Hopefully things will turn out better than all that. If not, well, dink dink! dink dink -- dink, dink, DINK!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Music only a science fiction fan can appreciate
I grew up listening to this song, "In The Year 2525". This video makes very creative use of it as the soundtrack for a minidrama about how Mankind never seems to get things right.
Hopefully things will turn out better than all that. If not, well, dink dink! dink dink -- dink, dink, DINK!
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
Hopefully things will turn out better than all that. If not, well, dink dink! dink dink -- dink, dink, DINK!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
French TV site wants fan questions for Bridget Regan
If you had the opportunity to ask Bridget Regan any question in front of the whole world, what would that question be? Okay, you don't get that opportunity but some lucky journalist at Cine TV Buzz will be talking with Bridget Regan at The Monte Carlo TV Festival which is being held June 6 - 10, 2010.
And Cine TV Buzz asked Xenite.Org (SF-Fandom is part of the Xenite network) to reach out to Bridget's fans and solicit questions for her.
You're more than welcome to send your questions to us through the Xenite.Org Contact Form.
We'll be posting the fan questions on this thread at SF-Fandom and also on the Save The Seeker blog at Wordpress.
So take a day or two to think about this and please send us 1 or 2 questions for Bridget. We'll do our best to group similar fan questions together.
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
And Cine TV Buzz asked Xenite.Org (SF-Fandom is part of the Xenite network) to reach out to Bridget's fans and solicit questions for her.
You're more than welcome to send your questions to us through the Xenite.Org Contact Form.
We'll be posting the fan questions on this thread at SF-Fandom and also on the Save The Seeker blog at Wordpress.
So take a day or two to think about this and please send us 1 or 2 questions for Bridget. We'll do our best to group similar fan questions together.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Middle-earth Talk Radio Episode 24 Now Online
The 24th episode of Middle-earth Talk Radio is now available for download, includes music from Rehtaeh. This is the most recently recorded episode (as of May 27, 2010) so you should be caught up with us if you have listened to the others. I'm just copying a message Hawke sent out. I may have accidentally omitted something that relates to the numbers in the braces.
Format: MP3
Duration: 57 minutes 21 seconds
Filesize: 78.8 MB (82,586,483 bytes)
Download URL
http://middle-earthtalk.com/Middle-earth-Talk-Radio-Show-0024-2010-05-23.mp3[1]
Opening Music
Ra Tarinya (For My Queen)
by Rehtaeh
From the album "Awakened"
http://rehtaehmusic.com/ [2]
Topics Discussed
* PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THIS SHOW!
Closing Music
Rohan Warrior
by Rehtaeh
From the album "Awakened"
http://rehtaehmusic.com/ [4]
References
Middle-earth Talk Radio is a non-profit, non-commercial fan-oriented Internet talk show devoted to topics relating to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings (and relating to other related stuff that maybe you can relate to).
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
Format: MP3
Duration: 57 minutes 21 seconds
Filesize: 78.8 MB (82,586,483 bytes)
Download URL
http://middle-earthtalk.com/Middle-earth-Talk-Radio-Show-0024-2010-05-23.mp3[1]
Opening Music
Ra Tarinya (For My Queen)
by Rehtaeh
From the album "Awakened"
http://rehtaehmusic.com/ [2]
Topics Discussed
- Tyra Banks - ModelLand
- Previously unexibited print by Tolkien called "Lamb's Farm, Gedling" to be shown
- Filming for The Hobbit Movie beginning in Novement 2010?
- Smaug Stein
- Mads Hobbit Hole Blog - Doll House model on Bag End
- Brief reading from The Hobbit about Hobbit Hole
- The Eowyn Challenge
- Expanding the show range of discussion, please comment!
- How much do Dwarves weigh?
- Can Dwarves swim?
- Dragonlance Dwarves vs. Tolkien Dwarves
- Battle of alternate passages
- Reading and discussion of Letter #31, 24 July 1938, letter to Mr Furth, explaining delay in sequel to The Hobbit, and his work on Farmer Giles
- Word "mythologies" - Michael feels vindicated. ;-)
- Michael reads from Book of Lost Tales - Chapter VIII - The Tale of the Sun and Moon - Christopher Tolkien's introduction.
- Michael reads the "Shibboleth of Feanor" - The Peoples of Middle-earth - The History of Middle-earth XII - and the word shibboleth defined (ad naseum)
- "Feanor was a momma's boy" - Michael Martinez
- Tolkien's representation of insight into psychological theory as expressed through his characters such as Feanor, Aragorn, and others, in the face of critics claiming the characters were too 2 dimensional
- Thanks to Christopher Tolkien for making all this extra material available over the decades
- Reminder Rehtaeh performing at this years upcoming TolkienMoot
- Our Middle-earth Talk Show now has dedicated domain(s):
http://www.middle-earthtalk.com/ [3] or http://www.middle-earthtalkradio.com/
* PLEASE PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THIS SHOW!
