Babylon 5 posts by JMS for November 1991 through Jan, 1992
Babylon 5 posts by JMS for November 1991 through Jan, 1992
This file includes a compilation of posts on GEnie by J. Michael
Straczynski in the Babylon 5 topic. The posts are copyright by JMS
(and compilation copyright is by GEnie).
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Topic 22 Wed Nov 20, 1991
SOARON [Bio-Dread] at 19:41 EST
Sub: Babylon 5
TWCNBN has been been named! J. Michael Straczynski has managed to bring a new
quality to television and promises to do justice to TV and SF with a new
action-adventure SF series of his own design. (NO story suggestions, please.)
447 message(s) total.
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 1 Wed Nov 20, 1991
SOARON [Bio-Dread] at 19:41 EST
That Which Cannot Be Named has finally been named, and the name is BABYLON
5. An action-adventure SF series set in space. To premiere sometime next
year with a two-hour TV movie, soon followed by regualar episodes if ratings
are good. J. Michael Straczynski has said that people always complain about
SF not being done right on TV, well now it has a chance.
This series has a shot of making it if has the support of fandom. So leave
your comments here and perhaps JMS will leave news and info here as the series
develops.
Soaron
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 2 Thu Nov 21, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 00:13 EST
Babylon 5 is the name of a particular place where our story takes place.
It is numbered 5 because 1 through 3 were sabotaged/destroyed, and 4
mysteriously vanished within days of becoming operational. No one knows what
happened to it. All of which makes those involved with #5 just a trifle
uneasy.
jms
P.S. It might be useful if one of the sysops could move the initial
announcement message (or, rather, copy it) here for archival purposes.
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 3 Thu Nov 21, 1991
SF-LAWRENCE [Katherine] at 04:29 EST
We live to serve.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Well, now that the official announcement has been made, here's the
straight skinny on BABYLON 5.
For the last three years, this project has been in secret development
with some of the Major Players at Warner Bros. Because everyone realized the
potential of what we had, we all played things VERY close to the vest. Part
of the reason for secrecy was that it was slated to be one of several projects
that would spearhead what is, essentially, a new network formed between Warner
Bros. and a consortium of TV stations, similar in some ways to Fox
Broadcasting. And that deal as well had to be kept secret. It, too, was
announced today at the conference.
I created the concept of BABYLON 5 somewhere in between working on
CAPTAIN POWER and TWILIGHT ZONE. I'd seen so many SF shows by then that
backed into a budget, and thus went forever OVER budget, that I wanted to
challenge myself to develop a show that met several important criteria:
1) It would have to be good science fiction.
2) It would have to be good TELEVISION, and rarely are SF shows both good
SF *and* good TV; there're generally one or the other.
3) It would have to take an adult approach to SF, and attempt to do for
television SF what HILL STREET BLUES did for cop shows.
4) It would have to be affordable, done on a reasonable budget.
5) It would have to look unlike anything ever seen before on TV, and
present not just individual stories, but present those stories against a much
broader canvas.
The result was BABYLON 5.
After creating the bible and writing a 2-hour script, I commissioned
artwork for the series, knowing full well that it would be difficult for most
execs to fully understand what I was trying to communicate unless they could
see it with their own eyes. I then linked up with my producer from POWER --
who had previously run MGM studios -- and we formed a partnership to get the
show produced. He and I will both serve as Executive Producers on the
project.
Our first thought was syndication, and took it to the head of one of the
biggest consortium of stations around. We didn't at that time know that this
group was putting together the Warners project, and in short order they
snapped up the material. Because the fate of B-5 was linked to the new
"network," of sorts, we had to wait for that deal to go through. Which has
gone through various permutations, on-again, off-again, for three years. They
never gave up on us once, and we never gave up on them. Our support came from
the very top of both operations.
It was our initial thought to begin with either one or two television
movies, and then proceed onto the series. The reason for the movies had to do
with 1) a desire to bring down the per-show budget by building the lion's
share of our sets via the movie(s), and 2) because we wanted to hit the
airwaves with a big story, more an event via a movie than the series pilot,
which at one hour would probably get lost.
And after three years, this has finally come to pass. Phase One of
BABYLON 5 has been approved to production, and the financing is now in place,
and we have an approximate airdate and production schedule. We have assembled
a REMARKABLE production team, some of whom are classified (on current projects
that they will leave to come work on B-5), but they include some of the best
EFX and art direction people around, including many responsible for HONEY, I
SHRUNK THE KIDS and the Henson-shop-supplied DINOSAURS. People are coming out
of the woodwork to work on this show, threatening us with dire consequences if
they aren't allowed to work on it.
As for the storyline and characters of BABYLON 5...I'm going to hold off
just a little while longer, until I know how much I can say at this point.
Some of it we're trying to keep fairly secret, but some other parts we can
probably talk about. I just want to be sure I stick to protocol.
I *will* say that it's set in the future, in space, that it isn't a
battle-oriented show, though it has more than its share of action. One person
described it (for commercial purposes) as CASABLANCA in space, though that
doesn't quite hit the mark.
More will be revealed as I am able to do so.
The only other thing I will say is that we are going to need as much
support as we can get from the fan community. By choosing to go the route of
a movie first as a pilot, we basically have one shot at the ratings. It's
better than a single pilot, but still chancy, so we will need support and
every ratings point we can get our hands on to guarantee the number of
episodes ordered subsequent to the movie.
For years, at conventions, I have heard fans lament, and even sat in on
panels entitled WHY CAN'T THEY GET IT RIGHT? This, I firmly believe, is a
chance to do exactly that...to Get It Right, to take SF seriously, to build
characters for grown-ups (not a Wesley in the bunch), to incorporate real
science but keep the characters at the center of the story. Over the next 11
months, they will have ample opportunity to voice their desire to finally Get
It Right. And I hope they will.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 4 Thu Nov 21, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 15:20 EST
Some other info that I've been cleared to state:
Phase One of BABYLON 5 -- the movie -- should air around October of the
coming year.
Phase Two -- the series -- is now slated for the following March. We
figured close to that, but now it's on the dockets.
Stations set to carry the project include: WWOR New York KCOP Los Angeles
WPWR Chicago KBHK San Francisco WDCA Washington D.C. KTXA Dallas KTXH Houston
WUAB Cleveland WTOG Tampa KMSP Minneapolis WDZL Miami KPLR St. Louis KRBK
Sacramento KUTP Phoenix WNUV Baltimore WTXX Hartford KPTV Portland, OR WSTR
Cincinnati KSMO Kansas City
More stations will be added as we go.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 5 Fri Nov 22, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 01:52 EST
For those into computer stuff, you may want to check message 403 in my
topic on Cat 8 for some info on what's being developed here in that area.
In brief, we're going to be taking a completely different approach to EFX
than has ever been done before, using cutting-edge technology in creating the
images. We've received massive support from one of the computer EFX companies
that's on the very edge of this stuff, one of the largest around. We've
assembled quite a brain-trust.
And here's a surprise for you: if you will find a copy of MILLIMETER
magazine -- I think it's either this month or the one just preceding it -- you
will find a computer-generated photograph that is described only as "a work in
progress" for an SF series.
That is the first published photograph of BABYLON 5.
(You see how sneaky we've been? How quietly this has been going on?)
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 6 Sat Nov 23, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 04:13 EST
There is going to be a VERY strong female character. Although there is a
male who operates as the titular head of BABYLON 5, and is more or less a de
facto representative of...a certain group, BABYLON 5 itself is actually *run*
on a day to day basis by (oh, what the heck, give her name) Vice-Commander
Laurel Takashima.
Now, this may not mean much until you understand what BABYLON 5 the
actual *place* is, and how it works. Which will come soon enough. If I were
to look at that OTHER sf show, hers is a much more authoritatve and
independent role than, say, that of Riker. And there are other very strong
female characters.
I have a tendency to gravitate toward female characters in stories.
Those who might remember CAPTAIN POWER will recall that the lion's share of
personal stories were about Jennifer Chase, and those were generally our best
stories.
As for cast...we're not going to go for big names, in large part because
we don't want to bring on people with a lot of baggage from other shows. (No,
no Gil Gerard.) New faces to television, but with a background in classical
training. We want ACTORS, with CHARACTER in their faces, not models or
"hunks."
See, by virtue of working on a number of SF shows, and knowing others
who've been involved in still others, I've had the chance to find out what
does, and doesn't work, and how to capitalize on that. By talking to the
fans, and appearing at cons, and using this and other systems, I've been able
to find out what the fans want, and to combine that with my own personal
vision. So when I'm asked, "Will there be strong females?" I think of TNG,
and "Why can't there be a female #2 or captain?" And I remember the other
concerns, from BOTH sides of the fence.
Those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. Life's too
short for those kinds of mistakes.
