Star Hyke Plans
Star Hyke plans. Official press release. Yeah, yeah, it's not Red Dwarf news. So sue me. Oh. It is, however, the first British sci-fi show (well, spacey sci-fi show, at any rate) since the odd-good-bit-but-frankly-excerable Comedy Lab Captain V. So I thought you might be interested. Still:
"Shooting on a small budget, the producers are keen to steer away from the usual comic book look of British Sci-Fi; intent on a show that has the special effects of any big budget movie. Thankfully, this is achievable since the company has its own established CGI special effects and animation unit and is building a blue screen studio in Bristol, England."
Nice to know they're concentrating on the important stuff, yes? Oh, and I'd use physical models, not CGI; even the Dwarf movie with a far higher budget is doing that. Still, if it's truly "a joke a minute", it'll be worth watching. It's easy to be cynical, but let's hope for something great.
This month's issue of SFX, bless their stupid cotton socks, reveals that Bravo has just greenlit a 6-part series. Please be good, dammit...
Comments
OH my god, the description on the website makes it sound like fucking 'Carry On In Space' my money is on it being a bucket of camel crap but I'll be happy to be proved wrong.
Posted by Cappsy at April 7, 2004 11:24 AM
There was a space Carry On planned, you know. Pity it never got made.
Posted by John Hoare at April 7, 2004 04:20 PM
Yeah.
{Smiles a little too hard, perhaps showing sarcasm. Perhaps not.)
Posted by Pete Martin at April 7, 2004 10:48 PM
The show also benefits from an amazing cast line-up of stars from the Sci-Fi Genre and includes Claudia Christian (Babylon 5) and Jeremy Bulloch (Star Wars). The rest of the cast will be announced later and have collective credits including James Bond - Die Another Day, Stargate SG1, London’s Burning and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
So... it's got a couple of people only total sci-fi geeks will have heard of, and a bunch of people who had minor roles in a few things vaguely relating to sci-fi (um, apart from London's burning), but who aren't even well-known enough to list by name.
Sounds great!
(still, to keep an RD connection going, it can't be worse than Captain Butler, eh?)
Posted by Seb Patrick at April 7, 2004 11:03 PM
The chap who's in Tomb Raider might be Chris Barrie...
Posted by Ian Symes at April 7, 2004 11:09 PM
Wow, someone else watched Captain V
Posted by Curtis Threadgold at April 8, 2004 01:27 PM
"still, to keep an RD connection going, it can't be worse than Captain Butler, eh?"
A lobotomy can't be worse than Captain Butler.
If I was involved in Die Another Day, I'd erase it from my CV ; that's the worst Bond movie since Moonraker.
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Posted by Ian Symes at April 23, 2004 08:24 PM
sounds cheap and nasty.Both the Bond and Tomb Raider credit is probably glamour model Rachel Grant
Posted by darrenhoad at April 25, 2004 06:02 PM
http://www.starhyke.com/characters.htm
The character list makes me cry.
Posted by Darrell Jones at April 25, 2004 06:07 PM
Oh for gods sake guys, the show hasn't even been on your screens yet and you're already bitching about it. Tell ya what... what would you prefer: a sci-fi comedy or more ITV1 "entertainment" like Airport, Club Reps or other boring reality TV shite? Want more episodes of The Salon? How about another programme with Frank Skinner or Ant & bloody Dec? What about another home makeover show or a "how to sell your house, presented by a couple of posh twats". Give me a fucking break...
Just thank your lucky stars that we've got a new British comedy in the pipeline and not more episodes of feckin Friends.
For christ's sake give the show a chance before you start complaining. If after a few episodes it ain't your cup o' cha, then fair enough. I guess you kinda forgot that Red Dwarf barely made it to the second series. Good that it did, but it was very touch and go.
Personally I think there's nothing wrong with CG in a scifi series - look at the vfx for the new battlestar galactica, B5, Enterprise and Voyager. Creating vfx this way (nowadays) is obviously cheaper than it was back when RD started out. Obviously good vfx cannot compensate for a poor script, but here's hoping that both are going to be very good. There are (obviously) some bad examples of CG in a scifi series. Red Dwarf for example. Terribly lit and very VERY plastic. Looked like toys you'd get from a fucking Kinder Surprise.
Personally I'd like to see people back the show as it sends a message to people who comission shows like this. If this is a success, then more scifi series will be comissioned. Bitch, moan, whinge and be generally negative about a series in a genre we know and love then you won't get any more on your screen apart from Big Brother 10 or something else that forces you to stick icepicks in your own eyes.
Gonna sign off now before I start quoting from Kevin Smith films...
hugs,
U.P.
