"MILLENNIUM" MOVIE CAMPAIGN

I am writing this to introduce our campaign to you and in the process I hope to gain your support for our efforts.
http://www.backtofrankblack.com/ is a website we have created to serve as a hub for a campaign to bring 'Frank Black' back to our screens. As many of you will be aware, Frank was the lead protagonist in the 20th Century Fox series "Millennium." Created by X-Files supremo Chris Carter and starring acting veteran Lance Henriksen the show went on to acquire not only awards but a massive cult following as well as breaking many of the boundaries of genre and crime serials at that time.
Since the show reached its conclusion it has not only retained its fans but found many new and enthusiastic supporters through its successful release on DVD and via constant repeat broadcasts throughout the world. It has spread its appeal globally and has inspired fan communities and websites hailing from as far afield as Western and Eastern Europe, USA, Canada, Mainland China and many more besides.
Due to the recent speculation that Lance Henriksen was to reprise the role in "X-Files: I Want To Believe" a huge swell of support and interest in the character was evident in all corners of the Internet. Webmasters were deluged with inquiries, message boards were flooded with shows of support and campaigns emerged on social networking sites and entertainment communities. In addition this desire was bolstered when Frank Spotnitz noted his own, and Chris Carter's, desire to reinvigorate the franchise and called on fans for their support. We are those fans and this campaign is our response to their call.
At the very heart of our efforts is a letter writing campaign, five minutes of your time will make a huge difference and we urge you all to check out the campaign website for hints, tips, templates and contact addresses. All of you can make a real contribution to one of the most coherent efforts thus far seen to return a magnificent character to where he truly belongs: back on our screens not just in our hearts.
Over at the website there is ample to get you started as well as campaign wallpapers, avatars and even a Millennium Game to while away the time. For this campaign to work it needs you and it needs your letter but we are confident we can make a big noise and have every faith that you will support us. In closing, thank you for taking the time to read this, head over to the website and read what the campaign entails but most importantly, take this campaign out there and make your voices heard.
The time is now... let's bring Frank Black back!
Mark
TIWWA

MERCI

Hello Frank,
The French fans wanted to thank you once again for all you’ve done for us. And we’re not just talking about the great movie we enjoyed so much. Thanks to you we have spent wonderful days with amazing people. We knew some of them, we met the other ones... and even though we fought some bees (believe it or not… what luck for such X-Philes), we’ve created amazing friendships all together and we are already looking to see each other again. You gave us more than a wonderful TV show, in a certain way, you gave us some great friends. So first, for that, we’d like to thank you.
Thank you, too, for the video you made for us… it was so unexpected and such a wonderful surprise. We don’t know how to express to you our joy. If you need anything, just ask us. (It will be a pleasure.)
We've made a little video to thank you for all of this. Its was made during the French gathering in Paris. We hope you’ll enjoy it:
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=WHmLM085NSk.
French fans were, are and will always be there for you.
We’d like to whish a quick recovery to David and Chris.
Once again, Thank You! We love you.
Roxane, Agathe, Timmy, Amandine, Cecile and the whole French community

XFILES-MANIA

Dear Frank,
We are a few fans of a German "X-Files" fanbase called xfiles-mania. We’d like to thank you for doing the second "X-Files" movie “I Want To Believe!"
It was like “coming home again” for me after all these years without "The X-Files." I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read about the movie earlier this year. Even though it was a stand alone movie, you brought me back to that special creepy "X-Files" feeling -- GREAT! -- not to mention the perfect and brilliant performance of the actors who haven’t done this for years! I have also noticed that everybody who was involved in shooting this film has “grown up."
Now, the movie has past and I am looking forward for buying the DVD. And then? There is a big gap. There are so many questions to be answered. There are so many issues from the final that need to be continued.
We all hope that there will be a third "X-Files" movie!
We won’t forget "The X-Files," never ever!
WE BELIEVE IN X³!!
Yours sincerely,
Stefanie
aka Sister_Spooky
Bavaria, Germany

DVD CONFUSION

Hi, Frank :)
I hope you don't mind that I bug you once again about the DVD ;) IWTB is popping up as a pre-order all over the net now which is very exciting. I particularly like that you've included a digital copy of the movie. Being able to watch it anywhere anytime sounds pretty good to me! :)
Since I don't yet own a Blu-Ray player the 3-disc Ultimate X-Phile Edition seems to be the one to get. However, I am unable to find it anywhere over here in Europe. Places like play.com and amazon.co.uk are only listing a 1-disc and a 2-disc version. So I'm wondering, is the Ultimate X-Phile Edition a U.S. release only? If so, what is on the third disc that has apparently been omitted from the Region 2 release? And is there any particular reason the studio decided the R2 fans won't get to see it? I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but I was really hoping we'd get the same extras as the American fans...
Jill

It is indeed confusing. The studio releases different versions of the DVD in different territories, based on sales projections. As a result, the "Ultimate X-Phile Edition" is not being released in the U.K. The two-disc U.K. edition apparently will not include the three segments of "Trust No One: Can The X-Files Remain A Secret?" or the four stills galleries.

10 TIMES

Hello, Frank!
Maybe I'm a little bit late with my "THANK YOU" letter! But better late than never, right?!
I just want to express my ginormous gratitude for making this fantastic, breathtaking movie! I saw it 10 times in theaters and was first in the line for my DVD.
By the way, the day Fox officially announced "the green light" last autumn was actually my B-Day! Needless to say that it was the best present a fan-girl like me could ever dream of)))
Thank you for all you've done for fans, thank you for this blog and social network! It really means a lot and somehow helped me to cope with my "post movie depression" :)))
And also, through you, I'd like to thank all foreign Philes, especially U.S. and Canadian! I don't know what we would do without them here in Russia, so far away from all big X-Files events! They were our eyes and ears! (God bless the Internet) Their reports, photos, videos and eagerness to share made this long anticipation period really unforgettable experience! So, thank you guys, you're the best !
And there is a photo that was taken not long before the movie premiere! It was our little Red Square Promo-campaign... XF2 made about $4,88 ml in our box-office! Not bad, right?! So, I guess it helped))) Or maybe it was a fact that practically no one (except for the fans) knew that the bad guys were the Russians!!!)))
I think the general public still believes they're from Eastern Europe, because the language they speak in our version is very weird, something between German and Czech! ;)
So, THANK YOU again and fingers crossed for XF3!
Irina
Moscow, Russia

X-PHILING ALL OVER THE WORLD

Hello Frank!!!
I'm Loops (better known as Loopscully in the X-Phile world) and I just wanted to show you some of the effects of "X-Philing"..
I'm from Mexico and I recently went to Europe for holidays.
Walking around in Montmatre in Paris, France, I was looking for a place to eat and when I was reading the menu of a restaurant-bar (to see the prices) there was this... scratched on the wooden wall, ¡the "X Mark"!, some Philes wrote X-Files twice and M (heart) S.... I almost choked on the Coke I was drinking and gave a little shriek, followed by a ::Gasp::
It was so nice to found more crazy people like me overseas and not by looking for them.. just passing by!!!!
Here is the picture!!!
Regards and thanx for the amazing movie!!!!!!

VANCOUVER RECOMMENDATIONS

Hello Frank,
I hope this letter finds you well.
I am taking my first trip up to Vancouver and B.C. in general next month to see some friends (all met on Biglight!) and see the "X-Files" sites.
Do you have any suggestions for "Must See Sites," perhaps where episodes or the movie were filmed?
Do you have any suggestions for great places to eat that you discovered when you spent all those years up there? A favorite hang out, bar or restaurant?
Thanks for all your hard work - I loved IWTB!
Erica
California

There are too many to mention, Erica. If you don't already have it, pick up a copy of "X Marks the Spot: On Location with the X-Files," by Louisa Gradnitzer and Todd Pittson. Louisa and Todd were our location managers in Vancouver. Their book would be a perfect guide for your trip.

HAUNTED "TRIANGLE"

Frank,
Last night I was watching a program on the Travel Channel about haunted hotels and they talked about how the RMS Queen Mary is supposed to haunted by some of the former crew and passengers. For example, people report of hearing little children crying in the nursery room, actually used as the third-class playroom, and a mysterious splash noise in the drained first-class swimming pool. My question is, while filming on the Queen Mary for the episode "Triangle" did anyone notice or feel anything unusual? Just curious.
Thanks,
Mike
Elyria, OH

A lot of the crew felt the presence of the past, for sure, but if anyone experienced anything supernatural, I didn't hear about it. We had our hands full, though -- all that artificial rain created a lot of leaks!

