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Posted By: ZimNova Aug 18, 2004 - 06:02 pm

;-)

Posted By: Sindatur Aug 24, 2004 - 06:20 am

From: jmsatb5@aol.com (jms at b5)
Subject: from jms 8/23/04
To: rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated
Date: 8/23/2004 7:06:26 PM

Just some quick, minor updates....

In the comics world...Supreme Power 12 came out last week, and the next Amazing Spider-Man comes out this week, and I'm very happy with how both of them came out. It's a good time to jump on board.

I was recently in NYC for a big retreat/conference with Marvel about upcoming projects, and while there are several I can't talk about yet, one thing I can mention is that I'll be doing a Silver Surfer miniseries that should shake people up a bit.

There's also going to be something very weird and funny coming from Marvel soon, which will give them cause to never, ever invite me to one of these things ever again.

Also, the first of the last three Rising Stars issues comes out next month as well as the co-written first issue of the Doctor Strange miniseries.

On the TV front, I have final confirmation that the last batch of Jeremiah episodes will be airing on the regular Showtime channels starting September 3rd. The episodes are:

Sept 3: Crossing Jordan and Running On Empty
Sept 10:: The Question and The Past Is Prologue
Sept 17: The Face In The Mirror and State Of The Union
Sept 24: Interregnum (Parts 1 and 2)

All of them are really strong episodes, and I'm glad to see them finally being aired.

Pending contractual negotiations and formal pickup by the networks involved, I've been offered two different series, so we'll see which goes first. They could both be very cool to work on, but one of them could be insanely successful. I should know more about this situation in late October. (Neither is Trek-related, just to nip any potential rumors in the bud.)

Starting sometime in October, in an unrelated project, our friends in Britain can expect to see me hanging about on-and-off in the general vicinity of London. Just, y'know, workin', doin' stuff.

I've also tentatively agreed (pending working out some details) to appear at FedCon in Bonn, Germany in May of next year. In an unrelated story, my radio series, The City of Dreams, will also apparently be airing soon on German radio. For those of you who can speak the langauge, you can get more information at http://www.sf-radio.net/radio/spezial/

The next of my novels to be reprinted from ibooks/Simon and Schuster is Tribulations, due out in December, which can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0743497856/qid=1093312226/s
r=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-9872970-8247801?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Volume 2 of the Supreme Power collection, also due out in December, can be pre-ordered at

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0785114564/qid=1093312293/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-9872970-82478 01?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Buddy the Miracle Cat (or Buddy TMC as he is known to his hip-hop friends) celebrated his first re-birthday last month, and has decided that he wants to be a shark instead of a cat. There's clear plastic covering one of the floors while work is being done, and he loves nothing more than to get under the plastic (lots of holes for air, don't worry) and circle around me like a shark, over and over. It's all he wants to do anymore.

Oh, and in the next week or so I should be turning in the next-to-final draft of the TMoS screenplay.

Posted By: Green Drazi Sep 12, 2004 - 09:24 am

A Star Trek series made by JMS? That would be a dream series.

Posted By: Sindatur Oct 07, 2004 - 06:25 am

A New tidbit about B5:TMoS (probably) JMS posted today:

"Oh, and for the first time in five years, there is an office somewhere in England with the words Babylon 5 on the door...."

Looks like it could mean an official announcement may be finally coming soon, as once there's an office open, can the lid really be on so tight for much longer

Posted By: Sindatur Oct 27, 2004 - 07:13 am

We are edging ever closer:

The latest issue of Dreamwatch says that the B5 office is at Elstree Film Studios.

They also say that the production is being led by Peter Heslop. No word on an official announcement though.

Also, check my Dawn of the Dead Post. Richard Biggs did a Bonus Feature on the DVD of the Remake of Dawn of the Dead, and it is fantastic, in my humble opinion.

Posted By: Sindatur Oct 28, 2004 - 10:09 am

So, anyone live somewhat nearby Elstree Film Studios? Think you could put the place under surveilance and keep track of who comes and goes, and maybe chat up someone in the office and get some juicy gossip?

Ian, MrB, MrD, anyone else?