Posted by Uncle Pedro at April 25, 2004 10:12 PM
What's wrong with Frank Skinner?
Posted by Ian Symes at April 25, 2004 10:17 PM
apart from the fact that he's in no way funny now as he was (over) 10 years ago, is on the tv way too much being spoonfed into our living rooms at the drop of a hat, and because of him being so two-faced (re: matthew kelly jibe / suck up when MK was on his show). Lost all respect for the guy then.
U.P.
Posted by Uncle Pedro at April 25, 2004 10:39 PM
Bravo paying you well, are they? I've heard they've got lovely comfy chairs.
If it's a bad sci-fi comedy (which this definitely sounds like), with laughable production values (which this also sounds like it will have), it's no better than all the shite you mention. And as there's virtually (if that) no-one in the announced/implied cast or production team that's had any experience of comedy, it isn't unfair to say that its prospects aren't fantastic. The fact it's being made by fucking BRAVO is another key.
The character list alone makes it sound like some crap soft porn film.
---
MAN IN SPACESHIP: I can't hold on, the force is dragging me in!
SCANTILY-CLAD WOMAN IN SPACESHIP: Be careful you don't get sucked off!
(Man mugs furiously until his facial muscles collapse in an implosion of skin tissue.)
WOMAN AGAIN: Oh no, my bra's coming off!
(A particularly dull pair of breasts make their entrance)
ANOTHER MAN: Err, miss, I think tits-- erm I mean *it's* going to blow!
WOMAN: Oh dear - and you don't want a blow do you?
(More furious mugging until everybody's skulls melt)
---
That's genuinely the level it sounds at so far.
I'd bet money on it being a pathetic piece of shit, actually. And as it literally scans, "a joke a minute" is a very low gag rate for a comedy programme, just so you know.
And the laughable "there are already fan sites about it" in the illiterate press release is so unnervingly desperate that it's clearly a given indication of the rubbishness of the programme.
Ah, I enjoyed that. A nice antidote to the furious insider's hilarious rant above.
Posted by Darrell Jones at April 25, 2004 11:18 PM
Okay, reading my post back I did sound a bit like an insider :)
I'm just a fan of scifi. And comedy, ergo "scifi comedy", which makes the premise for this show. Noticed this when sfx first mentioned it a while back.
Personally I'm all for new programmes to be given a chance. Hell I was all for No Angels after falling into Channel 4's trap of constant "its coming, its coming" trailers until it turned out to be a big fat pile of shite. Now the series it replaced on the other hand (Shameless) was pure genius...
Okay there are some fan sites already up. Maybe they know something we don't? I remember a fair few Enterprise fan sites being up before the show aired.
If you can't see things in a positive light because it isn't RD-related, or has been commissioned and RD hasn't due to that dumbarse BBC2 controller and you're feeling a bit jipped, then I'll let you get back to playing mario.
u.p.
Posted by Uncle Pedro at April 25, 2004 11:55 PM
Hi,
This is interesting reading, I agree with you both, but, don't dig it until you see it Darrell. I don't mind people with a point of view, but take a chill pill. I was in the audience at Southampton when the crew and cast came down to our club, and what was said is that SFX made a error in the article about Bravo. So it's going to be on a Sky channel, but which one is anyone's guess. I personally met the people behind it and a couple of the actors from the show and it sounds like more of an airplane/something about mary sort of humour. SO give it a go, I am.
Hope you both feel better after your rant, I personally think it's better to have proof before shouting away. If you want more info e-mail me I don't mind telling what I heard in the crowd. Regards, Piers T. Just setting the record right! Without a (Darrell) rant.
Posted by Piers Thompson at April 26, 2004 12:09 AM
> If you can't see things in a positive light because it isn't RD-related, or has been commissioned and RD hasn't due to that dumbarse BBC2 controller and you're feeling a bit jipped, then I'll let you get back to playing mario.
You're not going to win any favour with shit like that, sunshine.
Posted by Ian Symes at April 26, 2004 11:05 AM
ah... the voice of reason doth speak. A farrely brothers style comedy in space?! personally I think it sounds cool :)
stay frosty y'all
U.P.
Posted by Uncle Pedro at April 26, 2004 11:07 AM
What's wrong with soft porn?
Posted by Cappsy at April 26, 2004 11:11 AM
Oh, and I'm fully with Darrell on this one. IT sounds fucking dreadfull.
