'A LOVE LETTER TO THE CAST AND CREW OF FIREFLY' or 'HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND TRUST THE SUDDEN AND INEVITABLE BETRAYAL OF THE DINOSAUR'. by viggenboy

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

'A LOVE LETTER TO THE CAST AND CREW OF FIREFLY' or 'HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND TRUST THE SUDDEN AND INEVITABLE BETRAYAL OF THE DINOSAUR'.

POSTED BY: VIGGENBOY
UPDATED: Thursday, September 29, 2005 21:01
SHORT URL:
VIEWED: 5701
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Monday, May 9, 2005 1:56 PM

VIGGENBOY

You know that feeling? The one that happens the day after that ridiculous road trip that started at 2 in the morning in an attempt to find an all night convenience store because one of you got hungry and the rest of you were bored, and you're listening to your favorite music and quoting your favorite pop culture references, and in general are just being stupid in a way that becomes a second language to you, as you drive along in your friend's piece of shit car that you have to envy because you don't even have a piece of shit? The feeling you get when you remember those moments that were born out of no great agenda, priority, responsibility, or anything that could re remotely construed as "adult"? The subtle feeling that at first only hints to you, but years down the road lets you in on the secret that those stupid moments of nothing are truly as good as life gets? You know the feeling I'm talking about?

This show gives me that feeling. And I love it.

This is a thank you to whomever might read it that was in any way, shape or form involved in Firefly. I'm new. I just got let in on the secret last week. It was demanded of me that I purchase the DVD set and just watch the Serenity episode. I finally did. And then I consumed them. All of them. And in that time of meeting this new universe and the cast of characters who lived there, I began to understand what scores of fans before me have known for years: This show was something incredibly special.

I love the art of storytelling. I've devoted the last 13 years of my life to learning as much as I can, being lucky to be work with true masters of the craft and learning from them as I help with my part in the process. (I'm a documentary film editor). Everybody seems to find their own unique path into the industry, but it strikes me that for many the goal is the same; Give back what you've taken, but in the most selfish way possible. Give the world a story to escape into and characters to act as their guide. Make people feel. Play with their emotions. Give them a gift. And do it all because nothing on earth makes you happier.

Firefly strikes me as the ultimate realization of that goal. On a technical level it is nothing short of brilliant. In the roughly 90 minute run time of Serenity, (as in the pilot episode, not the feature), we get introduced to 9 characters, (10 counting the ship), a new universe with years of history, a horrific foe in the Revers, a more insidious foe in the Alliance, potential love interests, a number of conflicts ranging from the universal level to the personal level, and the sudden but inevitable betrayal of the dinosaur. I think its safe to say that anyone whose ever tried to write and structure a story for television, then shoot it and put it together in the edit bay would say the following: That's F-ing impossible. No way. Uh-uh. You could try it, but it would be a butchery of scenes smashed together just for the sake of exposition. Nothing organic would remain, the audience would pick up on its falseness, and would lose interest.

But thats not what happens. Serenity has something that I as a movie fan have seen very rarely and can't really explain. Somehow it all works. Every piece was in place. The writing formed a perfect bone structure, and the fleshing out of the show somehow started a process that would achieve the exponential: Everything that spindled off from the script not only maintained that same perfection, but made what came before it even stronger. The cast is perfect. Not a single weak link brings down the amazing chemistry of the ensemble. The production design, wardrobe, sets, perfect. The music, sfx, (or lack of), and visual effects, perfect.

In re-reading this I think I'm coming across as a wannabe reviewer which is furthest from my goal here. I'm preaching to the choir. Anyone on this site already knows the magic of this show. What I really want to do here is say thank you, but in a personal way. Storytelling, in whatever form you carry it out, is one of the hardest things in the world to do right. I say this as someone whose been loving the act of failing at it for years. Firefly is one of those gifts where it seems that all the right people were there at the right time for the right reasons. I have no idea what the sets were like and how many weekends were sacrificed in an edit bay somewhere, but to anyone who put their passion and energy into Firefly I say this; Thank you thank you thank you, you lucky lucky jerk. You were a part of something very rare, and your labor is still giving enjoyment to thousands of people you'll never meet. The behind the scenes on the DVD set can only begin to hint at what I imagine the creation of Firefly to have been like. If any cast or crew happen to read this and have any stories, I'd love to hear them. I'm envious.

To the fans of Firefly, you also deserve some crazy big thanks. I have to stare at monitors all day long for my job, so the amount of time I want to spend watching TV at home is little to none. I had friends YELLING at me to watch this series. Unrelated friends from opposite sides of the country badgering me over the period of a couple of months. Now, only a week after purchasing the DVD set, I'm posting on fan sites, have tickets to the advanced screening at the end of May, changed my desktop to a gorgeous shot of Serenity drifting through the 'verse, and most importantly, have started yelling at friends who haven't seen it yet. I've already converted three.

