Jack Stauffer Updates His Thoughts About The BG Remake
Written by Ian Cullen on July 5, 2004 – 11:43 pm -5 July 2004
In an exclusive E-mail conversation between my self and actor JACK STAUFFER the actor revealed his thoughts about recent developments on the new remake of Battlestar Galactica.
The actor’s last internet communication to fans was in January shortly after the mini series premiered in the US. Since then his friend and fellow thespian Richard Hatch has been offered and accepted a possible recurring role in the series, a role that has put him under the scrutiny of many fans that have supported his and jacks role in attempting to continue the original shows premise, and although Stauffer’s opinion of the way Universal have handled Galactica is not that great, he urges fans not to hold any grudge against Richard Hatch for accepting a role that was offered him by Ron D. Moore. The actor also urges fans not to bare any malice toward the producer who at the end of the day was looking for a regular job.
“You know the history and my opinion of how we were treated by Universal. First and foremost – - the only reason there is a new Battlestar Galactica is because of Richard’s (and me to a lesser degree) efforts with the trailer. We put a tremendous effort into making a quality piece of film for very little money. Richard and I went around the US and Richard went all over the world promoting it and generating BSG fans everywhere. Because of that, tens of thousands of emails and letters went to the “powers in the tower.” Universal from day one refused to acknowledge the fact that remaking BSG was a unique opportunity. “
“They have always considered BSG a failed series. They wouldn’t give Richard the time of day even when he went to them with a 40 million dollar package from Sony to buy the rights and a commitment from Tom Desanto and Brian Singer to do it. USA network would have come on board. After being deluged with fan requests to remake BSG the way Richard outlined it, NBC Universal (or whoever owns it) finally decided to do NOT what the fans and viewers wanted but rather what they wanted. “
“They handed the project to Ron Moore who had no connection to the original show and told him to make something called Battlestar Galactica. They then assigned it to the lowest common denominator network – the sci-fi channel – a station that attracts a minuscule portion of the viewing public. This channel isn’t even part of a standard cable package and has to be ordered as an upgrade which costs more money. Even then it is usually channel 357 or something and is rarely found unless you are specifically looking for it. So who is going to see the new BSG? I guess the die hard fans will find it, but you can bet that the average viewer will have no idea it even exists let alone know where to find it. Then when the numbers are crunched by the bean counters and only x% of people are watching, Universal will smugly say that they were right all along and there is no interest in a show called Battlestar Galactica.”
In spite of Jack feeling that Universal dealt with plans to continue Galactica in a very underhanded way, he encourages fans not to hold any malice towards Ron D Moore.
“Regarding Ron Moore – there should be no animosity towards him or his vision or efforts. He was offered a job and was paid to do it. He envisioned the series the way he wanted because that was the opportunity he was given. Why should he say no to a pay check?”
It is common knowledge amongst fans that Richard Hatch put his heart and soul into trying to get a continuation series up and running, and it is also common knowledge that Jack Stauffer supported Hatch throughout this endeavour, in fact Jack was one of the few cast members that was onboard right from the start. Jack when talking about Richard still remains very supportive, and he urges fans to not cease their support of the actor.
“As for Richard – the fans have to realize that he gave everything he had to remaking BSG the right way. AND – I mean everything, including his bank account. WE LOST!!! Ron Moore was very smart to write a good part for him on the new show and Richard would have been crazy not to accept it. What is he supposed to do? Say NO???!!! Richard is an actor who needs to ply his craft in order to pay his bills. Anybody would have done the same. The vocal fans who condemn Richard for appearing on the new show have to get over it.”
“I’ll give you an analogy. In the UK, aren’t players from Manchester United or Leeds traded to other teams? Should these players stop playing because they have now switched allegiances? In the US, did any basketball fan ever envision the day when Carl Malone would play for the Lakers? It happens all the time. Business people switch jobs and end up working for former competitors every day. “
” So to all the fans, please don’t castigate Richard for making a few dollars and appearing on the new show. What you all should do is watch the new BSG and determine whether or not you like it on its own merit. If you do; tune in next week. If not, there are always other things to do in life.”
In closing Sci Fi Pulse would like to thank Jack for his continued patronage and support of Battlestar Galactica, and his generosity of spirit in his dealings with the fan base. To keep yourselves up to date about the latest projects that Jack is working on click here to go to Jackstaufferbojay.com.
Tags: Battlestar Galactica, bojay, Jack Stauffer, RichardHatch
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