View Full Version : Bonnie Hammer Releases Decision :)
slider
January 9th, 2004, 03:34 PM
Bonnie Hammer demonstrating true leadership took the bull by the horns and released her decison today. Sci Fi will make a decision on the minisereis in the next 60 days.. maybe..
http://www.post-gazette.com/tv/20040109owen0109fnp3.asp
From the Post Gazette:
SCI FI CHANNEL UPDATE
Production on the "Farscape" miniseries has begun in Australia, but an American distributor has yet to be announced. Sci Fi Channel, which aired the series, has not been contacted about presenting the show for American viewers, said Sci Fi Channel president Bonnie Hammer. "We have not been officially approached, but of course we'd have the conversation."
Meanwhile, Sci Fi has yet to make a decision about picking up "Battlestar Galactica" as a series. A miniseries/backdoor pilot aired in December, and Hammer said a decision on its future will be made in 60 days.
"Can we afford to do it with the same level of quality?" Hammer said, explaining cost will be a deciding factor about whether to take "Galactica" to series.
Of course the plan to make a decision in the next 60 days is still a little uncertain. Sci Fi Channel executives and Ms. Hammer are discussing how realistic it is to expect a decision in 60 days.
But they feel certain they will be announcing a decision on the decision to announce a decision in 60 days soon. Hopefully
slider
This is joke. No Sci Fi peoples or Hammers harmed
jjrakman
January 9th, 2004, 05:37 PM
O.K. So let me get this straight.
First, according to Eick the mini series was designed to pilot a series, which he expected to put into production.
Next, they had to make a decision before December 31st to make a decision about whether or not to go to series becasue that was when the actor's contracts expired.
Then, the contracts were extended to January 31st, before which they needed to make a decision.
Now, Hammer says in this January 9th article, that a decision will be made in 60 days.
Why do they keep pushing back the decision deadline? If it was such a success, wouldn't such a decision be a no-brainer?
jonahlee
January 9th, 2004, 06:59 PM
Anything that is potentially as expensive as this series is going to be a hard decisions for the execs. They are only worried about money.
Darth Marley
January 9th, 2004, 07:13 PM
I was hoping this was another classic Deep Trash report.
No matter which side of the mini you take,none of us would take this long to make a decision.
I wonder if she thinks more money will just materialize in the next 60 days?
slider
January 9th, 2004, 07:46 PM
I am surprised by this statement or actually non-statement. These delays aren’t good. They should know what a series will cost since have they have the figures from the pilot. They should know how much money they have unless there is some project they are still trying to cancel.
This is not good for the series since they are losing momentum and support with another 60-day delay. I also can’t imagine the actors and other professionals putting their careers on hold and missing other opportunities while Sci Fi tries to make up their mind.
Sometimes not making a decision is making a decision to fail.
Slider
Deep Trash is probably passed out in Bonnie’s office by now. But don’t worry. He get’s time and a half on weekends.
Darth I tried to return your email but I got some sort of statement that you weren’t accepting email from me. It must be a software bug with the name slider, because I get this all the time. :)
Darth Marley
January 9th, 2004, 08:35 PM
I tried to post a reply to jj's post on this topic there.
Anyone have a good benchmark on how long it takes a mod to "greenlight" a post?
Is it less that 60 days?
DarkJedi
January 9th, 2004, 09:07 PM
Who knows? They might never allow that post to go thru. I seem to be on their favorite list of who not to allow to post there since none of my posts ever go thru. *gggrrrrrrr:mad: Lemme at em with my lightsaber!!! :bash: :hack: :bash: :laugh:
SAR Pilot
January 9th, 2004, 09:27 PM
We, being regular folk, would not take so long to make such a decision, true. However, there are a great number of pieces to the puzzle which have to be sorted through before making a commitment either way. The Skiffy budgets have been set through the 2004 season, and all of their series are set as well. IMHO the PTB are looking at the 2005 season for what projects are on the drawing boards already, what current series' will be continued, etc. to determine what kind of budget can be set aside for a BSG series. Of course they can look at the mini for a guesstimation of the costs per week, but it will take a considerable effort to pin it all down.
Of course, with Skiffy's, and more directly Bonnie Hammer's, new direction for the network away from Sci Fi and into stupidity, she is probably just stringing the fans along once more!
jjrakman
January 9th, 2004, 09:30 PM
Well more than us or Sci Fi, Slider was right to point out, if you were an actor in this mini, would you put your career on hold for 60 days for a series that may or may not pan out?
This would be a good question for Tyrol.
Darth Marley
January 9th, 2004, 09:32 PM
I am confident that the 2004 budget has monies earmarked for development. How much is a different story.
This isn't a bolt-out-of-the-blue decision to make.There has been over a year to agonize over the specifics.The last puzzle piece was response to the aired mini.They have that data now.
Darth Marley
January 9th, 2004, 09:39 PM
Hey,the post went through!
Looks like about 90 min to make a decision on whether to allow a post or not.
jjrakman
January 9th, 2004, 09:52 PM
It took 90 minutes for your post to go through? That's weird.
But in response to your post, money aside, will the actors put their career on hold for 60 days to stick around for a series that may or may not be a success. If you were an actor (other than the main two stars) in this mini, would you turn down job offers and not audition for new jobs over a 60 day period in hopes that this would go to series, and then in hopes that the series would be successful?
A great question for Tyrol.
Darth Marley
January 9th, 2004, 10:00 PM
My belief is-NO.
60 days will kill the chances for a series.
Even I as a fan of the idea have lost enthusiasm for the idea.
Short analysis is,they have botched the "abomination" even.
Since you seem to head up various boycott initiatives,I offer this advice. Target one advertiser at a time. Few of us are going to avoid everyone on the list,as a purely practical matter. Picking one advertiser a month,and not only boycotting,but mailing to them the reciepts for a competing brand,will get their attention one at a time. Puts the network in a "who will it be this month" mode. It also demonstrates to the offending advertiser money lost in concrete terms.