Firefly has instantly become my favorite TV show of all time, the pilot Serenity easily finding rank amongst my favorite films of all time. Firefly is the kind of thing you immediately want to share. Something that you want to adapt into your language and talk about with your idiot friends on your way to the convenience store at 2 in the morning. I know I'm way late to the party on this one, but from one newbie fan to all those who helped to tell me some of the best stories I've ever heard... Thanks.

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Monday, May 9, 2005 2:07 PM

ECGORDON

There's no place I can be since I found Serenity.

Damn man, but that was good. Welcome to the 'verse.

wo men ren ran zai fei xing.

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Monday, May 9, 2005 2:22 PM

EMBERS

Welcome! And I hope you will (or at least try to) give us a non-spoilery review/commentary on the BDM when you see it on May 26th,
I would be interested in your POV.

It is a joy to bring family & friends to this great show...and it is surprising how easy it usually is, because most people will find something compelling about the pilot episode.

I really hope that on Sept 30th we will have the whole country on board with the Firefly/Serenity loving!

(and I also have the ship as my screen saver...because I think even more than the crew,
I'm in love with the ship!)

don't be a stranger,
Maribeth (embers)

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Monday, May 9, 2005 2:43 PM

JRC

Viggenboy:
"You use your tongue prettier than a $20 whore."
— Slim Pickens,
Blazing Saddles

Everyone dies alone.

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Monday, May 9, 2005 2:50 PM

SLAYER730

Ditto. I mean, there's no way I could put it as eloquently as its been stated above. Your emotion and your reaction to the show articulate how we all feel. The crew of Serenity has become family to all of us, whether you watched it from the beginning or are a dvd convert. That doesn't matter. What matters is that intangible, indescribable feeling when watching Firefly - a feeling that all is right and good in the 'verse. So thanks to Joss, the cast, the crew, the fans, and anyone who ever got that little tingle on the back of their neck when they heard those precious words: "Take my love, take my land, take me where I cannot stand..." Take us there and beyond - we will follow.

***Never judge a book by its movie***

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Monday, May 9, 2005 5:22 PM

CALLMEATH

Wow. If I wasn't such a manly man, I'd have wept. *sniff*

"Invader's blood marches through my veins like giant radioactive rubber pants. The pants command me! Do not ignore my veins!"

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Monday, May 9, 2005 5:22 PM

LEEH

Ah, welcome to our corner of the 'verse. It's a fine one, ain't it?

I've been in love with stories my whole life, too--not as a storyteller but as a reader (or listener or viewer). That's what sent me to a doctoral program in literature, to doing research into popular narrative, and to years of teaching afterwards. And that's what I also love about "Firefly"; it's incredibly well-crafted storytelling of the kind that matters, where real people face real conflict. The fact that I get to go along on the journeys they take as a result . . . well, that's what it's all about, isn't it?

So, if you love "Serenity" the pilot (and probably "Out of Gas," one of the most finely crafted pieces of visual narrative I've ever had the pleasure to watch), well, you're just gonna plotz over "Serenity" the movie. (I saw it last week in Boston, and gladly flew 6000 miles roundtrip for the chance to do so.) It's Joss Whedon-storytelling at its finest (with imperfections, but still gorram good), along with the best acting, editing, cinematography, lighting, and so on. Our BDH's (Big Damn Heroes, if you haven't heard that lingo yet) really come through, especially first-time director Joss.

Btw, if you are in So. Cal. (as you may well be, given your line of work), you should know about San Diego Comic Con (or you may already know). It's in mid-July, it's huge, and as a result the movie studios send their actors, directors, and writers to promote genre films. Last year we had Joss and all nine BDH actors; I expect the same will be true again this year, given the timing. These folks are a delight in person, and it's a chance to hear them talk about their work in crafting these extraordinary narratives.

"Well, my days of not taking you seriously are certainly coming to a middle. . . ."

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Tuesday, May 10, 2005 3:54 AM

CYBERSNARK

Quote:
Originally posted by viggenboy:
Everybody seems to find their own unique path into the industry, but it strikes me that for many the goal is the same; Give back what you've taken, but in the most selfish way possible. Give the world a story to escape into and characters to act as their guide. Make people feel. Play with their emotions. Give them a gift. And do it all because nothing on earth makes you happier.

Amen, and seconded. Welcome to our corner of the 'verse.