Which is why, from the very beginning of this project, three years ago, I
sought out and began laying the foundation for bringing on the best and the
brightest, to give the project a look unlike anything ever seen before on
television.
But frankly...talk is cheap. Judge us by what we *do* now what we say.
SF fans have heard this stuff before...and have been disappointed. I'm
determined not to go that route...but don't want ANYONE to take my word for
it.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 7 Sat Nov 23, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 19:52 EST
Agree re: female characters. I very much want to see a woman in a
position of power who is perfectly well-adjusged, has good relationships, the
same basic number of character flaws as any other individual in the show...in
other words, a Person, not a stereotype.
As for being "in the planning stage" above...incorrect. We've been IN
the planning stage for three years. Now we have a Go order for production,
which will commence in the spring on Phase One.
As for the location...no, it's not a saloon or anything of that nature.
And regarding the various characters...I *like* a mix of good and not-so-
good characters as regulars, people who are flawed, who you might enjoy
talking with, but you wouldn't necessarily turn your back on them.
In terms of explaining the show, I've decided that the best way to use
this particular medium is to schedule out information. We have about 10 or 11
months before Phase One hits the airwaves (which is actually fairly short for
a show of this scale). Since there are 9 main characters in B-5, plus the
location itself, I figure one big release of info per month will carry us
through to broadcast.
So on or about December 1st, I'll post here the info about exactly what
(and where) (and why) BABYLON 5 is. Then one character description per month.
I'll also post a revised list of TV stations some time prior to broadcast to
handle the added locations.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 8 Mon Nov 25, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 03:59 EST
For those who might be interested, I have just uploaded a file -- #3085 --
into library 5. It's a .PCX graphics file that contains the BABYLON 5 logo.
I did the scanning myself, so it's a little rough around the edges, and it's
based on the initial draft of the logo, which is now being cleaned up. But
this is fundamentally it.
One note: please understand that this logo is both trademarked and
copyrighted, and is uploaded here ONLY for individual viewing. Any other use
is strictly prohibited.
Most graphics display programs like Compushow (CSHOW) will work just fine
on the file, as will Microsoft Paintbrush.
For the show, the logo will be split at a diagonal, raggedly. We will
see the two parts in space, rotating toward one another. The line where the
two should join will begin to glow. Music rises. The two halves come
together with a FLASH of light, and we get a metallic looking complete logo,
looking like it's made out of heavy-gauge steel. We then PAN OVER the logo to
reveal Babylon 5 in all its glory.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 9 Tue Dec 03, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 00:42 EST
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
And now, at last, some hard info.
The date: 2257 A.D.
We have gone to the stars, and found that we are not alone. We have
moved quickly out, establishing relations with other civilizations that has
let us leapfrog technologies via an information and cultural exchange with at
least one other culture. Many contacts have been friendly. Some have not
been quite so benign.
From 2250 through 2252, war raged between the Earth Alliance and the
Minbari, an alien federation. The EA was losing, badly. As a last resort, a
suicide perimeter was set up around Earth, known as the Line. Every last ship
we had was on the Line, in a desperate defense of Homeworld.
And on the brink of winning the war, just as they were breaking through
the Line...the Minbari surrendered. To this date, no one knows why. They
could have won, but chose not to. The secret behind their surrender will
gradually play a part in our story.
But that was now 5 years ago, in our story. There is now an uneasy peace
between the Earth Alliance and the four other alien federations. To help
cement that peace, the EA has constructed BABYLON 5.
BABYLON 5 is a five-kilometer-long space station in neutral space more or
less central to all five of the different alliances, human or alien. To get
to one or the other, you have to pass through this sector of space. Thus,
Babylon 5 has been created as a sort of port-of-call for travelers, statesmen,
emissaries, traders, refugees and other, less savory characters. Five
kilometers long and two kilometers wide, Babylon 5 is divided into separate,
discreet sections that rotate at differing speeds to provide different
gravities to accommodate those who come to the station. There are also
sections with alternate atmospheres.
The station boasts living quarters, customs areas, docking bays, meeting
areas, a casino, several bars/nightclubs, command and control spheres fore and
aft, and a decent defensive grid. In addition, each of the various
federations has one official representative aboard the station (with the
station's commander representing the Earth Alliance), so that it also
functions as a sort of mini-U.N.
It is home to humans and aliens in various roles, some arriving or
departing every day, others working there full-time. They live on the very
edge of the frontier, in the sense that if they get into trouble, there's no
one who can arrive in time to help them. Because of the nature of the
travelers, they bring their stories with them to Babylon 5 rather than having
to seek them out. The stories are of people in flight, seeking sanctuary;
stories of smugglers, assassins, traders, mappers, dignitaries and others, all
on urgent missions of one sort or another.
If STAR TREK was "Wagon Train to the Stars," then BABYLON 5 is Casablanca
in space.
It is humanity's last hope for peace, a single hope in the middle of an
uneasy, fragile peace.
And it *is* fragile, and dangerous. It is called BABYLON 5 because the
first three efforts to build the station were sabotaged and destroyed. The
fourth one disappeared without a trace 24 hours after becoming operational.
No one knows what happened to it.
And *that*...is only the beginning of our story.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 10 Tue Dec 03, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 14:01 EST
Thanks. As mentioned, I'll probably layer out one character or setup per
month, rather than shoot it all out at once. So for now, I'll be talking
about the world of Babylon 5, the background, Earth history and the like. For
now, I'll say that there are basically five major Earth Alliance characters
who run the station, and four representatives, each from the other alien
confederations.
And for those who've been asking repeatedly on another show for a woman
in a position of great responsibility, wait until you meet Laurel Takashima in
a month or two.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 11 Wed Dec 04, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 00:13 EST
Thanks to all for the good thoughts. (And my Visual Consultant is
already on me about making patches...sigh.)
There will be a novelization, though we haven't yet set a publisher.
Today the finalized artwork on the B-5 logo came in (what's uploaded here
is a rough version). It's absolutely *gorgeous*. The Warner Bros. publicity
guys are working like busy little beavers, putting together the hardcover
presentation volume about the show for the stations, they're absolutely stoked
about the show.
In a couple of weeks, right before the Christmas break, we're going to
assemble the full production team, the First Team as we're calling it now, for
an all-day meeting to go over the original 2-hour script and see what
production suggestions there are. Then the rewrite will be done over the
Christmas break, which will lock down the draft until we actually get close
to production, which will necessitate some additional changes for set and
other requirements. We're starting to add on other production staff now --
assistants and the like -- since things are starting to heat up a little.
Thus far, we've got two Executive Producers (me and Doug Netter, with
whom I worked on CAPTAIN POWER, a man every bit as grumpy and curmudgeonly as
me, and he's a hoot to work with...particularly since he tends to leave me
alone story-wise), a Line Producer (John Copeland, also from C.P.), a
Conceptual Artist/Visual Consultant (Peter Ledger, the artist who did the
artwork now in hand), a computer effects wizard (Ron Thornton of NewTek,
inventers of the Video Toaster, folks who are on the cutting edge of EFX
technology), a Production/Set Designer (John Acavelli, from such movies as
HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS) and about half a dozen others, mostly young, eager,
bright folks with a chip on their shoulder in the sense that they want to show
what this show, and they, can do. It's not enough for ANY of us that the show
succeed; we want it to kick ass.
We won't start casting until after the first of the year, when the script
has been locked down.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 12 Wed Dec 04, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 01:34 EST
I know what happened to B-4. And to B-3, 2 and 1.
Bear in mind, this thing has been in secret development for three years.
During that time, with the script and artwork and bible finished, all I COULD
do was background the story to the Nth degree. I now know far more than I
ever thought I would about the universe of BABYLON 5.
And what happened to B-4 will at one point come back to, um, "haunt"] B-
5.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 13 Thu Dec 05, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 00:40 EST
Hmm...I'd appreciate any more info you may have about those patches (from
computer or video). Could be very handy.
As for the REAL GHOSTBUSTERS episode, yeah, that one -- "Janine, You've
Changed" -- came out pretty well. One of my personal favorites.
I don't think the collected CAPTAIN POWER episodes will *ever* be made
available, sadly. I don't think even *I* have a complete set; I have those I
wrote, or co-authored, and maybe one or two others, but I'm missing a few here
and there.
As for actors...we will be using standard channels. We will have a
casting director chosen by the first part of the year, and that person will be
available to agents same as any actor or casting director. The drill is well
known. As co-exec producer on the show, I will have quite a bit of input into
casting, based on what's recommended to me. I would mainly concentrate on
classically-trained actors with a lot of stage work behind them, some film/tv
work, but who aren't yet over-exposed.
