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April 18, 2006
Sign This Petition
Please click on this link to navigate to a legitimate online petition targeted at ABC. Its design is to persuade ABC to renew the television show Sons and Daughters for at least a second season. ABC is currently sitting on the fence because of a poor Nielson showing, but a swell of audience support could sway them.
If you would like to know more about this show, look back through my latest several postings on The Brain to see four shows from the series.
Posted by Nathan Dickson at 02:45 PM | Comments (0)
April 17, 2006
What is Evil?
With the news of that guy who’s name I will not mention in Oklahoma City who destroyed poor litttle Jamie Rose Bolin, the issue of evil has been mentioned frequently in the news. “How could someone do something so evil?” “How could such evil exist right next door?” Questions like that are asked over and over again.
A common misconception about evil is that it is some sort of substance or thing that can be caught or transported. I think this odd perception stems partly from movies like Time Bandits where evil is portrayed as both a physical being and a physical substance. It also stems from our innate desire to objectify things unseen, part of the reason for religious symbolism like crosses and such.
The ironic thing is that evil is all around us. It is in each and every one of us. Any time you set your will against another person (or God) intending to defraud them or hurt them in some way, you are doing something evil. You see, evil is not a thing, rather it is an act of will. Therefore, any human being is technically capable of committing an evil act of such proportion that most others would be revulsed.
An act of love is the opposite of an act of evil. To love someone or something is to sacrifice of oneself for the other, to give instead of take, to ensure the good of the other even when it costs you. Love is an act of selflessness whereas evil is an act of selfishness.
The only difference between a normal person and this child murderer in Oklahoma City is that he allowed his selfishness to go unchecked for an extended period of time, partly because he lived alone and partly because he immersed himself in a world of fantasy. He allowed himself to become deluded to the point where he was able to somehow justify his actions. To him, it seemed like the next logical step.
Let this stand, then, as a word of warning to those who know someone reclusive, introverted, cut off from others. Sure, they seem quiet and disarming because they are so unobtrusive, lacking passion or opinion. Maybe they have an exaggerated fantasy life involving role-playing games online or maybe they are a pathological reader of fantasy. Whatever it is that keeps them from having healthy relationships with other real people face-to-face is what propels them toward self-destruction.
Without a healthy relationship with at least one other real in-their-face human being, no one can challenge them to be more than what they are. No one can call upon them to be honorable or sacrificial for the good of another. No one can take the time to invest in them and draw them out of their downward spiral so that they can see that other selves are just as important, if not more important, than their self.
Online relationships may seem real, but they are not. Relating only to characters in books may seem real, but it is not. We all need flesh-and-blood people in our lives to startle us, challenge us and push us toward good instead of evil. Unfortunately, our culture does not encourage that type of investment in others, instead promoting the unreal. Quiet and reserved people who keep mostly to themselves may seem harmless, but often they are the most dangerous.
As it is, this poor sod in Oklahoma City will probably receive the death penalty for what he did, and rightly so. He is responsible for his actions, regardless of what anyone could have done to help him beforehand. He is culpable and should pay for what he did. I, for one, do not want a person who has allowed himself to travel down this road to remain alive, for they almost never return.
Posted by Nathan Dickson at 06:07 PM | Comments (1)
April 13, 2006
I Don’t Mind At All
Back in 1987, 88 or 89 I heard a song on the radio and was immediately transfixed. The song was “I Don’t Mind At All” by Bourgeois Tagg, a collaboration between Brent Bourgeois and Larry Tagg. A friend gave me a cassette tape of their Yoyo album which featured the song and I played it several dozen times before I lost it.
So what? Well, five years ago in April I was attempting to describe the song to my lovely wife Lisa and gave myself chills thinking about its beautiful orchestration of violins and cellos and the perfect vocal harmonies. Lisa’s blank stare prompted me to find and download lyrics for the song off the internet and create my own cover version of the song.
Remember that I hadn’t heard the song played for about ten years, so this was all from memory (although I do have a good memory for most things musical). My voice is a bit shaky here and there, and I don't have a string section at my disposal, but I like it. What do you think?
I Don’t Mind At All.mp3 recorded by Nathan Dickson from memory, April 8, 2001
And for comparison purposes, here’s an excerpt from the original I Don’t Mind At All.mp3 recorded by Bourgeois Tagg many years earlier
Lisa tells me that she likes my voice better than his, which is a nice compliment.
