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Weisman, Greg
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Kelly L Creighton/Kya White Sapphire writes...
Im very sorry if this was asked before, but looking through the archives I can't even begind to thing of what category it might be in.
You know a lot of us have created our own characters and our own stories. How do you feel about that?
Im very posessive. I would say "mine! leave it alone!" That's why I refuse to publish anything with my own character (myself I mean, not just a random character I created) in it, for fear that someone would role play as her or write about her in a way I didn't like.
Greg responds...
As I've said before, I have mixed feelings about fanfiction. On one level it's very gratifying that the series inspired so many people to create their own stories. And I know that all this fanfiction helps to keep the property alive for everyone.
But a part of me is territorial. And particularly gets annoyed when people who've written fiction say, I like my version better. On one level, I can't begrudge it. On another, I do have that impulse to say, "Hey, create your own universe then."
I exist on many levels mentally on this and many other points.
Tynne writes...
I remember a while back you wrote about enjoying Scott McCloud's recent Zot! Online revivial.
Do you currently enjoy any other comics (whether online, newspaper, or print books).
Thank you.
Greg responds...
I read the entire L.A. Times Comic section everyday -- even the ones I hate -- out of habit and compulsion. I still love Doonesbury. Dilbert's amusing. I like Get Fuzzy a lot. The rest range from pretty good to just awful.
John writes...
Hi Greg,
This one is a personal question:
In this year, we had and we will have some great movies, and we have a new trend: Movies about computer games. My question is, wich of these ones will/have you seen, and what do you think about them?
Almost Famous
Traffic
Tomb Raider (game)
Resident Evil (game)
Final Fantasy (game)
Lord of the Rings
Harry Potter
A.I.
Shrek
Ok, Thank you for awnsering. have a nice day:-)
CU, John
Greg responds...
I enjoyed Almost Famous a great deal. I also enjoyed Shrek.
Haven't seen the rest, and some of them aren't even out yet. I'm not sure what you expect me to say about a Lord of the Rings movie that I couldn't possibly have seen yet? If you're looking for me to pre-judge something, that ain't gonna happen.
Steven L. writes...
In general, did you enjoy telling stories that all ages could relate to, or were there times when you felt frustrated that you had a great idea for a more adult story or issue to explore, but couldn't due to the restraints of being a "children's show"? A bit of both?
Greg responds...
I loved what I was doing. I do occasionally have a dirty mind. But I'm happy to fill it with details left off screen. All the themes I wanted to address I could. I did. At least through the first 66. Down the road? Who knows?
Sloth writes...
Who is your favorite character in the garg universe? assuming u have one.
Greg responds...
I don't. Goliath is the prism through which the universe was recreated. But I love 'em all. Even the bad guys and the nobodies.
Corrine Blaquen writes...
Hee, hee. I just noticed something that I found amusing. Macbeth must have some sort of 'Red-Headed Curse' upon him or something! All the women that affect his life somehow have had red hair. His dear wife Gruoch was the first. And then Demona, whose red hair has virtually become a trademark! His hired mercenary Fleance is a carrot top. And by extension of Demona, his French ex-wife was a redhed too! None of the females in the series with any connection to him don't have red hair. I like it. It's neat. Was it intention, or is it just an amusing fluke? If a fluke, did you ever notice?
Greg responds...
I'm color blind.
Brittany writes...
how on earth did you can you draw gargoles that good the only good thing i can draw is anime charaters.
Greg responds...
I can't draw worth a damn. Hopefully, you all think I can write though.
Greg "Xanatos" Bishansky writes...
Ok, this has been on my mind for a while, and checked the archives and didn't find it there.
What was Raven hoping to gain by driving everyone away from Queen Florence Island in "Heritage". I don't really understand his motivations there.
Greg responds...
I used to live on Queen Florence Lane in Woodland Hills, California.
He was looking to gain power. Queen Florence Island was a place of power. He didn't want to share.
Anonymous writes...
Why did you give up reading comics? I mean there are still some good ones such as Rising Stars(Rising Stars) and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen(Moore).
Greg responds...
Never heard of 'em.
It's kind of a long story, but in a nutshell here are a few factors as to why I gave up comics in 1996:
1) Many of the comics I was reading at the time ended their run. Love & Rockets. Sandman. Etc.
2) Other comics I was reading became UNREADABLE. Hulk springs to mind. It wasn't really Peter David's fault. But by that time Hulk was the only Marvel Universe Book I was still reading. Then the Marvel Universe split in two or something, and I couldn't make heads or tails out of Hulk anymore. DC's Universe wasn't that much better.
3) Comics I still wanted to collect, like Cerebus, were becoming hard to find. There was no longer a good comic shop near my office. I couldn't go every week like I used to. So I'd try to go once a month. I'd miss an issue and not know it for another month when the NEXT issue came out. By that time, finding that back issue became VERY difficult.
4) Because so many comics I used to love were gone or unreadable, I was down to collecting very few titles. Given that I collected so few and the logistical difficulties of getting to a decent store, I was no longer feeling the old, "Gotta get in there and by the next issue of everything" pressure. Half the time I did go, I no longer found ANYTHING that I wanted.
5) I didn't plan on quitting. I went to a store in November of 1996. Didn't get around to going again in December or January of 97. By February or so, I realized that I had gone a while without... and that I didn't MISS IT AT ALL. This was a shocking revelation to me. SHOCKING. I'd been addicted to comics for DECADES. I had a huge collection -- particularly huge since from 1985-1987, I got every issue of every comic being published (with very few exceptions) for FREE. (I was on staff at DC at the time, and the various publishers had a gentleman's agreement to provide each other with free copies). Once I found I didn't miss it, I decided to quit. Freed up a ton of time and money.
Jim R. writes...
This is something I've been wanting to ask for a while.
A lot of information on the net in relation to Gargoyles is the criticism reports I read. Critics who evaluated Gargoyles say that as for children, it's a good show to teach morals, right-and-wrong differences, and social problems. They especially mention the episode "Deadly Force" in particular as a lesson learning experience about the dangers of weapons.
But, as for those of us adults, we believe Gargoyles was Disney's way of appealing to a more mature audience. Most of us would say its attractive because of the story, characters, episodes, Shakespearian underlyings, or the overall fictional universe idea makes it interesting. These things, I think, are what make adults come to Gatherings or purchuse merchandise, etc.
So, my question is: Who would you agree with more? The people like us fans, who ask you questions, still watch the series on our VCRs, and adore the story. Or, the critics who would say that Gargoyles is a good children's cartoon, suitable for teaching them lessons of behavior, ethics, etc.
Greg responds...
I view my audience like a target. There's a bull's eye in the middle, and concentric circles surrounding it.
Put another way, I try to write on multiple levels. Eye candy and clear lessons for younger kids. Shades of grey and other more sophisticated material for older audiences. Hopefully, I'm reaching the widest possible audience. That's the goal.
Mostly, however, I write to please myself. The more I do that, the less likely it is that I become a hack.
Laura 'ad astra' Ackerman writes...
Another try at sending this out-
I just typed up a particularly long question that didn't post and got lost, and I was foolish not to copy it somewhere before hitting submit. I apologize if it turns up later and this becomes a double post, and also if I can't get rid of the autoformating in Word and it looks a little screwy. After losing that long a question I am not taking a chance working directly into the web page.
It has been a long time since I posted a question... of course it has been a long time since I have been caught up with your answers. After reading all of the new responses, particularly those dealing with Oberon and Titania, a question has come to mind. [Actually two, but how many new ways can you ask, "What did Titania whisper to Fox?"? That question should almost have its own section.] The short form of the question is this: Just how different are Oberon's hildren from humans? I am not referring to physical or magical characteristics, but rather do they think in a quantifiably different way than do humans?
The long version of the questions comes after the long digression:
A while back a friend practically shoved an anthology into my hands and insisted I read a particular article. I believe it was called, "Hamlet in the Bush". The gist of it was that a young anthropologist found herself with an indigenous culture for a long boring stretch. [She had thought the off season would be a wonderful time to get to observe their culture. Had she asked them they would have told her the off season is the off season because the weather is so miserable that they cannot even visit the next village. They spend the time drink the local equivalent to bear waiting for it to pass.]
Before leaving she had had an argument with a friend. She argued that at base all humans are the same and once you do some explaining to take care of cultural differences, a great work of literature would be recognized as such by all people. The example that was bandied about was Hamlet, so he gave her a copy as a going away present.
With nothing else to do she sat in her tent and read it over and over until the locals asked her what on Earth she was doing. They were a non-literate culture and to them reading papers meant reading boring legal documents. Even a white person could not be so daft as to spend weeks doing so. She seized upon it an opportunity to test her theory and they, being a story telling culture, were happy to oblige.
She immediately ran into two problems:
-1-They didn't have a concept of "ghost". Zombie, yes. Evil spirit in false guise, yes. But the idea of a dead person's spirit hanging around this world was simply ludicrous to them.
-2-They thought Claudius was a great guy. He acted as an exemplary uncle and brother-in-law, although he waited a bit long in taking care of his brother's household. [Three whole months! And with only one wife to tend the fields!]
In the end they loved the story (with their corrections) and thought she was on her way being a great storyteller, (being female aside). They also told her to be sure to tell her elders that they had been good hosts and had corrected her misremembering lest she continue in error.
I think her premise held, but she hadn't realized how far cultural difference went. The more complex the story, the more it was tied to its own cultural assumptions and the harder it is to explain to another culture.
Back to Gargoyles-
In Gargoyles the basic emotions seem pretty much universal. Gargoyles, humans, New Olympians, and even Nokar and Matrix as far as we have seen them, display them. Love, hate, curiosity and fear, as well as slightly more complex emotions of protection and loneliness are clearly expressed and are more easily understood than some lost cultures of our own ancestors. Are Oberon's Children fundamentally different, or if we can imagine long enough the effects of great power and incredibly long lives we can empathize without too much brain-sprain?
There are great works of speculative fiction that try to understand the mind of The Other. Zelazny had a whole series of stories of robots worshiping and trying to understand the long last human race. I recently read a great book called "Exogesis" (a post-modern Prometheius) by Astro Teller dealing with how a newly emerged AI might think and how humanity might respond. If I would list every book I could think of on the topic I will never stop typing and will eventually have feel the urge to start listing plays and movies as well, (and probably have to deal with Frankenstein, and I am not fond of the book. It is hard to like a book when you hate the main character. Perhaps the movies were right to make the monster the lead character. :).
It all boils down to this: Are the Children of Oberon "the Other", or something very much like ourselves?
Boy this is long! sorry.
Greg responds...
Don't apologize. It's fascinating.
Boiling it down...
YOU WROTE:
Are Oberon's Children fundamentally different, or if we can imagine long enough the effects of great power and incredibly long lives we can empathize without too much brain-sprain?
I'd have to say the latter. Great power. Little or no responsibility. Long lives. Being able to look however you feel at a given moment. You add these things up and they may seem other for awhile. But fundamentally, it's about extrapolation on our human emotions.
Because fundamentally, as a writer, what else can I do? Maybe someone else has the talent, ability, INTEREST in truly creating the OTHER. But not me. I'm interested in US. Gargoyles, humans, Oberon's Children. Toss in the New Olympians, Nokkar, the Space-Spawn, the Lost Race, etc. I'm fundamentally interested in figuring out what makes us real world humans tick. Or boil it down further, and I'm fundamentally interested in figuring out what the hell makes ME tick. All the characters in the Gargverse are just there as an alternative to me being in therapy, I guess.
Does that make sense?
Phil writes...
I've enjoyed reading your development files for Gargoyles. The fact that you're here and still working on the concept years after it's been cancelled leads me to a question:
At what point did you realize that Gargoyles was not just another cartoon series? It's obvious now how different Gargoyles is from Bonkers or Tale Spin, but at what point in development did that emerge?
Greg responds...
There came a point when Frank Paur was hired to join the project, when I realized I didn't want to let go of it. That it was too personal, too in synch with my own head. Normally at that time, I developed shows (like Bonkers) and handed them off to a producer. This one, I could not let go of.
Which is not to say I knew there'd be conventions, websites, fanfic, fanart, etc., way back then. I had no idea the series would generate that kind of loyalty. I just knew I cared about it.