Closing Music
Rohan Warrior
by Rehtaeh
From the album "Awakened"
http://rehtaehmusic.com/ [4]
References
- http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/05/23/36721-crumbses-and-tidbits-hobbit-start-date-casting-3d-discussions/ [5]
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/oxford/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8664000/8664496.stm [6]
- http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/100637-Tyra-Banks-Fancies-Herself-the-Next-J-R-R-Tolkien [7]
- http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/05/20/36698-smaug-themed-stein-now-available/ [8]
- http://www.3point.com/taverncraft/default.aspx?ProductLine=Hobbit [9]
- http://madshobbithole.wordpress.com/ [10]
- http://maddsrocks.wordpress.com/ [11]
- http://bitoflight.luminousbeings.net/keepsakes/BagEnd-final-small.jpg [12]
- http://www.lotronline.com/gallery/screenshots/BagEnd [13]
- http://www.sf-fandom.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=33401 [14]
- http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~kemmer/Words/shibboleth.html [15]
Middle-earth Talk Radio is a non-profit, non-commercial fan-oriented Internet talk show devoted to topics relating to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings (and relating to other related stuff that maybe you can relate to).
Monday, May 24, 2010
Longevity of Harry Potter vs. Lord of the Rings
We occasionally mention other books and authors in our Middle-earth Talk Radio discussions and Hawke recently decided to put an interesting question to fans.
He is conducting a poll on the NEW Middle-earth Radio Website, asking if you think that the Harry Potter books will enjoy a longevity similar to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings books.
You can take the poll here.
BTW -- in updating the site, Hawke was unable to port over the old user accounts. If you had an account at Middle-earth Radio you'll have to create a new one. Please don't let that inconvenience hold you back from sharing your thoughts on the show. We enjoy the feedback.
As for Harry, in my opinion they should enjoy considerable longevity. I think the story is relevant to every generation. It's not really "set in its time" (that is, the time in which it was written) so much as it is set in a "Harry Potter timeframe" much like Middle-earth is set in the Third Age.
But the story follows the experiences of a unique set of young protagonists who grow up during a very dark and frightening time. Although that in some ways reflects our world today, J.K. Rowling began writing these stories before the War on Terror became a reality.
I'd like to see how people vote in the poll, so please do so and also share the URL with your friends.
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
He is conducting a poll on the NEW Middle-earth Radio Website, asking if you think that the Harry Potter books will enjoy a longevity similar to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings books.
You can take the poll here.
BTW -- in updating the site, Hawke was unable to port over the old user accounts. If you had an account at Middle-earth Radio you'll have to create a new one. Please don't let that inconvenience hold you back from sharing your thoughts on the show. We enjoy the feedback.
As for Harry, in my opinion they should enjoy considerable longevity. I think the story is relevant to every generation. It's not really "set in its time" (that is, the time in which it was written) so much as it is set in a "Harry Potter timeframe" much like Middle-earth is set in the Third Age.
But the story follows the experiences of a unique set of young protagonists who grow up during a very dark and frightening time. Although that in some ways reflects our world today, J.K. Rowling began writing these stories before the War on Terror became a reality.
I'd like to see how people vote in the poll, so please do so and also share the URL with your friends.
Download Middle-earth Talk Radio Episode 23 Now
Hawke and I recorded Episode 23 of Middle-earth Talk Radio on Sunday, Mother Confessor Day (Mother's Day to most people). (NOTE: Subsequently, confirmation of the cancellation of Legend of the Seeker was published).
These were the topics that came up in Episode 23:
Topics:
With music by Rehtaeh
http://www.rehtaehmusic.com
You can find all the episodes by visiting Middle-earth Talk Radio.
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
These were the topics that came up in Episode 23:
Topics:
- Grovelling to Theonering.net
- Michael the "Uber Geek"
- Iron Man II
- Mother Confessor Day foreshadowing from "Legend of the Seeker"
- Burren in County Clare claimed as another inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's work
- Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien relevant to Ireland, Letters #165 and #211
- Flintshire grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien stars in film "Pimp"
- Hugo Weaving will be The Red Skull in upcoming Captain America film
- Tangent: Hugo Weaving's accent as Agent Smith based on Wachowski Bros.
- Why there is no Jewish Narnia
- Development of role playing games for use as a therapeutic modality
- Israeli Defense Force frowns on Dungeons & Dragons participants (2005)
- Refuting the claim (through research) that role playing gaming causes "weak personalities" or "detachment from reality"
- The Middle-earth Weekend 2010 UK
- The Isle of Rum claims to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's peaks of Mordor
- The Isle of Muck ties to Isle of Eigg which ties to Howlin House where J.R.R. Tolkien was reputed to have visited on holiday
- Will Harry Potter have the global longevity of The Hobbit or the Lord of the Rings? Vote in the poll.
- Legend of the Seeker, Shakespeare, and J.R.R. Tolkien
- Twitter Take Over on Mother's Day for Mother Confessor Day
- Save the Seeker Campaign
- How would you produce a TV series on Tolkien's works?
- Circa Second Age 1000 to 1500 fertile time period
- The Middle-earth 3D Interactive mapping project: ME-DEM
- Merp.com launches version 7.0 of their website
- More rambling from Hawke - mining terminology for "muck"
With music by Rehtaeh
http://www.rehtaehmusic.com
You can find all the episodes by visiting Middle-earth Talk Radio.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Legend of the Seeker fans launch fan video project
Fans of Legend of the Seeker are coming together to create a video tribute to the show. Regardless of whether there is ever a third season for Seeker fans want to make sure they create a legacy that the cast, crew, and producers can appreciate for years to come.To that end I've been asked to help promote the project, and I've agreed to post this ad in a few places. I hope you'll do so, too.
