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KENNETH
JOHNSON
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Creator of "V"
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Would
this website exist today if it weren't for Kenneth Johnson?
Well, we all know the answer to this!
Ken & Ilana BEFORE
the invasion. |
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Ken
Johnson AFTER
the Invasion. |
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NEW
- 6/15/2011
KEN JOHNSON
and his lovely wife, SUSIE holding up "V" fingers while on vacation in
Montreal this week.
They stayed at
the Queen Elizabeth Hotel and stayed in the suite where John Lennon and
Yoko Ono recorded Give Peace A Chance in June, 1969. |
NEW -
3/28/2011 - Heard from
KEN JOHNSON! "The game plan has always been to get 'V The
Movie' made and then...assuming it's successful as we hope it will be...follow
it up with 'The Second Generation.' And yes, I have more than enough
material for two sequels. xxx K"
NEW -
3/11/2011 -
KEN JOHNSON
responds to the Mothership debate! Please see the article written below
from Patrick J. Gillease on 3/09/2011 which sparked fan Andy to share his ideas.
SEE KJ's RESPONSE AT THE BOTTOM of this post.
ANDY:
There's a wrong assumption in the article that assumes that the landing
bays are in the circular indentation. They're actually spaced outside
of there on the underside of the mothership. There are two landing
bays, one above the other spaced inbetween the ships lasers. Have a
look at the following image and you'll see where they are. The
indentation is the gravity drive. When we see the landing bays being
used, they correspond to the landing bays highlighted in the
picture. There are 26 landing bays on the original.
PATRICK:
I believe Andy is incorrect. Nobody ever said the areas he pointed to
are landing bays. First he says there are only 2, then he says 26. Even
his own argument is inconsistent. Plus the landing bays ARE in the
circular area. We saw this in the original miniseries.
What I think REALLY is going on here is that KJ first depicted the
smaller ships coming out of the ring. And I suspect he would say all the
landing bays were encircled in there. But by the time he left TFB, they
made an actual filming model, which I own, and some design elements were
changed and/or enhanced when all they had were matte paintings for the
MS in the original.
In the end, Andy and I may BOTH be right. I would ask KJ and see what he
says? We clearly saw a shuttle coming out of the ring in the original
mini, so were ALL the landing bays in that ring - at least in HIS
original?! KEN
JOHNSON:
We were working so fast and loose when we created the original designs
-- literally over a weekend -- I don't think we ever stopped to
analyze exactly where all the landing bays would be. There was never any
"master blueprint" created such as one can find for Star Trek's
Enterprise or The
Titanic, etc..--
The first shuttle that appears does emerge from the inside center,
however when it returns from the U.N. roof the camera pans it up to
a bay entry point that appears to be on the outside perimeter,
otherwise we'd see the "inner circle" bending off toward the left
side of the frame.
Basically, we were working very impressionistically.
K
NEW
-
11/18/10 - We all know the story
about how FAYE GRANT worked with KEN JOHNSON before "V" and how Faye told Ken
she wanted to work on "V" no matter what, even if she had to sweep the floors.
So I asked KJ if Faye and the others he previously worked with had to audition
for "V." KJ responded
"She did not audition for V. I knew she'd be excellent, told NBC I
wanted her, and they said fine. Most all of the other actors read for
their parts or I saw film on them and hired them from that."
NEW
-
09/08/10 - Just got some more fantastic tidbits
from KEN JOHNSON!
"Kristine
Walsh was a close friend of my daughter Juliet (for whom Faye's
character was named). Donovan was Michael for my younger son.
The Maxwell family was for my wife's sister and her family. Ruby
was my grandmother.
Many of the characters in VTSG have special significance,
too...but that's a story for later. It's very rewarding
that the original miniseries has
become so iconic and continues to engage and intrigue audiences
around the world. V - The Movie will
hopefully continue -- and enlarge upon -- that tradition.
Best... Kenny"
NEW
-
07/27/10 - Our Creator, KENNETH JOHNSON, gives
Ilana and the fans more insight to "V."
IR: What similarities and differences will
there be with V The Film vs. V: The Second
Generation novel?
KJ:
V-- The Movie is based upon my original
miniseries, updated and brought into the 21st
Century. VTSG is a sequel that takes place two
decades later.
IR:
What year did you write the original V: The
Second Generation novel?
KJ:
The novel was published in 2008 based on the
VTSG sequel miniseries I had written for NBC
about two years earlier.
IR:
There are lots of emotional moments in V: TSG
the novel, as well as in all of your TV series.
Did you grow up sensitive to people's emotions
or did you learn how to write like that by trial
and error?
KJ:
I have always been drawn in by the emotional
structure and the characters in any story, novel
or movie. Exploration of the human character and
relationships are what I have always enjoyed and
focused on. I think that's why my work in
speculative fiction has always attracted as many
females as males -- highly unusual for sci-fi
projects.
IR:
When writing a script or a novel, do you jot
ideas down first and then turn them into
something or do you just sit in front of the
computer and
write from beginning to end?
KJ:
I conceptualize, do a tremendous amount of
detailed research which sparks unexpected ideas,
then spend a lot of time letting my imagination
go wherever it will making notes in a stream of
consciousness way, then begin to organize the
many ideas into a dramatic structure, then craft
an outline which gets reworked and refined many
times...only then do I begin to write the
fully realized story or screenplay.
IR:
Will you add a character named Ilana into your V
film?
KJ:
Now why would I do that????
IR:
What are your thoughts on ABC's "V" bringing
back one or some of the original V actors?
KJ:
Always nice to see my friends working, but it
seems like it might be pretty incongruous and
confusing.