Greg "Xanatos" Bishansky writes...
Don't have time for a large ramble on "Outfoxed", so I'll just comment on a few key points.
Cyberbiotics> I was wondering what became of Cyberbiotics after "Awakening", so it was nice to see them again. And personalizing them in Renard, so we know who it was that got hurt by Goliath and everyone's actions.
I didn't think much of Vogel's resemblence to Owen. I thought they were cousins or something, or perhaps that one was a clone. He also made an interesting character, and I thought his change of heart was believable at the end.
Halcyon Renard. First of all, that is a great name. I like the sound of it. Yes, I did figure that he was Fox's father. I may have flunked out of French class that year, but I knew what Renard meant. He was a great character to, and Robert Culp did a great job doing his voice. Also he made a nice opposite to Xanatos.
Goliath was well-used in this episode. Also nice to show that he's far from perfect in his waiving off his responsibility in the destrcution of Fortress I.
Fox was great in this episode also. She became one of my favorites here. I was surprised by her pregnancy, but it seemed to be a natural step in where she and David were going. Seeing her beat David in their karate match was fun, but I'd like to see him win one some day, he lost to Owen to. Fox's attitude at the end with Renard was priceless, and nice to learn her birth-name. Janine was very appropriate.
Also, with Demona, Elisa, Angela, Fox etc, "Gargoyles" has a lot of great woman characters. That's one thing I really like about this show.
The theme/moral of integrity was a good one, and well handled. I understand how Renard feels when he says it's a daily struggle. I for one have been guilty of taking the easy way out and waiving off integrity. But I try to practice it as often as I can.
This was a very good episode. Not one of my favorites, but very good.
Also, don't ask me how, but I knew that David and Fox were going to have a son. I also knew that IF Goliath and Demona had an egg it was a daughter. Don't ask me how, I just knew.
Hopefully I'll have a longer Ramble/Review for "Revelations". I enjoy doing those.
Greg responds...
ANd I enjoy reading them.
I do like writing female characters a lot. My Starship stories also made the females more prominent. Women just appeal to me as subjects. I just hope I do them justice.
Seeker of Knowledge writes...
In an earlier post, you said you wanted the God of the gargoyle universe to be bigger than the God of Abraham. How is that possible? The very nature of the Judeo-Christian-Muslim teachings makes this impossible. And He is in no way limited to these three religions. If you examine other faiths, it is easy to see that even religions as distant from these three as American Indians have some similarities.
Greg responds...
I see similarities all over. ALL OVER.
These things aren't mutually exclusive, which I believe was my point.
But I've studied the bible, and I see CLEAR signs in it of a non-monotheistic god. He seems to be a geotheistic god, particularly in chapters of Genesis and Exodus. Not the only. Just "THE BEST" (or at least the toughest).
Personally, I'm a Jew who believes in God. But I can't limit my perception of him to the Torah. It just doesn't work for me. Having said that -- and before I get slammed for saying it -- let me state clearly that the above opinions are first and foremost, merely that -- OPINIONS. They are my highly personal opinions. I have no interest or desire in trying to get anyone (ANYONE) to see things my way -- anymore than I have any interest or desire for someone to attempt to convert me.
So take everything I say with a grain of salt. Or a pillar of it.
Bruno writes...
Hi, Greg,
Do you play - or played - videogame?
Greg responds...
We had a full-size arcade Pong machine when I was a kid.
Pyro X writes...
Greg;
Are you really colorblind?
I am as well! I didn't know this. we have something in common, although not a great thing.
Greg responds...
Technically, I'm red-green color deficient.
Jim R. writes...
Where do you answer our questions? At home? Work? In your car? In your sleep?
Greg responds...
I have three offices. One in Beverly Hills, my freelance office. One in Burbank, my Disney office. And one in my home.
I almost NEVER answer questions at home, because I almost never log on from there. I'd rather spend time with my wife and kids.
I answer at one of the other two offices whenever I have a free hour or so.
Occasionally, on vacation, if I have web access, I'll stay up late and answer after everyone else has gone to bed. Like now.
demona writes...
hi greg could u go to my chat room the addy is http://www.masquerade.com/main.htl my group sog would be very excited to see u there out meetings are every sunday at 8:00 pm eastern or standerd time i am there as demona there is also a macbeth etc and we all would love 2 see u there !
Greg responds...
Generally, I don't have internet access on the week-ends. And at any rate, 8pm Eastern is 5pm Pacific, and that's time I spend with my kids. But thanks for the offer.
Demona Taina writes...
One of my favorite smart-ass responses, among many, well, one guy asked (I can't remember whom) what Goliath was like when he was a baby. You replied: "Purple." [LOL] So I'm a hopeless Goliath fan. :P
Greg responds...
Yeah, that's good. (THough I'm amazed I thought of that, being color-blind. Heck, I didn't even KNOW Goliath was purple for about a year after I first saw his color model. I just assumed he was blue.)
Jim R. writes...
Greg,
I just thought to let you know, that I enjoy reading your movie reviews. You see way more movies than I do, so reading some of your thoughts about them is interesting to see whether I would agree if I've seen the movie or not, and to see whether if I should. Ebert and you would be a sight to see...
Greg responds...
If I see more than you, than you must see next to none.
Once upon a time, Cary Bates and I saw like five movies a week. But that was back in the eighties. These days, I'm lucky if I see one movie a month.
But thanks for the kind words.
Cleo writes...
Who is your favorite character on the Show?
Thanks!
Greg responds...
Don't have one. They're all my children.
Jim R. writes...
What was your very first job? And what was the first job that was relevant to what you really wanted to do for a living or that you enjoyed? Was it working on Gargoyles?
Greg responds...
My very first job was in a mail room at American Medical International, Inc.
It had nothing to do with my career aspirations.
My first career oriented paying job was for DC Comics, as a freelance writer.
Gargoyles was YEARS (and many other jobs) after that.
It'd be pretty astonishing if my first job was as the creator and producer of a nationally syndicated tv show, don't you think?
Andrea L. Marbry writes...
Dear Greg,
Just wanted to offer my very belated congratulations on the Starship Troopers video Roughnecks: The Pluto Campaign, coming out in March 2001 (according to Previews Magazine). Hopefully, this will be the beginning of getting out a whole lot of your work out,
including a certain other show of mine that's near and dear to my heart. Do you know who I can write to in order to get more dvd's and videos of Sony's animated stuff out?
Greg responds...
I don't, no. But you might try RoughneckChronicles.com or something.
I got a copy of that first DVD. I didn't work on those episodes, but they are coming out with a second DVD that has my five Tesca Nemerosa jungle shows on it. It also has a commentary track with me, Producer Audu Paden, Executive Producer Jeff Kline, the various directors of each episode and Rino Romano, the voice of Johnny Rico.
By the way, Troopers has just been nominated for two Emmy awards. One for sound, and the other for Best Animated Series Special Class. If we win the latter than a bunch of us will actually walk away with statues. This is my first emmy nomination. I'm pretty psyched about it.
FYI Gargoyles was nominated for sound emmys. Didn't win, unfortunately. But I was never nominated for that show.
Shavri writes...
I had a nightmare last night, Mr. Weisman, and it was about you. In it, you died, and in one of the suckiest ways, too. You fell backwards off a bunk-bed ladder and cracked your skull. It was so horrible! I saw it in slow-motion over and over again; you falling down, your mouth gaping open in a scream, then, "BOOM, CRACK," and I think there was blood coming out of your mouth when you were lying on the floor...you looked so pitiful and helpless. You weren't even that high up (about 2 or 3 feet off the ground)! I wasn't there, but somehow I saw that event (you know how weird dreams can be). I remember seeing somewhere in a comment room and on the news that you had died, and then I was flashed with the image of your horrific death. I felt so bad! I was thinking about how you weren't going to be able to answer the question I asked you yesterday, or any question for that matter. It broke my heart to think that, if a "Gargoyles" movie was going to come out, you wouldn't be there to see it or critique it; and how you'd never be able to work on another show if you were given leave to. I mean, you fall 2 or 3 measly feet off a ladder and die! What a horrible way to end your life! It must have been one of those dreams where you couldn't tell whether it was a dream or not, because I woke up thinking you were dead and how badly it sucked. I was thinking, "Wait a minute IS he dead?"...And trying to remember if someone had said you were or not. Then finally, I got over my disorientation and remembered you were NOT. Please don't think I'm crazy or anything. I'm not sure what brought this on. Probably partly because of the injury that caused Dale Earnhardt's death(a fractured skull), and that somehow incorporated itself into my dream. I really don't know why you were in it. Mr. Weisman, Dear, Sweetie, even though I don't know you personally and vice versa: would you do me a favor and PLEASE, please, BE CAREFUL around LADDERS(especially bunk-bed ladders) or ANYTHING else. Maybe you should wear a helmet or something when you climb one (yeah…I know what you're thinking, but still). If you die should from something stupid I will be VERY unhappy with you for not heeding my advice. So BE CAREFUL, please, don't make me into a psychic.
Greg responds...
I am immune to bunkbed death, so never fear.
As kids, my sister and I -- and later, when she got older and got her own room -- my brother and I shared a bunkbed. Being the oldest, I had the top bunk.
Once, late at night, my dad heard a loud thump. He came into our room and found me sleeping on the floor. I had fallen out of the top bunk without waking. He picked me up and put me back in bed. I never woke up.
The next morning, he came into our room and found me asleep on the floor AGAIN! I had fallen again, again without waking up.
[Of course, on one level, this may explain a lot.]
So anyway, have no fear. And as for the rest of you. Don't get any ideas.
Still, I'm keeping track of ideas for future contests once this 2198 contest is over.
Write Greg Weisman's obituary sounds like morbid fun.
Pyro X writes...
Greg: Did any of your personal views -IE) something you were really opposed to- come out in any way on the show?
Greg responds...
Uh...
I'm opposed to illiteracy. Does that count?
Bruno writes...
Hi, Greg,
You walked out of Meet the Parents. If this was your second time, what was your first?
Greg responds...
I walked out on BORN ON THE FOURTH OF JULY.
Dan M writes...
My dog's name is Norman too.
Greg responds...
Cool.
My dog's name is actually Air Commander Bentley Norman. (It's a long story.) We usually just call him Normie.
Aaron writes...
Thanks for the reminder that you worked on DuckTales. I've been meaning to ask you, there was an episode where Scrooge and co. go in search of a lost play by the great bard William Drakespeare. Was that one of yours?
Or the one where Magica sends Scrooge into the future and everything has gone wrong in his absence? Shades of Future Tense?
Greg responds...
Nope. Neither of those were mine. In fact, I'm fairly certain that those were both made before I started working at Disney.
The four episodes I story edited were:
1. "New Gizmo-Kids on the Block" aka "Honey, I Shrunk the Gizmo-Suit". (I can't remember which title we ultimately used.)
2. "The Golden Goose, Part One"
3. "The Golden Goose, Part Two"
4. "Curse of the Metal Mites" (Or something like that.)
Plus I also worked on the Valentine's special (aka the 100th episode) and a bit on the Feature Film, Legend of the Lost Lamp.
One writes...
1) What are your personal feelings regarding Demona? Do you see her as a tragic victim of humanity's fear, the weird sister's machinations, etc? Just a mad gargoyle who can't let go of the past and refuses to accept responsibility for her own actions? What's your take on her?
2) In your opinion, which character of the series is most like you? Why?
3) If you had to go through everything Demona went through... how do you think that would have changed you? What would you be like?
Greg responds...
1. She is complex. She contains multitudes. I'm fond of her in a strange way. But that fondness doesn't mitigate her actions as far as I'm concerned. On the other hand, I've always been fascinated with the idea of redemption. So who knows?
2. None really. Or all of them put together. Or Vinnie, because I'm often hapless. Without hap.
3. A puddle.
Jim R. writes...
3 questions directed towards you:
Will you ever write a book? Maybe an autobiography or production series telling about what you've accomplished?
If you should ever be asked to tell about yourself on the A&E show, "Biography", would you?
Greg responds...