Just click on the ad to learn more about the project.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Over 20 SciFi and Fantasy films entered in Seattle International Film Festival
Seattle, WA - The 36th Seattle International Film Festival will open on May 20 with the Seattle Premiere of the sophisticated comedy The Extra Man - directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. The film will screen at Seattle's Benaroya Hall, kicking off the nation's largest film festival set to take place from May 20 through June 13, 2010.
The Extra Man stars Paul Dano (There Will be Blood) as the ever-so-proper Louis Ives, a lonely dreamer who imagines himself the protagonist of a modern F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. He moves to Manhattan to pursue a writing career and rents a room in the tiny Manhattan apartment of playwright Henry Harrison, a wildly eccentric social entrepreneur (Kevin Kline) who happens to work evenings as an "extra man" - an escort for wealthy widows. The unexpected bond of the two men creates the hilarious heart of the film; its pathos comes from their realization that within the other's idealistic fantasy persona lurks their own litany of insecurities.
Academy-Award® nominated co-directors/screenwriters Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (American Splendor, The Nanny Diaries) manifest the edgy spirit and droll dialogue of the celebrated novel by Jonathan Ames (writer of HBO's Bored to Death) with a perfectly balanced blend of warmth, intellect, and humanity. Paul Dano and Kevin Kline (surpassing his memorable Academy Award® performance in A Fish Called Wanda) are sublime in their portrayal of the two gentlemen about town, each imbuing their edge-of-the-envelope characters with depth and empathetic distinction. Also appearing are Katie Holmes as Louis' sweet co-worker and unrequited love interest (and whose wardrobe Louis secretly desires...), and John C. Reilly as Henry's mysterious (and very hairy) downstairs neighbor. The Extra Man is a magical, multi-dimensional comedy–sophisticated, elegant, goofy, and ultimately satisfying.
The Extra Man debuted at Sundance earlier this year to rave audience reviews and was recently picked up by Magnolia Pictures for US distribution. Excellently cast and revealing humor, wit, and class, The Extra Man is an exciting selection to launch the 2010 Festival with more than 250 feature films, 100 shorts, special events, workshops, and forums that will take place from May 20 through June 13 at various venues city-wide.
"After seeing its debut at Sundance this year, I knew I wanted The Extra Man to open the 36th Seattle International Film Festival," says SIFF Artistic Director Carl Spence. "We always strive to choose a film that not only combines stellar storytelling and captivating characters, but one that connects with Seattle's film-savvy audiences. This unique film is both laugh-out-loud funny and smart, and is the perfect film to kick off the 2010 Festival."
This represents the first time Seattle International Film Festival will host its Opening Night Gala at the beautiful Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. The event, taking place on Thursday, May 20, will also feature a red carpet welcome for directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. Members of the cast are also expected to be in attendance.
The Extra Man
A Magnolia Films Release
Directors:
Shari Springer Berman
Robert Pulcini
Screenwriters:
Robert Pulcini
Jonathan Ames
Shari Springer Berman
Based on the novel by Jonathan Ames
Producers:
Anthony Bregman
Stephanie Davis
Principal Cast:
Kevin Kline
Paul Dano
John C. Reilly
Katie Holmes
Marian Seldes
Celia Weston
Patti D'Arbanville
Dan Hedaya
For more information about the 36th Seattle International Film Festival or the 2010 Opening Night film selection, The Extra Man, please contact the SIFF Press Office at press@siff.net or 206.315.0807.
About the Seattle International Film Festival
The 36th Seattle International Film Festival runs May 20 through June 13. The complete SIFF program schedule will be available Thursday, May 6, at www.siff.net, and as a special pullout grid in the May 6 edition of the Seattle Times. The SIFF Box Office opens to SIFF Members May 6, and to the general public on May 7. Tickets will be available online at www.siff.net, by phone at 206-324-9996, or at the Pacific Place Box Office (600 Pine Street, second level). Members of the press can find and download more information, including press kits, photos, press releases, and full film descriptions at press.siff.net.
Now in its 36th year, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest and most highly-attended film festival in the United States, showcasing more than 400 films from over 60 countries to an audience of 150,000 attendees annually. Listed by Variety as one of the world's "50 unmissable film festivals," SIFF continues to be recognized as one of the top festivals in North America. SIFF combines the best aspects of a casual film marketplace with our well-established reputation as a great audience festival filmmakers love to attend.
SIFF's mission is to create experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world. In addition to the Festival, SIFF operates SIFF Cinema, its year-round flagship theater at McCaw Hall. In 2011, SIFF will open the SIFF Film Center at Seattle Center's Alki Room, thereby fulfilling its long-standing vision of creating a permanent home where SIFF's successful film, education, and community outreach programs can thrive.
Source: http://www.siff.net/
Discussions at SF-Fandom:
Poster for the 36th annual Seattle International Film Festival
19 Fantasy Films featured at 2010 Seattle International Film Festival
9 SciFi Films featured at 2010 Seattle International Film Festival
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
The Extra Man stars Paul Dano (There Will be Blood) as the ever-so-proper Louis Ives, a lonely dreamer who imagines himself the protagonist of a modern F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. He moves to Manhattan to pursue a writing career and rents a room in the tiny Manhattan apartment of playwright Henry Harrison, a wildly eccentric social entrepreneur (Kevin Kline) who happens to work evenings as an "extra man" - an escort for wealthy widows. The unexpected bond of the two men creates the hilarious heart of the film; its pathos comes from their realization that within the other's idealistic fantasy persona lurks their own litany of insecurities.
