Future of Farscape mentioned in Brian Henson interview

[harveywhispers]

Now, I know that the forum for this post most likely isn't correct. However, after the busy week we have all just been through, I thought people might like to see that at least a little something is being planned for Farscape.

*The Farscape part is toward the end.

--------------
Henson family swoops in for Muppets
Family looks at TV, movies for Kermit, Miss Piggy
By Luisa Beltran, CBS.MarketWatch.c

"It had been very painful to watch what happened to EM.TV and the effect on the [Jim Henson Co.]," said Brian Henson, one of Jim Henson's children. "And then watching it just being for sale forever. It was very painful."

A couple of week ago, the heirs of Jim Henson, which include children Brian, Lisa, Cheryl, Heather and Jim's brother John, decided it was time to move in.

On May 7, the Henson clan clinched a deal to buy back the Jim Henson Co. and return the Muppet characters, which include Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and Gonzo, to their original home. The Muppet babies and "Farscape," the science fiction show, also return to the Henson family.

At $78 million, the deal is a fraction of the $680 million that EM.TV paid a decade ago. "It's been a hard and long sprint to buy the company," Brian Henson said in an interview with CBS.MarketWatch.com Friday.

Yahoo Platinum subscribers, listen to interview with Brian Henson.

The transaction does not include the "Sesame Street" characters, such as Elmo, Bert and Ernie, and the Cookie Monster, which were sold to the Sesame Workshop for $180 million in 2000.

The original sale

Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, died in 1990. For the next 10 years, Henson's children, led by Brian, ran the Los Angeles-based Jim Henson Co., which produces the Muppets, until it was sold in 2000 to EM.TV.

A decade ago, the Jim Henson Co. suffered from being too big and not big enough, Brian Henson said. It handled all of its own distribution and merchandising, which nixed any strategic alliances with competitors. But the company wasn't deep-pocketed enough to have the large marketing and production funds it needed.

So the Henson family did the next best thing and looked for a buyer. At that time, EM.TV was a high-flying media company with a very fast growth record. German-based EM.TV promised the Henson family that they would invest $150 million in the company's marketing and add several hundred million dollars for a production fund. "They had a very good talk," Henson said. "None of that ever happened."

Instead, from the minute it bought the Henson Co., EM.TV's future soured. In 2000, the German TV company made an ill-advised $1.5 billion investment to buy half of SLEC, owner of Formula One auto racing.

EM.TV never kept its promise to invest in Jim Henson Co. and instead started selling assets. "They were over-leveraged and started collapsing," Henson said.

Fuzzy feelings for Mickey

The Henson Co. also has a long history with the Walt Disney Co. Michael Eisner, Disney CEO had been in talks to buy Jim Henson Co. but those negotiations were derailed when Jim Henson died. Henson's heirs then sued Disney (DIS: news, chart, profile) for allegedly exploiting the Muppets characters before actually owning them. The parties reportedly settled in 1991.

While there were a lot of nasty feelings, Henson Co. quickly turned that around. Henson Co. and Disney co-produced "Dinosaurs," a TV show about a blue-collar family of dinosaurs.

In fact, Eisner in March admitted that Disney was in negotiations to buy Jim Henson Co. but those talks failed.

"Since 1992, we have been on friendly terms," Brian Henson said.

More from Miss Piggy

Henson said it was too early to announce future management plans for Jim Henson Co. But Brian Henson, and his sister Lisa, the head of Jim Henson Productions, will serve in undetermined management positions. "The only thing I do know is that the resulting company will be working in strategic partnerships in distribution and merchandising," he said.


The Henson family does not have any future plans to sell Jim Henson Co. "We are happy and excited about running the company independently under our ownership," Brian Henson said.

But do expect to see more of Miss Piggy and Kermit in the future. In November, the company's "A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie" drew 11 million viewers on NBC, the highest rating last year for a TV movie.

The movie's success surprised Brian Henson and convinced him that America wants to watch the Muppets. Another TV show is being considered, as well as more TV movies and full-scale theatrical release films.

