NEWS Archive:
2007
Starlog #360 has an article of KJ in it. Pick it up today.
NEWS NEWS NEWS : Look at one end of the next movie of Jane Badler !
http://www.underaredmoonmovie.com
The Fifth Column went to Mountain Con. See the photos
The novel is currently in development as a new mini-series with Warner Bros.
The novel picks up the epic story 20 years after the original arrival of the alien Visitors. Anyone coming to V for the first time will be immediately swept up into the
Brave New World which The Visitors have created.
By bringing many benefits to humankind The Visitors have seduced the majority of earth's people into believing they have our best interests at heart.
But the brave people of The Resistance know the horrifying truth and are struggling to save humanity before it's too late.
Then, at their darkest hour, The Resistance discovers startling new Allies who have come to help.
...Or have they?
V - The Second Generation is a tense, fast-paced, riveting exploration of how ordinary people react to the perils of life under nightmarish wartime occupation. And how such enormous pressures bring out the worst -- or the most heroic -- in human nature.
2006
There is surprising progress in an unexpected direction:
there will be an opportunity for the millions of fans of V worldwide to get an early preview of The Second Generation.
"I have nearly completed a novel based upon my screenplay.
"I'm very pleased to tell you that Warners and I are in final negotiations with a major publisher in New York to publish the novel in hardcover. The publisher has great enthusiasm for the book and the way it carries on the stories of many of the original characters while also introducing some quite startling new ones.
"As with my original V, The Second Generation will hopefully be an exciting entertainment, but also be a thoughtful look at our society and an intriguing exploration of how ordinary people react to extraordinary circumstances -- for better or for worse.
"The novel would go on sale by early 2007.
For the most part, the television stories of V are set in Los Angeles and California (excluding the UN roof contact scene in the original in
New York)but I can reveal that V: TSG is set in the city of -----
Los Angeles?
NO!
New York?
NO!
Chicago?
NO!
The Answer is............San Francisco!
We will get to see the Visitor spacecraft hovering over the Golden Gate
Bridge again!
2005
Re a new V --- My original plan was to do a sequel that would pick up the story 20 years later. NBC bought it, I wrote it, and after 18 months of going around and around, they thought it would be cool to first do a remake of the original four hours.
Not my favorite idea, and after more months of discussion and negotiation, I finally closed a deal with NBC to create a treatment for a remake.
I've fashioned a remake story which maintains the integrity and thematic essence of my original themes and characters while updating it to address current lifestyles and issues facing society today.
The World War Two references have been replaced by much more recent incidents from the dark side of humanity. This has allowed me to sustain the underlying power of historic resonance that made the original so compelling and so well-received by critics and audiences alike.
Five weeks ago I delivered the remake script to NBC and I'm hoping they'll get it into production before the next Ice Age.
If the remake is successful, could that lead to the sequel being done as a follow up? ....Gee, I sure hope so. Stay tuned.
Best... Kenny
2004
Frank Orsatti Personal frien to Mickey Jones and Kenny Johnson, died on Dec. 23 of respiratory failure at his home in Sherman Oaks. He was 62. Frank had a stellar career as an actor and stuntman, but it was his role as a mentor that he found the most rewarding.
"Frank was incredible. He was an incredible husband, an incredible stuntman and he loved life," said his wife, Julie Orsatti.
"He loved helping people. He always helped the underdog and created a lot of careers that way. Everything he did, he did 150 percent."
Born on Feb. 26, 1942, he was the son of St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Ernest Orsatti and opera singer Inez Gorman.
Frank Orsatti also was drafted by the Cardinals, but an injury during training prevented him from playing. He then joined the Merchant Marine and worked on freighters for 10 years.
Returning to Los Angeles, Orsatti began doing stunt work in 1968 on the film "Planet of the Apes." He appeared in dozens of feature films including "Rosemary's Baby"; "The Poseidon Adventure"; "The Longest Yard"; "The Star Chamber"; "Star Trek V"; the second and third "Lethal Weapon" films; "Point Break"; "Maverick"; "The Presidio"; and "Con Air."
Orsatti jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge for the film "B.S. I Love You." He worked as Arnold Schwarzenegger's stunt double in "The Terminator" and also doubled for Burt Reynolds for nine years.
He also worked as a stuntman in TV's "The Streets of San Francisco," "The Mod Squad," "Barnaby Jones," "Planet of the Apes," and "Starsky & Hutch."
Doing stunts on "The Magician" in 1973, Frank became friends with Bill Bixby and went to work as the stunt coordinator and the actor's stunt double in "The Incredible Hulk." He also directed several episodes of the show.
In addition to his wife, Julie Ann Steinberg Orsatti, he is survived by daughters, Kimberly Ann and Gina Marie; brothers Ernie and Rex; and a granddaughter.
