ravesholpulsar
June 30th, 2003, 08:21 PM
September 2002 Q&A with Ronald D. Moore (#1)
Do you plan on using any story lines from the old series?
Possibly. We’re obviously using the story from “Saga of a Star World” to launch the series, after that, I intend to use storylines from the A-team and a Brazillian sitcom called “Checoix” which I saw in Peru.
Mr. Moore, do you understand why fans are passionate about this show? Not screaming for the original actors but what they really really REALLY loved about it? Are you building a reason in your script for fans to fall in love with your version? What is that magical element or elements? Explain and expand.
Bite me.
When does the new mini-series start production and when can we expect to see it on TV?
The nightmare –I mean the miniseries is set for a December air date.
Mr. Moore, are there going to be vipers in your idea of galactica? if not why.
There will indeed be Vipers in addition to new Colonial fighter craft. I also as added feature for the fans include the USS ENTERPRISE and of course a few Monster Trucks.
2. how much budget has sci-fi given you to produce this project?
They don’t like us to give out actual numbers, but suffice it to say that it’s well into the 8 figure range, mainly plenty of zeroes.
3. do you think you can have a quality production within this budget?
Yes. If not I’m gonna blow whatever money is left over on this stripper chick I met on the Vancouver set of “Sex Kittens from Uranus.”
4. if the budget is not large enough to produce a mini series worthy the name of battlestar galactica why go forward?
Beats me. Ask SCI-FI Channel. They throw money around like it was going out of style. Just last week I saw Bonnie Hammer with a solid gold shoe polisher.
5. what will be the plot line? what/who are going to be the focus of the new mini series?
The story will follow the basic contours of the original pilot, after that, we’re going to sans the Ovion plotline. Thus, it will focus on setting up the characters and the Colonial world, then telling the story of the Cylon attack, and finally the escape of Galactica and the rag-tag fleet.
And after that plenty of hard core nudity.
6. What does Mr. Moore hope to accomplish with this reimagining?
I hope to make a good show. That’s the only thing I care about. The filmed product. I want it to be something I’m proud of and something that an audience can embrace. If not they can go F@#& themselves.
7. What is the benefit that makes this approach preferrable to the continuation that most fans support? What advantages does the reimagining have over a continuation?
In my view, remaking Galactica provides an opportunity to explore the entire Galactica universe with a fresh approach,(for example we’ll have stories where our intrepid heroes visit such planets as The Planet of the Apes, Forbidden Planet and Planet Hollywood just to name a few.
And as long as we’re on the subject (the subject everyone wants to talk about) let me talk briefly about I came to this project and how I’ve approached it.
In the beginning, I was told the Singer/DeSantos project was being shelved and I was asked whether or not I was interested in coming up with a new take for a Galactica series. I said yes but only if I could have an all midget cast. They said no. Then I said how about a musical version of Galactica? They said no to that too. Then I said I “listen, what the hell do you people want from me?” And they said give us something dramatic that is deeply moving. I thought about it and figured it was just enough of a crazy idea that it might work so I said “what the hell.”
8. Mr. Moore, Will the new show focus on characters of all ages or younger actors and actresses?
The characters run the gamut of ages from Adama to Boxey, but I’d say the median age range is probably 30s. We have an embryo at three weeks which will be making a cameo.
9. Will there be space battles similar to what was portrayed in the original series? If not, why?
There will definitely be space battles, but part of the challenge of this project was how to do a dogfight and not have it just look like the same old thing yet again. We have come up with a new approach to filming the space battles, but you don’t really expect me to give it away now, do you? Ok, I’ll give it away! Hand held cameras! Just like MTV! Wow! Bango! Zippy-do! Didn’t see that coming did ya!? I’m also going to run plenty of Metallica during the destruction of the Colonies! Take that John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith!
10. How much of the 'look' of the original series will be incorporated into the new series? Meaning, would the casual fan be able to make the connection that they were watching an updated version of Galactica?
There will be definite design elements which harken back to the original show, first and foremost among them the design of Galactica herself which I consider something of a classic and have no desire to screw around with. But the reality is Star Trek sells so you can expect to see some kick ass colonial “starships.”
11. Has the sudden cancelation of Farscape changed the way you are approaching Galactica? Meaning, do you now feel pressure to create a show that appeals to a mainstream audience, as opposed to science fiction fans in general?
It hasn’t had much affect on what I’m doing at this point. After all, this miniseries is going to tank on such a profound level it will be felt around the world.
12. What specific themes from the original series will be incorporated into the new production?
The destruction of an entire civilization through a surprise attack, the escape of a rag-tag fleet, Wally telling Beaver his Father’s day present isn’t as good as his, the family relationships and friendships at the center of it, the menace provided by the Cylons and IRS and the human story of people banding together to survive and search for a shining planet called Earth.
13. There is concern from fandom that the new series will focus too intently on the love lives of the new cast. Can you comment on this?