MARRIED

Hi Frank,
Just wanted to say that I absolutely loved IWTB and took about 17 people, at various times, to see it with me, and they all loved it too (people who had either casually or never watched the show). There was a big debate about this topic before the movie came out, so my question to you is did you ever consider having Mulder and Scully married in the movie? Do you think they would ever get married (this is where the debate came in, with some saying that neither would see it necessary or want to). Just wondering if you and Chris had sorted this out.
Thank you for all you do!
Rebecca
Los Angeles

No, we didn't consider having them married in the movie. I'm afraid I can't speculate about what may or may not happen in the future.

WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR

Hi Frank!
Remember Vivian...? She is a fellow Venezuelan fan who wrote to you a while back, saying how for the first movie she was too little to watch it in the theater, and then for the second, she had bought the ticket to go watch it in Mexico and then they changed the opening date and she couldn't watch it then, either.... so for her this was really an X File?
I guess third time is a charm! And since for everything you have to have proof, here goes the picture of us about to enter the theater to see IWTB!! You can see her in the picture holding her ticket! At last she got her wish granted! And so did all of us... this was an unofficial showing, at 11:45 p.m. in a country that doesn't really thrive on late showings, and yet there was a very significant crowd! They laughed, they jumped and loved, praised and adored the kick-ass scenes and all the shippiness...
I think this is just a very good start, right??
Lots of love from Caracas!
Avi, Loly and Vivian!

SHOCKING

Hi Frank!
Regarding one of your recent entries:
It's truly shocking to me that The Powers That Be at Fox do not recognize the detriment to the box office that a summer release, and one so close to "Batman," was for IWTB. No one is suggesting that IWTB would have had a $50 million opening, but most certainly it would have been a lot more successful if released now. The L.A. Times reported today that box office revenue has been down for eight of the last nine weekends. Can you imagine if IWTB was released now or in the last couple of weeks? Even trade papers reported that our small movie was meant for fall. A good, adult story, great acting, deep meanings, and even thriller elements: all perfect for a fall release. I'm shocked that a professional company like Fox does not recognize this and thus holds it against the "X-Files" franchise that the movie's gross was disappointing. Couple that attitude with the crummy promotion that Fox did and it honestly feels like the company has no real interest in making "The X-Files" successful once again.
But, thanks goodness we got this wonderful movie to bring some closure to the fans and the actors and crew. Thanks for helping make it happen and please don't be hurt or embarrassed that the monetary outcome was disappointing or that some reviewers were harsh. Yes, it hurts that "The X-Files" was dissed, so to speak, but we all know this is one of the greatest franchises *ever*, with the most awesome fans, and even more awesome actors and director/writer/producers like you and Chris.
It's Fox that I'm disappointed in....
Thanks again!
Tracy
Thousand Oaks, CA

TWO QUESTIONS

Hello, Frank!
I was wondering what kind of boots Scully had on in the movie. In the novel it said UGG boots. If they were UGG boots in the movie, would you happen to know the specific kind, and where they were purchased?
Also, I read the article on xfilesnews about Mark Snow's new album coming out. Has a day or month been picked out for its release yet, and do you know if it will be on iTunes?
Thank you!
Kathleen

According to costume designer Lisa Tomczeszyn, Gillian wore a pair of Cole Haan dress boots as well as a high-heel wedge Ugg boot that came from Nordstrom. As for the Mark Snow album, we're still working on the release date and I don't know yet whether it will be available on iTunes.

GILLIAN, FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

Hello Frank,
A group of fans got together and started thinking up ways to promote The X-Files: I Want to Believe especially with the dvd release this December. Being inspired by Gillian Anderson not only as an actor but as a humanitarian as well, we felt compelled to promote her AMAZING performance in IWTB. She was absolutely a revelation, in this intricate work of art, we refuse to let it be overlooked.
Here is what we came up with in order to promote the film and Gillian.
Gillian Anderson "For Your Consideration" Ad Campaign
http://allthings.inspiredbygillian.com/ <--- (PLEASE READ THE MISSION STATEMENT)
As a group of fans inspired by the talent of Gillian Anderson we seek to begin an ongoing fundraiser to raise funds to place "FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION" advertisements in the entertainment trade papers during award season in Los Angeles.
Gillian Anderson's work in The X-Files: I Want To Believe is incredibly profound and we refuse to let it be tragically overlooked by mundane and negative reviews!
Our goals:
To raise $ 1,000 USD for the Hollywood Reporter Ad= 1/8 of pg.
-Golden Globes Issue
To raise $ 1,400 USD for the Hollywood Reporter Ad= 1/4 of pg.
-SAG Issue
To raise $ 2,900 USD for the Hollywood Reporter Ad= 1/2 of pg.
-Academy Award Issue
Total needed: $ 4,400 USD
Deadline for contributions is: December 1, 2008.
Ideally we would love to meet at least $1,000 before November in order to run the first Ad then.
Worldwide contributions can be made through a secure Paypal link through our website. If we receive more funds than needed from fans for this project, then 100% of the excess proceeds will benefit one of Gillian's favorite charities.
Not only does this advertisement campaign serve to bring Gillian's name to the attention of the entertainment industry for her work on The X-Files: I Want to Believe, but it also demonstrates to Gillian how much we as fans appreciate her work. Please help us honor her.
In the past, fan driven advertisemnets have seemed like a long shot, but have proven to me successful. Remember the winning X Files 2 movie campaign that ran in the Hollywood Reporter. See the link below for that.
http://www.xf2themovie.com/
Please join us in this endeavor.
Sincerely,
The "Inspired By" Team
P.S. Check back with us over the next few months - we have several other Non Profit fundraising events planned, inlcluding movie screenings, raffles, and galas. 100% of proceeds will benefit Gillian's charities.
Frank thank you so much for all that you do.
Sincerely
The "Inspired By" Team
(Liz, Caileigh, Karen, and Patricia)
http://allthings.inspiredbygillian.com/

BIG LIGHT MOBILE VERSION FOR PDAs

I know you recently mentioned BL is going to have something for the iPhone. Since I don't have one, I didn't quite get that. But I was wondering if there's going to be a mobile version of BigLight sometime in the future? Something similar to what facebook has for mobile phones where when you type facebook.com into your phone's browser it automatically redirects you to the mobile version? I have a PDA - the HTC P4000 - and while the cost of browsing isn't a problem (I'm on unlimited data), it takes an eternity to open. I don't know if this is just cause I'm using Windows Mobile 6.1 which is having tons of bugs (and Microsoft sucks as we all know by now) but all the other websites I browse work faster. The problem especially are the videos on the front page of the social network site which take a while to load. I'm sure me and many other PDA users would love to have this one answered since it's quite a pain to open it.
Thanks! :)
Annie,
Vancouver, B.C.

According to our web expert, Kyle, the iPhone version of the social network will debut Friday night. It will also work on the Google Android phone(s) next month. Support for other devices is in the works, but will come later.

DOES ANYONE KNOW...?

Frank,
In regards to Lariat... Lariat used to be a rental car agency. They do not seem to be in existence anymore so maybe they were absorbed by a larger agency.
Earlier this month you had posted a little snippet regarding Entertainment Weekly and to check out the letters to the editor. Would it be possible for you to elaborate on that a little? I have been unable to determine what that post was referring to.
As always, thanks for everything, Frank.
Leigh
Seattle

VENEZUELAN GRACIAS!