By the way, if I've suggested you travel several hundred miles, forgive my ignorance, I have no idea where Elstree studio is, other than a belief it's on the outskirts of London, (An hour's trainride I believe JMS said in a preious post) and don't know where you all live. Well, other than I believe I know where Ian lives, but don't know the relational distance to the studio. (UK Geograpy isn't my strong point, LOL)

Posted By: Sindatur Dec 08, 2004 - 07:44 am

This just in (This was posted by someone at B5TV, and I do not know how reliable it is, I will post again if I find out it's untrue)

http://comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=7515


Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Steven Beck will direct a big screen adaptation of the popular sci-fi TV series Babylon 5. The movie, titled The Memory of Shadows, is intended for theatrical release and was written by series creator J. Michael Straczynski. Production Weekly reports that the project starts filming this April in the UK.

In "Shadows," the technology of the ancient and extinct Shadow race is being unleashed upon the galaxy by an unknown force, and Earthforce intelligence officer Diane Baker, whose brother was recently killed in a mysterious explosion, it out to find out who is behind the intergalactic conspiracy.

Joining her is Galen, a techno-mage who has been charged with keeping the technology out of the hands of those who would abuse it.

Note: This says Steven Becker, who only has one Film credit, as associate Producer (Alma Mater from 2002). Apparently they meant Steve Becker, who has a few directorial projects behind him, such as Thirteen Ghosts, and Ghost Ship.

Posted By: Sindatur Dec 13, 2004 - 06:36 am

Hi All,

It's with a heavy heart I bring you the following rumor, which surfaced right after the rumor above. Neither has been officially confirmed, but, B5 sites are on fire with the this latest rumor.

The latest rumor is that WB is trying to force JMS to recast the B5 roles in TMoS with big names. The answer to the rumor above, is that JMS agreeing to center TMos around a new character would be a compromise (Bring in a big name for the role of Diane Baker, and leave the other existing roles intact with their original actors.

A letter writing campaign is beginning to take shape. If you visit sites that ceneter around another Scifi show such as Farscape, Star Trek, Stargate, etc, please post something on those sites that would have B5 fans on them as well. This part is important, as the hard core B5 fans will most likely get the word through osmosis, but fair weather fans who are more into other shows may also jump on the bandwagon.

If you do write letters (which all B5 fans who are concerned would appreciate) be polite and thankful for the DVD releases, and for the possibility of a feature film (TMoS). But be clear that if the actors for existing roles are replaced that you wouldn't be interested in seeing it, and believe it would be a grand mistake. Be sure to also include that you realize it is a rumor, and that it concerns you.

This information comes from people who know people, who know things. Logic says that by now, if there is no truth to these rumors, that JMS would have squashed them, as he could say something like "There are no discussions to recast any existing roles in any future B5 projects". If it's true, JMS is between a rock and a hard place, if he says it's true, he will be breaking his "gag order". If he denies it and it's true, he would be lieing to us fans, and we all know that is not something JMS will ever do, even with a gun to his head.

So get the word out, and I will update with addresses to mail concerns to. If someone else can post those adresses before I am able to, that would be terrific.

Posted By: Sindatur Dec 13, 2004 - 08:35 am

Mailing information

if you want, you can snail mail to WB at the main address and make it attention development department or even be bold and make it attention Babylon 5 or TMoS.

Warner Bros.

Features Development Dept.
4000 Warner Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91522


And thanks to z^3 over at JMSNews we now have the Elstree address!



Elstree Film Studios
Shenley Rd
Borehamwood, Hertfordshire
WD6 1JG
United Kingdom

You can also make it…

Attn: Babylon 5: The Memory of Shadows

or

Attn: Babylon 5 Production Offices

or since we’ve been told that Peter Heslop is the Production Manager…something like:



Elstree Film Studios
Babylon 5 Production Offices
Borehamwood, Hertfordshire
WD6 1JG
United Kingdom
Attn: Peter Heslop, Production Manager

Posted By: Sindatur Dec 13, 2004 - 10:04 am

Sorry about the duplicate posts.

I have seen several people thinking it's best to wait and see, regarding a letter writing campaign, but filming is set to begin in April (supposedly), so there is very little time to have our voices heard. If we are polite and courteous to WB when we write and let our views be known, no harm will be done if this turns out to be a false rumor, but, if we wait for JMS to say something (Do to his gag order) it will be too late, and either they will press forward with recasting or scrap the whole idea.

One helpful thing to include in a letter, should you choose to help out and send one, is to point out how successful Star Wars, Star Trek, and X-Files all were with "Little name casts", but, don't mention any flops, as that would be counter productive.

Posted By: ZimNova Dec 13, 2004 - 05:53 pm

Thanks Sindatur.
My 100K cents.