DarkJedi
January 9th, 2004, 10:01 PM
JJ - question is ... will he answer that? He might not be able to???
Kristi
jjrakman
January 9th, 2004, 10:02 PM
That's true, he might not be able to answer it. But the worst that could happen is he'd just say he couldn't answer it. ;)
jjrakman
January 9th, 2004, 10:05 PM
Darth - I no longer wish to boycott accept to follow through with the original boycott.
After the Larson/DeSanto announcement at Galacticon, I no longer have any desire to fight the mini, or a prospective series based on the mini. It can run for a full 10 seasons for all I care. If fans of the mini want a series from it, more power to them.
But I won't be watching, I'll be waiting for the Larson/DeSanto continuation movie. ;)
DarkJedi
January 9th, 2004, 10:08 PM
So JJ you going over there to ask him??
Kristi
Darth Marley
January 9th, 2004, 10:11 PM
That is a long thread,but he has already made some comments about not being able to wait forever.
He made comments about the "pilot" season starting in the biz,so virtually all of the cast will likely have other opportunities and obligations at end of current contract.
jjrakman
January 9th, 2004, 10:13 PM
.So JJ you going over there to ask him??
I think that's a job for someone genuinely interested in the mini. I just work here. ;)
DarkJedi
January 9th, 2004, 10:18 PM
JJ - you have a PM!!!
kristi
slider
January 9th, 2004, 10:20 PM
Hey,the post went through!
I had Deep Trash put that post up for you.
He loves playing with the computers up at Sci Fi. Even though he don’t know nothin about computers.
His favorite thing to do when he is at work is to drink beer and look at all the porn on Bonnie Hammer’s computer. When he is really plastered, he starts sending emails and memos all over the place. He thinks it's hilarious.
The problem is Deep Trash don’t remember to good what he does when ever he’s drunk.
Sometimes I worry about Deep Trash getting drunk and all these weird programming decisions Sci Fi has been making lately.
jjrakman
January 9th, 2004, 10:23 PM
Kristi, I answered your PM.
DarkJedi
January 9th, 2004, 10:34 PM
JJ-its been done! =D
Kristi
Darth Marley
January 9th, 2004, 10:35 PM
My second post went through in less than 30 min.
Good to have insiders on the payroll.
DarkJedi
January 9th, 2004, 10:38 PM
While you're at it, see why none of mine ever go thru over there??? grrrrr:mad:
Kristi
DarkJedi
January 10th, 2004, 12:41 AM
JJ- and anyone else... Tyrol answered the question over on his thread.
Kristi
koenigrules
January 10th, 2004, 05:42 AM
FYI
A new story places Hammer's decision at 2 weeks- not 2 months.
www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/peoplestoryP0110MUSIC.htm
This seems more compatible with the extension of salaries until the end of the month.
::edit per BST's note below, fixing url (I hope!)--Jewels::
BST
January 10th, 2004, 06:04 AM
koenig,
The link didn't work for me. All that I got were "search results".
BST
btw, I've had this same problem with links. Somehow, the "[/url]" becomes embedded somewhere in the link and it causes the link not to work properly. That might be the problem here.
koenigrules
January 10th, 2004, 06:39 AM
I know this is the cumbersome way of doing things, but if you copy it by hand & then type in the address, it will get the article.
I have tried several times posting the link- without much success.
BST
January 10th, 2004, 06:52 AM
I did.
It still didn't work.
EDIT (01/10/04 2:06 pm) - Note: koenig, I just noticed why the link didn't work -- there is an extra 'y' following 'florida' (the 'toda' is missing). (I tried the link in Darth's post below and it took me right to the article.) Just wanted to let you know.
koenigrules
January 10th, 2004, 08:33 AM
The only other thing I can suggest is to check out the banned site.
The link to the article is there.
orry about that.
slider
January 10th, 2004, 10:19 AM
Cable TV -- once an odd-lot collection of reruns, movies and specials -- now has television series that viewers worry about.
That was clear this week as cable networks faced members of the Television Critics Association during its winter TV press tour in California. Often, issues resolved around existing shows.
Some -- "Battlestar Galactica," "Playmakers" and a "Farscape" farewell -- are iffy. Most, from the "The Sopranos" and "The Shield" to "Queer Eye For the Straight Guy," are returning.
"Battlestar Galactica" is still wobbling. A miniseries drew strong ratings for the Sci Fi Channel, which expects to decide in the next two weeks whether to make it into a series.
"We loved it," says network president Bonnie Hammer. "It's just a matter of the budget and the other things we're planning."
She's already committed to air two miniseries this year -- the five-hour "5 Days to Midnight" in June and the four-hour "Earthsea," based on Ursula Le Guin books, in December.
A "Farscape" finale also is up in the air. Hammer says she has heard producer Brian Henson is planning a miniseries to wrap up the show that was a favorite of science fiction fans.
Also indefinite is "Playmakers," the tough series focusing on a fictional pro football team. Fans and critics liked it; the National Football League didn't. ESPN hopes to make a decision before March.
Sci Fi is bringing "Stargate SG-1" back for its eighth season this summer, along with a spin-off series, "Stargate Atlantis."
http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/peoplestoryP0110MUSIC.htm
I believe both stories are coming from the annual Television Critics Association Winter press tour. The information is fairly similiar even though the days until the announcement are different.
Bonnie Hammer is there to publicize all the new programming Sci Fi Channel is doing.
It does sound like Sci Fi has a pretty full plate. The filming of the Earthsea is scheduled to begin this spring andis being done in New Zealand. I am sure they are concerned about the possibility of cost overruns on Earthsea and the other projects.
