DARK SHADOWS FORUMS
General Discussions => Current Talk Archive => Current Talk '24 I => Current Talk '06 I => Topic started by: Mysterious Benefactor on May 24, 2006, 06:07:08 AM
-
An article on the Dark Horizons Web site about how The CW (the new network being formed by a merger of The WB and UPN) didn't pickup The WB's "shoe-in" Aquaman pilot made by the Smallville creators likens its failure to get a pickup to the situation with the 2004 DS pilot:
When The CW announced its new Fall shows line-up on Thursday, no sign of the show (alternately titled "Mercy Reef" or simply "The Reef") existed - only one 'family on the run' drama entitled "Runaway" made it into the final line-up. A surprise but not unexpected, a high concept genre series like "Aquaman" is expensive to produce which is not a welcome idea for a smaller network.
Its also not the first time this has happened either, two years ago The WB developed much talked about pilots for contemporary updates of 60's vampire series "Dark Shadows" and sci-fi classic "Lost in Space" and yet when the Fall line-up was announced neither show made it, the network opting only for its disastrous family drama "The Mountain".
Those 'Shadows' and 'Lost' pilots may have been quietly buried (and having seen the awful 'Lost' one for good reason, have yet to see 'Shadows' though would love too), "Aquaman" isn't going so quietly into the good night. This weekend saw a 2.5 minute preview with scenes from the pilot emerge online
However, the Aquaman situation is definitely a bit different from that of the DS pilot. The DS pilot was competing with other WB pilots - Aquaman was competing with the other WB pilots as well as the UPN pilots. Certainly not the greatest of odds - especially when The CW was already trying to merge the most successful shows from the two other networks into one schedule.
I also wonder, if The WB DS pilot had gone to series in 2004, if we might be lamenting its failure to make the cut to The CW just as the fans of such WB series as Everwood are now? Though, of course, that's something we'll never know...
Anyone interested in reading the entire article can check out: "Aquaman" Early Look Goes Online (http://www.darkhorizons.com/news06/060521c.php)
-
I also wonder, if The WB DS pilot had gone to series in 2004, if we might be lamenting its failure to make the cut to The CW just as the fans of such WB series as Everwood are now? Though, of course, that's something we'll never know...
I believe that if had been successful, like Supernatural, it would've been picked up. The CW seemed to want to go with their established shows instead of taking a risk on several new ones like Mercy Reef (I always thought MR was a dumb idea, honestly). Next year I would expect more pilots on the schedule because they have a couple veteran shows that won't be on much longer (Gilmore Girls, Smallville). They'll need new shows.
I've read that a couple of the shows - I think One Tree Hill and Veronica Mars - only received a 13 episode order for next season because of their low ratings...maybe they'll hang on to Mercy Reef as a possible mid-season replacement. I haven't heard that they thought the MR pilot was bad, it just seems like the was no room on the schedule.
With the DS situation, I personally believe that they used the excuse of the pilot being "unsalvagable" because they merely wanted to try a new direction with their network - hence Jack & Bobby and The Mountain. Straight dramas. I believe someone at one point said they were moving away from franchise/cult shows. And of course, a year later, the only new hit they had come up with was Supernatural - gasp! A cult show! I'm not sure they'll be as quick to dismiss the cult/fantasy type shows again. Two of their biggest hits (Buffy & Smallville) and their only recent successful new show (Supernatural) fall under that category.
I'm addicted to Supernatural. Can't wait until it comes back in the fall.
-
If the 2004 DS made it to series, the CW would have looked closely at its ratings and compared it to the production costs it generated. Its hard to imagine that the 45 minute DS pilot cost 6 million dollars to produce. After viewing it at a prior Fest, I just don't think it warranted that cost especially in its unfinished state. There were some nice special effects but 6 million dollars??? I would have taken my chances with CW's management over the clueless executives at the WB. I am also surprising ambivalent about the pilot being shown at the Fest this year. I know that many people are dying to see it for the first time and that is indeed a good thing. On one hand, it will create more talk about what would have been if the pilot was picked up to series. My hope is that by showing the pilot again, it will create more buzz about the pilot and that in turn could get some networks interested in the pilot or order a new DS pilot. On the other hand, perhaps the pilot should indeed be buried for good if nothing is ever going to become of it especially if there are no plans to ever release it on DVD? I read somewhere that the Sci-Fi Channel was looking at reviving DS. But who knows what direction their heading in now. That network is placing a wrestling show on its channel. Go figure.