Hi Frank!
I'm e-mailing you to let you know that I just got the three boxes of posters from the movie!!!
These are so awesome! Thank you so much for them! Though... the lady at the Post Office said there was still a 20-lb. package yet to arrive from the same sender as these packages so that has me wondering... :)
As the date approaches, I have to say that Fox Venezuela took care of us with 15 tickets for their special premiere on Oct. 1 and they also threw 15 shirts and 15 caps into the bargain! These were randomly given away to members of the fanclub as a package since they requested we would wear these that day.
As for the Oct. 3 premiere, I think I cannot tell you more how excited we are. We now have two gatherings, one in Maracaibo and one in Caracas. Part of these posters will be shipped to Maracaibo next week so the Area Coordinator raffles them amongst the members and attendees of that night. We will also have dinner... so it's kind of a date... hehehe
Same will happen here in Caracas, from which I send to you one of the signs they have put up... they don't do movie signs all that often and specially in that particular part of town, big freeway intersection, big traffic jams at peak hours specially where the thing is located so, LOTS OF EXPOSURE lololol
I attach a picture for you to see and post if you feel like it, I had to walk down the freeway to take it hahaha...
Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark Snow for XFN, it was amazing! We will give a head's up when the article and the video of the phone conversation comes up. Thanks for your support on the XFN Worldwide Project, I cannot wait for you to see it!
...Last message on this email: Frank, en Venezuela... ¡Te Amamos!
Avi

A LARIAT P.S.

Hi Frank,
I've discovered Lariat car rental pre-dates "The X-Files." A mention of that "company" appears on a sign in DD's "Kalifornia."
Imagine that.
Lynn
Gotham

BLOGGING FTW

Dear Frank,
Thank you for keeping this blog going and regularly updated. It's keeps a bit of the nostalgia from the (LA) Premiere alive. I, along with a number of other Philes, would reload your page constantly in the months leading up to the premiere. Did they pick a date for the premiere yet? Will there be anything for fans (sly... :D), is this rumor false/true, who's in the movie, did Tiff get posted again?... etc. Now, we continue to reload your blog daily. It's a nice reminder that the XF2 experience was real.
Thanks or as we say in netspeak land FOR THE WIN.
Moxed
FL

BOX OFFICE LOGIC

I have looked at IWTB box office and it says the movie has made about $65 million and that its production budget is $30 million. So that means it has made a pretty good profit right? Well if you can tell me why this franchise would not get the green light for another movie I would appreciate it.
Matt
St. Paul, MN
P.S. I really loved the movie and hope so bad for another movie even if it is straight to dvd just you can finish up the mythology story.

The movie is indeed profitable, but has made far less than everyone hoped. The studio doesn't share its internal thinking with me, but I would imagine the question they need to answer is whether they think another film would be as profitable or, ideally, more profitable than this one.

XFN WORLDWIDE PROJECT FAQ

Frank,
If you would be so kind, please post this video on your blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPD_pKq_m6s
It’s an XFN Worldwide Project how to! Our amazingly talented Avi Quijada put it together for us. I also want to let you know that we’ve had amazing response on this and thanks in part to your blog, the message about this worldwide fan project has reached Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Italy, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil, the Philippines and all over the United States. We are actively recruiting help in reaching as many U.S. states as possible in addition to Africa, Asia and more of Europe.
It has warmed our hearts at the reception this has already gotten and we want you to know that your fans all over the world are ecstatic to be involved in this project and happy to do their part in promoting the upcoming release of “The X-Files: I Want to Believe” to DVD this December.
We’ve got your back.
Xfilesnews.com

COMICS, ETC.

First, thank you for "I Want To Believe," I LOVED it!
What are the future plans for the new comic? I thought that issue #0 was great and I can't wait for more! Is it going to be an ongoing series or is there a certain number they're planning to produce? Are you (or other Ten Thirteen alumni) planning to write them all? And are there plans to collect them all in paperback form?
Also, are you and Chris willing, wanting, or able to bring back "Millennium" in any form? A movie would be ideal, but I think we'd settle for comics or novels. I know ANY return of "Millennium" is a long shot but a lot of people really miss it.
Thank you (and the rest of Ten Thirteen) for "The X-Files," "Millennium" and even "Harsh Realm." They were all great shows and I hope we haven't seen the last of them (at least not "The X-Files").
Chris
Seattle

I have written two more comics that will be coming out later this year. After that, we have a number of guest writers -- as well as some Ten Thirteen alums -- lined up to keep the stories coming.
As for "Millennium," Chris and I both remain interested in revisiting it, but the chances don't seem great that will happen.

IMPORTANT NEW HOLIDAY

In honor of our favorite red-headed agent (no, not Pendrell ), we have decided to name today International Part Your Hair Like Scully Day. As part of the momentous event that this is, we have decided to make videos on Seesmic showing ourselves parting our hair like Scully. http://api.seesmic.com/#/video/9dgIC4WnaA/watch , http://api.seesmic.com/#/video/juqb56V7Po/watch , http://api.seesmic.com/#/video/CEX3BrltaM/watch .
We are getting people to partake in the event because we feel that there are many things we should be celebrated, we hope that people post more videos in appreciation for Scully hair. Perhaps this should be renamed to International Part Your Hair Like Scully Week, to allow more time for people to join.
Gaby
Charlotte, NC

"BATTLE IN SEATTLE"

I'm very proud to enthusiastically recommend Stuart Townsend's writing and directorial debut, "Battle In Seattle," which opens in Los Angeles on Friday. If you want to learn more about the film, or find out how to make sure it plays in your town, visit the website at www.battleinseattlemovie.com

LARIAT

Frank,
My question is about the bumper sticker that are on the rental cars that Mulder & Scully rent at the different places. Whether it is in Oregon or Washington or North Carolina, the rental car always has that same bumper sticker (LARIAT). Even in one episode they went to a Lariat Car Rental. My question is: Where did you come up with that name and does it have anything to do with the alien story line?
For the life of me I could not figure out what that said until I saw the episode with the car rental company in plain view. I once thought that was a name of the place where Mulder's sister was being held, but now, I realize it is only the rental car company.
I'm very anxious -- can't wait until December 2nd to get my DVD of IWTB. I'm going to buy the Blu-Ray version with all of the bells and whistles. Also, is there are meaning to the date December 2nd? I read your blog everyday, also I did write a letter to the person at 20th Century Fox and implored them to do another "X-File" movie. I hope that will get us another movie.
Take care -- it is a dangerous world out there --
Dusan
Seattle, Washington

The name "Lariat" has no special significance. I believe it was dreamt up by Ken Hawryliw, our property master in Vancouver, and the writers and producers kept it going all nine seasons. And the only significance to December 2 is that the studio decided it would be a good date to release the DVD!

"X-FILES"/"NCIS" CROSSOVER

I am wondering if there are any former "X-Files" crew working for the "NCIS" show. There is an old episode called "The Truth Is Out There" and the characters were named after XF writers and directors: Gordon, "Petty Officer Wong", "Petty Officer James Morgan", " "Petty Officer Howard Carter", Brian Thompson's character is "Master Chief Vince Nutter" and my favorite, "Darin Spotnitz."
http://www.tv.com/ncis/the-truth-is-out-there/episode/315242/summary.html?tag=ep_list;title;16
Daisy
Canada

Ha! Some of our favorite Ten Thirteen directors, like Thomas J. Wright and Tony Wharmby, have directed episodes of "NCIS," but I'm not sure how our names ended up in that episode.

MULDER'S CURRENT OCCUPATION

I've been continuing to discuss "I Want To Believe" with other fans, and one of the little things that's been piquing my interest as of late is exactly what Mulder was up to over the last six years. Yes, we know he's been laying low on account of that whole minor fugitive problem he was dealing with, but... what else was he up to during those six years, other than all that creative wallpaper work on his office walls, that is? Was he in charge of cleaning the house? Cooking Scully gourmet dinners? Planting a garden?
I've been operating under the assumption that he was "working" as a writer, maybe using a pseudonym, based on Scully's remark to him in the locker room scene suggesting that Mulder "put it in a book" instead of continuing to investigate the case. Is this a reasonable assessment, or was Scully just being incredibly patronizing in that scene, and nothing more?
Alyssa
Clifton Park, NY

That's another one of those questions we've deliberately left open, but I do think your assessment is reasonable, although it's hard to say whether he's published or anything or just been working on that book Scully mentioned.

HEATH LEDGER, R.I.P.

