TODAY'S NEWS

Friday, September 3, 2004:
TOP SF NETWORK SHOWS:
Smallville 2.2
Charmed 1.4
Enterprise 0.9
Source: Nielsen Galaxy Report, 8/9/04 - 8/15/04.

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THE SCI FI CHANNEL: It has been a banner summer for the SCI FI Channel. Bolstered by the STARGATE franchise, the network had its June-August ratings ever. STARGATE ATLANTIS, which airs its summer finale on Sept. 17, has been the number one Friday-night entertainment program (non-sports) on both cable and broadcast with males aged 18-49 since its July 16 premiere. STARGATE ATLANTIS has averaged a 2.4 household rating (3.1 million viewers) since its premiere. STARGATE SG-1, meanwhile, has averaged a 2.1 household rating (2.7 million viewers) since its eighth-season premiere on July 9, a 31 percent increase in household ratings and more than a 50 percent jump in viewers, compared with its averages last summer. Overall, SCI FI delivered a record-breaking 1.1 household rating for June-August, with double-digit increases in prime-time ratings (more than 10 percent, to 1.1) and viewership (more than 17 percent, to 1.2 million) over last summer. SCI FI ranks ninth among all non-news, ad-supported entertainment cable networks for the same period. August ranked as the channel's highest-rated August ever (1.1) and a more than 16 percent increase in viewership over August 2003 (1.2 million vs. 1.1 million).

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LARA CROFT: While out promoting her latest film, SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW, Angelina Jolie said that she won't play adventurer Lara Croft, video-game-inspired archaeologist, in any more Tomb Raider films. "No, I don't think so," Jolie said. "I mean, I loved doing them," she said. "And I learned from them. I had a great time. And I think I did them. So I tend to not want to [do another one]." But that doesn't mean Jolie is through with action-adventure franchise films. Her dream role? "I guess, because I grew up [here], maybe secretly, deep down, I've always wanted to be a Bond villain," she said with a laugh, referring to the venerable James Bond franchise. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, in which Jolie plays a one-eyed aviatrix named Franky Cook, opens Sept. 17.

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MEM-OR-E: According to Variety, Dennis Hopper has signed on to star in the independent SF movie MEM-O-RE for 3210 Films. Hopper will play a retired doctor and the colleague of a medical researcher who taps into the genetically stored memories of a killer. The movie will start shooting February in Vancouver, B.C. 3210's writer/director Bennett Davlin will direct the film, which is being produced by Jesse Newhouse and Anthony Badalucco. Brandon Hogan and Robert J. Monroe will executive produce.

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SMALLVILLE: When SMALLVILLE comes to the ABC Family channel, it will get a huge kick off. The cable network will show six episodes back-to-back at 2 p.m. (ET/PT) on Saturday, Oct. 2 and follow that with Smallville Backstage Special at 8 p.m. The Smallville Backstage Special will feature Tom Welling (Clark Kent), Kristin Kreuk (Lana Lang), John Schneider (Jonathan Kent), Annette O'Toole (Martha Kent), Allison Mack (Chloe) and John Glover (Lionel Luther), and be filmed on the Kent farm, taking viewers to one of the key locations of the Smallville series. The cast will recount their experiences during the past three seasons and discuss their favorite episodes and humorous moments on the set. The special will be hosted by Brooke Burke. It is scheduled to tape on Saturday, Sept. 18.

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HIGHLANDER: HIGHLANDER is coming back -- as an animated feature. Set for release in spring 2006, Davis-Panzer Prods. and Imagi Intl. are developing the project, which will be animated through Madhouse of Japan ("Tokyo Godfathers"). David Abramowitz, who was head writer on the "Highlander" TV series, will pen the screenplay.

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TOUCHED: Jenna Elfman and Samantha Mathis are shooting the romantic drama TOUCHED for first-time writer-director Timothy Scott Bogart. TOUCHED is the story of a man who wakes from a coma without his sense of touch and the nurse who helps save him. The picture also stars Randall Batinkoff, Bruce Davison and Sam Anderson.

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AEON FLUX: Actress Charlize Theron was injured Wednesday on the set of AEON FLUX from Paramount Pictures/MTV Films. Production was forced production to shut down on the sci-fi actioner for an indefinite number of weeks. Theron was injured while doing her own stunt in wire-hanging action. No specifics were given regarding her injuries.

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Thursday, September 2, 2004:
TOP SF DVD SALES:
1. The Passion of the Christ
2. Star Wars trilogy
3. Star Trek TOS season one
4. Buffy season seven
5. The Prisoner of Azkaban
6. Angel season four
7. Alias season three
8. Shrek 2
9. Futurama volume four
10. Aladdin special edition
Source: Amazon.com, top-selling genre DVDs, 8/30/04

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MUTANT X: Just when you thought the seried had been cancelled because no new episodes are being produced, Comics Continuum reports that Tribune Entertainment has revealed its plans for a fourth season of the syndicated series. Fifty-two different repeat episodes from the three previous seasons of the show will air weekly starting the week of Sept. 29. Fourteen episodes will air from the first season, 19 episodes will air from the second season and 19 episodes will air from the third season. While it is extremely doubtful the show will return with new episodes, there are rumors of a two-hour television movie that would wrap up storylines from the third season's cliffhanger.