It’s not all about love lives or sex. Certainly the original had romance and a dash of sex and we’re not going to shy away from that element, but it’s not the central focus. The central focus will be the size of the Battlestar Galactica. She’s huge and needs a huge crew to get her engines running NICE AND HOT!
14. You mentioned that your version of Galactica would be grittier and more down to Earth than what we are used to seeing in contemporary science fiction programming. Can you expand upon what you mean by this? Also, Is this a creative or financial decision?
As I said above, this was a creative decision. Essentially I’m looking for a more grounded, more realistic presentation of science fiction than traditionally presented in the “space opera” format. Taking the opera out of space opera would be another way of putting it. I’m looking to give you more human characters and more realistic stories which take place in a fantastic setting. Like Madonna’s “Swept Away” or Mariah Carrey’s “Glitter”.
15. Many fans find it hard to imagine Galactica without the original theme music. Your statements in the press seem to indicate that you do not prefer this type of orchestral music. What type of theme music are you planning?
We’re a ways from post-production, so my thinking here is still preliminary. I do think it’s time to move past the usual orchestral score and try something different. An all Kazoo and wooden flute New Orleans band will be used.
16.Why are you trying to kill the goose that layed the golden egg? A continuation of BSG with a mix of the old and new cast is a sure winner. Why can't you and TPTB see that?
If I thought that was the case, I obviously wouldn’t be doing it. A continuation is far from a slamdunk recipe for success. I mean, shall we talk about a little show called “Galactica: 1980”? It had a mix of old and new cast members, the exact same costumes, design, theme music, etc. and it stank. Fans sometimes want to pretend it didn’t happen or that it doesn’t count somehow, but the truth is that “1980” was a continuation and it failed. What about STAR TREK: THE WRATH OF KHAN or ALIENS? Those sequels were just a mess. Don’t talk to me about sequels because I’ve seen them all.
17.Will the ships and fighters and what not be CGI or will you be using any models? If Models, will you try to get the Original Battlestar Galactica model for filming?
The CGI vs. models debate has only just begun, but the economics are such that I’d be surprised if we didn’t go the CGI route. Although paper planes are where I’m personally leaning towards.
18. Are you lying to us, Mister Moore? NOTHING is going on with your production! Prove to us there is current movement or move on! We need some proof that you really filming & doing this miniseries.
Well, I suppose I could invite you all over to my office to watch me write, but I don’t have enough chairs... I also have to worry that you’ll see me downloading internet porn on my computer (which takes up 12 of my 15 hr day).
Do you plan on using any story lines from the old series?
Possibly. We’re obviously using the story from “Saga of a Star World” to launch the series, after that, I intend to use storylines from the A-team and a Brazillian sitcom called “Checoix” which I saw in Peru.
Mr. Moore, do you understand why fans are passionate about this show? Not screaming for the original actors but what they really really REALLY loved about it? Are you building a reason in your script for fans to fall in love with your version? What is that magical element or elements? Explain and expand.
Bite me.
When does the new mini-series start production and when can we expect to see it on TV?
The nightmare –I mean the miniseries is set for a December air date.
Mr. Moore, are there going to be vipers in your idea of galactica? if not why.
There will indeed be Vipers in addition to new Colonial fighter craft. I also as added feature for the fans include the USS ENTERPRISE and of course a few Monster Trucks.
2. how much budget has sci-fi given you to produce this project?
They don’t like us to give out actual numbers, but suffice it to say that it’s well into the 8 figure range, mainly plenty of zeroes.
3. do you think you can have a quality production within this budget?
Yes. If not I’m gonna blow whatever money is left over on this stripper chick I met on the Vancouver set of “Sex Kittens from Uranus.”
4. if the budget is not large enough to produce a mini series worthy the name of battlestar galactica why go forward?
Beats me. Ask SCI-FI Channel. They throw money around like it was going out of style. Just last week I saw Bonnie Hammer with a solid gold shoe polisher.
5. what will be the plot line? what/who are going to be the focus of the new mini series?
The story will follow the basic contours of the original pilot, after that, we’re going to sans the Ovion plotline. Thus, it will focus on setting up the characters and the Colonial world, then telling the story of the Cylon attack, and finally the escape of Galactica and the rag-tag fleet.
And after that plenty of hard core nudity.
6. What does Mr. Moore hope to accomplish with this reimagining?
I hope to make a good show. That’s the only thing I care about. The filmed product. I want it to be something I’m proud of and something that an audience can embrace. If not they can go F@#& themselves.
7. What is the benefit that makes this approach preferrable to the continuation that most fans support? What advantages does the reimagining have over a continuation?
In my view, remaking Galactica provides an opportunity to explore the entire Galactica universe with a fresh approach,(for example we’ll have stories where our intrepid heroes visit such planets as The Planet of the Apes, Forbidden Planet and Planet Hollywood just to name a few.