This isn't particularly in response to Christian from London. I am moved to say something.
It hurts to see that someone's life is thought of as a commodity, an inconvenience and in the way. I knew of Heath through his school friends -- I didn't meet him or anything, I'm not sponging off his fame, but I do know through some who grew up with him that he left a trail of simply awesome! He was a truly remarkable talent even early on and we were all cheering him on when he finally made the big time. I have other friends who were similarly talented but didn't follow through -- choosing a sensible life over their dreams. He followed his heart and his dream and he knew that was the only life for him. He was something truly, truly special.
So please leave baby Heath alone.
Like a conflicted Scully torn between faith and science, I'm torn between defending either my Heath or my XFs. It is devastatingly unfair that TXF didn't get the attention that it deserved. Instead the attention was focused on the death of someone -- in order to sell a product. That studio no doubt made lemonade out of the giant lemon they were handed, proving it is still a town where they'd sell their own grandmother to get ahead. Up until the 21 January this year I had no real motivation to watch that movie, it was too reminicent of something I had seen before... Same bat different bucket maybe. I still haven't. Whereas TXF I've seen a couple of times. It's the difference between the romance of pseudo morbidity and an exploration of the darkness and greatness of humanity. Pretend darkness proved the winner at the box office this time, well they did enlist Jimmy Dean to help!! I still refuse to watch it for the very same reason so many did watch. Cashing in on the death of someone is a really nasty, nasty way to do business. Did you know a father was lost, a son, a brother, a friend, a gentle soul who fought his demons and lost. I've lost and am losing too many people in my (real) life. I know what death means. It certainly doesn't mean a quick buck!
In a perfect world IWTB would have been released aside a recycled remake and would have blown them all away!! It really would have. Unfortunately someone died, and now we're all sorry.
I'm really, really sorry, Frank, that it hurt your work. Your brilliance and genius went largely unnoticed because someone else stole the focus. Please know he didn't want to die, he had soo much ahead of him. It was very, very cheap of the studio to cash in on that and ride the movie on that single event. There's just no respect. Is nothing sacred?
Please... Heath's not a commodity, he's a someone.
Adrianne
Heath's Hometown
Australia
"I never do the resolution thing. I'm not good at thinking about the future and what I should or shouldn't be doing. I don't plan at all. I don't know what I'm doing tomorrow let alone in the next year." HEATH LEDGER December 2007

SERIES ON BLU-RAY?

Hi,
I'm loving the fact that not only will IWTB be getting a Blu-Ray release, but also FTF! This has got me hoping that the whole series will be re-transfered onto Blu-Ray... is this a possibility at all???
Thanks,
Michele
Manchester

It has been discussed and I suspect it will happen eventually, but there are no plans to release the series on Blu-Ray as yet.

THANK YOU AGAIN

Hi, my dear Mr. Spotnitz!
This is the third time that I write just to say thank you again!
If IWTB was the last time that we saw Mulder and Scully again (I hope not!), I just want you to know that I'm very, truly and deeply thankful for the movie, no matter what they say... thank you so much!
I'm a big fan of "X-Files," ever since I was a child and I spent most of my youth still loving it, and most of all, loving everything about it!
The way David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson made their characters, the way Mitch and all the rest made other important characters, the way you, Chris Carter, Bowman, Shiban, Snow, Nutter, Morgan, Manners, Gilligan and all the people worked to make the show was simply the best...
If the second movie was the last time, again I'd like to thank you and everybody else for make it.
I don't know if there will be another movie (I wish I could see another one!), but if don't I just want to say that it was the best gift I could possible imagine.
Thank you so much!
Yayá Reyes
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
P.S. Do you know the name of the song that plays when the girl is abducted? The song that plays on the radio, before the car accident? Thank you!

The song is "Memories Child," by Jamison Young.

AMAZON PRE-ORDER

Hi Frank,
Do you know whether the IWTB DVD up for pre-order on amazon (http://www.amazon.com/X-Files-I-Want-Believe/dp/B001FACH7S/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1221927394&sr=8-1) is the Ultimate Phile edition, or are we still waiting to be able to preorder that one?
Thanks.
Anxiously,
Moxed

That link is for the single-disc release. The amazon link for the three-disc DVD (w/digital copy) X-Phile Edition is: http://www.amazon.com/X-Files-Believe-Three-Disc-Special-Digital/dp/B001G7PSN0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1222102868&sr=1-2.

COLORBLIND...

Dear Frank,
In our Skype Files session, we became embroiled in an argument over the color of Scully’s bikini. It seems that we at XFN are split as well. While some of us say brown, myself included, others are saying blue (Lisa included). And to think, just hours earlier we were all enjoying the episode “Three Words.”
So what say you? And feel free to say pink or tell us we can be doing something more constructive with our time!
Much thanks,
Your friendly neighborhood IWTB Fan Press Team
www.xfilesnews.com

According to costume designer Lisa Tomczeszyn, the bikini is indeed brown.

FRIENDS

Hi Frank!
We're sending you this photo we took some days ago inside an Italian cinema.
We watched the movie about ten times, but that was the third time we saw it together.
Our friendship was born some months ago thanks to you (and some other unbelievable events) when Carlotta met you to the Paley Festival. At that time I was in Italy and, of course, I didn't know her yet, but she sent me an e-mail after Paley and so. I told you it was unbelievable! :)
Anyway, now our friendship is still growing up and becoming very strong. Now we have another reason to thank you. so just thanks! ;)
Francesca and Carlotta
(The "Blonde" and The "Black")
P.S.: we don't give up...

HALLOWEEN PROJECT FOR "X-FILES 3"

We would all like to secure the chances of a third "X-Files" film. This Halloween we're asking all Philes to do a special project. We are sending thank you letters to the three Fox Studio executives who helped make the second film a reality.
This Halloween, print some thank you letters in the form of postcards (available from the Big Light forum) and take them to your local cinema. Gather as much support as you can by passing them around to the cinema goers. Collect them at the end of screening and send them back to the studio. This is another world wide project that will contribute to hopefully making another "X-Files" film a reality.
For more details, see the forum -
http://network.biglight.com/forum/topic/show?id=2104747%3ATopic%3A62502&page=5#comments
Adrianne

EEEHHHHHHH???!!!

Mmmkay so this is what you said Frank:
"While the movie will undoubtedly be profitable, it was far from the box-office success we all hoped it would be. The strength of DVD sales this winter may well help the studio (and us) decide whether there is an audience for a third movie.".
What?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Frank. Chris. We all love you. All of us love all of you - and "The X-Files."
As soon as my dissertation is handed in on the 30th September (the date that has haunted my for a year now!), I am going to commit myself to doing everything I possibly can to write, lobby, scream and shout for XF3, XF4 and beyond. I bought two of Gillian Anderson's original scripts (The Blessing Way and End Game (written by you!!!); and the Redux shooting schedule) in her charity auction, and am as big, if not an even a bigger fan now than ever. THAT is saying something.
It is sickeningly unfair (so wrong, it makes the 2000 Presidential elections look comparatively legitimate) to base XF2's success on ticket sales in its own right, without taking into account the fact that it might as well have been released in the same week as Titanic II. As sad as Ledger's untimely death was, it was virtually unprecedented for an A-List hollywood star to effectively come back from the dead to play one of Hollywood's most iconic villains in a sequel to a highly acclaimed blockbuster. If Titanic came out instead of IWTB at that point, it would have been James Cameron talking about 'disappointing sales'. So the fact The X-Files EVEN broke even, let alone more than doubled it's initial costs, should be considered a serious feat under these circumstances! Had IWTB been released even two weeks sooner than Batman, it would have been much easier, but still difficult in the face of the Dark Knight/Ledger media storm. Really, it should have been released either before June or after mid-September to really attract the attention it deserves! The Dark Knight stole Mulder's $967,768,741 fortune (worldwide, as of 17th September according to BoxOfficeMojo), breaking records for first and second weekends, and for 2008. It was JUST. BAD. TIMING. It wasn't just actual ticket sales of which Mulder was robbed, but all the anticipation following Ledger's death, and inevitable media frenzy that also eclipsed The X-Files' true potential. On a normal day, the X-brand is enormously successful, and needs a FAIR TEST!
This is so much the case that I want to devote my post-dissertation time to the X-brand, and will start with my already mentioned "Bring Back Tooms!" group on Facebook, officially to be launched on 1st October. As if Mulder would say in Arcadia: "Bring it on"!
Christian
London, UK

You may well be right, but unfortunately the conventional wisdom doesn't seem to see it that way.

