A late word from JMS

[Joseph DeMartino]

...that it would take a fair amount of time even if he's not Stage Managing (or whatever a 'showrunner' type is called in Theater). It almost looks like 'a bit of time' and 'a fair amount of time' may have gotten mixed up in that last sentance.

Putting an original play together with the professional staff of a small theater is much less of an undertaking than making a film. And in such cases the author is usually there through opening night and maybe for a bit longer, and then the show runs itself and he's gone. (Heck, even a theatrical director moves on to his/her next project once the show is really up and running and leaves things in the hands of the production stage manager - who is really in charge after opening night.)

I think "a bit of time" (not a huge amount) is exactly what he meant. And he flat-out says that it may happen "fairly soon" (if it happens at all.) So the trip is conditional. It may not even happen. (That should be enough to rule out its being some major part of the TMoS production process all by itself. ) If other things are going to require his presence in Los Angeles soon (and some of the rest of what he's talking about, including mounting his monk play there, would seem to indicate that they will) he would only be able to spend "a bit of time" in London on any trip that would take place "fairly soon"

Regards,

Joe

[AmyG]

Once that happens, my plan is to do a limited, small production for two weeks or so here in LA, just to see how the text works with an audience, then take it away for another few months, twiddle with it some more, then go for a larger venue. I may do something similar in London, since I may be spending a bit amount of time there fairly soon.

...that it would take a fair amount of time even if he's not Stage Managing (or whatever a 'showrunner' type is called in Theater). It almost looks like 'a bit of time' and 'a fair amount of time' may have gotten mixed up in that last sentance.

I rather wondered if it was a typo for "since I may be spending a big amount of time there fairly soon. The letters "t" and "g" aren't far apart on the keyboard.

Aisling

[colonyearth]

Ahhhh....the London conversation.....hahahaha!

Ok, given that JMS isn't really completely finished with his play, then wants to put it on in LA first and see what response is like, then tweek, then see about putting it on in London, (in addition to the mass of other work piled on his plate at the moment)...I have to say, I interpret this to mean sometime in the next year or so.

Though plays ain't films, they do still take time to put together, rehearse, etc....so he wouldn't have it ready for at least a couple of months or so. Then...tweeking it....granted JMS writes fast...then going to London, casting, and putting it on there as well (while doing everything else he's doing)...ok ...at least 9 months to a year from now on that. At the least.

I agree with Joe that he's not going to be in London for long by the way he states it...although, somehow I had missed the poor grammer there, so it could've been a typo I suppose.

Either way...my guess is that it might have something to do with TMoS, but not with principle photography or anything. My guess (at least from the info currently available and using common sense) is that JMS' reason for going to London could possibly have something to do with Chris Franke and the scoring of the film in about a year to a year and half from now. Franke has used the London Symphony before..and the London Philharmonic has also performed many a film score. Just a guess, but it makes sense to me.

It's either that or some part or tidbit or other involved in TMoS is being made, designed or created there or by a company there.

Or...it could be something we know nothing about.


As for the EP job...my guess is this is a new series...and may or may not be an SF series.

There have been some who've mentioned the possible SW series for HBO as one possibility. While Joe thinks it's a major broadcast network series, I'm not totally convinced. JMS said "network series" not broadcast network series. HBO, Showtime, FX, Sci-Fi....all of them are "networks." As I stated at b5tv though....please not FOX...we know how well they "support" their shows...especially SF.

If in fact it is the new SW series...this could either be a very good thing...or a very bad thing as JMS and GL could well clash over creative issues...and we all know how JMS is about that.

As for ST...I haven't ruled out JMS' involvement in the future of Trek...we clearly have his comment from Hawthorne, NJ...and we have no idea what he meant when he said he couldn't comment.

I have spoken previously about the rumor I've heard on this...whether JMS will play into the future of Trek is unknown, but if he does...then Trek has some hope again at last. Such a visionary writer and creative soul as JMS is exactly what Trek needs to survive and be grand again. Unfortunately, I don't think Manny Cotto is such a person.

As for the novels...there are a million possibilities, from fill-in stories to aid with the film(s)...to major events like the Dilghar War or the previous Shadow War/Valen. Personally, any of these will please me to no end.

As for the new project...the "adjunct project." There has been talk that it could most likely be one of three things:

1) And this is one I had forgotten about...a new, or revival of, B5 video game. This sounds likely on many levels...as a tie-in/ad for TMoS, and as giving the fans something they were let down on in the past.

