A Station Eight Fan Web Site

Gargoyles

The Phoenix Gate

Ask Greg Archives

MX1 MAX STEEL

Archive Index


: Displaying #1 - #50 of 139 records. : 50 » : Last » :


Posts Per Page: 1 : 10 : 25 : 50 : 100 : All :


Bookmark Link

EDWARD ASNER

So...

This is hard.

It's been a bit of a stressful weekend, as my father went into the hospital with chest pains. A stint that had been replaced last year had failed and was replaced again Saturday morning during an angioplasty. I've been concerned, worried. But the procedure seemed to go well, and he was set to go home today. We seemed to have dodged a bullet.

But there was a second gun.

I slept in today. I woke up to two pieces of news:

1. My dad was good. Solid. My sister picked him up at the hospital and took him straight to breakfast. (My mother was annoyed at not being included - but that's a whole other story.) He's home now. I've talked to him. He sounded cheerful. All good.

2. Ed Asner had passed away.

I spent most of the day doing laundry and other mundane tasks. Life goes on, right? It has to. But it's been difficult getting my head around the whole thing. I've gotten many calls and texts today, offering condolences as if I were part of the Asner family. Folks seem to know how close I felt to Ed. But I don't want to exaggerate. Ed was my friend. I hope he knew I was his, as well. But I haven't talked to him in at least a couple of years. (You can partially blame that on the pandemic, I suppose. There are a lot of people I've lost touch with. If anything, this is a reminder to GET in touch. And I'm going to make an effort to do that.) In any case, there are many, many people who knew Ed better than I did, who were closer to Ed than I was.

Nevertheless, at the risk of turning this post into my own self-aggrandizement, I am going to spend a few paragraphs here on the subject of the Ed Asner that I knew and loved.

I was a fan of Ed's long before I met him. Like many, many people, he first entered my awareness playing Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. (Later, I got a kick out of picking him out of reruns, where he usually played the heavy in such series as The Wild Wild West and others.) But as Lou, Ed was simply brilliant. One of the truly classic scenes in all of television is the scene in the TMTMS pilot, where Lou interviews Mary for a job. Do yourself a favor and view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj286uBKCu0

That scene had a major effect on me, even seeing it as a kid.

Now, having just rewatched it, the genius of the writing and the two performances still knocks me out. But there was something else about Lou and Mary. Watching their interactions was a bit like watching my parents. The connection in my mind between Lou and my dad was especially strong.

Ed and my father were two Ashkenazi Jews from the midwest. My dad was from Chicago; Ed, from Kansas City. They were gruff AND loving. They even had mannerisms in common. There was much more, I'm sure, that they DIDN'T have in common. But something connected the two men in my mind. And, meanwhile, my admiration for Asner as a performer knew no bounds. When I saw him in the Lou Grant series, in Rich Man, Poor Man, in Roots, that admiration only increased. When I learned of his activism - and the price he paid for it - that admiration shot through the roof.

Years later, when we had begun pre-production on GARGOYLES, I thought of Ed Asner - or of Lou Grant, at least - as the inspiration for Hudson. In fact, when we held auditions for the role, I wrote at the bottom of the character description that "Hudson hates spunk." This was, of course, a variation on Lou's classic line from the above job interview scene. Now, to be clear, I never imagined we'd get Ed to play the role. I figured he was way too big a star for us to land. But low and behold, a few days later, Ed came in to audition for the part. Later, he told me that when he read the character description, he was initially thrilled. The "Hudson hates spunk" line made him feel like he was a lock to land the role. Then a couple minutes later, he thought that if he didn't land the role it would really be awful. But of course, he immediately understood the character and nailed his audition... only for Jamie Thomason and I to throw him a curveball, asking him to do it again in a Scottish accent. He nailed that, too.

Working with Ed was a joy. He was fun and funny and so supportive. In addition to playing Hudson (and Burbank and Jack Danforth/Dane) on Gargoyles, I also cast him as recurring characters on Max Steel (Chuck Marshak), 3x3 Eyes (Grandpa Ayanokoji), W.I.T.C.H. (Napoleon the talking cat), Young Justice (Kent Nelson) and Rain of the Ghosts (Joe Charone). When casting Peter Parker's late Uncle Ben in The Spectacular Spider-Man, Ed was the only person I ever considered. He always brought so much to each and every role.