iPHONE

Firstly, I wanted to let you know that I like many other fans who supported the release of "X-Files 2" by going to see it as much as possible, will, in addition be buying all editions of the DVD and Blu-Ray. I will even be buying a PS3 so I can watch the Blu-Ray disc, as I don't own a Blu-Ray player at the current time. I really can't wait for the release; all the extras sound innovative, exciting and rewarding -- just what I have come to expect from the "X-Files" team. I know that some are disappointed by the content, but I am still basking in the fact that we got a chance to see Mulder and Scully again. After the rollercoaster highs and lows of the summer, the news of the DVD releases has got me excited again. One thing that keeps coming back to me is that the story and circumstances, were, as you and Chris said, "something that could really happen." That was the beauty of this installment of "The X-Files," it was all believeable, from the science to the paranormal to the status of Mulder and Scully's relationship. I am convinced that we will get another film or something from you guys, some things are meant to be. As fans, I know we will do everything we can to get another installment, and perhaps mytharc closure to the phenomenon that is "The X-Files."
Secondly, I love to check your blog each day and I have recently got an iPhone and added Big Light to my home screen so I can get instant access on the go. At the moment the iPhone creates a snapshot of the webpage to display on the iPhone home menu and I think it's a shame not to have the Big Light logo displayed on the bookmark instead as it is a very pleasing icon . I hope you don't mind, but I made a BL icon and I would love it if you would consider uploading to your site for iPhone use. If you would like to use it, upload it to the root directory on your website. It is named so that the iPhone will recognise it as an icon. If you want to see official documentation about this, here is a link to the apple developer site
http://developer.apple.com/DOCUMENTATION/AppleApplications/
Reference/SafariWebContent/OptimizingforSafarioniPhone/
chapter_3_section_4.html
I hope you will forgive me in doing this, but I think the BL logo will be an attractive addition to the iPhone screen!
Best wishes,
Stella
Brighton, UK

Thank you so much for this, Stella. As it turns out, our resident web expert, Kyle, says an official iPhone version of the Big Light network with a custom home screen icon will be up and running late next week.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

You should check out the letters to the editor page of this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly.
Don't.Give.Up.
Me, myself and I

THE DISCS ARE OUT THERE

Let me be one of the first to say how excited I am at the recent announcement of "I Want to Believe" on DVD and Blu-Ray. The specs and bonus features look great, just as promised! I expect the vast majority of fans will join me in going for the "Ultimate X-Phile Edition" -- if anything speaks to the affection for the fanbase, it's that. I think the inclusion of a bonus digital copy of the movie for portable media players is a great idea, and an unexpected treat. This should really be a question for the studio rather than bothering you with it, but do you happen to know what file format it will be in (hopefully .AVI)? Also, I'm guessing that the picture-in-picture commentary on the BD is otherwise the same as the audio commentary -- you didn't do two recordings, correct? Can't wait to hear it, in any event.
While ownership of a Blu-Ray player is still a distance away on my economy, I already know what my first two disc purchases will be: this and the new release of "Fight the Future" with its extra features to trump the DVD. I only hope doing so will add some small contribution to the franchise's profit margin, and increase the chances of getting another X-Files movie (or indeed Millennium!). Roll on November 24th. Come back to London for another signing!
Jamie
U.K.

The studio says the digital copy will be a Windows Media file (.wmv) for PCs and an iTunes file (.mov) for Macs.

TRACEE'S RESPONSE

Okay... please...can't we agree that everyone... and I do mean everyone, has an opinon. Mine might not be the most popular but it is, indeed, mine. Rubbish? Nah. Opinion overstated? Yes.. I am willing, however, to own that opinion and, to apologise, openly, for coming on so strongly. Eh... it is, what it is.
I also just want to let everyone know, I have taken a breath... I want everyone to know, that I have been incredibly appreciative of each and every morsel, we were given with IWTB. I fully participated in many, many of those events. I was in San Francisco for WonderCon and, in L.A. for the film fest and, for the premiere/festivities... I enjoyed each and every second of it all. I was in complete awe... and had to pinch myself several times, to prove to myself, that I was really there. I still have the bruises on my arms, to prove it. LOL I just want to see the DVD/Blu-Ray do well enough, to prove to Fox, that there's still an audience out here. Call me crazy but, I'd like another movie...
K.. well... I guess there's not much more to say. I'm not a robot. I'm not always going to say or think things that jive in each and every way, with the opinion of the masses. It's not who I am... and I hope, there are people out there, who can appreciate that...
Thanks again,
Tracee
Phoenix

ROCK THOSE DVD SALES

Hi Frank -- it's going to be really heartbreaking if you have to tell us there is not going to be an XF3. You've been so great to us so far. So, we're going to rock those DVD sales, just so you don't have to have to say it. All for you, we do it all for you Frank!
Moxed
FL

XF3, THE NOVEL?

Hey Frank,
I was just wondering if XF3 could be brought about using alternative methods, such as a novelized version, for example. I really enjoyed IWTB, but I'd love to see how my favorite dynamic duo is going to stop Colonization even more.
Regards from Toronto,
Lisa

I'll never say never...

HOPE WON'T DIE

Frank,
We are all trying so hard to keep our hope alive for more "X-Files" adventures. I know you have to be tired of answering some of these questions time and again, but you know we all mean well. I read your post this morning about network TV movies not being made anymore, and of course you would know better than most of us. I just thought I'd throw this out there. Would the same drawbacks apply to doing a week-long "miniseries" event... something like 'The X-Files: 2012'? It could be like writing one super-short arc of episodes... a 5- or 6-episode mini-season, to tidy up all the loose ends. I just can't believe that an event like that wouldn't be groundbreaking and possibly even record-setting for Fox, IF, IF, IF, IF, IF the right sort of promotion were put into it. Or, forget doing it in a week-long fashion... If they aired it during sweeps month, say one every Sunday night, with the last one being 2-hours? I know, I know, I am dreaming here, but that's just what I envision in my head. I can even see the slate for the little teaser adds, LOL. Sorry, I am just literally laughing here, being overcome at our utter desperation for MORE MORE MORE! As if the 2nd film is not "enough." It certainly is, and I hope you know it is appreciated. I think it's just stoked a fire that was dead for a lot of us, having made our peace with drawing our own conclusions about the "end". Now we get to pray and believe that we may get a true resolution after all. Also, "Tracee from Phoenix" is on my nerves. I don't know of another show/film series that has one of the executive producers sit down and answer fan mail on a regular basis. I mean, talk about biting the hand that feeds. Duh.
Anyway, keep up the good work, Frank, and please don't tire of our relentless HOPE... After all, you, Chris and the cast taught us that virtue in the first place. :D,
Eric
AL

NOT DONE YET

First, I want to express my joy and frustration over the recently announced Fight the Future Blu-Ray release. Joy, because it looks like, among other features, this will include the infamous Hallway Kiss that David and Gillian staged and which appeared in the gag reel. This alone will guarantee that every fan will want a copy. Frustration, however, because only a small percentage of fans actually own a Blu-Ray player of some kind. And they ain't cheap. Most of us have already poured more money than we can afford into seeing multiple showings of IWTB. We can't afford to spend another $300 on a Blu-Ray player just to watch one or two XF discs. Will Fight the Future also be re-released on DVD with the same extra features?
Second, as to discussion of a possible XF3, I just want to say this: "The X-Files" story is not complete. There is a final chapter to be written, regarding 2012. What format that story should take (movie, TV, book, comic, etc.), I don't know, but the story needs to be told. With XF2, I feel like we invited the entire world to what should have been a private party. It was a movie for the fans, and the fans loved it. Even more so, XF3 has to be a story for the fans. It has to be entrenched in the mythology. Even if the only way to tell this story is for Chris to sit around a campfire with us and narrate the story in person, it needs to be told. The X-Files has always been innovative, so maybe in 2012, we need to innovate again, forgo the traditional blockbuster movie setting, and find a fan-generated and fan-pleasing way to tell the story on a smaller scale, to those of us who care the most. I don't know what such a project might look like, but technology and trends are constantly changing, and a lot can happen in four years. I ask only that you and Chris keep an open and optimistic mind that a feature film isn't the only way to share the final vision with us.
By the way, I was reading Joseph Campbell this week, who describes five key elements to the "infant exile" theme in mythology (i.e., William's threatened birth and his adoption). William's storyline has included all but the last of those elements: "In the end, the hero, now a youth returning to his proper home ... becomes reconciled with the father and completes the father's work." As much as I believe that the final chapter of the X-Files remains to be told, I also am a firm believer that William's story is not yet complete, and that he is a key part to that final chapter. Concluding that cycle of "infant exile" with the young man's return brings the story to completion and justifies everything that's happened to get him to that point. When I think of William, I always think of Moses, adopted out by a loving mother in order to save his life, and what a great man he became. I'd like to see William have the chance to fulfill that destiny.
Here's to "The X-Files: 2012!"
Belle
Oregon