The 14 day estimate goes along with earlier rumors. Who knows?
Darth Marley
January 10th, 2004, 10:50 AM
Deep Trash knows!
thomas7g
January 10th, 2004, 02:14 PM
I wouldn't worry about it. It will eventually get made. Maybe not this entire year. But I assume it will get high priority come the next fiscal cycle at Scifi.
BG2005 will be a go as soon as Scifi can submit a new budget. Or as soon as they get a backer.
slider
January 10th, 2004, 04:54 PM
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031217/nyw129_1.html
NEW YORK, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Academy Award winner Timothy Hutton has signed on to star in SCI FI Channel's next original miniseries event, 5 Days to Midnight. Produced by Lions Gate Television, in association with David Kirschner Productions and Hallmark Entertainment Distribution, the five-hour thriller is set to begin production in Vancouver this month
SCI FI, whose epic Steven Spielberg Presents TAKEN won the 2003 Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries, continues to attract some of Hollywood's brightest luminaries. In addition to re-teaming with Spielberg on the upcoming miniseries trilogy Nine Lives, SCI FI is in development with Martin Scorsese, Bryan Singer, Dean Devlin and Gale Anne Hurd on other "big event" projects.
What I don’t understand is that Sci Fi Channel says they want to save money and then they turn around and create these major productions.
Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell are great actors. But if I had a limited budget I would have gotten less known actors. There are many actors and actresses that are just starting out, cheap, and very talented. Our own Tyrol, Aaron Douglas, did a great job. The name “Battlestar Galactica” was the main star that attracted the viewing audience.
Martin Scorsese is certainly an excellent director. But how many science fiction fans really demanded the director of “Taxi Driver “ for the next Sci Fi Channel production?
Scorsese, Olmos, and McDonnell are great if Sci Fi is setting on this giant mountain of money. But it seems schizophrenic to use big name talent if you are cutting Farscape and other shows to save money. At this rate, Sci Fi may blow the budget for 2005 too.
slider
January 11th, 2004, 08:42 PM
Sci Fi has committed to:
1) 5 Days to Midnight with Timothy Hutton now filming
2) Earthsea to be done in New Zealand this spring
3) Spielberg’s 3 part Nine Lives
4) Unknown project with Martin Scorsese
5) Stargate SG-1
6) Stargate: Atlantis
7) Bermuda Triangle mini-series with Singer, Devlin 8 hours of episodes
8) Scare Tactics with Shannen Doherty
9) Mad, Mad House with $100,000 prize
10) Tripping the Rift animation series
11) Supporting a lawsuit against NASA to force them to turn over UFO evidence
Granted some of these things are already finished but still...
Sci Fi has to consider cost overruns. Right now the US dollar is falling like a rock against the Canadian and New Zealand currencies. Shooting in Canada and New Zealand usually means cost savings but not if your currency is being devalued. There are also production cost overruns.
How much money can a network that averages 1.1 million viewers have for all these projects? This seems very ambitious for a small channel. It looks like they will have 12 hours of good science fiction then it will be shark and crocodile movies again.
Maybe they can change the prize on Mad, Mad, House to a DVD set of Crossing Over episodes.
Slider
okay I will stop saying mean things about Sci Fi. Maybe.. :)
malachi42
January 12th, 2004, 11:33 AM
" But in response to your post, money aside, will the actors put their career on hold for 60 days to stick around for a series that may or may not be a success. If you were an actor (other than the main two stars) in this mini, would you turn down job offers and not audition for new jobs over a 60 day period in hopes that this would go to series, and then in hopes that the series would be successful?"
Actors do it all the time. They gamble on 60 days in order to possibly sign a 6 year contract, the normal amount of time for the average series contract. So if you do the math - an average salary of $5000 per week and up for supporting cast, 8 months per year for 6 years? It is worth the gamble for most actors who can easily go unemployed for longer than 6 months.
Most actors wait for decisions to be made by studios all the time on pilots that have never aired on TV, have no ratings or reviews. Average time between shooting and decision is about 4 or 5 months. During that time they agree to be on hold and they don't get paid. But most actors in Hollywood are not fending off multiple offers.
Shatter
January 12th, 2004, 05:27 PM
Personal feelings about the mini aside, it does seem that Skiffy is stretched pretty thin with all the high dollar projects they've lined up. It wouldn't surprise me if a series got announced for 2005. Of course, I won't be watching (or even paying attention, for that matter :D ). Still, it would be cool if Skiffy ended up stretched too thin financially to pull it off. :devil: But my guess is it will go forward, lost momentum and all.
DCRabbit
January 12th, 2004, 07:19 PM
I have a sneaking suspicion you there won't be a weekly BSG.. but another mini and you'll see Moore and some others working on some of the other Scifi projects. Why? Cos Scifi is moving away from space opera.. is announcing lots of big budget productions that aren't space opera themed while claiming poverty for BSG.. and Moore quit his day job without a green light on a BSG weekly. A very sucessful day job with HBO.
Maybe we'll see some of the BSG cast in the other miniseries projects. Would explain why Aaron hasn't gotten extended. You'd think he would cos his character is having a romance with Boomer, from what I've read. Isn't that a major plot point?
DCR
oldwardaggit
January 13th, 2004, 09:46 AM
My posts don't go through on the sci fi channels board either. Funny about that. opps I guess I posted this too late.
OWD
DarkJedi
January 13th, 2004, 08:54 PM
Good to see you OWD!!! They still won't let me post over there. Guess all the years of ranting over there put a burr in their saddle. ;)
dvo47p
January 14th, 2004, 05:50 PM
Originally posted by DarkJedi
Who knows? They might never allow that post to go thru. I seem to be on their favorite list of who not to allow to post there since none of my posts ever go thru. *gggrrrrrrr:mad: Lemme at em with my lightsaber!!! :bash: :hack: :bash: :laugh:
That Avatar does not look to 'BAD'!
shiningstar
January 14th, 2004, 06:21 PM
I happen to like your avatar dvo
Stray Viper
January 15th, 2004, 08:17 AM
I don't know about media executives, but what I observe seems to be a classic symptom in corporations: a major decision is put off, delayed, and otherwise shelved because a possible change in management is upcoming.
