Moderator says, "Welcome to the chat. You've just seen the premiere of season 5. WE have John Copeland and J. Michael Straczynski here to answer your questions."
Copeland says, "Hi, everyone."
Moderator says, " To ask a question press the red question mark ."
Copeland says, "Any questions, Karen?"
Moderator presents question #117 from Jax: The pilot that left the Lexington to follow the Minbari transprot in "In the begining" was that Ivonova's brother?
Copeland says, "You might tell them that Joe is having a little computer problem"
Copeland says, "Yes that was Ganya."
Copeland says, "And the reason that Ivanova wears only one earring."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #122 from Mareed: How does it feel now that S5 is underway?
Moderator presents the speakers with question #112 from Vampri: I really like the opening credits for this season. The first images are obviously from previous shows. Are all the images for this season from shows already filmed?
Copeland says, "Very good. However, we've just finished shooting ep516."
Copeland says, "Sort o"
Copeland says, "I meant to say, Sort of, Vampir."
Copeland says, "This thing is moving very slowly."
Copeland says, "Hello."
Copeland says, "Hello."
Copeland says, "Anybody out there?"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #127 from Anysia: Major overhaul in the CGI... Looks great... was is difficult, or more like an upgrade on the previous designs?
Moderator says, "My computer is moving slowly. I appologize for the delays. We're trying to get JMS on."
Copeland says, "We've continued to add more detail to our designs, but have also upgraded out network."
Straczynski enters.
Copeland says, "We try to improve on every aspect of the show from season to season."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #104 from Gfractal: why did you use the time travel theory that you did? Star Trek is a big fan of using <crappy> time travel of multiple universe theory but you opted for a simpler one where effects can preceed causes and all that will happen in the past will happen. why that particular one though?
Copeland says, "Well this is a good question for JMS>"
Moderator says, " He's working is way to the computer."
Copeland says, "Hang in there, Joe's on his way."
Copeland says, "Drum roll, please."
Straczynski says, "I don't know which approach you're referring to; I just picked the one that made sense."
Straczynski says, "Next."
Copeland says, "Yeah, he's in here."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #111 from Purple:
When did you think of the Premise of Babylon5
Straczynski says, "I came up with it in 1986/7 when I wanted to do a saga."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #142 from Ghost:
How many more movies are going to be made besides Thirdspace?
Straczynski says, "At this point, we've got one more confirmed, and discussions for more."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #143 from Anysia: Enloy the way the story line has evolved... were there any MAJOR jumping in tracks? when you thought the show wasn't going where you wanted? If so, what? (to Mr JMS)
Straczynski says, "Not any real major ones, except for Vir killing Cartagia, which was originally going to be Londo."
Straczynski says, "T"
Copeland says, ""T"?"
Straczynski says, "That sort of thing."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #145 from Zharob:
Is part of Sheridan's "story" in S5 a return of his humanity
after the war w/ Shadows and w/ Earth???
Straczynski says, "A little; we see his more human side with Delenn, certainly, and his very human frustrations dealing with the new alliance. He has to"
Straczynski says, "his roots."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #123 from Bluee: Is Captain Lockley going to soften, eventually, just as G'Kar finally did?
Copeland says, "You'll have to keep watching and find out."
Straczynski says, "No, she is what she is; G'Kar didn't so much soften as grow wiser. Lochley is a strong character, and I intend to leave her that way."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #151 from Wwjd: I think some real CHEMISTY is developing between Garibaldi and Lockley. Any comment JMS?
Straczynski says, "If you consider fire and oil chemistry, then yes."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #113 from Olcdr: Can you tell us some more about Byronn
Straczynski says, "He's going to be in about 7 episodes, and the telepath thread will prove to be one of the most important threads of the season."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #152 from Malakyte: When everything is done with Babylon 5, won't you miss anything about television working?
Straczynski says, "No, since we're talking about a follow-up series and other projects; it's like the Godfather III...every time I think I'm out, they pull me back in again."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #155 from Bluee: Can you tell us about what part of s5 will the telepath war start?
Straczynski says, "Who says it hasn't started already, in one"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #156 from Bruckner: What, if anything, has the reduced production schedule (going from 7 to 6 days) done to you?
Straczynski says, "way or another?"
Straczynski says, "Made me write faster, and strive to get it right quicker."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #157 from Starbuck: As an athiest, my first impression is that you would of excluded religion from B5 (similar to Star Trek), but instead you expanded, and developed the religons of the different races. What motivated you to do this, and what kind of challenges were they in developing the different belief systems. :-)
Straczynski says, "A writer has an obligation to be honest in his writing; the truth is, religion isn't going to go away any time soon...."