1. I'm writing a book now. Don't know if it'll ever get published.
2. That's less likely. I have no interest in writing an autobiography. The latter sounds interesting, but for something like that, I'd want a publisher interested in advance.
3. Sure. I'm holding my breath.
Jim R. writes...
I am curious. You were an "executive producer" for Gargoyles, right? What does an executive producer do for an animated series? Did you work on any of the artwork? Any of the storyline? The voice actors?
What is it that an executive producer does? In a nutshell, of course, I know you're busy...
Greg responds...
Haven't I answered this a hundred times?
No. In those days, Disney TV Animation did not give out "Executive Producer" credits. I started as a "Co-Producer". Then became a "Producer". Then "Supervising Producer". Through all these title changes, my duties never changed. [Which is to say, that a title doesn't necessarily give a consistent read on an individuals responsibilities or efforts. So I can't speak for all Executive or even Supervising Producers. I can just tell you what I did.]
I came up with all 66 story springboards and supervised the writing staff. Though I didn't have the title, since my producer credit rendered it redundant, I was the Supervising Story Editor for the series. I personally wrote and story edited "The Journey". Though I did not produce the Goliath Chronicles episodes, including Journey.
I also supervised all recording sessions with the actors. I voice directed one episode (VENDETTAS).
I don't draw, but I did give notes and approvals on all designs and storyboards. I also supervised post-production. Called retakes, supervised final edits, mixes, on-lines, etc.
I didn't do any of this stuff alone. But along with Frank Paur, I was the final word on everything.
Jim R. writes...
I am curious, why did you leave Disney in 1996? (I hope this question doesn't open up some old wounds that you may have encountered.) And I wasn't sure if anyone had ever asked you that.
Greg responds...
Yeah, it's come up before. The short answer is that my contract was up. Disney didn't offer me a new contract. DreamWorks did.
Jim R. writes...
I guess Elisa won't be taking Goliath to '"catch a Giants game" after all since they lost to the Ravens. Ha, Ha. So, Greg, which team were you gunning to win, or don't you care?
I personally don't care much for football, I just watch it for the commercials... :)
Greg responds...
I'm afraid I didn't really care. I went to school with John Elway, so I'd been a Broncos fan for years, until he retired. But Giants/Ravens? I have no connection to either team.
Baal writes...
At times, have you considered NOT working on new Gargoyles stuff and just leaving the series as is? I would understand if you gave up, tho I'd be a little disappointed (among others). It would be a shame, but thats life. Tho it seems like you've come close already with one of the spin offs.
Greg responds...
Sometimes I think it would be more healthy if I just gave up. Then if it came back it would be a pleasant surprise.
But I can't give up. Just can't.
Pyro X writes...
Hello;
Generally, what does an Executive producer do, as in preparing a show like Gargoyles?
Greg responds...
Well, I wasn't an Executive Producer. Gargoyles didn't have any executive producers.
I was a Supervising Producer. I came up with all the springboards, reviewed all premises, outlines, scripts. Supervised Voice Recordings, edit sessions, sound mixes and on-line sessions. Gave notes on all designs, storyboards and animation. I was a busy boy.
melcelestial@hotmail.com writes...
Seriously, how'd you get noticed by the world of your high-qualitied animations, A-Z starting from college? What inspired you to start the career as a cartoon animator? Do prefer 2D or 3D? What gave you the inspirations to start a cartoon????????
Greg responds...
O.K. First off, I'm NOT an animator. I'm a writer. And largely, at the time, I followed the work and the opportunities. I got a job in animation and followed that course until it eventually led me to create Gargoyles. But it was in that order, not the other way around.
As for 2D and 3D, I have no absolute preference. I like good animation, no matter the format. I like well-told stories. Some subject matter works better in 2D, some in 3D. And I like doing shows where the content and the format are working together as opposed to at odds.
Jim R. writes...
Were you thinking about Gargoyles when you had your Wheaties today, Greg?
Greg responds...
I rarely eat breakfast.
Corrin Blaquen writes...
Who are Erin and Benny's favorite characters? What are their favorite episodes?
Greg responds...
I'm not sure. And they're not here to ask.
Erin dressed up as Fox and Benny dressed up as Xanatos at the last Gathering in Orlando, so I think they might have an affinity for those two. I think they like Elisa. Erin liked young Macbeth.
But I don't know.
JADE writes...
Hi Greg,
Did you know that your name is rooted in the name Gregory which is Latin: Gregorious. Which means "Watchman; watchful one." A man vested with authority and alertness.
English nicknames: Greg, Gregg.
Foreign variations: Gregor, Gregorius (German), Gregoire (French), Gregoor (Dutch), Gregorio (Italian, Spanish, Portuguese), Griogair (Scotch), Greagoir, Grioghar (Irish)
I just thought it was cool. :)
Greg responds...
My name is Gregory. Gregory David Weisman.
And name stuff always fascinates me.
demona writes...
hi greg what show are u working on?
Greg responds...
I'm currently working on developing a series for Disney with Producer Tad Stones. It is currently too soon to say what that series is. We don't yet have a green light and I don't want to jinx it.
demona writes...
at the end of the show the credits come on and i see your name what was your job?
Greg responds...
I was one of the Supervising Producers. My specific responsibilities were largely over story. I was the Supervising Story Editor. I came up with most all of the springboards, and assigned them to our various story editors and writers. I then made sure all the premises, outlines and scripts were in good shape. I also wrote and story edited a little myself.
In addition to that primary responsibility, I supervised voice recordings. I gave notes on designs and storyboards. I co-supervised post-production, including film edits, sound mixes and video on-lines.
All this after, I led the development of the show in the first place. I was hardly a one-man band, but from inception to the end of the second season, I was the only guy who was there from beginning to end.
Kinda proud of that.
Vilija writes...
Hi Greg! Happy Christmas! My question this time's on Christmas presents.
What does Goliath want for Chirtmas this year?
(Does he celebrate Christmas? If not, what does he and other gargs celebrate? Winter Solistce?)
How about Demona? (Santa knows she's been naughty, though.)
What'd Elisa like this year?
Thank you, .... Wait! Today's winter solistce! Have a good one. (and a good holiday.)
P.S. What're you wishing for this year?
Greg responds...
I'd lean more toward Solstice than Christmas. And I don't think Goliath is very interested in material possessions.
Demona wants the same old thing. A human-free earth, and all the power, with no guilt.
Elisa -- I think she'd like a quiet night at home with Goliath.
And me? Well, I wanted the video to Ferris Bueller's Day Off. And I got it. YEAH!
Corrinne Blaquen writes...
Greg, have you done any voices on Gargoyles?
Greg responds...
I was the second commando, who said: "Nice Mask" in Awakening, Part Two.
demona writes...
hi greg are u working on any other shows?
Greg responds...
Yes.
puck40 writes...
And since this is off topic of the last question...
Which do you prefer, Mc Donalds or Burger King?
Greg responds...
Soft spot for McDonalds. I like it better overall, I guess.
Truth is I like almost all fast food. Always have, always will.
matt writes...
i heard that you are friends with Douglas Bader, the pilot in "M.I.A", is this true? if so, what does he think of you putting him in the series?
Greg responds...
What's true is that I met Douglas Bader once, when I was a boy. My family went to Disneyland with him and his wife. He was a friend, or at least an aquaintance of my father's. He was also one of my father's heroes.
Sir Douglas has since past away, so I've no way of knowing how he feels about being in the show. But I'd hope he'd see it as the tribute it was meant to be.
Yttrium writes...
Do you have a favorite episode? If so, which one is it?
---Ytt
Greg responds...
I've answered this many times before.
I do love them all (though there are things in EVERY SINGLE one that drive me nuts -- and more things in some than in others).
But I have a special place in my heart for the multi-parters and "The Mirror".
Todd Jensen writes...
You mentioned in one of your recent posts being of a nocturnal disposition. Is this one reason why the gargoyles in the series are nocturnal as well - that you chose to make them awake by night as a reflection of yourself? (Although it does strike me as ringing true to the kind of atmosphere that gargoyles have about them).
Greg responds...
More the latter. But I suppose it's one reason why the series has always been so personal to me. (One of many, I guess.)
Vashkoda writes...
Hi Greg. You're right, the birthday question belonged to another category. So now that you yourself are a category:
1) How was your birthday?
2) How was the New Orleans wedding?
3) How is/are your new project(s) going? Can you tell us what they are?
4) When will you remind your kids how great "Gargoyles" is and make them watch it with you again? ;)
Greg responds...
1. Great.
2. Fantastic.
3. It's a little premature. Definitely by the Gathering.
4. I try not to hawk my own wares too much with my own kids. It's a bit too pathetic. They do like the show, but they like a break from it now and then. We did just watch Silver Falcon though.
Selen writes...
sorry i know i just wrote you but i really need this question to be answered. i,for some strange reason, believe that some of these things in gargoyles exsist. like:Avalon,Weird sisters,gargoyles,good and bad witches and wizards. do you believe or are you just another person that says its only a cartton!!! it dont matttter to me but i gotta know.
Greg responds...
To me, it's more than a cartoon. I believe in a lot, but live my life in the here and now.
Lexette writes...
Hi, Greg. I'm a first time questioner. This questions about you, actually. I just wanna know who your fav gargoyle is and why. Also, what's your fav episode?
Greg responds...
I don't have a favorite Gargoyle. I like them all.
I largely feel the same way about the 66 episodes I worked on, but I'll admit to having a soft spot for "The Mirror" and the various multi-parters.
Maria writes...
Another silly Question from Silly Maria: ^_^
Why is 'adopting' for Goliath and Elisa more convenient?
I obviously have a very different thinking pattern. I guess I feel that if someone really loved someone else they would be willing to make some sort of change. So that's why I find it hard to believe that Elisa or Goliath can't make a magical change or something. In my mind, just because you change your form doesn't necessarily mean you are changing who you are. It can change a PART of who you are, but it doesn't change everything about you. You are who you are inside. And that includes your SOUL. Your soul is who you are. That's why we are able to differentiate between right and wrong because GOD gave us that gift. We just abuse it sometimes or ignore it, because we are down here on earth to learn. And from circumstance and learning different behaviors, we sometimes become what we were not in the beginning.
So, why would it be so inconvienient? (Bad spelling. . . :P) I mean, I am probably WAY off base. But that's just the way I feel . . . if that's all right.
I guess the problem for us Goliath and Elisa fans is we REALLY want Goliath and Elisa to have a child. Yet, contradictorally, we understand that ethnically, it would be impossible. And yet we hope for a miracle. I guess in my frame of mind, seeing them raise a family of their own would be like some kind of resolution. Strange, isn't it?
Anyway, enough of my rediculous ramblings. I probably don't make any sense - though I try to. It's just hard sometimes to put my thoughts into words. And they don't always come out the way I want them too. So for that I apologize. A hard life has let my communication skills go to par. ^_^!
Well, if that wasn't too - ridiculous - I'll take off now. TTFn. Ta Ta For Now!! :)
Greg responds...
There's nothing wrong with the way you feel.
But it's not the way I feel. I am a secular, at times Pagan, Jew. And yet, I would not convert to another religion for anyone. Not for "love", certainly. If my "love" couldn't accept me for who I am, why would I want her? Most of my life, I dated non-Jews. It's theoretically possible that I might have married one. But I still would not have converted. As it turned out, I did marry a Jew who "practices" the religion more than I do. I haven't gotten "more Jewish" because of her. I've fundamentally stayed the same. And yet, being Jewish is part of who I am. Part of what made me who I am. Same with being short. Same with being nocturnal. Same with being a guy. A heterosexual. A storyteller. I can't change any of these things (or a bunch of other things) without fundamentally changing my identity. Who I am. Who I want to be. I'm not talking about changing breakfast cereals. I'm talking about fundamental factors to my identity in THIS LIFE. Maybe I was someone entirely different in another life, and maybe my "SOUL" is an unchanging light that shines through the prism of each new life. But the prism matters to me. And I think it matters to Goliath and Elisa too. And by the way, I don't see why ADOPTION is any less legitimate a way to share their love with a child than spitting a kid from one's combined loins.
But did I use the word "convenient"? If I did, what was the context? Because the decision was not based on convenience.
New Orleans...