Hmmmm ...
Mini fans don't despair if it gets too delayed and all the actors commit to other projects; I'm sure Moore will get an opportunity to reimagine his reimagination all over again and remake the remake. Then he can change everything you loved about the mini and offer a newer, fresher, hipper replacement. Hip replacement??
To be or not to be ... find out in 60 days.
slider
January 15th, 2004, 02:17 PM
09:00am ET, 15-January-04
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-main.html?2004-01/15/12.30.sfc
SCI FI Channel and Tribune Entertainment Company announced a major program license agreement for the popular weekly SF series Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda, starring Kevin Sorbo. SCI FI will present the fifth and final season of Andromeda as an original series, starting next fall, and will also have the rights to the series' first four seasons, the network said.
The Tribune Entertainment deal also includes three seasons, or 66 episodes, of the weekly syndicated series BeastMaster. BeastMaster will begin airing sometime in 2004 exclusively on SCI FI.
SCI FI picked up cable rights for 110 episodes of Andromeda, including all 22 new original episodes of its fifth season. The fourth season will become available to SCI FI beginning in March, when SCI FI starts sharing original episodes with syndication. New original episodes of the fifth season begin airing this fall on the Channel and will air in syndication a week to 10 days after their SCI FI premiere.
Sci Fi latest commitments: updated Jan 15, 2004
1) 5 Days to Midnight with Timothy Hutton now filming
2) Earthsea to be done in New Zealand this spring
3) Spielberg’s 3 part Nine Lives
4) Unknown project with Martin Scorsese
5) Stargate SG-1
6) Stargate: Atlantis
7) Bermuda Triangle mini-series with Singer, Devlin 8 hours of episodes
8) Scare Tactics with Shannen Doherty
9) Mad, Mad House with $100,000 prize
10) Tripping the Rift animation series
11) Supporting a lawsuit against NASA to force them to turn over UFO evidence
12) Andromeda March 2004, cable rights to 110 episodes
13) BeastMaster to air sometime in 2004, rights to 66 episodes
Sci Fi Channel continues to scrape and dig to get money for the Battlestar Galactica miniseries. They are just doing it a little differently from the rest of corporate America.
This is good news for all you BeastMaster series fans. :)
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better. Last weekend we had giant sharks, crocodiles, and octopi. This weekend Sci Fi will be airing Spiders, Spiders II, Mosquito, and Skeeter!!!
Slider
"We loved it," says network president Bonnie Hammer. "It's just a matter of the budget and the other things we're planning."
GalacticanCajun
January 16th, 2004, 04:32 AM
Bonnie Hammer's idea of great programing- giant crogs and skeeters.
Darth Marley
January 16th, 2004, 05:10 AM
I never liked the "Monster Movie of the Week" that was so prevalent on UHF channels before cable.
slider
January 16th, 2004, 07:10 AM
The whole giant-mutant-killer organism movie genre is always being attacked by closed-minded critics. This is what makes it so hard to get new giant killer animal movies made. It doesn’t matter if you like new reimagined Skeeter or not. It is the only Skeeter movie we have, despite what the fan boys say.
I, for one, will be watching with an open mind. Then I will decide if the new Skeeter is like the old “Monster Movie of the Week"
Slider
note to mods, this a joke :)
repcisg
January 16th, 2004, 08:52 AM
Ah yet another giant-mutant-killer lover,
now where's my popcorn?
Micheleh
January 16th, 2004, 12:08 PM
Why does everyone post "you have a PM?" It makes me want to try to look over his shoulder and go "What is it what is it lemme see lemmesee..."
:D
Antelope
January 16th, 2004, 12:09 PM
Thanks slider! I laughed so hard after your last reply.
Darth Marley
January 16th, 2004, 12:34 PM
Originally posted by slider
The whole giant-mutant-killer organism movie genre is always being attacked by closed-minded critics. This is what makes it so hard to get new giant killer animal movies made. It doesn’t matter if you like new reimagined Skeeter or not. It is the only Skeeter movie we have, despite what the fan boys say.
I, for one, will be watching with an open mind. Then I will decide if the new Skeeter is like the old “Monster Movie of the Week"
Slider
But you have to admit,Skeeter needed to be reimagined.
The kids of today just will not accept a mutant-killer organism that does not glow when excited.One has to inject some reality into these concepts or the modern audience will just tune out.
Sure,maybe it should have been called "Lightningbug" (Firefly was already Taken),but from what I have read of the script,it has enough of the old elements to be truly called "Skeeter."
slider
January 16th, 2004, 12:56 PM
Well, again I am reserving judgment until Skeeter actually airs this Saturday night.
But based on the all buzz about Skeeter being reimagined into a female, I don’t think so. How Skeeter can truly be Skeeter with a female mosquito is beyond me. The way the writers and director have to be so damn pc about everything just disgusts me.
(errr, how can you tell if a mosquito is male or female?)
Darth Marley
January 16th, 2004, 01:01 PM
I thought only the females bite,but I could have that backwards.
You see if the spine is glowing in the re-imagined version.
Darth Marley
January 16th, 2004, 01:02 PM
Totally haywire post,pls delete.
slider
January 16th, 2004, 01:09 PM
I thought in the reimagined series the females only fed on babies? But who are we to say that is evil.
Darth Marley
January 16th, 2004, 01:21 PM
Originally posted by slider
I thought in the reimagined series the females only fed on babies? But who are we to say that is evil.