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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Tuesday, May 10, 2005 4:12 AM

NYWOE

Hear, hear! Someone bring this man the best whiskey in the house!

That was an incredible little essay. Maybe you can post it on one of the Star Wars or Star Trek message boards. :)

And don't think of yourself as being late to the party. This party's just warming up!

I have heard of a place where humans do battle in a ring of Jell-O.
--Teal'c

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Tuesday, May 10, 2005 4:32 AM

DIETCOKE

Ain't you just pretty? Welcome to the wonderful world of Whedon!

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Tuesday, May 10, 2005 6:48 AM

BLINKER

That was beautiful.

Quote:
The behind the scenes on the DVD set can only begin to hint at what I imagine the creation of Firefly to have been like. If any cast or crew happen to read this and have any stories, I'd love to hear them. I'm envious.

I think you'd enjoy seeing the full-length gag reel, which has a ton of material cut from the DVD version. It's a 60MB MP4 video, so you'll need QuickTime 6 (and probably a download manager like GetRight if you're on dial-up):

http://www.hitechgadgets.net/firefly/gagreel.zip

Welcome to the ranks of the true believers!

_________
Sliders: Gate Haven - http://slidersweb.net/blinker

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Tuesday, May 10, 2005 7:35 AM

FIREFLYGAL

Bravo, standing ovation. Will you be joining the Browncoats at DragonCon in September, ViggenBoy?

I aim to misbehave!

Firefly items
www.cafepress.com/fillies
www.cafepress.com/fireflyflan

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Wednesday, May 11, 2005 4:44 AM

VIGGENBOY

Thanks to all for the hearty handfuls of welcome! This is a cool watering hole, and I look forward to drinking here more often. And thanks so much for the full gag reel link! The clip of Nathan listening to the message from just about every position in the room made me shoot mac and cheese out my nose.

Here's to the next couple of months of BDM anticipation and excitement! All to often I get so busy that I forget that I'm a dork, and how happy being a dork makes me. Its good to have triggers, and looking forward to Serenity is giving me the kind of excitment once reserved only for Star Wars movies, Saturday morning cartoons, and opening up a new transformer and putting on its decals.

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Wednesday, May 11, 2005 4:49 AM

CYBERSNARK

Quote:
Originally posted by viggenboy:
. . . and opening up a new transformer and putting on its decals.

BROTHER!!

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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Wednesday, May 11, 2005 5:01 AM

CHANNAIN

i DO aim to misbehave

I like you.

Quote:
Originally posted by viggenboy:
You know that feeling? The one that happens the day after that ridiculous road trip that started at 2 in the morning... The subtle feeling that at first only hints to you, but years down the road lets you in on the secret that those stupid moments of nothing are truly as good as life gets? You know the feeling I'm talking about?

This show gives me that feeling. And I love it.

*pours the newbie a well-deserved glass of Kaylee's really fresh wine*

*passes it over, pours one of my own*

*lifts the second glass and winks at viggenboy*

You're my kinda literate

Welcome aboard, Browncoat.

I draw...therefore I am. http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922
Live in Minnesota? Join the Group! Yahoo Group, that is...
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/MN-Firefly/

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Wednesday, May 11, 2005 6:14 AM

JAKE7

Welcome to the 'Verse!

The essay was most Shiny and certainly puts our feelings to the written word in a most eloquent manner!

--------------
MAL: Everybody's makin' a fuss.

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Wednesday, May 11, 2005 6:29 AM

FIREFLYGAL

Quote:
Originally posted by viggenboy:
Thanks to all for the hearty handfuls of welcome! This is a cool watering hole, and I look forward to drinking here more often. And thanks so much for the full gag reel link! The clip of Nathan listening to the message from just about every position in the room made me shoot mac and cheese out my nose.

Here's to the next couple of months of BDM anticipation and excitement! All to often I get so busy that I forget that I'm a dork, and how happy being a dork makes me. Its good to have triggers, and looking forward to Serenity is giving me the kind of excitment once reserved only for Star Wars movies, Saturday morning cartoons, and opening up a new transformer and putting on its decals.

But, but, but where do you live? If you are anywhere near Atlanta, DragonCon is a Geek/Dork wet dream. 5 of the BDH's will be there plus Joss himself. It'll be Browncoat heaven, or maybe I should say that special Hell???

I aim to misbehave!

Firefly items
www.cafepress.com/fillies
www.cafepress.com/fireflyflan

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Wednesday, May 11, 2005 6:45 AM

VIGGENBOY

If things go as planned, Labor Day weekend I'll be in the middle of nowhere in the Nevada desert, surrounded by 25,000 of my closest friends as we burn a 5 story tall neon and wood man in effigy.

