CBS/Paramount sues to stop Axanar

[Bixby]

So, what professional writing credits are you suggesting are missing from Gerrold's IMDb page? Based on his official bio (http://www.gerrold.com/bio/) it appears the answer is none.

Specifically, I know of none, but he could be working as a consultant, on project development...he could even be writing under a pseudonym, much like Stephen King did as Richard Bachman years ago...all of which wouldn't necessarily be covered in an official bio nor IMDB.
Or sure he may have moved on from live-action production entirely. I just choose not to assume based on flimsy information.

 

[mos6507]

It upsets me that Peters keeps updating his blog and Oliva is ending his blog.

Neil

I still found it here. It's just not indexed off the homepage.

http://skipoliva.com/index.php/category/axanar-litigation/

 

[controlfreak]

Specifically, I know of none, but he could be working as a consultant, on project development...he could even be writing under a pseudonym, much like Stephen King did as Richard Bachman years ago...all of which wouldn't necessarily be covered in an official bio nor IMDB.
Or sure he may have moved on from live-action production entirely. I just choose not to assume based on flimsy information.

Well, he is very much involved with the Phase II fan production, so I would trust his knowledge in this instance, but he does have more than a little skin in this game. What is happening with Axanar could effect other fan productions clearly.

 

[Albinator]

Specifically, I know of none, but he could be working as a consultant, on project development...he could even be writing under a pseudonym, much like Stephen King did as Richard Bachman years ago...all of which wouldn't necessarily be covered in an official bio nor IMDB.
Or sure he may have moved on from live-action production entirely. I just choose not to assume based on flimsy information.

If he were working in any capacity on a legitimate, major studio production-- the kind where his day-to-day work would give him insight into the current studio system-- it would probably be on his IMDB page, and he'd be talking about publicly.

Acting as a consultant to an indy project so small it doesn't make IMDB probably doesn't give him any kind of inside knowledge of how Paramount currently operates.

 

[Red Shirt]

We stand with you in solidarity Skip. What they are doing is not right. These are not the actions of anyone that proclaims to be a fan of Star Trek.

 

[Bixby]

Perhaps he is, but there is no question the industry has changed-- in many respects. The entertainment business has changed drastically, skewed now towards more blockbuster franchise fare as the primary means of studio output..

I do believe I mentioned that when I spoke about how studios are now run by corporations and businessmen.

With streaming content and providers the landscape has even in just the last 5 years seen a fundamental shift in how movies are consumed AND produced.
The way big brands like Star Trek and Marvel are managed has changed too, and how they protect the IP has evolved.
With the advent of social media, blogs and websites that exploded since the late 90s, even the way companies litigate has changed; Lucasfilm was notorious for shutting down every fan site in the mid 90s before standard practices were established for fan content.

Now this isn't the filmmaking business, this is studio business

 

[urbandefault]

I don't think Gerrold's recent credentials really matter at this point. What I do think matters is that he's chosen to side with a sinking ship. That makes me wonder what investment he might have in the production.

 

[muCephi]

Its interesting how much this story seems to be following mirror Enterprise/Archer.

 

[Squiggy]

only when they are enabled by someone

It's going to get VERY quiet out there when that someone is legally blocked from enabling anyone.

Cults dont last very long when there isn't anyone to mix the kool-aid.

 

[Albinator]

Now this isn't the filmmaking business, this is studio business

Well than perhaps I misunderstand.

Please define "filmmaking business" and how that gives him any structural insight into how Paramount/CBS (the studios) are handling of this lawsuit. I thought that was what was at issue.

 

[JoeRalat]

Alec seems to be selling his props. He has posted a few on his Facebook prop page.

 

[Bixby]

If he were working in any capacity on a legitimate, major studio production-- the kind where his day-to-day work would give him insight into the current studio system-- it would probably be on his IMDB page, and he'd be talking about publicly..

Not every job gets put on an IMDB page...you people have to stop thinking as if that website has encyclopedic value...And also, sometimes we sign Non-disclosure agreements when we take on an assignment. We get paid, but we take no public credit...

Acting as a consultant to an indy project so small it doesn't make IMDB probably doesn't give him any kind of inside knowledge of how Paramount currently operates.

Again, you wrongly equate the filmmaking business with studio business.

 

[muCephi]

It's going to get VERY quiet out there when that someone is legally blocked from enabling anyone.

Cults dont last very long when there isn't anyone to mix the kool-aid.

honestly, I don't think it is a cult. I think it is a lot of people who are really, understandably attracted to getting to be part of a Trek project for themselves. their enabler apparently didn't pay attention to, or perhaps disregarded the legal consequences of how it was set up. so yes, it will go dark when they can't have access to Trek; but no, I don't really think they are a cult. The cult part is just an unfortunate type of mold in the air that starts growing on anything it can find.