A memorial service was held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 26 at The Castaway Restaurant, 1250 Harvard Road, Burbank.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Frank Orsatti Memorial Fund, 14101 Dickens Ave., No. 6, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423.
So here's the update: I met with NBC about two months ago and they said, we sort of like the script you've written for the sequel, but we'd prefer to first have you go back and remake the original.
Gregg Maday from Warners, Rob Lee my co-exec producer, and I all had the same startled reaction: "Uh..Why?" We were told that NBC's Marketing Department thought it would be the very best way to go - to kick-start V from the beginning. Still reeling a bit, I agreed to think about it. In the intervening weeks I have done little else. Gregg, Rob and I have investigated other network & cable possibilities, as well as theatrical feature interest I had gotten from people who read and loved the sequel. Warners Feature division did not read it, but didn't want to pursue V as a movie, nor would their corporate policy allow us to set it up elsewhere. Another major network expressed strong interest in my new screenplay, but internal politics prevented them from being able to make a production commitment in the reasonable future.
My concern is that if I walk away entirely some outsider might eventually do a remake or some other version in which I would have no involvement. So my choices are to not make anything or to consider doing the remake. After extensive soul-searching, I have decided to at least to explore the possibilities of a remake to determine if I can do it and still maintain the artistic integrity of my original creation.
Naturally it grieves me to think of proceeding without my original 1983 cast, all of whom I love dearly. We were all so excited about the prospect of working together again, and I had labored to give their characters new and challenging developments.
The prospect of recapturing that original lightning-in-a-bottle is also very daunting for me. I have argued heartily (and will continue to) that the original isn't broken and doesn't need much "fixing." I recognize the responsibility I have not only to myself but, to the hundreds of millions of V fans around the world. My hope is (and NBC has given me reason to hold such hope) that if we can agree on a remake which totally respects the creative integrity of the original, if it is produced and is successful, then I would be able to carry V onward, ideally using the sequel script I have already written, which jumps the story forward 20 years. That would be the best of all currently possible worlds.
Best... Kenny
Hello ~
We wanted to let you know there are 6 Duncan Regehr original oil paintings on exhibit at GALLERY BERGELLI ~ 483 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, California
On Display:
THE CUTTER ¥ ARTIFACT ¥ CIRCE ¥ BIRTHDAY ¥ THE FIDDLER ¥ LIFTING THE OLIPHANT CURSE
These paintings can be viewed on the Regehr website in the Poetic Imagery and Witness galleries (except Birthday and Artifact)
Gallery Bergelli is located in the heart of lovely downtown Larkspur (about 30 minutes north of San Francisco). Parking is available on the street, and the public parking lot is just one block down, across the street from the Gallery. www.gallerybergelli.com
Check out a recent article in USA Today.
I am sure most of you are aware of Lane Smith's condition with ALS. To find out more about this click Here.
Kenny writes,
"Dave... I'm budgeting the project with Warner Bros, but we're still awaiting a greenlight from NBC.
Best... Kenny"
A new member has joined our cause, Myrddin Emrys from Australia.
The Fifth Column and i-sci-fi.com are proud to announce that Robert Englund Will do an interview on the i-sci-fi show. The show will air March 11th at 7:00p-9:00p MST. Roberts interview will be on the second part of the show.
"Hi... NBC this week has given me the go-ahead to enlarge the script to four hours. I'll be delivering the new screenplay within a fortnight.
Hold good thoughts... xxx Kenny"
2003
Donald Logue Talks about "V" and other 80's stuff at: VH1 '80s.
We have FANTASTIC news for you! You've all been so patient, and so supportive of Duncan, his many and varied careers ~ his extraordinary art and his new art website ~ so for you, before the general public hears about it .....
>From Nellie Andreeva, LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Twenty years after NBC's hit sci-fi miniseries "V" invaded the small screen, the network is bringing the aliens back with "V: The Second Generation," a three-hour TV movie from the original creator Kenneth Johnson.
Kenneth told me, "There is a V sequel in the works. Watch for a press release soon." (TV Guide 6/14 will carry the first blurb.) Kenneth has also told Ilana the same thing plus, "I have only just delivered the first story treatment to Warner [Brothers] and NBC. They must approve it, I must write the screenplay, go through as many drafts as they want, determine what the budget will be, have NBC order it to production, and Warners elect to pay the necessary cost in concert with NBC. Many, many, many, many, many, many, many bridges yet to cross."