Spin-offs have survived in SF television with a little help from established cast members.
Witness the start of STDS-9 where the ST:NG cast played small roles then when the ratings were failing they brought in Michael Dorn (Worf) as a regular cast member and then developed a relationship with Dax to keep fans interested.

Same with Crusade. The Telefilm; *A Call to Arms" introduced the main players for that series with support from B-5, S-5 regulars and we even had a visit back to The Station during the 13 episodes produced.
That said, let me preface my next remarks with something I posted on the SFC Babylon BBoard concerning the timeline & B-5 canon.
Note that all the "rumors" indicate that this new story will involve the "Techno-Mages" or at least Galen.

---

Quote:

As to the timeline involved and faithfullness to B-5 canon with *The Memory of Shadows* here's my theory.

Warning!...this post contains MAJOR spoilers for Babylon-5, Crusade & *The Passing of the Techno-Mages* book trilogy! Read at your own risk.

We recall that we first met a "Techno-Mage", Elric, in the B-5 episode; "The Geometry of Shadows" (#2.03) and it was revealed that they as a group were going into hiding fearing the coming Shadow War.
The Mages were both fascinating & mysterious combining the skills of a magician with the support of superior technology to create the fearfull image of a powerful being as Londo found out to his dismay during that episode.

To really understand what happened prior to *TGoS*, during that time period and just before the end of the Shadow War one has to read the excellent *The Passing of the Techno-Mages* book trilogy by author Jeanne Cavelos published by Ballantine/Del Rey.

The book series explains the reasoning & motivation that drove the Mages into exile as well as the politics and in-fighting that occurred between the Master Mages over Elric's decision of how they should best deal with the upcoming war and a dark secret that must, at all cost, remain a matter known only to a few.
The 3 books fill in the backstory of Galen, Elric's protege and apprentice, the character introduced to us during the B-5 film *ACtA* and subsequent spin-off series *Crusade*, which was killed off prematurely by the freknics at TNT (spit).
They also deal with the relationship between Galen & Isabelle and why it was so vary important for Galen to do what he did during the Crusade episode; "The Well of Forever" (#1.06).
I highly recommend the book series for all fans of the Babylon universe because the story of the Techno-Mages is IMHO the best of the 3 different book trilogies written to fill in the blanks left over from the TV series.

We also know that after the "First Ones" passed beyond the rim with Lorien they left behind dark minions whom fled Z'Ha'Dum before it's destruction and these beings settled on Centauri Prime.
The connection between these "Drakh" and the Centauri Royal Court was revealed during the Babylon S-5 episode; "And All My Dreams, Torn Asunder (#5.17).
Personal note. This was one of my favorite ep.'s of S-5 and was directed by Mira Furlan's husband Goran Gajic.

Which brings us to the B-5 telefilm; *A Call to Arms*.
From JMS Speaks at the Lurkers Guide;
Q:"When does Crusade take place?"
JMS: "Five years after the events of Season 5."
That would make it the year 2267 in B-5 canon.

I would guess, since JMS has already done the Drakh plague story with *ACtA* & Crusade, which even though never finished would be going backwards storytelling wise (I can't imagine him doing this), we will be introduced to another as of yet unseen Shadow minion race who have gotten access to their former masters tech.
Another reason I don't think this will involve the Drakh is because we already know Humankind was still around on Earth in the future in 2362 and beyond; "The Deconstruction of Falling Stars" (#4.23).

So, Crusade takes place starting in 2267 and was supposed to have a five year story arc.
Humans survived the Drakh plague after this five year search for the cure and therefore *TMoS* will take place sometime after 2272 in the Babylon timeline and will feature a new and original enemy?
I'm really hoping Peter Woodward can return to portray Galen because I like him as an actor (he was great hosting the History Channel's "Conquest" and because I'm still PO'ed Crusade (along with all the cast members involved) never had the chance to finish the Drakh plague story arc.

---

Posted By: Sindatur Dec 17, 2004 - 07:15 am

Well, more and more bits and pieces are coming out, giving the impression, that if the original characters are portrayed in TMoS, they may be replaced with "name actors". The Moderated board where JMS posts is starting to catch fire with these rumors, JMS is posting other things, but not responding in anyway to these rumors, so odds are, they're true and a flood of letters (arriving soon) may be the only way to change their mind

Posted By: ZimNova Dec 17, 2004 - 08:21 am

I saw this today at the SFC B-5 BBoard.

---

Quote:

From FILMJERK.COM:

"My Triumphant Return, and the Return of Babylon 5
Written by 12-12-2004 by AmyLawrence


The Babylon 5 feature film begins shooting in April!
My triumphant return!