NEW -
06/04/10 - Heard from
KEN JOHNSON
with some cool news! KJ has been
considering "the
attributes and possibilities of 3-D for well
over a year. V is a project that would likely be
enhanced by the extra dimension and at this
point I am leaning in the direction of filming
it that way."
 |
Pic taken 06/02/2010 of KJ with a
Tanker. That shirt KJ is wearing is 22 years old. We all
love the #22 !! (if you do NOT know why V fans love #22,
email me for an explanation. You
will hit yourself in the head.)
FROM KEN JOHNSON:
"I was dubbing Short Circuit 2 at Warners and one lunch time I
took a walk around the back lot and came across them (the V ships.)
Universal would have put them on the tour, but Warners just kept
shuffling them around junk yards and finally tossed them without telling
me." |
 |
The "V" Graveyard |
KEN JOHNSON has
sent me a personal note regarding Kathi:
"I was sorry to hear about our friend Kathi.
Please send my sympathies to her family."
NEW -
06/04/10 - From
KEN JOHNSON's
website:
A personal note
from Kenny...
I know it's difficult and frustrating for the
many great fans of V to keep hearing how we're
working hard to get the financing in order --
while it all seems to be taking forever.
Believe me, I sympathize. No one wants to be on
the set of V more than I do. But the world
economy is in the worst place it's been for
years and $50 million is a very large amount for
an "independent" film -- even for one with such
a potent, fondly remembered, international Brand
Name like V.
Please have faith that my excellent team and I
are making the most strenuous efforts. We have
dedicated countless hours, weeks and months to
conversations with potential investors. It’s a
delicate, time consuming process to weed out
truth from fiction about their ability to
actually provide the funding we need. But we are
determined to make it happen.
The situation is
promising, but I don’t engage in hype. I believe
in being straight with people -- particularly
the loyal fans of V. The moment that a solid
deal is in place our friends everywhere will
immediately be given the word on this site.
Meanwhile, please hold good thoughts.
NEW -
05/11/10 - Heard from
KEN JOHNSON! I asked him if he knew that
Father Jack was going to say "Let V stand for Victory!" in the season finale.
Here's what KENNY wrote back: "I
know nothing at all about the show, sorry."
Meanwhile, on 5/9/10, KJ posted the following on
his website:
"Though Kenny
receives a "Created by" credit on the new,
reimagined, ABC V series because it is derived
from his original work, he is not involved with
the series. He wishes the latest new producers
well with the show, which does not affect
Kenny's ongoing efforts to remake his original
classic as a major motion picture. Kenny’s prime
desire is to bring big-screen production values
to the new V movie while carefully protecting
the timeless story, the characters, quality,
integrity and substance that make his original V
such a favorite of worldwide audiences and a
critically acclaimed, international landmark.
Efforts by Kenny and his producing partners to
make the right deal for the movie are proceeding
well and on a daily basis. Meetings are
currently ongoing." (Thanks Traves!)
NEW -
04/23/10 - Heard from
KEN JOHNSON!
Check out this Q&A I did with him this morning!
IR:
At what point did Warner Brothers obtain the rights to "V" for television? Was
it in your original contract or did they negotiate that later on?
KJ:
I
wrote the original mini while under contract to WB, so they own the TV rights.
IR:
When
your "V" Film gets the funding and starts production, how does it work regarding
you being hands-on? Example: You'll be listed as Creator but will you also
want to direct the project? If so, are there people "above" who can take your
direction and totally change it for the final product leaving you with no say in
the matter?
KJ:
No
one is above me, I will have creative control of the picture and will produce
and direct from the screenplay I have already written.
IR:
If ABC's "V" is cancelled, are you still going to pursue funding for your "V"
Film?
KJ:
The
TV series success or failure has no impact on the movie plans.
IR:
Once the "V" Film has funding, who decides where the main studio is going to be?
(ie Vancouver, LA, NY, etc.?)
KJ:
I
will, in concert with the producers I'm working with already.
NEW -
04/02/10 - KEN JOHNSON will be a Master Class of
Producing & Directing
for Filmed Television and Theatrical
Features: Life in the Trenches
in
in L.A. for the The New York Film
Academy on April 24, May 1 & 8, 2010. All "V" fans are welcome!
It's
being
presented for NYFA
master students but a few non-NYFA students may be allowed to audit. (Thanks Traves!)
NEW -
03/25/10 - Got a note from
KEN JOHNSON! "Hi.
Just back from Europe
where I met with a couple of potential financiers for the V movie. I'll
keep you posted.
Best... K."
NEW -
02/26/10 -
KEN JOHNSON
next to a "V" Billboard in 1983. KEN told me the following:
 |
KEN JOHNSON to
ilana 02/26/2010:"I conceived the concept
of putting up posters and billboards all over the country
three weeks before the original V aired. They were crafted
like the
German propaganda posters that covered
Europe
during WW2 touting the Visitors as our friends and making no
mention of the coming miniseries or network.
Then two weeks before the show aired, literally
overnight, a big red V (for Victory -- which the letter V
has always symbolized) was painted like graffiti across all
of the billboards -- like the Resistance did in WW2. Still
with no mention of what was going on.
Then on the final week before we aired, we added the
little banner on the upper left corner revealing when and
where the battle would begin. That is the final billboard
which I'm standing beside.
Steve Sohmer, NBC's head of advertising, did a
brilliant job in executing my concept.
My idea for titling the show V literally came from
seeing so many posters like that during my research. As
Leonardo Cimino says as he spray-paints a V in the
original, "You understand? For Victory!"
...Which has always been the one and only correct
meaning."
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NEW - 02/09/10 - Heard from
KEN JOHNSON! He told me about the pivotal
moment in V:TO where Diana ate the guinea pig: "It
was a unquestionably a seminal moment in international
television..
