I actually ganked this from a site:
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2008/01/scifi-open-lett.html
Dearest Sci-Fi,
Why are you not way more awesome?
Don't get me wrong, when you're good—like with Battlestar Galactica or Eureka (and I'll even give you credit for Doctor who, despite that being a BBC show you just imported)—you're a phenomenal destination network. But let's be honest here, there's not a lot of "good" on your schedule. The Stargate franchise is stale, Flash Gordon (left) is a derisible, stillborn remake, and ECW Wrestling is...wrestling! (And I swore an oath never to speak of Who Wants to Be a Superhero again.)
The thing that infuriates me is that you have so much potential. We're living in the Age of the Geek, where pop culture has finally come around to our way of thinking. Where the most-watched shows on TV are geek-nip like Heroes, Lost, and Bionic Woman; where we buzz about movies like Pan's Labyrinth, Spider-Man, I Am Legend, and Iron Man. The audience could not be more primed for this material, so why are you offering them Ghost Hunters International and crappy "original movies" like Mansquito?
Again, why aren't you more awesome? After the jump, some friendly advice.
Why aren't you adapting more classic sci-fi texts—like you did with Dune—into miniseries events? (Ones that, hopefully, will fare better than Tin Man.) Where's the Foundation saga, or Ender's Game, or Footfall, or The Man in the High Castle, or The Forever War?
Why aren't you engaging today's premiere purveyors of genre material and giving them ten episodes to do whatever the hell they want? I'd watch contained, BBC-style series from folks like Neil Gaiman, William Gibson, John Scalzi, Cory Doctorow, Warren Ellis, Charlie Huston, Neal Stephenson, or China Mieville. The names alone would attract viewers by the truckload. And even if what they produced were failures, they'd be interesting failures—marked by reaching too far, instead of not far enough.
Why don't you try a daily sci-fi soap opera? Airing late at night, so people could actually be home to watch it—or DVR it. Why can't the same kind of serial storytelling that's worked for 50 years on shows like General Hospital be marshaled to create compelling science fiction? (Actually, I've got to give Evan Narcisse a tip of the hat for this one. Because I'm just that kind of bloke.)
Mark Harris was right when he said that science fiction needed to ditch the nostalgia if it's going to reclaim its integrity. Lucky for those of us who love sci-fi that there's a whole network devoted to it. I just want them to fulfill their mandate.
Imagine that. (No, seriously. Get to work imagining.)
Aaahhh, the dreams...
I will never stop loving Battlestar Galactica. But I'll be damned if I'll ever bother with much of anything else that damned dirty network puts out...
Was it Sci-Fi or the Comedy Channel that had MST3000?
edit: Either way if they put that and the X-Files back on, I'd watch it again.
I heard good things about Torchwood, though.
I demand an Ender's Game miniseries.
I also demand a decent cinematic adaptation of "American Gods".
Quote from: Darth Cupcake on January 16, 2008, 06:11:47 PM
Aaahhh, the dreams...
I will never stop loving Battlestar Galactica. But I'll be damned if I'll ever bother with much of anything else that damned dirty network puts out...
Haha, cancelled, ftl.
Never liked it...I'm too much of a purest to The Face.
In fact, the only shows I watched on a regular basis were Stargate: Atlantis so I could fantasize about Joe Flanigan, and um...The occasional Farscape. Never got into it. I heard Andromeda was good, but I'm allergic to Kevin Sorbo.
Though the Dune mini-series' that they put out were awesome. I actually had to get the DVDs.
Quote from: East Coast Hustle on January 16, 2008, 06:45:20 PM
I demand an Ender's Game miniseries.
I also demand a decent cinematic adaptation of "American Gods".
Yes, and OMFG YES!
/Gaimangasm
Quote from: East Coast Hustle on January 16, 2008, 06:45:20 PM
I also demand a decent cinematic adaptation of "American Gods".
Redo Neverwhere using modern American film technology.
I would so watch the SciFi channel if it had stuff like the above.
Gaiman really does have a writing style that would make good cinema, as I see it.
Quote from: Felix on January 16, 2008, 07:16:50 PM
Gaiman really does have a writing style that would make good cinema, as I see it.
Neverwhere was done by BBC, but using the same camera they use to film
Keeping Up Appearances.
So, uh, chew on that.
I own it, if you give me your address...