I'm heading down to Louisiana tomorrow to do some research and to attend the wedding of former Gargoyles Casting & Voice Director Jamie Thomason to former Gargoyles Talent Coordinator (and now a talented voice director in her own right) Julie Morgavi.
So I won't be on-line for about a week.
Take good care of each other.
LSZ writes...
Do you personally believe magic similar to the way magic is portrayed in the Gargoyles universe exists in real life?
Greg responds...
I believe in everything. But that doesn't change the pragmatic way that I generally lead my life.
Sapphire writes...
The mutagen that turned Derek, Maggie, Claw, Fang into Mutates seemed cool, in reality they never created such a mutagen yet but later on they might. This is a stupid question but how would you act if a mad scientist injected you with a mutagen that turned you into a humanoid lion or something?
Greg responds...
I'd be pretty unhappy.
Gengar writes...
What Happened to your mother!
Greg responds...
My mother is just fine, thank you very much. She's very proud of me.
puck<40> writes...
Greg responds...
I once read a Star Wars novel right after the original movie came out. It stank. Kinda turned me off that whole thing.
But you never know.
;-; you read Splinter of the Minds eye? huff. See when I read this trilogy of books it turned me *onto* the other books. Timothy Zahn is really a great writer. And turned me on so much so that I read through so many of the bad ones... including "splinter" <which was released shortly after the movie, pure crap>. Occasionally I try to make my way through another one here and there..... But everything pales. PALES!!!!!! ~taunts all the star wars fans who disagree~ sheep!!!! can't any of these so called hardcore fans see that a BIG MACHINE OF DEATH is kinda boring? book after book.... ;-; so depressing. But This trilogy.... MWAHAHAHH. 9.9; sorry
erhm, heheh. ^.^ anyways.... ~wavies the books in front of Greg~ If I managed to send these.... or not even these. Just the first one to Jen, would you consider reading it? "Heir to the Empire". Made the best seeeelllleeeerrrssss list. =) Hit number oooooonnnneeee. read the reviews online of it if my sales pitch didn't sell it.
and forget about the rest of the books. <a couple short stories are superb here and there but mostly they're blah>
running off now, spanish homework to do.
Greg responds...
You don't have to send me books. (Thanks for the offer.) The truth is, I'm not interested in reading Star Wars-anything right now. That world isn't firing my imagination. The next book I plan on reading is William Faulkner's "New Orleans Sketches." Plan on starting it on the plane ride down to New Orleans. Right now that's just where I want to go.
But if I ever get nostalgic for Star Wars, I know which books to pick up. Thanks.
Green Baron writes...
Hell. Greg. How are you doing? I hope your trip to my hometwon is going according to plan. E-mail me if you have any questions about fun places to visit. I can also help you get a cheap route from the airport to your room, especially if you're staying on St. Charles Ave.
Anyway, here are my questions:
For some reaosn, I'm in an evil modd, so:
Is Demona evil?
Is Oberon evil?
Is Xanatos still evil?
Greg responds...
Define evil.
My friend, Fred Schaefer, and I are arriving on October 10th. We'll be renting a car. Hanging around New Orleans for a few days. (Fred's a native.) On the morning of the fourteenth, Fred'll go stay with his folks, and I'm gonna head to Donaldsonville for the wedding of GARGOYLES voice director Jamie Thomason to GARGOYLES talent coordinator Julie Morgavi. Then on the 16th, I'll head back to New Orleans, pick up Fred, head to the airport and then back to L.A.
GB, I'm not sure I have your e-mail address. Could you get it to me through Crzy?
Emmlei writes...
On a 9-15 post, you said you were working on a project that may/may not go into preproduction. could you give us an idea as to what is? you've roused my curiosity.
Greg responds...
Can't yet.
Not til November at least.
Todd Jensen writes...
So you were the one who came up with the "Disney's Villains" idea, eh? I'd read about the plans for making it in "Starlog" once, and found the idea amusing, but didn't know that you were the one behind it. Thanks for telling us about it.
Greg responds...
You're welcome.
And yes, I'm behind a number of random stuff. Bwahahahahha!
Actually, it's not that shocking. I was Director of Series Development. It was kinda my job.
frank writes...
Greg, I hear that your developing for Disney again, any truth to that.
Greg responds...
Yes. In fact, I'm typing this from my new office on the Disney lot. I should be here about once a week. Much more often if the show I'm working on gets a green light into pre-production.
Kelly L Creighton/Kya White Sapphire writes...
just read yer x-men ramble. so i thought id ramble a little ^_^ (twice in one day!! AAK!)
re: jurassic park and the lost world
okay anyone who knows me knows i LOVE dinosaurs. i love these movies because they have dinosaurs. but anyone who WATCHES these movies with me will immediately know that ive seen them at least 30 times (no exxageration) and i continually spout off the mistakes. editing errors, creative liberties and just plain MISTAKES. theres a HUGE list of them. the spelled the embryo label "stegAsaurus" instead of "stegOsaurus." they have the car fall into a revine as the t-rex pushed it over where it had torn down the fence, but WAIT? how did it tear down the fence if there is a revine? for that matter, where did the ground go that the goat was standing on? one could say that in the shot of the car going over, there is a patch of high ground on the left, but the t-rex actually pushed the car over where it had stepped out originally, hence the torn fense (am i clear on this? i dont think i sound like im making sense...) there are TONS of mistakes. but i like dinosaurs. so lets say i like the dinosaurs in the movie, more than i like the movie. i wanted to ask tho, have you read the books? dont read the lost world. it was written for the movie, and was badly done. but the original JP- was FANTASTIC. at least in my opinion. i read it 8 times. even better was Robert Bakker's Raptor Red. HIGHLY reccomend that one.
re: x-men
rogue's hair goes blonde in the end because her character in the comic book had a patch of blonde (or white, depending on what comic u read) hair on top of her head. i duno if that was originally a tribute to any other character or not. (i hadnt read the original comic. the only exposure to x-men i had was the animated serise, which i only watched a few of.)
re: comics in general
i used to read a lot of wonder woman (not the original stuff, but from about 1990-1991) and WildC.A.T.S. i LOVED the cats. Zealot was my HERO. but then the comic went all soap-opera and i was like "this sux." they broke up the original cast. its like "we have something thats doing well. lets CHANGE EVERY ASPECT OF IT, SHALL WE?" (soung familiar?) i did buy a few of Zealot's comics (#1-3 i think) and Grifter's (#8-10). grifters kinda sucked, but i liked Zealot's.
are there movies that you DO like? im guessing not many. perhaps youre spoiled on shakespear (oh thats a shame ;P) of course it may be that youve created something so great, with such attention to detail, that anything without that minute attention just doesnt do anything for you. care to comment on why youre repulsed by so many movies?
ok enough ranting for one post...
Greg responds...
Re: J.Park: I haven't read the books.
Actually, there are a lot of movies I like. I recently listed a whole bunch.
I also like The Bishop's Wife (the original), Groundhog Day, Miracle on 34th Street (the original), An American in Paris, Highlander (despite myself), Sliding Doors, The Croupier, etc.
Kelly L Creighton/Kya White Sapphire writes...
for the "Greg Wiseman section"
Greg, i recently read in the archives that youre colorblind. Amazingly i know a LOT of colorblind people. (i hear its common among men, perhaps as much as 1 in 10 men has it. i actually learned the reason behind this in my bio class when we studied genetics. colorblindness is a recessive gene that rests on the female chromosome. women rarely get it because they get two femal chromosomes, or X's, and its unlikely that theyll get TWO X chromosomes with the colorblindness gene. men, however, only need ONE X with the colorblindness gene, as the male Y chromosome cant counteract the gene.) ANYWAY, this brought up two points:
a) there is a way to "cure" colorblindness. i dont know if youve ever heard of it. apparently, they put a red contact lense in one eye (specifically the left or right, but i cant remember which) and it allows you to better distinguish color. not that you would see color "normally" but you would have better definition.
b) you know it goes the other way too. i read an article in Discover magazine (i spend too much time with that magazine) about a type of person who has OVERstimmulated color perception. whenever they see a certain letter, its a certain color to them. (as in "all my E's look green." tho not everyone associates e's with green, this happened to be the case with one person.) or they associate music with physical touch-type feelings. or smells with colors and so forth. this kind of person is rare, but they exist, and most of them (according to the article) said its wonderful- they feel sorry for those of us who dont have this sensation.
ANYWAY, sorry, i felt the need to ramble. ^_^
Greg responds...
a. Yeah, my brother, who is also color blind tried it. But I think it says it made his eyes look funny. And we've both adapted fairly well to this minor, minor disability. So frankly, I'm too vain to want to change the color of one of my eyes for the sake of better definition.
b. Wow. Cool.
Ramble anytime. That's why we're here.
Kelly L Creighton/Kya White Sapphire writes...
HIEE! its me, Kelly, from the gathering. (the one "with the great voice") ANYWAYS ive been reading the archives since i got BACK from g2k and noticed that some got cut off at the bottom from way back when *pokes gorebash* so i dont know if this has been asked. and i may eventually find the answer in those long... loooOooOooOnnnNnNgg archives, but:
we see what elisa looks like garg-ified and fox odin-ified.. how do you picture yourself (either way) as an altar ego? or do you have an altar ego? or is each of the characters in some way an altar ego?
Greg responds...
Yeah, they're all me. And none of them are. Spike once drew a very cool me-as-Goliath picture. But I don't view myself that way.
I have alters, I guess, for Star Trek and even a few things that I've created. (Particularly things that I created as a kid.)
But with Gargoyles, the whole thing is me. Sorta.
Todd Jensen writes...
In "Awakening Part Four", when Hudson and Bronx are watching television, Bronx is up on one of the couches in the room. Just what is the clan's policy regarding Bronx on the furniture? Is he generally allowed up on it? (Of course, then again, if Bronx wants up on the couch, who's going to tell him that he can't get on it? :)
Greg responds...
My dog Norman has his own barca-lounger in our den. So who am I to tell Bronx where he can sit?
Todd Jensen writes...
First off, congratulations at getting so many of the April questions answered in one night! (I have to admit, the dent that you made in the queue impressed me to such an extent that I don't mind the fact that you didn't get to finish April).
Now to my question.
I understand that you were the initial writer for the pilot episode of an animated series called "Roswell Conspiracy: Aliens, Myths, and Legends", but that they later on had somebody else rewrite the pilot. (I saw the rewritten pilot, but nothing else of the series; my local television station dropped the series after that for a wrestling program :( ). At any rate, I thought that I'd ask you a bit about it.
I've heard it claimed among some Gargoyles fans when they were discussing the series that you were the one who originally came up with it but were taken off it afterwards. Is that correct, or were you merely the one assigned to write the pilot?
(While it's hard to judge a series from only one episode, I will admit that the pilot did appeal to me on a certain level, largely because I liked the idea in it of various races of secret alien colonists on Earth being the originals of such mythical beings as banshees and werewolves).
Greg responds...
1. I was removed after writing the bible and pilot. My version of the pilot, which was performed at the Gathering 1999 by "The Greg Weisman Players". The version you saw used much of my material, but was a fairly total rewrite.
Duncan Devlin writes...
Do you play Magic: The Gathering?
If no, think about starting. It is alsmost a supplemental to the Faye aspect of Gargoyles.
Greg responds...
No. And I'm not likely to start.
For one thing, I don't have time for another obsession, and for another, I like to go back to original sources (or at least semi-original). I don't want to get too immersed in the universes of other creators.
My kids had a midsummer night's dream...
Last night there was an outdoor production of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. We were told it was a very kid friendly production and it was free, so we figured it wouldn't hurt to take the kids. If they got antsy, we could always leave.
As most of you know, I have two kids: Erin (age 5) and Ben (age 3). I asked them if they wanted to see a show with Puck in it. (The only Puck they know is the one from Gargoyles.) They were very enthusiastic about wanting to go. I tried to tell them the story of the play. But it's fairly complex when compressed, and I wasn't sure if they'd gotten it.
There was supposed to be a pre-show at 6:30pm, so we got there in time for that. But there was no pre-show. Instead the show started at 7pm. Since they had already been sitting for a half hour I was sure the kids wouldn't make it through the whole play.
