The Actual Chance of a BDS
POSTED BY: ubergeek
UPDATED: Friday, August 25, 2006 04:12
VIEWED: 24247
PAGE 6 of 9
Quote:
Originally posted by Esther:
OK, you veteran, I only joined this month, SO WHAT CAN WE DO NOW? What did you do then? And how can we go further? Whom to address? Is buying the DVD sets and giving them to friends enough? I could also give the money directly to a fund ... is there any? Like "fans buy a TV series"? I mean, 3 Million US$ for one episode - with 50.000 fans that would make 60 bucks each (don't know, how many fans are there, but a DVD set in Germany costs abour 60 $). And someone paid over 3.000 $ for the Sereinity script (well, of course he got something of value for his money, but still ...)
Okay... in the order of your post:
First, my handle is 11th Hour, not "you veteran"... okay?
Welcome to the board!
YOU CAN DO A LOT.
We did a lot:
• Letter and postcard campaigns
• Newspaper ads
• Spreading the word via message boards
• Getting everyone we know, and their pets, to watch Firefly
• DVD buying campaigns
• Fan tables at Sci-Fi conventions
• Guerilla marketing with posters and flyers
• Wearing Firefly inspired clothing out in the world
• Bumper stickers, window decals, tattoos even
• and much more...
We are going further. Endeavors are happening right now.
Addressing the goal of growing and invigorating the fan base is the priority.
Buying the DVD sets yourself to give to friends gets very expensive. The better way is to create enough interest and motivation for people to purchase their own DVD sets. There is a campaign happening RIGHT NOW "Firefly Fortnight" which is geared to doing just that.
As for giving money to a fund, that is something that could be very helpful for the more ambitious, and expensive, promotional activities.
Regarding the "Fans buy a TV series", this fan financed movie/episode idea has been bouncing around for a while. At this particular point, it isn't a workable plan for a variety of reasons. The eventual consensus finally arrived at the conclusion that a studio, not a huge group of fans, needs to back the production.
Quote:
Aaaaah, just feeling so helpless!
The way to help relieve the helpless feeling is to start involving yourself with guerilla marketing. I've listed some of the things we fans did before, and these strategies still apply now. But we also need to come up with some new and surprising ideas to shake things up.
However, we must always keep in mind that any promotional ideas need to stay respectful and with a positive, supportive tone when it comes to Universal. Sometimes fans' frustration can prompt marketing tactics which get too aggressive, or even irritated, at Universal because they are the ones with the keys to Serenity right now. Not saying this to you personally, I always try to reinforce this notion to the fans because from time to time promotional ideas are suggested by fans which would actually do harm to our endeavors.
On a side note, I am working with a great team of Browncoats now on various Firefly/Serenity promotional ideas. We're getting ready to launch a new website which is dedicated to spreading the word of the 'Verse and increasing the fan base. More news on this in the very near future...
You can also participate in "Firefly Fortnight", and there's a link to the thread, next to the banner below, with all the info on this campaign. "Firefly Fortnight" already has had a measureable effect! When we launched the endeavor the sales of the Firefly DVD jumped up the chart on Amazon! Since the sales had been holding at a steady line for a while, and then suddenly went up right when the campaign started, and there were no other things going on at the time to promote FF, it can be reasonably assumed that "Firefly Fortnight" had something to with that sales increase.)
You can also download my guerilla marketing posters and spread the word that way. You can make the posters big, or make use of the handy "mini" posters... they are incredibly useful marketing tools... read the website for ideas!
http://the11thour.home.att.net
There's also a nice website with a great list
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Quote:
And that isn't being negative, but it would be nice to have a concerted campaign, rather than just keep buying everything that's out there.]
(First of all, LOVE the Liberator. Dr. Who and Blake's 7 are where I first cut my scifi teeth, thanks to mom! LOL)
That's just it exactly. We're trying with the Browncoat Army and the Summer Campaign, but I'd love to actually find someone who can answer our questions: What needs to be done? What would make the people responsible take notice?
If only I knew exactly HOW to direct efforts, we could be more precise in what we're doing. We're tossing our cash their way and yet it seems there's not even a whisper of a continuation. (Ok, ONE whisper I've seen online.)