I don't know either production in book or tv show, so I kinda miss what point you're making, sorry.
Also, I have too many books to read right now- thanks though.
Imagine if Lord of the Rings was done with same same equipment and production budget as Married with Children.
AAUUUUUUUUGH!! :vom:
It makes me glad that the American Red Dwarf never got past it's pilot. :|
Dear America,
Plz to not be ruinating awesome British TV.
Spanks.
Quote from: hunter s.durden on January 16, 2008, 07:19:15 PM
Quote from: Felix on January 16, 2008, 07:16:50 PM
Gaiman really does have a writing style that would make good cinema, as I see it.
Neverwhere was done by BBC, but using the same camera they use to film Keeping Up Appearances.
So, uh, chew on that.
I own it, if you give me your address...
check your PM's, and remember that I know what town you live in and what you look like.
Quote from: Suu Fett on January 16, 2008, 06:48:08 PM
Quote from: Darth Cupcake on January 16, 2008, 06:11:47 PM
Aaahhh, the dreams...
I will never stop loving Battlestar Galactica. But I'll be damned if I'll ever bother with much of anything else that damned dirty network puts out...
Haha, cancelled, ftl.
Never liked it...I'm too much of a purest to The Face.
In fact, the only shows I watched on a regular basis were Stargate: Atlantis so I could fantasize about Joe Flanigan, and um...The occasional Farscape. Never got into it. I heard Andromeda was good, but I'm allergic to Kevin Sorbo.
Though the Dune mini-series' that they put out were awesome. I actually had to get the DVDs.
I am about ready to cry about Battlestar being canceled. :cry:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/nancy777ca/BSG4/7ada.jpg)
WHY WOULD THEY DEPRIVE ME OF THIS?!
Well, that and the good writing and the good production. But also THE SEXY.
Never fear. We still have....JOHN SHEPPARD!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/wraithwatcher3/Flags/5_prmess.jpg)
(http://www.kaousuu.net/images/804607821.jpg)
*girly sigh*
I don't care if he's 40, damnit...I don't!
Crushes on old, hairy men?
LMNO
-things are looking up.
Jamie Bamber isn't old, or any hairier than your average dude. He's just fucking HOT AS HELL. And into sci-fi! There's an aphrodisiac if I ever heard of one! :fap:
Sadly, married. Le sigh.
Quote from: Felix on January 16, 2008, 06:15:10 PM
I heard good things about Torchwood, though.
You heard wrong. They advertised it like a British X Files, but it was like the coffee boy for Doctor Who wrote the scripts. Truly awful and not worth wasting your time with.
Quote from: Darth Cupcake on January 16, 2008, 08:24:24 PM
Jamie Bamber isn't old, or any hairier than your average dude. He's just fucking HOT AS HELL. And into sci-fi! There's an aphrodisiac if I ever heard of one! :fap:
Sadly, married. Le sigh.
LMNO
-Things no longer looking up.
Quote from: Darth Cupcake on January 16, 2008, 08:24:24 PM
Joe Flanigan is old, and less hairier than your average dude. He's fucking HOT AS HELL. And into sci-fi! There's an aphrodisiac if I ever heard of one! :fap:
Sadly, I'm married. Le sigh.
Fixt for meh. :mrgreen:
Quote from: Suu Fett on January 16, 2008, 08:38:38 PM
Quote from: Darth Cupcake on January 16, 2008, 08:24:24 PM
Joe Flanigan is old, and less hairier than your average dude. He's fucking HOT AS HELL. And into sci-fi! There's an aphrodisiac if I ever heard of one! :fap:
Sadly, I'm married. Le sigh.
Fixt for meh. :mrgreen:
YUOR NOT HELPING MATTERS.
Quote from: LMNO on January 16, 2008, 08:40:25 PM
Quote from: Suu Fett on January 16, 2008, 08:38:38 PM
Quote from: Darth Cupcake on January 16, 2008, 08:24:24 PM
Joe Flanigan is old, and less hairier than your average dude. He's fucking HOT AS HELL. And into sci-fi! There's an aphrodisiac if I ever heard of one! :fap:
Sadly, I'm married. Le sigh.
Fixt for meh. :mrgreen:
YUOR NOT HELPING MATTERS.
YUOR NOT JOE FLANIGAN.