-
On the other hand, perhaps the pilot should indeed be buried for good if nothing is ever going to become of it especially if there are no plans to ever release it on DVD?
Just because no one is talking about releasing the pilot on DVD now doesn't mean no one will consider it at some point in the future. Haven't we all learned by now that in television there is no such thing as the "Last Word" concerning anything?
And of course the pilot should be shown to as many people as can be arranged. Who ever knows what wunderkind might be sitting in a dark room some day, watching a bootlegged copy of the pilot and thinking "when I get my chance, I'm going to do something with this old story...."
DS has lasted 40 years already. If that legacy doesn't deserve faith, what does?
-
On the other hand, perhaps the pilot should indeed be buried for good if nothing is ever going to become of it especially if there are no plans to ever release it on DVD?
Just because no one is talking about releasing the pilot on DVD now doesn't mean no one will consider it at some point in the future. Haven't we all learned by now that in television there is no such thing as the "Last Word" concerning anything?
And of course the pilot should be shown to as many people as can be arranged. Who ever knows what wunderkind might be sitting in a dark room some day, watching a bootlegged copy of the pilot and thinking "when I get my chance, I'm going to do something with this old story...."
DS has lasted 40 years already. If that legacy doesn't deserve faith, what does?
Raineypark, as I clearly stated in my post, I am hopeful that by showing the DS pilot once again, that it may get a network interested in the filmed DS project. However, I got the distinct impression at the last Fest that this filmed pilot will never make it to DVD because of legal reasons and the fact that the pilot was never finished and that it would be very costly to have it completed. I thought I also heard that all of the networks had seen the pilot and passed on it. I don't think DCP would like to have this version on a bootleg somewhere for legal and artistic reasons. Do you think that DCP is still actively shopping this filmed pilot to the networks? I hope you are right. Is that the faith we should be believing in? I am always hoping for a new DS project. I do believe in the legacy of the DS franchise. Perhaps we are talking about different things.
-
Raineypark, as I clearly stated in my post, I am hopeful that by showing the DS pilot once again, that it may get a network interested in the filmed DS project. However, I got the distinct impression at the last Fest that this filmed pilot will never make it to DVD because of legal reasons and the fact that the pilot was never finished and that it would be very costly to have it completed.
Never is a long time. How long did it take them to change their minds about only showing the pilot once, at the LA Fest, and never again? Just long enough to get a crowd to show up at the LA Fest, by my calculations.
What's to stop the owners of the rights from issuing the pilot on DVD if they want? (BTW....DCP closed its doors months ago, before Dan Curtis passed away).
Do I think a new DS is likely to show up soon? No. Do I think there's hope that another version might exist one day? Sure. Why not? The original version was an odd success to say the least. Why shouldn't lightening strike twice? How often do studios change personnel? The guy who said "no" the last time might not be in charge the next time the idea comes up.
-
Never is a long time. How long did it take them to change their minds about only showing the pilot once, at the LA Fest, and never again? Just long enough to get a crowd to show up at the LA Fest, by my calculations.
What's to stop the owners of the rights from issuing the pilot on DVD if they want? (BTW....DCP closed its doors months ago, before Dan Curtis passed away).
Do I think a new DS is likely to show up soon? No. Do I think there's hope that another version might exist one day? Sure. Why not? The original version was an odd success to say the least. Why shouldn't lightening strike twice? How often do studios change personnel? The guy who said "no" the last time might not be in charge the next time the idea comes up.
You raised some interesting points. I guess never say never is a good philosophy to have especially in this universe. Although DCP closed, I am sure there are good people in charge representing DS' interests. This cult classic should live again and hopefully soon.
-
I've been reading these posts and I have a question (or, I guess, several -- LOL!). If DCP has closed its doors, what does this mean for any possible new DS tv show or movie? Does that mean there's no longer a possibility of a new DS or is Jim Pierson in charge and he could make a new DS but he'd have to form a different production company? Does Pierson now own the rights to DS? Can anyone out there help me with this confusion? Eek! (LOL!)