And it was a guinea --
Somewhat freaked, but unharmed."
NEW - 02/04/10 - Heard from
KEN JOHNSON! He's doing well and continuing
to move forward with his plans for the movie. Let's cross our claws!
NEW - 01/22/10 -
Heard from KEN JOHNSON! He has spoken with
FAYE GRANT, MARC SINGER
and
ROBERT ENGLUND.
All said they would be interested in being in KJ's "V" film. Yay!
NEW -
11/04/09
CONTROVERSIAL QUESTION HAS BEEN ANSWERED BY KEN JOHNSON!
Fan Greg wanted clarification on what the red "V" stands for because of
the confusion in the ABC series with the Visitors being called "The
V's." KEN JOHNSON's response:
"V has absolutely no connection to the word Visitors.
V is and always has been the universal symbol of Resistance
against Tyranny.
I got idea for using V as the title for my original
miniseries from seeing
Winston Churchill holding up his two fingers as a V in the
darkest days of World
War II -- and from seeing so many
Nazi propaganda posters with a big red V slashed across them.
Leonardo Cimino even states it loud and clear in my original
as he says to some teenagers spraying graffiti, "No! -- If you are
going to do it, do it right! I'll show you!" -- He takes the boy's
hand and guides the spray paint onto a Visitor propaganda poster
into a big red V.
"You understand?" he says -- very loud and clear -- "For
Victory! -- Go tell your friends!"
Anyone who ever paid an ounce of attention to my original --
or to history -- certainly knows that.
Calling the Visitors "The V's" is pretty silly and not only
totally misses the entire point in an effort to sound pseudo-hip,
but denigrates the efforts of millions of Resistance fighters, many
of whom died heroically in their determination to win and preserve
freedom."
NEW -
10/12/09 - I just conducted a brief interview with
KEN JOHNSON! He keeps us in the loop
with character development for V:TSG!
IR - We know in V:TO and V:TFB, you based some character names after
people in your life. Did you do the same with V: The Second Generation?
KJ
-
Nathan, Emma, Aiden & Ruby are my grandchildren. Katya is for Katie my
daughter.
IR - What made you decide to make The Leader female?
KJ
-
I decided it was much fresher and more interesting to have a female
dictator -- and you know how fond I am of strong female characters.
IR - It appears that the character of Ruby (from V:TO) is very important
to you, since you named a character after her in V:TSG. If this is
true, what is the importance? Or is it that the fans are just delving
too deep into something that's not there?
KJ
- I wanted Julie to have named little Ruby for brave old Ruby who was
killed 20 years earlier. That woman was named Ruby in the 1983
miniseries because that was my Grandmother's name.
IR - Add anything here you want regarding anything you want the fans to
know.
KJ - I'm
leaving
this Friday through 11/1 to present my filmmaking master class at the
Higher School of Economics
at State University
Moscow, which I'm told is the
Harvard
of
Russia. I'll also be presenting a screen writing class there and
at The Cinemotion Group, Moscow. Details are at www.kennethjohnson.us
. Any fan who is in Moscow is welcome to come say hello. And
here's a giggle...
NEW -
09/29/09 - Just got word that KEN JOHNSON
has been invited by
The New York Film Academy to teach a
two-week program at the Russian Federation's Higher School of Economics,
Moscow State University! The HSE is internationally recognized as "the
Harvard of Russia." More details with dates on
KJ's
Site!
NEW -
09/01/09 - CONGRATULATIONS are in order for KEN
JOHNSON! I just checked in with KJ's office and they learned this
morning that
the WGA arbiters have concluded the
new pilot is indeed a remake. Now the WGA will resume the arbitration
-- which had previously been under way -- to determine the specific credits
on the pilot script. That's a separate, but far less important, issue.
I also received this note from
KENNY: "I was very touched by all the intensely supportive comments the
fans had posted. They help keep my enthusiasm up for closing a deal to
make "V The Movie."
NEW -
08/29/09 -
ANOTHER OBSTACLE FOR "V."
(Please NOTE this is a totally
separate issue than the production shut down in Vancouver.) One of my super reliable sources
has just informed me that the Writers Guild (WGA) is having a debate whether or
not ABC's "V" is a remake or not. According to my source, Warner Brothers
is now claiming that ABC's "V' is NOT a remake. In other words, WB has
retracted everything they've stated about a re-imagining of the original "V."
Why? Most likely it all boils down to money. If the ABC Pilot &
Series are ruled NOT a remake, KEN JOHNSON would be
denied the "Created By..." credit which he has had on all previous incarnations
of "V." If there is no "Created By..." credit, then no royalty payments
have to be made to the creator. WB has therefore forced the WGA to begin a
special "remake arbitration"
where three anonymous writers will be sent KJ's original screenplay and the new
pilot script to rule on whether the new one is or is not a remake.
Interesting how WB waited until after Comic Con to announce their new position.
Your THOUGHTS everyone?! Post them on my
Message Board.
All of the "V"'s read my site so your voice will be heard!
NEW -
08/20/09 - Heard from KEN JOHNSON!
Someone posted on Facebook that fans of Jane Badler should write in to Ken
Johnson about "V." KJ's response:
Dear Craig...
Thanks for alerting me to
the fact that a fan of V is
recommending to others that they
should send me ideas for new
episodes of V, ideally to be
incorporated into the upcoming ABC
series.
While I certainly appreciate
people having enthusiasm for V, I
have already responded to many fans
explaining that beyond having a
"Created by..." credit since I wrote
the original 1983 miniseries, I am
not involved in any way with the "reimagined"
series, nor am I seeking any
additional ideas for my own planned
motion picture of V.