Posted by Cappsy at April 26, 2004 11:11 AM
I keep checking back here at the moment, Will YOU ALL TAKE A CHILL PILL! everyone has fair points, but none of you haven't seen it or got any full facts. Cappsy, Pedro, Darrell have you attended the talks they did? No? Then how can you even start to judge it? I have posted to ST, Stargate boards and they all recieved this show better than this board. I freely admit I am a lurker here, but come on everyone! I met some of the people behind the show and they are alright and it saddens me to hear this coming from the RD fans, I always thought we were better than this? Open minded? I don't think so anymore! If any other lurkers are reading this, don't pull it apart until the show comes out they deserve that much! Thanks for understanding, Piers T.
Posted by Piers Thompson at April 26, 2004 11:33 AM
'Rauchy' sit-comes are nearly always a waste of time. If this is different then great, but you can't cuss people for expressing opinions based on the details that have been revealed about the show. It is possible to form an opinion of what something sounds like, even before it's been seen.
Posted by Cappsy at April 26, 2004 12:54 PM
True Cappsy, but after hearing the show is based on a society where we have no emotions for example Fear, Love, Hate etc... What they explained at Southampton is that the film is similar to Equilibrium, and the comedy stems from people coping with these new found emotions. I admit that it does sound rather strange what they put on the site, but what the Producer said they want to release a proper report with the full cast in the SFX magazine. If you want to ask them any questions why don't join their group it looks like a few people from the crew are there taking questions and it's really relaxed. Just a idea for everyone? I know I will be shot down in flames for mentioning it, but I just wanted RD fans to get behind it as much as other fans from other shows. At the end of the day if it turns out to a be a "Carry on in space" then I'll watch that any day compared to Jake 2.0 (now you have to admit that is pretty rubbish - but before anyone says anything that's my point of view). Afterall I don't want to offend people or put people off by reading this, I just want it given a fair shot like everyone else. Piers T.
Posted by Piers Thompson at April 26, 2004 02:20 PM
I'll give it a fair shot. I'm sarcastic about everyone in my news stories; it's the only way I can make them vaguely entertaining. Certainly, it's great to see a British sci-fi series entering production, and I really really hope it's wonderful. If it is, I'll support it all the way. Probably give it numerous plugs on here, despite the fact it's nothing to do with Dwarf.
I am slightly worried about a few things I've seen about it, though. The Cast List for one; the apparant parody element for another, and the reliance on CGI, for yet another. I just hope the effects are few and good, rather than many and appalling - although I suspect pressure from broadcasters may play a part in that, sadly.
Actually, this is quite interesting; Red Dwarf did it's model shots in exactly the right was for the first series - concentrating on the main ship, and doing some *relatively* unambitious shots brilliantly. Then it could go on to other things. Captain V, on the other hand, tried to do loads of ambitious stuff - and the quality was pretty poor for the most part.
Posted by John Hoare at May 2, 2004 06:20 AM
I suggest reading the boards...there's a yahoo group, at the very least many of the crew (Behind scenes) have already spoken to 'fans' regularly on the forum. The feedback we're getting from the production team is that they want this to be a 'quality' show, it is in the interests of the production team as well as the writers to create something new, exciting and hilarious.
Also, read the premise of the show, the characters are going to start out all serious and one-track-minded. Aiming to slaughter evrything and become the dominant species...then a blast of emotion...then the realisation that their names are "Belinda Blowhard" and "Wu OOf" for example, can you imagine going your entire life not realising that your name is a come on for a blowjob.
This is gonna be a scream, slapstick and moral dilemmas minus the drudge of having the moral of the story explained to you in infant-school-speak.
I guess I'm defending it for personal reasons, I just say give it a chance.
Posted by Trog at May 11, 2004 03:22 PM
"This is gonna be a scream, slapstick and moral dilemmas minus the drudge of having the moral of the story explained to you in infant-school-speak."
But from what you say the humour is going to be pretty infantile on it's own. It sounds like fucking AYBS in space.
Posted by Cappsy at May 11, 2004 04:06 PM
To be fair, that kind of humour can work very well. It can also work poorly. A bit like all sorts of humour, obviously. It all depends on how its done, and it's impossible to decide in writing, before you've seen the show. After all, there's plenty of time after its been on to slag it off if need be. I really hope this show is great...
And I'm afraid to say I find AYBS very funny.
Posted by John Hoare at May 11, 2004 04:25 PM
Of course, none of that stops Uncle Pedro being a berk. He's the main reason I couldn't be arsed arguing this before; he made it pretty impossible to argue that the show would be any good, IRONICALLY.
Posted by John Hoare at May 11, 2004 04:27 PM
Wow, so this is how the first British made Sci-Fi show in a while gets received. How wonderful. No wonder they ave to throw celebrities out of planes now to attract an audience.
I think folks need to think back to the early days of the Dwarf. WhenI fist heard about it I was very sceptical indeed. How can one pregnant cat create an entire race? etc etc.