-
(BTW....DCP closed its doors months ago, before Dan Curtis passed away).
Where'd you hear that Raineypark? I hadn't heard that. If it's closed, who's getting the residuals for the DVD's and other merchandise?
-
Where'd you hear that Raineypark? I hadn't heard that.
The offices of DC Productions closed while Curtis was ill. The phone number goes to voicemail.
-
Well then I may as well take a stab at this as there has been no definitive answer to this question. With DCP's office physically closing, it does not mean that the corporation dissolved. I don't think its closing means the end for any future Dark Shadows projects. Someone or some entity has to be protecting the franchise's interests. I would think Dan's family has a large say in what goes on and any new project would need their blessing. Perhaps there is or is going to be a new production company. However, I can be wrong. Perhaps this is truly the end although I seriously doubt that.
-
Hi Jim,
I thought it was established in an earlier discussion of this topic that DCP had no say in the WB's treatment of the series, the pilot, etc. I had understood that Dan was allowed to visit the set or make suggestions as a courtesy. I do remember being surprised that he had finally surrendered his role in the development of the new Dark Shadows.
Perhaps somebody who is in the know will post just who currently owns the rights to possible future incarnations of the series.
Best wishes, Gothick
-
I thought it was established in an earlier discussion of this topic that DCP had no say in the WB's treatment of the series, the pilot, etc. I had understood that Dan was allowed to visit the set or make suggestions as a courtesy. I do remember being surprised that he had finally surrendered his role in the development of the new Dark Shadows.
Perhaps somebody who is in the know will post just who currently owns the rights to possible future incarnations of the series.
Hi Gothic and thanks for your best wishes. Same to you cousin.
Well Dan was officially a co-producer of the WB pilot so the pilot could not have been filmed without his blessing. You are right in that the discussions here did indicate that Dan gave up some of his authority in order for the pilot to go forward. I am sure he had a say in the making of the pilot but obviously the pilot did not turn out as he had expected. I would guess he had concerns about some of the actors and certainly the director. I was looking at the announcement subsequent to Dan's passing concerning the BigFish upcoming Audio Dramas on CDs, and it reflects Jim Pierson as the Executive Producer for Dan Curtis Productions. Perhaps there are legal concerns preventing people from posting here. But still our question concerning who is in control of the DS franchise is a very legitimate one.
Take care.
Jim
-
But still our question concerning who is in control of the DS franchise is a very legitimate one.
And in due time - quite possibly during the Fest, if not before - the answer will be revealed. However, just as was the case with the WB pilot, where we as fans didn't actually have the right to expect to be continually updated about the pilot's progress, we as fans don't actually have a right to know the terms of DC's will. The only people who have that right are the people named in it. And it's purely up to them as to when they might decide to share what knowledge they may possess. ;) I'm sure it's not a case that anyone is trying to keep anything a secret. After all, what would be the point? :-
-
we as fans don't actually have a right to know the terms of DC's will. The only people who have that right are the people named in it.
Whoa! I wasn't asking what the terms of the man's will were, I never even mentioned DC! I just asked Raineypark where she got her information from, that's all! There are a lot of rumors out there folks, I'm just trying to find out if this was fact or fiction!
-
Whoa! I wasn't asking what the terms of the man's will were, I never even mentioned DC!
My reply wasn't directed toward you - or even to anyone in particular. I'm sorry if you interpreted it that way. It was merely a general statement. :)
There are a lot of rumors out there folks, I'm just trying to find out if this was fact or fiction!
DCP closed its office months ago. Everyone can trust that that's a fact. How it came to be known is actually insignificant. ;)
-
I don't believe there is an X-File here. lol
However, I think there are some cousins like me who just want to be assured that there is a mechanism in place where if a network was interested in a new DS series that there is someone with decision making authority who can respond to that call. I think there is some confusion with the fact that DCP has closed its doors. Does that mean that spells the end to any future DS project? I don't think it is an insignificant question. I certainly did not imply I am asking for the names of the corporate officers who are in a position to speak for the DC's interests.
-
there is a mechanism in place where if a network was interested in a new DS series that there is someone with decision making authority who can respond to that call. ... I don't think it is an insignificant question.