I've also explained to
several V friends that I am
prohibited by my attorneys from
reading any unsolicited creative
material that is sent to me in any
form -- e-mail or otherwise. Anyone
who has ideas they want to share
should send them to ABC, Warners TV,
or the series producers directly.
Please post this on Facebook
and encourage others to pass the
word.
Many thanks.
Kenny
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NEW -
05/15/09 - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with KEN JOHNSON! Ilana sent KJ
interview questions and KJ sent her back a surprise VOICE file with the
answers! How cool is that?! Read the questions below and
listen to the audio file HERE.
TIDBITS
with KEN JOHNSON
1. Which city/state were you born in?
2. How many brothers/sisters do you have, if any?
3. Did you go to your high school prom?
4. When did you get interested in show business? Age? What got you
interested?
5. Did you have any pets growing up? Now?
6. Do you currently use a laptop or a
desktop computer?
7. Did you write any V:TSG characters based on any real life people? If
so, who?
8. When you wrote V:TO, did you have it in your head that The Leader was
a female or did you create that twist just for V:TSG?
9. What types of books do you enjoy reading?
10. Was it hard in school for your kids, growing up with a famous
television dad?
NEW -
05/06/09 - KEN JOHNSON dropped me a line to
let me know he had elbow surgery so it's hard for him to type! If
you've recently written to him and have not heard a response, give the
man some time to heal.
NEW -
04/08/09 - KEN JOHNSON responds to the question
I asked him about sharing any changes or cut-outs in V:TSG The Novel.
"Hi
Girl... There have been no changes in the VTSG miniseries screenplay.
I did create new and longer scenes for the novel. When VTSG moves
forward (hopefully as a feature sequel or sequels to the remake of the
original mini we're trying to get funded) then those new scenes will be
incorporated into the screenplay. Meanwhile, all the new material is in
the novel. xxx K"
NEW -
04/08/09 - KEN JOHNSON interview in the
LA Times from 12/12/08.
NEW -
03/25/09 - Heard from KEN JOHNSON!
"I have not read the
ABC/Warners script, so I can't comment on it and probably wouldn't
anyway. As I've said on my website... We are working on a daily
basis -- as we have been for over a year -- to secure the financing deal
that will allow us to make V The Movie the way I feel it should be made:
to please fans of my original while also inviting new audiences.
All the best... Kenny"
NEW -
03/19/09 -
KEN JOHNSON's RE"V"LECTIONS as posted on Visitors Among Us.
NEW -
03/05/09 - KEN JOHNSON just sent me this:
"My producers and I are continuing our intense efforts to
get a feature financed independently so I can make the movie
which does offer a rebirth of my original V, with the
storylines and characters intact and brought up to live and
breathe in the 21st Century -- a movie that also sets the
stage for the movie sequel: The Second Generation.
xxx Kenny"
NEW -
01/28/09 - ILANA'S
BRIEF BUT GREAT INTERVIEW WITH KEN JOHNSON:
1. If you
are greenlit for the MOVIE version of V:TSG, would you rewrite it to
co-exist with the ABC "V" (if it turns into a series) or leave it as we
know it from the novel?
KJ:
Though the
new pilot is clearly based on my original creation, on
my
overall premise and on my brand name title, my existing work is entirely
separate and different and will remain so. My current focus is still to
set up a theatrical motion picture remake of my original 1983 miniseries
and then follow it up with a sequel feature, VTSG, exactly as I have
written and created it.
2. Which
original "V" actors have you spoken to
regarding
reprising their role (or taking on a new role) in V:TSGTM? (The Movie.)
KJ:
Marc, Faye, Jane and Robert Englund
3. Will you watch the ABC "V", since you didn't watch V:TFB?
KJ:
Most likely, I managed to watch the pilot of the new Bionic Woman, which
I was curious about. It was not my cup of tea. Unfortunately the new
Bionic Woman's immediate precipitous descent in ratings and early
cancellation indicated that I wasn't the only one who felt that way. ---
My reasons for not watching TFB were because I knew how wonderful our
original screenplay had been and all of my actor, crew and network
friends who were involved with the production (even Brandon Tartikoff
who was president of NBC) warned me not to look at what had become of
it. I did see a short piece of it by accident once and realized that all
my friends had been dead right.
4. If Jace were to invite you to the set of the ABC "V" pilot, would you
consider going?
KJ:
Re
the reimagined V: Jason Hall is a very talented, honorable and genuinely
nice guy. From our very first meeting he has been very forthcoming about
his ideas and his respect for my work. I don't know Scott Peters as
well, but I wish them good luck. Barry Meyer, the CEO of Time Warner and
an old friend from our work together on my original V, has told me that
both TV and motion picture versions of V can easily exist side by side
just as the Terminator projects are currently doing and Star Trek has
done for years.
NEW -
08/21/08 - News from KENNETH JOHNSON's website: "Kenny,
along with several noted producers and financiers are working diligently
to get V before the cameras as a theatrical motion picture we can all be
proud of. Ignore all other rumors -- the real deal will be announced
here as soon as possible."
NEW -
4/23/08 - On 4/15/08 I heard from KEN JOHNSON: "I'll
update you about getting V before the cameras as soon as I have
something more concrete. Things are moving along, however."
|
|
NEW -
3/27/2007 - KEN
JOHNSON just informed me that Amazon is taking pre-orders for
V: The Second Generation
(Hardcover)! Click Link to the Left! |
NEW -
5/29/08 - As of right now, there are no plans to have V:TSG released in
different languages.
NEW -
5/29/08 - KEN JOHNSON will be signing V:TSG The Novel
at the Los
Angeles Convention Center on Sunday, June 1 from 9:30-10:30. (Thanks
Joseph!)
NEW -12/3/07
- From KEN JOHNSON: "Warners
and Tor are actually closing in on finalizing the novel contract. I'm hoping for
good news within a week or so."
