DragonCon interview with Stargate Atlantis' JOE FLANIGAN!

[wraithfodder]

Brand-new interview with Joe Flanigan (Stargate Atlantis). Interesting stuff!

http://dailydragon.dragoncon.org/2009/joe-flanigan/

EXCERPT:

This year is Stargate Atlantis star Joe Flanigan’s first year at Dragon*Con.  I sat down with Joe to get his thoughts on his co-stars and the cancellation of Stargate Atlantis, as well as his views on a variety of matters.

DD:  Based on published reports on the internet, you’ve been made to sound as if you’ve spoken out against the new Stargate Universe series.

JF: I have?  I don’t remember ever speaking out against it.  I think the feeling was, from David Hewlett and I, that it was odd to cancel us but yet to spin off a new show at the same time.  I don’t think that anybody is speaking out against Universe at all.  I have absolutely nothing against the new show and I encourage people to judge it on its own.

DD:  So it’s more a case of speaking out as to why Atlantis was canceled.

JF:  I think mostly because David and I haven’t been given a proper explanation and I don’t think anybody has, and I think everybody’s running around wondering if we’re doing the movie or we’re not doing the movie.  I think everybody wants their cake and eat it, too.  I think they want the fan base but they don’t want to necessarily listen to the fan base also.  I’m also a businessman;  if somebody gives me a reason as to why something doesn’t work (…) I’ve been on many shows that were canceled or failed for many reasons and I get it.  I just get it.  We’re just looking for a compelling reason.  We’re confused why—the show was doing so well, and if you look at the DVD sales you’ll know how well the show was doing. Why, if it’s a favorable economic model, why would you change or cancel it?

 REST AT LINK ABOVE

Yeah, even we the fans would like a decent explanation...

Comments

[cimmerdeux.livejournal.com]

I think it all comes down to the Golden Rule our parents taught us: 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you'. If TPTB want to be treated in a certain manner than they have to treat people in that manner. You can't treat actors and fans poorly and then expect nothing but respect and admiration in return. A lot of show runners don't get into it with their fans. If they have any interaction at all it's usually polite and brief. They may pay attention to what the fans think or they may not but if they aren't, they don't throw contempt in the faces of the fans or get in arguments. That always makes me think that someone "doth protest too much."

When show runners and writers start 'telling' fans what they should like and not like and 'telling' them whether their opinions are valid or not or insinuating that since they make shows, they know what's 'good'; well, that's the writing on the wall for me.

I understand not being able to cater to the fans' every whim, there lies anarchy and eventual contempt (no one likes a suck up LOL) but don't act like a condescending jerk either. It's a symbiotic relationship after all, not a parasitical one.

[black-raven135.livejournal.com]

"You can't treat actors and fans poorly and then expect nothing but respect and admiration in return."

That is exactly how I felt when I posted my initial comment.
I guess they think if they slap the word STARGATE on it, it will elicit a Pavlov response???