And I didn't mean to imply that's an insignificant question - only that how it was discovered that the DCP office is closed wasn't really significant. The only thing that's significant there is that the office is indeed closed. :)
As for there being someone in authority who could respond to any interest in a new DS project, all we need do is simply ask ourselves how likely it is that DC wouldn't have planned for that upon his death. ;)
-
All corporations have a Board and no corporations are totally dependent on the life or death of one individual -- that's one of the many purposes of incorporating. And as a couple of folks have mentioned, just because the office is closed, doesn't mean the corporation was disolved. In fact, it is very unlikely that the corporation would have or could have been disolved that quickly.
So we could assume that the rights to DS remain just where they have always been -- with DCP. Even if DCP disolves, the rights to DS will almost certainly be transferred or purchased by another entity. In the entertainment business -- rights to entertainment material tend to float around to various corporations for decades. Should the holdings of DCP become part of Mr. Curtis's estate, then his heirs would be the "owners" of DS, but they could sell the rights (for limited amounts of time) to production companies interested in reviving the series.
I feel pretty sure the rights to DS will remain available for purchase (or lease -- is that the right word?). Time will tell.
-
First of all, thank you MB for reassuring us that the rights to DS are being taken care of. Like BuzzH, I wasn't trying to nose into DC's will, I just wanted to clear up some confusion.
I'm sure it's not a case that anyone is trying to keep anything a secret. After all, what would be the point? :-
Now there's a question I've wondered many times! LOL! For example, what was the point of Jim Pierson telling us that there would be no more Fests and then changing his mind? What was the point of him showing the Sciography video at the 2002 Fest banquet and then spending the rest of the evening making the rounds to the fans gathered in the lobby to try to do damage control? What is the point of the smokescreen non-answers given as policy to some of the questions asked during the fan panels? Sorry, MB, I don't mean to direct this at you, I'm just asking these questions rhetorically. I think it's hard for us fans not to ask questions and wonder what is going on when we've been given the runaround about so many things before by people in charge at the Fests. So I just wanted to explain that I think this is why we're all so curious and impatient to find out what's going on with the rights to DS. But thank you again for addressing the issue and trying to answer to the best of your abiltiy. I'll be eagerly waiting and hoping for an announcement at the Fest. :)
-
I honestly thought I had read that Dan Curtis' involvement with the Warner Bros series project was at best honorific. But then, I've never gotten clear just who owns what in the DS 'verse. To really understand it, I'd have to know more about "the Industry" than my stomach can handle.
cheers, Gothick
-
I was looking at the announcement subsequent to Dan's passing concerning the BigFish upcoming Audio Dramas on CDs, and it reflects Jim Pierson as the Executive Producer for Dan Curtis Productions. Perhaps there are legal concerns preventing people from posting here. But still our question concerning who is in control of the DS franchise is a very legitimate one.
With the announcement about new DS audio dramas being produced, clearly that's a statement that DS continues to find additional ways to live on. So there really doesn't seem to be any question about the state of the franchise just because its creator is gone.
As to why some formal announcement hasn't been made about who is in charge of what now, I personally don't see that implying there is anything up in the air behind the scenes or even secretive: could be those in the know simply don't see why it is of any concern for fans to know the particulars or what does it matter to anyone outside of the business interests? Fans are usually asked to support projects, not companies or business arrangements.
It doesn't make any sense to think that simply because the series creator died that nothing was ever put into place before his passing to handle the DS franchise down the road as, sooner or later, Dan Curtis was going to pass away. Frankly, I think the DS franchise might grow more now without Mr. Curtis' overprotectiveness. No disrespect intended, but that's how I personally see it.
Nancy
-
I was looking at the announcement subsequent to Dan's passing concerning the BigFish upcoming Audio Dramas on CDs, and it reflects Jim Pierson as the Executive Producer for Dan Curtis Productions. Perhaps there are legal concerns preventing people from posting here. But still our question concerning who is in control of the DS franchise is a very legitimate one.
With the announcement about new DS audio dramas being produced, clearly that's a statement that DS continues to find additional ways to live on. So there really doesn't seem to be any question about the state of the franchise just because its creator is gone.