Quote from: Suu Fett on January 16, 2008, 08:41:17 PM
Quote from: LMNO on January 16, 2008, 08:40:25 PM
Quote from: Suu Fett on January 16, 2008, 08:38:38 PM
Quote from: Darth Cupcake on January 16, 2008, 08:24:24 PM
Joe Flanigan is old, and less hairier than your average dude. He's fucking HOT AS HELL. And into sci-fi! There's an aphrodisiac if I ever heard of one! :fap:
Sadly, I'm married. Le sigh.
Fixt for meh. :mrgreen:
YUOR NOT HELPING MATTERS.
YUOR NOT JOE FLANIGAN.
AND YUOR NOT ERIN GRAY::
(http://llamabutchers.mu.nu/archives/eringray2.jpg)
Lol
I tried to find the one in the silver skintight catsuit, but I couldn't. :fap:
I've met her before.
*perks of going to geek conventions*
Quote from: Suu Fett on January 16, 2008, 07:40:20 PM
It makes me glad that the American Red Dwarf never got past it's pilot. :|
Dear America,
Plz to not be ruinating awesome British TV.
Spanks.
You misheard me.
Or you just used my statement as a jumping point.
British TV sucks.
Why watch Sci-Fi when you can watch EWTN or Trinity Broadcasting?
Quote from: hunter s.durden on January 16, 2008, 09:21:56 PM
Quote from: Suu Fett on January 16, 2008, 07:40:20 PM
It makes me glad that the American Red Dwarf never got past it's pilot. :|
Dear America,
Plz to not be ruinating awesome British TV.
Spanks.
You misheard me.
Or you just used my statement as a jumping point.
British TV sucks.
Die.
And I say that in the most loving way as possible.
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 16, 2008, 09:30:22 PM
Why watch Sci-Fi when you can watch EWTN or Trinity Broadcasting?
For some of us, that IS sci-fi.
I have to say, anyone who has watched X-Factor, Big Brother, Torchwood or any serialized period drama would have to conclude, British TV does in fact suck.
Comedy is done well, but that is about it. Other programs have either successfully adopted the comedy slant (ie Hustle) or jumped tha shark entirely (ie Spooks).
And no, soap operas dont count, because they are ALL shit.
Quote from: Cain on January 16, 2008, 10:41:33 PM
I have to say, anyone who has watched X-Factor, Big Brother, Torchwood or any serialized period drama would have to conclude, British TV does in fact suck.
Comedy is done well, but that is about it. Other programs have either successfully adopted the comedy slant (ie Hustle) or jumped tha shark entirely (ie Spooks).
And no, soap operas dont count, because they are ALL shit.
Blake's 7?
Or would such subject matter be considered pro-terrorist in this fucktarded day and age?
Ah, well old skool television is another matter entirely.
Though now you mention it, I haven't seen any Blake's 7 reruns in at least 7 years....
Hustle is the shit.
Sadly though, it has spawned a BBC3 spinoff called The Real Hustle, where members of the public are conned, then shown how they were conned, and then it is broadcast all over the country.
Fortunately no-one watches BBC 3 except students, but that is not the point. GIVING AWAY SECRETS! :argh!:
I was recently introduced to "Little Britian".
I laughed.
First 2 series are good. Havent seen much beyond that, but it seems a little...repetitive.
Also, I would like it to be noted I am the only person of homosexual inclination within the nearby vicinity.
CONNECTION:
Tom Baker does the narration.
Quote from: LMNO on January 17, 2008, 02:14:50 PM
CONNECTION:
Tom Baker does the narration.
I thought he "retired". :lulz:
Oh fuckity fucking fuck.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2008-01-16-x-files_N.htm
The X-Files film is going to have a stand-alone plot with no links to the mytharc of the actual series. Well that's fucking disappointing.
Man, that does kind of suck. I've always thought they should do a DVD package of all the myth/conspiracy-related episodes. The stand alone eps were really good, but it was that conspiracy arc that really kept me tuning in.
I was more the opposite. I thought their alien colonist storyline was fucktarded. Although I did enjoy a little bit of continuity, the direction they took it is mostly why I stopped watching (that and overseas deployment).
Sounds like the new movie is going to be more along the lines of their stand alone episodes; they're going for the whole "creepy and scary" thing this time around.
