THE MEMORY OF SHADOWS

From: jmsa...@aol.com
Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2005 01:52:00 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: from jms re: tmos

The rule of thumb in Hollywood is that for every thousand scripts that get written, only a few dozen get into development, and out of those, only one will ever get made...if that.

A little over a year ago, I was approached by a company that wanted to make a Babylon 5 movie. They optioned the rights, and commissioned a script. (It's worth mentioning that I, not WB, own the rights to a B5 movie. When we were negotiating the original B5 deal -- by whose terms I will never see a dime in profit -- the one thing they did let me have were the movie rights, figuring they'd never be worth anything in the long run.)

Anyway...on December 27th of 2003, the script for "The Memory of Shadows" was turned in, and the process began of trying to make the deal work with all the various forces involved. It is, to say the least, a very difficult process on any movie where the studio does not directly take the financial reins. In terms of B5, Warner's position was esssentially, "We only do big-budget movies with big names, so you're on your own." If there were big-name movie actors in the film, they'd get behind it; without that, things become very problematic, especially as far as the financing was concerned. You much have to put together a consortium of international interests and business plans rivaled in complexity only by the Allied invasion of Normandy Beach.

Nonetheless, every attempt was made by the people involved to get this deal in place. This was not being done by Doug or myself, but rather by the company/individuals who approached us and optioned the rights. At times, it seemed we were inches away from a deal...stages were reserved at Elstree, actors were contacted, a director was in place, the script went through many revisions, a few key staff were hired, again not by me...it was really a year-long roller coaster ride. During that time, the people involved, with every good intention, tried very hard to pull the necessary pieces together on the deal. The option expired in late December 2004, but I renewed it without cost, to give those involved more time to try and make things work.

In the end, however, the deal could be put together, and it did not look as if that was going to change at any point in the foreseeable future. So the option has reverted, and to all intents and purposes, the project has dead ended. Nor do I think this particular incarnation will arise again at any point in the future, though prognostication has always been a tricky art, especially if you have to do it without the benefit of hindsight.

This was not the first time someone's taken a run at a B5 feature film, and it will not be the last. Eventually it will happen, because such things are simply inevitable. If they can do a Brady Bunch movie, you can be sure that sooner or later, somebody's going to do a B5 movie. The only thing I can say without equivocation is that when that day comes, as the rights-holder, I will make darned sure that it's done right, because I'd rather have no B5 movie than one that doesn't live up to what fans and I myself would want to see.

To that end...I can wait.

Anyway, just thought you should know the story.
jms

Stephen Austin Photo Album

To view the items up for action, go to www.ebay.com and search for mumyclub.

For those of you just coming to the site for the first time, this may be a shock, but Richard Biggs, the wonderful Dr. Stephen Franklin on Babylon 5, died on May 22 of an brain anyerism. There are many efforts underway to help with his two small children. Be sure to go to the Richard Biggs Memorial Page for more information.
A memorial fund has been set up for Richard's two small sons. Donations can be sent to:
For the benefit of the sons of Richard James Biggs II
Washington Mutual Bank
840 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502

A memorial event for Rick will take place on March 19 in North Hollywood -- go to the events calendar for more information.

REMEMBERING TIM CHOATE

Tim Choate, the wonderful Zathras on Babylon 5, was killed when he was struck by a car while going to a play rehearsal on his motorcycle. A memorial fund has been set up in lieu of flowers for Tim. The address for the memorial fund is:

The Tim Choate Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 861355
Los Angeles, CA 90086

Proceeds will be placed in an educational trust for Flynn, who is 4 years old.

Michael Beck - February 4
Ardwight Chamberlain - February 16
Karen Harrell - February 21
John Iacovelli - February 25
Bill Mumy - February 1
Matt Plummer - February 26
Majel Barrett Roddenberry - February 23
John Schuck - February 4, 1940
Myriam Sirois – February 2

Have I missed anyone? If you know the birthday of someone connected with Babylon 5, pass the information along. We want to include everyone in our Happy Birthday Wishes.

