Battlestar Wiki:Official Communiques/Archive4

Luciana Carro: Casting; pronunciation of her name; Kat in "Final Cut"[edit]

First of all, I want to thank you for having made such vital contributions to my favorite show and for interacting with the crazy webfandom. As a proud member of the Luciana Carro Fan Board I am particularly glad that you and Mr. Weddle created the wonderful character of Kat. Now, finally on to my questions. Did you participate in any way in the casting of Ms. Carro? How detailed was your description of the physical appearance of Kat? And would you please be kind enough to solve the mystery of how to pronounce the name of Luciana Carro? Is it like lu-CHE-nna kerro?

We call her Loo-Chee-Ahn-Nah. She was cast in Canada by the folks who do these things. - Ngarenn 15:56, 16 August 2006 (CDT)

Yeah Pedda Luciana is one of those Vancouver locals that they cast in BSG (as opposed to trucking out lots of American actors they hired local talent): You're in Germany Pedda so I don't know how much American tv you've seen but lots of BSG secondary cast members reappear in several other tv shows made in Vancouver, like Tahmoh Penikett (Helo), Aaron Douglas (Tyrol), Nicki Clyne (Cally), and Carro. She's been in stuff like "The L Word" and "Da Vinci's Inquest" (practically every secondary cast member on the show has appeared on "Da Vinci's Inquest" at some point). --The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 16:50, 16 August 2006 (CDT)

Thanks for your additions. Well, I was aware of the fact that BSG is filmed in Vancouver and that the vast majority of cast and crew are Canadian. Actually, with the notable exception of the German version of Ugly Betty, I'm only watching North American TV shows. (And dubbed US and Canadian TV shows occupy half the prime time of many Germans networks.) So yeah, I've seen many supporting actors on "Dark Angel", for example. Since I like browsing the IMDb I've also noticed that certain Vancouver-based series, most notably "Da Vinci's Inquest", "Godiva's" and "L Word", seem to be a career stop for virtually every Canadian actor. Okay, what I was originally interested in is how the relationship between the writing staff and the casting department was like, if there was any. In fact, this leads me to a related question: Which parts of the production are located in Vancouver and which aren't? Is Mr. Eick supervising the daily work in Vancouver, while Mr. Moore and the writing staff sit in L.A.? -- Pedda 19:16, 16 August 2006 (CDT)

According to Ron's wife Terry on the messageboards, they live in California but maintain an appartment in Vancouver, as Ron and family make trips there for several weeks at a time when he needs to periodically oversee stuff there. --The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 19:47, 16 August 2006 (CDT)

Unfortunately, her name wasn't mentioned in the Scar podcast. --Pedda 13:39, 15 August 2006 (CDT)

Since I (hopefully) have your attention: In "Final Cut" Kat says: "Hey, is that on? Are you recording? Hi, mom! Miss you, mommy. Hey, this is for my buddies on freighter 212. Yeah! That's for you!" Can we infer from this that Louanne's mother is among the fugitives? Or was it more like a joke? Hopefully Ms. Katraine is indeed alive, because I would love to see a relationship between a mother and her grown-up child. Since Kat is greeting her buddies on freighter 212: Was she aboard this freighter (instead of Galactica) before being selected as a nugget or even before the Holocaust?--Pedda 04:52, 16 August 2006 (CDT)

You will learn much more about Kat in "The Passage." - Ngarenn 15:56, 16 August 2006 (CDT)

Thanks for your kind answers, Mr. Thompson. Needless to say I'm already counting down to December 1. -- Pedda 19:16, 16 August 2006 (CDT)

Exodus! v. Exodus, Part I[edit]

Is there going to be any simularities between the Marvel comic and these episode's? --Shane ^{(T - C - E)} 19:22, 2 August 2006 (CDT)

I would doubt it, Shane, because afaik the Exodus comic was an adaptation of Saga of a Star World. --Mercifull ^{(Talk/Contribs)} 06:43, 3 August 2006 (CDT)