Academy-Award® nominated co-directors/screenwriters Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (American Splendor, The Nanny Diaries) manifest the edgy spirit and droll dialogue of the celebrated novel by Jonathan Ames (writer of HBO's Bored to Death) with a perfectly balanced blend of warmth, intellect, and humanity. Paul Dano and Kevin Kline (surpassing his memorable Academy Award® performance in A Fish Called Wanda) are sublime in their portrayal of the two gentlemen about town, each imbuing their edge-of-the-envelope characters with depth and empathetic distinction. Also appearing are Katie Holmes as Louis' sweet co-worker and unrequited love interest (and whose wardrobe Louis secretly desires...), and John C. Reilly as Henry's mysterious (and very hairy) downstairs neighbor. The Extra Man is a magical, multi-dimensional comedy–sophisticated, elegant, goofy, and ultimately satisfying.
The Extra Man debuted at Sundance earlier this year to rave audience reviews and was recently picked up by Magnolia Pictures for US distribution. Excellently cast and revealing humor, wit, and class, The Extra Man is an exciting selection to launch the 2010 Festival with more than 250 feature films, 100 shorts, special events, workshops, and forums that will take place from May 20 through June 13 at various venues city-wide.
"After seeing its debut at Sundance this year, I knew I wanted The Extra Man to open the 36th Seattle International Film Festival," says SIFF Artistic Director Carl Spence. "We always strive to choose a film that not only combines stellar storytelling and captivating characters, but one that connects with Seattle's film-savvy audiences. This unique film is both laugh-out-loud funny and smart, and is the perfect film to kick off the 2010 Festival."
This represents the first time Seattle International Film Festival will host its Opening Night Gala at the beautiful Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. The event, taking place on Thursday, May 20, will also feature a red carpet welcome for directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. Members of the cast are also expected to be in attendance.
The Extra Man
A Magnolia Films Release
Directors:
Shari Springer Berman
Robert Pulcini
Screenwriters:
Robert Pulcini
Jonathan Ames
Shari Springer Berman
Based on the novel by Jonathan Ames
Producers:
Anthony Bregman
Stephanie Davis
Principal Cast:
Kevin Kline
Paul Dano
John C. Reilly
Katie Holmes
Marian Seldes
Celia Weston
Patti D'Arbanville
Dan Hedaya
For more information about the 36th Seattle International Film Festival or the 2010 Opening Night film selection, The Extra Man, please contact the SIFF Press Office at press@siff.net or 206.315.0807.
About the Seattle International Film Festival
The 36th Seattle International Film Festival runs May 20 through June 13. The complete SIFF program schedule will be available Thursday, May 6, at www.siff.net, and as a special pullout grid in the May 6 edition of the Seattle Times. The SIFF Box Office opens to SIFF Members May 6, and to the general public on May 7. Tickets will be available online at www.siff.net, by phone at 206-324-9996, or at the Pacific Place Box Office (600 Pine Street, second level). Members of the press can find and download more information, including press kits, photos, press releases, and full film descriptions at press.siff.net.
Now in its 36th year, the Seattle International Film Festival is the largest and most highly-attended film festival in the United States, showcasing more than 400 films from over 60 countries to an audience of 150,000 attendees annually. Listed by Variety as one of the world's "50 unmissable film festivals," SIFF continues to be recognized as one of the top festivals in North America. SIFF combines the best aspects of a casual film marketplace with our well-established reputation as a great audience festival filmmakers love to attend.
SIFF's mission is to create experiences that bring people together to discover extraordinary films from around the world. In addition to the Festival, SIFF operates SIFF Cinema, its year-round flagship theater at McCaw Hall. In 2011, SIFF will open the SIFF Film Center at Seattle Center's Alki Room, thereby fulfilling its long-standing vision of creating a permanent home where SIFF's successful film, education, and community outreach programs can thrive.
Source: http://www.siff.net/
Discussions at SF-Fandom:
Poster for the 36th annual Seattle International Film Festival
19 Fantasy Films featured at 2010 Seattle International Film Festival
9 SciFi Films featured at 2010 Seattle International Film Festival
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Amazing videos inspire Legend of the Seeker fans
The Seeker Fan Video project is getting underway as I write this. So what is it all about? Quite simply, Seeker fans want to show their unity and support for Legend of the Seeker. The two videos below are examples of the kind of video the fans are hoping to produce.
This first video is absolutely amazing, to me. I'm sure I'll share it on many occasions. (ON EDIT: It's too wide to fit within this blog's format. Here is a link to the YouTube page).
This video was produced as part of Starbucks' Red project to raise awareness of AIDS in Africa. People around the world sang "All You Need Is Love" at the same time and their videos were spliced together to create this incredible montage.
So what are the Legend of the Seeker fans doing? They're organizing. You can send an email to LOTSvideo -at- gmail -dot- com if you have the ability to record yourself (a Webcam or cell phone may be all you need).
I'll track the project's progress at Save The Seeker.
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
This first video is absolutely amazing, to me. I'm sure I'll share it on many occasions. (ON EDIT: It's too wide to fit within this blog's format. Here is a link to the YouTube page).
This video was produced as part of Starbucks' Red project to raise awareness of AIDS in Africa. People around the world sang "All You Need Is Love" at the same time and their videos were spliced together to create this incredible montage.
So what are the Legend of the Seeker fans doing? They're organizing. You can send an email to LOTSvideo -at- gmail -dot- com if you have the ability to record yourself (a Webcam or cell phone may be all you need).