But, man, they loved it! Erin was riveted throughout. Benny had a couple of moments when he was more interested in the stars that had begun to appear as it got darker. He also started to sing to himself a couple times. But he never fell asleep, never got drowsy. Never ran around. Or got noisy or anything. Both of them sat on the grass and watched the show, laughing and applauding until it was over an hour and forty-five minutes later. (Obviously the play was trimmed a bit, but all the language was Shakespeare.) They loved the costumes, the magic, the comedy. When Titania ran through the audience and approached them, they were both beaming.
After the show, they ran up to introduce themselves to all the actors. They gave BIG hugs to Titania. It was pretty amazing.
And for me it represents the first step in introducing them to Shakespeare. We're not exactly there yet. But I've been missing a lot of Shakespeare Festivals since the kids were born, and soon I'll be able to take them along.
Carlota writes...
After so many years that I have watched Gargoyles, I have to say that this show rules! I remember THE MIRROR episode and the one thing i have always wondered was why couldnt goliath go to puck and ask to be human to be with Elisa? that what has always been on my mind. I know that Puck/Owen was limited to his power, but before that. why did nothing ever came up. why?
Greg responds...
Why would he want to? Being a gargoyle is who he is. You don't change that.
Look, I'm Jewish. Religious in my own way, I don't much care for organized religions including my own. But even if I fell in love with a woman, there's no way I'd convert for her. Then I wouldn't be me.
Blaise writes...
I like your ramble on the Wind Ceremony. It sounds quite beautiful. It also feels extremely relevant to me because as of this writing it's been nearly 3 weeks since the death of my aunt. Her own ashes were scattered from a tackle-box into a river--she always loved fishing.
Probably a silly question, but would you have shown the Wind Ceremony in the series?
Greg responds...
Yes. Eventually. But I wasn't in a hurry to kill anyone off.
Condolences on your loss. A cousin of mine died last Friday. He was 43 years old and had a massive heart attack while swimming in a pool with his seven year old son. His own mother dived into the pool to pull him out, but he was already gone. I'm going to the funeral tomorrow. I'm not expecting a Wind Ceremony though.
(I'm not sure why I wrote that.)
Chapter XVII: "A Lighthouse in the Sea of Time"
Written by Brynne Chandler Reaves & Lydia C. Marano
Story Edited by Michael Reaves
Well, I watched "Lighthouse" again last night with my family. First thing I noticed was the bad "Previously" recap. This is all my fault. The recap features Macbeth, because I wanted to make sure the audience knew who he was. But that blows out the first act surprise reveal that he's behind it all. Up to that point in the story, you'd be thinking Xanatos. But because of the dopey recap, you know it MUST be Mac. Later in the season, after I got hammered over these recaps by the folks on the Disney Afternoon e-Mailing list, I learned never to put anything into the recap that wasn't revealed in the first five minutes of the show to follow. But here's a perfect example of me screwing up my own mystery.
We introduce archeologists Lydia Duane and Arthur Morwood-Smythe. Dr. Duane was named after writers Lydia Marano and Diane Duane. Professor Morwood-Smythe was named after writers Arthur Byron Cover and Peter Morwood. Arthur is Lydia's husband. Peter is Diane's husband. I don't know anyone named Smythe.
Macbeth episodes, at least up to this point, seem to be cursed with mediocre animation. (Of course, everything's relative. Mediocre on Gargs was still better than most series got. But relative to our expectations, this ep is pretty weak.) I bet Elisa would have really looked cute in that red baseball hat if the animation had been even slightly better.
I don't know how clear it is in the prologue. The idea there, was that the wind was blowing through the lyre. The haunting sound drew the archeologists further into the cave. They read the warning which indicates that the seeker of knowledge has nothing to fear, the destroyer everything. They are supposed to hesitate, look at each other, decide that they are seekers not destroyers and then open the chest. Merlin's clearly put a safety spell of some kind on the chest. An image of the old man appears and basically checks to confirm whether the archeologists are in fact seekers or destroyers. Satisfied, the spell disipates. But you can imagine what would have happened if a Hakon type had stumbled in.
Anyway, it never felt like all that came across. Did it?
Brooklyn (re: Broadway): "Ignorance is bliss." In High School, I had a classmate named Howard Bliss. We had chemistry together with Mr. Miller. Mr. Miller once asked the class a question that we all should have known. No one knew the answer, and our own idiocy generated laughter among Miller's students. He just shook his head and said: "Ignorance is bliss." He forgot that he had a student named Bliss. It generated more laughter. I don't know why I told you that. But it's what I thought about when Brooklyn read that line.
There's a semi-heavy-handed "Read More About It" feel to the clock tower conversation regarding Merlin. Goliath practically quotes those public service announcements, saying there are many books about him in the library. I don't mind. I had wanted to cite a few actual books -- like Mary Stewart's THE CRYSTAL CAVE -- but our legal department wouldn't give us clearance for that. Very short-sighted.
A connection is made between Merlin and the Magus. This was not an accident, as at that time, I had planned to have the Magus journey with Arthur on his Pendragon quests to find Excalibur and Merlin. I later changed my mind. But the Magus does at least play a Merlin-esque roll in the Avalon three parter.
I always wonder who was playing in "Celebrity Hockey" that night.
Macbeth's standard Electro-Magnetic weapon was my idea. I didn't design it exactly, but I did make crude little drawings of something that looked vaguely like a staple gun, with two electrodes that generated the charge. I was always proud of that weapon. It was uniquely Macbeth's (and Banquo and Fleances'). Set him apart from all the concussion, laser and particle beam weapons we used elsewhere. (I did the same kind of thing on the Quarymen's hammers.)
It's fun to listen to B.J. Ward voice both sides of the confrontation between Fleance and Duane.
Banquo's model sheet showed him squinting out of one eye. Some episodes, not so much this one, but some took that to mean he only had one eye. So he walks around looking like Popeye for the entire episode. (His big lantern jaw helps accentuate that.) There are a couple of Popeye moments in this ep. But more in his next appearance I think.
It was my idea to just have Mac's mansion rebuilt without explanation. I don't exactly regret it, but it's kinda cheap. We burned it way down. He has it rebuilt. It makes sense. But we usually dealt with consequences more than that.
When he rebuilds it, he installs those cannons. They were supposed to be giant-sized versions of the hand-held E-M guns. But they don't come off that way. Instead they fire at the gargoyles. And mostly seem to destroy the various turrets of Macbeth's own place. Ugghh.
As in "Leader" we get another scene of Goliath and friends confronting Owen at the castle. Looking for Xanatos, when in fact Xanatos isn't the threat. It made sense in both episodes. And it's always nice to showcase Owen a bit. But after two of those in four episodes, I wasn't gonna do that again. (At least not until KINGDOM.)
I love the "Macbeth Theme" that Carl Johnson created for the villain, which is featured at the end of ACT ONE.
Macbeth opens the "second scroll" and starts to read Merlin's seal. This caused tons of fan confusion, as he read "Sealed by my own [i.e. Merlin's] hand". No one seemed to get that he was reading that. They thought Mac was saying that he [i.e. Macbeth] had sealed the scroll. Of course that notion renders the whole thing confusing as hell. But it never occured to us that anyone would take it that way.
We also introduce Jeffrey Robbins and Gilly in this episode. Gilly is of course short for Gilgamesh, one of the legendary characters that Robbins once wrote about. It's just a bit odd, because Gilly is a female.
Robbins is a very cool character. Wish we had had the opportunity to use him more.
I like how when Robbins and Hudson are introducing themselves, Robbins gives his first and last name. Hudson says, I'm Hudson, "like the river". An echo of how he got the name. And a reminder that names aren't natural to him. Even if they are addictive.
John Rhys-Davies is just fantastic as Macbeth. I love his speech to Broadway. It accomplishes everything we needed it too. That line about the "human heart" by the way is a reference to the Arthur/Lance/Gwen triangle.
I also love his line: "I'm Old, but not THAT Old." This was a little hint to what we'd reveal in CITY OF STONE. Sure Macbeth's from the eleventh century, but not the fifth or sixth. It's like someone saying to someone my age, "So what did you do during World War II?"
Lennox Macduff. That was a cool touch. Also a hint as to how Macbeth feels about Shakespeare.
I like the Phone Book scene too. Hudson says "Hmm. Magic Book." Robbins replies: "Aren't they all." Great stuff.
By the way, as Robbins goes through the phone book, scanning names, he passes "Macduff, Cameron". One of my college roommates was Cameron Douglas, who was really interested in his Scotish heritage. That was a mini-tribute to him.
My daughter Erin reacts to the fact that Macbeth threatens to use Merlin's spells on Broadway. She points out that Macbeth had promised to let Broadway go after he had the scrolls. She's surprised he hasn't kept his word. My wife at that point reminds Erin that Macbeth is the villain. Erin gets that. But you can tell it isn't quite sitting right with her.
Later when Macbeth DOES let everyone go without a struggle, Erin is clearly not sure what to make of him.
And on one level, that's exactly as we wanted it. Macbeth is a troubled guy -- a hero who's devolved into a villain. A suicidal villain on top of that, though we hadn't revealed that yet. But he is a villain. Later, it's debatable, but here he's taken to being an ends-justify-the-means kinda guy. And even his ends are hazy at best.
I love Broadway's "precious magic" speech. It's so wierd hearing poetry from the big galoot. But that's so Broadway. The soul of a poet. Bill Faggerbakke was a huge help.
And I love Robbins "They are lighthouses in the dark sea of time..." speech. I love that it's not exactly the title. Brynne and Lydia did fine work on this one.
I wonder what happened to that lyre?
Mr. Thrugg writes...
Don't worry I don't have any cartoon ambitions, but I was just wondering how you ended up writing a cartoon show of all things?
Greg responds...
I was in graduate school at U.S.C. I interviewed with Gary Krisel who was head of T.V. for Disney at the time. I didn't know this, but he was starting up Disney's Television Animation Division. Gary liked my resume because it contained a range of qualifications ranging from my Shakespeare studies in Oxford, England to writing and editing Comic Books for DC Comics. After I graduated, he and Bruce Cranston offered me a job as (basically) a junior executive at TV Animation. I accepted, thinking it would be a temporary thing while I worked on my writing. Instead it became a career detour. I worked my way up to Director of Series Development. I wound up spending five plus years as an executive. Finally, after creating and developing GARGOYLES, I moved laterally over to be a Writer/Producer of that show. And that's basically what I've been doing ever since.
Of course, none of that includes the JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS I wrote years earlier, but that's a story for another day...
Padraic Dewey writes...
Greg -- I notice you had (almost) nothing to do with THE GOLIATH CHRONICLES. May I commend you on your good fortune? I found TGC to be nauseatingly preachy, simplistic, and heavy-handed. (Yes, I'm aware those terms overlap.) On with the questions:
1) Anything in the works for you now? I like your style, and would love to see more of it.
2) Since Toon Disney is now airing Gargoyles and TGC, are you aware of any (remote as may be) possibility of more shows being produced? Doubtful (as ALL get out), I know, but I figured...
Greg responds...
1. I'm basically unemployed at the moment, except for a teaching gig through UCLA EXTENSION. I've been working on a live-action screenplay with my brother on spec. Otherwise, I've gone to a lot of meetings. But nothing's happened yet.
2. Not in the short term.
Chapter XVI: "Legion"
Story Editor: Michael Reaves
Written by Marty Isenberg & Robert N. Skir
I just watched "Legion" again. Time to Ramble.
From the memo I posted earlier this week, you'll see that the never used on screen names of Othello, Desdemona and Iago were my idea. But I've always wondered if that's the case. The outline that Marty and Bob wrote immediately prior to that memo had all the Othello elements very, very present in the story. All they didn't do was NAME the characters. I always wondered whether they and/or Michael had the Othello story specifically in mind, consciously or un-, and I just capitalized on it.
The Goldencup Bakery Building, which semi-secretly houses a defense department hi-tech research and development installation is modeled after the Silver Cup Bakery Building -- which actually exists in Brooklyn (as I recall). That Building was trashed in the original HIGHLANDER movie in the final battle between Connor and the Kragen (who was played by a pretty damned horrific Clancy Brown). Small world.
