Worries about Mini Scheduling

[Judith]

Okay, I'm going to start this off by saying...I don't intend this to be another naysayer thread. I've always thought Farscape would come back. I don't want people to get the wrong impression...this is more of an...assuage my fears...please? thread.

It's just that something about the scheduling for the mini scares me. October or November? Lately I've been paranoid that it's going to somehow end up opposite the World Series. And while those of us who spend time here would watch the Mini, hands down...what about causual viewers? What about new viewers we hope to bring in? If the Mini goes opposite the world series...would that totally kill its ratings and any chance for more Farscape?

[StarsGoBlue]

We've just gotta have faith. It's frustrating not to know exactly when Skiffy plans to air the mini, and if it makes you feel better, why not send off a letter and some emails to TPTB at Sci-Fi, telling them of your concern?

Let them know we're still here and still working hard to bring them new viewers, and that you'd appreciate their help, too, by announcing the air date ASAP and taking those big fall events into consideration with their scheduling (although I'm sure they already do, to an extent).

Remember... Skiffy thought we'd give up. They gave us a few days, a few weeks, and expected us to give in and go away.

Reminding them, with tangible things like letters and telegrams and emails, that we're still here, can't hurt.

Have a :hug: and know that you're not alone in your concern.

[Moks]

It could happen in December. I saw somewhere "Peacekeeper War, December".

Besides, networks know not to play shows that they have invested big money into opposite something like a huge sporting event, which inevitably draws a lot of viewerrs. I'd say, don't worry about it at all.

[trubador]

Although it's quite normal to be skeptical of Skiffy (would that be "skiptical"?), remember that they are footing NONE of the production costs this time around, so they plan to make a ton of $$$ off of the advertising slots... plus gaining more promotion of their "sci-fi original mini series" programming.

[JrMissToughChick]

Although it's quite normal to be skeptical of Skiffy (would that be "skiptical"?), remember that they are footing NONE of the production costs this time around, so they plan to make a ton of $$$ off of the advertising slots... plus gaining more promotion of their "sci-fi original mini series" programming.
And also I doubt they'd be picking up a new series anyway they just want the cash from the Mini!

[RydraWong]

remember that they are footing NONE of the production costs this time around

As a practical point, though, I'd presume they're still paying a hefty fee for the US airing rights. It doesn't matter that they didn't pay the money upfront before production started - they still pay.

I'm as sceptical of Skiffy as anyone, but they do have a selfish interest in the mini's doing well.

There's another thing to think about, though. It's not just about Skiffy or about ratings anymore.

Remember, Henson's and Hallmark were evidently committed enough to get the mini made all by themselves, without having any US buyer in advance. That changes the rules.

Ratings *are* important, but they aren't the only thing that matters here. Things like DVD sales increasingly play a big part in whether something's seen as financially viable or not.

[Red]

excellent point, Rydra

also "skiptical"? hee

[Jeff O'Connor]

October, November, December... any time, and I think the ratings - amongst other things as you pointed out - will be decent at worst; great, more likely. Why? There's been more and more coverage of Farscape and publicity and whatnot since the cancellation. Making TV Guide's Top 25 is amazing. Getting #4 is breathtaking. Of course it's hardly unbelievable - we all feel the love for the show here, and despite being THE site in most opinions, we're only one place, too. There are so many more Scapers now than ever before. We're going to be good. Again.

[Judith]

Thanks guys. I feel better now. Stars, writing a letter sounds like a great way to deal with my pre-mini anxiety. (And the fact that I do want to be able to watch the World Series too. Mmmm....cake AND eating it! :D )

[scaperbuddy]

It is in the August 2004 issue of sci-fi magazine pg 16
"Farscape (SCI FI) The weird, wonderful world of John crichton and the crew of moya will grace the Sci fi Channel this December in a four hour mini-series." This was in a small separate article from the main one on pages 50-51.

[Jeff O'Connor]

That's the one! I wonder if we can take that as any sort of definitive proof that it'll be December.

[trubador]

It ain't even June yet, and it's in the AUGUST issue??? :eh:

[Jeff O'Connor]

It ain't even June yet, and it's in the AUGUST issue??? :eh:

I can't believe I didn't catch that. What the frell!?!

[scaperbuddy]

I could see July maybe but not August! That is frelled! But look on the cover! It's absolutely frelling isn't it?

[Red]

I wonder if we can take that as any sort of definitive proof that it'll be December.
I really wouldn't. At least not yet. To the best of my knowledge (which could admittedly be dodgey) there's no date, even to the month, set yet. At least, not that Skiffy's actually telling anybody, anywhere.

[Jeff O'Connor]

I really wouldn't. At least not yet. To the best of my knowledge (which could admittedly be dodgey) there's no date, even to the month, set yet. At least, not that Skiffy's actually telling anybody, anywhere.

Yeah... that's what I've been basically betting on, too. :shrug:

[Knave of Hearts]

Magazines are cover dated for when they are to be removed from the newstand not when they arrive...

check it out, almost all mags are dated 2-3 months after their arrival on newstands, even comics

[Verlon]

Skiffy doesn't have enough quality programming to show the mini just once. Rest assured that it will play AT LEAST twice in fairly short order.

[scaperbuddy]

I looked at the mag more closey and it is bimonthly. Which would also explain why they are already on August as well.

[Jat]

Wont skiffy be doing what all channels do with no 1 progs, after the first ep aired, they will say if u missed it, u can see it tommorrow 1 hour later or something?

Well I doubt skiffy will screw about with the times much, I think they learned their lesson from S4 :)

[writersbloc]

Ratings *are* important, but they aren't the only thing that matters here. Things like DVD sales increasingly play a big part in whether something's seen as financially viable or not.

This may be a tad OT, but it speaks to the value of the DVDs (I think).

I ususally go peruse the FARSCAPE DVDs when I visit Borders (waiting for a S3 box :grr: ). Passed by the other day and couldn't find them in their usual spot in the TV section. They've been there since the store began getting them a few years ago. I looked...looked...nothing. Then, I found them--not as many as usual, but a few, and mostly 4.3-4.2 etc.--IN THE LOCKED CABINET! Yep, there they were, with all the big pricey season sets and such.

This begs the question(s). First, where did all the DVDS go, all the first season ones and such? And, why were they locked? Have people been stealing? I hate to think so for Borders sake...but it might speak well for the value of the show. :shrug: I may ask.