I'm bummed that they overlap, cause I just looked up dragoncon on the infobahn, and it looks supercool.

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Wednesday, May 11, 2005 7:59 AM

FIREFLYGAL

Gorram it, would have liked to meet you. DragonCon will be a shiny time! I know you'll have great fun burning your 5 story neon & wood man while we're talking with the BDH's. We'll say hello for you.

Maybe next year.

I aim to misbehave!

Firefly items
www.cafepress.com/fillies
www.cafepress.com/fireflyflan

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Wednesday, May 11, 2005 8:16 AM

CYBERSNARK

Y'know, Burning Man would be a good place for an impromptu shindig. Seems right up Firefly's "marginalized folks on the fringe" alley.

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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Thursday, May 12, 2005 10:47 PM

SOUPCATCHER

"Well said. Wasn't that well said, Zoe?

It had a kind of poetry, sir."

Now that's a great love letter!

---------------------
Dogs think that everything you do is their business. Cats think that everything they do is your business.

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Friday, May 13, 2005 3:36 AM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!

Umm... ditto what viggenboy said. :)

" They don't like it when you shoot at 'em. I worked that out myself. "

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Friday, May 13, 2005 5:06 AM

CAPNRAHN

ViggenBoy - Truly man of me own heart!!!

Channain, may I have a glass Kaylee's finest inter-engine fermeted wine as well?

Heh, meebe we should invite ViggenBoy to peruse our little continuation of our BDH in the "Adventures in GunRunning" here on FFFn!

As it is said, so it shall be written: ViggenBoy, the GunRunners are on haitus until June, but I invite you to read our latest thread (Thread #24 100+/- posts each thread!) and see if your interested in reading our progression of the BDH.

It is not exactly FanFic, but a co-opertive roleplaying/writing excercise. Here is the link:
http://www.fireflyfans.net/thread.asp?b=17&t=8331

There are 24 OCC {Out of Character Commentary} as well.

You you like what you see and want more, shoot me a 'mail at CapnRahn@aol.com.

This applies to ANY Browncoats that enjoy a cooperative writing effort.

The GunRunners would enjoy any comments that you would be willing to provide.

Again, I repeat the warmest welcome that the FFFn Browncoats can give!

Fair Skies ViggenBoy and most importantly welcome aboard to Firefly and our extended family!

"I've heard more intelligent sounds coming out of a pair of corduroys" - Herbert Phillip Lovecraft from *Cast A Deadly Spell*

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Monday, May 16, 2005 9:29 AM

the movie is not the Series. Only the facts have been changed, to irritate the innocent; the names of the actors and characters remain the same

I recognize great craft in writing when the author says something I've know for some time, using words so much better than mine that the thought becomes clearer in my own mind.

Quote:
Originally posted by viggenboy:
You know that feeling? The one that happens the day after that ridiculous road trip that started at 2 in the morning
...snip...
The subtle feeling that at first only hints to you, but years down the road lets you in on the secret that those stupid moments of nothing are truly as good as life gets? You know the feeling I'm talking about?

I do, though I had forgotten. Firefly gives me that feeling. And I love it.

Hail, Fellow. Well met.

Keep the Shiny Side Up . . . (wutzon) Little Feat, "Let It Roll"

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Monday, May 16, 2005 9:29 AM

the movie is not the Series. Only the facts have been changed, to irritate the innocent; the names of the actors and characters remain the same

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Tuesday, May 17, 2005 6:17 AM

CASIVONA

Wow and wow! You hit the nail on the head my friend!

Well said!

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Thursday, September 29, 2005 2:10 PM

VIGGENBOY

I"m resurrecting this ridiculously long titled post that I wrote a couple months back. Its the eve before opening of the BDM, and I wanted to again throw out some thanks to both those that bring us Firefly, and to those that love it. I was able to see it un-color corrected and temp mixed with temp music at one of the preview screenings and it was STILL one of the best movies I've ever seen. I can't wait to see the final product.

Enjoy the show everyone! Its a kickass ride! Pretty soon you'll all be in your bunks.

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Thursday, September 29, 2005 2:22 PM

KAREL

Flying on duct tape and a damaged registry.

Quote:
Originally posted by viggenboy:
...

Enjoy the show everyone! Its a kickass ride! Pretty soon you'll all be in your bunks.

LOL!

I'm glad you resurrected your "ancient" post. I think that it means even more now!

BDM bound,
--Karel.

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Thursday, September 29, 2005 9:01 PM

FALLENANGEL

Wow.

"I think I might cry."

Nice thank you letter. Gave me warm fuzzies.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
May have been on the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.

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