I was always worried that the whole Othello, Desdemona, Iago, Cassio (whoops, I mean Goliath) backstory was a bit vague in this episode. Did anyone have problems getting it?
I don't think I'd like to be one of those Goldencup Guards. Coldstone punches one of them out. That's gotta hoit. He just seems fairly unstoppable in that Xanatos-program controlled sequence. I like how that plays.
Matt says to Elisa: "You never let me drive." My wife's reaction: "Was that in homage to me?" My wife, you see, almost always drives when we're together. She gets carsick when anyone else drives. And I don't much care.
Speaking of Matt, we've got that line about him spending six months reading RECAP manuals to justify why a normal detective would be in charge of RECAP in the first place. Just trying to avoid either adding a superfluous character and/or making the situation seem artificial.
Another appearance of the Scarab Corp. Logo, even though Scarab is never mentioned by name. Oh, well...
Coldstone flees the Goldencup. Goliath and Lex pursue, and Coldstone attacks them. Then he immediately stops, when he sees it's Goliath. The problem I always had with that scene is that the lighting made it obvious that it was Goliath from moment one. (Not just to us, but to Coldstone.) If Goliath had been in shadows, it would have played better.
Minutes later Lex asks Goliath if it's wise to take Coldstone into their home: "He hasn't always been your friend." This was, theoretically, a reference not simply to the most recent attack, nor even only to the events of "Reawakening", but also a reference to the pre-Massacre backstory of the actually non-existent love triangle (or square or pentagram if you include Demona) that caused Goliath and Othello to fight way back when. Lex remembers those days too. Othello was always a bit of a hot-head.
I love Goliath's response: "Without trust there can be no clan." And I love that this is part of a Lex/Goliath exchange. It fits in perfectly with the message they taught each other in "Thrill of the Hunt". Gotta take some chances on occasion. Or else you'll always be alone. It's an anti-Demona mentality. Or rather a mentality that is strikingly un-Demona-esque.
From the moment Coldstone premiered in "Reawakening" I knew (that if we survived to a second season) we'd discover that he was created from three Gargoyles. Tried to work that conceptually into the design more, but we never quite achieved it. So basically that becomes something that the audience has to take on trust.
Which brings me to the title "Legion". It's a one-word title which usually is a tip-off that it's one of mine. I know it's a biblical reference. Some possessed guy with a demon/devil inside who goes by the name "Legion". But that's not actually where I got it. When I was a kid, I saw this tv movie based on Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN. It starred Michael Sarazan or Chris Sarandon. (I always used to mix those two guys up.) It was trying to present a more realistic believable version of the Frankenstein story. I was pretty young. And I don't remember too much about it. I do remember that I was supposed to be asleep -- past my bedtime in the days before my parents gave up and I began going to bed long after they were asleep. But instead of being asleep, I was watching it, in the dark, with the volume turned as far down as possible, me sitting right by the set, so I could flip it off if I heard my parents' door opening. (This was long before remote controls were common.) Anyway, the one scene that I really remember is a scene where they put the Monster under hypnosis. The voices of all the people who "donated" body parts begin to speak. And one of them quotes the "Legion" thing from the bible. But I didn't know that. That is I didn't know back then that he was quoting anyone or anything. It just seemed like a very powerful, poetic and humanly true statement. So it wasn't until college that I read that passage in the bible and realized where it was from. Can anyone cite the actual quote? I can't remember where exactly it's from, and I don't feel like searching right now.
Anyway, all this is relevant because Coldstone was ALWAYS our Frankenstein character from the "IT'S ALIVE!" moment to the "Legion" stuff here.
Coldstone calls Hudson "Mentor". That's a "name" I've been long considering for Hudson's "designation" in the DARK AGES prequel spin-off.
Coldstone shoots Goliath at point blank range. Goliath gets up unharmed. A far cry from what happened to G in "Long Way to Morning." Now in the outline and script, it says that Coldstone uses his "concussion cannon" as opposed to his laser cannon. But nothing in the as-aired episode makes that distinction. And so it just looks irresponsible to me. Like suddenly we're saying violence has no repercussions. Did that bother anyone else?
I love the dark comedy of Coldstone going bonkers at Ellis Island. Fighting with himself. I think Michael Dorn did a terrific job playing all four aspects of CS's personality. Which of you figured out what when? I'd like to know.
The Trio has the Recap visor. Now all they have to do is find Goliath, Hudson and Coldstone. How will they do that? "Three guesses?" A very elegant way to explain how in a huge city, they're able to locate three gargoyles.
Kenner's Coldstone toy is a lot of fun. With it's window into Coldstone's soul. And the spinner that allows any of the four personas to take over at random.
Xanatos doesn't even appear until the VERY END of Act Two. And it's not even really Xanatos, just a program designed by him. Normally, I'd say that wasn't playing fair. But I feel like his presence was obvious all-along. (And did David personally design that program. Or did he just put his stamp on it, management-style?)
There's a moment when Goliath, thrilled to see his rookery sister again, hugs Desdemona. She is immediately annoyed, because she knows that hug is prone to misinterpretation. It's a nice little touch in the animation.
I always wondered what if anything Demona thought about that ancient conflict way back when. Was Iago playing her as well? Trying to make her jealous of Desdemona? I think maybe he did try. But wouldn't it be cool if she didn't credit it for a second. If she just knew intuitively that Desdemona didn't present any threat at all to her relationship with G? Because, I feel the opposite is true. That Demona knew intuitively that Elisa DID present a threat. Say what you want for Demona, but her subconscious knows her man.
I love that moment where BOTH Iago and Xanatos are whispering in Othello's ears. Poor slob never stood a chance.
We've got a nice little Xanatos tag in this one too. Certainly not a doozy as in "Leader" or "Metamorphosis", but it's got a nice little kick to it, I think. And that's THREE episodes in a row. X had been busy.
And then I love the last beat back at the clock tower. Goliath has confiscated Coldstone's body, to keep it safe and "among friends" should he/she ever wake up again. I wanted to keep it in the corner from that point until "High Noon". Always present and visible. We didn't for two reasons. First, we figured it would be a bit confusing. The Batcave can get away with the giant penny and other souvenirs from Batman's cases, because there ARE multiple souvenirs. But just having one immobile gargoyle in the background, as cool and creepy as that is, would be horribly distracting for any audience member who missed this one particular episode. And second, we had our tier system. What if "Legion" wasn't ready as scheduled. We couldn't have Coldstone sitting around the clock tower in later episodes that we'd be forced to air first. Talk about disconcerting. So we invented a back room. Where Coldstone, the Grimorum, the Gate and eventually the eye could be stored.
Comments welcome, as usual...
Jae'elae writes...
On behalf off all the lovely ladies, and even some of the UN-lovely ones, of the fandom (and this is directed at you personally)
Boxers or briefs?
::can't wait to see how he dodges this one::
Greg responds...
Briefs.
Ambrosia writes...
Ever since you first mentioned you were going to be teaching a class at UCLA, I've been thinking about it, but I'm just far enough away to make the commute impractical. Also, it overlaps my Spring semester. By the time you get this, you'll have already started, but is it okay if I crash a class or two? I've never been to a Gathering and I'd love to say hi. I'm currently a math major, but I've been seriously considering doing SOMETHING (I know, very vague) with animation. Anyway, I would have loved to attend, but maybe another time.
Greg responds...
I'm sorry, but I can't let you crash the class. I have students who paid for it. It just wouldn't be fair.
However, you're more than welcome to come say hi at Anime Expo this Saturday, July 1st 2000.
Or any Gathering.
Kayless writes...
Hey Greg, I have some religious questions for you.
1. Since you are seemingly very well versed in religious doctrine, I'm curious as to how you feel about the Judeo/Christian scriptures that prohibit wizardry. Deuteronomy 18:9-18:12 (Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord) makes it quite clear that God brooks no wizards in his fold. Is there a conflict for you since so much of the myth Gargoyles is based on revolves around magic?
2. What about the uncanny resemblance between gargoyles and demons? Why do the two look so much alike? Did dybbuks manifest themselves in the form of gargoyles in order to sow discord with humanity, hence the current demonic stereotype and poor human/garg relations?
3. How do the Fae feel about the whole God business? They seem a rather worldly lot, though some might be old enough to remember biblical events.
4. Why is Percy still using the grail? The Holy Grail is a sacred artifact, not your run-of-the-mill magical maguffin. Why would it continue to grant its power to Duval, who has since proved unworthy? I know you said it was costing him a high physical price but I find it odd that it should be giving him any kind of benefits at all (Anybody see what happened to the bad guy in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?).
5. Last one. Is the Judeo/Christian God the supreme ruler of the Gargoyle universe? Given the plethora of Gods and Goddess on the show, I'm just wondering what your views on this are (I prefer to think that He's the one in charge, but I had to ask).
Thanks for your time, as always. Now I must return to the Vole Wars…
Greg responds...
1. I'm clearly less "versed" than you seem to think. I won't comment on your citation in a vacuum. And I don't have a bible here in the office to check the context.
When you ask if I'm conflicted, I'm not clear on your question. Are you looking for my opinion on the bible? Personally, I think the bible is an astounding piece of literature with much to teach us. But I see the hands of man all over that book. And although it might lose me some fans, I cannot believe that God authored it. Inspired it maybe, but authored it, no. At any rate, I think many things in the bible are subject to interpretation. Often multiple interpretations.
2. Where do you get the idea that there is ANY resemblance between gargoyles and demons? From Medieval painters? Look, we haven't seen any demons in the series. We haven't seen any demons in the gargoyles universe. No angels either. I'm not saying whether they exist or not. But you're question assumes facts not in evidence.
3. The whole God with a capital G business? Like humans, every Child of Oberon is different. I try not to make monolithic generalizations.
4. Assumes facts not in evidence. A. Who says he's still using the grail? I said he still had it. B. And in any case, your question asked "Why". Why wouldn't he if he could? C. Who said the grail can "grant" power? D. If it can, who said it is? E. Who said Duval has proven unworthy?
And I certainly refuse to use "Last Crusade" as an authority.
I will say that the Grail is part of the reason that Percival and Blanchefleur are still alive. And that a price for that has been paid. But don't oversimplify.
5. As you may know, I'm Jewish. Most of my fellow Jews would not consider me to be religious, though that's something I might argue with. Personally, I believe in God with a captial G. Whether that means he's the Judeo/Christian God seems like a parochial question to me. Almost an elitist question. I also believe that God is REAL BIG on free will. His miracles are many but subtle, and all come with a free scientific explanation -- because if he simply manifested like George Burns on trial, then where's the free will? So why should things be any easier in the Gargoyles Universe. The Gargs believe in a God that is the sum total of all things. They are monotheists and animists all at once. I don't think that's inconsistent with Judeo/Christian beliefs, but I also don't think you're going to see any purely objective evidence on the show, ever. Take to the Gargoyles Universe what you will. And it should, if I'm doing this right, give you something back -- whatever you do, or don't, believe in.
Look, I know it seems like I'm blowing off your questions. I'm not. But try reading them with a fresh eye. They're almost impossible TO answer in a straightforward manner, because they are extremely complex, and yet they take for granted so many things as fact that have not been established either in the cannon or here at ASK GREG. These are all interesting topics and I encourage you to pursue them. But break your questions down. It'll help you avoid making assumptions.
By the way, what's a Vole?
Me and my daughter Erin
My daughter Erin is here with me, and together we will answer some ASK GREG questions for you.
Man Mountain writes...
Heya Greg, here is another question for you. We know there are the 3 races: Gargoyles, Humans, and Fae. We know Gargoyles and Humans can't mate without help and we know Humans and Fae can mate pretty easily. So the obvious question is, can Gargoyles mate with Fae and has that happened in your opinion? I can't even imagine the possibilities of such offspring that would create. At least from a human perspective, Fae/Human offspring is relatively easy to imagine: Normal Humans with a little something different (flaming hair, magic ability, whatever). But a Gargoyle and a Fae... would it work the same way? Mostly Gargoyle with a little something extra? Just wondering, thanks!
Greg responds...
Erin says: I like your question. And it's a good one too. Faes could connect to Gargoyles. And I think you have got something.