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THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES: The Hollywood Reporter reports that Brent Forrester has been hired to adapt THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES for Nickelodeon Movies, Atmosphere Entertainment MM and the Gotham Group. The best-selling children's book series details the adventures of the Grace children - a 13-year-old girl and 9-year-old twin brothers - who move into a dilapidated estate with their mother. They quickly find themselves sucked into a world of goblins, griffins, fairies, trolls and other magical creatures.

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RED EYE: According to Variety, chel McAdams and Cillian Murphy have won the leads in DreamWorks' thriller Red Eye, which Wes Craven is directing. Shooting starts November 8 in Los Angeles, with a tentative late spring release date. The film, written by Carl Ellsworth, is about a woman (McAdams) who is held captive on an airplane by a stranger (Murphy) who threatens to kill her father unless she helps him arrange the assassination of a wealthy businessman. Murphy starred in Miramax's Cold Mountain and Lions Gate Films' Girl With a Pearl Earring. He recently wrapped Batman Begins for Warner Bros.

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Wednesday, September 1, 2004:
TOP 10 SF SYNDICATED SHOWS:
Stargate SG-1 1.6
The X-Files 1.5
Andromeda 1.4
Angel 1.3
Buffy 1.3
Mutant X 1.3
3rd Rock 1.2
Beastmaster 1.2
The Outer Limits 1.2
Ripley's 1.0
Source: Nielsen Galaxy Report, 8/9/04 - 8/15/04

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JEREMIAH: The Showtime newsletter arrived this morning -- announcing that JEREMIAH is finally coming! Two episodes will air during September, one at 8:00pm; the other at 9:00pm.

Crossing Jordan
New Episode: Friday, September 3 at 8pm ET/PT
Teleplay By: J. Michael Straczynski
Directed By: Mario Azzopardi
Summary: Thunder Mountain is bringing new towns into the Alliance, drawing Daniel's attention and bringing Mister Smith a vision too awful to contemplate.

Running On Empty
New Episode: Friday, September 3 at 9pm ET/PT
Teleplay By: J. Michael Straczynski
Directed By: Martin Wood
Summary: Wanting to savor his dish of vengeance while it's hot, Jeremiah joins Markus and Kurdy in a sting to smoke out Daniel's raiders. In Milhaven, Mister Smith gives Erin a disquieting message from God.

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JAMES DOOHAN: The Hollywood Reporter reports that James Doohan was beaming Tuesday as a crowd gathered th honor him and his work as the intrepid engineer, Montgomery Scott on the original STAR TREK series. Doohan grinned and waved to fans as he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was expected to be the last public appearance of the 84-year-old performer, who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and also suffers from Parkinson's disease, diabetes and lung fibrosis. The ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard was the culmination of several days of farewell activities that brought Doohan back into contact with many of this longtime "Trek" fans. George Takei, who played Sulu on "Star Trek," told the crowd: "This is a galactic day in this town full of stars. We've gathered from throughout this planet to say congratulations to you, Jimmy," Takei said. "We love you and we thank you for your luminous talent. We thank you for the gift you have given us of that unforgettable character, that ingenuous and beloved engineer that was able to fix anything." Other "Star Trek" cast members to attend were Nichelle Nichols, who was Uhura on the series, and Walter Koenig, who played Chekov. Doohan did not speak to the crowd, but he waved and posed for photos before leaving with his family.

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CHARMED: The TV Guide Online reports that Kerr Smith (Dawson's Creek) will join the cast of CHARMED as the love interest of leading lady Rose McGowan. Smith's character is described as a Homeland Security agent who believes in the supernatural.

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PASSION OF THE CHRIST: The Hollywood Reporter indicates that Mel Gibson's THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST sold nearly 2.5 million DVD and VHS units to consumers during its first 12 hours on retail shelves Tuesday. 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment executives who are closely following retail trends surrounding the faith-based title said that most consumers are buying multiple copies, with the average being 1.8 copies. That initial 12-hour sales figure puts "The Passion" on pace to possibly meet initial sales records for the home video industry held by the likes of DreamWorks Home Entertainment's animated "Shrek" and the Disney/Pixar animated feature "Finding Nemo," both of which topped 6 million DVD units sold through to consumers during their first three days in release.

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Tuesday, August 31, 2004:
BEST SELLING SF BOOKS:
1. The Da Vinci Code
2. Angels & Demons
3. The Dark Tower (Dark Tower 7)
4. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
5. The Grim Grotto (Lemony Snicket 11)
6. The Time Traveler's Wife
7. Tanequil (Shannara)
8. The Battle of Corrin (Legends of Dune 3)
9. Song of Susannah (Dark Tower 6)
10. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Source: Amazon.com, 8/30/04

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HARRY POTTER: Even as the latest HARRY POTTER film is being produced, a director for the next installment, ORDER OF THE PHOENIX is being courted. According to a recent interview, MONSOON WEDDING director Mira Nair has been asked to direct the fifth HARRY POTTER film. "I'm getting offers to direct HARRY POTTER: THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX. I read it over the weekend. I'm still deciding... I'm not letting all this go to my head. I'm grounded." Nair, whose son is a fan of the movies and has watched all three with him, is deciding whether she'll accept the job or not. Her latest film is VANITY FAIR, based on William Makepeace Thackeray's novel of the same name, is scheduled to open in theaters this week.