NEW -10/23/07
- FAKE KEN JOHNSON MYSPACE PAGE ALERT! This
is NOT
KJ's page:
www.myspace.com/kennethjohnson_42 .
DO NOT ASK TO BE
A FRIEND ON HERE, nor think it's real. (Thanks, Elias!)
Hi Kenny, Sorry for the intrusion but I just had to
know, is this really you on MySpace?
All the best, Elias.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dear Elias...
Thanks for the heads-up. The
answer is NO -- I did not create that address nor do I know who
did. I have requested that MySpace remove it immediately.
While it's flattering that someone would want to do it,
I cannot have anyone pretending to be me answering questions or
communicating in my behalf. Thanks again for
the tip.
Best...Kenny
NEW -
9/10/07 -
BurntlogGifts.com ,
in association with KEN JOHNSON, will donate a % of $ to one of KEN's FAVORITE
CHARITIES,
Doctors Without Borders. You, as the buyer, will receive a 5% discount
by purchasing an item(s) for yourself, friends or family. This is perfect
timing for the upcoming Holiday Season! There are over 3000 products!
YOU MUST TYPE IN COUPON CODE "kenjohnson"
at CHECKOUT in order for your discount and for the charity donation to apply.
If you have any questions, please email
ilana with subject "ILANA -
CHARITY"
NEW - 9/3/2007 -
CLICK HERE to read the summary and see a picture of KEN JOHNSON reading V:TSG the Novel at Bionicon 2!
NEW -
8/28/07 - KEN
JOHNSON'S reply regarding V:TSG The Novel being delayed: "Just a technical
glitch at the publisher. No big deal. xxx Kenny."
NEW -
7/1/07 - Heard
from KEN JOHNSON regarding Bionicon2 which took place this past weekend
in L.A.! "The
reading was splendid. Gary Graham and Michele Scarabelli from Alien
Nation came to help me and they were wonderful. The audience applause
went on and on and on."
NEW -
6/18/07
- KEN JOHNSON told me who came up with the Red Dust idea: KJ,
Diane Frolov, Peggy Goldman, Craig Buck and my daughter, Juliet (who the
character of Juliet Parrish was named after.) This stemmed from a
question from fan Julian.
NEW -
2/19/2007 - Heard
from
KEN JOHNSON regarding the new "V" Novel!
"V
novel: likely October. xxx Kenny."
NEW -
1/7/2007 - KEN
JOHNSON is aware of the new Bionic Woman "movie" but is not involved
with it.
NEW -
10/25/06 - From Kenny's website:
Though the final contracts have yet to
be signed between Warners and Tor Publications, the deal for the novel
of The
Second Generation
is now in place.Kenny has delivered the
manuscript to Tor. The plan is for novel to be published in hardcover in
mid-2007.
NEW -
10/02/06 - From
KEN JOHNSON to ilana: "Hi...
Warners is taking forever to
get the domestic license deal closed on the novel, but it will happen
within the month. Warner Home Video is working diligently to help find
the necessary $19 million funding for the mini-series. Hopefully in this
lifetime. Keep the faith. Kenny."
NEW -
3/30/06 - Heard from
KEN JOHNSON !
"Some promising developments,
though, in a couple of areas, but nothing I can talk about yet. KJ
is adorable. xxx Kenny"
NEW -
3/13/06 - Heard from
KEN JOHNSON:regarding if there's any news: "Some
hopeful signs but nothing I can talk about yet. xxx Kenny
NEW -
2/5/06 - Heard from
KEN JOHNSON: "Nothing yet. And I'm still
pursuing some other options, but can't talk about them yet. xxx Kenny"
NEW -
12/24/05 - Heard from
KEN JOHNSON:regarding his website:
Dear Ilana...
I decided the
photos -- particularly of the prep and rehearsal -- had been
languising on my shelf for too long. It was cathartic and
invigorating to go through them all and see so many dear friends,
several of whom are gone, but many of whom haven't changed a bit
from those glory days. It brought warmth to my heart and a flurry of
smiles to my face.
I also called
several of them just to catch back up. And they all want to be
involved if I can ever get V moving forward again.
Best to you for
Christmas and the New Year.
xxx Kenny"
NEW - 12/7/05 -
KEN JOHNSON'S
Official Website! (thanks, Joseph!)
NEW -
10/02/05 - News From KEN!
"Hi...
ABC is "seriously
considering" the remake version and NBC may be reconsidering.
All that and sixty
cents...
xxx Kenny"
NEW -
08/23/05 - News from our Zon
KEN JOHNSON:
"Hi Ilana...
In case I haven't told
you, I'm recording tomorrow a director commentary for the upcoming
DVD release of my Alien Nation pilot-movie.
Fox Home Video will also
be releasing all the series episodes as part of a set (which was
only available previously via Columbia House by subscription.)
Naturally we're hoping
that our Alien Nation movies will follow.
xxx K"
NEW -
08/4/05 - This just in from KEN
JOHNSON:
"The latest on the V situation
is this: NBC has again stalled out. Partly because they were
"worried that there was suddenly too much episodic sci-fi coming
on this fall." Somehow they don't compute that V wouldn't be on
until next year, wouldn't be constrained by the limited budget
of an episodic, is a huge Brand Name with an enormous fan base,
and will be around long after the new entries have probably
faded away.
And if any of the new entries
are at all successful, gee, doesn't that indicate a public
appetite for such shows? Warners and I can't fathom NBC's
thinking, although part of it likely has to do with their
calamitous descent to Number Four and the loss of a billion
dollars in ad revenue.
It's ironic, because NBC was at
the bottom of the barrel when I did V originally. Brandon
Tartikoff told me V was one of the key programming triumphs that
helped turn the network around.