Yeah. I realized it a little late, but hey, it could happen. :) --Shane ^{(T - C - E)} 09:07, 3 August 2006 (CDT)

"Sacrifice" question[edit]

One of our contributors, User:Fordsierra4x4, has recently captured a screengrab of Sesha Abinell's laptop from "Sacrifice". On it there is an interesting note about "Cylon impregnation and reproduction" -- a fact that the civilians should not know about, as far as the viewer knows. Is this just a gaffe or is this an indicator of a major security leak on the Big G, or even a leak from Laura Roslin's office? -- Joe Beaudoin ^{So say we all - Donate} 19:20, 15 August 2006 (CDT)

Those crackpots probably had a bunch of other wild theories, creating something of a "shotgun effect" whereby they actually end up being right on a handful of them (despite being wrong about a lot of others). Though I'd have to admit they were hitting pretty accurately on their other "MO" items... --Steelviper 07:41, 16 August 2006 (CDT)

Maybe the Black Market had a hand in it. After all, information is just as valuable as a physical item... --Fordsierra4x4 08:13, 16 August 2006 (CDT)

I do not think there was a leak, nor that they had any black market help. Most of the things on that list were things Sesha and other civilians already knew about; sleep deprivation (33), assault on natural resources (Hand of God), human models and multiple copies (Litmus), etc. The only one on that list which wasn't publicly known was Cylon biological reproduction efforts, but she managed to grab a photo of the pregnant Caprica-Sharon on Galactica, so that's how she knew that. --The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 08:56, 16 August 2006 (CDT)

Webisodes in Crisis?![edit]

According to this report, the Writer's Guild of America ordered BSG to refuse to release the Battlestar Galactica webisode series you wrote to NBC Universal for distribution, on the grounds that you aren't actually paid for doing it.

Is this report true?

This gets into a murky area. When TPTB originally asked for webisodes, there was no pay involved. The whole staff politely refused to write any. At some point, TPTB came up with a compensation package that didn't specify per se dollars for webisodes, but gave us a little raise for "additional duties." There were no provisions for recompense for reuse of the original program content, or subsequent for-profit use. We were bummed about that formula but excited about the storytelling possibilities.

We checked out the payment formula with the WGA, who at that time did not have a specific policy regarding webisodes, and told us we could do as we liked. We took the deal. Subsequent research by the WGA has determined that webisode writing of the type we did is not sanctioned by guild contract (though I understand NBCUni holds otherwise).

So, technically, we aren't "paid for doing webisodes," but we were compensated for work above and beyond our current producing duties. I assume attorneys for both sides will be going over this for a while, trying to define it. - Ngarenn 22:15, 21 August 2006 (CDT)

Is this in fact the real reason that the Webisode series did not start airing 2 weeks ago, 10 weeks before the Season 3 premiere (one a week, every Friday) as originally planned?

My recollection is that we were told the webisodes were going to do exactly that, which is why we wrote the story you'll eventually see. But later in talking with people from the channel, we discovered that was not their intention -- at least at the time we spoke, which was at Comic-Con. - Ngarenn 22:15, 21 August 2006 (CDT)

What are your thoughts on the subject, as this directly affects you more so than like Toni or Carla, because you personally penned these things?

Please clarify this question. - Ngarenn 22:15, 21 August 2006 (CDT)

Is the entire writing team given a raise for "additional work", or just you personally?--The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 11:19, 22 August 2006 (CDT)

David and I are an official WGA writing team and we were given the bump for this "additional work." To my knowledge, this did not affect any of the other writers on the show (The SHOW team), especially Carla Robinson and Toni Graphia, who left us for greener pastures. (I'm reliably informed that the SciFi site is out of date on this staffing change.) - Ngarenn 13:41, 23 August 2006 (CDT)

Gasp* The Scifi website out of date!? Never! (<-- sarcasm) --Steelviper 14:30, 23 August 2006 (CDT)

What are the current plans for the Webisode series (30 minutes of footage) should negotiations with NBC Uni completely break down?