2) A new B5 series of some kind...possibly launched after TMoS and spawned from it. This would be wonderful, but given everything on JMS' plate at the moment (including EPing a new series), this would stretch him fairly thin. Granted, we don't know what kind of time commitment and requirement this new series it going to put on JMS...not all EP's do what JMS did on B5, CRUSADE, and JEREMIAH...they can often handle more than one show at a time.

3) This is another one I forgot was on the list...a mini-series. This is a possibility in that it would allow JMS to tell part of the B5 story that he might have had to step past or around in the feature venue. Just as an example (and this is only an examply not what I think will happen necessarily): if he had to move past the TW story arc and tell another story in the features, then WB and JMS could decide to tell the TW in a 4 or 6 hour mini-series, with a good budget and more time to tell a big story that might or might not have worked as well in a feature format (perhaps due to story arc needs/meduim and time contraints, etc.). I admitt that this is not a huge possibility, but I have to admitt it is not out of the question.

This rest of the items on the "it's not one these" list are, IMO, not viable at all and are not to be consider even possibilities...and yes that includes an animated series...I just don't feel that they're looking in that direction. And yes, that also includes a new B5 comic...since someone somewhere pointed out that JMS is exclusive to Marvel now and that B5 was DC.

From the way I read JMS' post, this new "adjunct project" is something at least fairly big and money making. I read that to be mass market such as video game, series, or mini-series. Comics are a money making venture, but not huge money...they're nice tie-ins like novelizations. And animated series are not big money either...again nice tie-ins like what SW has done with the CW animated shorts to support the films.

Comics and animated shows are more cult following tie-in items. While I will always admitt that I could be wrong...I will state the above is my prediction.

All just my opinion. I also would not be surprised in the least to hear that WB and JMS have made a deal with WETA for the main FX....or that TMoS will probably do most principle photography in Australia. I base this on sound stage size (Australia has the largest sound stage in the world where SW, Moulin Rouge, Matrix and parts of LOTR were all shot), and WB recent and great history with WETA and that same sound stage...not to mention JMS' high opinion of WETA.

Anyway....my five cents (hey...inflation )

CE

[B5_Obsessed]

I don't know which is worse...

No information...
or a little information.

Good God, we're fired up to the point of near hysteria (self included).

JMS better speak up before we all start downing Kult Kool Aid, lacing up our Reeboks and waiting for the blessed Comet to take us away.

[Dr Maturin]

<<If in fact it is the new SW series...this could either be a very good thing...or a very bad thing as JMS and GL could well clash over creative issues...and we all know how JMS is about that.>>

I doubt Lucas would be involved at all. He doesn't pay attention to anything but the films, hiring people to delegate the responsibility to. He is not a micro-manager. Well, he isn't with non-film stuff. If he hires JMS, I am sure he'd give him the reins on a series. Remember of course, that this is all speculation.

<<I have spoken previously about the rumor I've heard on this...whether JMS will play into the future of Trek is unknown, but if he does...then Trek has some hope again at last.>>

And let's not forget...JMS said B5 was originally planned in his mind to be set in the ST universe. Or something to that effect.

And I will be happy with a series, a mini, animated...anything. B5 deserves more fleshing out. I try not to think of Crusade, because it makes me sick to think of the loss of potential.

The new novels sound good, too. I just hope they hire some good authors.

[Dr Maturin]

Oh yeah...regarding this SW series rumor...I thought that was just something concocted by board posters at TFN. Is there any legitimate credence to the rumor, like quotes from anyone at the Lucasfilm camp? Or is it just wild speculation and wishful thinking on the part of zealous SW fans?

[Andrew_Swallow]

A new Babylon 5 Next Generation TV series could be planned to be show after the movie. So filming of the series would not start until the filming of the movie had been completed.

Since this is 2 to 3 years away it would requires long term planning, not one of Hollywood's great skills. It is however one of JMS's skills.

There are lots of possibilities for B5NG - take any of the characters and show their next 5 years. (I still suspect that "River of Souls" is a failed back door pilot.)

JMS has given himself 20 years to the death of Sheridan and a million years to the destruction of the Earth - plenty of room for new stories in there.