I'll track the project's progress at Save The Seeker.
RIP Frank Frazetta
Science fiction and fantasy fans woke up to the sad news this morning that Frank Frazetta has passed away. If you don't know who Frazetta is, he is the book/poster artist who inspired a generation of pseudo-realistic fantasy artists. Frazetta's warriors, wizards, and women established a pattern of realistic cover art that revolutionized the SF book industry.
I wrote more about Frazetta's impact on SF art at the Wordpress blog.
If you want to leave a comment in the SF-Fandom forum, you'll need to register for free. Gmail and Hotmail users will have to contact the Administrators for help with registering. We have blocked automatic registering for Gmail and Hotmail because link spammer abuse.
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
I wrote more about Frazetta's impact on SF art at the Wordpress blog.
If you want to leave a comment in the SF-Fandom forum, you'll need to register for free. Gmail and Hotmail users will have to contact the Administrators for help with registering. We have blocked automatic registering for Gmail and Hotmail because link spammer abuse.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Dear TrekWeb, Seeker has NOT been cancelled
Overzealous fans are out in force asking people for help in assuring there will be a third season of Legend of the Seeker. To show their support for the campaign, the good folks at TrekWeb published a brief article about the campaign to Save Our Seeker.
In their lead, they mentioned that Legend of the Seeker has been cancelled -- which is not true. The show has NOT been cancelled. Entertainment Weekly's Mike Ausiello (who is widely followed in media and fandom) started the rumor by saying he had heard from reliable sources at ABC that the should would not be renewed for a third season.
Nonetheless, there has been no confirmation from ABC and apparent support for the rumor by members of the show's cast and crew have been retracted. Studio executives and publicists have equally fallen silent BECAUSE NEGOTIATIONS FOR A THIRD SEASON ARE ALLEGEDLY IN PROGRESS.
Whose rumor is more true today doesn't matter. By saying the show is cancelled when it has not, in fact, been cancelled, you give people the wrong impression. If you're willing to support the show on your Website please do so by reporting the facts and not substituting rumors as facts.
As of this writing, Legend of the Seeker has not been cancelled.
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
In their lead, they mentioned that Legend of the Seeker has been cancelled -- which is not true. The show has NOT been cancelled. Entertainment Weekly's Mike Ausiello (who is widely followed in media and fandom) started the rumor by saying he had heard from reliable sources at ABC that the should would not be renewed for a third season.
Nonetheless, there has been no confirmation from ABC and apparent support for the rumor by members of the show's cast and crew have been retracted. Studio executives and publicists have equally fallen silent BECAUSE NEGOTIATIONS FOR A THIRD SEASON ARE ALLEGEDLY IN PROGRESS.
Whose rumor is more true today doesn't matter. By saying the show is cancelled when it has not, in fact, been cancelled, you give people the wrong impression. If you're willing to support the show on your Website please do so by reporting the facts and not substituting rumors as facts.
As of this writing, Legend of the Seeker has not been cancelled.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
SyFy's Craig Engler gets down and dirty with SciFi fans
If you're favorite genre television show has just been cancelled or is about to be, Craig Engler of SyFy has some advice for you: Do the television network's job for them and build their audience share.
So, what do you think about that? Are you ready to make millionaires of people who won't pay you a dime for your hard work? Don't be so quick to rush out there and tell all your friends to watch the show.
In an article published on Boing Boing Craig says that all the Fluff fans of Law & Order: Criminal Intent send to the USA Network is wasted because it doesn't translate into increased audience share. If fans would only bring in a few hundred thousand more viewers for the networks ..., he muses.
It's that kind of sloppy thinking that gets people into trouble. Sure, put the burden of responsibility for bad marketing on the audience. It's the fans' fault that the studios and networks don't reach out and engage with them?
Like I say in a classic, lengthy Michael Martinez rebuttal to Craig, it's not the fans' responsibility to do the marketing for a television show.
Yes, we're willing to spread the word about shows we like but the shows that succeed have more than just word of mouth working for them -- they have actors, writers, directors, and business executives reaching out to fans in as many ways as possible.
Telling the fans they have to get out there and hustle to make your shows a success is about as limp an excuse for bad marketing strategy as one can think of.
If Legend of the Seeker fails and never comes back, the fault lies not with the fans, but with the idiots who didn't do their part to build the audience share like they should have.
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
So, what do you think about that? Are you ready to make millionaires of people who won't pay you a dime for your hard work? Don't be so quick to rush out there and tell all your friends to watch the show.
In an article published on Boing Boing Craig says that all the Fluff fans of Law & Order: Criminal Intent send to the USA Network is wasted because it doesn't translate into increased audience share. If fans would only bring in a few hundred thousand more viewers for the networks ..., he muses.
It's that kind of sloppy thinking that gets people into trouble. Sure, put the burden of responsibility for bad marketing on the audience. It's the fans' fault that the studios and networks don't reach out and engage with them?
Like I say in a classic, lengthy Michael Martinez rebuttal to Craig, it's not the fans' responsibility to do the marketing for a television show.
Yes, we're willing to spread the word about shows we like but the shows that succeed have more than just word of mouth working for them -- they have actors, writers, directors, and business executives reaching out to fans in as many ways as possible.
Telling the fans they have to get out there and hustle to make your shows a success is about as limp an excuse for bad marketing strategy as one can think of.