As to why some formal announcement hasn't been made about who is in charge of what now, I personally don't see that implying there is anything up in the air behind the scenes or even secretive: could be those in the know simply don't see why it is of any concern for fans to know the particulars or what does it matter to anyone outside of the business interests? Fans are usually asked to support projects, not companies or business arrangements.
It doesn't make any sense to think that simply because the series creator died that nothing was ever put into place before his passing to handle the DS franchise down the road as, sooner or later, Dan Curtis was going to pass away. Frankly, I think the DS franchise might grow more now without Mr. Curtis' overprotectiveness. No disrespect intended, but that's how I personally see it.
I think people here should be encouraged to ask questions about the future of the DS franchise. It's a discussion board and fans should be concerned when we are told conflicted information. For example, we were told that DCP had closed its door and all that remains is its voicemail capability. Then subsequently we are informed that DCP continues with Pierson as its Executive Producer. I am glad there are some cousins here who have also raised their concerns about DS' future and its leadership. We should not be silenced because others here don't appreciate these type of hard inquiries. In any event these discussions have lead to the realization that the franchise lives and that there is hope for future DS projects.
-
I can assure everyone that no one here is trying to stifle questions being asked about the future of the DS franchise. What should be apparent to everyone is that, with the upcoming release of the DS Reborn CDs, it's thriving. And there's no conflicting info about DCP. It has closed its office. All calls are directed to voicemail. But obviously there would have to be someone to pick up the voicemail. ;) And anyone in the past few months who has read the press release for the DS Reborn CDs or checked out their Web site knows that Jim Pierson is the executive producer for the project. That should come as no surprise to anyone as Pierson has been the producer/executive producer on numerous DS projects. :)
My only point is that, as fans, we don't have the right to demand to be updated about anything having to do with DS or DCP or their future. Some fans did seem to think that we had the right to expect nearly daily updates on the progress of the WB pilot, and we don't honestly have the right to ever expect that sort of thing. I firmly believe that TPTB will always tell us what we need to know. However, they'll do so when they think we need to know it. Sure, we can be curious, and we can wonder and speculate, but we shouldn't get ourselves worked up if TPTB aren't keeping us abreast of things as quickly as we might think they should be. That's all I've been saying. :) And I'm sorry if it came across to anyone as otherwise...
-
If I may speculate my 2 cents worth, I tend to think the closing of Dan Curtis Productions many have been simply the closing of actual Dan supervised productions, such as films which he actually produced and or directed or Dan himself was actively involved in. [director] I would think holding the "rights" to past productions and characters, also known as intellectual property would still be active even if a division that did worked with new productions was closed. So, yes, Jim P is still the "go-to" man [deal2] if you want to license DS for toys, jigsaw puzzles, radio dramas, get clips for a film or documentary, etc. Anyway, that's how I interpret it.
Consider, if we live long enough, or are undead long enough, [_Vampire_] we could possibly see Dark Shadows pass into the public domain, the way say Dracula [vampire] and Sherlock Holmes have. From what I understand, the way around this is to "Trademark" a character rather than just copyrighting it. This is what the Burroughs estate did with "Tarzan" (tm), and what I believe has been done with say Superman or Spider-Man. Some of you legal minds here may elaborate.
Michael
-
If I may speculate my 2 cents worth, I tend to think the closing of Dan Curtis Productions many have been simply the closing of actual Dan supervised productions, such as films which he actually produced and or directed or Dan himself was actively involved in. [director] I would think holding the "rights" to past productions and characters, also known as intellectual property would still be active even if a division that did worked with new productions was closed. So, yes, Jim P is still the "go-to" man [deal2] if you want to license DS for toys, jigsaw puzzles, radio dramas, get clips for a film or documentary, etc. Anyway, that's how I interpret it.
Consider, if we live long enough, or are undead long enough, [_Vampire_] we could possibly see Dark Shadows pass into the public domain, the way say Dracula [vampire] and Sherlock Holmes have. From what I understand, the way around this is to "Trademark" a character rather than just copyrighting it. This is what the Burroughs estate did with "Tarzan" (tm), and what I believe has been done with say Superman or Spider-Man. Some of you legal minds here may elaborate.