LOVED EVERY SECOND

I rediscovered "The X-Files" a few years ago, when I bought the boxset. I watched all the episodes again and it brought back so many wonderful memories of the 90's. Me and my best friend started watching the show when we were 12. After every new episode we would meet outside, take a long walk and discuss the episode. It was my favourite time of the week. I'm constantly amazed at how many new things I still discover when watching episodes again -- one of the reasons why this show is so brilliant.
I couldn't believe it when I heard the news about the second movie. It was so much fun to feel the excitement that I used to feel before a new episode again. I saw the movie for the first time the day it came out here in The Netherlands and loved every second of it. I saw it again with my best friend and she kept saying 'This is so strange! I can't believe it's really Mulder and Scully! I feel like I'm back in the 90's!' It was great. Of course, we had to discuss the movie afterwards - just like old times. I can't wait for the DVD and I'm very excited about all the extras. Meanwhile, I'll just watch the whole show again, because I'm never going to get tired of it.
I want to thank you, Chris, David, Gillian and everyone involved for all those wonderful episodes and two great movies. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Renske
The Netherlands

XF3 CHANCES?

Hi Frank,
Will you answer on your blog the chances of a third "X-Files" movie?
Thank you,
Juston

Hi, Mr. Spotnitz!
I’m Andrea, an Italian fan from the very beginning of your "X-Files" journey, when few people watched this strange and new series, which very soon became an astonishing saga that changed television forever. I want to thank you and Mr. Carter so much. You have deeply affected me, and why? Because both of you have an astonishing touch with this series, not just with the fantasy aspects, but overall for the true souls you have given to your characters, Mulder and Scully. The last movie is great evidence of that.
When I saw "The X-Files 2" in theatres, I felt the same magic of the show and very deep emotions about Scully and Mulder, with your efforts you have given us a chance to travel back in time as well as something new, and I would like to explore much more.
I hope for an extended cut of the movie on DVD.
I would like to tell you right now, I WANT TO BELIEVE! Thanks a lot for your efforts to bring back "X-Files" to the cinemas.
Can I hope…? Is there a little hope for an "X-Files 3" about the alien invasion targeted at the end of the series to happen in 2012?
I really hope for that, I know you and Mr. Carter will do the best for the third movie, a great alien invasion movie, very creepy and dark, in the "Invasion of the Body Snatchers"-style, where Scully And Mulder will escape from aliens looking for their child to save him. I really would love and hope to see "X-Files 3," please keep a place in the third one for John Doggett and Monica Reyes.
I hope Fox, want to believe "The X-Files" can be a great movie franchise, I cross my fingers for it.
Mr. Spotnitz, thanks a lot for your passion and talent and please send an Italian thanks to Mr. Carter for his vision and his astonishing talent.
P.S. In "I Want To Believe," Scully said in the Mulder telephone call that ASAC Dakota Whitney is still alive, but the sub-plot in the movie wasn’t closed, can I ask you why? In that scene I believed I saw her behind Scully -- is it Dakota who is down the stairs behind Scully when she's on the phone?
Thanks a lot
Andrea
Milan, Italy

Hello again,
I know you have already answered many questions about this but I thought I would try and take a different approach. All us X Files fans are dying to see the continuation of the alien storyline. I recently asked you if you think it is possible to conclude the story in a made for TV movie, if a third movie was not green lighted. You stated that the likelihood of that is not good. However, I, and my others, would like to know why not? "X-Files" made Fox what it is today. Without the "Files" the network would never have become as successful as it is. Why would Fox not what to give the series what is deserves? (It deserves another big screen movie but I guess we will have to wait and see about that.) I think it would be a great idea to have a 2 or 3 hour special about the alien invasion. This story was what gave life to "The X-Files," along with Mulder and Scully's relationship. Please think about it and I would love to hear your thoughts on this idea, I know millions of others would too.
Thank You
Vincent B
Long Island, NY

I would like to be able to tell you whether there will be another "X-Files" movie, but we just don't know yet. While the movie will undoubtedly be profitable, it was far from the box-office success we all hoped it would be. The strength of DVD sales this winter may well help the studio (and us) decide whether there is an audience for a third movie. As for Vincent's question, the economics of network television unfortunately don't make a TV movie a likely alternative. With very rare exceptions, networks just don't make original movies anymore unless they're platforms for possible TV series.
Regarding why Scully said the "agent is still alive," she was referring to Monica Bannan, not Dakota Whitney, meaning that Monica Bannan's body was still alive (even though her head, clearly, was not!).

PERFETTO

Hi, I watched the movie one month ago in France (where they had the English version), I just want to thank you, David, Gillian and everyone involved, I thought it was perfect.
Thank you from an "X-Files" fan!
Ale
Italy

MORE RESPONSES

I am writing this in order to urge Tracee in Phoenix to take a breath, take a step back and not give up. Until the DVD is released, this kind of preemptive fear and upset is not healthy. It’s the same fear that circulated before IWTB hit theatres and in my opinion it is completely unfounded. Fans have had unprecedented access to “The X-Files” and speaking as another fan who owns all of the DVD sets and has been spending large amounts of money and time on this show, a lot more of which occurred during the last 8 months to promote the film with XFN, I cannot imagine someone giving up their collection over being upset at what may or may not be on a DVD release.
So Tracee… the truth is out there… and I would be interested in seeing your opinion once the DVD has been released.
Tiffany
Knoxville, TN

Thanks for posting up the reply to that Tracee from Pheonix. I was looking for a right of reply to that absolute rubbish and I'm glad Lisa from Boston wrote in. It's so true. You guys have done so much for us the fans and I too am disappointed (and embarrassed) that Tracee is so upset. I guess you really can't please all the people all the time.
Anyway, I wanted to second the 10:13 project. I think it's a brilliant idea. Pass my thanks on to whoever thought of it. It's simple and can work anywhere (even in the dark). Hope you get a good response. Thinking of my own creative way to do it.
Seeya
Adrianne
Australia

VIDEO FOR CHRIS

Hello Frank!
We've heard that Chris was exhausted after intensive work on different projects (including our favorite movie "I Want to Believe"!) so we decided to film some little funny video to support him!
Frank, could you, please, give him a link to see this video? :) We hope it'll bring a smile not only to Chris' face but also to yours. :)
Here's the link: http://www.thex-files.ru/pages/message_to_chris
At the end of the video you can see (and hear) fans' reaction to some scene from the movie when we first saw it in a theatre. ;)
Thank you for everything you're doing for fans! We really appreciate it.
Nasty, Ksenia, Andrew, Juri
St. Petersburg, Russia

XFN WORLDWIDE FAN PROJECT

XFN is undertaking perhaps the biggest fan project in television/motion picture history and in the words of Fox Mulder, "These people need my help."
These people being us, my being you, well, you get the picture.
As "The X-Files" is a worldwide phenomenon, we feel this needs to be a worldwide project with participation from individuals and groups across the globe.
Without giving too much away (in true "X-Files" fashion we are keeping much of it under wraps), XFN is asking fans to film themselves in their hometowns across the world.
While filming at recognizable locations such as "Big Ben" or the "Eiffel Tower" would be fantastic, it is not required.
We need two clips from each fan or fan group to be kept under one minute, 30 seconds each.
Clip 1: We are asking fans to yell "Where we are from!" to the camera.
Clip 2: Include a clock. It can be any kind of clock, provided we can see it (think clock tower, or even a large clock someone can hold up) with the time set to 10:13. We are asking fans to yell, "Where we are from, it's always 10:13!"to the camera.
The scope of this fan project is unprecedented and XFN will be releasing it towards the end of November as a "Thank You" to both "The X-Files" and fans around the world as we rally together to generate buzz for the upcoming DVD release of "The X-Files: I Want to Believe."
Clips may be sent electronically or via regular mail and XFN is working out those particulars now. For more information, please contact Tiffany Devol or Avi Quijada and stay tuned to XFN. We will be posting more information as it becomes available!
Join XFN in this historic project and spread the word!