Ah, Hollywood.
The good news is that although
NBC has relegated it to a back burner for now, we have strong
interest from at least one other network, and there's even some
interest in doing the sequel as a feature.
Continue to have patience and
hold good thoughts.
xxx Kenny"
NEW -
08/3/05 -
Jolene Sugarbaker
alerted us to a website stating that V: The
Remake is no longer. Click
HERE.
In response to ilana's inquiry regarding this,
KEN JOHNSON responded:
NBC is still stalled, but there has been no formal announcement one way
or the other. We have been and are exploring other options." Let's
hope for the best!
WRITE IN TO THE ADDRESS listed in the above V:TSG Campaign!!
NEW -
04/25/05 -
Heard
from KEN JOHNSON!
"Hiya...
Because I know you (and one or two others) care... Today I delivered to
NBC the First Draft Screenplay for the four-hour remake of V. Hold
good thoughts. xxx Kenny."
NEW -
04/15/05 -
Heard
from KEN JOHNSON!
"Hi...
Today NBC gave me the
go-ahead-to-script for the 4-hour V remake, based on my new story.
Hopefully they'll like the
finished screenplay.
Hopefully Warners will then
be able to make an appropriate deal for production.
Only then, hopefully, might
I actually be able to say Action.
And in a perfect world it
will get high enough ratings to warrant a sequel. Hmmm. Wonder where I
can find one?
Best... Kenny"
NEW -
04/07/05
Heard
from KEN JOHNSON! I can't believe how DUMB NBC is!!!
"Hi...knew
you'd appreciate this note I just got from NBC about the V remake:
"Do the aliens really
need to arrive in all those big spaceships?
Because it'll look like you
ripped off Independence Day." xxx Kenny
NEW -
02/17/05 - KEN JOHNSON
told me: "Hi...I'm still awaiting NBC's response to my remake
treatment. xxx K"
NEW -
01/30/05 - KEN JOHNSON
in response to the fans!!!
"Thanks for the
enthusiastic notes. Too early to predict if the project will ever even
go to production, but I'm glad everyone has such good thoughts.
xxx Kenny"
NEW -
01/29/05 -
Heard from KEN JOHNSON!
Hi Ilana...
Okay, so you know that my
original plan was to do a sequel that would pick up the story 20 years
later. NBC bought it, I wrote it, and after 18 months of going around
and around, they thought it would be cool to first do a remake of the
original.
Not my favorite idea, and
after four more months of discussion and negotiation, I finally closed
a deal with NBC yesterday to create a treatment for a remake.
I've fashioned a story
which I'll deliver shortly that maintains
the integrity and thematic essence of my original themes and
characters while updating it to address current lifestyles and
issues facing society today.
The
World War Two references have been replaced by much more recent
incidents from the dark side of humanity. This has allowed me to
sustain the underlying power of historic resonance that made the
original so compelling and so well-received by critics and audiences
alike.
Could
that lead to the sequel being done as a follow up? ....Gee, I sure
hope so. Stay tuned.
Thanks
for caring.
Kenny"
NEW -
11/27/04
- Heard from KEN JOHNSON! "Warners
biz affairs and NBC are still haggling. There's also some feature
interest. Hopefully before we're all dead. xxx Kenny."
Ha! KJ cracks me up!
NEW -
10/07/04
- Heard from KEN JOHNSON! "
"Hi...
So
here’s the update: I met with NBC about two months ago and they said,
we’d prefer to first have you go back and remake
the original.
Very
unexpected and startling to me.
While
doing a remake is clearly not my first choice, NBC makes the strong
argument that a freshened version of the original would have a great
deal to say to a whole new generation of viewers. It is clearly the
only way they are interested in proceeding. We are unable to set up
the sequel at another network. After much consideration, I have agreed
to at least explore the
possibilities of a remake.
The
prospect of recapturing that original lightning-in-a-bottle is very
daunting to me, however. I also recognize the responsibility I have,
not only to myself, but to the hundreds of millions of V fans around
the world who are as fond of the original as I am.
My
hope is (and NBC has given me reason to believe) that if we can agree
on a remake which I feel totally respects the creative artistic
integrity of the original, if it is produced and is successful, then I
might be able to carry V onward,
ideally using the sequel script I have already written, which jumps
the story forward 20 years. That would be the best of all currently
possible worlds.
Thanks for caring.
Kenny"
NEW
- 09/17/04 -
Heard
from KEN JOHNSON! "Hi. An important conversation
may occur next week. I'll keep you posted. xxx Kenny"
NEW -
08/16/04
- Heard from KEN JOHNSON! "Ilana...We're still weighing
options. xxx K"
NEW -
07/27/04
- Heard from KEN JOHNSON!
"Did you hear that the
new DVD of the V Series Episodes which was released TODAY is already Number 9 on the
Amazon Best Seller List?"
GO US!!!!
NEW -
07/15/04
- Heard from KEN JOHNSON: "Dear
Ilana...
Over the years there have been thousands of examples of television network
or film studio executives not being in sync with the vision of a project's
creator.
Currently I'm in that situation with NBC regarding V. I'm awaiting a
definitive meeting with them to discuss the various options. After that,
I, my co-executive producer Rob Lee, and my friends at Warners will
determine how we want to proceed. xxx Kenny"
NEW -
05/01/04
- Heard from KEN JOHNSON! "Ilana...
NBC's reaction to the new four-hour draft has been fairly positive, I'm
told. They are thinking of perhaps involving the Sci-Fi Channel to help
defray costs, but are prohibited from talking to them until the
NBC/Universal merger closes, hopefully in early May."
NEW -
03/26/04
- Heard from KEN JOHNSON! Ilana...