At the time no-one knew Craig, Chris, Robert etc. They were virtual unknowns.
This new show has top flight cast and excuse me but I think Claudia Christian is far from someone only geeks (Define geek - obsessive about a particular TV show?) would know, come on!
Give the folks a decent chance and get behind the first potentially decent Brit Sci-Fi since the Dwarf!
You never know, it might be good!
Paul M.
Posted by Paul M at May 11, 2004 04:42 PM
It might be good, yes. My reactions are entirly based on the press releases. Of course I'm a bit cynical towards it, it really doesn't make promising reading.
Having said that it hassn' been shot yet (as far as I know) and i would indeed love this to be good, mianly beacsue me and John can race to make the first fan site :P
However, the majority's instincts on a new show before it has been released are usually correct. It IS possible to see a bad show coming a mile off and my gut instinct tell me this one is going to be a right stinker.
But, we will see. Now, try and give me some info about this program that will turn my attitdue.
Posted by Cappsy at May 11, 2004 04:59 PM
How can you be optimistic about a depressing-sounding Star Trek parody, made on a low budget for digital TV, with a cast of hasbeens and FHM bints, a production team more obsessed with CGI than anything else, some frightenly ferocious insiders screaming on forums in desperation, the most pathetic-sounding pitch in history, and where all the characters have names like Spunky Titwank.
Forgive me if I don't pre-order the DVD.
Posted by Darrell Jones at May 11, 2004 05:27 PM
And if 'being pessimistic about something based on a few press releases' is bad, that means that being optimistic about it is equally futile.
Posted by Darrell Jones at May 11, 2004 05:36 PM
John Hoare wrote: After all, there's plenty of time after its been on to slag it off if need be. I really hope this show is great...
I agree with you John and I have said it from my first post, the creator of the show posts on the yahoo groups now and he's a really cool guy. John and Cappsy maybe you should contact him or maybe the producer over on that group, they are very approachable and some of the cast who post are a huge laugh. And seriously guys, from what i read and what Claudia is saying this show is far more than a "Star Trek parody". Cappsy or John join that group and ask them directly, maybe that will give you a bigger insight.
Darrell I'm not even bothering to comment with you at all after seeing your site and knowing who I am talking with, that explains a lot.
Catch you later. Piers T
Posted by Piers Thompson at May 11, 2004 08:51 PM
Amusingly: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22Star+Hyke%22&btnG=Google+Search
Glad to see that it also shows up my poor web design...
Posted by John Hoare at May 11, 2004 09:37 PM
> Darrell I'm not even bothering to comment with you at all after seeing your site and knowing who I am talking with, that explains a lot.
Yeah, what a cunt I am for designing a site principally aimed at the under 16s. That must mean I am of teh childs and a teh retraded sado.
Posted by Darrell Jones at May 11, 2004 11:44 PM
Darrell Jones said: "Yeah, what a cunt I am"
At last we agree on something! Yep! I'll agree with you on that :-) But bad language in an open forum is pretty disgraceful, and not clever.
John glad to see that the site is at the top, well done.
Regards Piers T
Posted by Piers Thompson at May 12, 2004 12:00 AM
> bad language in an open forum is pretty disgraceful
You're wrong. It's fucking good fun, and absolutely shitpissterdly, twat-wankingly amusing at times.
> and not clever.
No. But neither is the name "Belinda Blowhard".
Posted by Darrell Jones at May 12, 2004 12:09 AM
Your name is anagram heaven, you know. As well as the amusing "ROMP ON THE PISS", you have the frankly legendary "PERM SHIT-SPOON".
Posted by Darrell Jones at May 12, 2004 12:16 AM
To be fair to Darrell, swearing is opening encouraged on here. If I use it in headlines, he's allowed to in comments...
Anyway, I'll take your advice and try and get in touch with the shows creator. It might help allay some of my fears, and besides, it's something G&T should be covering anyway. If there's one thing we should really support that isn't Dwarf related, it's a new British comedy SF series.
Posted by John Hoare at May 12, 2004 12:17 AM
Darrell Jones wrote: You're wrong. It's fucking good fun, and absolutely shitpissterdly, twat-wankingly amusing at times.
Sigh! LOL What's the point in that, it just proves to everyone not to take you serious.
Darrell Jones also wrote:No. But neither is the name "Belinda Blowhard".
Ah but at least they are trying to do something for British Sci-fi. Mmmm? And what have you done for British TV this year? Oh I forgot, you moan, swear and gripe about a name that could possibly change before the show comes out, wow! That's it! I knew why TV companies don't make any british TV in this country anymore, because when they read your posts with your negative support and say why should we bother at all!