The only role that I've cast in my head is that of the station's resident
telepath (NOT an empath, a telepath, who is available to sit in on business
negotiations, sort of a "Rent-A-Telepath," to make sure that the man on the
other side of the table isn't lying to you). There's an actress I've seen
who's *perfect* for the role, and has some genre experience, though she isn't
over-exposed yet. (Memo to myself: I have to call her agent tomorrow and see
if I can set up a meeting.) Beyond that, the field's wide open.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 14 Thu Dec 05, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 03:22 EST
Well, lemme comment on that. One of the reasons -- and there are many
others -- for coming out here like this and, as you say, putting myself and
the work on the line is my belief that this is right, and this is the kind of
show that the fans have been looking for.
And I'm willing to stand behind that, and be open about it, without
giving away the real surprises in the project.
For the better part of a decade, I've been on panel after panel, and gone
to convention after convention, and listened to the fans talk about what
they'd like to see in an SF series. How they want solid characters,
imaginative stories, no kids or cute robots, using science the way it should
be used, not talking down to the audience. That desire has been noted.
I think there is a certain frustration among a large percentage of media
fandom that they aren't listened to. This is my way of saying that you HAVE
been listened to, somebody HAS been paying attention. What forms the stories
and the characters must, perforce, come from one voice, you can't create
anything worthwhile with a committee...but in terms of tone and sophistication
and attitude and range, that's where you can be open to giving the fans what
they want, and what they have been asking for now for a long time.
This is simply one more effort undertaken to make the fan community a
part of the process. One noteworthy thing about the creative and production
team that we've assembled is that they're ALL fans of the SF genre. They've
grown up on it, and they want to give something back to it, to stand on the
shoulders of the giants that preceded us and try and do something *different*.
I stand foursquare for communication.
For this series to be special, it helps for the communication to be just
as special, and open. This is a part of that process.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 15 Sat Dec 07, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 20:17 EST
Well, the other day I got to see the official Warner Bros. -- well, I
don't know what to call it, exactly, it's a lot more than a brochure, but not
a book, and not a flyer...it's what they've made to send to the various TV
stations (allied and non-allied), and for the Warner Bros. salesmen to take
around with them to the stations, and for the overseas market.
It's a three-part foldover on slick, card stock, photographic grade
stock. The front piece has the main B-5 artwork of the station in space, a
binary sun in BG, a planet, and several surrounding ships coming in to dock,
beneath the final version (for now) of the B-5 logo. It's reproduced in
stunning color. You open that up, and you find text on the inside of the
flap, and continuing down inside are character descriptions and the artwork on
each of the main characters. The second flap (folded beneath the first) is a
cut-out all along on side, the cut-out conforming to the profile of the B-5
station. Open up that flap, and you find the artwork of the interior of B-5.
It's absolutely *gorgeous*, full color, and everyone who's seen it has
gone nuts for it. The overseas folks, normally reserved, are already asking
for dibs. We're getting a terrific response. What was also fun for me,
personally, was turning the whole thing over and seeing, there by the Warner
Bros. logo, "Rattlesnake Productions in Association with Synthetic Worlds,
Ltd." (The latter is my production company.) Cool.
Having worked on this for so long, it's taking a while for it to come
through to me that this is finally REAL, that every day more and more people
are getting involved with something that came out of my head one day, that
folks in England and Italy and Japan and other countries are getting into the
picture, that layout and graphics guys are putting together whole campaigns
around the program...jesus, it's amazing.
Also received a preliminary copy of the final budget, and it looks good.
Now we're looking at real money, and the responsibility starts to really come
through. Now we have to DO IT, and do it the way we've been planning all
these years.
I think I'll go lie down for a while....
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 16 Wed Dec 11, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 23:57 EST
Two responses: on the input side, we don't have a strong network hand to
worry about on the material. Thus far, they've had zero creative notes. One
individual had one suggestion, which made sense, and has been implemented.
That's it. Nothing from Warners at all. My associate on the project, Doug
Netter, also tends not to get involved in story. "I'm not the writer, you're
the writer, you figure out what you want to do with this" is his usual
comment. When we worked together on CAPTAIN POWER, he said he would never
give me a creative note because he wasn't a writer, and he held to that
promise.
So to all intents and purposes...it looks like I'm going to be pretty
much left alone. If we succeed, great, if we fail, this time I'll have no one
to blame but myself.
As for alien-aliens vs. humans with bumps...bear in mind that as much as
we'd like to use REAL aliens, thus far we haven't encountered any. So all of
the roles will have to be portrayed by humans, and we'll do as much as we can
to make them look as alien as possible. And in some cases, as mentioned, we
won't ever SEE them because they'll be concealed inside atmosphere-controlled
encounter suits. In the background, and where we can, we'll pepper really
unusual looking aliens into the show, but bear in mind that if we're going to
relate to these characters, and have our main cast relating to them, they have
to be understandable (to varying degrees), and because they'll have to emote
to one degree or another, we will have to leave some facial aspects free.
But within those parameters, we're going to try some interesting stuff.
None of us much likes the "humans with head bumps" look, and we are all
dedicated to doing as much as we can to change that and come up with something
new.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 17 Fri Dec 13, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 03:00 EST
Yeah, we're trying to come up with new ways of doing stuff. Makes it
more interesting.
Quite a day today for B-5...exhausting. First in come the color
portfolios at last, then we have THE FOCUS GROUP!
I know, I know...you're wondering what a focus group is.
The studio pays lotsa bucks to engage a research group to bring in two
groups, one group of women, one group of men. They are then given synopses of
the movie, the series episodes, the characters, all the stuff that for now
can't be posted here. And they get to react, giving us some parameters in
terms of marketing and, to a smaller extent, the story and presentation.
Going in, we were told how it would probably break down: "The women will
love the character stuff, the relationships, and hate the action, and the men
will love the action, but hate the character stuff and the relationships as
'soap opera.'"
Sonuvagun, but that's how it turned out. And after having worked for so
long to convince studio heads that SF fans want other than EFX, there were
these guys saying, "Oh, yeah, special effects is the most important thing to
me...and action, heck, science fiction MEANS action, fights and stuff." I'm
surprised they couldn't hear me banging my head against the wall through the 2-
way observation mirror.
That stuff aside, though, we tested VERY positively, and even got some
good ideas out of it. It was strange, as the person who created all this, to
look out through a 2-way mirror and see, for the first time, "civilians"
discussing the characters and situations of Babylon 5.
One more step on the long road set before us....
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 18 Fri Dec 13, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 20:51 EST
Believe me, I have no patience with or interest in focus groups or
research or anything of that nature. My feeling is quite simple: in the early
stages of a project, you should be willing to at least *listen* to anyone.
Because sometimes good ideas come from the damndest places. But you can't
WRITE that way. You take all the input, but finally you as the writer have to
sit down and use what makes SENSE in the story. The day I abdicte that
responsibility is the day I get out of the business.
I've never seen a project that was Made by research or studio suits. If it
works, it's because the project stems from one clear vision, and one clear
voice.
Just as one example...while I didn't agree with many reactions of the
"civilians" -- especially since they were working off a summary, not the
complete script -- the one point that *did* strike home was that it takes a
while to get going. We set up suspense, and a lot of time introducing the
characters. But a nice little hook at the beginning, I realized, just a
little fillip, would be a good idea to goose things a bit. Now, I may change
my mind when I get behind the keyboard to revise the script over the Christmas
break (mainly for myself, and my own desire to strengthen the script, which
has been around, after all, for quite some time, and I've learned a lot since
that initial draft), I may decide to jettison that notion, I don't know. But
it's worth considering at the very least.
Fundamentally, if you're going to create a series, write and produce it,
you've got to follow your instincts. Besides, the whole POINT of the exercise
is so that you won't have anyone making decisions for you anymore, you do
what YOU want to do with it, and let the chips fall as they may. To do
otherwise, given the angst involved in getting a series this far, is dirt-
stone-stick stupid.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 19 Thu Dec 19, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 13:49 EST
Btw...for those who might be interested, apparently -- and I haven't seen
it, I can only relay what I've been told -- there will be an article on
NewTek, our computer guys on B-5, in the next STARLOG SPECTACULAR, and the
article will contain a half-page or so photo of Babylon 5. (This is probably
one of the early, rough versions of the station, so I don't know exactly the
configuration.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 20 Thu Dec 19, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 19:51 EST
Yes, at this stage, we're going to use computer-generated images for the
exterior of Babylon 5. Done right, you won't notice the difference between
that and a model. (In fact, some of the SFX guys to whom we've shown a later
version of the demo tape were absolutely unaware that they were looking at
computer EFX; they thought it was a model...and these guys are experts. They
also thought it must've been one hell of a miniature, given the detailing and
depth of the thing.)
