I know some of the Vivendi Universal folks read the Colonial Fleets bboard from time to time, so do understand this is addressed to them as much as it's addressed to the fans.
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In 1999, Richard Hatch and Glen Larson/Todd Moyer (separately) wanted to bring back "Battlestar Galactica."
In 2001, Tom DeSanto and Bryan Singer wanted to bring back "Battlestar Galactica."
In 2002, David Eick and Ronald D. Moore wanted to bring back "Battlestar Galactica."
In 2003, we wait to see what Vivendi Universal chooses to do.
Universal is working towards the revival of "Battlestar Galactica" -- and is at a crossroads of sorts. I know the DVD sets are almost ready to go; the merchandising has been hurt by numerous changes (ie. the need for some companies to relicense whenever the production changes hands, and now many are hesistant to throw $$ into the ring until the dust settles); and the show's 25th anniversary is almost here.
It is known that fans have made an impact at various times with their letters, pro and con, for the various production efforts. Let's face it:
- Fans aren't supportive of the current Moore/Eick production; the content speaks for itself.
- Fans keep clamoring for what they want, yet they've endured five years of this and you expect every single fan to have the same drive/determination to write you. But many still do. (Especially as you recently discovered in early December 2002.)
- Fans looked at the Larson/Moyer production and found disdain for the materials, after details about the production came out.
- Fans have been supportive of Hatch, but he lacks the industry credentials to spearhead an actual production. They still support him because he speaks for what fans keep asking for. Not merely because he has an uber-trailer, books or appearances, but because he echoes what fans want. (God, if you folks only knew...)
- Fans finally latched onto the DeSanto production BECAUSE they finally started to learn what it was about (and akin to Hatch's continuation production) and by that time, it was too late. (And thanks, Universal, for wanting fans to remain clueless about much of the production. You're not solely to blame, but you weren't exactly inspirational in starting a groundswell of promotion and support.)
Do us a MAJOR favor: Bring in Hatch, Larson and DeSanto. Sit them down; talk with them. You may be surprised what happens.
Egos, ideals and goals aside, you may find THE answers to bringing back the show which can turn "Battlestar Galactica" into the "Star Trek" franchise of the 21st century. You think I'm joking? Pick up the phone and call *any* of them right now.
Bring on a few fans as consultants to truly understand what the heck they want. You have a number of folks with opinions, both here and elsewhere; you also have access to some extraordinarily well-spoken, balanced, focused individuals, too. Hire them temporarily to gleam feedback, or talk with them in private sessions under non-disclosure.
Lay the groundwork for success NOW.
Make the shareholders happy.
Make the fans happy. Make new viewers happy.
Make the executives happy with a TRUE winner of a show.
Thanks for your time,
Michael Faries
BattlestarGalactica.com * BattlestarPegasus.com
A New Years 2003 letter to Vivendi Universal