What brings me back to FilmJerk.com? I'm totally geeking out over the feature film Babylon 5: Memory of Shadows. I've been a B5 fan since my pal Sam (Hi Sam!) turned me on to the show in Season 2. The last I'd heard is that JMS (the shows creator, J.Michael Straczynski) had put the project on hold after Richard Bigg's death. Biggs played Dr. Franklin, and died in May of 2004. Memory of Shadows is back on track now, and will begin filming in England next April with director Steven Beck.

The story follows Diane Baker, an Earthforce Intelligence Officer whose brother is killed in an explosion. She teams up with Techno-Mage Galen, previously played by Peter Woodward but whose part is being re-cast, to find the truth behind her brother's death. They discover that dark forces are unleashing ancient Shadow technology--technology that was supposed to be guarded by Galen--and the two uncover a huge conspiracy.

So far, the only original character participating is Elizabeth Lochley, played by Tracey Scoggins. She is still the commander of Babylon 5. She is friends with Diane. Part of the action takes place on B5, as the station is taken over by Earthforce Marines, including new lead character Colonel Joss Morgan.

Galen will battle childhood friend and Techno-Mage, Tyrell. Tyrell is sort of a mercenary, with an agenda of his own. Are you seeing Gandolf fighting Saruman in your head right now? You know you are. I can only imagine we'll see more original cast members on the station. Believe me, I'll keep you all posted. ••••, it's good to be back!"


The probable reason why Galen is being recast is that Peter Woodward will be busy on another project:

"CLOSING THE RING, a feature film written by Peter, and to be directed by Lord Richard Attenborough, is now scheduled to start official "prep"... whenever all those final little details can be nailed into place. The film business being what it is, this is not unusual. Current expectation is that it will begin photography about March 2005."

---

Frell, no Peter Woodward.
But great news I suppose for fans of Capt. Cupcake.

ZimNova

Posted By: Sindatur Dec 17, 2004 - 08:33 am

The theory fans are running with (and there's a casting call out there somewhere, that semi-backs it up) is the information on Peter Woodward is an easing into the recasting. IE: Tell the fans about a reasonable recasting such as PW, and then backdoor the rest of the recasting when fans don't quibble about Peter Woodward. (Observe the two edged sword of this statement "So far, the only original character participating is Elizabeth Lochley, played by Tracey Scoggins" )

Posted By: Iznardi Dec 17, 2004 - 12:31 pm

Oh pleeez if they recast anyone, pleeez pleeez pleeez let it be Captain Cupcake. Unless JMS is going to do us all the favor of killing her off in this movie.

iz

Posted By: Sindatur Dec 17, 2004 - 12:34 pm

LOL Iz, she seems to be the only "Lock" that we know isn't being replaced.

Posted By: Nomad Dec 17, 2004 - 07:30 pm

Come on IZ, just remember the episode with Captn Cup...Er. Lockley as a hologram.

OK, OK...So she was the token cup cake to add for the WB. Should have been Heather Locklair!!! Yup!

Posted By: ZimNova Jan 01, 2005 - 02:59 pm

Posted By: Nomad Jan 03, 2005 - 01:59 am

Cool!


So its about the technomages, basically. I really enjoyed the technomage trilogy so I am hoping they dabble in telling how the technomages came about.

Posted By: Sindatur Jan 10, 2005 - 12:14 pm

Letter writing campaign to continue, with a twist. The doubters are becoming convinced there is a very real possibility Warner will try to recast Series roles in a movie (TMoS)

A Call to Arms

Some of you may have heard the recent rumors about the upcoming B5 feature film, “The Memory of Shadow” – how the money people are talking about recasting many of the roles from the original series with “name” actors,

I am here to tell you that this rumor is true and that unless the powers that be are convinced that tinkering with the cast will hurt them in the pocketbook, they will do what they want to do, without regard to JMS’s wish or ours. The only people in a position to convince them that there’s money on the line are US.

WE are the ones who watched the show in great enough numbers to keep it on the air for 5 years. WE are the ones who made the reruns and B5 S5 such a success on TNT that they spent millions of dollars on two extra TV movies and a half season of Crusade before they pulled the plug on that show for reasons of network politics as much as anything else. WE are the ones who lobbied and wheedled and threatened until a very skeptical Warner Bros. finally released the series, the movies and ultimately Crusade on DVD – and then bought the DVDs in such numbers that the studio decided to make this feature film in the first place.