First of all,no babies were actually harmed in filming.
Second,the skeeters are EVIL,and the baby biting scene is just to underscore that impression.
Also,the baby biting occurs off camera,it is just implied,so it really shouldn't be that shocking.
Also,also, according to the leaked script,there was some kind of skeeter revolution against free will,and they aren't really feeding on babies,they are injecting Borg nanoprobes to enslave the babies to serve the skeeters.
slider
January 16th, 2004, 01:31 PM
Well I have heard this is one of the most powerful scenes in the movie. You can tell from the mosquito’s expression it feels really bad about what it’s done. Truly, the work of a genius.
Darth Marley
January 16th, 2004, 01:41 PM
Some detractors will argue that the reimagining is just a rip-off of the classic insect movie "Leeches."
While the creators admit,they did model Skeeters after Leeches,I find that repainting one blood sucking critter with another totally changes the script,and is different enough to be concidered an original work.
Others have complained that the original cast was passed over for this epic retelling of the Skeeter mythos. I never cared much for the original cast's acting ability. They would just buzz around giving the same old insect sounds so replete in bug opera.
I think the new Skeeters will totally reinvent the mutant-killer organism genre.
slider
January 16th, 2004, 02:19 PM
Sci Fi Channel is finally giving this much-neglected genre the attention it deserves. Of course, Sci Fi Channel has always aimed to be an oasis of high art in the barren desert of cable TV. Under Bonnie Hammer’s masterful direction, Sci Fi barfs all over PBS, Bravo, and the other so-called artsy fartsy channels.
Good news for all you fans of the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica (or fans of the baby killing version as some TOS fans affectionately call you).
My source, Deep Trash, says he has come across evidence that BSG is now close to going into production. It is next to receive funding on Sci Fi’s budget right after the slurpee machines and the Girls Gone Wild videos.
Hope this helps. :)
Slider
Counting the seconds before the mods delete this post.:)
dvo47p
January 16th, 2004, 04:44 PM
Originally posted by slider Sci Fi has committed to:
1) 5 Days to Midnight with Timothy Hutton now filming
4) Unknown project with Martin Scorsese
11) Supporting a lawsuit against NASA to force them to turn over UFO evidence
Slider, 5 Days to Midnight with Timothy Hutton, is the Martin Scorsese production.
The Scifi Channel’s last lawsuit against NASA to force them to turn over UFO evidence, ended rather ignominiously. It was a very early version of a Space Shuttle manned glider, the NASA pilot wrote a book about it. It happened in Pennsylvania, Bryant Gumbel is hosting these shows as he is a true believer.
Originally posted by malachi42 " But in response to your post, money aside, will the actors put their career on hold for 60 days to stick around for a series that may or may not be a success. If you were an actor (other than the main two stars) in this mini, would you turn down job offers and not audition for new jobs over a 60 day period in hopes that this would go to series, and then in hopes that the series would be successful?"
malachi42, I would not put much truth in the ever backing up, deadline regarding the greenlighting of that ‘mini’. Hinman web-troll of www.syfyportal.com is in league with www.***banned site*** >. Ergo these rumors start @ Trekweb.com by Ron D. Moore sycophant’s find there way to the now tainted Scifi Wire. It really is sad, look at the resumes of the actor. I perk up when I check out Ronald D. Moore, David Eick & Michael Rymer’s resumes! Btw: Both of David Eick’s USANetwork email address are dead, USA started up The Scifi Channel.
Originally posted by shiningstar I happen to like your avatar dvo
Thanks, The U. S. Navy owns it, but conundrum7g did it, what a guy!
Originally posted by GalacticanCajun Bonnie Hammer's idea of great programming- giant crogs and skeeters.
GalacticanCajun, stop putting such ideas here, as she lurks obsessively!
Originally posted by conundrum7g
BG2005 will be a go as soon as Scifi can submit a new budget. Or as soon as they get a backer. Hi Tom, seeing how Bonnie was shooting of her Howitzer/Mouth/Bighole/Whatever, “to maintain the franchise” felgercarb, here it is:
http://www.cinescape.com/0/Editorial.asp?aff_id=0&this_cat=Television&action=page&obj_id=35364
Tom I bet we shall be seeing, oh about the third Tom DeSanto produced Blockbuster HIT ‘Battlestar’ movie, first!
Originally posted by Micheleh Why does everyone post "you have a PM?" It makes me want to try to look over his shoulder and go "What is it what is it lemme see lemmesee...":D
Micheleh lemme see lemmesee, that PM from Languatron to Bonnie re: BG: ’03 greenlighted, ok.
Originally posted by oldwardaggit My posts don't go through on the sci fi channels board either. Funny about that. opps I guess I posted this too late. OWD Shawn, post away, they let me back, really I'm not kidding, go look. This does not bode well for something?
slider
January 16th, 2004, 09:03 PM
This article seems to think Scorsese will be doing The Twelve for Sci Fi Channel.
http://news.awn.com/index.php?ltype=cat&category1=Television&newsitem_no=8795
Scorsese Signs Onto SCI FI Mini
July 11, 2003
Oscar-nominated director Martin Scorsese (GOODFELLAS), along with producer Barbara DeFina (CASINO), has inked a deal with SCI FI Channel to exec produce the six-hour miniseries entitled THE TWELVE. Scorsese’s first venture into long-form TV will be produced under Cappa/De Fina Prods, in conjunction with Adrian Bate and Zenith Entertainment Ltd. The series is based on an idea by David Pirie (MURDER ROOMS), who originally pitched it to the BBC as an hour-long series. The miniseries follows a string of unexplainable events, which lead an FBI agent to suspect that the end of the world is nigh. SCI FI hopes to premiere the series in December 2005
This deal just adds to SCI FI’s slate of high-profile miniseries projects. Dean Devlin (INDEPENDENCE DAY) and Bryan Singer (X-MEN, X2) will be co-exec producing the eight-hour miniseries TRIANGLE, which will tackle the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. Gale Anne Hurd (HULK) has already begun sheparding the six-hour miniseries RED MARS, based on the Kim Stanley Robinson novel. Gregory Widen (HIGHLANDER) wrote the script. Moreover, DreamWorks will follow-up the huge success of their TAKEN mini with another epic miniseries. The December 2002 airing of TAKEN lifted SCI FI to the rank of #1 rated basic cable channel for the week – the first time in its 10-year lifespan.