The cost is *slightly* less than with a model...but what it gives us is
truly ASTONISHING options. For instance...we have a ship waiting outside B-5,
awaiting the word to proceed into the docking bay. We can go from the POV of
the ship to B-5, out of the ship, approach the station, go up to a viewing
port, through which we see our characters in a live, filmed scene, and push
THROUGH the port RIGHT INTO THE SCENE, all in ONE CONTINUOUS CUT. And what's
cool is to see them from the space side of the "glass" first, and we can't
hear what's being said, since there's no sound in space. Then just as we push
through into the room, THEN we suddenly hear the dialogue, as if we've
penetrated a membrane.
There are some really amazing things that we can do that, again, have
never been seen before, using the technology that's come along in the last few
years.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 21 Wed Jan 01, 1992
STRACZYNSKI at 06:13 EST
Since it is now January 1st, time for another piece of information about
the B-5 storyline, which as mentioned will be parceled out one per month (and,
again, I'm talking about the *major* points, each of the main characters and
the backstory, though the plot of the movie will be kept confidential).
Here's an interesting bit of backstory.
The story of BABYLON 5 takes place in 2257. In 2236 or thereabouts, the
Earth Alliance made First Contact with a race known as the Minbari. They
were, at that time, only the second major civilization we'd encountered,
though we had certainly come across a number of non-aligned worlds and smaller
governments, one or two worlds each. The Minbari represent a *major* force on
every level, resources, technology, sheer number of worlds involved, on and
on.
The Minbari are the oldest of the different alien civilizations, and
largely kept to themselves. Their interests were (and are) in attaining
perfection: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional. They answer to a Council
of Elders, whose pronouncements are considered law in an almost biblical
sense. Though deeply religious in their way, they have also pursued the ways
of technology, and as such they are easily the most advanced of the various
alliances. But they view technology as transitory, a means to an end rather
than an end in itself. Like Tom Bombadil in LORD OF THE RINGS, they can hold
the Ring of Technology but it has no hold over them.
And from 2236 until about 2247, we were at war with them.
The Earth/Minbari war began as a misunderstanding. The first time a
Terran ship encountered a Minbari starship, they studied each other closely.
The Minbari ship made a move that they thought would be considered non-
threatening. It wasn't. Even in the present of our story, no one is quite
sure who fired first. The Minbari ship was greater in power, but taken by
surprise, was destroyed, and the Earth ship limped back to base with tales of
a terrible new enemy. Minbari ships, arriving to investigate, were
interpreted to be the first wing of an invasion force by the base commander,
and ships were launched in response before receiving formal authorization from
Earth Central.
The war put a great strain on the Minbari, who have always been strongly
divided between the religious caste, and the military caste, who were now
forced to work together. The religious caste were quietly opposed to the war,
but were generally vague about their reasons when asked.
The climax of the war was the Battle of the Line. Earth had all but lost
the war. In a last-ditch attempt to save Homeworld, every available ship left
in the armada was positioned around Earth itself. It was, everyone knew, a
suicide mission. And that's, indeed, how the Battle of the Line started out
to be.
In the course of that battle, a lone ship -- a one-man fighter with very
little in the way of armaments -- took several heavy hits. His instruments
failing, other ships blowing up all around him, he aimed his ship at the
nearest Minbari cruiser, deciding to ram it in the hopes of destroying at
least that one ship. He kept his ship on course for as long as he could hold
out. Then, abruptly, he blacked out.
When he awoke, he was still in his ship. Drifting. He fired up the
engines, ready to continue, only to discover two things: first, that he had
been out of it for a full 24 hours.
Second...the war was over.
And, incredibly, the Minbari had surrendered. On the very verge of
success in the war, they had rolled over and sued for peace. No one in the
Earth Alliance quite knew why, but they weren't about to debate the issue, and
accepted minimal compensation for the war.
Now, ten years later, the Earth Alliance is no closer to figuring out why
the Minbari surrendered. It is, in fact, one of the great puzzles of that
era, debated on a hundred different worlds. Only a few strange clues have
slipped out. One is that the military genius who led the Minbari into the war
committed suicide the day of the surrender, though it is unclear if his death
took place before or after the surrender. And the rift between the military
and religious castes apparently came to some sort of climax, with the
religious caste taking complete control. There are rumors of some sort of
religious vision, of a prophecy of great things, and a prophecy of complete
doom. But since almost nothing is known of Minbari religion, what this might
be, no one knows.
At the conclusion of the war, those Terrans who fought in the Battle of
the Line were proclaimed heroes. One of these men was Captain Jeffrey
Sinclair...the pilot who still cannot account for the 24 hours he was out of
contact with Earth Central.
Commander Jeffrey Sinclair has come far in the 10 years since the war.
He's had some rough times, but overall he's progressed. And he has at last
been given a major assignment, perhaps the most important job of his life,
concomitant with his promotion to Commander.
Jeffrey Sinclair is the Commander in charge of the Babylon 5 space
station.
Although the station (and its prededessors, Babylons 1 through 4, which
were either destroyed (1, 2 and 3) or mysteriously vanished (4)) was always
intended as a sort of mini-U.N. as well as a free-port, with an Ambassador
from each different alien alliance present, the Minbari refused to name an
ambassador until the station commander was named first.
Shortly after Sinclair was named Commander, the Minbari assigned their first
ambassador to the station.
His name is Delenn. And he stays very close to Commander Sinclair.
Some say he is keeping a close eye on Sinclair.
Some say he is Sinclair's friend. And some say there may well be
something very lethal behind those unreadable Minbari eyes.
And there are quite a few others, including a shadow-group in the Earth
Alliance, who would very much like to know what happened during the 24 hours
that disappeared from Commander Sinclair's life.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 22 Wed Jan 01, 1992
STRACZYNSKI at 06:19 EST
Small typo in the preceding: it should read that the Earth/Minbari war
lasted from 2236 to 2247, not 1147.
This, by the way, represents only one small segment in the overall
history of the world of Babylon 5. I've literally worked out a couple hundred
pages of condensed notes.
So...whadaya think?
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 23 Wed Jan 01, 1992
STRACZYNSKI at 19:54 EST
I would very much like to go for a soundless explosion...though logically
the shock wave from any near-proximity explosion would cause some disruption
in anything nearby, I would think. So if, for instance, something exploded
near B-5, the ext. space shot of the blast would be soundless, but if we cut
to the int. of B-5, there would be some sort of vibration or similar
disruption, I should think. (Hmm, I'd better look into that further,
since...well, never mind why.)
Yes, some of this will be in the 2-hour movie, just enough to set the
stage. As for Delenn, yes, he is of a somewhat philosophical bent, but he
takes great pleasure in his emotions, which is another difference. And he
will look quite different.
I've been trying to come up with a very off-beat plot turn to pull in
seasons 3 or 4 (assuming we ever GET that far, again, I'm working all this out
in advance and hoping for the best), and this morning I came up with something
SO neat, SO unusual, I practically slipped in the shower. It's something that
has never, EVER been done in an SF series involving a major character. And
boy, will this have major ramifications! Too bad I have to wait so long to
pull it off.
Oh...I forgot to mention one other thing about (then) Captain Sinclair's
curious incident above (and yes, this will come up peripherally in the movie).
When he lost consciousness, he had 16 hours of oxygen left in his ship. When
he awoke 24 hours later...he had 12 hours of oxygen left in his ship.
Funny, ain't it...?
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 24 Sat Jan 04, 1992
STRACZYNSKI at 04:48 EST
There are, in fact, a number of splinter groups in the world (or the
universe, I suppose) of B-5. There are individuals who claim residency in no
particular group or government, they're free-traders of the purest sort.
Within the Earth Alliance, things are structured more or less along the lines
of the Commonwealth of Independent States we're seeing now, with one
monolithic voice that speaks in terms of foreign policy, but within the
framework of everything else -- domestic policy, economics and the like -- the
independent state makes its own rules.
So their are colonies and fringe areas that consider themselves by and
large independent. And, from time to time, there will be sparks of secession
and the like. I've never much liked the Gleaming Steel Of A Perfect
Federation approach; I like things a little more tentative, less sure. And
for that matter, even WITHIN the E.A., there are factions and problems and
power struggles and the like. Wheels within wheels.
As for locations inside B-5...we've designed a number of very different
looks and locations to give it a non-claustrophobic feel. By virtue of being
patterned physically after the work of such scientists as Gerard K. O'Neil,
the absolute center of the elongated station (which revolves to provide
gravity) is a sort of hollow-world look, with fields and hydroponic gardens
along the 386-degree circular section (which is about a half-mile, or a mile
across)...and as you get closer to the absolute center, where a transport tube
cuts from one end of the station to the other, naturally you get less and less
gravity until you can literally hang suspended.
And there are living areas designed to accommodate different
environments and atmospheres and conditions. The alien sectors are off-limits
to humans without protection (breathing gear and other measures). Similarly,
a heavy CO2 breather or methane breather would have to wear an encounter suit
to travel among the humans on the station. In addition, the B-5 station is
actually made up of seve
This file includes a compilation of posts on GEnie by J. Michael
Straczynski in the Babylon 5 topic. The posts are copyright by JMS
(and compilation copyright is by GEnie).