And let's be frank, much as we love our BDHs, White Noisier and that Mammoth Sci Fi Channel movie were not anywhere near what we know those actors capable of. (and from my opinion, it looks like Waitress may not even go into wide release.) Adam Baldwin's been acting for a VERY long time and done movies and television. Of any of the actors from the show he has the most on screen experience. If he signed on to do Firefly once, he's likely to do it again. One thing we can be grateful of for the time being is that our BDH aren't A-list actors yet and won't be commanding the huge paychecks for a little while longer. (Don't take that the wrong way, I love them all and love their work!)
Will a sequel or season 2 happen? I wish I knew. I'm no sort of expert on the movie industry nor am I connected to it in any way. Wish I were so I could figure this problem out! But we are trying and we're gonna keep on trying. Eventually someone will notice and it'll fall in the right lap.
If wishes were fishes... I'd wish I could crawl inside a Fox exec's head and find out what needs to be done to get our series back on the air. Nothing on TV today compares to Firefly, but I'm finding myself having to settle.
I don't like that feeling.
~Kaele
Join the fight.
Become a part of the Browncoat Army.
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Quote:
Originally posted by Kaele:
And that isn't being negative, but it would be nice to have a concerted campaign, rather than just keep buying everything that's out there.
(First of all, LOVE the Liberator. Dr. Who and Blake's 7 are where I first cut my scifi teeth, thanks to mom! LOL)
That's just it exactly. We're trying with the Browncoat Army and the Summer Campaign, but I'd love to actually find someone who can answer our questions: What needs to be done? What would make the people responsible take notice?
If only I knew exactly HOW to direct efforts, we could be more precise in what we're doing. We're tossing our cash their way and yet it seems there's not even a whisper of a continuation. (Ok, ONE whisper I've seen online.)
And let's be frank, much as we love our BDHs, White Noisier and that Mammoth Sci Fi Channel movie were not anywhere near what we know those actors capable of. (and from my opinion, it looks like Waitress may not even go into wide release.) Adam Baldwin's been acting for a VERY long time and done movies and television. Of any of the actors from the show he has the most on screen experience. If he signed on to do Firefly once, he's likely to do it again. One thing we can be grateful of for the time being is that our BDH aren't A-list actors yet and won't be commanding the huge paychecks for a little while longer. (Don't take that the wrong way, I love them all and love their work!)
Will a sequel or season 2 happen? I wish I knew. I'm no sort of expert on the movie industry nor am I connected to it in any way. Wish I were so I could figure this problem out! But we are trying and we're gonna keep on trying. Eventually someone will notice and it'll fall in the right lap.
If wishes were fishes... I'd wish I could crawl inside a Fox exec's head and find out what needs to be done to get our series back on the air. Nothing on TV today compares to Firefly, but I'm finding myself having to settle.
I don't like that feeling.
~Kaele
Join the fight.
Become a part of the Browncoat Army.
[url] http://forum.serenityday.org
Seems some of us are starting to think alike - and I agree about the Liberator, lol. I cut my teeth on that when I was 7 (probably too young to grasp it entirely at that age, but did instil a love of all things Sci-Fi).And I agree that I hate the feeling of having to settle with second class sci-fi now. I guess Firefly spoiled us somewhat, as it makes anything else seem pretty lame by comparison.
I think there are a lot of damn good ideas out there for helping bring FF back, but the problem is a lack of cohesion at the moment. And I don't mean any disrespect by that - but for any new (or old) fans who want more information on what to do, there's a confusing array of threads.
That's why I started a thread about combining these threads, or making a seperate area available for promoting FF/Serenity - and for that alone.
Even on this one board (albeit probably the biggest FF board going), there are a multitude of threads relating to FF promotion or how the series could be bought back.
And that's where it all gets confusing, because someone needs to grab the reins and take a hold of it.
Heck, I know zip about the movie/tv industry, other than what shows I like, so we do need to get a concerted campaign of sorts going - even if this is a cross forum campaign (just google Firefly and see the results).
There's probably no shortage of fans - it's just how to best direct our efforts towards a common goal.
I don't have all the answers (or arguably any of them, lol), but let's put our heads together collectively and see what we can come up with.