Posted by Nathan Dickson at 09:27 PM | Comments (2)
April 10, 2006
Questions for Fred Goss
I had the chance to pose some questions to Fred Goss, co-creator of Sons and Daughters. Here are my questions and his responses. In an effort to educate us as to your creative and production processes, I have some questions for you. Feel free to answer any if you have the time. 1. You have extensive production experience — having worn many different hats over the years — including editor. How much control did you have over the editing of Sons and Daughters? Were you allowed final cut? My partner Nick and I do have final say on the cut as much as two guys can who are making a TV show for a major network can actually have a final cut. We hand in the cut we want and the network gives us notes. Usually their notes are addressing story clarity, you know, whether or not a story is tracking clearly. If they think something is too off color or sheds an unlikable light on a character that they'd rather have likeable, they'll give notes on things like that. We always seem to reach a common ground. At least we always have so far : ) I'm not trying to kiss the network's butt when I say, it really has been a good relationship so far. They've let us make the show we wanted to because I think what we wanted is, at least regarding this project, the same thing they wanted; a different approach to a half hour network comedy. 2. I understand that most sitcoms run a tight ship when it comes to weekly schedules — i.e. Monday pitch, Tuesday write, Wednesday table read, Thursday block, Friday shoot. Did Sons and Daughters follow a weekly schedule? If so, how did that typically progress? We shoot an episode in four days. We take about two weeks to turn in a rough cut of an episode and then another two weeks to get the episode locked and ready for air. 3. I am a freelance consultant/designer/programmer, so I know what it's like to not know from whence the next paycheck comes, much as you probably do. In this “no man’s land” — where you play hurry up and wait to hear from ABC — do you, the other actors and production crew occupy yourselves with other gigs? I know you've been frequenting many boards to keep the spirit alive and to connect with the fanbase, so that’s obviously something that occupies your time. What else does a “Fred Goss” do work-wise while waiting for the axe to fall or not fall? Right now I'm developing new projects with my writing/business partner Nick. We hope that we get a second season of S&D, but if that doesn't happen, we've got a lot more up our sleeves. I'm also spending a lot of time with my three kids who have been very patient with their dear old dad over the last year and a half. 4. You have mentioned that Gillian Vigman is tied to your show if it is renewed for a second season (thank God). When an actor signs on for a show like Sons and Daughters, do they typically commit to a certain number of seasons? If so, how many is typical? The cast has a yearly contract that the studio has the right to pick the option up on once a year for a couple of years. If the show isn't going to get picked up, the fair thing to do is to let the cast move on to other projects. We'll know by mid may if we're coming back. 5. In most work environments, there are people you click with right away, some that are just “there,” and others that get on every last inch of one’s nerves. I’m sure that the dynamic is no different in the television industry. Was the production team for Sons and Daughters fortunate enough to get mostly “clicks” or were there some growing pains? The cast and crew on this show were magical. It was a pleasure going to work everyday. There really wasn't a lemon in the bunch. From the grips to the teamsters to props to make-up to wardrobe to craft service...everyone was a gem. Five is enough for now. Again, answer whatever you feel like. Those of us outside the television and film industries are perpetually fascinated by its inner-workings for some bizarre reason, so whatever you care to share will be enjoyed by all. Hope that answers your questions Nathan. FredPosted by Nathan Dickson at 09:22 AM | Comments (0)
April 05, 2006
Sons and Daughters -- Links
Interview with Fred Goss
Fred is a co-creator of Sons and Daughters and is the actor who plays Cameron in the show.
Out on a Limb
A blog moderated by Fred Goss about the show. Includes many postings by fans and critics.
Sons and Daughters at ABC.com
A mini-website which explains the show and the characters.
Tree of Nuts
The official independent website for the show. Includes video excerpts.
Sons and Daughters at Wikipedia
Basic show information and some show quotes.
Sons and Daughters at The Internet Movie Databse
Make sure you check out the IMDB message boards for this show. Fred Goss posts there regularly.
Sons and Daughters Forum at Television Without Pity
Fred Goss also frequents this forum, answers questions and explains aspects of the show.
Sons and Daughters Forum at TV.com
Contains episode summaries and many memorable quotes.