NBCUni took possession of the material and cuts as they are as of 5pm today. They own them and they'll do with them as they see fit. - Ngarenn 22:15, 21 August 2006 (CDT)

Will the Webisodes be deemed completely non-canonical as a result? Are they destined to be a "lost (half) episode"?

I don't know who determines "Canon." The story will hold up and the consequences are played in the season opener - at least in the cuts that were delivered today. - Ngarenn 22:15, 21 August 2006 (CDT)

What should we do with those scabs at "Eureka", who currently are broadcasting webisodes on Scifi.com; should we loyal fans 'bust some heads? (Without your prior knowledge...)

I have no idea what deal was struck with Eureka - that may have all gone down before this. It's just become time for the Guilds - DGA, SAG, and WGA to define these things, because digital download is the future of this industry. It's time to work out a formula that works for everybody. Meanwhile, I'm seldom an advocate for busting heads. - Ngarenn 22:15, 21 August 2006 (CDT)

Seldom an advocate? "Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what is right". --The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 11:21, 22 August 2006 (CDT)

Will they be destined for DVD? --The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 14:32, 18 August 2006 (CDT)

Unknown at this time. - Ngarenn 22:15, 21 August 2006 (CDT)

Follow-up question: was Lucy Lawless in the Webisodes series as Number Three? (As its during the Cylon occupation I think she might be there): the Lucy fans might want to know....--The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 14:34, 18 August 2006 (CDT)

The wonderfully talented Ms Lawless, unfortunately, is not physically depicted in the Webisodes, although her spirit can be felt in the ominous Cylon presence - Ngarenn 22:15, 21 August 2006 (CDT)

Squadron numbers[edit]

How many Vipers are in a "squadron" in the terminology used by the Colonial Fleet? I ask because in "Scar" Roslin said they were getting enough metal ore to build "two squadrons" of Vipers. Is a squadron 10? 12? 20? If a squadron is 20, this would be a dramatic increase.

While I'm on the subject, we've speculated that based on this dialogue, Mercury class battlestars have some sort of limited Viper production facilities but the exact nature of such facilities eludes us.--->Another problem has come up regarding information from Battlestar Galactica Magazine: it's information isn't always quite accurate and when I asked Ron (via Mrs.Ron) on the messageboards, he said they aren't directly affiliated with the magazine in any way, so I don't know how this fits--> in issue #3, they say:

"A Battlestar's air wing generally consists of six to eight squadrons (20 ships each)...20 Vipers also form a reserve unit to replace lost or damaged ships on an ad hoc basis. Each squadron is also supported by a single Raptor" (P.59)

Is this magazine information accurate? Are there 20 Vipers to a squadron? How many Vipers is Galactica capable of carrying (that is, during its prime when it was a new ship in the Cylon War, how many Vipers is it meant to support?): How many can a Mercury-class Battlestar like Pegasus hold? --->Based on these magazine numbers, there should only have been 6-8 at most Raptors on Galactica (during it's prime, so by the time of the Cylon attack probably less): In "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I" we see 20 Raptors jump to Caprica; Pegasus probably had an equal number of Raptors on board, but where did so many Raptors come from? Can Pegasus construct Raptors just like Vipers? Or (my explanation), are there just many refugee Raptors which escaped to Ragnar, because they've got their own FTL drives? I mean Boomer escaped all the way from Caprica to Ragnar, and Crashdown was stated as being a refugee from another ship, so presumably a few other Raptors made it out (well, that's our assumption. I still think its entirely plausible and not a stretch that there were 20 though). --The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 20:53, 14 June 2006 (CDT)

In the Miniseries, a total of ninteen Vipers are shown on screen (at approx. 47 minutes, 25 seconds in), supported by a single Raptor (Boomer and Helo). It's safe to assume that the 20th ship was merely off-screen. --Madbrood 15:20, 12 July 2006 (CDT)

You don't understand, the number on parade for the Miniseries decomissioning isn't clearly reflecting "a squadron", more specifically referring to just how many were built in "Scar" if "two squadrons" were built. --The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 22:46, 12 July 2006 (CDT)

