLLYWOOD AGE-ISM
65. KILMER AND SIZEMORE DENY RUMORS OF MARS ATTACKS
66. MOVIE EXHIBITORS STUMBLE
67. MOVIE PATRONS MAY RECEIVE LESS KERNELS FOR THEIR
CASH
68. MAKE WHAT SO?
69. PATRICK STEWART TO PICARD - MAKE IT GO
70. A NOTE ABOUT SEPTEMBER FILM RELEASES
71. IMAGINATIVE CINEMA FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER 8TH: THE
WATCHER has Keeanu Reeves as a manipulative serial killer. James Spader
is a former Los Angeles FBI agent James Spader, now in hiding in Chicago,
fleeing from his tormented past of tracking psychotic killers. He's pushed
out of retirement in a cat-and-mouse game, providing him with photos of
the next victims, essentially challenging the man who spent 8 years trying
to catch him to finally succeed. The cast also includes Marisa Tomei and
Ernie Hudson. It's directed by first-time director Joe Charbanic (who has
cut his teeth on music videos).
SEPTEMBER 22ND: THE
EXORCIST: THE VERSION YOU'VE NEVER SEEN will feature the classic film
with an additional 11-12 minutes of footage included. It is not clear yet
where this film will be playing. Folks living in Baltimore may need to
travel to Washington to see this. If it does well, it may open on more
screens in more cities in the following weeks.
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| 72. COMING SOON: MOVIE PRODUCTION VIA SATELLITE
Beginning this fall, the technology company NeTune Communications will test a new broadband satellite service, ShowRunner, that will allow filmmakers and studio execs to work together on movies, regardless of where they are located. For example, a director working on a film in Europe could consult with the film's editor in Hollywood, with both watching the same images simultaneously. The service is backed by GM's Hughes Electronics Corp., operator of DirecTV, which has a 30-percent stake in the company. The service will be tested this fall with a film being produced by 20th Century Fox. 73. THE LIMIT TO DBS'S GROWTH IS IN SIGHT
74. INTERNET COUNTDOWN
75. DIRECTV TEAMS WITH TIVO
76. TIME WARNER GIVES A BOOST TO REPLAYTV
77. DIGITAL TV IS ABOUT TO TAKE A GREAT LEAP FORWARD
IN BRITAIN
78. IMAX TO MAKE BIG PUSH INTO DIGITAL PROJECTION
79. CONTROLLING THE STREAM
80. SUNDANCE: YOUR ONLINE FILM FESTIVAL
81. XENA'S NEW ADVENTURES HIT THE WEB
82. MGM TO PUT CLIPS FROM 100 MOVIES ONLINE
83. GEORGE ROMERO GOES TO THE ORANGE PROJECT
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| 88. SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
FRI 1ST- EVENT- MAIN
MISSION:2000
SAT. 2ND- EVENT- MAIN MISSION:2000 SUN. 3RD- EVENT- MAIN MISSION:2000 TUE. 5TH- VIDEO RENTAL- AMERICAN PSYCHO hits the shelves today.
FRI. 8TH- MOVIE- THE
WATCHER debuts.
MON 11TH-TV-LA FEMME NIKITA re-runs begin airing on USA Network TUE 12TH- VIDEO RENTAL- MISSION TO MARS and BLOODY MURDER go up for
THU 19TH- VIDEO SELL-THROUGH- WICKED CITY goes on sale today. MON 18TH-TV-RELIC HUNTER season 2 will debut this week in syndication.
FRI 22ND-TV-SABRINA season 5 premiere (now on the WB)
MON 25TH-TV- THE LOST WORLD season 2 will debut this week in syndication TUE 26TH-TV-BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER season premiere
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