WE are the ones who will provide the all-important opening weekend opening box office and the initial word-of-mouth. It is perfectly true that a feature film like this can’t succeed if only the hardcore fans go to see it. It will have to attract non-fans, folks who have never even heard of the series. But if WE don’t make sure the film “opens” it won’t stay in theaters long enough for non-fans to discover the film. If WE don’t provide the positive word-of-mouth the film won’t succeed.

I’ve heard that some fans don’t believe the rumor, that recasting the roles seems so obviously stupid and counter-productive that they don’t think Warner Bros. would ever do such a thing. I was skeptical myself when I first plugged into the ‘net after an absence of several month (hurricanes are such a bother) But I’ve since checked with a few individuals whom I trust implicitly and who are in a position to know about such things. They assure me the rumors are true. The studio is pressing for this, and since they write the checks, there isn’t a lot the production office can do about it.

I’ve also heard that other fans are so upset about the reported story line or indications that a given actor or character may not be in the film that they’re not interested in the project at all. Big mistake. Some have even suggested that the story line and the cast changes are part and parcel of the same thing – that the studio dictated a story that prominently featured new characters and reduced the old ones to cameos that could be cast with “name” actors as part of some deep, dark plot to remake B5 in some new image of their choosing.

Wrong

I don’t know the story line for the new film. But I DO know that it is the story that JMS chose to pitch to the studio for the first B5 film.

Did I just say “First B5 film”?

Yes, I did.

Everybody wants this film to succeed. If it succeeds, WB will want a sequel, the studios always do. If they do a sequel JMS can do a story that uses the original characters more. Everybody signing up to do the sequel to a successful movie will get a bigger payday than they did on the first. Maybe it makes more sense to do something that ties up some of the threads from Crusade and Rangers in movie #1, with the original cast in supporting roles. Then do the Teep War or some other story in movie #2. But this only works if the original cast plays the original characters in movie #1.

And that’s where you all come in. We need you to write letters – real, snail-mail, printed and hand-signed letters, to get the attention of the folks holding the purse strings. We need to remind them that ultimately we, too, hold the purse strings. We buy the tickets at the box office.

An ad hoc committee of fans has been working on ways to get the studio’s attention, including press releases and getting stories into the mainstream press. You can help by participating in a letter writing campaign with a bit of a gimmick to help it stand out from similar campaigns. Go to www.keepb5alive.com. Download one of the “B5 Bucks” designs on the site. Print them out, cut them out, and include them with your letter. We’ve also provided form letters that you can hand-write your own address and comments on, but I have to tell you – the studios pay a lot more attention to individuals who took the time to compose a letter of their own than those who merely signed a form letter that somebody else wrote. Just don’t forget to include the “ B5 Bucks” whichever you do.

This may seem like a silly gimmick. So were the Budweiser frogs. Silly gimmicks are memorable, they get attention. They WORK. So can this if Warner Bros. gets socked with thousands and thousands of letters containing these novelty items. And that’s the key – make them realize that this isn’t an issue that concerns only a few fanatical fans of particular actors but something the vast majority of the fan community cares deeply about and that we will have to consider whether or not the B5 movie WB eventually puts in theaters is really B5 or some pale imitation that we, as loyal fans, can and will rightly ignore. Go to the site, download the materials, join the fight. The casting decisions are being made right now The countdown to the start of shooting has begun. The window during which we can make our voices heard is closing, but it hasn’t closed yet. Don’t let it close until you’ve added your voice to the chorus.

Print out a letter, preferably one you’ve written yourself, today. Sign it, add a hand-written note and your address if necessary. Print out an envelope, stuff it, with some B5 Bucks, seal it, put it on the counter with your car keys. Make sure you mail it tomorrow.

We’ve been here before folks. Our backs against the wall, no chance in hell of getting what we want. We’ve been here every single season, we were here at the end of S4 most of all. We were here trying to get the show released on some form of home video and ultimately on DVD. We were here trying to get a feature film off the ground at all. We’ve always tried to do the impossible and we’ve always been told that we never could. (One SF entertainment news web site won’t run a story on this controversy because they haven’t seen an official announcement of the film from WB and they don’t believe that anybody is ever going to make a feature film based on a “little” cult show like B5)

We’ve always succeeded in the long run.

Faith manages.

Start writing.

If you wish to follow B5TV's discussion on this follow this thread

http://forums.b5tv.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=282204&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1