True, but Adama does refer to them as "our squadron", that's the basis I was going on. --Madbrood 10:49, 16 July 2006 (CDT)

Pegasus (Extended Version)[edit]

The upcoming DVD release of "Pegasus" in the Season 2.5 DVD will be the re-edited, 5-Act Extended Version of Pegasus. Should we consider all of the scenes in this extended edition as non-canonical as the deleted scenes from other episodes? Many Lord of the Rings fans consider the "Extended Edition" longer DVD versions to be the "definative" version, not the theatrical release, which got me thinking on this. Case in point, there's reportedly a scene where Admiral Cain explains the technical differences between a Mercury class battlestar and a Galactica type battlestar: is this information not going to be "valid"? Much of the Deleted Scenes information we've examined previously has existed in a bizarre state of limbo on BattlestarWiki (but it's a system that works) in which we say "this is from a deleted scene and probably not canonical, but as it is not contradicted by anything (yet) its the current version" (i.e. Ellen Tigh said she'd been married to Saul Tigh for 7 years in a deleted scene, so we don't consider that strictly canonical. ——Of course the problem is, as Ron has explained in the podcasts, most BSG episodes run long (into the 50 minute range often) and many scenes are simply deleted for time (i.e. the problems that ensued when Apollo/Dualla relationship buildup scenes were cut, usually just for time, from other episodes)--->However, the difference in the Extended Version of (soon to be Hugo Award winning) "Pegasus" is that Ron has openly stated that almost all of this removed material was taken out simply for time issues, not story issues. How should we approach this material? --The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 15:03, 24 July 2006 (CDT)

The issue of "canon" or "non-canon" is one I can seldom speak to -- but I can say that the writers room usually operates as if scenes shot all happened, whether they made the cut or not, unless later developments make better dramatic use of the characters if those scenes didn't occur. There are some scenes that we either redid or deleted because the material wasn't working, but I don't think those have been released -- and those would definitely be "non-canon." In the case of Pegasus, we always assumed the long version happened and we wrote as if you all had seen it, too. - Ngarenn 13:12, 31 August 2006 (CDT)

There is rumor that Ron Moore is even doing a separate, new podcast for the Extended Version of Pegasus, co-hosted with David Eick. Is this just wild rumor?--The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 16:23, 26 July 2006 (CDT)

Episode Transcript Permission Contact[edit]

An interest has been expressed to host episode transcripts here, using inline links to link the episode content to the relevent articles here. Before undertaking such an effort, we would want to get (written) permission from the appropriate powers that be. Could you point us in the right direction as to who we could contact for such permission? If you are comfortable giving us direction (but not posting it here) feel free to email myself or any of the other admins (especially April Arcus, our Copyright Specialist). We appreciate any help in this regard, and this is the type of project that will NOT proceed unless we get an official "green light". We worried enough about the issues with the podcast transcripts... --Steelviper 11:16, 11 August 2006 (CDT)

Steelviper, Peter, Shane - Sorry to keep you waiting. Contact info is in your mailboxes. - Ngarenn 15:47, 19 September 2006 (CDT)

You see there are actually websites that already have transcripts (fan-made) and we refer to them alot (though they're less than perfect, of course, and we have to rewatch things on our own often, to make sure), and eventually we said "Why not just recopy them here, to move towards making this the one stop for all episode info?" but we thought we'd run into legal troubles....--The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 12:12, 11 August 2006 (CDT)

This sounds like a pretty good idea, I mean this is a nonprofit organization, what possible money can we get from just hosting scripts of the episodes. If NBC asks to cease and desist, why not just do it until they tell us not too? --Volostheguardian 14:20, 12 August 2006 (CDT)

Why put the effort into something and then have to delete it? :) --Shane ^{(T - C - E)} 14:23, 12 August 2006 (CDT)