IN RESPONSE TO TRACEE FROM PHOENIX

Hi Frank,
I'd like to respond to something you posted from Tracee in Phoenix yesterday. Tracee expressed her disappointment and frustration with the amount of bonus footage to be included in the forthcoming "I Want to Believe" DVD release.
Tracee said, "Fox had its chance to really make something incredible happen here. Sorry but, in my opinion, they've really f***ed things up here." She also mentioned that she is considering selling her "X-Files" collection and moving on altogether because she does not feel that fans like her are being heard. Well, that's a personal choice. But I have seen other complaints just like this around the 'net lately, and frankly, I can't understand why.
I know Tracee isn't alone. So to these fans who are angry enough to complain preemptively, here are a few reasons to retain your X-Phile pride:
- "The X-Files" was the first TV show EVER to be released on DVD (and they did it while the show was still in production!) And each collection following had new special features -- these take lots of time and effort on everyone's part.
- The Blu-ray "I Want to Believe" will be the first Fox release to utilize "BD Live," an interactive technology that lets viewers create their own experience. (According to the Hollywood Reporter: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/technology/news/
e3ib70723e1fa993298bd5f793b154e10e7)
- Chris, Frank, Gillian, and David traveled tirelessly while filming or editing (LA, San Francisco, New York, Chile, Vancouver, London) to promote this movie. And at every occasion they could, they let fans attend the premiere screenings.
- And of course, we enjoyed 9 years of one of the best shows on television, thanks to those cast and crew who worked countless hours a day to keep the quality high.
Finally, I can tell you without a doubt that "these people" do care about what the fans think. It is evidenced not only by this very blog, but also in what Frank said last month -- fans have been contributing to both the DVD release and the upcoming book. I'm one of them. If you can name me any other franchise that tangibly utilizes its fan feedback as much as "The X-Files," then you earn your complaining rights back. Until then, it's safe to be excited. I promise.
Cheers,
Lisa
Boston

X-PHILE'S COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Hi Frank,
A fellow X-phile friend and myself just had to tell you about our first semester back at school. We are both freshman at different colleges, but were shocked when our favorite show popped up in some of our classes! First off, my X-phile friend, Caity, realized she was hearing the theme to XF while watching a video in her psychology class. It was simply background music. In my philosophy class my professor made an off-the-cuff comment about how, "As The X-Files always say, the truth is out there." We also had a chapter to read entitled Empedocles, needless to say we've had some interesting experiences so far. However, none will top this eerie coincidence. Caity had texted me in the morning saying she had heard the song from Orison, "Don't Look Any Further," playing in her dining hall. Later that same day she called me again to tell me she heard it a second time, different place. So, when I turned on the tv to catch XF that afternoon guess what episode was on? Our own little X File. : )
Allison
Syracuse, NY

"BOOK OF THE DEAD"

I used to be a voracious reader of Patricia Cornwell, the author of the forensically-focused Kay Scarpetta novels. This was long before my introduction to "The X-Files," but those books probably had a hand in guiding me to it. Her latest novel is called The Book of Dead and is a number one best seller in paperback. I purchased it recently and couldn't wait to see what muder mystery awaited me.
Imagine my surprise when I ran across this passage desribing the actions of a serial killer. (also see the photo). It sounded so familiar....
(Benton)"...and we don't know if he assaults his victims sexually, only that he tortures them."
(Police Captain) "I'm not sure we know that for a fact."
(Benton) "What do you call it when someone forces a woman to sit naked in a tub of cold water? And possibly dunks her?"
um..A director?
(A director at the behest of his writer?)
::evil grin::
Dr. Jennifer
Chicago

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM FRANCE

Hi! It's the French fans again!
Fifteen years ago, a lot of people were seated in front of their TV and discovered the first episodes of an intriguing and frightening new show, without knowing that it would become one of the best (or the best!) series of all times!
At that time we were just kids or young people who were closing our eyes and having nightmares at night. But we were fascinated!
Fifteen years later, some of us are still here with the ones who discovered the show a bit later with the next seasons or with the first movie or even with the second one this summer!
We've lived with "The X-Files." Scully and Mulder shared our lives for years. We've been following Gillian and David's careers for years too. But the most important thing is that we've found everything we needed thanks to the show: people to talk to from our country or from the other side of the Earth, people who became friends or even people we fell in love with.
That's why we're all reunited again today -- to wish an "Happy Birthday" to the show and to thank you -- Frank and Chris and Gillian and David as well as the cast and crew members -- for changing our lives!
Hoping that "The X-Files" (and everything related to the show) will last forever through the series, through the movies (!!!) and through the fans.
So all the fans from the french board "X-Files memories" (http://x-filesmemories.actifforum.com/) , wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY:
- "X-files has changed my life, thank you for everything" (Celine)
-"Thanks for those amazing 15 years.
You offered us more than a wonderful series, you offered us years of pure bliss, friendships.. even love for some poeple!
I will never thank you enough!!! Happy birthday to the greatest series ever!
See you soon in Paris? For X-Files 3 as you promised us?" (Roxane AKA Goldfish)
- "Although X Files is in my heart forever, I want to see an other movie in theaters, again and again. 15 years is a great life for a TV Shows, but not enough for an X Files Fan !" (The Great 'justine' Mutato)
- "French Happy Birthday to xfiles! Mulder & Scully have changed my life forever. I thank you for everything." (Amandine aka DanaLane1013)
- "Happy birthday to the best show of all times! Happy birthday to Mulder and Scully!
15 years I'm living with The X-Files and it's more and more wonderful everyday. Thank you for changing our lives! All the best to you and to the team members." (Agathe aka Ginnain)
- "Thank you for creating such a great show. Thank you for letting us open minded to something elsewhere. Thank you for creating (probably not in purpuse) such great fans, and fans communities.
Happy birthday to The X-Files!
All the best to you and to The X-Files Crew." (Timmy)
- "Thank you for what you bring in my life. I grew up with x-filesn and I wanted to thank you about this! happy birthday to you!" (Amelie aka Soko)
- "Happy Birthday X Files!
What can we say about this serie, 15 years after the beginning? Maybe nothing more than the thrill is still here!
Thank you for everything you've done, with the serie, and those two great movies!" (ELow)
- "Happy birthday .
I think that everything has been said about the numerous qualities of the show.I won't come back over the inventivness of the writers, the impeccable directing, the wonderfully mastered technique (special effects, lights, cinematography, sets, costumes.), the musical themes and the wonderful acting. But what I'll remember the most from this great adventure is that it gave way to very strong friendships and sometimes to more than friendships ! And we have to thank all the entire artistic, technical and production staff.. You made us dream, you have brought us a tremedous happiness. To tell you the truth, we'll never have enough words to thank you for that !" (arlette)
- "Happy Birthday !
Thank you for creating these great and complex characters, and for challenging us with the wonderful plots. Thank you for giving us two tremendous, beautiful, and intelligent movies. Thank you for all you did for the fans during all these years, and especially for everything you did since IWTB was given the OK.
Mulder and Scully will forever be a part in my life.
Cheers !" (Jesabelle)
- " Thank you for the last 15 years, the show was and still is a huge par of my life. Congratulations to all the members of the team". ('Tessalie')
- " Yesterday, today, tomorrow, X Files in my head ... forever. Thank you so much !" (Nisei aka Ingrid)
- "Just wish to wish you a happy birthday, and thank you so much for making us dreaming." (Rhadia)
- "Thanks for everything. The X files are forever in my heart." (Samparker)
- "Thanks for bringing Mulder and Scully in my life. I think I needed them, really." (Alexandra aka Alxfiles)
- "Thanks for all noromo episodes :) See you in Paris for the french anniversary this summer ?" (Thomas aka LeMartien)
- ''Happy birthay for 15 years x-files,Thanks for I Want To Believe Movie, but to specially all X-Files episode.'' ( lovely_mulder (lov'))
- "Happy birthday for you 15th Anniversary. Thanks for the series , the movies , Thanks for everything, X-Files had really change my life."
(Fanny)
- "Thank you for all those wonderful years" ('DanaKatherineScully')
- "Thank you for all you've done during those 15 years. Happy birthday to the X-Files!" (Stephanie)
- "Happy birthday to the best serie of all-time. Thank you for all those great episodes which made us dream so much! We all hope there will be an X-files 3. Thank you for everything ! " (Nathalie aka 'Tibooh')
- "Happy birthday X-Files and thank you Franck and Chris for Mulder and Scully for ever in my heart." (Michelle)
- "Happy birthday to this brilliant TV show I have watched since I'm 6!
Thank you to all the crew, and I keep crossing my fingers for an XF3..." (Antoine)
- "Thank you that Fithteen years of dreams x files" (Vaillant)
- "THANK YOU for the wonderful 15 years shared with Mulder & Scully!
Cheers! to you and the X-Files!" (Virginie)
- "Thank you so much for all those unforgettable X Files years! Don't give up for a third movie, we'll be here!" ('Vixen)
- "Happy Birthday to The X-Files! Thank you for this wonderful show and all you've brought to us during these 15 years! And thank you for bringing the show to the big screen, we keep hoping for a third movie!" (Josephine)
- "Thank you for giving us The X-Files, an intriguing and intelligent show!" (Victor)
- "Thank you for all the work the entire crew did for the series, during all these years, so that we were given a good quality show. Thank you for the thrills, the tears and the laughs. Happy birthday !" (Marita)