This type of thread (The Actual Chance of a BDS) is great, but really everyone here probably wants another series, so most will reply very optimist
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Quote:
Originally posted by Dinalt:
I think there are a lot of damn good ideas out there for helping bring FF back, but the problem is a lack of cohesion at the moment. And I don't mean any disrespect by that - but for any new (or old) fans who want more information on what to do, there's a confusing array of threads.
Yes, this is an issue I've already addressed. I've been in communication with Haken to establish an "anchored" area to organize the fan promotional efforts.
The area will be ready soon, a nice, highly visible panel on the home page. Discussions can be centralized, along with marketing ideas and resources, and links to sites related to the endeavors. The area will also be a great place to brainstorm promotion ideas and for fans to network.
We will be able to better focus our energies and channel all this positive enthusiasm much better.
11th Hour
>>>}———————————————)))======<[]>======(((———————————————{<<<
"Because teenage pranks are fun when you're about to die!" - Hoban Washburne
Firefly/Serenity Guerilla Marketing Posters ~ http://the11thhour.home.att.net
Serenity Inspired Cafe Press Shop ~ http://www.cafepress.com/11thhourart
Get the full scoop: http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=19&t=22697
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Quote:
Originally posted by 11thHour:Quote:
Originally posted by Dinalt:
I think there are a lot of damn good ideas out there for helping bring FF back, but the problem is a lack of cohesion at the moment. And I don't mean any disrespect by that - but for any new (or old) fans who want more information on what to do, there's a confusing array of threads.
Yes, this is an issue I've already addressed. I've been in communication with Haken to establish an "anchored" area to organize the fan promotional efforts.
The area will be ready soon, a nice, highly visible panel on the home page. Discussions can be centralized, along with marketing ideas and resources, and links to sites related to the endeavors. The area will also be a great place to brainstorm promotion ideas and for fans to network.
We will be able to better focus our energies and channel all this positive enthusiasm much better.
11th Hour
>>>}———————————————)))======<[]>======(((———————————————{<<<
"Because teenage pranks are fun when you're about to die!" - Hoban Washburne
Firefly/Serenity Guerilla Marketing Posters ~ http://the11thhour.home.att.net
Serenity Inspired Cafe Press Shop ~ http://www.cafepress.com/11thhourart
Get the full scoop: http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=19&t=22697
Great stuff 11thhour. Thanks for the excellent news - should take our chances up a notch or 2.
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I'd say the chances are pretty slim. I don't think the movie did as well as we all were hoping. Personally, though the movie was great, I think I still preferred the feel of the show anyway. I still have some hope, but not much. Also if there is a sequel it's gonna be a long way off, Joss is occupied at the moment and so we won't be seeing a sequel anytime soon even if it does happen.
"Haha, mine is an evil laugh."
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" I'm thinking we'll rise Again . "
11th Hour , I want you to know , that for several years now , you have been , and continue to be , a lovely , lovely , Source of Inspiration to me .
I have enjoyed all of your efforts and creations in regard to our beloved 'verse .
I admire your art and find it enthralling . I have admired , and continue to admire , your perseverance and determination in being a supporter not only of the Firefly 'verse , but of your fellow Browncoats . I've enjoyed seeing you in 'Done the Impossible' , so that there's a face to go with your screen name . I think it very fitting , and only appropriate , that you be seen there for years to come , and that you receive all the credit that you are due , for the work that you've done for us .
In past years I've enjoyed a number of quality TV shows , most of which were treated in some way or another , in a fashion similar to Firefly .
Misunderstood , mistreated , mishandled , by network decision-makers who 'just don't get it' . Happens all the time .
A number of sci-fi shows have been meaningful over the years , and I was sickened when 'Earth2' was canceled . It was a beautiful show , with characters that I cared about . There have also been some dramatic series' that I made the mistake of caring for a lot .
Quality television is just usually not truly appreciated by the majority of viewers OR network executives . But Firefly struck a chord with me , that resonates with every fiber of who I am . That's why I was compelled to write the postcard when the fate of Firefly was being determined . Ultimately , maybe it didn't turn the tide at that particular time , but I'm sure that it did not go entirely unnoticed , either .
We're the Browncoats ! Each of us will do ALL that we can !
