Sunday, May 25, 2008

SFX Magazine: Kevin J. Anderson Interview

From SFX Magazine (UK):

http://www.sfx.co.uk/page/sfx?entry=kevin_j_anderson_interview_spin

(Please follow the link for the complete interview.)

Sunday May 25, 2008

Kevin J Anderson interview: spin-off fiction



In SFX recently we've been considering franchise fiction, and the creation of shared universes. For instance, the spin-off Star Trek novels, or the Buffy comics, or the extended Star Wars universe in all its incarnations. Is it easy to be an author in one of these famous universes? Over the next few weeks, exclusively on the SFX website, we'll be publishing Q&As with professional writers who work in this area. First up, meet novelist Kevin J Anderson.

SFX: Let's get this one straight out of the way, franchise fiction is maybe regarded as not creative in the same way that 'original' novels are. What's your take on that?

Kevin J Anderson: "I always find it odd that if an author writes a script for a popular TV show (say, Star Trek or Torchwood) – an original story based in an existing universe using established characters – then that's considered respectable, even exciting. But if an author writes a novel for the same show – also an original story based in an existing universe using established characters – then that's somehow less creative or less respectable. I would argue that writing a 400-page novel is more difficult and creatively challenging than writing a 50-page script, and when the novel gets published, I can proudly take credit for every paragraph, every page. A script, on the other hand, is manhandled by dozens of other people involved in the show, including the director and actors, and by the time the episode airs, it may have little resemblance to the original script."

"Anyone who insists that a writer can't be 'creative' in an established universe must not have much of an imagination. Virtually every work of fiction must be set within an established universe – if my story is set in modern London, then I have a certain culture, street layout, climate, language, and history by which I have to abide. If I choose to write a story set in ancient Japan, then I have the constraints of history to deal with. Does it stifle my creativity as an author because I can't, say, have jet aircraft in medieval Japan? No, I learn the rules of that universe and I set my story within those boundaries. If I write a novel set in the American West, does it stifle my creativity because I can't have the characters encounter dinosaurs? (In science fiction, of course, both of those scenarios are indeed possible.)"

"Writing a story in the Star Wars universe, or The X-Files, or Dune, is no different than writing a story set in medieval Japan. I have to learn the universe, the characters, the rules, and then I write the best novel I can. I have written dozens of my own original novels and dozens of novels set in established universes – I find the work extremely satisfying."


**snippage**

There will be more interviews about media fiction over the course of the next few weeks, so you might want to bookmark our features section. Remember you can read features on this subject in SFX 170 (on sale now) and 171 (on sale from Wednesday 4 June).

Words: Jonathan Wright

Firefly - Video: 'Serenity'

Courtesy of HULU, the first half of Firefly's original pilot episode, 'Serenity,' starring Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Sean Maher, Summer Glau and Ron Glass. Guest stars include Mark Sheppard, Andy Umberger, and Bonnie Bartlett.



In this original pilot episode, the crew transports passengers to another planet to sell salvaged goods only to discover that an undercover Alliance agent is on board the Serenity.

Stargate Atlantis / Firefly - Jewel Staite Q & A - Do YOU Have Questions?

From Vancouver Charity Screen of Serenity:

http://serenityscreeningvan.blogspot.com/

(Please follow the link for additional information.)

Film Confirmed! Tickets on Sale Now!

Tickets are now on sale for the Vancouver 2008 CSTS Serenity screening!



DATE: Sunday, June 22, 2008

TIME: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm (doors open at 11)

LOCATION: The Norm Theatre, in the Student Union Building,
6138 Student Union Blvd, UBC (University of British Columbia)

PRICE: $15.00 per ticket

We are excited to announce that Jewel Staite (Kaylee, of course!) has accepted our invitation to do a half-hour Q & A before the movie. She will also be autographing some items for the silent auction.

The charity screening is a global fundraising event for Equality Now, Joss Whedon's favourite charity. This year, Vancouver is also raising money for BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre. Ten percent of our net proceeds will be donated to BC Women's to help women and children throughout the province.


~~**~~**~~

From World of Higlet:

http://worldofhiglet.blogspot.com/2008/05/jewel-staite-q-plus-no-bsg.html

(Please follow the link for the complete blog update.)

Friday, May 23, 2008

Jewel Staite Q & A



What would YOU ask Jewel Staite?

It's getting closer to the Serenity Screenings and in Vancouver we are lucky enough to have Jewel Staite attending a Q & A before the screening. This is a real honour and makes the event even more special. I'm not sure how the Q & A works and I've never been to a panel (or any other type of event like this) so I don't know what to expect. So if I got the chance, what would I ask? What would you ask Jewel?

(The blog has a comment area if you'd like to post your questions to Jewel Staite there.)

The Invisible Man - Video: 'Frozen In Time'

Courtesy of HULU, The Invisible Man's 'Frozen In Time,' starring Vincent Ventresca, Paul Ben-Victor, Shannon Kenny, Eddie Jones and Michael McCafferty. Guest stars include Idalis DeLeon, Caroline Fogarty, Zoe McLellan and Elaine Orth.

When sixteen brilliant scientists disappear without a trace, Darien discovers that it is the work of the mysterious Organization and the Dark Woman he encountered before.

Stargate Atlantis / Firefly - Charity Auction Jewel Staite Autographed Photo

From Kids Need to Read:

http://community.kidsneedtoread.org/?p=486



Always Shiny Kaylee!