For those of you not familiar with CRUSADE, here is a synopsis of the plot:
In 2267 the Earth is quarantined, having been infected with a deadly plague by an attacking alien force. Scientists estimate that it will kill every inhabitant within 5 years, not nearly enough time for a cure to be developed. So the planet's only hope lies with the Excalibur, an advanced prototype starship sent out to search ancient alien ruins for their former inhabitant's secrets, hoping that somewhere out there a cure can be found.

For a review, go to Crusade Review.

THE JACKET:
Warner Bros. has sent along some trailers for your viewing pleasure for the upcoming film,THE JACKET. It stars Academy Award winner Adrien Brody, Kris Kristopherson and Kiera Knightly. Opening in theaters on March 4, you can find more information on The Jacket page here at The Zocalo Today, or at The Jacket website.

EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING
DEBUTS ON DVD & VHS MARCH 1, 2005
FROM WARNER HOME VIDEO

SYNOPSIS:
The place: Africa. The year: 1949. Father Merrin (Stellan Skarsgård), his faith shattered by World War II, journeys to Kenya to join an archaeological dig that has uncovered a Byzantine church mysteriously untouched by the ravages of time. But an even greater mystery awaits: an ancient and horrific evil is now awakened…and a soul-shattering death spree begins. Can Merrin summon the faith and courage to defeat humanity's oldest and most powerful foe?

DVD ELEMENTS

The DVD release of Exorcist: The Beginning will include these bonus features:
· Director Commentary with Renny Harlin
· Behind-the-scenes featurette.
· Theatrical trailer.

Check out all the information at The Exorcist.

Anxiously Awaited Second Season Available for the First Time Ever
on March 15, 2005 in an Exclusive Six-Disc Collector's DVD Set

La Femme Nikita: The Complete Second Season includes all 22 episodes from the second season and DVD special features including:

· Audio commentaries on two episodes by executive consultant Joel Surnow, director Jon Cassar and story editor Michael Loceff
· Deleted scenes from eight episodes (nearly 15 min.) with director's introduction
· Gag reel

Check out all the information at La Femme Nikita.

JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED: SAVING THE WORLD
The Battles are Unleashed on DVD February 15th from Warner Home Video

For more information on the upcoming DVD, go to Justice League page here at The Zocalo Today.

SEA LAB 2021
The crew of the classic 1972 series Sealab 2020 has been replaced with a gang of misfits unfit for public service. Their mission: to investigate underwater colonization. They are doing a very bad job. For more information on this cartoon series, go to http://www.adultswim.com/shows/. For video clips from Warner Bros., go to SeaLab 2021.

We have a lot of information on new WB DVDs. Visit our NEW DVD Page for press releases and video clips that may be of interest to you. Information includes KUNG FU, MI-5, Carnivale, Troy, The Matrix, and more.

Also be sure to visit to the Review Page for a review of the DVD sets.

Cult Times #114: DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES: Creator and executive producer Marc Cherry explains his plans for the show. Has Lionel Luther turned over a new leaf? Is he becoming Mr. Nice Guy? John Glover explains what's brought on this sudden change in outlook but also claims that his character still has a few dark secrets…

SMALLVILLE MAGAZINE 2005 YEARBOOK
Previews Exclusive Cover Edition! It's the second Smallville Yearbook! Another 100-page Smallville extravaganza with interviews with the cast and crew of the fantastic show! Plus: a complete episode guide; Alfred Gough and Miles Millar discuss the ongoing chronicles of the young Clark Kent; and an exploration of the history of the Kansas farm town! Available in Newsstand and Previews Exclusive cover editions!

Starburst #331: CONSTANTINE: Keanu Reeves talks about this adaptation of Satanic comic book Hellblazer. Stars Reeves and Djimon Hounsou and producer Lauren Shuler Donner talk about the project in an exclusive set visit. Also in this issue Gerry Anderson talks about his re-imaged Captain Scarlet with CGI for a new generation and former Battlestar Galactica Apollo Richard Hatch returns as a new character to his old intergalactic stomping ground. He talks about fans’ reactions and why he fell in love with the new vision of the series.