As John said, let's watch it and then judge it I'm all for that.
Regards, Piers T
Posted by Piers Thompson at May 12, 2004 12:38 AM
Thanks for those great anagrams Darrell, LOL That should make my friends laugh at work today.
Cheers John for checking it out, maybe you can find out a little more on the show?
Piers T
Posted by Piers Thompson at May 12, 2004 12:51 AM
> What's the point in that, it just proves to everyone not to take you serious.
The word is *seriously*. I thought you were "clever"?
> Ah but at least they are trying to do something for British Sci-fi.
What exactly? Make a laughing stock of it?
Basically you're saying 'yeah, but even if all the jokes in this comedy show are rubbish, at least it's got robots and spaceships in!' Sci-fi is complete shit if it has no wit or spark to it. People will watch a 'sci-fi comedy' for the jokes, not to watch whooshy things revolve in embarrassing cheap-looking CGI.
> And what have you done for British TV this year?
Haha, that one again. Okay then - if you're only allowed to criticise a TV programme if you've made one yourself, that also means you're not allowed to *compliment* a programme if you haven't made one yourself. How does that sound as a piece of logic?
And I'll have you know that this year I've been a key figure in arranging for 'Filthy Rich and Catflap' and 'Sorry' to get a DVD release. That's a pretty admirable service to British TV, I'd say! Helping rescue two classic sitcoms from obscurity and onto shop shelves is a bit more of a lasting achievement than producing a lowbrow, destined-to-be-forgotten digital TV series with characters called Farty Knobpants and Reddened Glans.
> Mmmm?
Mmmmm.
> That's it! I knew why TV companies don't make any british TV in this country anymore, because when they read your posts with your negative support and say why should we bother at all!
Yes, I am the sole reason that no British TV companies make any British TV in Britain. Except that they quite blatantly and obviously do. For evidence of this, turn on a television.
I'm happy to be enthusiastic about new TV programmes that are *genuinely great* and leave me punching the air, but it's clear even from the outset that Star Hyke is a non-starter. Certainly not going to be in the league of any of the comedy shows produced and premiered in the last year that I've enthused about - Little Britain, Grass, Armando Iannucci's Radio 3 specials, Catterick, et bloody cetera.
> As John said, let's watch it and then judge it I'm all for that.
Certainly - if it turns out to be great I'll be the first one expressing my joy. The awful truth is though that it's obviously going to be shit. You just *know* whether something's going to be good or crap from the vibes eminating off the press releases and attitude from the insiders. And Star Hyke was met with a big fat comedy raspberry sound effect.
Posted by Darrell Jones at May 12, 2004 01:02 AM
I have to admit, it is pretty sad to see a new show be shot down before it has even begun...I would think everyone would try to stand up for a new show, and get behind it. It has a fantastic Creator Andrew Dymond...with a great cast lined up, considering it is a lower budget production. The fact that Claudia Christian has signed on board means it has to have potential. I have seen her do some comedic skits in live stage performances...and she rocks. Comedy is her true forte...She has the timing, the wit, and the talent to make this show a success. So let's at least give it a chance...
Posted by Cass at May 12, 2004 02:55 AM
Do the programme makers all tell eachother to post on here during the lunch break?
Posted by Ian Symes at May 12, 2004 08:35 AM
Darrell Jones: You have serious issues to deal with, get a life. I'm not even bothering to reply to you anymore. As you state on your site that you are "uninteresting eighteen year-old called Darrell Jones". It says enough about who I am speaking with.
Ian I'm not from production company I wish I was, I'm a huge fan of Claudia Christian and alongwith with Cass I am fighting to see her back on our screens as much as I would love to see RD back on our screens.
Regards, Piers T
Posted by Piers Thompson at May 12, 2004 08:55 AM
I realise Darrell doesn't need someone to stick up for him as he's jolly good at defending himself already but your comments are a little off, Piers. "Get a life?" I'm sorry but that's the sort of thing thick fuckers always told me to do when I was seen as a geek talk about things I found of interest (like Red Dwarf and other TV shows I had a passion about) while at PRIMARY school. It smacks of horrible immaturity to say that to someone who is only showing us what an immense passion for TV he has and his concern about a new show.
I agree with everything Darrell is saying, in this thread, and people like Piers are actually being far more smaller minded than any of the nay sayers. We are prepared to give the show a chance, to see if it does comes good, but you are singlemindedly saying this show WILL be great with out any admission that it does, in esscence, sound shit.
Thanks for your invite to that board to talk to the creators. I may just do that. But until then try to put forward a reasonable argument that doesn't end up in you making cheap shots at people by telling thm to "get a life" just because you don't agree with them.
