TO BE FRANK - BTFB EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

To fans of any of 1013's hit shows, Frank Spotnitz requires no introduction. In time honoured fashion, it is customary to proceed to give one once those immortal words have been uttered but allow me to make an exception. Introduction aside, it was Frank Spotnitz who, probably unwittingly, gave rise to this campaign. His prophetic prediction that 'the time is near' prompted the Millennium Fan Community to wear their hearts on their sleeves and exercise their voices on paper. Of all 1013's luminaries Frank Spotnitz is an extremely busy man, yet finds time to give back to the fans as much as he receives and this interview was no exception. We thank Frank for somehow finding a window in his busy schedule and taking the time to talk to us.

BACKTOFRANKBLACK: Firstly, on behalf of all the fans of Frank Black and Millennium, may I offer our thanks and gratitude for taking the time to talk to us. In 1998, production on the X-Files moved to LA and Millennium remained in Vancouver. As a writer and producer on both shows did that present a challenge and result in a hectic production schedule or did business continue as usual?

FRANK SPOTNITZ: It was a challenge, to be sure, but not as big as the challenge we'd faced the previous year, when we not only launched Season One of "Millennium," but produced Season Four of "The X-Files" and "The X-Files: Fight the Future." That was by far the most difficult year of my professional life. Fortunately, when Season Two of "Millennium" began, Glen Morgan and Jim Wong agreed to take over showrunning duties, which eased the burden enormously for Chris and me.

BTFB: Millennium fans consider the franchise beyond compare and during our correspondence with the cast and crew many have echoed the sentiment that their contribution to the show represented some of the finest work of their careers. What was it about the show that allowed so many individuals to deliver such a high quality work output?

FS: I think you'd have to say it begins -- as it did with "The X-Files" -- with Chris' singular vision. There was such a clear and powerful idea at the center of the show and, like "The X-Files," that clarity allowed a lot of very talented people to come and elaborate on it, taking the show in directions I'm sure Chris never imagined. I think "Millennium" benefited and suffered from being in the shadow of "The X-Files" -- suffered, because the network was doubtless disappointed that it never achieved the popular success of "The X-Files," but benefited because Chris' success with "The X-Files" gave "Millennium" a lot more creative freedom than it would've had otherwise.

BTFB: At the conclusion of Season Three, we believe, the issue of cancellation was not immediately decided. If this was the case, were plans afoot for a fourth season and what do you believe was the direction the show would have taken during the season?

FS: Yes, we were all on pins and needles, hoping the network would decide to proceed with a fourth season. It seemed awful to us that the show would be canceled before it even had a chance to reach the turn of the millennium. Chip Johannessen and Ken Horton were really driving the series at that point and had a lot of ideas they never got to realize.

BTFB: Millennium fans have existed as an organized concern ever since the conception of the franchise. One thing this campaign has necessitated is for our community to bring its existence into the spotlight with the same vigour and commitment displayed by our friends in the X-Files universe. Has it been pleasing to discover that such a body of passionate fans exists?

FS: It's wonderful to see how many people still watch and appreciate the series.

BTFB: During our conversations with Lance Henriksen he has echoed our own sentiments that, whilst the goal of this campaign is clear, we are flexible in what we consider a successful return of the character. Should the Movie prove unattainable would you consider exploring other avenues such as television movies, direct to DVD instalments, audio book adaptations etc. in order to give the fans more of their hero?

FS: That's really Chris' call, but I would support whatever Chris and Lance wanted to do.

BTFB: Both Chris Carter and Lance Henriksen have hinted that ideas have been discussed about the format a Millennium Movie might adopt. What type of story do you envision, would it return to the mythos of the TV show or concentrate on Frank devoid of the trappings of his televisual backstory?

FS: We haven't really discussed what Chris would want to do, but I suspect it would have to serve new audiences while at the same time honoring the fans who've championed it all these years by recognizing and continuing Frank Black's journey.

BTFB: Millennium fans were delighted to see Frank Black make a brief cameo in the X-Files comic that is currently on release. You have stated that the comic is a way for you to explore aspects of the X-Files mythology that you were unable to expand upon during the course of the show. Would you like the opportunity to explore Millennium in a similar manner?

FS: Absolutely!

BTFB: You have hinted at two new TV shows that are currently in development, one of which is with NBC. Is TenThirteen related to either of these projects and when should fans expect to see them unveiled?

FS: The projects I'm doing are solo. But I look forward to working with Chris when and if he's so inclined.

BTFB: Thank you so much, Frank, for taking the time to speak to us!

TO BE FRANK - A DATE FOR DIARY

Dear Supporters,

Allow us to announce yet another exclusive courtesy of BackToFrankBlack.com. Friday 3rd April sees the début of our exclusive interview with 1013 luminary, Frank Spotnitz. As you will know, Frank has been supportive of our efforts from the very beginning and we are very grateful for this support, after all, it was his words that indirectly inspired this campaign in the not too distant past.