TV Zone Special #61: STARGATE SG-1 and ATLANTIS: The season finales! Here is your guide to Stargate SG-1 as the eighth season concludes. You'll find an overview the first episodes of 2005, complete with cast and crew interviews – and take a look at STARGATE ATLANTIS as it completes its first season.

Expose #92: HARRY POTTER: A Coming Attractions special, previewing the upcoming Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire film, complete with new photos! Also inside, Patricia Arquette talks about taking on the role of real-life psychic Allison DuBois in MEDIUM -- she tells us how a real person’s life story has been turned into a Fantasy series.

Cult Times Special #32: Looking back on 2004, and forward to 2005! This issue includes previews of Andromeda, Boston Legal, Charmed, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, Dead Like Me, Desperate Housewives, Joan of Arcadia, Las Vegas, Lost, Scrubs, Smallville, Star Trek: Enterprise and Without a Trace.

Starburst Special #66: In this issue, Mandy Patinkin talks about his role as Rube, the leader of the somewhat- less-than-grim band of Reapers from DEAD LIKE ME. Neil Gaiman, author of the SANDMAN stories turns director and talks about bringing his newest project, Death – The High Cost of Living to the big screen. And more from the land of the living, Atlantis star Rachel Luttrell tells us about developing her role as a feisty freedom fighter battling vampiric creatures in the new series.

Featuring never-before-seen stills and exclusive contributions from the cast and crew, The Creatures of Farscape takes readers behind-the-scenes of this acclaimed television series, revealing the secrets of the most advanced special effects yet created by the world-famous Jim Henson Company. (6337/1-903111-85-4)

WAR OF THE WORLDS
Best Sellers Illustrated will launch its line of graphic novels in May with an adaptation of the H.G. Wells science-fiction classic, THE WAR OF THE WORLDS. Vice-president Aron Kessler said, "Wells was far ahead of his time when The War of the Worlds was first published in book form in 1898. Not only was he a visionary, but he was also an astute social critic whose writings are as relevant today as they were over a century ago. For these reasons, we're able to remain true to the original story, while completely updating it for a modern audience."

The adaptation is written by Stephen Stern, writer/creator of the independent comic-book, Zen Intergalactic Ninja. "The War of the Worlds isn't just a great science-fiction novel; it's great literature," Stern said. "As always in modernizing a classic, the task is to remain faithful to the spirit of the source material while re-imagining it in a contemporary context. In this instance, I'm also shifting the locale from London and its environs to the New York metropolitan area. In light of recent history, this attack by the Martians takes on a chilling relevancy and poignancy." WAR OF THE WORLDS is illustrated by veteran Star Trek comic-book artist Arne Starr. The graphic novel will feature a cover by Frank Brunner.

The Many Faces of Van Helsing; edited by Jeanne Cavelos

Ace Books (Penguin Putnam Inc.); NYC; April, 2004; 400 pp.; trade paperback; $14.95 U.S. $22.50 Can. ISBN 0-441-01170-5

First introduced in Bram Stoker's immortal Dracula, Abraham Van Helsing became the ultimate adversary for the vampire--as enigmatic and complex as the fiend he so relentlessly pursued. Now, in this unique anthology of stories, masters of horror and fantasy each give the original vampire hunter his due as they reimagine the history and reinvent the adventures of a fascinating, mysterious, and unforgettable character who was the greatest foe of the most evil icon in literary history.

For more information on this book, go to Jeanne Cavelos' website. Jeanne is a wonderful author -- one that spent a good bit of time in the Babylon 5 universe. Her Techno-Mage series will be required reading for those just coming to the story with THE MEMORY OF SHADOWS.

To commemorate the 40th annivesary of LOST IN SPACE, Bubblehead Publishing, is set to release a 360-page, full-color graphic novel collecting and completing Bill Mumy's 12-part adventure LOST IN SPACE: VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SOUL, a story originally published in serialized form by Innovation Publishing in 1992-93 but left unfinished when the publisher went out of business.