Variety estimates Sci Fi Channel spent $15 million on the Andromeda deal.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/variety/20040115/va_ne_al/sci_fi_beams__andromeda__from_tribune_1
From Variety
Tribune and Sci Fi declined to discuss license fees, but based on previous deals involving syndication-to-cable transactions, Sci Fi could end up paying a total of about $15 million. The Sci Fi cash is crucial to Tribune because revenues from the European market have softened in the last few years as production costs have gone up.
Sci Fi latest commitments: updated Jan 16, 2004
1) 5 Days to Midnight with Timothy Hutton now filming
2) Earthsea to be done in New Zealand this spring
3) Spielberg’s 3 part Nine Lives
4) The Twelve with Martin Scorsese
5) Stargate SG-1
6) Stargate: Atlantis
7) Bermuda Triangle mini-series with Singer, Devlin 8 hours of episodes
8) Scare Tactics with Shannen Doherty
9) Mad, Mad House with $100,000 prize
10) Tripping the Rift animation series
11) NASA UFO lawsuit
12) Andromeda March 2004, $15 miilion (est) rights to 110 episodes
13) BeastMaster to air sometime in 2004, rights to 66 episodes
14) Red Mars in development with Gale Anne Hurd 6 hour miniseries
15) Dead Lawyers in development
16) Pain Killer Jane in development
17) Total Eclipse
This is a pretty ambitious list for Sci Fi Channel.
Darth Marley
January 16th, 2004, 09:12 PM
Hey,you left out the new BSG at 3 Mil per ep.
slider
January 16th, 2004, 09:28 PM
Yeah, I left BSG off the list for the now. I am sure it is coming real soon now.
What really has me concerned is President Bush’s plan to put a man on Mars is now being called the “Battlestar Galactica” plan.
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/tech/nextnews/nexthome.htm
I just hope Bonnie Hammer hasn’t promised President Bush that Sci Fi Channel will fund the Mars expedition. He's gonna be so dissapointed.
Slider
Antelope
January 17th, 2004, 10:56 AM
After reading this thread it appears to me that SCIFI is putting on a lot more SCIFI than any other place in the TV world. Maybe they aren't as bad as we think. Personally before I came to the battlestar sites I didn't know or think there was a "SCIFI-Bonnie Hammer" problem.
With this many projects I don't see a money shortage as an issue.
I wonder now if the real question is whether SCIFI believes that either Moore's Galactica or any Galactica for that matter will be a television success. One way or another I think we will know soon.
BST
January 17th, 2004, 11:26 AM
Originally posted by antelope526
With this many projects I don't see a money shortage as an issue.
antelope,
Yes and No.
Yes, Sci-Fi has money.
No, they may not have allocated enough, if any monies, in their 2004 budget, for a BSG series. If they do a series, it may well be at the expense of something else. If that's the case, my personal thinking is that they would cobble together enough funds to get it to series but, not much more, or do it for a very limited run this year.
In all honesty, it probably would be better if they sat on it until 2005 and then, allocated enough in the budget, to do it properly.
BST
Antelope
January 17th, 2004, 11:50 AM
You may be right BST. I do think there has to be an issue of starting now because of the Olmos and other actor issues. I can't see how SCIFI could do the mini as a pilot and not have a plan to go into production if it met their "success" criteria. I don't see some of these actors being available a year to 18 months from now. On the other hand I don't think Olmos or anyone else "carries" the show. Maybe they can make the cheaper character based episodes for release at the end of the 2004 season and produce the larger CGI driven space battle epics in the 2005 season.
I hope we see some kind of battlestar in 2005. I leave it to each one of us to decide which one.
BST
January 17th, 2004, 12:09 PM
Good analysis, antelope.
Character-driven episodes are usually very inexpensive to produce and are, generally, the ones that wind up keeping fans with the show.
Sci-Fi would lose alot if they didn't start a series soon...mainly momentum and interest from the mini, not to mention a good chunk of the cast. Those folks are not going to sit around forever, they've got lives to live and there are other roles that will beckon them.
One really has to wonder what Sci-Fi's real intent was.
Was it a one-shot deal, with the mini, like Dune or Taken?
or
Was it a "back-door" pilot, as mentioned by Moore, Eick, and Hammer.
Given Hammer's remarks about moving "away" from space-based science fiction, one has to wonder how and why she decided to do BSG. She sends very conflicting signals and a lot of the time, her signals seem to be crossed. As you can see, I don't think very highly of her stewardship of Sci-Fi.
At any rate, it seems to be the "wait and see what they do" game that they have folks playing now, and I will agree in advance, it's not a fun game to play.
BST
Darth Marley
January 17th, 2004, 12:26 PM
Given that money may be tight,it would make sense to me for them to go ahead with some episodes to trigger the contracts.
Maybe a half season or the like.
If it doesn't get announced in the next 2 weeks,it is unlikely to happen.
slider
January 17th, 2004, 02:14 PM
I question Sci Fi Channel buying Andromeda for $15 million while looking for money to do Battlestar Galactica. If they have the money then why don’t they announce it before people lose interest? Sci Fi loves to announce projects.
