Michael Faries Field: BSG.com Webmaster Website: BattlestarGalactica.com Email: [email protected]

And if you're curious, Michael does have additional web projects on his current calendar, ranging from web development projects around another popular 1970s science fiction series, plus preparing for Richard Hatch's next project, "The Great War of Magellan."

BGR: Our obvious first question is: What got you hooked on Battlestar Galactica?

MF: What got me hooked? I was an eleven year old with a subscription to Starlog magazine. Before the show started, I was spellbound by various articles, plus Ralph McQuarrie's pre-production sketches and the myriad assortments of photographs. Then I read the novel. You can see how the show made a strong impression before it even aired. I specifically remember the first three hour television movie on Sunday, September 17, 1978, plus the subsequent episodes. It was a fun television show.

MF: It's a culmination of different events.

The first motivation came from original series star, Richard Hatch. I remember picking up Richard's first novel, "Battlestar Galactica: Armageddon" in early 1998, followed months later by "Battlestar Galactica: Warhawk." The books were astounding. Richard had found the spiritual, dramatic power within Glen A. Larson's creations and reignited it thousand-fold. Once again, I was faced with the trials and tribulations of childhood heroes, twenty years past. And this time, Richard fueled their presences with evocative storytelling, deeper character insights, and progressive revelations. Richard reminded us what was special -- and hauntingly unique -- about this series.

Before reading the novels, I knew Richard was attempting to revive the show. The books made that dream convincingly real. Richard had evolved the right formula for Battlestar Galactica's return. How could this show not be produced? More people needed to speak up!

The second motivation came from the web site development. In building BattlestarPegasus.com, I had a platform to express Richard's message to the masses. Richard had started it with his RichardHatch.com site; the momentum was infectious. Everyone had a common theme: Bring back the original cast, characters and themes - and introduce new elements which somehow remain true to the original series. It was -- and is -- a recipe for success. And it has motivated me to promote the revival of Battlestar Galactica.

BGR: Did you think you would get so deeply involved?

MF: Can I answer yes and no? (wry smile) Frankly, I was deeply involved with Battlestar Galactica since the first time I learned about the series. I was drawn deeper when I watched the 1978-79 television series. (And I was equally repulsed by the travesty known as Galactica: 1980.) On the flipside, I didn't envision myself building these Battlestar web sites, or working with/befriending some of the original actors to the degree that I did.

BGR: Tell us about your development of BattlestarPegasus.com.

MF: Do you want the long version or the short version? (laughing) I mentioned being genuinely inspired by Richard. Well, in 1998, there weren't very many Battlestar web sites to draw inspiration from. In fact, it was a miasmic mess; I felt there were a handful of quality sites on the 'net. Someone needed to take the plunge and create an uber-site. Something which encompassed more facets of Battlestar Galactica than all of the sites combined. To me, a site like "The Lurker's Guide of Babylon 5" is a great example of an information-rich resource for a television show. (And it would later provide the inspiration for BattlestarPegasus.com.)

So, in September 1998, I planned to attend the Battlestar Galactica 20th Yahren Reunion event in Los Angeles, CA. I had hoped to have an in-depth conversation with Richard about activating his BattlestarGalactica.com domain. At the time, I was project managing the construction of a multi-million dollar web site for SGI (Silicon Graphics). As the Fates would have it, we worked non-stop through that weekend.

While disappointed, I resolved to chart my own course. Months later, I acquired BattlestarPegasus.com on the twenty year anniversary of "The Living Legend, Part II" (the last appearance of the Pegasus). It also allowed me to pay homage to the late, great actor, Lloyd Bridges (Commander Cain of the battlestar Pegasus) who was a favorite of mine. Ironically, my father's fraternity brethren at UCLA were Beau and Jeff Bridges. There's a family connection. ;-)

BGR: Just as interesting, tell us about your the development of BattlestarGalactica.com.