Current plans call for Bubblehead to release the graphic novel in July at San Diego's Comic-Con International, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Lost in Space, the TV series, but advance pre-publication sales of the book will be available on the company's internet commerce site www.lisvoyage.com. .

Said Mumy: "I'm working with some great people on this project. I'm so glad the original team is back to finish "Voyage to the Bottom of the Soul" properly. For over ten years fans have been asking me how this huge story ended, wanting me to print the unpublished second half of the scripts alone, but I didn't want to diminish the piece that way. Michal's artwork looks great and I'm very excited about it. I've always been proud of this story. You don't have to be a fan of the old television show to get into this book but those who are will especially enjoy it. It really advances the classic arc of Lost in Space."

In this tale for the ages, written by Stupendous J. Michael Straczynski and penciled by Magnificent Mike Deodato, Peter and the family are forced to deal with the radical changes in their lives. Straight from the pages of the New Avengers. Part 2 of 5.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on May 25.

STRANGE #6
Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Samm Barnes, art and cover Brandon Peterson.

On their journey to discover Blackthroat, Marco and Director Joel Cameron's crew end up on a dark island in the heart of the Bermuda Triangle. Plotting to fuel Marco's thirst for revenge, Cameron hatches a trap with Jeanine's life in the balance. As the small crew turns on one another they soon learn that this island is not as deserted as it seems; it is home to an ancient clan of vampires whose dark secret has ramifications for all of humanity.

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on May 18.

FANTASTIC FOUR #527
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Mike McKone.

"Distant Music." A new arc begins here. Just in time for movie season, new ongoing creative team J. Michael Straczynski and Mike McKone unite their talents to chart a new course for the world's greatest comic magazine! First up: an intriguing offer for a conflicted Reed, and a windfall for Ben.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on May 25.

AMAZING FANTASY #8
Written by Fred Van Lenet, art by Leonard Kirk, cover by James Jean.

"Motherless Country," part 2 of 5. The all-new Scorpion follows the only clue to her dark past halfway around the world to exotic Madripoor-- and smack-dab into trouble with the local Triad crime lords! Will her first mission for S.H.I.E.L.D. be her last?

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on May 4.

ARANA: THE HEART OF THE SPIDER #5
Written by Fiona Avery, art by Roger Cruz, cover by Mark Brooks.

Her teammate's at Death's Door, her nemesis wants a showdown, and her best friend is falling for the wrong boy -­ if this is Anya's destiny, then she¹s taking it back to the store! But rejecting her fate might only make matters worse for Anya -- and better for the perfectly evil Sisterhood of the Wasp!

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on May 25.

AMAZING SPIDERMAN #517
Amazing Spider-Man #517 will arrive in stores on Feb. 23 from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by J. Michael Straczynski, with art by Mike Deodato Jr. and Mark Brooks, with a cover by Gary Frank.

Here's how Marvel describes the book:
"'Skin Deep,' part 3 of 4. When a former classmate of Peter Parker's is caught in a horrific experiment, he blames Peter for the resulting transformation... But is Peter to blame? And how will Peter react when someone targets his personal life instead of Spider-Man¹s life, for a change?"

Amazing Spider-Man #517 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25

JMS COMIC BOOKS: For a listing of current comic books written by J. Michael Straczynski, go to COMIC BOOK page. There is a brief synopsis of the book and a date when publication is expected.