And more than that he was a great friend to me. After the first season of Max Steel, when I couldn't find a job for over a year and thought I might have to give up on my writing career, Ed was there, offering me support. We had lunch at Musso & Frank's. He looked at pictures of my kids out of my wallet and told me to laminate them. He introduced me to his son, Matt Asner, a producer. He didn't allow me to wallow in self-pity or to badmouth guys who I believed had done me wrong. He just reassured me that I had ability and would find my way through. He was, in essence, my work dad.

So today, as you might imagine, has been complicated. My dad is home and healthy. And Ed is gone. I'm grateful and sorrowful. And struggling. But life goes on. It has to, right?

Finally, I'm going to quote Hudson from Gargoyles. In "The Price," an episode that spotlighted the character, Ed as Hudson told Xanatos: "A friendly word of advice: True immortality isn't about living forever, man. It's about what you do with the time you have. When all your scheming's done, what will be your legacy, Xanatos?"

I think we all know that Ed Asner did amazing things with the time he had. And though we'll miss him dearly, his legacy is clear and shining.


Bookmark Link

Garrett writes...

If you had all the time in the world to work on the second seasons of your TV Series such as:

Gargoyles

Max Steel

Young Justice

and The Spectacular Spiderman,

What exactly (from the specifics to not-so-specific) would you change/alter them?

Greg responds...

Change or alter? Nothing. Even errors and missed opportunities are errors and missed opportunities I can live with.

Response recorded on June 23, 2016

Bookmark Link

Masterdramon writes...

Wanted to post this separate from my review, for length reasons if nothing else.

The "sources" for several of the references included in RAIN OF THE GHOSTS are fairly obvious. Bernie and Maude, Broadway-Niner-Niner-Four, and Terry Chung all demonstrate that you continue to be as shameless as ever (and damn if we don't love you for it!), and it's probably easier to list what [I]isn't[/I] referenced from "The Tempest."

But I'd just like to quickly confirm if "Mr. and Mrs. John DeLancy" are meant to refer to actor John de Lancie, most famous as Q from "Star Trek" (and more recently, Earth-16's very own Mister Twister).

And if so, was there any particular reason that you gave him a little shout out there? Just mildly curious.

Thanks, and I hope that you enjoyed my review! :)

Greg responds...

Honestly, it must have been, right? But I can't remember why. (I wrote the first draft of the book over a decade ago.) Back then, I had worked a bit with John on Max Steel, but it's not like we socialized or anything. Maybe I just liked the name.

Response recorded on April 07, 2014

Bookmark Link

A Flash Fan writes...

While on the topic of CGI, do you prefer this method or the classic hand drawings for animation and why? I know your series have mostly been all drawings (I think) but wanted to see.

Greg responds...

I don't have a preference if the series is developed correctly for the medium it's using. I did Roughnecks: the Starship Troopers Chronicles in CGI, and I think it worked great. I did Max Steel (Season One only), and although I'm proud of our scripts, I DON'T think it worked great, because the series as it was developed (by me but under marching orders from multiple very large companies) didn't work in CGI.

Response recorded on March 22, 2013

Bookmark Link

gaiachild writes...

It isn't really much of a question, but all in all, I just wanted to say "Thank you". Thank you for all the high quality shows you produced that enriched my childhood and still give me intelligent and gripping entertainment in my favorite media, animated shows, as an adult.
Most off all, I also wanted to express my admiration for your resolve. While privately I may often joke bitterly about the "Weisman curse" whenever one of your shows gets unfairly canceled way too soon despite (arguably) having the best quality in the entire program. You will always have my gratitude for continuing to produce great shows despite all the stones placed in your way.

As for questions:
1. If you had the means to, would you do a Young Justice/Gargoyles Crossover?
2. Sorry to bring up this unfairly missed opportunity gain, but if you had remained on the staff for "The Roswell Conspiracies", do you think that show would at some point crossed over with Gargoyles?
3. In the spirit of question one, do you think Demona would make a good Red Lantern?

In any case, once again, thank you. Thank you for raising the quality and complexity of the already great W.I.T.C.H. cartoon, thank you for producing the best animated Spider-Man series to date, thank you for bringing Starshiptroopers to the screen in the way it should have been in the first place, thank you for doing such a great job with Max Steel, thank you for doing a huge part in keeping animated DC material extremely high quality, especially at the moment, and of course, thank you for Gargoyles, probably my favorite franchise ever, and I am rooting for you to one day get it back and do more wonders with it.

