Serenity is a Labor of Love.
A post from Adam Baldwin on how Serenity was made. Foremost, as a labor of love not for the money (reg req).
24984.41 in reply to 24984.38
>>> "[L]ove, not money, was clearly the driving force behind Firefly..." <<<
I will testify to this as being a *FACT!*
I personally witnessed the immediate aftermath of cancellation. Joss fought for the ressurection of FF/Serenity out of love and dedication to the storytelling.
He has often said so himself, and his actions back it up. I haven't a clue what he got paid... but I'll confidently assert that the vast/overwhelming majority of the budget appears on screen.
The money was a distant third, fourth or fifth to the stories Joss passionately wants to tell. None of us made a financial "killing" on this one. Naturally, we hope that may become an ancillary benefit to the entire enterprise, but this was a labor of love for us all. And if, Joss forbid, there are no more sequels; we will now be able to move forward with the knowledge that we were able to redeem our sadness at the loss of our beloved little television show with what is, I think, one of the best d@mn movies ever made!
Trust me on that one. :- )
We couldn't have done it without your support.
Serenity always,
A.B.
August 17 2005
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killinj | August 17, 22:56 CET
I've seen real excitement building for this movie...I feel the way I have in working on political campaigns (always as a volunteer), and it's similar to when I've seen winning momentum build inexorably...hope/pray that this happens...
Chris inVirginia | August 17, 23:42 CET
That was awesome! I found those boards when I checked around about Point Pleasant. To my delight, I found the Firefly boards were about 12,000 X more extensive than those for Point Pleasant. There are posts from Nathan there, but I don't know if any are recent. Thanks for the link. I so feel like I'm on the inside of a great secret.
April | August 18, 00:22 CET
Nice to see Adam post. Those of us in Toronto get to see him next week!!!!!! Except that they have him appearing at the same time as James Marsters.........
Lioness | August 18, 01:56 CET
orphea | August 18, 02:03 CET
CIV - I hope you're right in your observances about how the excitement seems to be building! I think you are because I can feel it too!
Firefly Flanatic | August 18, 02:19 CET
dottikin | August 18, 02:44 CET
'Joss forbid'. I love it! I wanna give Adam a bit ol' hug.
Rogue Slayer | August 18, 02:51 CET
SpookyRiverFan | August 18, 02:52 CET
Well then I'm glad I'm not going!(sigh) I tried indignation, it didn't work. I'm still bummed about not going.Now that AB is going to Edinburgh too, he has definitely got some traveling to do in the next couple weeks.
newcj | August 18, 03:17 CET
I've never gone to a con or and "meet the star" type things but I really do hope there is some chance that Adam and the others are at the London screening next week and that I get the chance to shake their hand and tell them that we appriciate what they've done.
zz9 | August 18, 03:48 CET
LOL, how very Hamilton of him!
And so refreshing to see such passion and class in the artform when our entertainments these days are cranked out with such obvious cynicism and so little respect for the public.
punkinpuss | August 18, 04:03 CET
I think it's a variation on "like attracts like". Joss is, by all appearances, a good, very intelligent, funny, open-minded and energetic human being, and through his creative visibility he tends to draw others to himself who admire or possess those same characteristics. Kind of like a 'nice magnet'.
I feel fortunate that the people who work with Joss are so generous and giving with their fans. It's a rarity for stars to interact with regular folks like us (not to mention voluntarily), but AB, JM, NF and others show you can attain success without copping the usual star-trip attitude.
I totally believe Adam when he says the film was made out of love. The series undeniably was, because it showed in every frame and in every word I've read from both cast and crew. Serenity is just another demonstration of Joss's typical care for and dedication to everything he creates. I consider him an artist, and in art -- in anything, really -- when you love something and your spirit and passion are fully engaged, you give it your best. Joss has demonstrated that attitude with every one of his past projects. He demands excellence and creative growth of himself, as well as from those with whom he works. Instead of feeding off the glory of past triumphs, he continually strives to exceed those achievements with fresh challenges. He keeps growing as a person and getting better at his craft, and we're the lucky beneficiaries of the results.
Wiseblood | August 18, 04:39 CET
charisma | August 18, 04:41 CET
I never had any doubts that Joss looked upon 'Serenity' as a labor of love. First, his comments to the cast on the day of Firefly's cancellation that it wasn't over and he wouldn't rest until he found them a new home. And he wasn't kidding. It had to take an extraordinary effort to talk 20th Century Fox into releasing the rights for movie production. That certainly isn't a habit for them. Then, to sell a movie based on a failed TV show that didn't even survived its first season to a studio. On top of that, he managed to secure the full cast for the movie. Quite a feat with a cast of nine actors and a credit to them as well.
With all those seemingly impassable obstacles, most writers/directors would've tossed their hands in the air and walked away. But Joss took it on because he had a story that was entertaining to his fans.
I'm not a fan of many people currently walking this planet, I can count them on the fingers of one hand. Joss will always be number one in my book.
Madhatter | August 18, 19:34 CET
bobster | August 18, 21:36 CET
And about "like attracts like". Look at Alyson and Jewel. Not only did he find one person like that--he found two!
batmarlowe | August 19, 03:49 CET