In any role, actress Jewel Staite brings a charm and vulnerability that endears her to viewers. Now you can own an autographed, high quality, 8×10 photo of Jewel in her role as ace ship’s mechanic Kaylee Frye in Firefly and Serenity.

Kids Need to Read Charity Auctions is proud to offer this collectible for Jewel’s many fans. Whether you remember her from her two Canadian TV series, from Joss Whedon’s Firefly and Serenity, or are a current fan of her work on Stargate: Atlantis, you will be thrilled with this shot of the ever-cheery Kaylee, personally signed by Jewel.

Bidding begins immediately at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110256241957 . Bids open at $30.00 and will be accepted until May 30, 2008

Our sincere thanks go to our KNTR volunteer, who had this photo signed for Kids Need to Read at the Serenity LA convention in November and donated it to us for auction. Proceeds are used by Kids Need to Read to purchase books for under-funded schools and libraries, as well as for other literary organizations that provide books to disadvantaged children.

We are always looking for auction items! If you have something you would like to donate to Kids Need to Read, email Debbie Brown at debbie [at] kidsneedtoread.org .

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About Kids Need to Read:

http://community.kidsneedtoread.org/?page_id=2


The Kids Need to Read Foundation was established in August 2007 by The Softwire series author PJ Haarsma and actor Nathan Fillion. Kids Need to Read raises money to buy books through bi-weekly auctions on eBay, which have proven very popular among fans of Firefly/Serenity and science fiction, as well as literacy advocates. A CafePress store selling literacy-themed merchandise and “Kindness is a Strength” items helps to raise additional funds for Kids Need to Read. Various fundraising events lend additional support to the organization.

Highlander - Video: 'Turnabout'

Courtesy of HULU, Highlander's 'Turnabout,' starring Adrian Paul, Jim Byrnes, Stan Kirsch, and Alexandra Vandernoot. Guest stars include Geraint Wyn Davies, Philip Akin, Ian Alden, Alan Robertson and John Tierney.

Duncan must handle the return of the old friend and the Immortal serial killer who is stalking him.

Stargate Atlantis - 5pm Weekday Rotation Episodes week May 27 '08

Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, there will NOT be a Stargate Atlantis episode scheduled for Monday, May 26 '08.

The episodes for the rest of the week include:

5/27/2008 05:00P CHILDHOOD'S END



(No episode on May 28th due to a Ghost Hunters Marathon beginning at 4pm through Midnight.)

5/29/2008 05:00P POISONING THE WELL



5/30/2008 05:00P UNDERGROUND - Colm Meaney guest stars




Photos courtesy of GateWorld

Babylon 5 - Video: 'Chrysalis'

Courtesy of HULU, Babylon 5's season one finale episode, 'Chrysalis,' starring Michael O'Hare, Claudia Christian, Jerry Doyle, Mira Furlan, Richard Biggs, Stephen Furst, Bill Mumy, Julie Caitlin Brown, Andreas Katsulas and Peter Jurasik. Guest stars include Julia Nickson-Soul, Macaulay Bruton, Edward Conery and Ed Wasser.

Londo becomes obligated to a powerful mercenary agent. Sinclair and Catherine (Julia Nickson) announce their wedding date. Garibaldi is critically wounded while trying to prevent the assassination of the Earth Alliance President.

Stargate: Continuum - 9 NEW Photos May 25 '08

With many thanks to Andreas at GateWorld Forum for the following MGM publicity stills from Stargate: Continuum (please follow the link below for the full-size, high-resolution format of the photos):


http://forum.gateworld.net/showpost.php?p=8292111&postcount=857


Cameron Mitchell (Ben Browder) and Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks)



Qetesh (Claudia Black)



Cameron Mitchell (two P-90's are better than one!)




Cameron Mitchell, Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping), Daniel Jackson (pushing Daniel's wheelchair is MGM Senior Executive Vice President, Charles Cohen)



Ba'al (Cliff Simon) and Apophis (Peter Williams)




Sam Carter, Cam Mitchell, Daniel Jackson




Tok'ra (with SG1 in the background, including Richard Dean Anderson as Maj. Gen. Jack O'Neill)



Sam Carter and Daniel Jackson



Daniel Jackson, Sam Carter and Cam Mitchell (hey, what IS up there?)



Stargate: Continuum is a made-for-DVD movie, scheduled to be released on July 29 '08 in the US, and September 8 '08 in the UK.

Stargate Atlantis - David Nykl - Blog Update & NEW Photos May 25 '08

From David Nykl's (Dr. Radek Zelenka) blog, "Letters From Pegasus," update for May 25, 2008:

http://lettersfrompegasus.blogspot.com/2008/05/never-too-far-from-sandwich-on-stargate.html

(Please follow the link for the complete blog update. Several NEW photos are at the site in their full-size, high-resolution format.)

Never too far from a sandwich on Stargate Atlantis

**snippage**

Meet our new gate tech Banks. Since coming to the control room this past year, Chuck hasn't quite been himself. Something's going on...

Ben Browder / Matthew Fox - Video: Party of Five - 'Life's Too Short'

Coutesy of HULU, Party of Five's 'Life's Too Short,' starring Scott Wolf, Matthew Fox, Neve Campbell, Lacey Chabert, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Alexondra Lee. Guest stars include Ben Browder, Stan Cahill, Joan McMurtrey and Tamara Taylor.


A high school reunion reveals some long-held secrets in Charlie's past; a friend's suicide causes Julia and Sarah to reexamine their own lives.