 

[Albinator]

Again, you wrongly equate the filmmaking business with studio business.

Again, if I am wrongly conflating two different things, then define what you speak of as the "filmmaking business". Telling me I don't understand isn't helpful unless you tell me what i'm missing.

What exactly do you mean by "filmmaking business" that Gerrold knows so well, and how does it give him inside knowledge of how Paramount/CBS (the studios) are handling of this lawsuit?

I thought that was what was at issue, but perhaps I am wrong.

 

[Bixby]

Well than perhaps I misunderstand.

Please define "filmmaking business" and how that gives him any structural insight into how Paramount/CBS (the studios) are handling of this lawsuit. I thought that was what was at issue.

By filmmaking business, I mean exactly what I say, Gerrold as a longtime worker on the Hollywood scene has knowledge on writing, filmproducing, casting, how to sell some shows, developping,...etc. That's the filmmaking business.
Studio business is the producing aspect (he likely knows some aspects of that), marketing, financing, bookkeeping, overseas sales, merchandising. I'm pretty sure he's not an expert at those and wouldn't brand himself as one (ha, even the people working those jobs are not often experts)

 

[The Lensman]

honestly, I don't think it is a cult. I think it is a lot of people who are really, understandably attracted to getting to be part of a Trek project for themselves. their enabler apparently didn't pay attention to, or perhaps disregarded the legal consequences of how it was set up. so yes, it will go dark when they can't have access to Trek; but no, I don't really think they are a cult. The cult part is just an unfortunate type of mold in the air that starts growing on anything it can find.

More "cultish" than a "cult".

 

[Albinator]

By filmmaking business, I mean exactly what I say, Gerrold as a longtime worker on the Hollywood scene has knowledge on writing, filmproducing, casting, how to sell some shows, developping,...etc. That's the filmmaking business.
Studio business is the producing aspect (he likely knows some aspects of that), marketing, financing, bookkeeping, overseas sales, merchandising. I'm pretty sure he's not an expert at those and wouldn't brand himself as one (ha, even the people working those jobs are not often experts)

That's what I figured. But how does knowing how to make a film give him any insight into Paramount's handling of this lawsuit? He is acting as if he has inside info on studio business when he hasn't worked with a studio for decades. That's all I'm saying.

 

[Albinator]

...because it's the marketing, brand management, licensing, legal and studio business that is at the heart of this lawsuit. Not the filmmaking aspect.

 

[jespah]

Alec seems to be selling his props. He has posted a few on his Facebook prop page.

He's certainly entitled to sell stuff he owns, like anyone else is.

 

[Red Shirt]

It's going to get VERY quiet out there when that someone is legally blocked from enabling anyone.

Cults dont last very long when there isn't anyone to mix the kool-aid.

honestly, I don't think it is a cult. I think it is a lot of people who are really, understandably attracted to getting to be part of a Trek project for themselves. their enabler apparently didn't pay attention to, or perhaps disregarded the legal consequences of how it was set up. so yes, it will go dark when they can't have access to Trek; but no, I don't really think they are a cult. The cult part is just an unfortunate type of mold in the air that starts growing on anything it can find.

Looking at how Peters acts and talks, as well as his followers, Axanarology appears cultist to me.

Robert Jay Lifton's Eight Point Model of Thought Reform
http://freeminds.org/psych/thought_reform.htm

1. ENVIRONMENT CONTROL. Limitation of many/all forms of communication with those outside the group. Books, magazines, letters and visits with friends and family are taboo. "Come out and be separate!"

2. MYSTICAL MANIPULATION. The potential convert to the group becomes convinced of the higher purpose and special calling of the group through a profound encounter/experience, for example, through an alleged miracle or prophetic word of those in the group.

3. DEMAND FOR PURITY. An explicit goal of the group is to bring about some kind of change, whether it be on a global, social, or personal level. "Perfection is possible if one stays with the group and is committed."

4. CULT OF CONFESSION. The unhealthy practice of self disclosure to members in the group. Often in the context of a public gathering in the group, admitting past sins and imperfections, even doubts about the group and critical thoughts about the integrity of the leaders.

5. SACRED SCIENCE. The group's perspective is absolutely true and completely adequate to explain EVERYTHING. The doctrine is not subject to amendments or question. ABSOLUTE conformity to the doctrine is required.

6. LOADED LANGUAGE. A new vocabulary emerges within the context of the group. Group members "think" within the very abstract and narrow parameters of the group's doctrine. The terminology sufficiently stops members from thinking critically by reinforcing a "black and white" mentality. Loaded terms and clichés prejudice thinking.

7. DOCTRINE OVER PERSON. Pre-group experience and group experience are narrowly and decisively interpreted through the absolute doctrine, even when experience contradicts the doctrine.

8. DISPENSING OF EXISTENCE. Salvation is possible only in the group. Those who leave the group are doomed.