STARGATE ATLANTIS:
03/04/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS LETTERS FROM PEGASUS
03/04/2005 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS LETTERS FROM PEGASUS
03/11/2005 09:30 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS THE GIFT
03/11/2005 01:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS THE GIFT
03/18/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS THE SIEGE - PART 1
03/18/2005 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS THE SIEGE - PART 1
03/25/2005 09:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS THE SIEGE - PART 2
03/25/2005 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS THE SIEGE - PART 2

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA:
02/28/2005 10:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA FLESH AND BONE
03/04/2005 10:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA TIGH ME UP, TIGH ME DOWN
03/04/2005 01:00 AM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA TIGH ME UP, TIGH ME DOWN
03/06/2005 05:30 AM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CABLE IN THE CLASSRO PROPAGANDA & WAR
03/07/2005 11:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA TIGH ME UP, TIGH ME DOWN
03/11/2005 10:30 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA HAND OF GOD
03/11/2005 02:00 AM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA HAND OF GOD
03/13/2005 05:30 AM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CABLE IN THE CLASSRO PROPAGANDA & WAR
03/14/2005 11:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA HAND OF GOD
03/18/2005 10:00 PM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA COLONIAL DAY
03/18/2005 01:00 AM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA COLONIAL DAY

FARSCAPE SCHEDULE:
02/28/2005 08:00 AM FARSCAPE DNA MAD SCIENTIST
02/28/2005 09:00 AM FARSCAPE THEY'VE GOT A SECRET
02/28/2005 10:00 AM FARSCAPE TILL THE BLOOD RUNS CLEAR
02/28/2005 11:00 AM FARSCAPE RHAPSODY IN BLUE
02/28/2005 12:00 PM FARSCAPE THE FLAX
02/28/2005 01:00 PM FARSCAPE JEREMIAH CRICHTON
02/28/2005 02:00 PM FARSCAPE DURKA RETURNS
02/28/2005 03:00 PM FARSCAPE A HUMAN REACTION

Tye Bourdony's latest Lighter Side of Sci-Fi satire can be seen here and at Tye's website www.thelightersideofscifi.com.

Appearing at the afternoon signing - 12:30 to 4:00pm:
Babylon 5 cast members: Andreas Katsulas, Pat Tallman, Bill Mumy, Jason Carter, Ed Wasser, Stephen Austin, Bruce Boxleitner, Jerry Doyle, Melissa Gilbert, Julie Caitlin Brown, Tracy Scoggins
Matthew Ashford (Days of our Lives)
Lisa Howard (Earth Final Conflict, Highlander)
Michael T. Weiss (The Pretender)

Place: The event will be held at the Beverly Garland Hotel, 4222 Vineland Ave., N. Hollywood, CA 91602. The schedule is as follows:
10am to 12pm
Celebrity - Buffet Breakfast
(Including made-to-order omelets)

12:30pm to 4pm
Autograph* Signings

All Proceeds to the family of Richard Biggs. To purchase tickets: Pay $100 for each breakfast ticket; $25 for each afternoon autograph session. If both events are purchased the total cost is reduced to $115, a $10 savings. Visit PayPal and enter email address Blkcat1067@ aol.com. When paying be sure to enter email address so that we can send the ticket back.

For mailing checks, make checks payable to: Richard Biggs Memorial Show
1052 W. Alameda Avenue #350; Burbank, CA 91506

* Celebrities appear subject to work commitments. A charge will be made for autographs. ALL proceeds to the family of Richard Biggs.

CONVENTION CALENDAR

For more information, visit the website at http://www.richardbiggs.com.

Just an FYI to those who've been using the Ventura Blvd. mail drop for fan mail to actors....

As mentioned before, we're phasing out the forwarding of fan mail because we a) don't have the resources, complicated by b) the actors have scattered to the four winds, and it makes it very difficult to get everything to everybody in a timely fashion.

So, having provided prior notice...fan mail to actors coming to the Ventura Blvd. mail drop will be sent back. Mail to actors should be sent via their official fan clubs. I will still be taking mail there, since it's my mailbox, but that's it.

Just so's y'all know and save a few bucks on postage and returns.

WARNER BROS:

Phone: 818.954.3000
Fax: 818.954.7829
E-mail: wbsf@warnerbros.com
Hours: M-F, 9A to 6P PST
Address: 4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522

PRODUCTION SUPPORT SERVICES
Dominick Bruno
Phone: 818.954.5690
wbsfproperty@warnerbros.com

Warner Home Video:

Mr. Douglas Wadleigh
VP for Marketing and Special Features
Warner Bros.
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522

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