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WAR OF THE WORLDS: According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dakota Fanning has closed a deal to join Tom Cruise in Steven Spielberg's WAR OF THE WORLDS, a DreamWorks-Paramount Pictures co-production. The deal continues a streak of projects for the actress. She is prepping for her role opposite Kurt Russell in DreamWorks' DREAMER for helmer John Gatins, and she is attached to play Alice in live action adaptations of "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass," which Les Bohem is scripting for DreamWorks. Even though the young actress has already worked with Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington and Sean Penn, WAR marks Fanning's highest-profile gig, since it will team her with both Spielberg and Cruise. Fanning acted in the Spielberg-created Sci-Fi Channel series "Taken" but did not meet the Oscar-winning helmer during that shoot.

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JAMES DOOHAN: Today Scotty (James Doohan from the original Star Trek series) gets a star on the Walk of Fame. Over the weekend, there was a convention in his honor and you can read more about it by following this link http://trekweb.com/articles/2004/08/30/4132b1f77b370.shtml.

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SMALLVILLE: Season Three of SMALLVILLE is set for release in the US on November 16. The set will include 22 episodes, from "Exile" through "Covenant." The second "series" of the Chloe Chronicles will likely be on the set; and we can hope that the Verizon Wireless promos that ran online previous to the season will be included as well. There will be at least three commentaries in the DVD set, including the following three episodes:
"Exile" - features executive producers Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Greg Beeman, and Ken Horton with Lex himself, Michael Rosenbaum.
"Memoria" - features executive producers Alfred Gough, Miles Miller, Greg Beeman, and Ken Horton with Michael Rosenbaum (Millar also directed the episode)
"Truth" - features director James Marshall, Allison Mack (Chloe), and John Glover (Lionel)

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STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE: As the new season approaches, more information is coming out regarding the premiere. "Storm Front," the upcoming fourth-season premiere of STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE, will resolve the cliffhanger of last season's finale. It features guest stars Golden Brooks (UPN's Girlfriends) and Joe Maruzzo and Steven R. Schirripa (The Sopranos). The date is set for Oct. 8 in the show's new Friday 8 p.m. ET/PT timeslot. Here is the synopsis provided by UPN: (spoiler warning!)
Capt. Archer (Scott Bakula) awakes after having survived the destruction of the Xindi superweapon to find himself back on Earth in the 1940s in the custody of Nazi-uniformed aliens and SS agents. The aliens have helped Germany invade the United States. When Archer breaks free, he joins forces with American resistance fighters Alicia Travers (Brooks), Sal (Maruzzo) and Carmine (Schirripa) to stop the aliens from destroying America and the future. Meanwhile, believing Archer is dead, T'Pol (Jolene Blalock) and the battle-weary Enterprise crew try to figure out how to return to their own time. A near-dead crewman Daniels (Matt Winston) appears and tells them that the only way to return to the 22nd century is to stop the Nazi aliens. Allan Kroeker directed the episode, from a script by the show's new show runner, Manny Coto.

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Monday, August 30, 2004:
TOP SCIFI CHANNEL SHOWS:
Stargate Atlantis 1.9
Stargate SG-1 1.8
Jurassic Park 1.6
Tremors 4 1.0
Crocodile 2 1.0
Snakehead Terror 1.0
Code Red: Rubicon 0.9
Octopus 2 0.8
Octopus 0.8
Kull 0.8
Source: Nielsen Galaxy Report, 8/9/04 - 8/15/04.

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WEEKEND BOX OFFICE: Miramax's HERO made a very strong late summer charge, taking the #1 spot at the box office this weekend with an estimated $17.8 million in receipts. The debut for the Jet Li starrer, from writer- director Zhang Yimou, was the second-biggest opening of all time for a foreign-language film after Newmarket's "The Passion of the Christ." The second spot went to Screen Gem's "Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid." The relatively low-budget sequel from director Dwight Little wrapped up an estimated $13.2 million in its debut, in the area expected and slightly less than the $16.6 million of the original film. This weekend's only other wide releases were Paramount's SUSPECT ZERO and Sony's SUPERBABIES: BABY GENIUSES 2 from Triumph -- both films opened unspectacularly to less than $4 million each. SUSPECT, a crime thriller starring Ben Kingsley, Aaron Eckhart and Carrie-Anne Moss and directed by Elias Merhige, which cost less than $10 million, was in the 10th spot with an estimated $3.4 million. While "Superbabies," a family-aimed comedy helmed by Bob Clark, that also carried a low budget, placed 11th with an estimated $3.3 million. Here are the estimates:
1. "Hero" $17.8m - $17.8m
2. "Anacondas" $13.2m - $13.2m
3. "Without a Paddle" $8.7m - $27.9m
4. "Princess Diaries 2" $8.1m - $75.1m
5. "Exorcist: The Beginning" $6.7m - $30.8m
6. "Collateral" $6.3m - $80.0m
7. "Open Water" $5.0m - $23.5m
8. "Alien vs. Predator" $4.8m - $72.1m
9. "The Bourne Supremacy" $4.6m - $157.7m
10. "Suspect Zero" $3.4m - $3.4m