Our NBC development exec has responded favorably yesterday, and has sent
my new two-night, four-hour mini-series screenplay to his boss... [He]
oversees not only NBC long-form, but all their reality and alternative
programming, plus manages the Bravo Network...Plus NBC is in the midst of
reorganizing for the Universal takeover.
Plus it's pilot season...so hopefully someone will actually read the
script -- and hopefully push the go button -- before we're all in our
rockers at the Motion Picture Country Home.
Not one to sit still, I have this week prepared a detailed video
pre-visualization of all the Visual Effects shots (some 264 and counting)
which we'll need for the budgeting process. Even though it was only shot
on my little lipstick camera with my toy collection standing in for the
people, cars, and Visitor fighters, you really can see how cool it will
all look when we do the real thing.
Continue to pray to the deity of your choice. Best... Kenny"
NEW -
03/9/04
- Heard from KEN JOHNSON! "I wanted to let you know that the
Special 200th Episode of JAG which I directed will air this Friday on CBS,
at 9:00 Eastern and Pacific Time. It is very un-Jaggy, and an homage to
the romantic comedies of the '40's. I hope you enjoy it. xxx Kenny"
NEW -
03/2/04
- Heard from Ken: "Hi... NBC this week has given me the go-ahead to
enlarge the script to four hours. I'll be delivering the new screenplay
within a fortnight. Hold good thoughts... xxx Kenny"
NEW -
01/17/04
- In October 2003, a TV poll held in the UK, 'V'
came out as the 52nd scariest Film/TV series ever made! Click HERE
to see the poll. Thanks Jose and Robbie!
NEW -
01/01/04
- Heard from KEN JOHNSON! On 12/29/03 he told me, regarding rumors
on an earlier production date of V:TSG: "Dear IIana...There is no
truth to the rumor. I delivered my first draft screenplay to NBC in
October and it still awaits any movement at all on their part. I'm hoping
that in the New Year the glacier will begin to move...but even then, it
will be verrrrrrrry slowly. All our faithful would be better served to
just tuck their hopes away under their pillows for several months and wait
until they hear from me. Best to you for 2004.Kenny"
NEW -
11/03/03
- From Kenny: "Hi...Glad you had a good time with the boys [at
Chiller Theatre]. For the record, here are the steps I face:
NBC must approve the final draft of the script (and I must agree with
their notes -- a very challenging situation on both counts.)
A budget must then be created based on the approved script.
Warners must then negotiate a license fee from NBC.
Warners must then determine if it makes financial logic for Warners to
deficit the additional money necessary to make the film.
NBC may require that a certain level of "star casting" is
necessary, and be unwilling to go forward without that.
A greenlight to production must be given by NBC & Warners, separately.
Only then could the prep begin.
As you can see, there are a great many pitfalls that could scuttle the
project anywhere along the way. And this happens more often than not. I
would encourage anyone with a faint heart not to rush out and buy popcorn
for many many months yet. In the meantime, they can hold good thoughts,
just as I do.
Best, Kenny"
NEW -
10/17/03
- Heard from KEN JOHNSON! "I have this week delivered
the first draft screenplay to NBC and await their notes. Best...
Kenny"
NEW -
9/23/03
- This just in from KEN JOHNSON: "Dear Ilana...NBC has
approved my story and sent me on to screenplay. They move at a glacial
pace, but nonetheless they are proceeding. No production date in mind yet,
though. Best... Kenny"
NEW -
7/21/03
- From KEN JOHNSON: "Still working the story thru NBC."
NEW -
5/30/03
- Heard from KEN JOHNSON!!!!
"Dear Ilana... TV Guide will break the story about the project being
in development in their June 14 issue. BUT -- There is absolutely no
shooting date planned at this time. I have only just delivered the first
story treatment to Warners and NBC. They must approve it, I must write the
screenplay, go through as many drafts as they want, determine what the
budget will be, have NBC order it to production, and Warners elect to pay
the necessary cost in concert with NBC. Many many many many many
many many bridges yet to cross. Best... Kenny
NEW -
2/16/03
- KEN JOHNSON wrote ilana -- "Still
just working out a deal with NBC and Warners -- which should take another
few weeks, then I'll have to write it, then they'll have to decide if they
want to go to production. Many bridges to cross. Hold your
excitement. K." FYI ppl, Jane Badler, Marc Singer and Faye
Grant have been signed on to do the new "V!"
- ilana
NEW -
1/30/03
- KEN JOHNSON wrote ilana -- "Still
trying to put a deal together with NBC and Warners. Way too early for
details. xxoo Kenny"
NEW -
12/06/02
- KEN JOHNSON
has
news about a possible NEW
"V"! Shannon
T. Nutt from DVD Empire recently spoke to Ken, and Ken emailed me to
confirm the possibility! From
Ken: "Nothing yet, but NBC and ABC still have it under consideration.
Best to you for the holidays."
NEW
-
05/23/02
- Read what Ken Johnson and Joe Harnell have to say about their work in
The Incredible Hulk TV series! Click HERE.
NEW
- 03/09/02
- Heard from Ken Johnson!
"I'm teaching a two-day seminar about directing at UCLA on April
6-7.The course is X 476.756 and people can find out more about it at here."
This is your chance to
learn from and meet Ken! If you sign up, be sure to mention to him you
heard about it here.
NEW
- 01/02/02 -
Message from KEN JOHNSON! Thomas
Hill (Father Andrew) passed away in 1993. His memory lives on with us and
on Valerie's website (who gave us the info) at http://www.wizardsandwarriors.org
.
NEW -
01/02/02
- Heard from Ken!
Regarding Region 1 release of "V" the DVD - "WB had
expected to sell only about 10-15,000 units here -- and so far they've
sold over 125,000."