And as long as we’re on the subject (the subject everyone wants to talk about) let me talk briefly about I came to this project and how I’ve approached it.
In the beginning, I was told the Singer/DeSantos project was being shelved and I was asked whether or not I was interested in coming up with a new take for a Galactica series. I said yes but only if I could have an all midget cast. They said no. Then I said how about a musical version of Galactica? They said no to that too. Then I said I “listen, what the hell do you people want from me?” And they said give us something dramatic that is deeply moving. I thought about it and figured it was just enough of a crazy idea that it might work so I said “what the hell.”
8. Mr. Moore, Will the new show focus on characters of all ages or younger actors and actresses?
The characters run the gamut of ages from Adama to Boxey, but I’d say the median age range is probably 30s. We have an embryo at three weeks which will be making a cameo.
9. Will there be space battles similar to what was portrayed in the original series? If not, why?
There will definitely be space battles, but part of the challenge of this project was how to do a dogfight and not have it just look like the same old thing yet again. We have come up with a new approach to filming the space battles, but you don’t really expect me to give it away now, do you? Ok, I’ll give it away! Hand held cameras! Just like MTV! Wow! Bango! Zippy-do! Didn’t see that coming did ya!? I’m also going to run plenty of Metallica during the destruction of the Colonies! Take that John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith!
10. How much of the 'look' of the original series will be incorporated into the new series? Meaning, would the casual fan be able to make the connection that they were watching an updated version of Galactica?
There will be definite design elements which harken back to the original show, first and foremost among them the design of Galactica herself which I consider something of a classic and have no desire to screw around with. But the reality is Star Trek sells so you can expect to see some kick ass colonial “starships.”
11. Has the sudden cancelation of Farscape changed the way you are approaching Galactica? Meaning, do you now feel pressure to create a show that appeals to a mainstream audience, as opposed to science fiction fans in general?
It hasn’t had much affect on what I’m doing at this point. After all, this miniseries is going to tank on such a profound level it will be felt around the world.
12. What specific themes from the original series will be incorporated into the new production?
The destruction of an entire civilization through a surprise attack, the escape of a rag-tag fleet, Wally telling Beaver his Father’s day present isn’t as good as his, the family relationships and friendships at the center of it, the menace provided by the Cylons and IRS and the human story of people banding together to survive and search for a shining planet called Earth.
13. There is concern from fandom that the new series will focus too intently on the love lives of the new cast. Can you comment on this?
It’s not all about love lives or sex. Certainly the original had romance and a dash of sex and we’re not going to shy away from that element, but it’s not the central focus. The central focus will be the size of the Battlestar Galactica. She’s huge and needs a huge crew to get her engines running NICE AND HOT!
14. You mentioned that your version of Galactica would be grittier and more down to Earth than what we are used to seeing in contemporary science fiction programming. Can you expand upon what you mean by this? Also, Is this a creative or financial decision?
As I said above, this was a creative decision. Essentially I’m looking for a more grounded, more realistic presentation of science fiction than traditionally presented in the “space opera” format. Taking the opera out of space opera would be another way of putting it. I’m looking to give you more human characters and more realistic stories which take place in a fantastic setting. Like Madonna’s “Swept Away” or Mariah Carrey’s “Glitter”.
15. Many fans find it hard to imagine Galactica without the original theme music. Your statements in the press seem to indicate that you do not prefer this type of orchestral music. What type of theme music are you planning?
We’re a ways from post-production, so my thinking here is still preliminary. I do think it’s time to move past the usual orchestral score and try something different. An all Kazoo and wooden flute New Orleans band will be used.
16.Why are you trying to kill the goose that layed the golden egg? A continuation of BSG with a mix of the old and new cast is a sure winner. Why can't you and TPTB see that?
If I thought that was the case, I obviously wouldn’t be doing it. A continuation is far from a slamdunk recipe for success. I mean, shall we talk about a little show called “Galactica: 1980”? It had a mix of old and new cast members, the exact same costumes, design, theme music, etc. and it stank. Fans sometimes want to pretend it didn’t happen or that it doesn’t count somehow, but the truth is that “1980” was a continuation and it failed. What about STAR TREK: THE WRATH OF KHAN or ALIENS? Those sequels were just a mess. Don’t talk to me about sequels because I’ve seen them all.
17.Will the ships and fighters and what not be CGI or will you be using any models? If Models, will you try to get the Original Battlestar Galactica model for filming?
The CGI vs. models debate has only just begun, but the economics are such that I’d be surprised if we didn’t go the CGI route. Although paper planes are where I’m personally leaning towards.
18. Are you lying to us, Mister Moore? NOTHING is going on with your production! Prove to us there is current movement or move on! We need some proof that you really filming & doing this miniseries.
Well, I suppose I could invite you all over to my office to watch me write, but I don’t have enough chairs... I also have to worry that you’ll see me downloading internet porn on my computer (which takes up 12 of my 15 hr day).