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LAND OF THE DEAD: This weekend, Tom Savini said he is in talks for a role in George Romero's LAND OF THE DEAD. Scheduled to begin shooting this October, the story has the zombies taken over the world and those left alive are confined to a walled-in city that keeps out the corpse corps. Anarchy rules the streets, with the wealthy insulated and living in fortified skyscrapers. The drama revolves around a group of scavengers who must thwart an attempt to overthrow the city while the dead are evolving from brainless slow-moving creatures into more advanced creatures. Savini is in talks to play one of the leaders of a salvage team that goes out to search for supplies and/or survivors, says the site. Romero is also eyeing Asia Argento (XXX) for a role in the movie.

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Sunday, August 29, 2004:
DR. STRANGE: JMS writes to tell us that you can read the complete first issue of the new Doctor Strange series at:
http://www.milehighcomics.com/firstlook/marvel/strange1/

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SMALLVILLE: The much anticipated role of THE FLASH has been cast for the upcoming fourth season of SMALLVILLE. Kyle Gallner has won the role as DC Comics speedster Bart Allen for an upcoming episode of SMALLVILLE, tentatively titled "Run". It will likely be the fifth episode of the fourth season. Gallner's film credits including Finding Home, Red Betsy and Wet Hot American Summer. He had done guest roles on television series The District, Touched by an Angel, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Third Watch.

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HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE: The production of the latest HARRY POTTER movie is on the road this week. The Sunday Mail reports that the HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLEM OF FIRE production is headed to Fort William, Scotland this week. According to the trade, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint will be in Glen Nevis to shoot scenes for the fourth "Harry Potter" movie at the 400 feet Steall Falls, where the friends will fight a computer-enhanced fire-breathing dragon.

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THE INCREDIBLES: Here's the trailers you have been waiting for -- THE INCREDIBLES! These trailers will be hitting theaters on November 5th. Go to http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/incredibles/intro.html for trailers. Below are details about the movie.
Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, Sarah Vowell, Brad Bird
Plot Summary: From the Academy Award-winning creators of "Toy Story," "Monsters, Inc." and "Finding Nemo," comes this hilarious action-packed animated adventure about superheroes. Bob Parr used to be one of the world's greatest superheroes (known to all as "Mr. Incredible"), saving lives and fighting evil on a daily basis. But now fifteen years later, Bob and his wife (a famous superhero in her own right) have adopted civilian identities and retreated to the suburbs to live normal lives with their three kids. Now he's a clock-punching insurance claims adjuster fighting boredom and a bulging waistline. Itching to get back into action, Bob gets his chance when a mysterious communication summons him to a remote island for a top-secret assignment. Pixar Animation Studios stretches the boundaries of the art form with this stylish and entertaining film. Acclaimed filmmaker Brad Bird ("The Iron Giant") directs.

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Just some quick, minor updates....

In the comics world...Supreme Power 12 came out last week, and the next Amazing Spider-Man comes out this week, and I'm very happy with how both of them came out. It's a good time to jump on board.

I was recently in NYC for a big retreat/conference with Marvel about upcoming projects, and while there are several I can't talk about yet, one thing I can mention is that I'll be doing a Silver Surfer miniseries that should shake people up a bit.

There's also going to be something very weird and funny coming from Marvel soon, which will give them cause to never, ever invite me to one of these things ever again.

Also, the first of the last three Rising Stars issues comes out next month as well as the co-written first issue of the Doctor Strange miniseries.

On the TV front, I have final confirmation that the last batch of Jeremiah episodes will be airing on the regular Showtime channels starting September 3rd. The episodes are:

Sept 3: Crossing Jordan and Running On Empty
Sept 10:: The Question and The Past Is Prologue
Sept 17: The Face In The Mirror and State Of The Union
Sept 24: Interregnum (Parts 1 and 2)

All of them are really strong episodes, and I'm glad to see them finally being aired.

You can get the Showtime schedule at: http://www.sho.com/site/jeremiah/episodes.do

Pending contractual negotiations and formal pickup by the networks involved, I've been offered two different series, so we'll see which goes first. They could both be very cool to work on, but one of them could be insanely successful. I should know more about this situation in late October. (Neither is Trek-related, just to nip any potential rumors in the bud.)

Starting sometime in October, in an unrelated project, our friends in Britain can expect to see me hanging about on-and-off in the general vicinity of London. Just, y'know, workin', doin' stuff.