"The Muppet Show" aired in syndication from 1976 to 1981 and the wise-cracking troupe returned to television in the 1990s with "Muppets Tonight," aired from 1996 to 1998. The last Muppets film, "Muppets From Space," stumbled at the box office in 1999.

Future of 'Farscape'

Jim Henson Co. was also one of the forces behind "Farscape" the science fiction series that was canceled by the Sci-Fi Channel after five seasons. The Sci-Fi Channel is part of Vivendi Universal(V: news, chart, profile).

The Henson Co. was shooting the last episode of the show's fifth season when the Sci-Fi Channel announced in September 2002 that "Farscape" would be canceled. The last episode aired in March.


"Farscape" was very expensive for the Sci-Fi Channel. "I wasn't entirely surprised but I didn't expect them to cancel it," Henson said. "It was really a mantelpiece show."

He still wants to complete the storyline of Commander John Crichton, a modern day astronaut, who has been trying to get back to Earth since being accidentally shot through a wormhole. "There is still the end of this story that needs to be told," said Brian Henson, who is looking at a TV special and TV movie to continue the franchise.

At age 39, Brian Henson said he is tired of producing "a really good show" for a little channel. But he is considering more science fiction in his future. "I can't be specific about things in development," he said.

[grinner]

other than the fact they got the seasons wrong... but I don't like the line about the really good show for a little channel.

[Kerlin]

Hmmmm. Well, we'll have to keep reminding him that we'd really really like that Season 5, won't we?

[skinnyman27]

"There is still the end of this story that needs to be told," said Brian Henson, who is looking at a TV special and TV movie to continue the franchise.

BRING IT ON:aok:

[palascaper]

maybe he wants to do a "really good sci fi show for a really BIG channel, not Sci Fi channel.

Let's really hope!

[AyuRocks]

Hmmmm. Well, we'll have to keep reminding him that we'd really really like that Season 5, won't we?


Definately. I'll take what I can get I suppose, but I really don't want anything but more seasons!

Ashley

[scape_sister]

He's right, Farscape needs to be on a big network. Farscape was too good for The Sci-Fi Channel.

What's with the "At age 39,"? Is that supposed to mean that when a person is 39, they are tired (or old, and not wanting to do anything anymore)? I hope not. That sure was a silly way the writer chose to include Brian's age. It would've been better to put it next to his name in the beginning, like Brian Henson, age 39,... or just leave it out alltogether. It's not really relevent or necessary to the story. IMHO of course.

[Stargate2077]

The article definately needs to be corrected. Here is how to contact CBS.MarketWatch:

Feedback Form:
http://cbs.marketwatch.com/support/feedback.asp?siteid=mktw

[B Sharp]

Ahh, I think the important part is that this article says that WE"RE GETTING THE SHOW BACK.

Maybe I'm being overly optimistic, or extrapolating too much, but what they heck. It's a clear statement that Henson is committed to completing the story. So we're getting the show back, and maybe we'll even get the story finished in a way that builds the audience.

I personally think this means that our campaign can help the effort- just started thinking about it, but we could start specific targeted efforts with advertisers to let then know we'd watch, or we could target SciFi (maybe something like the fax of a modified page from the Dom about bringing back that SG1 character somebody Jackson).

This is the best, most definitive news from someone who has the power to make it happen that we've seen since ep422.

I think I need to go brew up some Raslak and celebrate...

[waltersgirl]

i took the comment with age included to mean he's too old to be wasting his time producing a fabulous show on a channel that's too small for the audience Farscape deserves. a compliment to the show and a diss to Skiffy.

[Farsight]

Yep, I love the comment, it's exactly how I've felt all along... Farscape was way too good for the SciFi Channel, and outgrew the network in terms of quality, sophistication, and budget. Farscape is Grade-A entertainment, and SciFi is a trailer-park channel. :)

[BritAngie]

statement! I take it to mean that he's tired of messing with two bit outfits that don't know how to treat pure gold when they have it.. ;)

[Dominar of Action]

There's no doubt in my mind that Brian will do everything possible to bring us more Farscape. :thumbs: But if in fact a TV special (possibly another "FS Undressed" designed to compensate for the fact that the repeats are not available?) and a TV movie are all he's considering for now, we will just have to continue to work hard at converting new viewers and creating buzz so the ratings for those shows are strong enough to convince investors that there is a market for Farscape out there. ;)

[Greenbug]

He does say he's looking at a TV movie or special to continue the storyline. Makes me think maybe that is how he could first get the show out to more viewers than just the ones that watched on SIC FI and then once he has the numbers sign on to bigger moves for the show.

who is looking at a TV special and TV movie to continue the franchise.