An example - if you want hope following tragedy - the monks rebuilding Earth after the nuclear war. Disaster, hope, survival, politics, religion, medieval life, current technology, future technology (on the secret space station) and a bigger alien conspiracy than the X-Files. Bring in a few nuns or peasant girls and you can have a love story. For both small (cheap) and spectacular what more do you want?

The monks will be highly relevant - the USA and UK are currently rebuilding Iraq. I strongly suspect that over the next decade Iran and Saudi Arabia are in for similar treatment.

[Joseph DeMartino]

Technically HBO, Showtime, etc. are not "networks" - because that word refers specifically to groups of exising entities (local TV stations) that agree to (mostly) carry the same programming at (mostly) the same times.

Cable channels/cable services are simply different animals than true networks - and the distinction is understood in the business.

"Networks" means broadcast, and I'm sure that's how JMS intended it to be understood. Further, as I indicated at B5TV, as far as the WGA and SAG are concerned, the "networks" are ABC, CBS, NBC and (as of the most recent contracts) Fox. The WB and UPN are still treated as if they were basic cable channels, a cut below first-run syndication in terms of minimum payments, etc. (Fox was recently promoted out of this category, which was intended to help alternatives to the big three compete in their early years.) So with that in mind, JMS use the term "network" to mean anyone beyond the big four - because to insiders those are the only networks, in a sense.

Regards,

Joe

[Andrew_Swallow]

Originally posted by Z'ha'dumDweller
Oh yeah...regarding this SW series rumor...I thought that was just something concocted by board posters at TFN. Is there any legitimate credence to the rumor, like quotes from anyone at the Lucasfilm camp? Or is it just wild speculation and wishful thinking on the part of zealous SW fans?

What we know is that the Executive Producer of Babylon 5 has agreed to be an Executive Producer on a network show invented by someone else. People are now guessing as to what the show could be. JMS has a history in detective stories (Murder She Wrote) and SF. JMS has denied that it is Dr Who.

No evidence that Murder She Wrote is coming back; but we have not searched for the body yet.

In SF that leaves something new, Star Trek or Star Wars.

Is a TV series of Star Wars going to be made? I do not know.

[Andrew_Swallow]

Once that happens, my plan is to do a limited, small production for
two weeks or so here in LA, just to see how the text works with an audience,
then take it away for another few months, twiddle with it some more, then go
for a larger venue. I may do something similar in London, since I may be
spending a bit amount of time there fairly soon.

Lets correct the grammar of the last sentence.

"I may do something similar in London, since I may be
spending a bit of time there fairly soon."
Said by an American this would mean a few days. Said by an Englishman it could mean up to 3 years. (Remember Lochley's joke on G'Kar.)

"I may do something similar in London, since I may be
spending a big amount of time there fairly soon."
or
"I may do something similar in London, since I may be
spending some time there fairly soon."
Long stays.

"I may do something similar in London, since I may be
spending a little bit of time there fairly soon."
Short stay.

So which accent was JMS using when writing about London?
I suspect that the grammar error occurred because JMS realised that the statement was ambiguous and tried correcting it but the correction did not work.

[RCmodeler]

Originally posted by Ben-Thayer Dunnthaedt
distracting......watching RB's scenes now. I find myself losing track of the episode as my thoughts turn to the reality of the situation.

You've never watched a show with deceased actors before? Watch the original Trek or Twilight Zone or those old classic movies.... almost everyone is dead. (I guess you never thought about it before.)



As for The Memory of Shadows, I still find it difficult to believe Doctor Franklin is that hard to replace. Write him out, and insert some other minor character like Lochley or Zack or the Arab female doctor that was oh-so-cute.

[Ben-Thayer Dunnthaedt]

Actually yes, but not recently......and not a situation where someone (who is supposedly at the peak of health) suddenly passes away. At least I can't think of any at the moment, other than a ton of musical references. On a side bar, there's a new reality show where a new lead singer for INXS will be selected to replace the late Michael Hutchens (sp?). Nevertheless, it's not quite the same as watching a Bogart film where you know most of the cast has passed away. But yes, I do notice such things but I try not to dwell on them.