I've also tentatively agreed (pending working out some details) to appear at FedCon in Bonn, Germany in May of next year. In an unrelated story, my radio series, The City of Dreams, will also apparently be airing soon on German radio. For those of you who can speak the langauge, you can get more information at http://www.sf-radio.net/radio/spezial/ .

The next of my novels to be reprinted from ibooks/Simon and Schuster is Tribulations, due out in December, which can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0743497856/qid=1093312226/s r=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-9872970-8247801?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Volume 2 of the Supreme Power collection, also due out in December, can be pre-ordered at
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0785114564/qid=1093312293/sr =8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-9872970-8247801?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Buddy the Miracle Cat (or Buddy TMC as he is known to his hip-hop friends) celebrated his first re-birthday last month, and has decided that he wants to be a shark instead of a cat. There's clear plastic covering one of the floors while work is being done, and he loves nothing more than to get under the plastic (lots of holes for air, don't worry) and circle around me like a shark, over and over. It's all he wants to do anymore.

Oh, and in the next week or so I should be turning in the next-to-final draft of the TMoS screenplay.

JMS

Today, Warner Bros Home Video releases the "Babylon 5: The Movies," on DVD. This 5 disc set will contain all 5 movies as well as special features. The set will carry a $59.98 SRP and will be available in stores and online August 17th. "The Gathering" will be presented in 4:3 (original aspect ratio) while the other movies will be 16:9 anamorphic widescreen; all movies will feature Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. The sets will be closed captioned and be subtitled in English, Spanish and French.

Each movie will contain commentary from the creator (J. Michael Straczynski), cast and crew, as well as an introduction for each movie by JMS. Rounding out the special features is the featurette, "Creating the Future - How Science Fiction and the show influenced each other."

The Gathering (1993): Alien envoys come to the giant space station in the pilot that launched the five-year TV series.

In the Beginning (1998): The B5 prequel! It's humans vs. aliens in the battle that led to the station's creation.

Thirdspace (1998): Is there a realm beyond hyperspace? Discovery of a million-years-old gateway technology may hold the answer...and more.

River of Souls (1998): After death, then what? Questions of eternity arise when a supposedly infallible harvester of souls proves to be very fallible.

A Call to Arms (1999): The torch is passed. A race against time to save Earth links the B5 mission with the Rangers' new interstellar efforts.

For more information on Babylon 5 DVDs, go to Babylon 5 DVDs.

The latest phase of my fund raising for Richard Biggs children is ready to unveil. So many people have donated so many wonderful things that I've put together six Prize Packages that I'll be raffling off. Simon from www.starstuff.co.uk/ has put up a *really* nice website at http://rbiggsmemorial.starstuff.co.uk so that anybody anywhere can buy chances to win the prize packages I've put together.

The drawing will be held on November 15 which should give me time to get items to the winners in time for Christmas.

I'll be selling chances in person at DragonCon and chances can be purchased online at http://rbiggsmemorial.starstuff.co.uk/ .

Chances will be priced $5 each, 3 chances for $10, 6 chances for $20 or 10 chances for $30. Each chance can be designated for whichever drawing the buyer wants.

Prize Packages:

#1- 'From the Set I' to include David Gerrold's own "Believers" script autographed by the author, cast and director; a set dressing cocktail napkin; a piece of Crusade stationery.

#2 - 'From the Set II' to include set-used blueprints from episode #312-'A Late Delivery from Avalon'; a set-used thieves knife from Crusade/A Call to Arms; a piece of Babylon 5 stationery.

#3 - 'The Lighter Side' to include the 'bird' picture of the cast with some autographs; Babylon Park video and T-shirt; a selection of satire prints by Tye Bourdenay, signed by the artist.

#4 - 'Art of B5' to include a painted portrait of Dr. Franklin, a limited edition print of Londo & G'Kar; the 'War Without End' lithograph from Lightspeed Fine Arts.

#5 - 'Autographs' - a collection of pictures and cards autographed by major players (JMS) to minor players (Security Guard #1) - 28 autographs in all.

#6 - 'Models, Cards & Games' to include a Special Edition Starfury model kit, a Babylon 5 Station model kit, several CCG and trading card sets and a Babylon 5 Board Game.

There will probably be more auctions later on, too as even with all this great stuff, I've still got items from people who've donated them.

Many thanks to one and all.
Jan

SEASON SIX DVD

Special features include audio commentary for each episode and twelve "SG-1 Directors Series" featurettes!

Patricia Tallman is looking for any recordings of her speaking appearances at conventions. She will reimburse anyone who can send in a video or DVD of Pat telling stories at a convention. She will also send along a new autographed photo (one that no one has yet) and will pay postage and the cost of the vide tape. Here is an address you can use to contact Pat:
Patricia Tallman
6433 Topanga Canyon Blvd. #207
Canoga Park, CA 91303

For more information, go to http://www.cruiseevents.net/celebrity.htm and then press Peter's photo. Space is limited! Don't delay, call today! 800-695- 5253 or e-mail: Susan@CruiseEvents.net.