MF: Jack Stauffer and I were talking one morning, and the topic of Glen Larson's Battlestar site came up. I asked Jack, "So, why isn't Richard doing anything with BattlestarGalactica.com? Richard is missing a prime opportunity to communicate his Battlestar vision to the fans." So, Jack said to hold on, as he's calling Richard about it. Ten minutes later, Richard calls me. We spent over an hour getting to know one another while we discussed the potentials for building a fan-based Battlestar Galactica web site. It was the beginning of a friendship between us, too.

95% of what we theorized for the web site is what you see on BattlestarGalactica.com today. In fact, that 95% existed when we launched the site. Construction on BattlestarGalactica.com took place over two months; we unveiled it prior to Richard's presentation of his Battlestar trailer at the August 1999 San Diego Comic Con.

BGR: Haven't you been tempted to "tell all" about the inner workings of Richard's productions/work?

MF: No way. I value Richard's friendship tremendously. We find ourselves mentoring one another when we get together. Richard has shown a tremendous amount of trust in me and my professionalism. From my corporate perspective, I deal with classified, mission critical information on a daily basis at work. In communications with Richard, I'm privy to a lot of information. That same professionalism exists between us.

BGR: What's the most commonly requested item on BattlestarGalactica.com?

MF: Everyone wants to see the trailer. I mean EVERYONE. I don't blame them. Richard created a masterpiece. It evokes raw emotions on numerous levels, for new and old fans alike. I know we are missing a major opportunity to promote Richard's vision of Galactica. I wish we could present the trailer on the web sites; we can't, due to Screen Actors Guild considerations for making the trailer.

BGR: We're curious to learn more about Realm Press, the publishers of the official Battlestar Galactica comic books. What got you moving in the direction of working with them?

MF: With BattlestarPegasus.com operational, and BattlestarGalactica.com under development, I was contacted by Jeff (J.C.) Vaughn, who was working for Realm at the time. Both he and Mark Haynes (President/publisher) sent their compliments about the web site. Since I was in full Battlestar promotion mode, I asked how I could help publicize/promote their work. The working relationship followed.

In fact, in August 1999, I took the entire BattlestarGalactica.com web development team to the San Diego Comic Con for the official unveiling of Richard's trailer. On the same day, we sat down with the Realm Press team. Those meetings started true friendships which have deepened greatly over the past year.

Around January 2000, Realm Press underwent another restructuring and I was asked to come aboard as the Director of Marketing, starting with "Battlestar Galactica: Eve of Destruction Prelude." I love Battlestar Galactica. I love marketing. And I find it challenging to bring readers their three or four dollars' worth of entertainment.

BGR: How do you see Realm Press impacting the dynamics of the revival?

MF: Since Battlestar Galactica is a twenty+ year old property, I think it impacts the revival by its mere presence. There is little to no active merchandising for the Battlestar Galactica license; we're one of the only companies who bring new products to market each month. While I'm obviously biased, I think any purchase of Realm's Battlestar Galactica comic books is a measure of support for the show, and a future revival. When a company like Universal Studios (owners of the Battlestar Galactica property) sees that fans want related products, it signals support for the show. The more support, the more interest.

Corporations are driven by quantitative metrics. What is the profit potential? What markets will drive successful margins? Imagine if Realm Press decided to discontinue Battlestar Galactica comic books. That action would send a minor message to Universal: Battlestar Galactica isn't desirable; the fans aren't interested. But it's a valid message. And I don't personally see other companies who are willing to pick up the Battlestar Galactica publishing license in this sluggish comic book market.

BGR: Currently, Realm Press is THE source of new Battlestar Galactica material. How do you think the eventual revival will shape the stories yet to be produced?

MF: I think the revival is already having an impact on stories, current and unproduced. I can't comment on what future stories will entail. I sincerely hope, though, that Richard Hatch's production efforts become reality. Richard has plans for the Battlestar universe which will make it an irresistible environment to create new stories. I hope we'll have that chance.