The one that really comes to mind is the tragic death of Pete Duel, star of Alias Smith and Jones, an extremely popular western/comedy from the early 70's. When Duel shot himself (it's still kind of unclear how/why it REALLY happened) the show was a big success. The decision was made to replace Duel with another actor - Roger Davis - who coincendently had narrated the show. Although Duel was a big star, the fans LOVED the series and Davis took over without a huge controversy, partly due to his popularity from Dark Shadows. Although the fans continued to support the series, the Flip Wilson show kicked in hard and started a ratings juggernaut that few shows (successful or not) could compete with. The network unfortunately moved AS&J to a new slot competing with All in the Family (smart, huh?) which was the final blow, and it lost out. The show retains a large cult following to this day.

But there are two old sayings that really apply here:
1) Time heals all wounds

and more importantly:
2) The show must go on

[colonyearth]

Originally posted by Joseph DeMartino
Technically HBO, Showtime, etc. are not "networks" - because that word refers specifically to groups of exising entities (local TV stations) that agree to (mostly) carry the same programming at (mostly) the same times.

Cable channels/cable services are simply different animals than true networks - and the distinction is understood in the business.

"Networks" means broadcast, and I'm sure that's how JMS intended it to be understood. Further, as I indicated at B5TV, as far as the WGA and SAG are concerned, the "networks" are ABC, CBS, NBC and (as of the most recent contracts) Fox. The WB and UPN are still treated as if they were basic cable channels, a cut below first-run syndication in terms of minimum payments, etc. (Fox was recently promoted out of this category, which was intended to help alternatives to the big three compete in their early years.) So with that in mind, JMS use the term "network" to mean anyone beyond the big four - because to insiders those are the only networks, in a sense.

Regards,

Joe

While I give you that Joe is probably right in this and this new show is for NBC, CBS, ABC, or FOX...I am merely trying not to ignore outside possibilities.

If, in fact, you do wish to make the argument for the new SW series and that it might be on HBO...then there is current slang terminology stating that HBO is a "network." Though, in the strict sense it isn't, Joe is right on that, and I am just as guilty as anyone in forgeting that "network" has a proper usage, though it has become a blanket term over the years since the advent of cable. I'm sure we've all heard the term "cable network." I mean CNN stands for Cable News Network (although there are other reasons for why it is can be officially deemed a "network").

Could JMS have been using a generalization? Yes. Was he? Unknown...probably not.

Thus, my statement of "please, god, not FOX."

Given that it's a network series (in the proper use of the term)...then my guess is that it isn't an SF series...thus my conclusions that it may or may not be SF. I think I went into more detail at B5tv about this and that it could well not be a SF series.

My statement of not being convinced is based on the fact that we don't know how JMS was using the term (though we can infer it), and we don't know (since we're not there) exactly the what's, why's, wherefore's, and whatchmacallits of this new series and how locked in, etc., that it is. Unless you know for sure...never be "convinced." It always gives you an out. Plausible deniability.

CE

[Capt.Montoya]

Andrew:
JMS has said more than once that he won't continue the story of Babylon 5. The five chapters (seasons) of the Novel are done. That's why there never was a Season 6.
"River of Souls" was only a telemovie. The one that was a sort of "backdoor pilot" for Crusade was "A Call To Arms."
There will be no "B5 Next Generation" direct sequel type of series with the same characters. That is clear (unless JMS has changed his mind to a diametrically opposed point). Both Crusade and the never produced "Legend of the Rangers" series happened on the B5 universe but were not a direct continuation of the series, more like side-stories. The characters from the original B5 series (excepting Lochley) were meant to appear only in cameos or as guest stars, and only if the storylines crossed enough.
I know I'm nitpicking and assuming you meant only a direct sequel with the same characters, apologies in advance if I misread you.

I think that "correcting" the grammar of the post is just speculation... which is, of course, the bread and butter of this forum.

BTW: I don't think we'll ever see a series with the Ranger/Monks rebuilding Earth. That situation is too similar to Walter M. Miller's classic novel "A Canticle for Leibowitz" to be considered original (whoever has the film rights could sue, or Miller's state could ask for licensing of the rights).

And going into speculation: a network (ABC or CBS?) had planned a near future sci-fi show, centered around a buffet of lawyers, with the intention of exploring ethical and moral issues. I suspect that JMS could make the idea work quite well.

[Joseph DeMartino]

And going into speculation: a network (ABC or CBS?) had planned a near future sci-fi show, centered around a buffet of lawyers, with the intention of exploring ethical and moral issues.

You must have blinked. That show has aleady been aired and cancelled. I think it lasted about three episodes and it went by so fast that I don't even remeber the name.

Regards,

Joe