************
Topic 22 Wed Nov 20, 1991
SOARON [Bio-Dread] at 19:41 EST
Sub: Babylon 5
TWCNBN has been been named! J. Michael Straczynski has managed to bring a new
quality to television and promises to do justice to TV and SF with a new
action-adventure SF series of his own design. (NO story suggestions, please.)
447 message(s) total.
************
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 1 Wed Nov 20, 1991
SOARON [Bio-Dread] at 19:41 EST
That Which Cannot Be Named has finally been named, and the name is BABYLON
5. An action-adventure SF series set in space. To premiere sometime next
year with a two-hour TV movie, soon followed by regualar episodes if ratings
are good. J. Michael Straczynski has said that people always complain about
SF not being done right on TV, well now it has a chance.
This series has a shot of making it if has the support of fandom. So leave
your comments here and perhaps JMS will leave news and info here as the series
develops.
Soaron
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 2 Thu Nov 21, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 00:13 EST
Babylon 5 is the name of a particular place where our story takes place.
It is numbered 5 because 1 through 3 were sabotaged/destroyed, and 4
mysteriously vanished within days of becoming operational. No one knows what
happened to it. All of which makes those involved with #5 just a trifle
uneasy.
jms
P.S. It might be useful if one of the sysops could move the initial
announcement message (or, rather, copy it) here for archival purposes.
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 3 Thu Nov 21, 1991
SF-LAWRENCE [Katherine] at 04:29 EST
We live to serve.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Well, now that the official announcement has been made, here's the
straight skinny on BABYLON 5.
For the last three years, this project has been in secret development
with some of the Major Players at Warner Bros. Because everyone realized the
potential of what we had, we all played things VERY close to the vest. Part
of the reason for secrecy was that it was slated to be one of several projects
that would spearhead what is, essentially, a new network formed between Warner
Bros. and a consortium of TV stations, similar in some ways to Fox
Broadcasting. And that deal as well had to be kept secret. It, too, was
announced today at the conference.
I created the concept of BABYLON 5 somewhere in between working on
CAPTAIN POWER and TWILIGHT ZONE. I'd seen so many SF shows by then that
backed into a budget, and thus went forever OVER budget, that I wanted to
challenge myself to develop a show that met several important criteria:
1) It would have to be good science fiction.
2) It would have to be good TELEVISION, and rarely are SF shows both good
SF *and* good TV; there're generally one or the other.
3) It would have to take an adult approach to SF, and attempt to do for
television SF what HILL STREET BLUES did for cop shows.
4) It would have to be affordable, done on a reasonable budget.
5) It would have to look unlike anything ever seen before on TV, and
present not just individual stories, but present those stories against a much
broader canvas.
The result was BABYLON 5.
After creating the bible and writing a 2-hour script, I commissioned
artwork for the series, knowing full well that it would be difficult for most
execs to fully understand what I was trying to communicate unless they could
see it with their own eyes. I then linked up with my producer from POWER --
who had previously run MGM studios -- and we formed a partnership to get the
show produced. He and I will both serve as Executive Producers on the
project.
Our first thought was syndication, and took it to the head of one of the
biggest consortium of stations around. We didn't at that time know that this
group was putting together the Warners project, and in short order they
snapped up the material. Because the fate of B-5 was linked to the new
"network," of sorts, we had to wait for that deal to go through. Which has
gone through various permutations, on-again, off-again, for three years. They
never gave up on us once, and we never gave up on them. Our support came from
the very top of both operations.
It was our initial thought to begin with either one or two television
movies, and then proceed onto the series. The reason for the movies had to do
with 1) a desire to bring down the per-show budget by building the lion's
share of our sets via the movie(s), and 2) because we wanted to hit the
airwaves with a big story, more an event via a movie than the series pilot,
which at one hour would probably get lost.
And after three years, this has finally come to pass. Phase One of
BABYLON 5 has been approved to production, and the financing is now in place,
and we have an approximate airdate and production schedule. We have assembled
a REMARKABLE production team, some of whom are classified (on current projects
that they will leave to come work on B-5), but they include some of the best
EFX and art direction people around, including many responsible for HONEY, I
SHRUNK THE KIDS and the Henson-shop-supplied DINOSAURS. People are coming out
of the woodwork to work on this show, threatening us with dire consequences if
they aren't allowed to work on it.
As for the storyline and characters of BABYLON 5...I'm going to hold off
just a little while longer, until I know how much I can say at this point.
Some of it we're trying to keep fairly secret, but some other parts we can
probably talk about. I just want to be sure I stick to protocol.
I *will* say that it's set in the future, in space, that it isn't a
battle-oriented show, though it has more than its share of action. One person
described it (for commercial purposes) as CASABLANCA in space, though that
doesn't quite hit the mark.
More will be revealed as I am able to do so.
The only other thing I will say is that we are going to need as much
support as we can get from the fan community. By choosing to go the route of
a movie first as a pilot, we basically have one shot at the ratings. It's
better than a single pilot, but still chancy, so we will need support and
every ratings point we can get our hands on to guarantee the number of
episodes ordered subsequent to the movie.
For years, at conventions, I have heard fans lament, and even sat in on
panels entitled WHY CAN'T THEY GET IT RIGHT? This, I firmly believe, is a
chance to do exactly that...to Get It Right, to take SF seriously, to build
characters for grown-ups (not a Wesley in the bunch), to incorporate real
science but keep the characters at the center of the story. Over the next 11
months, they will have ample opportunity to voice their desire to finally Get
It Right. And I hope they will.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 4 Thu Nov 21, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 15:20 EST
Some other info that I've been cleared to state:
Phase One of BABYLON 5 -- the movie -- should air around October of the
coming year.
Phase Two -- the series -- is now slated for the following March. We
figured close to that, but now it's on the dockets.
Stations set to carry the project include: WWOR New York KCOP Los Angeles
WPWR Chicago KBHK San Francisco WDCA Washington D.C. KTXA Dallas KTXH Houston
WUAB Cleveland WTOG Tampa KMSP Minneapolis WDZL Miami KPLR St. Louis KRBK
Sacramento KUTP Phoenix WNUV Baltimore WTXX Hartford KPTV Portland, OR WSTR
Cincinnati KSMO Kansas City
More stations will be added as we go.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 5 Fri Nov 22, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 01:52 EST
For those into computer stuff, you may want to check message 403 in my
topic on Cat 8 for some info on what's being developed here in that area.
In brief, we're going to be taking a completely different approach to EFX
than has ever been done before, using cutting-edge technology in creating the
images. We've received massive support from one of the computer EFX companies
that's on the very edge of this stuff, one of the largest around. We've
assembled quite a brain-trust.
And here's a surprise for you: if you will find a copy of MILLIMETER
magazine -- I think it's either this month or the one just preceding it -- you
will find a computer-generated photograph that is described only as "a work in
progress" for an SF series.
That is the first published photograph of BABYLON 5.
(You see how sneaky we've been? How quietly this has been going on?)
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 6 Sat Nov 23, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 04:13 EST
There is going to be a VERY strong female character. Although there is a
male who operates as the titular head of BABYLON 5, and is more or less a de
facto representative of...a certain group, BABYLON 5 itself is actually *run*
on a day to day basis by (oh, what the heck, give her name) Vice-Commander
Laurel Takashima.
Now, this may not mean much until you understand what BABYLON 5 the
actual *place* is, and how it works. Which will come soon enough. If I were
to look at that OTHER sf show, hers is a much more authoritatve and
independent role than, say, that of Riker. And there are other very strong
female characters.
I have a tendency to gravitate toward female characters in stories.
Those who might remember CAPTAIN POWER will recall that the lion's share of
personal stories were about Jennifer Chase, and those were generally our best
stories.
As for cast...we're not going to go for big names, in large part because
we don't want to bring on people with a lot of baggage from other shows. (No,
no Gil Gerard.) New faces to television, but with a background in classical
training. We want ACTORS, with CHARACTER in their faces, not models or
"hunks."
See, by virtue of working on a number of SF shows, and knowing others
who've been involved in still others, I've had the chance to find out what
does, and doesn't work, and how to capitalize on that. By talking to the
fans, and appearing at cons, and using this and other systems, I've been able
to find out what the fans want, and to combine that with my own personal
vision. So when I'm asked, "Will there be strong females?" I think of TNG,
and "Why can't there be a female #2 or captain?" And I remember the other
concerns, from BOTH sides of the fence.
Those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. Life's too
short for those kinds of mistakes.
Which is why, from the very beginning of this project, three years ago, I
sought out and began laying the foundation for bringing on the best and the
brightest, to give the project a look unlike anything ever seen before on
television.