Benny, my three year old son, just came home. He says: I want to say that I love you, Daddy.
Greg says: I have great kids. I love them both. Meanwhile, I see no reason why gargs and Fae couldn't have babies together. For that matter, if a Fae was so inclined I see no reason why fae and termites couldn't have babies together.
Greg Weisman Update
As promised, here's a little update on what's been going on in my professional life...
The first season (all thirteen episodes) of MAX STEEL have been completed. I've lost track of how many have aired. I think they turned out pretty good. At any rate, the show is a success and will be back for a second season. Unfortunately, I won't be. The WB didn't invite me to produce/edit/write season two. So you can forget about any long term plans/arcs I had for the series. Still, I wish the show well. (After all, it'll still carry my "Developed By" credit.)
In other news, today I finished recording all of the two volume (seven episode) video anime series 3X3 EYES. I think we assembled a terrific cast for the English dub. Here's a complete list:
LEADS
Christian Cambell* as Yakumo Fujii
Brigitte Bako^ as Pai/Sanjiyan/Pabo Ayanokoji/Parvati/Howasho
SUPPORTING
Thom Adcox^* as Monkey
Edward Asner^* as Grandpa Ayanokoji
Earl Boen as Benares
Leslie Boone as Ken-Ken
Susan Chesler as Lee Ling-Ling
Bill Faggerbakke^ as Steve Long
Elisa Gabrielli^ as the Doll Demon
Jean Gilpin* as Mrs. Wong/Xunquai
Taliesin Jaffe as the Frog Demon and Feihong
William Katt as Tinzin
Mia Korf* as Natsuko
Ralph Lister as Choukai
Erin Matthews as Mei-Shin Long
Yuji Okumoto* as Chou and Naparva
Gregg Rainwater^* as Jake MacDonald
Dina Sherman as Dawn and Ran-Pao-Pao
Rick Simone as Tatsuya
Keith Szaribajka* as Professor Fujii and Ryouko
Rosie Taravella as Grandma Ayanokoji
Greg Weisman^ as Hide
and Keith David^ in a roll so rocking, I can't reveal it here. :)
* indicates a Voice Actor I worked with on MAX STEEL.
^ indicates a Voice Actor I worked with on GARGOYLES.
Anyway, the voices are all recorded. I've got three mix sessions left to do. I should be done in a week or so, at which point -- I'm unemployed.
Or nearly. I'm still teaching the animation writing course through UCLA extension. That's been a lot of fun and it keeps me pretty busy. Plus I'm working on writing a spec screenplay with my brother. And I go on the occasional job interview.
All this means is that it looks like I'll soon have plenty of time to dive back into ASK GREG. At one point we were closing in on completely catching up. Now we're over three months behind. But I'll try to make some fast progress. We've now got Todd Jensen helping Gorebash out to keep the site current, so that should help us avoid the "Nothing in queue" problems that were slowing us up before.
And I hope to see most of you at Gathering 2000 this August. It should be a GREAT con this year. I'll be there with Thom Adcox plus my wife and kids. We'll have new and special treats from Gargoyles, 3x3 Eyes and another EXCLUSIVE radio play event -- something that I guarantee you won't want to miss. Plus Disneyworld is a shuttle ride away. Make your reservations now.
Brandeewine (Julie Cavignac) writes...
Greg, I just wanted to comment, and say how much I have really enjoyed reading all of your ramblings and tidbits of information given. Many responses you give to questions are so "smart ass" that it is hillarious. I would tell you how cool you are, but if I do, your head will probably swell to some unimaginable size, considering how often you hear it. :-P In case you couldn't tell, I was just kidding. Just the same, I love your work, as well as all of the cool Background info on the shows. I hope everything is going ok for you, your classes, your wife and you kid(s). Keep it cool.
ô¿ô
Greg responds...
My wife and kids are doing great.
I start teaching a new class this week, so ask me how it's doing in a few.
The career's been better (way better if you count Gargoyles) but I am, strangely at peace (at least as of this second) about that. And I'm really enjoying my Voice Directing work on 3X3 Eyes.
Thanks for asking. And thanks for the kind words.
Coldlaser writes...
Hello mr. Weisman.
It was only recently that I saw Frank Welker was one of the voice actor. This guy is amasing when it come make animal sounds or strange voices. But, did you ever thought of giving him a role where he would actually talk, like all the other voice actors?
I first knew Welker as Megatron, Soundwave, Galvatron and other Transformers (well Decepticons actually), he was great!
Greg responds...
I first worked with Frank on DuckTales, where he talked very well. He did the voice of BigTime Beagle (among others) a particular favorite of mine. (Our cat's name is BigTime.)
And Frank did a few "Speaking Parts" for us: Banquo, Kiron, the Stone of Destiny and a bunch of one-liners here and there. We try never to let talent go to waste.
Jessica Brimer (shadowrider@blomand.net) writes...
Hi again!
I just read your Jan 6 comment on seeing Galaxy Quest (which I still haven't seen but want to :) )and just wanted to say it's nice to know I'm not the only one who thinks up ideas like that:)
Greg responds...
Welcome to my world.
DougJoe writes...
Greg,
Back in August I asked some questions about Duval, his name, and identity. I wasn't trying to figure out who he was. I already had that figured out... as you said, it's one of your worst-kept secrets. I just noticed that no one ever mentioned his first name, so I thought that it might be a sneaky clue or something to that effect to his identity... I was actually surprised when you responded that you hadn't thought of one. I would have definitely liked to see how that particular revelation would have played out in the series.
No question here, but thanks again for answering all of ours. You mentioned that you had wanted Ask Greg to be something sort of a dialogue... hope this is what you had in mind.
Greg responds...
Yeah. Sure.
You'd be surprised at how many things I HAVEN'T worked out yet. I'm a little amazed I know as much as I do, but I don't pretend to have it wired. For me to really tap into the gargoyles universe requires concerted effort. And I rarely have time to do that these days.
JEB writes...
This question has little to do with Gargoyles, but I was just curious- have you watched any of the series "Beast Machines" on Fox? Several of your former co-workers (Michael Reaves, Brynne Chandler Reaves, Bob Skir) are involved in it, and I could detect some definite Gargoyles traces in some of the characters. If you have seen it, what's your opinion of it?
Thanks in advance!
Greg responds...
I've never seen it.
Todd Jensen writes...
You once gave a list here of Shakespeare plays that you especially liked because you had ideas for using them in your stories: Henry IV Part One, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, The Tempest, Hamlet, and Love's Labor's Lost. Just for the fun of it, I went over that list recently to see how many of these you'd made use of in "Gargoyles", or had indicated making use of in this forum.
HENRY IV PART ONE: You mentioned that Dingo's real name would be Harry Monmouth, an aka of Prince Hal, and I definitely see a parallel between the two.
KING LEAR: Aside from the mention that I once made of the similarities between Edmund and Thailog (which may not count since you indicated in your response that it was subconscious on your part), I noticed that Xanatos quoted this play in "Vows" in his "Reason not the need" line to Petros Xanatos (interesting, since in the play, Lear quoted that line to one of his daughters - either Goneril or Regan; I can't remember which - so that Xanatos had reversed the parent/child roles here).
ROMEO AND JULIET: The quotes in the library scene in "The Journey", Queen Mab, and Terry and Sphinx as a parallel to Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: Oberon, Titania, and Puck. (No prizes there).
MACBETH: Macbeth and the Weird Sisters. (Again, no prizes there).
THE TEMPEST: You mentioned having plans to bring Prospero into "Gargoyles" at some point.
HAMLET: Ophelia's name, Elisa doing the "more things in heaven and earth" quote in "Heritage", and Xanatos's "Alas, poor Yorick" parody in "Future Tense".
That leaves just "Much Ado About Nothing" and "Love's Labor's Lost" on the list. Had you ever planned to use anything from those plays in "Gargoyles", similarly?
Greg responds...
As with everything, given enough time and episodes, it would probably be inevitable.
But no, not really. My idea for "Much Ado" is a feature screenplay, which I hope to make myself write someday. My idea for "LLL" is a stageplay, which I also hope to make myself write some day.
And incidentally, my idea for Lear is another stage play, based on a one-act play that I wrote in college (actually when I was living in Oxford). The one-act had three parts for actors: EDMUND, the MEN and the WOMEN. Me, my roommate Cameron Douglas and my then-girlfriend Peggy Gold, performed one reading of the play at Stanford in 1985. I played Edmund. Cameron played the Men. Peggy played the Women. I've always hoped that I could expand this into a full length play. I've had the structure and basic story in my head forever. It's just another one of the long list of projects that I am too enfeebled to pursue.
(I'm much less of a role model than most of you think.)
Ed writes...
Here's a silly one.
You keep referring to various notes or stuff you'd have to research. Do you have a Gargoyles folder or something? Or is it bigger than that? Disks? Is it organised even, or just littering notebooks strewn every which way? How big is it anyway?
Or is it all trapped within the power of your mind? (an evil cackling moment there if ever there was one).
All right, that was a silly several…
Greg responds...
Tons of it is just in my head.
Plus I have journals... and most of my notes are spread out over the journals I've kept between 1991 and now.
Plus I have a big filing cabinet with all sorts of stuff, including my timeline and various pitches, old scripts, etc....
Plus I have over 170 computer files on the work we did and the work I planned.
I have the Gargoyles Encyclopedia (first complete draft) which is in major need of a good editing.
Video tapes...
Just a ton of stuff...
Ed writes...
1. Do you believe intelligent life exists outside of Earth?
2. Did Goliath and Elisa believe it before they met Nokkar?
Greg responds...
1. How could it not?
2. Elisa would probably have responded as I did, which doesn't mean she believed in U.F.O.'s. Honestly, I'm not sure if Goliath ever gave it any thought.
Cid Highwind writes...
Hello..
I was wondering what other Animation shows (If any) Do you like?
Greg responds...
As a kid, I was a big JONNY QUEST, SPEED RACER, SPACE GHOST, HERCULOIDS fan.
I liked almost anything with Marvel or DC Super-Heroes in it. (I had very undeveloped tastes.)
I watched tons of cartoons and liked more than I disliked probably.
When I was at Disney, I liked Gummi Bears, some DuckTales, Talespins, Darkwings and Old Development Bonkers, among other shows.
These days, I watch almost no cartoons. I really love KING OF THE HILL. I like FUTURAMA a lot. SIMPSONS is about as weak as it could be right now, but there's usually something in every episode that makes me laugh.
Blade writes...
I've always though Demona was a very strong Gargoyle. Could you tell me how much she can bench? I know its odd but I've always wondred. Maybe around 500lbs?
Greg responds...
I have no idea how much weight I can press, let alone Demona.
And now a word from...
Seth asked for more words from Benny. He's napping, but my five year old daughter Erin wanted a chance to communicate directly with all of you. Here she is...
"My best friend likes the gargoyles. In fact, I like them too. My name is Erin Weisman."
That's all she had to say right now. Maybe more later.
Seth "IRC Goliath" Jackson writes...
Will we hear anymore words of wisdom from Ben in the near future?
Greg responds...
Probably. But he's napping right now.
IN SUPPORT OF EDUCATION
I don't normally approve of letting people take "cuts". Or of breaking rules I've set myself, like the one about separate topics requiring separate posts.
But Lexy is writing a paper on GARGOYLES for her HONOR'S ENGLISH CLASS, and she needed some questions answered. I'm a big fan or Honor's English classes, so I couldn't resist. But I figured you all might be interested in the answers as well. So with Lexy's permission, I'm answering them here.
Dear Greg,
Thanks SO much for helping me with my paper. I hope
to do you,and the rest of the fandom,proud:) Here are
some questions I whipped up for an interview. But If
you have anything you think would be helpful to add or
to subtract from them, please feel free to do so.
1) What do you think are some reasons ppl find
mythological creatures, such as gargoyles, intriguing
GREG'S RESPONSE: I think people like to let their imaginations run. And why limit those imaginations to what we know exists. If a concept has its own internal logic, something real in its emotions and relationships for an audience to grab a solid hold too, then there's little limit to how far-fetched the fantasy can get.
2) What started your personal fascination with
Gargoyles?