Straczynski says, "and if I have characters who believe, I must treat them as honestly as I would like to be treated."
Straczynski says, "It's a matter of not proceeding from an agenda; then it's just propaganda, not storytelling."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #162 from Korey-lurking: jms...how do you decide or know when 'you have it right'?
Straczynski says, "I never know for sure; it's always a guess, and a hope, peering out from between fingers and hoping I haven't screwed it up..."
Straczynski says, "if I ever think I've GOT IT RIGHT, I've probably gotten it wrong out of over-confidence."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #126 from Valvil: /ask Are we going to see First ones anymore?
Straczynski says, "Not as such."
Moderator presents question #166 from Ahaight: I've always been very curious about how Minbari society works. What role, if any, does money play in their economy?
Moderator presents the speakers with question #166 from Ahaight: I've always been very curious about how Minbari society works. What role, if any, does money play in their economy?
Straczynski says, "Mainly, minbari are terrible tippers, which has started more than one war by pissing off waiters and busboys."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #170 from Bruckner: Will we get to see more regarding the Minbari, Centauri and Narn society?
Straczynski says, "Absolutely, especially the Centauri, whose position becomes more important soon."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #160 from Bruckner: Has the fact that you've been together as a team for 4 years helped with that schedule?
Straczynski says, "John, you want to take that one?"
Copeland says, "Absolutely. This sched would have been next to impossible without this."
Straczynski says, "That by you is an incisive answer?"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #183 from Ahaight: How much time do you intend to devote to the tension between Garibaldi and Sheridan from their 'incident.' That doesn't seem like it would just go away overnight.
Copeland says, "Well, I'm tyring to keep it brief, but I can wax on if you wishe"
Straczynski says, "Not much time to be spent on it, since it wasn't garibaldi's fault. Now Bester/Garibaldi, that's a different situation."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #153 from Mareed: What were your biggest challenges in bringing B5 to TV?
Straczynski says, "john's repl"
Straczynski says, "john's reply shows he speaks in olde english"
Copeland says, "I think meeting the challenge of the economics"
Straczynski says, "And the challenge of working with John."
Copeland says, "As well as continually trying to improve on what we
had done before."
Copeland says, "Boy typing is a real trial tonight."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #161 from Wwjd: Can we expect Lyta to play a key role in the telepath war thread?
Straczynski says, "Very definitely. She gets involved in this in a big way, probably the most important story for her yet."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #185 from Starbuck: I loved Book #9 of you B5 novel series. Did you or would you ever consider making this a movie? Also, are we ever going to see Sinclair again?
Straczynski says, "No."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #192 from B5mislyta: Well most of this season be on the Station?
Straczynski says, "No for the movie, sinclair is always an open question"
Copeland says, "You'll get to see other places than just the station this season."
Straczynski says, "we spend more and more time away, on Centauri Prime, Narn, a few other places, but a lot is on e station, yes."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #202 from Satai_babcom: JMS, when the pilot movie was made, was the wholle story ready in your mind? Or at least, did you have a sketch of how it should be to the end?
Straczynski says, "Yeah, I saw the whole thing. That happens sometimes."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #204 from Kosh7575: Will you make an episode dealing with vorlons and koshs' background?
Straczynski says, "Nothing is planned for now, no. A question for John? (Don't want him to feel lonely there in his office with nothing but pandas to keep him company.)"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #176 from Aces_high:
Why are the alien cultures in B5 so homogeneous, unlike humans
with its multitude of religions and cultures?
Straczynski says, "Better cable TV penetration."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #207 from B5mislyta: The CGI looks great, are you doing anything anything different with it this year?
Straczynski says, "John?"
Copeland says, "We have some new animators working on the team, and we're trying to improve the way..."
Copeland says, "we compose the sequences."
Straczynski says, "We're actually using sock puppets a lot more, but not telling anyone."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #175 from Bruckner: We see a couple of new cities in the opening sequence. Where are they?
Copeland says, "We are trying for a more "organic" feel to the camera moves with the CG as well."
Straczynski says, "We've seen 'em before: Narn, Minbar and Centauri Prime."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #182 from Mareed: Will the Technomages come back?
Straczynski says, "Not in B5."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #205 from Dr_rock: An ambassador from Australia would realy be enlightened if you could possibly tell us what sort of car you drive, Mr JMS and what sort of car you would like to own if you could. This is a character revealing question of great importance to us, as a nation.