I am also skeptical about BSG’s future. Sci Fi Channel built buzz for the miniseries using controversy. Bonnie Hammer and Ron Moore went out of their way to publicize the controversial changes they made. This was a cheap, easy way to get viewers for a pilot. Viewers would tune in to see the controversial female Starbuck. It is a bad strategy for a long-term series. The controversy polarized the viewing audience into “loved it” and “hated it” factions. A high cost science fiction series needs a large loyal fan base to watch every week and buy merchandise. I think the miniseries is doomed to a long, slow, lingering death. I doubt they will ever generate the fan base to properly fund it.
I wish they would make a miniseries that would appeal to more people. I am afraid they will make a cheap, crappy version that no one will like. I do hope I am wrong. It won’t make me happy to see other science fiction fans disappointed.
Gemini1999
January 17th, 2004, 02:54 PM
Even though I wasn't all that over the mini (there was stuff I liked and some I didnt...), it really seems like poor judgement for Skiffy to pay 15 big ones to buy the rights to a series that was on its way out.... I would much rather see Skiffy spend that money on another BSG miniseries or at least use that money to develop the original mini into a weekly series. With a weekly series - even if it's not what most bargained for, there is always room to evolve the characters and the story to draw in more viewers (did I just say that?).
If I were one of those strongly championing the mini - I would be writing some fiery letters and sending them to Ms. Hammer. It seems like Skiffy fought hard to gain some kind of audience for the BSG mini and offering them something else instead. This is all supposition on my part, so...just take it as my opnions - not fact.
Best regards,
Bryan
________
Teen japanese (http://www.****tube.com/categories/1037/japanese/videos/1)
Darth Marley
January 17th, 2004, 02:57 PM
Originally posted by Gemini1999
If I were one of those strongly championing the mini - I would be writing some fiery letters and sending them to Ms. Hammer.
We don't want to increase Deep Trash's work load.
jewels
January 17th, 2004, 03:09 PM
Originally posted by slider
Good news for all you fans of the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica (or fans of the baby killing version as some TOS fans affectionately call you). Slider, quit that, now.
My source, Deep Trash, says he has come across evidence that BSG is now close to going into production. It is next to receive funding on Sci Fi’s budget right after the slurpee machines and the Girls Gone Wild videos.
Hope this helps. :)
Slider
Counting the seconds before the mods delete this post.:) The second joke is OK. Slurpee machines? And ... Eeeewww! didn't think Bonnie's taste ran....that way. :eek:
Darth Marley
January 17th, 2004, 03:11 PM
I don't think any of us mini fans object to sliders humor.
slider
January 17th, 2004, 03:30 PM
My posts should never be taken seriously as a general rule. I certainly don’t want to offend anyone.
I would like to apologize to any baby ki… err…,excuse me.
I would like to apologize to any fans of the reimagined Battlestar Galactica I might have offended.
Hope this helps. :)
Slider
jewels
January 17th, 2004, 05:03 PM
Wasn't taking it seriously, but I do think that a fan of the mini has as much right to be abhored by "that scene with 6 and the baby" as the next person. Hence you got the hand-slap and the "bad". :D Lest they think that we actually think that of them.:rolleyes:
So to meet Deep Trash do you tape an X on your window or just meet in a nearly deserted downtown parking garage? :z:
Darth Marley
January 17th, 2004, 05:06 PM
No,you dump your trash outside the dumpster of a nameless office building,and wait with a brown bagged bottle in your hand.
slider
January 17th, 2004, 06:37 PM
The easiest way for me to contact Deep Trash is to just kick on the door of his trailer until he regains consciousness. This can take a while but is good excercise.
Sci Fi is showing their big bug festival this weekend. Skeeter is on right now. I bet Martin Scorsese was thrilled to do a project for Sci Fi.
koenigrules
January 17th, 2004, 06:47 PM
Hey- to see such notables as Dean Stockwell & Mitch Pileggi in rubbish like this brings these movies to a new level of entertainment.
I am personally enjoying the marathon.
See if you can keep on eating after you see these bugs tear up the insides of animals & humans.
Bet you can't.
slider
January 17th, 2004, 07:31 PM
I got both my TV’s tuned to Skeeter. Matter of fact all my neighbors in the trailer park are watching Skeeter too with the sound turned up. This is much better than George Lucas's THX surround sound. Trailer park surround sound is so real it's like being in the movie.
shiningstar
January 18th, 2004, 04:18 PM
Jewels thanks for posting. I always like your posts.
slider
January 19th, 2004, 01:05 PM
I would like to congratulate the mini supporters on the start of production. You may commence with your happy dances in the happy parade.
One of the bright points about Sci Fi Channel going ahead is it will employ animators and other artists, some of whom are members of this forum. It is good to see these talented people getting a paycheck. They do some incredible work.
Congratulations to Tyrol (Aaron Douglas) who was a bright spot in the mini along with Olmos, McDonnell, and others. Tyrol is one of those genuinely nice guys and I am sure he will be one of the stars of the new series.
I just wish we could bribe Tyrol to leave Starbuck’s Viper only partially fueled so she got stranded. Starbuck could have a fancy military funeral with 21 gun salute. Tigh could give a really touching eulogy. Just an idea but I am sure it would win an Emmy. I know I would watch. :)
Slider
dvo47p
January 19th, 2004, 02:54 PM
THE SCI FI Wire is an entity of The Scifi Channel, YA RECON IT WOULD KNOW WHAT THE SCFI CHANNEL WAS DOING?
Originally posted by slider I would like to congratulate the mini supporters on the start of production.
Congratulations to Tyrol (Aaron Douglas) who was a bright spot in the mini along with Olmos, McDonnell, and others. Tyrol is one of those genuinely nice guys and I am sure he will be one of the stars of the new series.
Congratulations for what series production, Slider?