BGR: What will Realm Press do when the show is successfully revived?

MF: It's all about licensing. When a new Battlestar television show and/or movie is eventually produced, the licensing is divided into old versus new. Obviously, the licensee wants a focus on the newer product. But I think we'll see both old and new Battlestar stories told, in one forum or another. If Richard Hatch's project is successful--and I think it will be--then I think Realm Press will attempt to produce both new and old Battlestar Galactica tales. No promises, though.

BGR: Will you adapt Richard's Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming trailer production to comic books?

MF: (shaking his Magic 8-Ball^TM) "Better not tell you now."

BGR: We can only hope. Tell us, the original Realm Press had it's share of problems. What's the difference here?

MF: I think the number one problem with the original Realm Press was the lack of products shipping on time. Many independent publishers are at a disadvantage; the cash flow is limited. I think the original Realm Press strived to produce the best Battlestar comic books ever seen. And artist Chris Scalf -- with the later addition of writer James Kuhoric -- delivered, and delivered well. But the books weren't shipped regularly, as solicited, due to production problems. And comic book vendors are shaky enough about independent publishers. That didn't help Realm's reputation. We're actively working, via our recent restructuring, to change that image.

BGR: Can you give us some more details regarding Realm Press's "Battlestar Galactica Technical Manual"?

MF: Absolutely. I'll preface this by saying: If you're a Battlestar fan, new or old, you MUST seek out this comic book. And that's not mere hype. There hasn't been an official Battlestar Galactica product quite like this.

"The Battlestar Galactica Technical Journal" is a brand-new comic book limited series from Realm Press. Our publisher, Mark Haynes, devised the series. And Mark is also writing issue #1, which focuses on the Galactica.

The part that's tremendously exciting to me: I asked Mike McAdams and Ken Thomson, Jr., whom I know from Richard Hatch's "Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming" trailer, if they were available for illustration work. These two gentlemen are incredibly gifted. Mike created the incredible battlestar CG model which was used in the trailer. Ken did an assortment of amazing CG work, including rotoscoping and character animation work.

So, instead of using hand-drawn illustrations as was originally planned, the comic book became a VERY slick, near-photographic production. In essence, the Technical Journal is a Colonial Warrior's guide to familiarizing himself with the tech/mech of the fleet. In the first issue, the Technical Journal shows the Galactica, ten yahrens since the original series ended. You'll see interior shots of the Galactica, including the bridge; cutaways (the landing bays, the battlestar's engines, the Viper); and some incredibly stylish exterior shots. Plus a few surprises thrown in.

BGR: Surprises? Don't hold back...

MF: Here's one example. During the planning sessions, Mike took one of my suggestions and put it into the Viper cutaway rendering. If you're familiar with the 1970s Mattel Battlestar Galactica Viper toy, you'll recognize what I'm alluding to.

BGR: Is it possible to view the Technical Journal online?

MF: If you go to http://www.jmjmedia.com you will see more information about the book. Plus I posted an Acrobat file with a special sample image from the comic book. There is also a Web Roundtable with further discussions on the Technical Journal with Mike, Ken and myself. We're cooking some gourmet Galactica over here.

Spread the word: The book comes out in late June 2000. And this book was not heavily ordered; the print run is limited. In other words, it will be hard to find, and probably a collector's item in time. It is an incredible collection of original images, not a rehash of old studio photographs or replicas. And the artists worked very hard to keep it true to the original. Both Ken and Mike deserve a lot of credit for that.

BGR: What do you have planned for the second issue?

MF: If sales are strong enough to warrant a second issue, then we'll see a focus on the "Ships of the Fleet." Without giving away specifics, you'll see some old favorites, and some new ones, too. I do want to tease readers with this: Ever wonder what the Pegasus might have looked like, ten yahrens since the end of "The Living Legend, Part II"? Well, I definitely do. Perhaps we'll explore that.