JERRY DOYLE RADIO SHOW

All the best.
JD

Pat Tallman - September 4
Cinzia Zanetti - September 5
Robin Atkin Downes - September 6
Mira Furlan - September 7
Walter Koenig - September 14
Paul Williams - September 19
Robert Rusler - September 20
Gary Cole - September 20
Bear Burge - September 23
Jason Carter - September 23
Manny Case - September 23

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.

Cult Times #108: SMALLVILLE: Jeph Loeb talks about the upcoing fourth season of SMALLVILLE. With the upcoming premiere of FARSCAPE: PEACKEEPER WARS, star Ben Browder chats about returning to FARSCAPE. Producers Robert C. Cooper and Andy Mikita talk about the changes ahead for the eighth season of STARGATE SG-1.

Time Zone Special #180: STARGATE ATLANTIS: In this 100 page issue, you'll have a chance to learn more about Joe Flanigan, who steps into the role of Major John Sheppard on STARGATE ATLANTIS. Emmy award-winning special effects/prosthetics artist and guru Todd Masters takes us to the strange and unusual worlds of ATLANTIS, and the new deadly aliens found there. Also in this issue, a photo report from the production at the BBC of DOCTOR WHO.

NEWSSTAND COVER..........$5.99
PREVIEWS EXCLUSIVE COVER..........$5.99

Stargate Issue #1: This is the launch of Stargate SG-1 the official magazine! Follow the missions, exploits, and adventures of the U.S. Air Force special operations team SG-1. In the first issue we'll have exclusive interviews with cast and crew, tour the set, and learn the secrets behind the special effects! Plus, get the inside story on Season 8 and meet the Stargate: Atlantis team! (Titan) (CAUT: 4)

Magazine, 68pgs, FC..........$6.99

Doctor Who Magazine reaches its 350th issue, and celebrates with a free reprint of "Doctor Who Weekly" issue #1 from 1979! The magazine is still the only official source for news, features, interviews and full-color comic strip action devoted to BBC Television's immortal traveller in time and space ... In this issue, all the latest from the new BBC One series, with exclusive reports and interviews! Meanwhile, Alan Barnes takes a look back to the story that was shown exactly 25 years ago, as The Fact of Fiction examines "City of Death"! Doctor Who Magazine speaks to the writers of the new series about the task of reinventing the Doctor for the 21st century! Gareth Roberts and Tat Wood return with the answers to more intriguing Doctor Who mysteries! The Time Team continue their quest to watch every single "Doctor Who" adventure, as they face "The Seeds of Doom"! There's yet more hints and news from Executive Producer Russell T Davies as he documents the making of the new series in his "Production Notes" column! And there's the fifth part of the epic comic strip, "The Flood" by Scott Gray, Martin Geraghty, and Adrian Salmon! (Panini Publishing Ltd) (CAUT: 4)

Magazine, FC..........$6.80

Starburst #314: Alien vs. Predator -- DEATHMATCH! The fight of the Century! Alien vs Predator brings two of cinema’s greatest killers together in a fight to the death, and we have got you a ringside seat with this issue. Revisit the previous sightings of the Alien, from egg to resurrection. Catch up with Lance Henriksen as he uncovers the origins of the Bishop android (and a few unpleasant things) in AvP. Also inside, talk with Jonathan Frakes about THUNDERBIRDS and Ron Perlman talks about his HELLBOY character.

Expose #88: In this issue, HARRY POTTER, Daniel Radcliffe, talks about working with new directors and growing up as he looks ahead to The Prisoner of Azkaban, and beyond. Also, Ian Spelling catches up with Hagrid, alias Robbie Coltrane.

TV Zone Special #58: You will get a guide to the first part of Stargate SG-1’s eighth season, complete with cast and crew interviews – and a look at the making of the new spin-off series Stargate Atlantis. Also Battlestar Galactica 2004 -- Commander William Adama, Edward James Olmos, takes the battle to the Cylons – and deals with family issues – in the continuing revival of the classic Sci-Fi show.

Expose Special #26: This 88-page Special edition brings you a comprehensive retrospective of ANGEL's five years on the air. THE DEAD ZONE's Sarah Wynter talks about playing the newest addition to the spooky paranormal series, psychologist Rebecca Caldwell, and tells us what’s in store for the character and ALIAS' Alias executive producer Jesse Alexander tells us what shifting allegiances and convoluted plotting we can expect to see in the forthcoming Season Four of the hit spy series.

Mark's Ebay page is http://stores.ebay.com/markscelebrityinterviews and his text page is http://members.tripod.com/cosmicmc/. If you are interested, drop over and give this a look-see.

For those of us who have enjoyed going to DragonCon over the last few years, these tapes will be especially enjoyable. They will bring back memories -- that can be shared.

The book's author is Paul Simpson, with a foreword by executive producers Al Gough and Miles Millar.

The Season 2 Companion will be released in early 2005, with Seasons 3 and 4 to follow before the end of the year.

Other science fiction material, outside of the B5 environment can be found on the Materials Page.