If Legend of the Seeker fails and never comes back, the fault lies not with the fans, but with the idiots who didn't do their part to build the audience share like they should have.
ABC Studios creates Facebook page for Legend of the Seeker
Responding to fans' determined efforts to be heard about their love for the Legend of the Seeker show, ABC has opened up a dedicated page on Facebook where fans can share comments about the show.
If you have a Facebook account, please drop by ABC's Facebook Page for Legend of the Seeker and share your polite thoughts and encouragement for their endeavors to save the show.
And remember -- television shows HAVE been resurrected after fan campaigns. A third season might not happen for a year. We might get a mini-series. We might get a movie.
Be patient, make a reasonable effort to show your support for the show, and keep your hopes up.
It's not over yet.
Be sure to visit the Save The Seeker blog to stay on top of news in the campaign.
And don't forget that fans have designated May 9 as Mother Confessor Day (which, coincidentally, just happens to be Mother's Day in several countries).
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
If you have a Facebook account, please drop by ABC's Facebook Page for Legend of the Seeker and share your polite thoughts and encouragement for their endeavors to save the show.
And remember -- television shows HAVE been resurrected after fan campaigns. A third season might not happen for a year. We might get a mini-series. We might get a movie.
Be patient, make a reasonable effort to show your support for the show, and keep your hopes up.
It's not over yet.
Be sure to visit the Save The Seeker blog to stay on top of news in the campaign.
And don't forget that fans have designated May 9 as Mother Confessor Day (which, coincidentally, just happens to be Mother's Day in several countries).
Variety ad for Save Our Seeker now online
In case you have not seen it yet, here is what the advertisement that Legend of the Seeker fans are placing in Variety for tomorrow's edition looks like:
Money for the ad and design services were raised by the Save Our Seeker campaign site.
I'm proud to say that SaveTheSeeker.wordpress.com did its part in getting word out to the fans to donate money and vote on designs.
In other news, some Seeker fans are concerned that Jerry Bruckheimer's reduced budget for Pirates of the Caribbean 4 may signal a problem for the syndicated television show. I'm not sure there is a direct connection.
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
Money for the ad and design services were raised by the Save Our Seeker campaign site.
I'm proud to say that SaveTheSeeker.wordpress.com did its part in getting word out to the fans to donate money and vote on designs.
In other news, some Seeker fans are concerned that Jerry Bruckheimer's reduced budget for Pirates of the Caribbean 4 may signal a problem for the syndicated television show. I'm not sure there is a direct connection.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Henson Company announces Dark Crystal sequel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OMNILAB MEDIA AND THE JIM HENSON COMPANY JOIN FORCES TO LAUNCH THE AUSTRALIAN FEATURE PRODUCTION OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED POWER OF THE DARK CRYSTAL
Sequel to Henson classic film “The Dark Crystal” to be financed and produced by Omnilab Media in Australia and executive produced by The Jim Henson Company.
3D, live action, visual effects film to be one of the largest Australian productions ever.
HOLLYWOOD, CA May 04, 2010 – In a joint announcement by Omnilab Media’s Christopher Mapp and The Jim Henson Company’s Lisa Henson, Australian based Omnilab Media is teaming up with The Jim Henson Company to bring the much anticipated fantasy sequel, “Power of the Dark Crystal” to the big screen in stereoscopic 3D. The highly anticipated film will be among the most ambitious projects to ever be produced in Australia.
“Power of the Dark Crystal” will be produced by the Australia based production arm of Omnilab Media, Ambience Entertainment. The Jim Henson Company’s executive producers are Brian Henson, Lisa Henson and Jason Lust. Omnilab Media’s executive producers are Christopher Mapp, Matthew Street and David Whealy. Cinemarket Films’ Peter D. Graves (“Terminator Salvation”) rounds out the executive producer team.
Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig, writers and directors of “Undead” and most recently, “Daybreakers,” have come aboard to direct the screenplay written by Australian Craig Pearce (“Moulin Rouge,” “Strictly Ballroom,” “Romeo + Juliet”) based on an original script by Annette Duffy and David Odell. The legendary fantasy artist Brian Froud will reprise his role as conceptual designer of the film, which will use a stunning mix of live action and traditional puppetry combined with visual and special effects produced entirely in Australia. Omnilab-affiliated Iloura (“Where the Wild Things Are,” “The Pacific,” “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark”) has already begun work on the film’s complex CGI elements. With this team in place, next steps will be to secure worldwide distribution.
“‘Power of the Dark Crystal’ is an exciting and ambitious undertaking and, having worked on previous projects with the top-notch talent and crews that Australia offers, we know we have assembled the right team to deliver the sequel to one of the most enduringly popular titles in the Henson library. Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig are sure to create a film that will continue the legacy of the original and exceed the expectations of our loyal fans,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company. “We are especially enthusiastic to be working with Omnilab Media, a strong and growing force in worldwide film finance and production.” “We are very pleased to be producing this wonderful and fantastical film in Australia.
The ‘Power of the Dark Crystal’ will showcase the depth of talent Australia has to offer up on the international stage, including the extremely gifted directing team of Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig. The Jim Henson Company has consistently delivered an amazing range of entertainment over generations and is an iconic creative studio that we are proud to have partner with us,” added Christopher Mapp from Omnilab Media.