Straczynski says, "I don't drive...so the Aussies are SOL."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #210 from Wwjd: JMS. Do you ever step back and realize the immensity of what you and Mr. Copeland have accomplished?
Straczynski says, "I try not to think in those terms; if I did, it would be like looking down while still midway across the tightrope. I hope it will endure, but only you can determine that."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #212 from Eagle1: John how is it you can run such a tight an efficent ship, while other sudios in Hollywood seem to pump more money into a product that is not as good?
Copeland says, "We are not saddle with the moribund executive culture that exists in many studios and networks...."
Copeland says, "We've been left alone to organize the production on what is needed to make the machine function efficiently and without excess."
Straczynski says, "John has also never chosen to recognize that indentured slavery was outlawed some time ago."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #215 from K57:
Who "directed" the opening credits? It's really radical.
Copeland says, "Well that helps, too. :-)"
Copeland says, "Joe always comes up with the outline and narration for the opening...."
Straczynski says, "I designed the titles, and worked with the editor to get it right, and John helped on the montage stuff; it's always the two of us who design each year's titles."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #218 from Anysia:
Mr Copeland, what was the most trying task you had to do concerning
the show?
Copeland says, "then we work on it and massage it till it feels righ"
Copeland says, "It all sort of weighs on one at one time or another."
Straczynski says, "Sometimes we massage the editor until it feels right, and then the cops come."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #228 from Billbos: the aliens look even more real than before, which is hard to believe. Are you doing anything different make-up wise?
Copeland says, "If I had to pick one moment it would be resolving our labor dispute in year three"
Straczynski says, "John had the idea of using real aliens. Works nicely."
Straczynski says, "Beyond that, it's just a matter of letting our prosthetics people keep refining their craft."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #198 from Wwjd: Do you think that TNT's heavy advertisment of the show contributed to the stellar ratings or just fans following the showto its new home?
Copeland says, "It does, and they work for peanuts."
Straczynski says, "Both, I think."
Copeland says, "It has all worked together."
Straczynski says, "People couldn't find it before who wanted to, and now they have that chance. So we're adding new fans every day."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #230 from Lvbruce:
Will season 5 be the last we see of the current characters?
Copeland says, "And TNT's promotion has made folks out there aware of the sho"
Straczynski says, "S5 is the last of the B5 storyline for TV; in any follow-up series, the characters are still alive, so they could show up."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #235 from B5mislyta: Mr. S. do you have another story line in mind for after Babylon 5 is finished? If so is it scifi?
Straczynski says, "Yes, there is a follow-up series to B5 in the works, and other non-B5 projects as well, some SF some not."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #238 from Eagle1: JMS, you have always given us the impression that you are a very upfront and honest person when it comes to matters concerning the show. How has this helped and hurt you while trying to put this show on the air, and keeping it there?
Straczynski says, "It's hard because I do try to be honest, when I'm accused otherwise. That kinda makes me wonder why I'm doing all this, because the point of the experiment is ruined if I'm not straightforward, so I'm honest about this stuff."
Straczynski says, "But that's more the exception to the rule; usually it elicits a good reaction from folks who sense I'm being straight with them."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #223 from Ahaight: Tracy Scroggins looks like she will be an interesting addition to the series. Was there anything in particular that made her stand out to you?
Straczynski says, "John?"
Straczynski says, "For me, it was her strength of character and presence."
Copeland says, "She was able to go toe to toe with Jerry was a good start."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #208 from Bruckner:
How have the ratings been on the season one episodes?
Copeland says, "TNT has been pleased over all with the reruns."
Straczynski says, "Excellent. Far above expectations."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #217 from B5mislyta:
Mr. S/ I see you are writting most of this season also, How
are you holding up? :-)
Straczynski says, "I'm just finnnnnnnnnnnnnn>......<thud>"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #244 from Wwjd:
You have always maintained a presence online. Will this
continue in the next series?
Copeland says, "Opps, get the nurse, Joe's down again."
Straczynski says, "Tell her to get down here too..."
Straczynski says, "Yeah, I'll be online then too, but not nearly as much as now; this has been a special case."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #248 from Bluee:
what motivated you to become so available to the fans of b5
via the internet, in my experience this kind of accessibility by a shows
creator and/or writer and/or producer has never been done before?
Copeland says, "You know we can't do that after the settlemen"
Copeland says, "It's an obligation to respond to our fans and it keeps us honest.."