NBC GIVES SCIENCE-FICTION CLASSIC 'V' THE VICTORY SIGN FOR A NEW THREE-HOUR MOVIE SCRIPT COMMITMENT WITH ORIGINAL CREATOR KENNETH JOHNSON RETURNING
"V: The Second Generation" Begins Again 20 Years Later with New Script Order as Johnson Fulfills Creative Vision as Writer, Director and Executive Producer
BURBANK - June 9, 2003 - Twenty years after its premiere as an NBC miniseries, the network has given the go-ahead for a script commitment that could revive "V," the science-fiction television classic, as "V: The Second Generation," a new, three-hour movie with original creator Kenneth Johnson returning to write, direct and serve as executive producer for the sequel. The announcement was made today by Jeff Gaspin, Executive Vice President, Alternative Series, Longform, Program Strategy and Bravo, NBC Entertainment.
"The appeal of 'V' continues and we look forward to getting a new script that could introduce it to a new generation of viewers," said Gaspin. "Likewise, we would like to move the story forward with a fresh take on this timeless story of human resilience and resistance."
Johnson's original four-hour miniseries was the number-one program in America the week of its second two-hour episode in May 1983. That telecast's 27.0 rating and 40 share was NBC's highest non-sports rating in over two-and-one-half years. After receiving considerable critical acclaim, "V" also garnered formidable ratings in international television markets. "V's" recent DVD release jumped to the top of the Amazon Bestseller List and has shipped over 250,000 units.
In the original miniseries, "V" stood for Victory over the "Visitors" and represented an allegory of the Nazi takeover of Europe in the 1930s and 1940s. The Visitors were aliens from a faraway planet who came to Earth posing as friends with much-needed technology but actually plotted to gain control through deadly subterfuge. Ordinary citizens eventually formed a Resistance Movement and struggled to fight back.
"For years I've had a passion to dig even deeper into the characters and circumstances," said Johnson. "'V: The Second Generation' will give me the opportunity to pick up the story 20 years later. The alien force is deeply entrenched, has turned many earth people into followers, and is sweeping them toward a dangerous new conquest. The Resistance seems to be fighting a losing battle when suddenly Earth gains a powerful and mysterious new ally. Gregg Maday at Warner Bros., my co-executive producer Rob Lee, NBC and I plan to make this new 'V' into the same kind of major international TV event that my original miniseries was."
If the movie receives a green light, several of the actors who starred in the original, including Marc Singer, Faye Grant, Jane Badler and Robert Englund, could possibly return to resume their roles in addition to a cast that will include many new faces as well.
"V: The Second Generation" is a production of Warner Bros. Television Production Inc. in association with Kenneth Johnson Productions, Inc. Rob Lee, who was instrumental in connecting the project with NBC, will be an executive producer.
Johnson's deal was negotiated by his lawyers Jeff Schneider and Charles Silverberg.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jennifer Skorlich, Vice President, NBC and Bravo Entertainment Publicity, 818/840-4630
Kathy Kelly-Brown, Vice President, Series Publicity, NBC Entertainment Publicity, 818/840-4512
Here's another report that was posted today on Dark Horizons...
"V: The Sequel Mini-Series: Actress Jane Badler (Diana in the original) confirmed last week she has been signed for a possible new 'V' if director Ken Johnson can come up with a good script. Robert Englund also confirmed at Collector Mania Fair in Milton Keynes UK over the weekend that Johnson contacted him about doing 3-4 new hours of "V"." Kenneth Johnson is still waiting for paper work!
Mr. Johnson wrote, "Still just working out a deal with NBC and Warners -- which should take another few weeks, then I'll have to write it, then they'll have to decide if they want to go to production. Many bridges to cross. Hold your excitement. K." FYI ppl, Jane Badler, Marc Singer and Faye Grant have been signed on to do the new "V!"
Hello!
I am delighted to let you know that Mr. Regehr's website for his incredible artwork: www.duncanregehr.com is finally up! Please take a look. You will be among the first people to see his fantastic new series: "Corvus Rex". I welcome your comments. Thanks for your patience and best wishes to you!
A few of the original cast members have told me (Dave) that they have been contacted about a possible V come back. Most of this was found out at a recent convention in CA. Kenneth Johnson Can't say anything other than, "things are looking interesting". From this fans point of view it looks like perhaps in the next year V might be a reality.
According to Dark Horizons, "V: The Second Generation: Kenneth Johnson sent along this quote in an e-mail recently to 'Colin' who passed it on to us: "I've talked to Warners a couple of times over the years, and recently to NBC as well, about doing a sort of V: The Second Generation, and just this week things have begun to sound interesting. Knock on wood"
Attention:
Andy Dimeloe has just finished The "V" Collectible Guidebook and is now in the process of spiral bounding. I have seen some of his pages, and I hear its reeaallly goood!! So if your interested please send your request to lizardface@btinternet.com for pricing and being first on the want list.