Saw this in the B5 moderated newsgroup and thought I would pass it along:
http://previews.diamondcomics.com/support/previews_docs/orderforms/cof.txt

In The October 2004 Solicitations...
AUG04 1597 RISING STARS #1/2 (O/A) $2.95 = $
AUG04 1598 RISING STARS #10 (O/A) $2.50 = $
AUG04 1599 RISING STARS #12 (O/A) $2.50 = $
AUG04 1600 RISING STARS #13 (O/A) $2.50 = $
AUG04 1601 RISING STARS #14 (O/A) $2.50 = $
AUG04 1602 RISING STARS #15 (O/A) $2.50 = $
AUG04 1603 RISING STARS #16 (O/A) $2.50 = $
AUG04 1604 RISING STARS #17 (O/A) $2.50 = $
AUG04 1605 RISING STARS #18 (O/A) $2.50 = $
AUG04 1606 RISING STARS #19 (Of 24) (O/A) $2.50 = $
AUG04 1607 RISING STARS #20 (Of 24) (O/A) $2.99 = $
AUG04 1608 RISING STARS #21 (Of 24) (O/A) $2.99 = $
AUG04 1609 RISING STARS PRELUDE (O/A) $2.95 = $
AUG04 1623 RISING STARS #22 (Of 24) $2.99 = $
AUG04 1624 RISING STARS VOL 1 BORN IN FIRE TP (STAR12207) $19.95 = $
AUG04 1625 RISING STARS VOL 2 POWER TP (STAR15724) $19.95 = $
AUG04 1626 RISING STARS VISITATIONS TP (STAR16700) $8.99 = $
(The dates related to the issue of Previews and the item number in the catalogue, not the release date which is OCTOBER).

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #513 "Sins Past," part 5 of 5. The worst defeat that Peter Parker ever endured -- a moment frozen in the minds of Spider-Man fans everywhere -- was supposed to be far in his past. But now, two villains -- ripped, perhaps, directly from that very moment -- have emerged, and they threaten to destroy everything that he holds dear.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Oct. 27.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #512

Written by J. Michael Straczynski, art and cover by Mike Deodato.

"Sins Past," part 4 of 5. The worst defeat that Peter Parker ever endured -- a moment frozen in the minds of Spider-Man fans everywhere -- was supposed to be far in his past. But now, two villains -- ripped, perhaps, directly from that very moment -- have emerged and they threaten to destroy everything that he holds dear.

32 pages, $2.25, in stores on Sept. 29.

"'Sins Past,' part 2 of 6. The second part of a Spider-Man arc that will have people talking for years. Featuring art by new series regular Mike Deodato."

Amazing Spider-Man #511 will arrive in stores on Wednesday, Aug. 18 from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by J. Michael Straczynski, with art and cover by Mike Deodato Jr.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:
"'Sins Past,' Part 3. Holy! Looks Like--! It Can¹t Be... Is It!?! The biggest Spider-Man event in years continues to shake the wall-crawler¹s world, leaving you, and us, breathless!"

Amazing Spider-Man #511 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.25.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 27.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:
" The master of the mystic arts is back -- as only J. Michael Straczynski and superstar artist Brandon Peterson could envision him. Brash young surgeon Dr. Stephen Strange is on a collision course with destiny -- a journey that will force him to search the deepest corners of his own heartŠand the outer reaches of the cosmos."

Strange #1 will be 32 pages and will cost $3.50.

STRANGE #2
Written by J. Michael Straczynski and Samm Barnes, art and cover by Brandon Peterson.
Brash young surgeon Dr. Stephen Strange is on a collision course with destiny -- a journey that will force him to search the deepest corners of his own heart...and the outer reaches of the cosmos. The adventures of the Master of the Mystic Arts in the year's most highly anticipated origin story.

32 pages, $3.50, in stores on Oct. 13.

Part 3 of 6. From the pages of Supremere Power, the limited series that reveals the dark secrets of Joe Ledger¹s past. And while figures from Dr. Spectrum¹s past continue to haunt him, the government searches for a way to solve the Hyperion problem.

32 pages, $2.99, in stores on Oct. 13.

AMAZING FANTASY

Amazing Fantasy #3 will arrive in stores on Wednesday from Marvel Comics. The issue is written by Fiona Avery, with art by Roger Cruz and a cover by Mark Brooks.

Here's how Marvel describes the issue:
"Enough with the questions -- now it's time for some answers! Marvel's newest heroine confronts the tall, dark, and mysterious stranger who¹s been shadowing her every move. The secret she's about to learn has a history far bigger and far older than anything she's ever dreamed -- so how exactly does a scrappy girl from Brooklyn figure in? "

Amazing Fantasy #3 will be 32 pages and will cost $2.99.