Straczynski says, "Because I'm a fan, and this is what I'd like if I were basically just a fan looking on; also, this is part of an experiment to document every aspect of a show's production."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #216 from Malakyte: Did you had the computer graphics utilisation in mind when you started B5, or were you thinking of something else?
Straczynski says, "No, I had been figuring mainly conventional models. CGI came later."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #254 from Anysia: Mr Copeland... I have noticed that many of the Star Furies manuvers resemble tactics used in WWII fighter squadrons... is that where you got some of the formations and tactics?
Copeland says, "The rapid advance of technology was something that we were able to ..."
Copeland says, "take advantage of."
Copeland says, "Somewhat, all of our formations and tactics have been altered for zero g in...."
Copeland says, "most repects."
Straczynski says, "You should see John in his office, using a toy plane to strafe his desk, nad making "vroom-vroom" sounds...it's SOOOO cute."
Copeland says, "However, the WWII feel was something that we consciously went for as it gives more texture to the show."
Copeland says, "You're just jealous cuz all you have are dolls"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #253 from Dr_rock: JMS, Do you think that perhaps you are addicted to writing ? :)
Straczynski says, "Yeah, but they're anatomically correct B5 dolls."
Copeland says, "Why wouldn't they be anatomically correct."
Straczynski says, "Yes, in many ways, I am...I get twitchy if I'm not writing, I'm always doing something, because I go nuts otherwise. It's the ONLY thing I can do well."
Straczynski says, "John: because of the other settlement."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #266 from Billbos: will any new races be appearing this season?
Copeland says, "Yes."
Straczynski says, "A couple."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #255 from Billbos: are you pioneering any new CGI effects, or just refining the techniques that already exist?
Straczynski says, "John?"
Copeland says, "We are trying to push the envelope in severasl new directions this seasonb."
Copeland says, "Boy I'm all thumbs all of a sudden."
Copeland says, "We're experimenting with virtual locations."
Copeland says, "As opposed to just virtual sets as we have in the pa"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #273 from B5mislyta: Do you feel that the move to TNT is going to be a big plus for the Series?
Copeland says, "That should have read "past.""
Straczynski says, "Yeah, it'll expose us t folks who might ot tne into the Sci-Fi channel, for instance, thus bringing in fans of a more mainstream background. And we appeal a lot to them folks."
Copeland says, "Absolutely, moving to TNT gives everyone in the US one station and a consistent time to see the show."
Straczynski says, "Last questions...?"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #268 from Eagle1: Who do you go to for advice when you need to formulate Zero-G tatics?
Straczynski says, "John?"
Copeland says, "Well, many of us grew up watching NASA simulations during space missions...."
Copeland says, "that's a start, if we run into something extremely tricky we have folks at both NASA and JPL we can turn to."
Straczynski says, "I grew up watching the Patty Duke show and watching her tactics."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #293 from Bruckner: John. Will we see the Flying Tigers logo again?
Straczynski says, "Now we all dress like her."
Copeland says, "However, most of the stuff we work out in house as movement in zero g is a matter of inertia and the application of practical physics"
Moderator presents the speakers with question #294 from Jkrog: Many other directors and producers have remarked in the past that they have enjoyed working for Ted, how have you felt about your time at Turner so far?
Copeland says, "You may be seeing the AVG logos again."
Straczynski says, "(Don't you love it when he talks like that?)"
Straczynski says, "Turner/TNT has been nothing but terrific; they've been supportive, friendly, they understand the sh ow, we love 'em."
Copeland says, "AVG stands for the American Volunteer Group and they were the original Flyiung tigers"
Copeland says, "TNT has been/is wonderful. They are totally supportive of B5 and we look forward to an ongoing relationship with them."
Straczynski says, "It also stands for Also Very Goy, which applies to both John and myself."
Copeland says, "You betcha."
Moderator says, "Thanks your support and participation. We will do more of these in the future. Thank you Joe and John for being here tonight."
Straczynski says, "Absolutely Venal Grouches."
Copeland says, "That too."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #300 from B5mislyta: You guys are a scream ! Thanks for the chat!!!
Copeland says, "Thanks, it's been lfun this evening."
Straczynski says, "hasta la bye-bye."
Copeland leaves.
Straczynski leaves.
Moderator says, " Remember to exit the auditorium press the yellow box and return to the comlink"
Moderator says, "Otherwise you will automatically go into the Auditorium next nime you enter the comlink."
Moderator presents the speakers with question #314 from Zharob: will there be a log available somwehere???
Moderator says, "I'll look into it. Look for a messge in the culturalcenter. Karen"
Moderator says, "Thank you. Good night."
Moderator leaves.
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