I think they fucked it up in the last 2 seasons, the mytharc, but I have to agree that it gave the show continuity and added an extra element of mystery/OFUKness to the show. I like some of the stand alones, but a fair few just bored the hell out of me.
And yeah, the film is going to be like a monster of the week thing, only on the big screen.
Well, without Duchovny it was going to be rough for the series no matter what they did. I love Scully but she just couldn't carry the series without Mulder.
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 18, 2008, 06:29:54 PM
Well, without Duchovny it was going to be rough for the series no matter what they did. I love Scully but she just couldn't carry the series without Mulder.
They should just have him do a cameo with him and the missus knocking boots. She can't act (either) but I'm sure she would do better at porn.
I am sad that no-one seems to have adopted the term "Jacktarded", based on the nickname for non-believing Mormons, and implying a disbelieving nonbeliever.
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 16, 2008, 06:14:12 PM
Was it Sci-Fi or the Comedy Channel that had MST3000?
Both.
Also, MST3K ftw.
I think the writers of that show have and still are engaging in 3 other "shows" based on the exact same premise tho.
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 16, 2008, 06:14:12 PM
Was it Sci-Fi or the Comedy Channel that had MST3000?
edit: Either way if they put that and the X-Files back on, I'd watch it again.
There's some channel that has put it back on...must not be sci-fi...but between THAT and the Twin Peaks epis that the Chiller channel has put back on, I've been in re-runs from the 90's for a few weeks now.
Quote from: Idem on January 23, 2008, 12:34:13 AM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 16, 2008, 06:14:12 PM
Was it Sci-Fi or the Comedy Channel that had MST3000?
Both.
Also, MST3K ftw.
I think the writers of that show have and still are engaging in 3 other "shows" based on the exact same premise tho.
Mike Nelson and whoever it was who was Tom Servo have this thing they are doing online that was pretty much the same premise but with A movies like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, etc., So they riff on a movie while they are watching it and put it into MP3 format. So you download the audio and play it along with the movie, since obviously they'd get in deep shit if they put the two together themselves.
Oh I remember now it's RiffTrax www.rifftrax.com an interesting idea.
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 16, 2008, 09:30:22 PM
Why watch Sci-Fi when you can watch EWTN or Trinity Broadcasting?
That 'Knights of St Michael' show never fails to scare the shit out of me. All those evangelizing teen Catholics with fake smiles and unblinking eyes....[shudder].
Also, one of the step Mangs informed me that 'The Real Hustle' is on here on tru-tv channel (what used to be Court TV). However, after agreeing to see it at dinner time, we all promptly forgot, watched something else and went to bed.
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 24, 2008, 01:36:10 PM
Quote from: Idem on January 23, 2008, 12:34:13 AM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 16, 2008, 06:14:12 PM
Was it Sci-Fi or the Comedy Channel that had MST3000?
Both.
Also, MST3K ftw.
I think the writers of that show have and still are engaging in 3 other "shows" based on the exact same premise tho.
Mike Nelson and whoever it was who was Tom Servo have this thing they are doing online that was pretty much the same premise but with A movies like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, etc., So they riff on a movie while they are watching it and put it into MP3 format. So you download the audio and play it along with the movie, since obviously they'd get in deep shit if they put the two together themselves.
Oh I remember now it's RiffTrax www.rifftrax.com an interesting idea.
Really? Awesome idea! I'll have to bookmark that for later. I was wondering what those guys were up to.
QuoteA small band of brave men struggle against enormous odds, battling a superior force, and though ultimately they are defeated their sacrifice becomes a source of inspiration and hope that rings out like a clarion call through the pages of history. But enough about the Mighty Ducks. 300, in contrast, is about a gang of shirtless and immoral baby-killing idiots who hack up a larger group of idiots on some cliff in Greece a couple of thousand years ago. To a soundtrack of ersatz Nine Inch Nails.
Starring Gerard Butler as a shrieking inarticulate Scotsman (so in other words "a Scotsman"), 300 delivers on its promise to be the bloodiest movie since Carrie 2: Carrie vs. Saw. (Though it should be noted that in lieu of blood, 300 utilized digital globs of diluted road tar.)
To make it a fair fight, Mike enlisted the help of battle veterans Bill Corbett and Kevin Murphy. 3 against the 300! This...is...RIFFTRAX!
Egad. I must watch this.