GREG'S RESPONSE: A high school trip to Europe and hearing the tidbit that Gargoyles were placed on castles and cathedrals to scare away evil spirits. The notion that monsters were used against evil was very intriguing. And this was years before we developed the series.
3) Name some of your favorite books or stories you
enjoyed when growing up.
GREG'S RESPONSE: Wow. Um. How far back to you want to go? GO, DOG, GO was an early favorite. Later, I liked the Hobbit. I liked reading about myths of all kinds. I had the D'Aulaire's GREEK MYTHS and NORSE GODS & GIANTS books and I reread those over and over. I also was always a big fan of detective fiction. I liked Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. Later, Conan Doyle, some Christie, but my favorites were Hammett, Chandler and ROSS MacDonald. I loved the LEW ARCHER novels. I liked Heinlein in Science Fiction. "Requiem" is a heartbreakingly beautiful little story. I liked Mary Stewart and especially Mary Renault. I read a lot. I liked a lot of diverse stuff. I could go on for hours.
4) Did anything in particular inspire you to create
'Gargoyles'?
GREG'S RESPONSE: I've spoken to this before. Gummi Bears was an inspiration, as was Hill Street Blues (my all-time favorite tv show). My on-going fascination with stone gargoyles. And the pragmatic need to be constantly feeding the Dragon that was the Disney Afternoon.
5) Do you believe that gargoyles and other statuary
such as grotesques are rooted in evil traditions? Or
are they there for the common good through harsh
example? (explain)
GREG'S RESPONSE: Neither. I think they are symbolic (or rather emblematic) of something primitive and primal. They scare away evil. Not all monsters are against us. We need our dreams and nightmares.
6) (circa) When did you start work on the television
show 'Gargoyles'?
GREG'S RESPONSE: 1991.
7) When and why (circa) were you (and others) forced
to cancel 'Gargoyles'?
GREG'S RESPONSE: The question is phrased in such a way that it's difficult to answer directly. We never planned to do more than 65 episodes. That was a standard run for any show. Now in huge success, a show (like DuckTales for example) made additional episodes, and I won't deny I had hopes that we would to. But the answer came back no. Our ratings were strong. But we were a consistent second place to Power Rangers. So we weren't cancelled. But new episodes would not be made. Then ABC and Disney merged, and ABC wanted some Gargoyles. All my bosses at Disney had left and the new management wanted their own people on the show. So they made me an offer to continue that was designed to make me say no. In hindsight, I should have said yes anyway, but that's spilt milk. I left and they made additional episodes for ABC under the Goliath Chronicles banner. The ratings were not good. Neither, in my opinion, were the episodes. So it wasn't renewed.
8) What did the television show 'Gargoyles'mean to you
as it's creator?
GREG'S RESPONSE: It was and continues to be the highlight of my professional career. Nothing I've done, before or since, let me bring my vision so intact to the screen. It was very collaborative, not every idea was mine, but I still feel like that was the one show that achieved what I hoped it would achieved. I'm ridiculously proud of it, beyond all reason, really.
9) What was the central theme or message of the show ?
GREG'S RESPONSE: There wasn't just one. Among the messages was the obvious DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER moral. Plus plenty about the preciousness of life and hope. Themes of redemption are very important to me. Guilt, fear, love, trust, loyalty. You name it, at some point we through it in. Often episode titles were designed to remind both audience and writer of what the major theme in that story was.
10) How many Gatherings have you attended?
GREG'S RESPONSE: All three. Two in NYC. One in Dallas. And I hope to continue to go as long as you folks want me.
11) What is your opinion of the Gatherings?
GREG'S RESPONSE: It is always one of the true highlights of my year. How could it not be? I'm basically treated like royalty for 72 straight hours. Since that doesn't happen to a guy like me much in real life, it's pretty damn cool.
12) What do you hope ppl who watch 'Gargoyles'will
come away with?
GREG'S RESPONSE: First and foremost, I hope they were entertained. Not a little, but a lot, and on multiple levels. I hope we got the adrenaline going. I hope we touched their hearts. I hope we gave them something to think about. I hope we educated them a bit, or more likely gave them reason to want to be educated about, say SHAKESPEARE or Scottish History or King Arthur or Native American customs or whatever. I'm greedy. I want all of this.
13) What did you like most about the show 'Gargoyles'?
GREG'S RESPONSE: I'm not objective enough to answer this one.
14) What did you like most about working on the show
'Gargoyles'?
GREG'S RESPONSE: Honestly, the autonomy. The freedom. I also had some incredibly talented collaborators and when we were in gear, we really hummed. But for sheer fun, it's hard to beat those voice recording sessions. That was the part of the job that generally was the least like work. It's where all the potentials of the show come to life and few of the problems are revealed. Just fun.
15) Why incorporate so many classic dramas and other
time honored themes within 'Gargoyles'?
GREG'S RESPONSE: Purely for my own amusement. And with the hope that some people will either also be amused or will come to be amused as they discover these things. Plus it made my job easier. The story of Macbeth is so good, that adapting it practically wrote itself.
Thanks so much for all your help:)!
Lexy;)
GREG'S RESPONSE: You are welcome. Let me know if I can be of any more help.
Zeliard writes...
Hi, other than your work, do you watch other cartoons?
Greg responds...
Very rarely, these days.
Partially, this is a free time issue. As in, I don't have any...
But partially, it's a reaction to the horrible things I know about the animation business. I get angry about behind the scenes stuff, and I don't need more reasons to be pissed off.
Steven writes...
Hay Greg,
I read you've been working on a few projects lately like Starship Troopers and Max Steel.But,would creating a new series from scratch be totally out of the question?
e.g. new plot, characters etc of your own....
Greg responds...
No. I've created many new series, as anyone who's attended the Gatherings and our Radio Plays can attest to. But selling those is another matter. I haven't (as yet) had any luck selling another new series.
Jade writes...
Happy Brithday Greg!
All the best wishes!
Have fun and most of all make it a safe Brithday!!!!!
Greg responds...
Thanks, Jade.
Andrea "Elisa Maza" Ivanovs writes...
Hi Greg!
I just wanted to wish you all the best for your birthday!!!
Yepyep, have lots of fun and go on being a, can I admit this, excellent person. ;)
All the best,
Andrea/Elisa
Greg responds...
Thanks Andrea/Elisa!
Seth C. Bagnall writes...
Do you do any professional illustrations yourself, perhaps draw as a hobby, or are stick figures about the best you can do?
Greg responds...
I have one goofy face I can draw. Stick figures, I'm mediocre at. If I really work hard, I can doodle and/or copy something that will only look semi-awful. But no one has ever mistaken me for any kind of artist.
Todd Jensen writes...
You gave a list here once of Arthurian writers that you've read: Geoffrey of Monmouth, Sir Thomas Malory, T. H. White, Mary Stewart, Roger Lancelyn Green, John Steinbeck, Thomas Berger, and Norma Lorre Goodrich, as I recall. I was wondering if you might be interested in giving your opinions (in brief, of course) on their Arthurian writings - and Goodrich, in particular. Having read her Arthurian books myself, I'm curious as to what you thought of them. (My own response to them was that the author had an engaging style, but a lot of her notions struck me as improbable - such as her effort to substantially revise Arthurian geography by putting everything up in Scotland - and I even detected a number of factual errors and slip-ups in them).
Greg responds...
Believe it or not, I've never read Malory from cover to cover. I've read huge chunks of it. And I've skimmed the whole thing. But he doesn't really engage me as a writer. I'm not sure why.
Thus, it is Roger Lanelyn Green who almost acts as my so-called primary source. God, I loved that little book.
Geoffrey was endlessly fascinating.
Steinbeck didn't finish, which was frustrating. It wasn't the best read.
Berger was a lot of fun. Though I don't personally "believe" many of his interpretations of the legends, it was a great read.
I loved Stewart's THE CRYSTAL CAVE. But with each successive book, I found less and less to connect with Stewart's interpretations. And her Mordred book really bummed me out. It seemed like she felt a need to turn Mordred into a real hero at the expense of just about anyone else. Bugged me.
T.H. White's ONCE AND FUTURE KING. I love this book. And I love his "Book of Merlyn." Beautiful writing. Human and fanciful. Irresistable to me.
As for Goodrich, well, I don't have the background to argue her facts. I found much of the material unconvincing and flat-out dull. But I thought she had one real insight. Lancelot has always been viewed as a late addition to the mythology. As a character who was probably NOT historical. (Whereas Arthur likely was.) Her linguistic explanation, connecting Malory's Lancelot with Monmouth's Angus was very convincing. I'll try and duplicate it here...
ANGUS latinized becomes something like ANGUSELUS.
But Anguselus was a title that could properly be rendered as THE ANGUSELUS.
Frenchifying this would make it L'ANGUSELOS. With the last letter silent.
Over time, it would not be unlikely for the name to be simplified. If a syllable got dropped it could very easily become L'ANSELOS.
And if the last S is silent (as it likely would be in French) then it could easilty become an equally silent "T". Thus L'ANSELOT.
Or LANCELOT once it was anglicized again.
This may sound like a stretch. And I may not be doing it justice above. But early Celtic accounts include the character of Angus. Lancelot was assumed to be a later and fictional French addition to the legend. (And thus a character from France.) If Lancelot is in fact Angus, then that lends a certain credence to the entire legend. And I just love that idea.
Todd Jensen writes...
A little side-note. I happened to see the episode that you wrote for "Disney's Hercules" - I thought I'd mention it after noticing that somebody else on the list mentioned it. I quite enjoyed it - particularly the portrayal of Theseus as a sort of ancient Greek version of "Batman". I also noticed, as a side-note, that there was a certain thematic echo of "Hunter's Moon" in it (although I don't know if you'd intended it or not) where Hercules got so caught up in his efforts to wreak vengeance upon the Minotaur that he lost sight of what was really important, much the same way as Goliath in his pursuit of the Hunters.
Greg responds...
First off, Todd, thanks for the kind words.
There are certain themes that interest me, and so you'll see them revisited in my work (probably ad nauseum) over and over. The theme of, well, let's call it "What Profit Vengeance?" is one of my favorites. So I wasn't deliberately trying to echo "Hunter's Moon" so much as I was servicing a set of ideas that seemed apropos to both series.
As for the Theseus-as-Batman stuff. Well, that's a no-brainer. The Superman/Batman dynamic -- that is the teaming of a hero possessing superhuman abilities with a hero who merely makes the best possible use of his human abilities -- originated with Herakles and Theseus. (Or at any rate, it goes back that far.) So the notion of flipping that, and playing Herc/Theseus as Superman/Batman seemed wonderfully ironic and a fertile place to find comedy.
In high school, I acted in a play called THE WARRIOR'S HUSBAND. I played Theseus, and I've had a real affinity for the character ever since. In that play, Hercules was kind of a mope. (Very strong, but a mope.) The Greeks were waging war against the Amazons. Hercules was in charge, but Theseus was the real brains of the operation. Yet he's also the guy who really falls hard in love for Antiope, sister to Queen Hyppolyta. So instead of conquering -- as he had originally intended -- Theseus winds up manipulating everyone into a compromise. I like that in a hero.
Theseus is part of a sub-genre of archetypes, (an off-shoot of Trickster figures like Puck, Coyote or Odysseus/Ulysses). He's the primary example of the Archetype of "THE BASTARD", which includes such diverse characters as Shakespeare's Edmund from KING LEAR, Joan of Arc's ally Dunois and multiple characters from Arthurian legend (including Merlin, Arthur, Percival, Galahad and Mordred). There are so many parallels between Arthur and Theseus that reading Mary Stewart and Mary Renault seemed almost redundant. (Not really.)
In fact, Luach (or Lulach) is also a prime candidate for that archetype. When he was born, Gruoch was still married to Gillecomgain. But gossip around the castle hinted that the babe's true father was Macbeth. After Macbeth and Gruoch married, Macbeth adopted the boy as his own. At which point the gossip shifted to insist that Gillecomgain was the boy's father. (You can't win.) Pre-DNA testing, there would be no way for Luach to ever be certain of the truth. Maybe Macbeth didn't even know. Hell, Gruoch might not know.
Life's a bitch when you're a bastard.
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