I *love* this DEAL icon. [deal2] It's TOO funny! ;) I thought you were going to say we'd see DS in a totally different light, say, a 'DS IN SPACE' or something, LOL! Can you imagine? Barnabas and Julia in the 23rd century, going from planet to planet helping rid them of evil doers? ;D
-
I'm not one to attempt to silence anyone, Jim (and I couldn't anyway). I don't see where some of these "hard" inquiries are anyone's business, that's all. At no time in my memory was the business model for Dan Curtis Productions spelled out in any publication and so I don't see why anyone should expect that to be done now. Dan Curtis was going to die sooner or later and it defies logic he would not have made provisions for that eventuality and what would happen to his intellectual properties, etc. What he decided to do and entrust all that to isn't a pressing matter to anyone outside of those directly involvement, in my view. It's like asking someone how much money he/she makes. It's a personal business matter.
I could find out on my own what is going on with the franchise if I wanted to but I won't. Why? It's not my business. There's no reason for me to be told. My only business and concern is what future DS projects are going to be done and there has been no indication whatsoever the future of DS projects are going to be impeded by Mr. Curtis' passing. And that for that all DS fans can be grateful.
Nancy
I think people here should be encouraged to ask questions about the future of the DS franchise. It's a discussion board and fans should be concerned when we are told conflicted information. For example, we were told that DCP had closed its door and all that remains is its voicemail capability. Then subsequently we are informed that DCP continues with Pierson as its Executive Producer. I am glad there are some cousins here who have also raised their concerns about DS' future and its leadership. We should not be silenced because others here don't appreciate these type of hard inquiries. In any event these discussions have lead to the realization that the franchise lives and that there is hope for future DS projects.
-
Exactly my take on it too, Michael. Also, Dan Curtis Productions was a four person office - not the size of 20th Century Fox Productions studios. The closing of its doors simply means Mr. Curtis was too ill to be there anymore, let alone work on future projects. The licensing and other business can be done in a one person office for that matter, at least for the time being.
Nancy
If I may speculate my 2 cents worth, I tend to think the closing of Dan Curtis Productions many have been simply the closing of actual Dan supervised productions, such as films which he actually produced and or directed or Dan himself was actively involved in. [director] I would think holding the "rights" to past productions and characters, also known as intellectual property would still be active even if a division that did worked with new productions was closed. So, yes, Jim P is still the "go-to" man [deal2] if you want to license DS for toys, jigsaw puzzles, radio dramas, get clips for a film or documentary, etc. Anyway, that's how I interpret it.
-
I'm not one to attempt to silence anyone, Jim (and I couldn't anyway). I don't see where some of these "hard" inquiries are anyone's business, that's all. At no time in my memory was the business model for Dan Curtis Productions spelled out in any publication and so I don't see why anyone should expect that to be done now. Dan Curtis was going to die sooner or later and it defies logic he would not have made provisions for that eventuality and what would happen to his intellectual properties, etc. What he decided to do and entrust all that to isn't a pressing matter to anyone outside of those directly involvement, in my view. It's like asking someone how much money he/she makes. It's a personal business matter.
I could find out on my own what is going on with the franchise if I wanted to but I won't. Why? It's not my business. There's no reason for me to be told. My only business and concern is what future DS projects are going to be done and there has been no indication whatsoever the future of DS projects are going to be impeded by Mr. Curtis' passing. And that for that all DS fans can be grateful.
Nancy I think you may have misinterpreted my previous posts. There seems to have been some confusion created with the information that DCP had closed its doors and what that event may have meant to the future of the franchise. Based on subsequent posts, we now know that its closing does not effect any future DS projects. These aforementioned informative posts, were generated by the cousins here asking some hard questions. Did you see any post where a cousin asked for Dan Curtis Productions business model? Cousins here have a right to ask for a clarification regarding a topic that may be uncertain to them. BTW what "defies logic" to you may not be as apparent to others.
-
Maybe I'm just having a dense moment. I'll freely admit that it's been a long, hard day today, so my brain is a bit fried. :D But perhaps beyond the fact that the DCP office has closed, I don't see where any info has been disseminated in this topic that wasn't already known or couldn't have been logically and fairly easily deduced. [idontknow] And while I do agree that we as fans can ask any questions we may be curious about, it doesn't necessarily follow that we have a right to learn all the answers. As Nancy stated, some things are just none of our business.