This is it Re: BG: 2003 making it as a series, as of 5:45 EST JAN 19TH
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-sfc.html?2004-01/05/11.45.sfc
This one?
Ronald D. Moore, executive producer of SCI FI Channel's hit miniseries Battlestar Galactica, told the SyFy Portal Web site that he's prepping a proposed series, but that no decision has been made on whether it will go forward. The "jury is still out" on whether SCI FI will pick up the highly rated miniseries as a full-blown series, Moore told the site.
"We're still in discussions with the network," Moore said. "The actors' contracts have been extended until the end of January (that is the time period in which their options for series can be picked up), and I've been working on the show bible and the first few episodes in anticipation of a possible order." He added, "It's a complicated, ambitious show, and SCI FI Channel wants to understand all the economic implications before going to series—pretty standard network procedure—but I'm hopeful we'll get the pickup."
Moore also confirmed comments he previously made to IGN FilmForce that he will not be returning as a producer of HBO's fantasy series Carnivale, the site reported. "I won't be returning to Carnivale for its second season, as I decided to concentrate on development and hopefully a BSG series," Moore said.
http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/art-sfc.html?2003-12/11/12.00.sfc
slider
January 21st, 2004, 05:43 PM
Well, congratulations may have been premature in light of today’s letter from Ron Moore posted by larocque6689.
They are still crunching numbers. The decision on making a series apparently depends on Sci Fi Channel executives calculating pi to the last decimal point. Or maybe they are recounting the hanging chads on the Florida ballots.
It looks like we are back to the original "indecision".
slider
January 21st, 2004, 09:35 PM
Mediasharx contacted Sci Fi about recent rumors regarding the series being approved for 6 episodes. Sci Fi says there is no greenlight
http://www.mediasharx.com/index.php/news/581
Mediasharx contacted the Sci Fi Channel for a comment on the rumor. SFC rep Lana Kim only had this to say, "Though discussions are on-going, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA has not been greenlit for series."
It is amazing how rumors get started.
I do feel sorry for the actors.
Darth Marley
January 22nd, 2004, 12:33 AM
Now,now, slider, indecision is such a harsh word.
Lets just play nice and say they are "re-imagining" their decision to go to series.
slider
January 22nd, 2004, 01:32 AM
No matter how hard I try I always seem to be offending someone. Maybe I should just go back to my doublewide mobile home and hang out with Deep Trash.
Deep Trash may have caused some trouble at work. He got drunk and starting sending out memos again using Bonnie Hammer’s stationary. Seems he told some teamsters to get off their lazy behinds and to start getting ready for the new Battlestar Galactica series. Then Deep Trash called a reporter and told him six episodes had been greenlighted.
Deep Trash had a brilliant plan to unite both groups of Battlestar Galactica fans by making a few script changes. He turned Starbuck back into a man to make the fans of the original Battlestar Galactica happy. He made the rest of the Battlestar Galactica cast female to make Ron Moore's fans happy. He wants to play Starbuck and have Playboy Playmates for all the female roles. I just don’t know if this will be the science fiction blockbuster he thinks it will be.
He came home drunk and laughing his head off. He didn’t think anything he did would cause any problems. I am not so sure.
Darth Marley
February 16th, 2004, 12:22 AM
Slider, where have you gone.
I need my Deep Trash fix.
Whisperfoot
February 16th, 2004, 12:55 AM
Wasn't taking it seriously, but I do think that a fan of the mini has as much right to be abhored by "that scene with 6 and the baby" as the next person. Hence you got the hand-slap and the "bad". :D Lest they think that we actually think that of them.:rolleyes:
Well, as a fan of the mini, I thought that scene with 6 and the baby was just over the top wrong. It was supposed to be a bitter pill, but it was a little too much so for me. Of course RDM was trying to stir controversy and this definitely did the trick.
Darth Marley
February 16th, 2004, 05:05 AM
Oh, it is traditional for someone to say "Welcome to the fleets" when someone posts the first post.
So, welcome to the fleets.
jewels
February 16th, 2004, 09:24 AM
Welcome to the fleets, Whisperfoot. Beware of the blue koolaid in the cafe and don't accept any beverages from Muffit's beavers (you don't want to know! trust me!). ;)
Dawg
February 16th, 2004, 09:44 AM
What jewels said, Whisperfoot - and welcome to the Fleets.
I am
Dawg
:warrior:
repcisg
February 16th, 2004, 11:14 AM
Good morning one and all, and a special hello to Whisperfoot. It's raining cats and dogs here in Vancouver. Called animal control but they said they were too busy.
I’ve heard nothing definitive from the Moore camp lately, as if he would call. Seems the budget a little thinner than he would like, we all have our problems, but he can move forward (at least for now). NBC is still preparing for the takeover, final word on the new organization has yet to be released (look for that about three days after the ink dries).
Well that’s all from the soggy northwest, I’m off to find the coffee pot and a couple of tooth picks, I need both eyes open to read the funny papers! :laugh:
shiningstar
February 16th, 2004, 11:35 AM
Thanks for the update Repcisg and welcome to the fleet whisperfoot.
dvo47p
February 16th, 2004, 02:44 PM
Welcome to the fleets, Whisperfoot. Beware of the blue koolaid in the cafe and don't accept any beverages from Muffit's beavers (you don't want to know! trust me!).
Just for you Whisperfoot, :beer: from Muffit's :muffit: # 1 :beaver:bottums up!
shiningstar
February 16th, 2004, 03:36 PM
I got both my TV’s tuned to Skeeter. Matter of fact all my neighbors in the trailer park are watching Skeeter too with the sound turned up. This is much better than George Lucas's THX surround sound. Trailer park surround sound is so real it's like being in the movie.
LOL Slider my sister and her hubby used to do that too. Drove
everyone who didn't live in the trailer park and had to listen to it
nuts! :tongue:
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.