Continue the Franchise is the key words in my mind. Which leads me to beleive that the story would continue past just a movie or special.

WE ARE GETTING OUR SHOW BACK!!!!!!!!!

:D :aok: :joy: :joy: :bounce: :thumbs:

[CrazyChick]

I can't remember what DK/Rockne said about a film. Did they say they had a script, or outline of one already? If they've got one already, then surely the process of getting the movie started will be quicker?
I know I'm jumping the gun a bit, I know nothings decided, but, I can't help it- this good news is making me even more impatient.


I want my Farscape back!!!!

[gurnemanz]

"Continue the franchise" is not the same as "conclude the story line." It's a much more open-ended statement.

This suggests to me that Brian has bigger ideas than an amputated story arc and a hasty conclusion.

This suggests a slightly different "flavor" for the budong bait. "Come get fed on a couple of extravaganzas, and then get months and months of steady meal tickets."

Media Savant, do you want to weigh in?

g.

Reed & Barclay, Wordsmiths
www.reedbarclay.com

[guyricardo]

I can't remember what DK/Rockne said about a film. Did they say they had a script, or outline of one already? If they've got one already, then surely the process of getting the movie started will be quicker?
CC, yes they have both stated that they have worked out the outline of a script that wouldn't lose newbies, but at the same time not bore regular fans. I think it would also be independent of the series story arcs. I think someone mentioned it would take place between seasons 2 and 3, but have no idea where they got that information. I'm treating that part as rumor until I see a reliable source.

I think the hang up, based on DK's interviews, is guaranteeing an audience, which is why it's so crucial to continue to get new eyeballs. We know how good it can/will be, but getting investors to back a relatively unkown sci-fi movie, starring relatively unkown actors may not be so easy.

My hope is that they do the movie(s) (a la Trek), as well as continue the series through at least season 6 (Rockne's original concept). :)

[harveywhispers]

Well, looks like fact checking Scapers have gotten yet another reporter to correct some errors. Yep, the article now has the correct season information. Updated Farscape portion follows:

--------------------

Future of 'Farscape'

Jim Henson Co. was also one of the forces behind "Farscape" the science fiction series that was canceled by the Sci-Fi Channel after four seasons. The Sci-Fi Channel is part of Vivendi Universal (V: news, chart, profile).

The Henson Co. was shooting the last episode of the show's fourth season when the Sci-Fi Channel announced in September 2002 that "Farscape" would be canceled. The last episode aired in March.

"Farscape" was very expensive for the Sci-Fi Channel. "I wasn't entirely surprised but I didn't expect them to cancel it," Henson said. "It was really a mantelpiece show."

He still wants to complete the storyline of Commander John Crichton, a modern day astronaut, who has been trying to get back to Earth since being accidentally shot through a wormhole. "There is still the end of this story that needs to be told," said Brian Henson, who is looking at a TV special and TV movie to continue the franchise.

At age 39, Brian Henson said he is tired of producing "a really good show" for a little channel. But he is considering more science fiction in his future. "I can't be specific about things in development," he said.

[blue]

One way that we might help this process along is to write to advertisers about our desirable demographics and that we will watch more Farscape on any channel and urge them to communicate with Henson that they would be interested in advertising during Farscape wherever it is shown in the future. Some of the advertisers we have written to have been responsive and contacted SciFi or UPN as requested. Let's keep the letters to these advertisers flowing. It could make a difference.