STARGATE ATLANTIS SCHEDULE:

09/10/2004 10:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS HOME
09/10/2004 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS HOME
09/17/2004 10:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS THE STORM
09/17/2004 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS THE STORM
09/24/2004 10:00 PM STARGATE ATLANTIS RISING - PT 1
09/24/2004 12:00 AM STARGATE ATLANTIS RISING - PT 1

FARSCAPE SCHEDULE:

09/05/2004 01:00 AM FARSCAPE MIND THE BABY
09/09/2004 03:00 AM FARSCAPE WHAT WAS LOST - PT 1: SACRIFICE
09/09/2004 04:00 AM FARSCAPE WHAT WAS LOST - PT 2: RESURRECTION
09/09/2004 05:00 AM FARSCAPE LAVA'S A MANY SPLENDORED THING
09/12/2004 01:00 AM FARSCAPE VITAS MORTIS
09/16/2004 08:00 AM FARSCAPE MENTAL AS ANYTHING
09/16/2004 09:00 AM FARSCAPE BRINGING HOME THE BEACON
09/16/2004 10:00 AM FARSCAPE A CONSTELLATION OF DOUBT
09/16/2004 11:00 AM FARSCAPE PRAYER
09/16/2004 12:00 PM FARSCAPE WE'RE SO SCREWED - PART 1: FETAL ATTRACTION
09/16/2004 01:00 PM FARSCAPE WE'RE SO SCREWED - PART 2: HOW TO KATRATZI
09/16/2004 02:00 PM FARSCAPE WE'RE SO SCREWED - PART 3: LA BOMBA
09/16/2004 03:00 PM FARSCAPE BAD TIMING
09/16/2004 03:00 AM FARSCAPE PROMISES
09/16/2004 04:00 AM FARSCAPE NATURAL ELECTION
09/16/2004 05:00 AM FARSCAPE JOHN QUIXOTE
09/19/2004 01:00 AM FARSCAPE TAKING THE STONE

Go to http://contests.sev.com.au/index.php?contestid=1

Punchline Name Email

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

To anyone who lives in and or in the area of Toronto, Ontario, Canada I would like to invite you to attend or Join the Intergalactic Consortium. The I.C. is a new science fiction / fantasy group. We generally meet on the last Saturday of every month and generally do not collect any dues. WE are always looking for new members. If you have any questions, need more information or anything else please feel free to e-mail torsf@yahoo.ca or visit our yahoo group at http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/Intergalactic-Consortium/ Hope to hear from some of you.

United Federated Planets

The Babylon 5 Sector of United Federated Planets The Babylon 5 Sector is a chartered branch of United Federated Planets (UFP); a not-for-profit fan club for all fans of Star Trek, science fiction and fantasy. We've been part of UFP almost from the time the series first went on the air. We welcome all fans of Babylon 5--from the series & TV movies, to "Crusade" & "Legend of the Rangers," to the literary works in between. Our parent organization, UFP, has its roots in Star Trek & the late Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future; which includes community service along with social & fan-related activities. Our sector takes those ideas and puts them into the Babylon 5 universe that J. Michael Straczynski created. We're here for fellowship, good times, service and, in a way, living the fantasy that is Babylon 5. To that end, we enjoy role-play via the written word & live action; costuming; discussions; literary works; and anything else that we can imagine. No matter what you're interested in, we can accomodate you. We have positions currently available on the sector staff--EarthDome, EarthForce and the Alliance; chapter opportunities limited only by your imagination; and ways for you to live out your Babylon 5 fantasy. You can even be part of the B5 station staff! Our sector staff is available to answer your questions about what we do, how to join, how to start a B5 chapter, and more. To contact us, visit www.ufphq.com/chain_of_command.htm. In addition, we also put out a newsletter called "Voice of the Alliance." This newsletter--available in electronic & hard copy formats--informs our sector members with staff reports, upcoming events, available staff positions, chapter activities and more. For a sample copy of "Voice of the Alliance" contact our editor, Anne Zecca, via our website www.ufphq.com/babylon5sec.htm ("Chain of Command").

Membership in United Federated Planets is required to join UFP's Babylon 5 Sector. For information on joining UFP, contact:
Mike Ferguson, President/CEO
United Federated Planets
300 W. Oak Street
Midwest City, OK 73110 USA
E-Mail: mikeferg1@yahoo.com
Organization Website: www.ufphq.com
SubSpace Newsletter (on-line): www.ufphq.com/current.htm
Application: www.ufphq.com/application.htm (on-line version available)
Chapter Application: www.ufphq.com/chapterApp.htm (on-line version available)

For more information, go to the Clubs Page.

United Federated Planets (UFP) has a Rick Biggs memorial page set up at the following address:
http://www.ufphq.com/rick_biggs.htm

STAR TREK CLUB VENEZUELA

Ranger Andres dropped a note to say that a new club has been formed -- Star Trek Club Venezuela. It is small right now, but they are ready for recomendations, opinions, and/or any other comments.

This is the last update of our 1st Expo in November 2004. This event will take place in the Best Western Hotel CCCT Caracas. Visit their site at www.trekvenezuela.net for more information.

We have a number of Fan Clubs listed here at the Zocalo. They are those associated with a particular actor -- and there are those devoted to Babylon 5 or science fiction. Be sure to check out the Clubs Page to see if there is an organization near you.

CONVENTION CALENDAR

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:

Warner Bros. Address:

Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522

Warner Home Video:

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

Sci-Fi Channel
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY. 10020-1513