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Sy-Fy seeks new space opera

I lay blame squarely where it belongs Dennis.
Nope. You really believe that UPN cancelled Star Trek Enterprise because Moonves "hates science fiction?" :guffaw:
Nasty habit that. Putting words in other people's mouths... Second time in the same evening you've done that, by first alledging I would have reason to blame Berman for everything... a stereotype that plenty of posters here fall into, but not me.

As I gather, it was more a case of unprofessionalism between Moonves and Berman... coupled with the change who would've owned the TV side of the production company had a fifth season gone ahead. I'm afraid there's no doubt all roads lead in one direction and Enterprise's chances had nothing to do with ratings. Moonves didn't want to be seen lying in an official company statement, so had a departing Paramount Executive do it for him. During Season Four, he was quoted in a late 2004 issue of Titan's Star Trek Magazine as being very pleased with the ratings... if I'm not mistaken.

Or that CBS would market and produce a series in spite of the corporation's CEO, thus giving you the hypothetical chance to "see the look on his face" as your post originally stated? :guffaw: :guffaw:
Then of course, Gail Berman (former head of Paramount Pictures) more or less had to ask "down on bended knee" for 12 months extension on the rights to Star Trek, in order to develop JJ Abrams' pitch.
 
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Let someone come up with a new variation on the space opera premise.

Well, mashing together two different genres worked for Star Trek and Firefly.

Hmm...

Scrubs meets Babylon 5?
That's James White's Sector General novels. Didn't they already try a SF hospital in space series, Mercy Point or something?

I have a couple of ideas, but I'm talking about them here... you'll only steal them! Steal them! Because you are wicked and tricksy! You shall not steal my precious!!
 
Maybe they should do a series about colonizing Mars that would span over few centuries.
 
I guess Stargate Universe doesn't qualify as a space opera then? :wtf:
 
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I guess Stragate Universe doesnt' qualify as a space opera then? :wtf:

Maybe it really takes Stargate in a different direction. Maybe SyFy has no faith in the series. Maybe they're on the look out for another science fiction space opera. Who knows?
 
I guess Stargate Universe doesnt' qualify as a space opera then? :wtf:

Maybe it really takes Stargate in a different direction. Maybe SyFy has no faith in the series. Maybe they're on the look out for another science fiction space opera. Who knows?

Clearly they want something new but that doesn't mean they should overlook what they've already got.
 
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After ABC cancels Defying Gravity, SyFy can pick it up. Solves their problems right there. Of course, they'd have to slash the budget considerably, and then it won't look anything like it did on ABC so whatever fans followed them over to SyFy will just get pissed and stop watching.
 
Preferably a brand new IP.

Shallow wants:-
Hot women
FUN - I want it to be fun!
Space battles should be reserved for the finale.
A monkey - failing that a robot monkey with a ray gun. (optional)
Decent space ship designs

Non-Shallow wants:-
Character developments on B5 level
A kooky, attractive, supersmart female scientist as the lead.
Nothing to do with the military or an organisation.
As little use of hand weapons as possibly.
The show should have a definitive start and end, with elements such as romance fully planned out before the show even starts.
Speaking of romance please lets not have yet another badly matched couple in sci-fi.
As little technobabble as possible
Aliens who look alien - must rarely appear to increase their shock value.
The story should be propelled by the characters and revolve around them.
A long lasting, thought out plot.
 
I've found that the make-it-up-as-you-go-along shows are generally more fun, creative and wear better. Examples: the original Star Trek and Farscape.
 
Wonder why they don't consider Stargate Universe to be "space opera" enough?

Thinking about it, I think it's telling that they make the Firefly comparison in the original article. Stargate Universe looks to be getting as far away from that vein of science fiction as the franchise has been, nearly in Battlestar Galactica territory if the trailers are indicative of anything. Perhaps it's the lighter tone that SyFy is looking for?
 
I would say dig out some of old classics and base a series around them. Lensman, Foundation, etc.


They would necessarily need to be updated somewhat. At least I wouldn't be interested in a show where women are still homemakers thousands of years in the future. Nuclear-powered kitchen knives notwithstanding. :D

I wonder if Marc Miller would be interested in liscensing Traveller?


Do you mind if I PM/Email you about this? Call me paranoid but I don't wanna put my information out on an open forum. Delusions of grandeur, I know.


You can register a treatment, outline, or script with the Writer's Guild Of America to provide dated proof of ownership if anyone ever steals it. Link. The fee is $20 for nonmembers.


Honor Harrington series.


Sure, in an alternate universe where they have a budget. :)


Marian
 
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