Yesterday he allowed news of our caption competition to grace his blog and, as you would anticipate, this has lead to a sizeable increase in entries but there is still time for you to get your submission to us, to reiterate, the deadline date for all submissions is Midnight (GMT) on 21st April so get your thinking caps on and keep your eyes on our Blog for more giveaway competitions in the not too distant future.

In addition, keep your eyes peeled for more exclusive interviews with Sarah-Jane Redmond, Jeffrey Parise and Melissa Crider, as you can see the cast continue to come out in support of the campaign and we are indebted to each of them. That said, Friday belongs to one man and one man only, a true legend amongst 1013 fans, Frank Spotnitz. We know you will check it out and urge you to leave your comments to show just how much his support is both welcome and needed.

BacktoFrankBlack - website updates!

It's a wonderful, bleakless sunny day outside my window. Far more Yellow House than Dark Cellar.

A few BacktoFrankBlack.com website updates!

• Our final part of the BacktoFrankBlack/Lance Henriksen interview is now on the website. This interview was posted here on the newsreel/blog a few weeks back and now has a permanent home in our interview section. Our interview with the wonderful Averie Maddox has also been moved there. Our interview section is a great repository of insight for fans of Millennium with facts and opinions straight from the mouths of the cast and crew.

• The main page has been updated to showcase the book-signing for "The Complete X-Files: A guide to the Myth and the Movies", starring Chris Carter/Frank Spotnitz/author Matt Hurwitz. As a reminder, this event takes place on 22nd April at 7.30pm at Barnes and Noble, The Grove, Los Angeles. We hope those in the area will be able to make it, and those who can't are advised to pick up the book which is a fantastic insight into Millennium's sister show.

• While we're on the subject, don't forget our competition to win one of two copies of The Complete X-Files: A Guide to the Myth and the Movies. We have a DVD copy of Millennium Apocalypse as a runners up prize!
  

• We are also prepping for German translations. We've had our new German translator sending us a few pages. We're preparing to code them and hoist them onto the site as soon as possible.

• And keep an eye out on this newsreels margin - thriller author MR Sellars is now listed as one of our official affiliates. Watch his blog or follow his twitter or ours!

Finally, spoke to Lance recently. As always his good will and appreciation was offered on behalf of those working so hard to bring back the show. If you read this blog, access the website or simply just spread our message, his gratitude goes out to you - as does ours.

Peace,

Jim.

LIGHTS CAMERA CAPTION - AN EXCLUSIVE BTFB COMPETITION!

As you have no doubt read, www.BackToFrankBlack.com is proud to be involved in the online promotion of the event which will see Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz be joined by author Matt Hurwitz to promote the book "The Complete X-Files: A guide to the Myth and the Movies" in a book signing event on the 22nd April at 7.30pm at Barnes and Noble, The Grove, Los Angeles.

As part of our promotional activities, allow us to draw your attention to a fantastic competition to win one of two hardback editions of the aforementioned book thanks to a generous giveaway courtesy of Insight Editions. Being in with a chance of winning one of these superb books could not be simpler, no particular skills are required, there are no complicated criteria to meet and nothing to make or do!

HOW TO WIN A COPY OF THE BOOK!
All we require is that you guys get your thinking caps on and supply us with a humorous caption for the following image of the indomitable Frank Black passing Mulder and Scully on the stairwell (yeah, we know, they're body doubles but let's pretend shall we.)

Give us a caption for this image for a chance to win a copy of the book!

Yes, that really is all you have to do to win a copy of the book!

RUNNER UP PRIZE!
Because we are feeling extra generous we will not only send a copy of this book to the top two submissions as judged by ourselves but we will send a copy of Millennium Apocalypse to the submission judged in third place. What can you lose?

For those unfamiliar with this book allow me to say what a superb and thoroughly enjoyable trawl through the entire world of the X-Files this is.


The Complete X-Files is a declassified look at all nine seasons of the American Peabody and Emmy Award-winning science fiction television series created by Chris Carter. Discover the mystery behind Mulder's alien abduction, Scully's secret objectives, the designs of the shadowy "Cancer Man," and the full truth about the mytharc episodes. The book includes many bells and whistles such as gatefolds, alien and monster charts, alien and monster cards, movie posters, a secret dossier, Mulder and Scully booklets , and more! The Complete X-Files will captivate fans and science fiction audiences, proving that nothing is what it seems and that "the truth is out there."

(Update: COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED - winners announced)

PLEASE NOTE:

• Entries are not restricted to one submission per household but only one submission will be allowed to make the top three from those submitted.

• The Editors reserve the right to change the rules applicable to the competition at any time and for any reason.

• There is no cash alternative to the prizes offered.

• BacktoFRANKBLACK can offer no guarantee on the delivery of prizes. There is no compensatory offer for any prize that fails to be delivered by the delivery services.

• This competition is non-profit making.