Here's a thread about positive responses to our letters to advertisers:
http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10373

look at the first post in this thread for a few advertisers to write to:
http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9020&perpage=15&pagenumber=1

Or choose one or two companies to write to from one of the most recent lists:
http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10272
http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10226
http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10138
http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10138


Here is a list of all advertiser threads for the more ambitious:
http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10392

[mplsbird]

No matter how you look at the article, [flaws and all] cmon people its the first positive sounding news we've had in a LONG TIME!!!!!
He's committted to continuing the franchise:D This is awesome news! No it's not a commitment to the [real] 5th season we all really want, but it's a baby step to who knows what. The posssibilities are endless! Lets take the good news as good news and get busy showing the world that we will support anything we can get, as far as continuing the story. Things like showing up at meetups and planning strategies would be a nice beginning!!!:mad: In Minnesota nobody ever signs up to go! I haven't actually met a farscape fan in person yet:mad: Sorry, I had to get that off my chest. Anyway think positive, look at this as a sign of good things to come, and buy the dvds and turn everyone who will watch on to the wonders that are farscape!
Lots of love to everyone, Bill R:aok:

[Digger]

Wow! Did I miss a lot this weekend. I really need to get a computer for home! Just finished reading about the Fantabulous Scaper Adventure at the Hensons, and now I see this!

He still wants to complete the storyline of Commander John Crichton, a modern day astronaut, who has been trying to get back to Earth since being accidentally shot through a wormhole. "There is still the end of this story that needs to be told," said Brian Henson, who is looking at a TV special and TV movie to continue the franchise

At age 39, Brian Henson said he is tired of producing "a really good show" for a little channel. But he is considering more science fiction in his future. "I can't be specific about things in development," he said..

This makes me sooooo optimistic about the return of our show, so long as we keep up the work of getting Farscape's name out there. Imagine Farscape on UPN. It would be getting a 3 rating or better I bet! A nice 2 hour movie to relaunch the show that will be newbie-freindly and still have enough "in" moments for us, ending of course with "To be Continued" !!!

[Selena]

Originally posted by harveywhispers
...
--------------
Henson family swoops in for Muppets
Family looks at TV, movies for Kermit, Miss Piggy
By Luisa Beltran, CBS.MarketWatch.com
5/10/2003

... Future of 'Farscape'

Jim Henson Co. was also one of the forces behind "Farscape" the science fiction series that was canceled by the Sci-Fi Channel after five seasons...

The Henson Co. was shooting the last episode of the show's fifth season when the Sci-Fi Channel announced in September 2002 that "Farscape" would be canceled. The last episode aired in March.


"Farscape" was very expensive for the Sci-Fi Channel. "I wasn't entirely surprised but I didn't expect them to cancel it," Henson said. "It was really a mantelpiece show."

He still wants to complete the storyline of Commander John Crichton, a modern day astronaut, who has been trying to get back to Earth since being accidentally shot through a wormhole. "There is still the end of this story that needs to be told," said Brian Henson, who is looking at a TV special and TV movie to continue the franchise. ...

Did you copy this from the original article? Because it states the correct # of seasons in the CBS.Marketwatch.com article at the web site. Unless of course they edited it after it was already published due to complaints about the inaccuracies.

[davia]

Originally posted by BritAngie
statement! I take it to mean that he's tired of messing with two bit outfits that don't know how to treat pure gold when they have it.. ;)

I completely agree with you.

[Kerlin]

Selena, they did edit it after people wrote in to complain. I guess they just didn't indicate so.

[samati75]

Originally posted by gurnemanz
"Continue the franchise" is not the same as "conclude the story line." It's a much more open-ended statement.

This suggests to me that Brian has bigger ideas than an amputated story arc and a hasty conclusion.

This suggests a slightly different "flavor" for the budong bait. "Come get fed on a couple of extravaganzas, and then get months and months of steady meal tickets."

So maybe to start shopping it around again? I mean, it should have been noticed by bigger networks YEARS ago, IMO, but I like what you are saying here.

Woo hoo, post #200.

[Selena]

Originally posted by Kerlin
Selena, they did edit it after people wrote in to complain. I guess they just didn't indicate so.