Posted by Cappsy at May 12, 2004 09:29 AM
On an unrelated note, did you get my e-mail last night, Capp-o?
Posted by Ian Symes at May 12, 2004 09:34 AM
I did indeed! My heart has been warmed with the Brummy kindness eminating from it.
I'm at 'The Work' at the mo and I need to make a call to try and sort out of a conflict of interest, I have. It's looking good though!
Incidently, I always thought the last game of the season was on a Sunday at 4?
Posted by Cappsy at May 12, 2004 09:47 AM
It usually is, but it's deffo Saturday this year. Which is good, as if it was Sunday, it may have clashed with something that is possibly happening to do with this site... Aaaaaaaaaaaaah.
Posted by Ian Symes at May 12, 2004 09:56 AM
Cappsy wrote: WILL be great with out any admission that it does, in esscence, sound shit.
Yep your right Cappsy, it does come across that way. It seems that this topic is going around in circles now, I'll see you all after the show comes out or over at the Star Hyke yahoo group. Have a good summer everyone!
Regards, Piers T
Posted by Piers Thompson at May 12, 2004 10:01 AM
Oooh, site things eh? Marvellous.
Is a confirmation email tonight ok for you? Like I said, it's looking likely that I will be able to say yes.
Posted by Cappsy at May 12, 2004 10:04 AM
Fine by me, Cappsy. I'll not be online again til about half eight now anyways.
Posted by Ian Symes at May 12, 2004 10:14 AM
> Darrell Jones: You have serious issues to deal with, get a life. I'm not even bothering to reply to you anymore.
Ah right, you're stomping off in a paddy now because you can't think of a response, and you're annoyed that I've managed to crucify every one of your moronic arguments.
"As you state on your site that you are "uninteresting eighteen year-old called Darrell Jones". It says enough about who I am speaking with."
Yes, it says that you are speaking to an 18 year-old called Darrell Jones who wrote a brief self-deprecating bio two years ago. How will I ever live with myself now that's been exposed?!
And all these mystery posters are quite blatantly members of the production team. I bet most of these 'fans' are insiders too - desperately posting under aliases on Yahoo groups as fake 'proof' that it'll be a "BIG CULT HIT".
So, Piers Thompson (or Hot Norse Pimps as I prefer) - you're an ever-so-slightly tragic wanker, aren't you?
Posted by Darrell Jones at May 12, 2004 02:09 PM
He's gone, man. Unless he can't resist another pop to defend himself.
I'm pretty sure my pessimism will be vindicated, but I still *hope* it wont be.
Posted by Cappsy at May 12, 2004 02:42 PM
Can the moderators confirm or deny that these people are "media insiders" please? What do their IP's reveal?
Posted by Workin' On A Groovy at May 13, 2004 12:45 AM
We can't tell much about them just from their IPs. They are all different people, though.
Posted by Ian Symes at May 13, 2004 12:48 AM
Ok, well after Darrell mentioned this thread to me I've been having a sniff round to try and disprove the "media insiders" stuff. I don't put much stock in this line of thought, as I simply can't see why someone in the industry would bother their arses doing this kind of thing. If someone thinks a show sounds like it will be shit, they're not going to have their minds changed by a patronising "come on, wait till it's on guys"! style message.
To be honest though, all I've found so far is that one of the creators of the show IS watching this site:
"On a red dwarf board someone has linked Chris Barrie with the tomb raider character, I can tell you this is not the case, but still have fun working it out."
I'll keep digging.
Posted by Workin' On A Groovy at May 13, 2004 02:03 AM
Ok, it's getting interesting now. One of the creators says this on their yahoogroup:
-------------------------------------------------
"A personal thanks to a guy called Piers for all the hard work he is doing on the Ganymede & Titan site, a few of the people there are determined to run the Star Hyke show down before it has even been aired - such a shame when we are all trying to do the best for British comedy. I fear I risk their wrath but please note that I am a die hard Red Dwarf fan for those poised with dagger aloft!
Piers your comments were the sword of truth, thank you for fighting on all of our behalfs and if any of their readers have taken the offer to visit this site � welcome. Stick around and find more about the show � tasty titbits (and that isn't a breast joke for the would be writer who pasted their version of the script) appear every week. And as a member of cast when time allows I promise to reveal as much as I am allowed on the insider gossip on set (and if not then I'll just make something up!)."
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Now here's one of the replies to that:
"Hi all, I just wanted to let you know that I have found the identity of our mystery defender. It's Sue Emery, the Pendragons own first officer. I have passed along everyones thanks to her for her continued support of Starhyke."
