KOLCHAK AND "THE X-FILES"

Your mention of the wonderful Mr. McGavin's guest appearance on "X-Files" made me curious: Was there any attempt to do a crossover episode with "The X-Files" and Kolchak (since Ten Thirteen had Darren)? I know Chris and you are big fans of the show, and that would've been one of the coolest team-ups in television history (IMHO).
Walt
Port Saint Lucie, Florida

We considered the idea, but ultimately decided the best way to honor Darren McGavin was to create a unique character for him within the mythology of "The X-Files." In the fictitious history of the series, we gave McGavin's character, Arthur Dales, the distinction of becoming the first FBI agent to investigate the bureau's "X-Files" (years before Fox Mulder was even born). This seemed to us a particularly fitting way to pay tribute to Darren McGavin and to the singular role "The Night Stalker" played in inspiring Chris Carter to create "The X-Files."

SEASON 10?

Reading all this GOOD news about "X-Files 2" is really exciting, but my personality doesn't allow me to be satisfied. Has the idea ever been considered of producing a Season 10 of the series? After all, there is still something to fight for after Mulder and Scully's reunion.
Isabella
Rovereto, Italy

I appreciate the thought, but I'd very surprised to see Mulder and Scully return to the small screen (except in reruns).

WHAT IF...

Hi! I have heard that "The X-Files 2" movie is in the works, and I was wondering if for some horrible reason it doesn't make it to the big screen, would you adapt it into a book?
Karina
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Good question, Karina, but I expect it will make it to the big screen, so -- with any luck -- you'll be able to see the movie AND read the book.

MESSAGE BOARDS

Do you ever read message boards, or go to the fan websites to see what they think of your work (especially on the subject of "The X-Files")?
Matthew
Pittsburgh, New York
P.S. There are a bunch of really great "X-Files" fans out there who would really appreciate a visit at: http://mboard.scifi.com/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=XFiles

"The X-Files" was one of the first series to benefit from an active and articulate fan base online. Especially in the early years of the show, I found it useful to see how fans were reacting to different episodes and storylines. I tried to look at online response as one tool (among many) to gauge how the show played with the audience at large. (For legal reasons, I had to be careful never to wander into the fan fiction boards.) As the show went on, I found it less useful to go online -- the discussions generally became more baroque, views of various fans (both positive and negative) more entrenched and predictable. I haven't visited any "X-Files" sites in quite some time, although I will be sure to visit the one you mentioned.

KOLCHAK RETURNS

I have received numerous e-mails regarding the news that I’m developing a new version of "The Night Stalker" for ABC. Most want to know how the new show will differ from the old. For many reasons, I’m going to keep quiet about that for now. But I will say I was a huge fan of the original TV movie as a kid, and watched every episode of the short-lived series that followed. (One of my biggest thrills on "The X-Files" was getting the opportunity to write a part for the great Darren McGavin, who played Carl Kolchak.) I appreciate the interest, and trust you will all stay tuned…

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Is Big Light Productions connected to Ten Thirteen Productions?
Chris
Northwoods of Wisconsin

No. Ten Thirteen is Chris Carter’s production company, which I headed up for three years. While I continue to collaborate and enjoy working with Chris, Big Light is a separate entity, formed to develop my own projects.

X-FILES PRODUCTION VALUES

I just wanted to tell you how thrilled I am to see this website! I work in TV (a network which currently employs one of your former cast members), and we miss the high production value of your shows – “The X-Files” especially. I can’t tell you how many times I hear comparisons, even two years after the finale.
Browsing through the current network lineups, I notice the impact made by Ten Thirteen shows – the dark, dramatic lighting, understated acting, and clear writing. Many shows owe you guys a fruit basket or two!
Anyway, congratulations on your latest projects – many of us are eagerly awaiting “A Philosophical Investigation.” I hope Big Light does more big things.
Best of luck!
Lisa
Boston, MA

Thanks! “The X-Files” was indeed hugely ambitious in its physical production – submarine conning towers, moving trains, plane crashes, underwater action, etc. We were fortunate that the studio gave us the resources we needed year after year, although that became increasingly difficult, especially when costs skyrocketed after the move to Los Angeles in our sixth season. I think the fact that the show tried so hard to tell stories with pictures is one of many reasons for its continued success, at home and abroad (pictures need no subtitles).

X-FILES 2 A PREQUEL?

I’m thrilled to hear the rumor of another movie confirmed. There has been a lot of conjecturing among fans that a second movie will be a prequel – that it will be set sometime prior to the end of the series, possibly even going back a few seasons. I know you can’t divulge specifics, but has this idea been considered?
Mary
Sacramento, CA

Just about every idea we could think of has been considered, but you’re right – I can’t divulge specifics.

X-FILES 2?

I ran into David Duchovny at a benefit on Oct. 2 and asked him the question no one wants to be asked – what’s the status of the next X-Files movie? He seemed really positive about it being completed in the next year and out in theatres in two years. So… how’s it going?? Is that even conceivable??? Either way, very exciting news.
Lizzie
Santa Monica, CA

This is, not surprisingly, the question I am asked most frequently whenever I encounter X-Files fans. I’m happy to confirm – as David has in several interviews – that the rumors about a second X-Files feature film are true. In fact, the studio approached us about doing another feature way back in the summer of 2001, before the ninth and final season of the series was even broadcast. I can’t speak to the accuracy of the timetable you outline above, but I can tell you that Chris and I have been working on the story for some time. If and when contract negotiations with the studio are finally concluded, we will get to work on the script right away.