Tuesday, April 26, 2005

THANKS

I have just stumbled onto your site through a link on another one, and just wanted to take the opportunity to tell you that I am a great admirer of all your work, especially (of course) "The X-Files." I have begun collecting the DVD seasons and they got me through six months of late-night feedings after my son was born -- one episode was just about the right length for one feeding, so I would get through at least three episodes a night in the early phase.
So far, my favorite episode is "Memento Mori" from Season 4. I didn't originally start watching "X-Files" until Season 6, so that whole storyline was fairly new to me. It was a very deep, touching episode. I also enjoyed "The Lone Gunmen" while it lasted and "Millennium" as well. I look forward to "X-Files 2," "The Lone Gunmen" on DVD, and any of your future work, and will continue reading your blog!
Tricia
Sherman, Texas

STILL WAITING...

It seems you must be very busy because you haven't updated your blog since January. I'm happy because that means you are writing "X-Files 2" (I hope!).
Leona
Spain

I'm sorry for having ignored the blog for so long -- I have been busy, producing "The Night Stalker" pilot for Touchstone and ABC. Alas, Chris and I have not started writing the second "X-Files" feature film. I still have no news to report on when that might happen. When and if the good news comes to pass, I promise to promptly post it here.

"NIGHT STALKER" ANTICIPATION

I was a fan of "The X-Files," but I have to tell you I'm an even bigger fan of "Kolchak: The Night Stalker." It was THE show for me during my adolescence. For me, heaven is going to include some variation of one of my fondest memories, sitting on our fold-out couch eating a Z-place pizza and watching the adventures of Carl. The simple pleasures are the best, right?
I know a lot of folks think it was a cheesy show, but for me it was the height of horror. I still can't be out walking at night and hear the far-off roar of a motorcycle without thinking of the headless rider. And the "Paramafay" swamp-boogee man gives me chills to this day.
I was extremely excited when I heard that they were bringing the series back. Realistically, it faces a monumental task, drawing in today's viewers without alienating the folks like me who remember the original. I write (don't call myself a writer, because I have yet to sell anything) and one of the first things I did was a pilot script to try and resurrect the series. I know you don't read scripts, but do you ever attend any of the Pitchfest events?
In any event, the absolute best of luck with Kolchak. Rest assured, you can guarantee you will have at least one person glued to the tube for the show (with or without the fold-out couch and greasy pizza).
Tom
Indiana

I think you're exactly right -- it is a challenge to reimagine "The Night Stalker" for today's audiences and still please all the fans of the original Kolchak. I don't really know how to calculate such a thing; all I can do is try to please myself, and hope it pleases others, too.
I'm sorry to say I don't attend any of the Pitchfest events. At the moment, I don't have the time to read unrepresented material (we're already swamped trying to work our way through hundreds of scripts submitted by the agencies in Hollywood). But I really appreciate the good wishes -- and wish you the best of luck with your writing.