Michael Spierig said, “We feel a tremendous amount of responsibility in telling this story with the same meticulous care that Jim Henson and Frank Oz gave the 1982 original.” Added Peter Spierig, “This is a chance to take the world of puppetry into the modern age by using modern techniques (like motion capture CGI) and the tried and true methods (like puppetry and animatronics) to create a one hundred percent real world that is unique to ‘The Dark Crystal’.”
Set hundreds of years after the events of the first movie when the world has once again fallen into darkness, “Power of the Dark Crystal” follows the adventures of a mysterious girl made of fire who, together with a Gelfling outcast, steals a shard of the legendary Crystal in an attempt to reignite the dying sun that exists at the center of the planet.
ABOUT OMNILAB MEDIA www.omnilab.com.au Omnilab Media is an Australian and New Zealand based globally focused vertically integrated entertainment company involved in the production, visual effects, post production and financing of a diverse range of film and television properties. Amongst the funding deals recently concluded by Omnilab Media, covering both production and P&A financing, are Oliver Stone’s ‘W,’ ‘The Bank Job.’ ‘The Messenger,’ ‘’Bran Nue Dae,’ and the upcoming ‘Dylan Dog: Dead of Night,’ ‘The Loved Ones,’ ‘Tomorrow When the War Began,’ and ‘The Killer Elite.’
Omnilab Media has also created a new digital film company with Kennedy Miller Mitchell (Dr.D Studios) to use groundbreaking digital storytelling, animation and visual effects. The first production will be HAPPY FEET 2, with a range of other bluechip properties in development.
ABOUT AMBIENCE ENTERTAINMENT www.ambienceentertainment.com Ambience Entertainment was originally founded as a post production company in 1999 and in 2003 dipped its toe into the production arena with the creation of The Pop Pups. In 2004 Ambience Entertainment was acquired by Omnilab Media to create content for group and has since grown into one of Australia’s fastest growing independent film and television production companies dedicated to producing compelling film and television programs for local and international broadcasters and audiences.
With a well-earned reputation for quality, Ambience Entertainment specializes in feature films, game shows, children’s programming and animation. Ambience Entertainment is the content and production division of the Omnilab Media, Australia’s largest independently owned vertically integrated media company. This alliance has enabled Ambience Entertainment to develop its own distinctive television and film content with the strategic goal of significantly increasing its production output.
# # #
The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 50 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include the Emmy® nominated “Sid the Science Kid,” “Dinosaur Train” “Wilson & Ditch: Digging America” and “Pajanimals.” Features include “The Dark Crystal,” “Labyrinth,” “MirrorMask,” and “Unstable Fables” and television productions include “Fraggle Rock” and the sci-fi cult series “Farscape.”
With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot, complete with soundstage and postproduction facilities. Independently owned and operated by the five adult children of founder Jim Henson, the Company is also home to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character-building and visual effects group with international film, television and advertising clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry’s top recording facilities known for its world-class blend of state-of-the-art and vintage equipment.
The Company’s Henson Alternative brand recently launched the New York run of “Stuffed and Unstrung,” a live puppet improvisational show at the Union Square Theatre.
http://www.henson.com
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
OMNILAB MEDIA AND THE JIM HENSON COMPANY JOIN FORCES TO LAUNCH THE AUSTRALIAN FEATURE PRODUCTION OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED POWER OF THE DARK CRYSTAL
Sequel to Henson classic film “The Dark Crystal” to be financed and produced by Omnilab Media in Australia and executive produced by The Jim Henson Company.
3D, live action, visual effects film to be one of the largest Australian productions ever.
HOLLYWOOD, CA May 04, 2010 – In a joint announcement by Omnilab Media’s Christopher Mapp and The Jim Henson Company’s Lisa Henson, Australian based Omnilab Media is teaming up with The Jim Henson Company to bring the much anticipated fantasy sequel, “Power of the Dark Crystal” to the big screen in stereoscopic 3D. The highly anticipated film will be among the most ambitious projects to ever be produced in Australia.
“Power of the Dark Crystal” will be produced by the Australia based production arm of Omnilab Media, Ambience Entertainment. The Jim Henson Company’s executive producers are Brian Henson, Lisa Henson and Jason Lust. Omnilab Media’s executive producers are Christopher Mapp, Matthew Street and David Whealy. Cinemarket Films’ Peter D. Graves (“Terminator Salvation”) rounds out the executive producer team.
Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig, writers and directors of “Undead” and most recently, “Daybreakers,” have come aboard to direct the screenplay written by Australian Craig Pearce (“Moulin Rouge,” “Strictly Ballroom,” “Romeo + Juliet”) based on an original script by Annette Duffy and David Odell. The legendary fantasy artist Brian Froud will reprise his role as conceptual designer of the film, which will use a stunning mix of live action and traditional puppetry combined with visual and special effects produced entirely in Australia. Omnilab-affiliated Iloura (“Where the Wild Things Are,” “The Pacific,” “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark”) has already begun work on the film’s complex CGI elements. With this team in place, next steps will be to secure worldwide distribution.
“‘Power of the Dark Crystal’ is an exciting and ambitious undertaking and, having worked on previous projects with the top-notch talent and crews that Australia offers, we know we have assembled the right team to deliver the sequel to one of the most enduringly popular titles in the Henson library. Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig are sure to create a film that will continue the legacy of the original and exceed the expectations of our loyal fans,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company. “We are especially enthusiastic to be working with Omnilab Media, a strong and growing force in worldwide film finance and production.” “We are very pleased to be producing this wonderful and fantastical film in Australia.