Anon Evil, they have Harry Potter, too! We gotta get together and do this thang sometime. :lol:
Quote from: Darth Cupcake on January 24, 2008, 09:48:43 PM
QuoteA small band of brave men struggle against enormous odds, battling a superior force, and though ultimately they are defeated their sacrifice becomes a source of inspiration and hope that rings out like a clarion call through the pages of history. But enough about the Mighty Ducks. 300, in contrast, is about a gang of shirtless and immoral baby-killing idiots who hack up a larger group of idiots on some cliff in Greece a couple of thousand years ago. To a soundtrack of ersatz Nine Inch Nails.
Starring Gerard Butler as a shrieking inarticulate Scotsman (so in other words "a Scotsman"), 300 delivers on its promise to be the bloodiest movie since Carrie 2: Carrie vs. Saw. (Though it should be noted that in lieu of blood, 300 utilized digital globs of diluted road tar.)
To make it a fair fight, Mike enlisted the help of battle veterans Bill Corbett and Kevin Murphy. 3 against the 300! This...is...RIFFTRAX!
Egad. I must watch this.
Anon Evil, they have Harry Potter, too! We gotta get together and do this thang sometime. :lol:
Yes plz! :D
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 24, 2008, 01:36:10 PM
Quote from: Idem on January 23, 2008, 12:34:13 AM
Quote from: Rev. What's-His-Name? on January 16, 2008, 06:14:12 PM
Was it Sci-Fi or the Comedy Channel that had MST3000?
Both.
Also, MST3K ftw.
I think the writers of that show have and still are engaging in 3 other "shows" based on the exact same premise tho.
Mike Nelson and whoever it was who was Tom Servo have this thing they are doing online that was pretty much the same premise but with A movies like Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, etc., So they riff on a movie while they are watching it and put it into MP3 format. So you download the audio and play it along with the movie, since obviously they'd get in deep shit if they put the two together themselves.
Oh I remember now it's RiffTrax www.rifftrax.com an interesting idea.
Also, "Cinematic Titanic" and "The Film Crew". Both are same thing, slightly different writers, old crappy movies with the sillouhettes and whatnot.
EDIT
Film Crew doesnt do sillouhette thing.
Quote from: Felix on January 16, 2008, 07:16:50 PM
Gaiman really does have a writing style that would make good cinema, as I see it.
Was Stardust good? I read the book, and I remember back when my mom had been talking to him about writing the movie script.
Quote from: B_M_W on January 28, 2008, 12:52:47 PM
Quote from: Felix on January 16, 2008, 07:16:50 PM
Gaiman really does have a writing style that would make good cinema, as I see it.
Was Stardust good? I read the book, and I remember back when my mom had been talking to him about writing the movie script.
I thought Stardust was awesome.
It's just REALLY different from the book.
As long as you are prepared for that, it is AMAZING. It is hilarious, it is, in my opinion, well done, and it leaves you with a deep-seated warm fuzzy glow.
Not quite like the book. :wink: BUT if you like the idea of Robert Deniro as a cross-dressing pirate, you enjoy saucy wenches, and you like sometimes dabbling in happiness, I think it's a barrel of fun.
Whats this bullshit about Battlestar Galactica being cancelled???
Season4 = March 2008 according to scifi.com
Quote from: SillyCybin on January 29, 2008, 11:38:18 AM
Whats this bullshit about Battlestar Galactica being cancelled???
Season4 = March 2008 according to scifi.com
Yeah, but they haven't finished all the episodes.
And they might never do so. :cry:
Silons win.
The end.
FUCK NOOOOOOOOO!
Either they finish season 4 or I'm killing this planet.
Yes - I'll do it.
No - I don't think I'm overeacting
I agree with you 100%, Silly.
BUT DON'T YOU KNOW THAT BROADCAST ENTERTAINMENT IS EEEEEVIL?
Well, then, all the more reason the world should be destroyed because of it!
Quote from: Suu Fett on January 16, 2008, 07:40:20 PM
It makes me glad that the American Red Dwarf never got past it's pilot. :|
It didn't? Oh thank sweet merciful hairy fuck for that.
Sorry if I seem a little out of touch. I've had my hands over my ears singling 'La La La La La...' ever since they aired the pilot... now, if only there was a way to gouge my eyes back in.
~ Pope Fing Feng III