Thanks Kerlin. I thought I was going a little loopy! :goof:

[tcpike]

Very positive article. The only thing that kinda scares me when there's talk of bigger network involvement is the censoring and meddling that big networks tend to do. Can we put an order in for a big network that will let the artists create and leave them alone? That will trust the artists' sensibilities and will show the series as the artists intend it? Is that too much to ask??? :(

[Greenbug]

I sure hope no one took my message as negative. Cause I see all of this as very positive! And I think that much more than just season 5 is in Henson mind.

I see all this as a very good thing!

[mgraylorn]

This is O. T. from the article, but the Henson/Disney show "Dinosaurs" was great! Coming out of Henson, no wonder I liked that show so much! That's another show I'd like to see more episodes of. For those who didn't see it, it was about a blue collar dinosaur (tree pusher) named Earl Sinclair and his family. Think cross between "The Honeymooners" and "The Simpsons" in dino costumes.

[Dominar of Action]

I know, mgraylorn. I loved that show and had forgotten completely that Henson was involved. :)

[Deanna T]

First of all, lets all take a moment to praise the god that is Brian Henson. The man is a frelling legend. Farscape must be the only show in the world that has both fans AND creators who are so incredibly dedicated. :D :D :D

That said, I thought about the phrase "TV special and TV movie". We know that initial setup costs to get Farscape running again are in the vicinity of $20mil for a season for sets and contracts. Presumably, if they were filming a 2 hour movie or special, setup costs would be less, because staff wouldn't need whole year contracts. So lets knock it back to about $15 million initial setup fee (Absolute Guesstimate from someone who knows nothing about production costs).

It seems to me that finishing Farscape with a TV Movie or Special would not be worth it for Henson or another investing Network. I think that they probably wouldn't make back the cost of inital setup and filming in a 2hour presentation, even if it was on a larger network.

So financially, it would seem to me that Henson would be intending to make a TV special to raise ratings, (as people have suggested), but would then intend to "continue the franchise" through another season or more telemovies. To me it seems unlikely that they would lay out the money to construct the sets, if they were only going to make 2 hrs of film.

Then again, someone else may have a better idea of how funds work on the show...

Discuss... ;)

[Rombaldi]

The special and the TV Movie would be the 'proof of life' as it were... the ratings form that would be the fuel to fire the full series resurrection... most likely Henson would eat a significant portion of the costs as the gamble for the full series restart..

[Davesnothome]

There is still the problem that the big networks aren't interested in science fiction programming. Other than the WB and UPN, none of the big networks show much interest in scifi television, in a series format. What they do like are comic book, fantasy and horror related series (Smallville, Buffy, Angel, Charmed, Tarzan, etc.). AS for UPN, they have Enterprise. But it's a similiar situation as the relationship between UV and Tremors. Viacom will favor the homegrown Enterprise, any day of the week over Farscape.

Henson and whoever broadcasts any future Farscape television stories, will have to agree to pay upfront costs that might not be covered by revenues, until well after the new shows are broadcast. (syndication, video and dvd sales, overseas viewings, etc.)

If they can find someone willing to buy another 44 or more episodes of Farscape to broadcast, they can cover the costs of restarting, as long as ratings can meet some lofty expectations.

Theatrical movies, that could lead to a series of movies like Star Trek TOS, could justify those $15 to $20 million restart costs that are being suggested.

Dave

[Shipscat]

We don't have the fan base for a theatrical movie yet- do the math. A million or so Scapers could only pay for a seven million dollar movie.

And you know, I don't know that they really like fantasy or horror series either, but the shows that Farscape are most like are Buffy and Angel.

[mplsbird]

I don't know anything more than this, Brian Henson [THE MAN HIMSELF] has made the statement that farscapes story has alot more that needs to be told. All the what ifs, and I wishes in the world [for me] don't mean as much as those words quoted by Brian. Lets all be proactive, throw our support out there, help promote the franchise bt luring in new fans through the reruns and the dvd's, and think positive. The main kahuna has stated to us all that he wants and is committed to continuing the franchise, and that equals more farscape. Thats the whole point, isn't it? Please someonetell me if I'm missing something here, but this is [to me] the greatest news for farscape in a long long time. Let's savor the moment, and keep on scapin. LOL Bill R

[waltersgirl]

we can't speculate on what the terms of any deal would or wouldn't be for Henson, and, the Nielsens notwithstanding, there's no way to know for sure what the audience truly is for Farscape and if that audience could support a film.

it would certainly be prudent on Henson's part to test the waters, as it were, as to the future viability of the franchise. made for tv films and such are one way to do that. putting the reruns in syndication once Skiffy's rights are up is another.

