Could an Olmos Vs. Hammer lawsuit happen?

July 14th, 2003, 06:38 PM

The reason I ask this is from reading a particular section in the Cleveland artical:

Quote:

"I'm going to be the first one to say it really clearly," Olmos continued after Hammer's death-wish jest. "Please tell your readers, do not watch this program."

It doesn't get any better than this. "I think we have a new marketing campaign for 'Battlestar Galactica,' " Hammer tried again. Yet her second attempt at humor did nothing to slow down Olmos now that he had worked up a full head of sincerity steam.

He had been reading the worried e-mails from "Galactica" fans who are sure that the Sci Fi Channel is going to trash their beloved series, which was launched by ABC after the first "Star Wars" film became a pop-culture phenomenon.

"You can take it that way," Olmos said in response to Hammer's lighthearted remark about a new marketing campaign, "but at least that way you give them an opportunity to not break their television sets. Because people get really, really angry. You've got to remember that this is a show that was only on . . . in the late '70s, and to this day has a very strong fan base. Tens of thousands of people who write to each other for 25 years over a program that is not on the air and is not even being rerun.

"They didn't want this at all, and I didn't know any of this. . . . All of a sudden, my e-mails went through the roof. Suddenly I was accused of teaming up with Ron Moore and creating just a slap in the face of all these people, and I didn't want to slap anybody."

If he really didn't know any of this, and was told otherwise by Sci Fi execs, could he sue?

BST · July 14th, 2003, 07:15 PM

Quote:

If he really didn't know any of this, and was told otherwise by Sci Fi execs, could he sue?

This can only be determined by a lawyer, specializing in contract law. That is, if Mr. Olmos is inclined to pursue that avenue. My opinion is that he will not since he would have known the difference between the 2 products, going into the production. Although, he apparently did not know, or underestimated, our (I hate this word) passion for the Original Series.

repcisg · July 14th, 2003, 07:19 PM

I doubt he will sue, but this will be the last time he works for SciFi. And I think the feeling will be mutual, he's turning out to not be the puppet SciFi had hopped for and he has an immage with the Hispanic community he needs to maintain.

You can forget any series appearance by him.

July 14th, 2003, 07:20 PM

I meant specifically if he was sold to sign on in the production under the false impression that, "everyone tested said they'd love to see it reimagined."

repcisg · July 14th, 2003, 07:21 PM

Not unless he suffers some serious damage to his reputation.

AlternityOrange · July 14th, 2003, 07:40 PM

I don't imagine "The fans will love this" was in his contract so I can't see a lawsuit. I don't think he'd bother anyways. He's not unhappy or unsupportive of the production, he just didn't like the bald face lies about everyone loving it.

But I do agree with respcisg that if Bonnie remains at the station, and it goes to series, Olmos won't be there. Maybe they still have Ronnie Cox's resume on file.

repcisg · July 14th, 2003, 08:08 PM

Olms's comments have made two hits on SciFi.

First he was under contract to do a series if one is ordered, he will not be used.

Second to replace him SciFi will need to find some one with a name, that will be very difficult now.

A series is now only a distant possability.

Senmut · July 14th, 2003, 09:15 PM

However it falls out, heads will be rolling at the SFChannel. No question.

thomas7g · July 15th, 2003, 02:56 AM

My impression is that Olmos is proud of his work as Adma and proud of the production.

However he is tired of U/V execs running a PR campaign that infuriates BG fans and creates a flood of hate mail directed at him.

He just wants to not be hated and blamed.