But all that being said, I most certainly agree that all that's really important is that the DS franchise remains alive and well and thriving. :)
-
Nancy I think you may have misinterpreted my previous posts. There seems to have been some confusion created with the information that DCP had closed its doors and what that event may have meant to the future of the franchise.
Hi Jim. I apologize if I misinterpreted something. Regarding the confusion you mentioned above, I guess what confuses me about that confusion is that in the same issue of ShadowGram posted here announcing Dan Curtis death, there was the announcement of new DS drama CD being produced and available at the 40th Anniversary Fest. The issue also mentioned there could be a series of such CDs being made available. It doesn't make any sense to me to be mentioning that if indeed Dan Curtis Productions had ceased all business dealings especially since Jim Pierson was announced as being the Exective Producer for DCP in said production. So I don't understand from whence the confusion comes is what I'm saying.
Based on subsequent posts, we now know that its closing does not effect any future DS projects. These aforementioned informative posts, were generated by the cousins here asking some hard questions.
The information about one future project was made in the very issue of ShadowGram announcing Curtis' death in the recent past. It's worth noting that even though DCP closed its doors last November, ShadowGram and no other official publication or person has indicated that all projects out there were coming to a grinding halt. So I'm confused about the speculation since the informative posts you mentioned are based on what public material has been made available to fans.
Did you see any post where a cousin asked for Dan Curtis Productions business model?
LOL, no, no one asked in those words but the posts were asking specific questions about how Dan Curtis Productions intends or doesn't intend to do business. That is the same, in my view anyway, as asking for its business model. I apologize if what I said came across as sarcastic. That was not the intent.
Cousins here have a right to ask for a clarification regarding a topic that may be uncertain to them. BTW what "defies logic" to you may not be as apparent to others.
Oh absolutely, Jim! But I think we all share experiences from living in the world, especially commercial entities, and it didn't make any sense to me that Dan Curtis would not have ever thought about making plans for DCP entities to continue after his death.
Nancy
-
Hi Nancy. Thanks for your post. No apology is needed. I too apologize if I came across too strong. Somewhere in this thread, some readers like myself, had expressed some concern on the possible impact DCP's closing its doors might have on future DS projects (despite the fact that Jim Pierson was named as DCP's Executive Producer which on the surface came across as paradoxical). After several additional posts on the subject, there was still some confusion in my mind and several other posters also requested a further explanation. It is true that no official publication stated that pending DS projects were coming to a grinding halt. However, the fact that DCP had closed its doors, lead cousins like myself to speculate, right or wrong, on the future and leadership of the DS franchise. I am thankful that you, MB, Midnite and others have erased the confusion at least in my mind by indicating that the DS franchise is alive and well and is in good hands. For that we should all be grateful for.
Jim
-
After several additional posts on the subject, there was still some confusion in my mind and several other posters also requested a further explanation. It is true that no official publication stated that pending DS projects were coming to a grinding halt. However, the fact that DCP had closed its doors, lead cousins like myself to speculate, right or wrong, on the future and leadership of the DS franchise.
Yes, this is exactly along the lines that I was thinking. Thank you for being so much more eloquent than I am, Jimbo. LOL! Plus, I thought it might be possible that DC had made arrangements for the cd project before his death and that since it was stated that DCP had closed its doors now that the cd project might be the last DS project. I'm grateful to find out here that that is not the case. I also want to explain that since a cd project and a new DS tv series or movie are 2 vastly different things I was also concerned that yes, Jim Pierson could arrange for the cds but if there's no more DCP would he still be able to approve or produce or whatever a possible future new series or movie someday. So this was the confusion that was going through my (yes, not-always-functional) mind (LOL!). Thank you MB and Nancy and everyone else for your explanations and straightening things out. :)
-
sorry at the risk of having people throw things at me i just don't see a new DS making it
that station is geared to the young(teen) and while DS was so different and "fun"
back in the 60s there have been so many vampire/supernatural shows since then i'd like to see
someone pick up the old show again or even the 1991 series jmho
jennifer