That means nothing to me as I'm not really a fan of sci-fi, does anyone else know who this Sue Emery is, or what Pendragon is? A quick google doesn't return anything useful... Wonder why they're going under the name "Piers Thompson" on here.
Still not convinced it's anyone from the show posting here, however they *are* keeping tabs on this site and are *encouraging* others to tell us to "take a chill pill." Might do some more sniffing around tomorrow.
Posted by Workin' On A Groovy at May 13, 2004 02:24 AM
Well I'm certainly putting my head on the block by posting and despite hearing various warnings, I am a red-headed Irish lass so can be remarkably deaf at times. I therefore throw myself on your mercy.... here goes!
I should point out that I am not one of the creators, though I am the writer of the message quoted above ("A personal thanks etc"), I am however one of the cast, albeit one of the minor roles. I gate-crashed the original auditions and despite being a relative unknown, having only been in the acting world a short while, the creators of Star Hyke were kind enough to give me my first break. So obviously I have a personal interest in hoping that this show will be a success.
It isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea but I am sure that the humour will appeal to many. What attracted me to it was the Galaxy Quest/Airplane/Something About Mary style.
I am eagerly awaiting to hear more of the show and whenever I receive anything I will post it to the Starhyke yahoo group site. So it may be worth dropping by every now and then.
This message is completely unsolicited by any in the production company. I first came across this site a while ago when I was doing a google search on Star Hyke and have been reading the comments ever since. Being new to the cyber world I was unsure of the etiquette of posting, particularly as I have a vested interest, so I really am sorry if I have inadvertently offended anyone. I felt that I could post after part of one of my messages was copied here as I wanted to stress that I am not one of the creators.
Thank you all for your interest in this new project. I extend a personal welcome to all of you who have joined the Star Hyke yahoo group and maybe one day (with the luck of the Irish!) we'll meet at a sci-fi convention.
A hand of friendship goes out to you all.
Fiona Reynard (Vilma)
Posted by Fiona Reynard at May 13, 2004 05:00 PM
Good of you to post as yourself Fiona, I am wondering whether I'm naive about all this you see. Some comedy fans maintain that it's very common practice for people from a show to post on messageboards like this, to try and generate a buzz for a show. I don't put much stock in this line of thought as it just seems like a waste of time really...do writers really take website print-outs to commissioning editors and say "look, it's a hit, give us more money!"
I could well believe that people associated with a show would post under pseudonyms to defend their show simply out of *pride*. That's perfectly understandable, although clearly annoying if they're responsible for the show and claiming not to be.
Posted by Workin' On A Groovy at May 13, 2004 07:31 PM
I am not involved with the show, not an undercover creator or writer...Not in the cast,,,
I just happen to be a fan of sci fi and think it's great someone has a new idea, a new concept to try out. The world is such a mess that a show that can bring laughter to the world to reduce a little stress sounds good to me. Fiona you rock hon, and so does Ben...still think he's should be the VGH or have a part in the show...You have to bring him to a con. Cheers everyone!!!
Posted by Cass at May 14, 2004 01:10 AM
Dear Workin' on a Groovy and everyone else.
Thanks for your reply. I too am a little naive (and also bad at spelling so apologies) about the way the industry operates - though I do have some background having worked for about 2 years on the production side with Granada and a few production companies to finance myself through drama school (however I was only temping so don't take my word as gospel, I just tried to learn as much as I could - and of course pay the bills. Working on set gave me a good grounding in what film work was like too and thankfully kept me fed - thank god for the food trucks!).
I have no doubt that some production companies may try to generate a buzz but that is usually after the show has been made (it was very effective for instance on Blair Witch). From Star Hyke's point of view - and remember I am only speaking as a cast member and stress that I am in no way part of the production crew - I would say that the production company is far too busy right now to do this sort of tactic. It certainly wouldn't help generate increased funding.
From what I understand when a show is 'green lit' ie given the go ahead, funding is already in place and not much is going to affect that. It may help with distribution as the more that people are talking about a show the more interest it generates in the trade. However the Star Hyke company are already in discussion with a number of broadcasters, so would impact that sort of tactic would have I don't know. I would guess at this stage, very little as the broadcasters are more interested in quality of product and have their own ideas of what 'sells' and what doesn't. They also have very strict guidelines as to what shows they are after.