MEMENTO

Dear Mr. Spotnitz,
I've just finished watching "Milagro" on DVD (which time that was I don't even know, 15th? 20th?) Tears in my eyes, I just can't help wondering about the time that has passed since the first "X-Files" episode aired. When the series first started, I was a little girl and my parents didn't let me watch it, so every Thursday evening (in Poland the XF was on Thursdays!) I would kiss them goodnigt, leave the door of the living-room half-open and peep from behind the cupboard in the corridor... I was the happiest kid in the world. I paid the price for disobedience though: having watched "Squeeze," I was afraid to close the bathroom door (the scene in Scully's apartment!) and after "The Host" my heart would beat faster every time I'd see a drain (now a Flukeman's picture is hanging above my desk :)). Ever since childhood, I've wanted to be a writer and the first piece of prose that I wrote as a kid was an XF fanfic. Pretty lame I must say; I came up with that paranormal storyline, unbelievably complicated and developed, but whose only point was to give Scully and Mulder a chance to touch their hands and exchange "the look" :) Now, that you offered us this beautiful gift -- the second movie, I am 23 years old, I prepare two masters of literature and I work on my first novel. And Mr. Spotnitz, how shall I describe what I felt that first evening in the theater...? God, what a feeling! When I saw your name on the screen, your name that became so particularly dear to me, now that I know I entered a path similar to yours... How many things happened since I first wanted to follow this path and study literature? How shall I describe what I felt when I heared the beloved XF theme and saw those two caracters, so different now and yet still so well known? Scully's face so stunningly sculpted by time made me fall in love with her again... And Mulder with his beard that made me freeze at first and then gave me that "banana smile"... Those lines heared for the first time and yet sounding so familiar, all those blinks of an eye that only fans could notice... I broke down to tears, not exactly understanding why... I still don't understand. But I keep thinking how powerful that thing is, that thing made from countless elements that made the series what it was. I guess I couldn't really handle it again, I wasn't prepared... When the series ended on TV I admit I put the XF away, moved on quite well without the sacred ritual of watching it every week, I guess I forgot how much I loved it. But you brought something back with the movie and you made me wonder, like old times, or even more. I love "Milagro," this beautiful pearl of yours so much, because it wouldn't let me sleep at night. This sentence "Man's only power is to destroy"... God, I couldn't get it out of my mind for so long! I still get chills when I think about it. Those eternal questions about the relationship between reality and fiction, reality and language, thought and event, seeing and believing, all those crucial questions, you raised them again with the movie, maybe less directly this time... I guess this may be the last level of a film perception, the most personal one, the one that involves all your previous experiences with the series, your own story and all that's beyond the actual contents of the film. But I think that for us, the X-philes, this level is particularly important. "I Want To Believe" was more, so much more than random viewers and critics can ever know...
And there's something else... When the show was on, I became a member of a Polish XF forum where I met a whole bunch of wise, hilarious and beautiful people... There was that girl, a young writer herself, who lived not far from me. I used to talk to her a lot and learn from her with every sentence exchanged. We were seeking answers to the same questions, only with different eyes. Then one day, when we were both going through some hard times, we receded somehow... I thought I lost
her. But you, YOU, gave us a chance to find each other again. It is priceless. So how frustrating that is to depend on some stupid box-office numbers for this thing to continue! We are doing everything we can -- signing petitions, sending letters, we'll be buying the DVDs...
I just hope it will be enough and that this wonderful journey hasn't just ended. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do.
Meanwile I'm sending you endless thank yous, for everything since 1993...
Forever loving,
Aleksandra
Poland
P.S. Very best and heartfelt wishes to Mr. Carter, my hero, get well quickly! And to David.

LONG TIME COMING

Mr. Spotnitz,
First, I love you man!
I tell you, waiting to read these blogs are the highlight of my day.
I'm still counting down the days till the DVD comes out.
And happy 15! Has it really been that long? Dang lol I was only 9 when I first started watching it. Back in good old '94!
Oh, in honor of the series impact on my life I got the logo, "The X-Files" *old school style* tattoo' d onto my back http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h16/SpookyKatie/?action=view¤t=2x.jpg. (I'm marked for life!)
I plan on adding more to it *If I can think of what else to add to it. any ideas?* once I got the cash again to do it lol.
Your fan for life,
Katie! (aka) SpookyKatie

ELEVEN TIMES

Okay... I am convinced that you don't like my messages... no clue why but, oh well...
What I am writing about today, is the DVD extras. What happened to all those "scary scenes" that were supposed to make it to the Blu-Ray disc? Five minutes of deleted scenes? What? Huh? Look.. I saw this movie eleven or so times... paid full price each and every time. I've purchased all... and I do mean all, of the DVDs released of the seasons... all nine seasons in collector's editions, plus two more sets of the collector's editions of seasons where I'd watched so many times, the DVD's have worn out... I purchased all the "mythology" sets...and, even the "Revelations" set. I didn't use my movie money... still in the "Revelations" set. What I am saying, is that I am a devoted fan... have stuck by this series for more years than I'd like to ever admit... to anybody I know... But, here I am... contemplating whether or not I should pass on the DVD release of IWTB.
Why does it seem that everybody concerned, simply dropped the ball, when it comes to this movie. Does anybody even care? Frankly, I am disappointed... horribly disappointed with what we're supposedly getting. It only makes me think, even more than I already do, about leaving this whole thing behind... selling all of my things... and, I have a lot... a lot of collectibles... and move on. I won't ever, ever get this involved in something like this, again... it, generally, isn't who I am... That's what I've tried to convey to you in my posts... nothing, and I do mean nothing, has ever captured my interests, like "The X-Files" did. I simply don't watch television...period. So, in my head, that says something about the quality of the show...even in the last few seasons. So... can you understand why I am so disappointed by all of this? By Fox and, whomever else is responsible for, in my eyes, the demise of "The X-Files?" Fox had its chance to really make something incredible happen here. Sorry but, in my opinion, they've really f***ed things up here... put the final nail, in the coffin, if you will... I'm sorry if this offends you but, it's the way I feel...disappointed as hell...
Tracee
Phoenix

I'm sorry you're disappointed, Tracee. In terms of the DVD release, the extended version of the movie is more graphic and disturbing, but not substantially longer. There certainly was more material we could've included, but our interest was in releasing the best possible version of the film, not simply extending its length. Some material that we didn't think improved the film is included as deleted scenes. You should know that both the standard and the Blu-Ray releases are packed with as many features and as much bonus material as we the discs would fit. I hope you'll feel better about it after you've seen it.

TIME FLIES!

Hello Frank,
I can't believe that it's already almost two months since "The X-Files" Convencion here in Chile and XF2's release in theaters! Time flies!!... Well, I just wanted to thank you AGAIN.
This year has been great, I never imagined I would meet you and Chris in person, it is one of the best experiences of my life, I'll never forget those wonderful days, that's why I made a little video of your visit I hope you like. Here's the link: http://mx.youtube.com/watch?v=bpav-w6hGtM.
I read about Chris' condition and I hope he recovers soon! Best wishes to him!
Rita