Farscape's future isn't going to happen tomorrow. we need to be patient and continue to support both Farscape and Henson.

[Dominar of Action]

help promote the franchise bt luring in new fans through the reruns and the dvd's, This is *critical* IMHO, which is why the library and military DVD projects need our support. I understand that so far, the response to these great opportunities to expose mainstream people to Farscape has been lukewarm at best. :(

[Shipscat]

I am extremely enthusiastic about the military and library projects. I think they're both brilliant ways of expanding the fan base.

But the reality is the the Nielsens say that there are only about a million Scapers, and that's not enough for a theatrical release. No one is going to risk money on that venture at this point. I believe Kemper has said that himself. There's a reason why it took Star trek twenty years to get to the big screen.

And you aren't missing anything, mplsbird-this is the greatest news for Farscape in a long time. :)

[The Lone Stranger]

And you could make an entire season for the cost of one movie. You've just got to find a network to air it. And given FarScape's appeal, I don't think that would be a problem. Everyone I've introduced to the show always wants to see more...

I don't care how or when they manage to do it, but I long for the moment when John is "reconstituted" and looks at the rest of Moya's crew and says. "Hi guys! It's great to be back! Did ya miss me?"

You bet we did.

[DontTemptMeFluffy]

Originally posted by mgraylorn
This is O. T. from the article, but the Henson/Disney show "Dinosaurs" was great! Coming out of Henson, no wonder I liked that show so much! That's another show I'd like to see more episodes of. For those who didn't see it, it was about a blue collar dinosaur (tree pusher) named Earl Sinclair and his family. Think cross between "The Honeymooners" and "The Simpsons" in dino costumes.

"NOT THE MOMMA!" [/key show phrase]

[Shipscat]

I like that image, Lone Stranger. :)

[ilianexsi]

I agree, mplsbird, hearing that from Brian himself means a lot. It's great to know that he's as committed to this as we are. In a side note, I'm planning to send some $$ to the funds as soon as I have it available.... and speaking of optimism, I'd be interested to know if any of this news has succeeded in cheering up MediaSavant. (I hope so!)
-ilianexsi

[harveywhispers]

and speaking of optimism, I'd be interested to know if any of this news has succeeded in cheering up MediaSavant.

Been wondering the same thing.

[frellseeker]

Had this disturbing vision, a la' 'revenging angel'

first part, live-action, plot that gets out of previous rock-of-a-situation, and then..
Jon gets knocked out by Rygel, dizzying multiple-vision passout,
then, later, upon awakening.. it's now an all-Muppet cast.

Little do fans realize.. the muppet jon was dreaming all the live-action stuff, and the series from this point is all Muppets.

Zha'n does return, though, thanks to Virginia not having to do the smurf treatment for voice acting...

Problem with this is that the art department would spend more on cool puppet fabrications than the live-action series..

[JamieSBoyd]

Does this mean were getting the best show on TV back! By the sounds of if we will,it maybe another year or so but the most importent thing is FARSCAPE WILL BE BACK ......yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss sssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

[AnnieBW]

Originally posted by scape_sister
What's with the "At age 39,"? Is that supposed to mean that when a person is 39, they are tired (or old, and not wanting to do anything anymore)? I hope not. That sure was a silly way the writer chose to include Brian's age. It would've been better to put it next to his name in the beginning, like Brian Henson, age 39,... or just leave it out alltogether. It's not really relevent or necessary to the story. IMHO of course.

Well, I'm Brian's age. So is my husband. I'm getting tired of pussyfooting around working for someone else with very little to show for it. I can understand that sentiment exactly. Especially when he's living in the shadow of his father, who was a huge success by age 40. Brian seems like more of a businessman type, whereas Jim was a more creative force.