While I understand and appreciate the "better to ask forgiveness than permission" mentality (especially in its kinship to the "be bold" attitude), how can we expect others to respect our license (Creative Commons) if we ourselves are willing to violate the copyright of others? Especially the copyright of the people responsible for making the content that we document/describe/summarize (something akin to biting the hand that feeds you). I'd love to see the episode transcripts here (in full linkified glory), but I'd rather not jeopardize the integrity of the wiki and expose it to legal risk, especially only to host content that is already easily available to those interested. --Steelviper 18:25, 12 August 2006 (CDT)

You know what, I'll start my own BattlestarWiki, and it'll be called CertainlY cooLer then that Other battlestarwiki Nonsense, or C.Y.L.O.N. for short and I'll host scripts on there and disregard NBC. --Volostheguardian 01:33, 13 August 2006 (CDT)

Cancellation Rumor[edit]

The rumor is circulating that S4 is in jeopardy along with "Caprica." Given that series are always under a "ratings gun" and concerned caused by the cancellation of SG-1, if there is any truth to the rumor, is there something as fans that we can do now? --FrankieG 07:36, 23 August 2006 (CDT)

There was also a rumor that the show would move to Tuesday nights, but that hasn't materialized. While the cancelation of SG-1 raises concerns about ratings and budget A) it's the top rated show on the channel B) It won a Peabody award and critics love it C) They've got a real chance to win at next year's Emmys, when the old shows which filled up this years (West Wing, Sopranos, Six Feet Under, Commander in Chief, etc.) will all be gone and not fill up the nominations. --The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 09:34, 23 August 2006 (CDT)

Sorry, I have no knowledge of SciFi executive decisions - Ngarenn 13:38, 25 August 2006 (CDT)

Thanks, I sort of asked in a panic. --FrankieG 14:05, 25 August 2006 (CDT)

The role of the Marines.[edit]

When will we see a bigger role played by the Marines and avoid embarrasments like Starbuck's matrix attempt in Sacrifice? Panther 18:53, 23 August 2006 (CDT)

Ron already said in the blog that he was embarrased about using Starbuck as "just happening to also be a sniper" in "Bastille Day". Also in the podcasts Ron has said that they dropped Corporal Venner as a recurring Marine character because fans weren't that intrested in that, but as a really religous Gemenon and a Marine, I actually kind of was interested in seeing him as a recurring character...--The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 22:20, 23 August 2006 (CDT)

I wasn't phased by her being a marksman but a "sniper" is a different ballgame. Sniping is more than shooting. Back on topic, I just want to see a Marine character of some importance on the show. I think too many shows go the way of PBI. Panther 11:41, 24 August 2006 (CDT)

Did RDM really say that? Sucks, 'cause I liked Venner. Honestly, I haven't read a single post where fans stated they weren't interested in a recurring Marine. And even if - isn't Ron always (rightly) claiming that BSG ain't a democracy? --Pedda 14:42, 24 August 2006 (CDT)

The writers room has discussed having a continuing Marine character more than once, but thus far there's been no compelling story reason for doing so. So, if it is to happen, the character would arrive in a minor role and evolve the way Kat did in Luciana's capable hands. - Ngarenn 13:53, 25 August 2006 (CDT)

True. I wonder though if, in Lay Down Your Burdens, the ground rescue mission should have been commanded by a Marine who is probably trained for that sort of warfare. :D

Panther 01:50, 27 August 2006 (CDT)

If we had a Marine officer as colorful as Starbuck, it probably would have. :) - Ngarenn 13:00, 31 August 2006 (CDT)

S.F.M.[edit]

Anastasia Dualla mentions in "Bastille Day" that the name of Tom Zarek's group was the S.F.M. What does this acronym stand for? It seems likely to mean "Sagittaron Freedom Movement", but we'd like to be sure. Noneofyourbusiness 15:40, 31 August 2006 (CDT)

You'll hear more of them in Season 3 -- maybe. - Ngarenn 17:58, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

The Resistance, Episode #3[edit]

On the description it says "Tigh and Tyrol hide weapons while Duck and his wife clash over religion.". Is this correct or was their a mistake? --Shane ^{(T - C - E)} 11:24, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