Teaser Clips at ABC.com
Includes the classic “I know what ‘do it’ is” scene and the “we’re going to hell” scene.
TVSquad.com Review
Review of episodes nine and ten (see videos on an earlier post).
Posted by Nathan Dickson at 09:56 PM | Comments (0)
Sons and Daughters, Episodes 7 and 8
Here are episodes seven and eight of Sons and Daughters. You can refer to my prior post, titled Sons and Daughters -- The Players if you get confused about who is who. You can also click this link to open a separate window with the family chart. Please keep in mind as you watch these shows that the dialog is completely improvised. Fred Goss, the show's co-creator and the guy who plays Cameron, states that each show begins with a detailed storyline and that dialog is created by the actors on-the-fly to propel the plotline in that direction. As you watch, also keep in mind that Fred Goss's favorite editing technique is to focus on people reacting to what other people do or say. This is the funniest television show I have ever seen; even funnier than Andy Richter Controls the Universe. Every time I watch an episode, I laugh harder and louder. Episode seven, titled Hospital Visit starts out somewhat serious and dark, but then turns very funny about one third of the way through. This episode was more of a character builder than an all-out laugh fest, which really doesn't begin until the House Party episode.Episode 7: Hospital Visit
Windows Media 9 FormatSons and Daughters Hospital Visit.wmv Quicktime 7 Format
Episode 8: Surprise Party
Windows Media 9 FormatSons and Daughters Surprise Party.wmv Quicktime 7 Format
ACT NOW!
Because it was pummeled in the ratings game due to extremely unfair positioning, Sons and Daughters may not return for the 2006-07 season. However, ABC is currently on the fence about it and can be swayed by audience support. If you think this show is something special (as I do), then please let ABC know that you want it to be renewed for a second season. You can follow my lead and send a letter to ABC at this address: Sons and DaughtersABC Audience Relations
500 S. Buena Vista St.
Burbank, CA 91521-4551 You can also navigate your way to ABC's Feedback page and let them know you want the show to continue. If nothing else, do it as a favor to me. : )
Posted by Nathan Dickson at 08:59 PM | Comments (0)
Sons and Daughters, Episodes 9 and 10
Here are episodes nine and ten of Sons and Daughters. You can refer to my prior post, titled Sons and Daughters -- The Players if you get confused about who is who. You can also click this link to open a separate window with the family chart. Please keep in mind as you watch these shows that the dialog is completely improvised. Fred Goss, the show's co-creator and the guy who plays Cameron, states that each show begins with a detailed storyline and that dialog is created by the actors on-the-fly to propel the plotline in that direction. As you watch, also keep in mind that Fred Goss's favorite editing technique is to focus on people reacting to what other people do or say. This is the funniest television show I have ever seen; even funnier than Andy Richter Controls the Universe. Every time I watch an episode, I laugh harder and louder.Episode 9: House Party
Windows Media 9 FormatSons and Daughters House Party.wmv Quicktime 7 Format
Episode 10: The Homecoming
Windows Media 9 FormatSons and Daughters The Homecoming.wmv Quicktime 7 Format
ACT NOW!
Because it was pummeled in the ratings game due to extremely unfair positioning, Sons and Daughters may not return for the 2006-07 season. However, ABC is currently on the fence about it and can be swayed by audience support. If you think this show is something special (as I do), then please let ABC know that you want it to be renewed for a second season. You can follow my lead and send a letter to ABC at this address: Sons and DaughtersABC Audience Relations
500 S. Buena Vista St.
Burbank, CA 91521-4551 You can also navigate your way to ABC's Feedback page and let them know you want the show to continue. If nothing else, do it as a favor to me. : )
Posted by Nathan Dickson at 02:04 PM | Comments (0)
Sons and Daughters -- The Players
This show is brilliant; unlike anything else on television.
For those of you who have not had a chance to watch Sons and Daughters on ABC yet, I am posting some episodes from the first season here on The Brain.
To explain the relationships between the primary characters (there are many of them), I have created a cheat sheet. Refer to it if you get confused. In fact, I recommend you open this cast list in a separate window and use it while you watch the videos.
If you would like to know more about who plays these characters (you should immediately recognise some of them), you can view the cast bios at the Sons and Daughters link above.
The series is set in Hamilton, Ohio, located just outside Cincinnati.
Posted by Nathan Dickson at 01:46 PM | Comments (0)