There may indeed be some productions who do post under 'ghost' names but from what I know of the Star Hyke guys they are men of honour and wouldn't stoop to such tactics. If they post, they post in their own names. I am sure that at some point they will post here but please bear with them as they are very much into pre-production right now and very focused on storyboarding etc. Andrew Dymond et al have worked very hard in getting this show together. To get as far as having a show green lit is a tremendous achievement in itself and many production companies with great ideas fall by the wayside long before they have got this far. These guys really have put their body mind and soul into this show. So I pray that it is a success not only for them but for all who are involved. Personnally I hope it is the start of something big for me! But then as a struggling actress I would say that!
Now I hope I haven't come across too much as kiss-assin. The production company don't know what I am doing and I could be shooting myself in the foot here - please pray god I hope not as this job is VERY important to me!! I also am not posting to generate 'fan' mail for myself. This is my first big venture into the big bad world of acting and I hope that I don't get shot down at the first post! Mixed metaphorically speaking.
I hope I have answered your questions. Should you wish me to post again I will, though I should point out that I am too poor to afford my own computer so have to beg, steal and borrow time on those belonging to my friends (and no the increasing number of Star Hyke members isn't down to me blackmailing them to join - I don't know that many people - and many of mates haven't signed up yet, I know who they are! I will be chasing them but at the moment I want to use their computers!).
Your support is very much appreciated.
Best wishes
Fiona/Vilma
PS For those confused by the posting from Cass above, Ben is the faithful hound who tries to keep me in check (though he is not very good at catching me lunch - but then he does seem to think that grub comes in tins anyway. Thankfully we share different tastes, I don't like pedigree chum and he doesn't like cheapo baked beans!). This all makes sense if you do want to join Star Hyke as I often refer to Ben in my messages - now he IS gathering quite a fan club! It is a bit much when a dog gets more mail than you do!
Posted by Fiona Reynard at May 14, 2004 11:47 AM
OK let me out myself here and say that I hope to
interview a couple of the cast for the American press.
I have spoken to some of the key members of the production crew and I have to say I'm bowled over by their enthusiasm.
They know exactly what they want and yet they are really accessible and open to ideas.
That makes me think the show could be worthwhile.
Posted by james at May 18, 2004 01:10 PM
Hi James
Good luck with your interview of some of the cast for the American press and thanks for your comments. I too have found all of those involved with the production to be enthusiastic - in fact it was this that made me want, above anything else, even chocolate, to be involved.
Yes, you are right they are very open to ideas, so please feel free to mail them either to this site and I'll let them know, or join the yahoo site and mail direct. Personnally I'd love to see someone from RD involved - that really would be a dream come true and I know which character I would want to play alongside but I'll not divulge that information just yet!
Nothing like self publicity (sorrrrrrryy! Couldn't resist it!) but hey if you want to chat to me please feel free - Ben isn't awfully good at chatting but he's a lot more communicative than the Vermillion Goober Hog. I won't post my id publically (sorry I am awful at spelling) but you can track me down via the yahoo group site.
Regards
Vilma/Fiona
Posted by Fiona Reynard at May 19, 2004 03:36 PM
Hi Fiona,
I assume I'll be seeing you in Ports ( shhh!!).
Look forward to hearing if the stories are true;)
James
Posted by james at May 20, 2004 11:30 AM
CLIQUE!!! NO ONE ELSE IS ALLOWED TO UNDERSTAND THAT POST!!11
Posted by Cappsy at May 20, 2004 12:23 PM
guilty...however all will be revealed.In my defence I don't understand some of yours,esp the number 11 at the end.
Sorry
james
Posted by james at May 20, 2004 04:19 PM
Good point. I was feeling twattish when I posted that, anyway. Sorry.
Posted by Cappsy at May 20, 2004 04:57 PM
You cunt.
Posted by John Hoare at May 20, 2004 05:13 PM
Anyway, I love a good mystery. What do you think is going to be revealed about Fiona? Submissions here please. I would put some in but all my suggestions are RUDENESS itself.
Posted by Cappsy at May 20, 2004 09:15 PM
Ohhhh noooo
What have I let myself in for?!!
Am now hiding under the table - well I would if I could get under it without a damn big dog being there before me - note next time I'm going to get a chiwowa (can't spell that so er I think I'll put Hamster instead) not a German Shep!
Well Cappsy rudeness itself eh and me a lady! Anyway be as imaginative as you like the fiction is probably better than the fact! But I can confirm that I am human, despite what some people would think, though the sanity may be called into question.
I won't spoil your fun by giving any clues - though I can tell you that swords and uniforms do feature, on the other hand that could just be one of my fantasies!
Guys you all make me laugh thank you for making my day!
Fiona/Vilma
Posted by Fiona Reynard - The Scared One! at May 21, 2004 10:03 AM
http://debrief.commanderbond.net/index.php?showtopic=16395&hl=
Posted by james at May 23, 2004 07:23 PM
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