I have come accross an outstanding site! This site has V info, games, pics, wallpapers, screensavers, etc. The site is The Wonders of V
This is a must everyone. Check this site out, right away!
2002
Hello everyone,
I got some sad news. Not only does Richard Herds website no longer exist. But now Duncan Regehr has no Email address. He has one left but according to Wayne Averill, Mr. Regehr's Art Representative. Mr. Regehr made the decision some time ago to have his URL www.duncanregehr.com used exclusively for representation of his art. And he only has regards to the promotion and selling of Duncan’s artwork.
And Susan O'Brian says, "Duncan isn't keeping up any of his e-mail addresses any more. He doesn't have time. And she is no longer forwarding e-mail to him. The only contact she can give, is to go to www.duncanregehr.com which is the page for his new art contact".
The new PAX series "Body & Soul" that Dunca Regehr is in has been Cancelled. Looks like its ue to poor ratings and Funding. more info can be found at TV Tome.com & PAX TV.
The Blair Tefkin web site at www.blairtefkin.com no longer is active. This makes 3 V cast member sites to go down this year.
If you haven't heard yet, our sympathy and wishes to JANE BADLER and family. Jane's Grandfather passed away last night. If you'd like to send her a sympathy card or note, please have it to Ilana Rapp by Oct. 15. Jane Badler, c/o Ilana, PO Box 8113, Somerville, NJ 08876, USA.
lizard.lady@mindpulse.com
Don't forget to visit her site at http://www.mindpulse.com/users/lizlady
The interview with Mickey Jones was great. Almost the entire Fifth Column stationed in Utah showed up or called in. Mickey livened up the whole audience. He told us things from his past, his brush with Micheal Ironside, his opinions about Richard Herd & Marc Singer, & his upcoming movie. To here the show in its full uncut version go to I-SCI-FI.COM. and then link to their past shows. it is show #9.
The Ultimate Sci-Fi Miniseries Is Now On DVD For The First Time Ever!
Is there life out there? Finally we know. Because they are here. Alien spacecraft with humanlike passengers have come to Earth. They say they come in peace for food and water. The water they find in our reservoirs. The food they find walking about everywhere on two legs. That saga that began with V now culminates in a struggle to save the world in V: The Final Battle. The future begins or ends here August 6th 2002.
Special Features: Interactive Menus, Scene Access, Subtitles: English, Français, Español, Português, Chinese, Bahasa, Thai and Korean, Presented in Wide screen Format, Three Episodes.
I-SCI-FI.COM is the Internet's newest Sci-Fi talk show connection. It is Located here in Utah. To listen, all you need is a media player and an Internet connection! Feel free to have a look around.
They broadcast live every Thursday night from 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central and 9 pm Eastern Time (USA). All of our shows are archived, so you can listen at any time from anywhere. There is also a toll free number of 1-866-532-5160. When you call in, select you want to locate, then give your name and their computer will do the rest. They have a nation-wide audience and have added features like a live chat room, & a web cam (coming soon).
This show is fairly new and we only have two shows 'in the can' but he can always access the past shows form our old provider at LP47.com and have a pretty good idea of what we are about. I have been told to warn you that the misspellings are not ours (they belong to the previous company and no matter how hard we try, we cannot get them to fix them) and we are much more professional than our previous hosts.
They would like to thank all of those pioneers who created web-streaming audio that made this show possible. They do not forget our roots and neither should you.
May 3rd marks 20 Years for V
Next year marks the Twentieth Anniversary of V
One of our readers, Tamie Kwist, reminded me that we are coming up on another big mile marker for SFTV. Now that I think about it, V was a TV series somewhat like Earth Final Conflict. Aliens come to our planet, play nice, but have ulterior motives. Actually, in V they liked us a lot - as a menu item.
KathE and Joyce were into the show because of Michael Ironside. Of the show's stars, I would guess that Robert Englund has had the best career. After V, he went on to become Freddy Krueger of the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. I still have some old V Beta tapes laying around here somewhere - to bad don't have a Beta machine anymore - it bit the dust a few years ago.
Tamie has launched a petition drive to bring V back to TV for a 20th Anniversary project. Visit her website and sign the petition if the thought of hungry aliens wets your appetite
MAJOR NEWS: Howard K. Smith, our beloved Newscaster in "V", passed away today at the age of 87. Smith had congestive heart disease, which led to the pneumonia that caused his death late Friday evening, a source told CNN. He died at his home in Bethesda, Maryland.
Ken Johnson said, "I am privileged to have known him."
For more details go to: http://www.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/News/02/18/obit.howard.k.smith/index.html
1999
Club Shirts are still Available! Contact your Dept. Chief for ordering.
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1997