The ‘Power of the Dark Crystal’ will showcase the depth of talent Australia has to offer up on the international stage, including the extremely gifted directing team of Peter Spierig and Michael Spierig. The Jim Henson Company has consistently delivered an amazing range of entertainment over generations and is an iconic creative studio that we are proud to have partner with us,” added Christopher Mapp from Omnilab Media.
Michael Spierig said, “We feel a tremendous amount of responsibility in telling this story with the same meticulous care that Jim Henson and Frank Oz gave the 1982 original.” Added Peter Spierig, “This is a chance to take the world of puppetry into the modern age by using modern techniques (like motion capture CGI) and the tried and true methods (like puppetry and animatronics) to create a one hundred percent real world that is unique to ‘The Dark Crystal’.”
Set hundreds of years after the events of the first movie when the world has once again fallen into darkness, “Power of the Dark Crystal” follows the adventures of a mysterious girl made of fire who, together with a Gelfling outcast, steals a shard of the legendary Crystal in an attempt to reignite the dying sun that exists at the center of the planet.
ABOUT OMNILAB MEDIA www.omnilab.com.au Omnilab Media is an Australian and New Zealand based globally focused vertically integrated entertainment company involved in the production, visual effects, post production and financing of a diverse range of film and television properties. Amongst the funding deals recently concluded by Omnilab Media, covering both production and P&A financing, are Oliver Stone’s ‘W,’ ‘The Bank Job.’ ‘The Messenger,’ ‘’Bran Nue Dae,’ and the upcoming ‘Dylan Dog: Dead of Night,’ ‘The Loved Ones,’ ‘Tomorrow When the War Began,’ and ‘The Killer Elite.’
Omnilab Media has also created a new digital film company with Kennedy Miller Mitchell (Dr.D Studios) to use groundbreaking digital storytelling, animation and visual effects. The first production will be HAPPY FEET 2, with a range of other bluechip properties in development.
ABOUT AMBIENCE ENTERTAINMENT www.ambienceentertainment.com Ambience Entertainment was originally founded as a post production company in 1999 and in 2003 dipped its toe into the production arena with the creation of The Pop Pups. In 2004 Ambience Entertainment was acquired by Omnilab Media to create content for group and has since grown into one of Australia’s fastest growing independent film and television production companies dedicated to producing compelling film and television programs for local and international broadcasters and audiences.
With a well-earned reputation for quality, Ambience Entertainment specializes in feature films, game shows, children’s programming and animation. Ambience Entertainment is the content and production division of the Omnilab Media, Australia’s largest independently owned vertically integrated media company. This alliance has enabled Ambience Entertainment to develop its own distinctive television and film content with the strategic goal of significantly increasing its production output.
# # #
The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 50 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include the Emmy® nominated “Sid the Science Kid,” “Dinosaur Train” “Wilson & Ditch: Digging America” and “Pajanimals.” Features include “The Dark Crystal,” “Labyrinth,” “MirrorMask,” and “Unstable Fables” and television productions include “Fraggle Rock” and the sci-fi cult series “Farscape.”
With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot, complete with soundstage and postproduction facilities. Independently owned and operated by the five adult children of founder Jim Henson, the Company is also home to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character-building and visual effects group with international film, television and advertising clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry’s top recording facilities known for its world-class blend of state-of-the-art and vintage equipment.
The Company’s Henson Alternative brand recently launched the New York run of “Stuffed and Unstrung,” a live puppet improvisational show at the Union Square Theatre.
http://www.henson.com
Monday, May 3, 2010
Seattle gets a real-life Super Hero - Electron Boy
I covered this story in a post at SF-Fandom's Superhero Movies Forum. The local chapter of the Make-A-Wish foundation gave a 13-year-old boy the wish of a lifetime: they made him a real-life superhero.
What an incredible story that was. Several police departments, the Seattle Sounders, the electric company, the Space Needle, and hundreds of volunteers all worked together to make this boy's dream come true.
I wish I could have been part of the experience, even if only just to hold a sign supporting Electron Boy.
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
What an incredible story that was. Several police departments, the Seattle Sounders, the electric company, the Space Needle, and hundreds of volunteers all worked together to make this boy's dream come true.
I wish I could have been part of the experience, even if only just to hold a sign supporting Electron Boy.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Episode 20 of Middle-earth Talk Radio now available
You nay recall that I had prematurely announced Episode 20 of Middle-earth Talk Radio last week. It was not actually available for download.
You can now listen to Middle-earth Talk Radio Episode 20 as a streaming broadcast or download it. The episode was recorded on April 1.
Also, Hawke and I will be doing another live broadcast of "Raw Hobbit" (based on William Shatner's "Raw Nerve" format) later this year at Tolkien Moot in Spokane, WA.
You should fill out the RSVP form if you plan to be there.
____________________________________________ SF-Fandom is a moderated, fan-run community devoted to science fiction, fantasy, history, and mythology. SF-Fandom was founded in 2001 and is part of the Xenite.Org network. Free registration is required to post. Please be sure you read our Posting Guidelines.
You can now listen to Middle-earth Talk Radio Episode 20 as a streaming broadcast or download it. The episode was recorded on April 1.
Also, Hawke and I will be doing another live broadcast of "Raw Hobbit" (based on William Shatner's "Raw Nerve" format) later this year at Tolkien Moot in Spokane, WA.
You should fill out the RSVP form if you plan to be there.
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