A hideous blunder. They're not married. ;) - Ngarenn 16:56, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

And they didn't really clash. Noneofyourbusiness 17:50, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

Yeah, it's obvious there not married, they didn't really argue ;)--FrankieG 17:55, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

I shudder what would happen without us. :-) Ok. Thanks brad. --Shane ^{(T - C - E)} 16:59, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

Great job on the webisodes by the way! Exceeding expectations. (Also, great catch, shane). --FrankieG 17:06, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

Thank you. We're very proud of them, and hope you'll find the others won't let you down. As of the 2nd webisode posting, the SciFi trackers told us that they had over a million streams. Wish the folks outside US IP addresses could share in the fun. - Ngarenn 17:26, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

We can. Just by, erm, other means. I like them so far. Nice appetizers for season 3 and I can already see that they provide some background for future developments --Serenity 17:33, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

(Right when we need a "drop jaw icon") WOW! Just imaging that without the non-US block. --Shane ^{(T - C - E)} 17:35, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

Maybe I shouldn't say it, but in this case, I'm glad there are... erm...other means - Ngarenn 17:39, 12 September 2006 (CDT)

Indeed, and as a non American I have been very impressed so far with the webisodes. --Mercifull ^{(Talk/Contribs)} 03:13, 13 September 2006 (CDT)

thanks. - Ngarenn 20:35, 13 September 2006 (CDT)

Laurette Spang?[edit]

There has been news passing around that Laurette Spang, who played Cassiopeia on the Original Series, has been playing e-mail tag with David Eick about a possible role on the Re-imagined Series. Has this progressed beyond a theoretical thing and into an actual part being worked on? Or is this still just an idea David was batting around? --The Merovingian ^{(C - E)} 00:03, 10 August 2006 (CDT)

The contents of David Eick's e-box are WAY above my pay grade. :) - Ngarenn 13:38, 31 August 2006 (CDT)

I'd still like a confirm from Ron about the Jane Seymour role, which she was apparently offered for Pegasus and turned down. I know... different TOS actor. (Jane and Laurette were my favorite TOS ladies) On top of that, there's those persistent Anne Lockhart cameo stories which seem to pop up like the Beatles or Led Zeppelin reunion rumors. David (Weddle, not Eick) told me that they talked about Seymour as a prototype for D'Anna Biers but that's about as much he knew on the subject. But I'm one of those that never lets an inquiry die untli I've gotten to the bottom of it... ;-) --Larocque6689 21:16, 31 August 2006 (CDT)

Relations between the Colonial President and the Colonial Military[edit]

I was wondering ever since the Miniseries what the is the legal relationship between the president and military. Does the president have CINC powers or is it a loose relationship whereby the military is fairly independent but is fully dependent on the state it serves? I ask this because it seems that Roslin hasn't shown any power over the military, and Adama though he had a legitimate reason for a military coup. I'm thinking if Roslin had CINC powers Adama would have been less inclined to do so. Panther 17:40, 27 August 2006 (CDT)

The best answer I can give is to have you check out the deal Roslin made with Adama in the miniseries. The two leaders are well aware of the new order imposed by the collapse of the Twelve Colonies. Adama has the guns and the loyalty of the only military force remaining. Fortunately, he believes in the ultimate authority of law -- unless it conflicts with his own view of military necessity. The relationship of civilian and military has been fraught with difficulties and misunderstandings. Roslin's true power appeared when she escaped detention aboard Galactica and went back to Kobol for the Arrow of Apollo, and Adama bowed to the Rule of Law by going with the majority in settling New Caprica. We'll see how this uneasy relationship continues to develop in Season 3 - Ngarenn 12:55, 31 August 2006 (CDT)

It appeared that this was the case, and the mini-series made this undoubtedly true. Legal relationships though tend to be different. I guess I'm looking for what maybe the articles may say on the matter. Thanks for the response.Panther 20:45, 13 September 2006 (CDT)