But frankly...talk is cheap. Judge us by what we *do* now what we say.
SF fans have heard this stuff before...and have been disappointed. I'm
determined not to go that route...but don't want ANYONE to take my word for
it.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 7 Sat Nov 23, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 19:52 EST
Agree re: female characters. I very much want to see a woman in a
position of power who is perfectly well-adjusged, has good relationships, the
same basic number of character flaws as any other individual in the show...in
other words, a Person, not a stereotype.
As for being "in the planning stage" above...incorrect. We've been IN
the planning stage for three years. Now we have a Go order for production,
which will commence in the spring on Phase One.
As for the location...no, it's not a saloon or anything of that nature.
And regarding the various characters...I *like* a mix of good and not-so-
good characters as regulars, people who are flawed, who you might enjoy
talking with, but you wouldn't necessarily turn your back on them.
In terms of explaining the show, I've decided that the best way to use
this particular medium is to schedule out information. We have about 10 or 11
months before Phase One hits the airwaves (which is actually fairly short for
a show of this scale). Since there are 9 main characters in B-5, plus the
location itself, I figure one big release of info per month will carry us
through to broadcast.
So on or about December 1st, I'll post here the info about exactly what
(and where) (and why) BABYLON 5 is. Then one character description per month.
I'll also post a revised list of TV stations some time prior to broadcast to
handle the added locations.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 8 Mon Nov 25, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 03:59 EST
For those who might be interested, I have just uploaded a file -- #3085 --
into library 5. It's a .PCX graphics file that contains the BABYLON 5 logo.
I did the scanning myself, so it's a little rough around the edges, and it's
based on the initial draft of the logo, which is now being cleaned up. But
this is fundamentally it.
One note: please understand that this logo is both trademarked and
copyrighted, and is uploaded here ONLY for individual viewing. Any other use
is strictly prohibited.
Most graphics display programs like Compushow (CSHOW) will work just fine
on the file, as will Microsoft Paintbrush.
For the show, the logo will be split at a diagonal, raggedly. We will
see the two parts in space, rotating toward one another. The line where the
two should join will begin to glow. Music rises. The two halves come
together with a FLASH of light, and we get a metallic looking complete logo,
looking like it's made out of heavy-gauge steel. We then PAN OVER the logo to
reveal Babylon 5 in all its glory.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 9 Tue Dec 03, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 00:42 EST
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
And now, at last, some hard info.
The date: 2257 A.D.
We have gone to the stars, and found that we are not alone. We have
moved quickly out, establishing relations with other civilizations that has
let us leapfrog technologies via an information and cultural exchange with at
least one other culture. Many contacts have been friendly. Some have not
been quite so benign.
From 2250 through 2252, war raged between the Earth Alliance and the
Minbari, an alien federation. The EA was losing, badly. As a last resort, a
suicide perimeter was set up around Earth, known as the Line. Every last ship
we had was on the Line, in a desperate defense of Homeworld.
And on the brink of winning the war, just as they were breaking through
the Line...the Minbari surrendered. To this date, no one knows why. They
could have won, but chose not to. The secret behind their surrender will
gradually play a part in our story.
But that was now 5 years ago, in our story. There is now an uneasy peace
between the Earth Alliance and the four other alien federations. To help
cement that peace, the EA has constructed BABYLON 5.
BABYLON 5 is a five-kilometer-long space station in neutral space more or
less central to all five of the different alliances, human or alien. To get
to one or the other, you have to pass through this sector of space. Thus,
Babylon 5 has been created as a sort of port-of-call for travelers, statesmen,
emissaries, traders, refugees and other, less savory characters. Five
kilometers long and two kilometers wide, Babylon 5 is divided into separate,
discreet sections that rotate at differing speeds to provide different
gravities to accommodate those who come to the station. There are also
sections with alternate atmospheres.
The station boasts living quarters, customs areas, docking bays, meeting
areas, a casino, several bars/nightclubs, command and control spheres fore and
aft, and a decent defensive grid. In addition, each of the various
federations has one official representative aboard the station (with the
station's commander representing the Earth Alliance), so that it also
functions as a sort of mini-U.N.
It is home to humans and aliens in various roles, some arriving or
departing every day, others working there full-time. They live on the very
edge of the frontier, in the sense that if they get into trouble, there's no
one who can arrive in time to help them. Because of the nature of the
travelers, they bring their stories with them to Babylon 5 rather than having
to seek them out. The stories are of people in flight, seeking sanctuary;
stories of smugglers, assassins, traders, mappers, dignitaries and others, all
on urgent missions of one sort or another.
If STAR TREK was "Wagon Train to the Stars," then BABYLON 5 is Casablanca
in space.
It is humanity's last hope for peace, a single hope in the middle of an
uneasy, fragile peace.
And it *is* fragile, and dangerous. It is called BABYLON 5 because the
first three efforts to build the station were sabotaged and destroyed. The
fourth one disappeared without a trace 24 hours after becoming operational.
No one knows what happened to it.
And *that*...is only the beginning of our story.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 10 Tue Dec 03, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 14:01 EST
Thanks. As mentioned, I'll probably layer out one character or setup per
month, rather than shoot it all out at once. So for now, I'll be talking
about the world of Babylon 5, the background, Earth history and the like. For
now, I'll say that there are basically five major Earth Alliance characters
who run the station, and four representatives, each from the other alien
confederations.
And for those who've been asking repeatedly on another show for a woman
in a position of great responsibility, wait until you meet Laurel Takashima in
a month or two.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 11 Wed Dec 04, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 00:13 EST
Thanks to all for the good thoughts. (And my Visual Consultant is
already on me about making patches...sigh.)
There will be a novelization, though we haven't yet set a publisher.
Today the finalized artwork on the B-5 logo came in (what's uploaded here
is a rough version). It's absolutely *gorgeous*. The Warner Bros. publicity
guys are working like busy little beavers, putting together the hardcover
presentation volume about the show for the stations, they're absolutely stoked
about the show.
In a couple of weeks, right before the Christmas break, we're going to
assemble the full production team, the First Team as we're calling it now, for
an all-day meeting to go over the original 2-hour script and see what
production suggestions there are. Then the rewrite will be done over the
Christmas break, which will lock down the draft until we actually get close
to production, which will necessitate some additional changes for set and
other requirements. We're starting to add on other production staff now --
assistants and the like -- since things are starting to heat up a little.
Thus far, we've got two Executive Producers (me and Doug Netter, with
whom I worked on CAPTAIN POWER, a man every bit as grumpy and curmudgeonly as
me, and he's a hoot to work with...particularly since he tends to leave me
alone story-wise), a Line Producer (John Copeland, also from C.P.), a
Conceptual Artist/Visual Consultant (Peter Ledger, the artist who did the
artwork now in hand), a computer effects wizard (Ron Thornton of NewTek,
inventers of the Video Toaster, folks who are on the cutting edge of EFX
technology), a Production/Set Designer (John Acavelli, from such movies as
HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS) and about half a dozen others, mostly young, eager,
bright folks with a chip on their shoulder in the sense that they want to show
what this show, and they, can do. It's not enough for ANY of us that the show
succeed; we want it to kick ass.
We won't start casting until after the first of the year, when the script
has been locked down.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 12 Wed Dec 04, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 01:34 EST
I know what happened to B-4. And to B-3, 2 and 1.
Bear in mind, this thing has been in secret development for three years.
During that time, with the script and artwork and bible finished, all I COULD
do was background the story to the Nth degree. I now know far more than I
ever thought I would about the universe of BABYLON 5.
And what happened to B-4 will at one point come back to, um, "haunt"] B-
5.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 13 Thu Dec 05, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 00:40 EST
Hmm...I'd appreciate any more info you may have about those patches (from
computer or video). Could be very handy.
As for the REAL GHOSTBUSTERS episode, yeah, that one -- "Janine, You've
Changed" -- came out pretty well. One of my personal favorites.
I don't think the collected CAPTAIN POWER episodes will *ever* be made
available, sadly. I don't think even *I* have a complete set; I have those I
wrote, or co-authored, and maybe one or two others, but I'm missing a few here
and there.
As for actors...we will be using standard channels. We will have a
casting director chosen by the first part of the year, and that person will be
available to agents same as any actor or casting director. The drill is well
known. As co-exec producer on the show, I will have quite a bit of input into
casting, based on what's recommended to me. I would mainly concentrate on
classically-trained actors with a lot of stage work behind them, some film/tv
work, but who aren't yet over-exposed.