NEW
- 11/07/01 - If you haven't
been there yet, there was a WARNER HOME VIDEO chat on Home
Theater Forum in which it states that "V:TFB" will be
released on DVD summer of 2002! Click HERE
to read it! Special thanks to John B, Sean D and everyone else
who wrote in!
NEW -
8/28/01
-
Ken Johnson
told me that he's currently working on a new mini-series
which is still under wraps, but the production title is
"Venus
Rising." Keep your eyes and ears open!
NEW -
8/05/01
- Great interview
with Ken Johnson by Shannon T. Nutt (thanks Patrick!)
NEW -
7/25/01
- Ken Johnson just
informed me today that the "V"
DVD, which Warners expected to sell about 15,000 copies of altogether,
currently has orders for 58,600!!
NEW -
06/27/01
- Brand new Interview
for SciFi Channel with KEN
JOHNSON! The below link is actually the advanced
"preview" of the article. The actual article should be moved to
it's new link on Monday. http://www.scifi.com/sfw/advance/25_interview.html
06/06/01 -
Even though Warner
Brother's website says the GAG REEL will be included in the
"V"
DVD, it's NOT.
The WB web people just didn't get the correct info about deleting it from
the site. According to Ken Johnson:
"The gag reel is not aboard, because too many actors either wouldn't
clear it or they wanted to get paid for it. Nonetheless, the DVD is very
cool. I've been checking out my advance copy and I'm very pleased. Hope
you will be."
NEW -
05/10/01
- Heard from KEN
JOHNSON. He says for
the "V" campaign, we can focus our letters to GREGG
MADAY c/o Warner
Brothers. 4000 Warner Blvd. Burbank, CA 91522.
05/08/01
- I asked KEN if
negotiations may be in the works for a new "V."
Unfortunately, the response was "I
mentioned a notion to Warners and got a ho hum. What else is new."
4/12/01 -
Ken will be teaching a Master Class in Film and TV Directing at Praxis
Studios in Hollywood on June 23-24, 2001.
Call Praxis at 323-653-4160 for more info!
3/09/01 - See
the "V" DVD Cover!
2/24/01 -
Ken gave me an update on the DVD!
"I'm on the dubbing stage doing the soundtrack for the V DVD release
and it sounds fabulous! Joe's music wraps around you and the new sound
effects are amazing. I also completed work on the Behind the Scenes
and Gag Reel. I'm waiting for Warners to get the legal clearances
necessary. The release is July. I hope not Independence Day
(ahem.)"
1/29/01 -
Heard from KEN JOHNSON today!
He says, "I
recorded my commentary for the DVD release last week, and will be doing
the stereo matrix remix over two weeks in February. They are anticipating
a June release."
01/06/01- Read
a SNEAK PEAK
of Dena's
exclusive interview
with KEN JOHNSON for the
upcoming "V"
Convention Souvenir
Magazine! (not
affiliated with any convention company). Click HERE!
1/2/01 - Just got off the
phone with Ken Johnson!
It is SO EXCITING speaking with him! He's such a good guy, and full of
information! He will be working on the commentary for the DVD! Keep
coming back to hear more details about the DVD release date! There will
also be clips of "V"
actors' interviews!
10/19/99 - I just
got off the phone with the almighty KEN
JOHNSON! I was
surprised he answered the phone, so I said "Ken!" He said,
"Yeah!" I basically said I'm Ilana from NJ and I was interested
in finding out if he had any props from "V" he might be willing to
part with. He said he did have a few of the key items, but none that he's
willing to sell. He mentioned he had the "Tracker", the long
ship that Donovan and Tony hopped into, as well as a few skyfighters/shuttles.
So then I asked him if he knew anyone selling anything, and he said he didn't,
and that he was also surprised how people are still interested in
"V."
Talking to Ken
Johnson is like talking to God -- it's a total religious experience.
Kenny, as his
friends call him, is an enormous ball of energy packed with amazing bits
of information. It's incredible the way he puts his thoughts
together. And because of this, we have been given the greatest
mini-series in the universe - "V".
I
had the pleasure of speaking with Ken on the phone a couple of times
during my Quad V Fan
Club days, then at the
convention in Sept.2000, and again on January 2, 2001. What a way to
start out the New Year! At
the "V" Con 2000, Ken gave us an explanation of how things
worked in his head when creating "V".
We learned that the music (written by Joe Harnell)
had special meaning. For example, remember in "V:TO"
when Donovan first sees the Mother Ship and you hear "dot dot dot
DASH"? That's Morse Code for for the letter "V"!
Ken
also talked about the upcoming release of "V"
on DVD. He's going to be working on a commentary, but there will
also be interviews with the cast that were done back when "V"
was being filmed! He showed the clips at the "V"
convention, so those of you who weren't able to attend will be able to see
all of this too! The
music for "V:TO"
was done in mono, so they're working on re-mixing it into stereo for the
DVD. Warner Brothers is going to do the release.
TIDBIT:
If you watch the "V:TFB"
credits carefully, you'll see a reference to Lillian
Weezer. That's a spoof! I think Ken said that was someone's
dog! If anyone can remember, please let
me know asap so I can post it! Ken
said he'll try to update me when he can, so please visit back often and
check the Updates page to see what's new!
Some
of Ken's other credits, which you might be familiar with, include:
"The Bionic Woman," "The Incredible Hulk," "Alien
Nation," "The Secret of Bigfoot," "Hot Pursuit,"
"Shadow Chasers," "The Liberators," "Sherlock
Holmes Returns," "D3: The Mighty Ducks," "Steel,"
"Six Million Dollar Man" and countless others!
To add your
picture of you and Ken, please email me at lizard.lady@mindpulse.com
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