BGR: What are your hopes for the future of Battlestar Galactica?

MF: First and foremost: That Hollywood has an enlightenment about Battlestar Galactica. For starters, the profit potentials are enormous; the show is still recognized worldwide; and this is a franchise epic in the making.

I think attempting to predict the future of a new Battlestar Galactica production (for this year) is like trying to guess where the stock market will close at the end of the day. It has been a roller coaster ride since Richard announced his Battlestar project (and the trailer), followed by Glen Larson's Battlestar announcements.

BGR: What do you see further down the road for Realm Press?

MF: Again, licensing is the key factor. Whatever happens with Battlestar Galactica affects the licensing, and the ability to continue publishing the books. For the short term, I think Realm Press will continue with its line of classic Battlestar Galactica comic books.

If you're curious about planned releases, then silence is golden. The old Realm Press received some flack for pre-announcing books which never shipped. In my new position, that won't happen again -- at least, not without good reason.

BGR: What about the web sites? BattlestarPegasus.com and BattlestarGalactica.com?

MF: BattlestarPegasus.com: I'm working on expanded content creation, particularly in the episode analyses area, plus more CGI models and meshes. BattlestarPegasus.com has endured major update lags over the past year as the focus went to BattlestarGalactica.com. As a result, the site has languished. I'm actually re-energizing the site, beginning this summer, with help from various content contributors.

BattlestarGalactica.com: The original plan for BattlestarGalactica.com consisted of monthly magazine update: The content would rollover once a month, with regular contributions by fans. We're nearing the one year mark for BattlestarGalactica.com; the site will continue to promote the show. More time and energy is being directed at other projects, though, as we wait for Universal Studios and Glen A. Larson to finalize the licensing/ownership issues. I won't say what we're planning, once Universal gives Richard the green light to produce his Battlestar Galactica production. I will say that it is entirely possible -- and probable -- that the site will metamorph into something different, whether by Richard's choice or Universal's or ?? I hope to be a part of it, in one capacity or another. But I'm not holding my breath.

BGR: What do you feel about all the parts of the revival efforts? In other words, how do you see all the various efforts being put forth working together?

MF: I think there have been tremendous strides in co-ordinating a Battlestar Galactica revival effort. Various individuals have banded together to support each others' efforts, via the Internet. For a television series that hasn't seen all-new episodes in twenty+ years, I think the outpouring of support has been fabulous. Everyone has an idea of what they want to see in a new Battlestar Galactica production. Some people clash on the concepts. Bottom line: People want the show back. And many feel that Richard has the right formulas.

I do wish there were more supporters, though. People have clamored for Richard's trailer; people have written rave reviews about the trailer. Unless those communications are directed at StudiosUSA and Universal Studios, it does little good. People need to provide feedback through the Revival pages that you offer, or on Chris Feehan's Battlestar Homepage site or any of the Revival pages on BattlestarGalactica.com or BattlestarPegasus.com.

BGR: In closing, what would you like to see from a new Battlestar Galactica franchise?

MF: Success. Success for highly-creative people like Richard Hatch and Jack Stauffer whom have worked very hard to promote/reinvigorate this science fiction series. Success to original cast members like Dirk Benedict, Terry Carter, Herb Jefferson, Jr., Anne Lockhart and others.

The heart and soul of Battlestar Galactica is the exploration of the origins of humanity and the origins of mythology, not special f/x extravaganzas. I think Battlestar Galactica deserves a chance to continue its epic flight into adventure and exploration. As the Colonials are seeking Earth, we're seeking them, too -- to tell stories which touch upon the core essence of who and what we are. And I pray creative individuals like Richard, who give a damn about those stories, are able to bring them to us.

Captain Apollo cover for "Battlestar Galactica" Copyright Realm Press. Artist: Chris Scalf.

Borellian Nomen cover for "Battlestar Galactica" Copyright Realm Press. Artist: Chris Scalf.