The only role that I've cast in my head is that of the station's resident
telepath (NOT an empath, a telepath, who is available to sit in on business
negotiations, sort of a "Rent-A-Telepath," to make sure that the man on the
other side of the table isn't lying to you). There's an actress I've seen
who's *perfect* for the role, and has some genre experience, though she isn't
over-exposed yet. (Memo to myself: I have to call her agent tomorrow and see
if I can set up a meeting.) Beyond that, the field's wide open.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 14 Thu Dec 05, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 03:22 EST
Well, lemme comment on that. One of the reasons -- and there are many
others -- for coming out here like this and, as you say, putting myself and
the work on the line is my belief that this is right, and this is the kind of
show that the fans have been looking for.
And I'm willing to stand behind that, and be open about it, without
giving away the real surprises in the project.
For the better part of a decade, I've been on panel after panel, and gone
to convention after convention, and listened to the fans talk about what
they'd like to see in an SF series. How they want solid characters,
imaginative stories, no kids or cute robots, using science the way it should
be used, not talking down to the audience. That desire has been noted.
I think there is a certain frustration among a large percentage of media
fandom that they aren't listened to. This is my way of saying that you HAVE
been listened to, somebody HAS been paying attention. What forms the stories
and the characters must, perforce, come from one voice, you can't create
anything worthwhile with a committee...but in terms of tone and sophistication
and attitude and range, that's where you can be open to giving the fans what
they want, and what they have been asking for now for a long time.
This is simply one more effort undertaken to make the fan community a
part of the process. One noteworthy thing about the creative and production
team that we've assembled is that they're ALL fans of the SF genre. They've
grown up on it, and they want to give something back to it, to stand on the
shoulders of the giants that preceded us and try and do something *different*.
I stand foursquare for communication.
For this series to be special, it helps for the communication to be just
as special, and open. This is a part of that process.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 15 Sat Dec 07, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 20:17 EST
Well, the other day I got to see the official Warner Bros. -- well, I
don't know what to call it, exactly, it's a lot more than a brochure, but not
a book, and not a flyer...it's what they've made to send to the various TV
stations (allied and non-allied), and for the Warner Bros. salesmen to take
around with them to the stations, and for the overseas market.
It's a three-part foldover on slick, card stock, photographic grade
stock. The front piece has the main B-5 artwork of the station in space, a
binary sun in BG, a planet, and several surrounding ships coming in to dock,
beneath the final version (for now) of the B-5 logo. It's reproduced in
stunning color. You open that up, and you find text on the inside of the
flap, and continuing down inside are character descriptions and the artwork on
each of the main characters. The second flap (folded beneath the first) is a
cut-out all along on side, the cut-out conforming to the profile of the B-5
station. Open up that flap, and you find the artwork of the interior of B-5.
It's absolutely *gorgeous*, full color, and everyone who's seen it has
gone nuts for it. The overseas folks, normally reserved, are already asking
for dibs. We're getting a terrific response. What was also fun for me,
personally, was turning the whole thing over and seeing, there by the Warner
Bros. logo, "Rattlesnake Productions in Association with Synthetic Worlds,
Ltd." (The latter is my production company.) Cool.
Having worked on this for so long, it's taking a while for it to come
through to me that this is finally REAL, that every day more and more people
are getting involved with something that came out of my head one day, that
folks in England and Italy and Japan and other countries are getting into the
picture, that layout and graphics guys are putting together whole campaigns
around the program...jesus, it's amazing.
Also received a preliminary copy of the final budget, and it looks good.
Now we're looking at real money, and the responsibility starts to really come
through. Now we have to DO IT, and do it the way we've been planning all
these years.
I think I'll go lie down for a while....
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 16 Wed Dec 11, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 23:57 EST
Two responses: on the input side, we don't have a strong network hand to
worry about on the material. Thus far, they've had zero creative notes. One
individual had one suggestion, which made sense, and has been implemented.
That's it. Nothing from Warners at all. My associate on the project, Doug
Netter, also tends not to get involved in story. "I'm not the writer, you're
the writer, you figure out what you want to do with this" is his usual
comment. When we worked together on CAPTAIN POWER, he said he would never
give me a creative note because he wasn't a writer, and he held to that
promise.
So to all intents and purposes...it looks like I'm going to be pretty
much left alone. If we succeed, great, if we fail, this time I'll have no one
to blame but myself.
As for alien-aliens vs. humans with bumps...bear in mind that as much as
we'd like to use REAL aliens, thus far we haven't encountered any. So all of
the roles will have to be portrayed by humans, and we'll do as much as we can
to make them look as alien as possible. And in some cases, as mentioned, we
won't ever SEE them because they'll be concealed inside atmosphere-controlled
encounter suits. In the background, and where we can, we'll pepper really
unusual looking aliens into the show, but bear in mind that if we're going to
relate to these characters, and have our main cast relating to them, they have
to be understandable (to varying degrees), and because they'll have to emote
to one degree or another, we will have to leave some facial aspects free.
But within those parameters, we're going to try some interesting stuff.
None of us much likes the "humans with head bumps" look, and we are all
dedicated to doing as much as we can to change that and come up with something
new.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 17 Fri Dec 13, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 03:00 EST
Yeah, we're trying to come up with new ways of doing stuff. Makes it
more interesting.
Quite a day today for B-5...exhausting. First in come the color
portfolios at last, then we have THE FOCUS GROUP!
I know, I know...you're wondering what a focus group is.
The studio pays lotsa bucks to engage a research group to bring in two
groups, one group of women, one group of men. They are then given synopses of
the movie, the series episodes, the characters, all the stuff that for now
can't be posted here. And they get to react, giving us some parameters in
terms of marketing and, to a smaller extent, the story and presentation.
Going in, we were told how it would probably break down: "The women will
love the character stuff, the relationships, and hate the action, and the men
will love the action, but hate the character stuff and the relationships as
'soap opera.'"
Sonuvagun, but that's how it turned out. And after having worked for so
long to convince studio heads that SF fans want other than EFX, there were
these guys saying, "Oh, yeah, special effects is the most important thing to
me...and action, heck, science fiction MEANS action, fights and stuff." I'm
surprised they couldn't hear me banging my head against the wall through the 2-
way observation mirror.
That stuff aside, though, we tested VERY positively, and even got some
good ideas out of it. It was strange, as the person who created all this, to
look out through a 2-way mirror and see, for the first time, "civilians"
discussing the characters and situations of Babylon 5.
One more step on the long road set before us....
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 18 Fri Dec 13, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 20:51 EST
Believe me, I have no patience with or interest in focus groups or
research or anything of that nature. My feeling is quite simple: in the early
stages of a project, you should be willing to at least *listen* to anyone.
Because sometimes good ideas come from the damndest places. But you can't
WRITE that way. You take all the input, but finally you as the writer have to
sit down and use what makes SENSE in the story. The day I abdicte that
responsibility is the day I get out of the business.
I've never seen a project that was Made by research or studio suits. If it
works, it's because the project stems from one clear vision, and one clear
voice.
Just as one example...while I didn't agree with many reactions of the
"civilians" -- especially since they were working off a summary, not the
complete script -- the one point that *did* strike home was that it takes a
while to get going. We set up suspense, and a lot of time introducing the
characters. But a nice little hook at the beginning, I realized, just a
little fillip, would be a good idea to goose things a bit. Now, I may change
my mind when I get behind the keyboard to revise the script over the Christmas
break (mainly for myself, and my own desire to strengthen the script, which
has been around, after all, for quite some time, and I've learned a lot since
that initial draft), I may decide to jettison that notion, I don't know. But
it's worth considering at the very least.
Fundamentally, if you're going to create a series, write and produce it,
you've got to follow your instincts. Besides, the whole POINT of the exercise
is so that you won't have anyone making decisions for you anymore, you do
what YOU want to do with it, and let the chips fall as they may. To do
otherwise, given the angst involved in getting a series this far, is dirt-
stone-stick stupid.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 19 Thu Dec 19, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 13:49 EST
Btw...for those who might be interested, apparently -- and I haven't seen
it, I can only relay what I've been told -- there will be an article on
NewTek, our computer guys on B-5, in the next STARLOG SPECTACULAR, and the
article will contain a half-page or so photo of Babylon 5. (This is probably
one of the early, rough versions of the station, so I don't know exactly the
configuration.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 20 Thu Dec 19, 1991
STRACZYNSKI at 19:51 EST
Yes, at this stage, we're going to use computer-generated images for the
exterior of Babylon 5. Done right, you won't notice the difference between
that and a model. (In fact, some of the SFX guys to whom we've shown a later
version of the demo tape were absolutely unaware that they were looking at
computer EFX; they thought it was a model...and these guys are experts. They
also thought it must've been one hell of a miniature, given the detailing and
depth of the thing.)
The cost is *slightly* less than with a model...but what it gives us is
truly ASTONISHING options. For instance...we have a ship waiting outside B-5,
awaiting the word to proceed into the docking bay. We can go from the POV of
the ship to B-5, out of the ship, approach the station, go up to a viewing
port, through which we see our characters in a live, filmed scene, and push
THROUGH the port RIGHT INTO THE SCENE, all in ONE CONTINUOUS CUT. And what's
cool is to see them from the space side of the "glass" first, and we can't
hear what's being said, since there's no sound in space. Then just as we push
through into the room, THEN we suddenly hear the dialogue, as if we've
penetrated a membrane.