• No email addresses or postal details sent to BacktoFRANKBLACK will be given out to third parties.

• Failure to comply with any of these rules may result in the disqualification of the entry. Editors reserve the right to disqualify any entry at their absolute discretion.

• By emailing us your competition entry, you accept the terms and conditions of this competition.

• Editors' decisions are final in all matters concerning a competition. It is a condition of entry to any competition that the entrant agrees to be bound by these rules whether they be published in the relevant online blog or not, and that the decisions of Editors and judges on any matter whatsoever arising out of or connected with the competition are final.

Carter/Spotnitz signing in LA next month! Competition Revealed!

Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz will be joined by author Matt Hurwitz to promote the book "The Complete X-Files: A guide to the Myth and the Movies" in a book signing event on the 22nd April at 7.30pm at Barnes and Noble, The Grove, Los Angeles.

This will be a great event for any fan of 1013's productions - and to add a Milleniumistic slant for our wonderful BacktoFrankBlack followers, we've been hoping to arrange for one of Millennium's cast to be popping down! We'll update you on that as we get nearer to the event!

If you are in the area we heartily recommend you join the chorus and support our 1013 brothers and sisters. We've also been part of the process of getting some media coverage so hopefully we can report anything that is said at the event in regards to Frank Black and Millennium! More on that when more is confirmed!

To celebrate this event we have an upcoming competition to be announced on Friday. We will be giving away two of "The Complete X-Files: A guide to the Myth and the Movies"! The two pristine sealed copies have arrived from the States courtesy of Palace Press Publishing and it is a great X-Files tome!

So what's the competition? We'll reveal it on Friday which we hope we be fun for all those who taking part!

Keep your eyes on the blog - this is a great promotional event and BacktoFrankBlack is proud to be part of the promotions. Please spread the word and show your support. If you live near LA or intend to go to this event please let us know! We'd love to hear from you! Contact us at info@backtofrankblack.com!

Questions? Leave us a comment!

THE WRITE STUFF - PARANORMAL THRILLER AUTHOR SUPPORTS BACKTOFRANKBLACK!

We are continually encouraged and very honoured to have the opportunity to meet so many new and passionate fans of Millennium. Whilst we were aware of the constant activity within the Millennium fan community, we never anticipated such enthusiastic and considerable support from far and wide. Once again, we were delighted when an unexpected email of support dropped in our lap and on this occasion from a respected, published author at that. We are undeniably grateful to Mr. Sellars for offering us his support and blogging about our campaign. If this author and his work remain undiscovered to you, allow me to introduce him by quoting from his own bio.

M. R. Sellars is a relatively unassuming homebody who considers himself just a “guy with a lot of nightmares and a word processing program.” His first full-length novel, Harm None, hit bookstore shelves in 2000 and he hasn’t stopped writing since. He says that the biggest adjustment he has had to make with his writing career is coping with the time spent away from his family while traveling on promotional tours. Still, he approaches it with the same humorously deadpan and occasionally acerbic wit that he applies to life in general.

All of the current novels in Sellars’ continuing Rowan Gant Investigations saga have spent several consecutive weeks on numerous bookstore bestseller lists as well as a consistent showing on the Amazon.com Horror/Occult top 100.

We would encourage all supporters of our campaign to visit his highly entertaining blog and, if you are unfamiliar with him, to discover his work for the first time. To read his blog entry and to show your support for him and his efforts on our behalf please visit here!

Thank you, Mr. Sellars. Your support is very much appreciated!

Dear Supporters,

We have constantly espoused the opinion that Millennium fans are amongst the most creative and energised fans we have had the pleasure of communing with. Allow us to provide true testament to this fact by sharing with you an email of support and interest in us from a community of independent artists.

http://www.indefocus.com/ is a haven and resource for independent artists seeking to offer each other support via a movement they have created. Not only are they a group of extremely talented individuals but they are admirers of Millennium's celebrated artistry and have written an article discussing this fact. Allow me to quote from this very enjoyable article.

What Millennium did, that many other cancelled TV shows failed on, was to attract intelligent, ambitious and enthusiastic viewers who appreciated the creativeness of the show instead of the general mainstream elements that we see daily (hint: Fringe). More importantly, its originality influenced fans from around the world to expand their creativity. We can see the traces of the show in many independent features of today, such as the psychological thriller The Artifice.

Some devoted artists created their own continuing to the series named Millennium Apocalypse. Recently, the most striving, organised and promising fan campaign to bring the Millennium back for a feature (Back To Frank Black), interviewed the creators of Millennium Apocalypse.

To show your support for them and to view the article in full pay them a visit at http://www.indefocus.com/ with so many artistically inclined individuals amongst our supporters I am sure that, in addition to enjoying their article, you will find much that will be of interest to you. As always, if you have a website, a blog or contribute as part of an online community, consider expressing your support for us in the same way as www.indefocus.com has. In return we will of course extend this support back to you.