We'll choose our battles wisely . We will reach the 'tipping point' . We will achieve our 'critical mass' . And when we get what we're after , those who are speaking most negatively NOW will say , " I never doubted , I always KNEW we would get it done ! "
Those who have led will continue to lead , those who follow , will follow ; now if those of you who want to be "realistic" will Choose A Task or Stand Aside , we'll get done what we've come to do .
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Another chance to freely promote the 'verse - as long as this is legit. I've checked it out, and it seems legit, but if anyone has information to the contrary, for gods sake let me know and I'll edit it out.
A lower res (and missing most of the extras) version of Done The Impossible has been released under a Creative Commons License.
See: http://www.legaltorrents.com/about_done_the_impossible.htm
Could be a good way to spread at least some of the enthusiasm, as it doesn't cost a bean and might encourage more fans - just send them the link, and get them to download it.
More information here:
http://www.legaltorrents.com/index.htm
As I say though, if anyone knows it's not legit, please post immediately and I'll edit it out. The last thing I want to do is push anything illegal, but it looks on the level.
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Out2theBlack ~
Such a thoughtful and beautiful post, thank you sincerely.
Quote:
Originally posted by out2theblack:
" I'm thinking we'll rise Again . "
11th Hour , I want you to know , that for several years now , you have been , and continue to be , a lovely , lovely , Source of Inspiration to me .
I have enjoyed all of your efforts and creations in regard to our beloved 'verse .
So glad to hear this, and very kind of you to say. Firefly is a constant inspiration for me as an artist. When I create the art for Firefly it's an expression of my connection with it, and I always hope that the feelings come through and reach other fans. My art really is meant to be a shared experience. It's just about impossible to separate the fans from Firefly in my mind. We are connected with that show on what can be called a spiritual level.
Many people might deride the passion the fans feel for Firefly... after all it's "only a TV show". But of course that's the most simplistic of descriptions. Television is just the medium that delivered these amazing characters and stories. History is filled with ages of people who were passionate for the stories of their time. These stories reach the level of art, and somehow touch a meaningful place in people. It doesn't happen often, but it is real and cannot be denied... although explaining it to someone who has no knowledge of the work risks putting one squarely in the "fanatic" role. Well, love is like that. One does have to experience it personally to finally "get it". Sure we're fans in the fanatic sense, but so long as the experience and activities are positive and uplifting, it's a very enjoyable thing indeed to be a fan.
Quote:
I admire your art and find it enthralling . I have admired , and continue to admire , your perseverance and determination in being a supporter not only of the Firefly 'verse , but of your fellow Browncoats . I've enjoyed seeing you in 'Done the Impossible' , so that there's a face to go with your screen name . I think it very fitting , and only appropriate , that you be seen there for years to come , and that you receive all the credit that you are due , for the work that you've done for us .
I'm very honored to be in "Done the Impossible", though I wasn't feeling at all very well at the time. My segments were made during Dragon*Con last year and I had developed a bad toothache literally while at the show. (Discovered later at the dentist that I had a cracked a molar... ack... ) Anyway, I was running on very little sleep and a lot of pain, so to say I wasn't tip top is to put it mildly. But it was necessary to participate at that time, or not be in DIT at all as interview opportunities were running out... so I trudged on through and joined in the fun. I sorta wish though that a caption would come up when I appear to explain why I look so totally trashed!
Thanks too for the compliments on my perseverance... sometimes even I get a bit worn down and ask myself why I continue to fight. Then I'll listen to the Ballad of Serenity, or watch an episode of Firefly, and the flame gets fed again. I fell in love, fiercely in love, with Firefly. I'm connected to it on a level that even I can't fully explain. I'll keep fighting until Joss says he no longer cares to continue the 'Verse, or until I can't fight anymore.
Quote:
In past years I've enjoyed a number of quality TV shows , most of which were treated in some way or another , in a fashion similar to Firefly .
Misunderstood , mistreated , mishandled , by network decision-makers who 'just don't get it' . Happens all the time .
Yes, happens to TV shows, and it happens to people. That may play a part in at least some of my personal identification with Firefly...
Quote:
A number of sci-fi shows have been meaningful over the years , and I was sickened when 'Earth2' was canceled . It was a beautiful show , with characters that I cared about . There have also been some dramatic series' that I made the mistake of caring for a lot .
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