There are some really amazing things that we can do that, again, have
never been seen before, using the technology that's come along in the last few
years.
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 21 Wed Jan 01, 1992
STRACZYNSKI at 06:13 EST
Since it is now January 1st, time for another piece of information about
the B-5 storyline, which as mentioned will be parceled out one per month (and,
again, I'm talking about the *major* points, each of the main characters and
the backstory, though the plot of the movie will be kept confidential).
Here's an interesting bit of backstory.
The story of BABYLON 5 takes place in 2257. In 2236 or thereabouts, the
Earth Alliance made First Contact with a race known as the Minbari. They
were, at that time, only the second major civilization we'd encountered,
though we had certainly come across a number of non-aligned worlds and smaller
governments, one or two worlds each. The Minbari represent a *major* force on
every level, resources, technology, sheer number of worlds involved, on and
on.
The Minbari are the oldest of the different alien civilizations, and
largely kept to themselves. Their interests were (and are) in attaining
perfection: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional. They answer to a Council
of Elders, whose pronouncements are considered law in an almost biblical
sense. Though deeply religious in their way, they have also pursued the ways
of technology, and as such they are easily the most advanced of the various
alliances. But they view technology as transitory, a means to an end rather
than an end in itself. Like Tom Bombadil in LORD OF THE RINGS, they can hold
the Ring of Technology but it has no hold over them.
And from 2236 until about 2247, we were at war with them.
The Earth/Minbari war began as a misunderstanding. The first time a
Terran ship encountered a Minbari starship, they studied each other closely.
The Minbari ship made a move that they thought would be considered non-
threatening. It wasn't. Even in the present of our story, no one is quite
sure who fired first. The Minbari ship was greater in power, but taken by
surprise, was destroyed, and the Earth ship limped back to base with tales of
a terrible new enemy. Minbari ships, arriving to investigate, were
interpreted to be the first wing of an invasion force by the base commander,
and ships were launched in response before receiving formal authorization from
Earth Central.
The war put a great strain on the Minbari, who have always been strongly
divided between the religious caste, and the military caste, who were now
forced to work together. The religious caste were quietly opposed to the war,
but were generally vague about their reasons when asked.
The climax of the war was the Battle of the Line. Earth had all but lost
the war. In a last-ditch attempt to save Homeworld, every available ship left
in the armada was positioned around Earth itself. It was, everyone knew, a
suicide mission. And that's, indeed, how the Battle of the Line started out
to be.
In the course of that battle, a lone ship -- a one-man fighter with very
little in the way of armaments -- took several heavy hits. His instruments
failing, other ships blowing up all around him, he aimed his ship at the
nearest Minbari cruiser, deciding to ram it in the hopes of destroying at
least that one ship. He kept his ship on course for as long as he could hold
out. Then, abruptly, he blacked out.
When he awoke, he was still in his ship. Drifting. He fired up the
engines, ready to continue, only to discover two things: first, that he had
been out of it for a full 24 hours.
Second...the war was over.
And, incredibly, the Minbari had surrendered. On the very verge of
success in the war, they had rolled over and sued for peace. No one in the
Earth Alliance quite knew why, but they weren't about to debate the issue, and
accepted minimal compensation for the war.
Now, ten years later, the Earth Alliance is no closer to figuring out why
the Minbari surrendered. It is, in fact, one of the great puzzles of that
era, debated on a hundred different worlds. Only a few strange clues have
slipped out. One is that the military genius who led the Minbari into the war
committed suicide the day of the surrender, though it is unclear if his death
took place before or after the surrender. And the rift between the military
and religious castes apparently came to some sort of climax, with the
religious caste taking complete control. There are rumors of some sort of
religious vision, of a prophecy of great things, and a prophecy of complete
doom. But since almost nothing is known of Minbari religion, what this might
be, no one knows.
At the conclusion of the war, those Terrans who fought in the Battle of
the Line were proclaimed heroes. One of these men was Captain Jeffrey
Sinclair...the pilot who still cannot account for the 24 hours he was out of
contact with Earth Central.
Commander Jeffrey Sinclair has come far in the 10 years since the war.
He's had some rough times, but overall he's progressed. And he has at last
been given a major assignment, perhaps the most important job of his life,
concomitant with his promotion to Commander.
Jeffrey Sinclair is the Commander in charge of the Babylon 5 space
station.
Although the station (and its prededessors, Babylons 1 through 4, which
were either destroyed (1, 2 and 3) or mysteriously vanished (4)) was always
intended as a sort of mini-U.N. as well as a free-port, with an Ambassador
from each different alien alliance present, the Minbari refused to name an
ambassador until the station commander was named first.
Shortly after Sinclair was named Commander, the Minbari assigned their first
ambassador to the station.
His name is Delenn. And he stays very close to Commander Sinclair.
Some say he is keeping a close eye on Sinclair.
Some say he is Sinclair's friend. And some say there may well be
something very lethal behind those unreadable Minbari eyes.
And there are quite a few others, including a shadow-group in the Earth
Alliance, who would very much like to know what happened during the 24 hours
that disappeared from Commander Sinclair's life.
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 22 Wed Jan 01, 1992
STRACZYNSKI at 06:19 EST
Small typo in the preceding: it should read that the Earth/Minbari war
lasted from 2236 to 2247, not 1147.
This, by the way, represents only one small segment in the overall
history of the world of Babylon 5. I've literally worked out a couple hundred
pages of condensed notes.
So...whadaya think?
jms
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Category 18, Topic 22
Message 23 Wed Jan 01, 1992
STRACZYNSKI at 19:54 EST
I would very much like to go for a soundless explosion...though logically
the shock wave from any near-proximity explosion would cause some disruption
in anything nearby, I would think. So if, for instance, something exploded
near B-5, the ext. space shot of the blast would be soundless, but if we cut
to the int. of B-5, there would be some sort of vibration or similar
disruption, I should think. (Hmm, I'd better look into that further,
since...well, never mind why.)
Yes, some of this will be in the 2-hour movie, just enough to set the
stage. As for Delenn, yes, he is of a somewhat philosophical bent, but he
takes great pleasure in his emotions, which is another difference. And he
will look quite different.
I've been trying to come up with a very off-beat plot turn to pull in
seasons 3 or 4 (assuming we ever GET that far, again, I'm working all this out
in advance and hoping for the best), and this morning I came up with something
SO neat, SO unusual, I practically slipped in the shower. It's something that
has never, EVER been done in an SF series involving a major character. And
boy, will this have major ramifications! Too bad I have to wait so long to
pull it off.
Oh...I forgot to mention one other thing about (then) Captain Sinclair's
curious incident above (and yes, this will come up peripherally in the movie).
When he lost consciousness, he had 16 hours of oxygen left in his ship. When
he awoke 24 hours later...he had 12 hours of oxygen left in his ship.
Funny, ain't it...?
jms
------------
Category 18, Topic 22
Message 24 Sat Jan 04, 1992
STRACZYNSKI at 04:48 EST
There are, in fact, a number of splinter groups in the world (or the
universe, I suppose) of B-5. There are individuals who claim residency in no
particular group or government, they're free-traders of the purest sort.
Within the Earth Alliance, things are structured more or less along the lines
of the Commonwealth of Independent States we're seeing now, with one
monolithic voice that speaks in terms of foreign policy, but within the
framework of everything else -- domestic policy, economics and the like -- the
independent state makes its own rules.
So their are colonies and fringe areas that consider themselves by and
large independent. And, from time to time, there will be sparks of secession
and the like. I've never much liked the Gleaming Steel Of A Perfect
Federation approach; I like things a little more tentative, less sure. And
for that matter, even WITHIN the E.A., there are factions and problems and
power struggles and the like. Wheels within wheels.
As for locations inside B-5...we've designed a number of very different
looks and locations to give it a non-claustrophobic feel. By virtue of being
patterned physically after the work of such scientists as Gerard K. O'Neil,
the absolute center of the elongated station (which revolves to provide
gravity) is a sort of hollow-world look, with fields and hydroponic gardens
along the 386-degree circular section (which is about a half-mile, or a mile
across)...and as you get closer to the absolute center, where a transport tube
cuts from one end of the station to the other, naturally you get less and less
gravity until you can literally hang suspended.
And there are living areas designed to accommodate different
environments and atmospheres and conditions. The alien sectors are off-limits
to humans without protection (breathing gear and other measures). Similarly,
a heavy CO2 breather or methane breather would have to wear an encounter suit
to travel among the humans on the station. In addition, the B-5 station is
actually made up of seve
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