Greg responds...

1. I don't think so. Maybe as a radio play. But I don't see the two universes as being particularly compatible.

2. No. Two different companies.

3. See, this kinda thing doesn't interest me much. If you think so, great.

Thanks for all your kind words.

Response recorded on December 14, 2012

Bookmark Link

Chris Spider writes...

So glad Young Justice is back! Anyway, I just had a few questions this time around:

1. Is there any particular reason you decided to cover much of the backstory for characters like Kid Flash, Miss Martian, and Robin in Issue #5 of the tie-in comic instead of the show itself? It's an interesting decision, to say the least.

2. How closely did you work with the writer of the first six issues of the book?
3. How many retakes do you generally have to do? MOI's animation for the show has been incredible so far, so I wondered if there were hiccups like you had in, say, Gargoyles.

4. Did BS&P really not catch that quick panty shot of Chesire? I was rather amazed you guys got away with it.

5. Mark Rolston is an intriguing choice for Lex, having only done a little previous VO work, and none with you guys. How did you, Brandon and Jamie come to cast him in the role?

Anyway, can't wait to see where the show goes next!

Greg responds...

1. We only have so much airtime. There is a lot of backstory and STORY that we'd love to cover that we just don't have the room for on air. Even WITH the comic, there's still a ton we don't have room for. But the comic does provide us with a second bite at the apple, so to speak. Everything you NEED to enjoy the series is in the series. Everything you NEED to enjoy the comic is in the comic. But I believe you get more out of both by enjoying both.

2. Very closely on the basic story concepts, which were all ideas that Brandon, Kevin and I came up with. Then we tried to give Art and Franco as much freedom as possible on the scripting... though I did kibbitz a bit here and there. Particularly on issues #5 and #6 to get the backstories feeling the way we wanted them to.

3. There are always retakes but MOI and LOTTO have both been great partners.

4. I didn't catch it. Only the fans caught it.

5. Actually, I worked with Mark on Max Steel and remembered him being great in that - and in many live-action things I've seen him in. In addition, Mark is the father of one of my daughter's friends. We've socialized occasionally, so he was in my head. I think his Lex is fantastic. Mark/Lex just owned every scene of episode 110 he was in, I thought. "Adorable."

Response recorded on October 13, 2011

Bookmark Link

Alec Howell. writes...

Who provided the voices of Dr. Elena Yevshenko and Mari Keita in Max Steel?

Greg responds...

The very talented Jean Gilpin provided the following voices on shows I've worked on...
--Elena Yevshenko (Max Steel)
--Inger (Team Atlantis)
--Mari Keita (Max Steell)
--Mrs. Wong/Xunquai (3x3 Eyes)

Response recorded on November 09, 2010

Bookmark Link

Jacob writes...

I was curious have you ever wanted to start the show Max Steel back up i know you only did the first season but have you ever like suggested to mattel to start the show back up?

Greg responds...

No. I'm proud of the stories we told on the first season of Max. But the whole thing was something of a negative experience for me. And it's hard enough trying to keep the faith on Gargoyles, which I created.

Response recorded on September 19, 2008

Bookmark Link

Kassey Demers writes...

Hey Greg me again checking your site after a long while, you must think I don't ave a life lol. But I've been doing research and it seems they made more Max Steel episodes it other country here check this site:http://www.maxsteel.com/default.aspx?lang=en
Most episodes are in spanish unfortunately but what a change from your version. I've urd they made a DVD but I can't find it. Also if you want to see Max Steel video's go to www.youtube.com and type max steel.
Anyways sorry for buggin you but I had to tell somoene.
Kassey Demers big fan

Greg responds...

Thanks for the info, but I'm not that interested in seeing what others did to/with Max after I was... shall we say, let go. Kinda the way I feel about Goliath Chronicles.

Response recorded on August 06, 2008

Bookmark Link

josh sondergeld writes...

Do you think female dread minions are hot

Greg responds...

Is this a Max Steel question, cuz if not, I don't know what you're talking about.

Response recorded on January 02, 2008

Bookmark Link

UKHoneyB writes...

Okay, last time I'm going to bug you about this, I promise.

I actually didn't expect an answer for anything I asked earlier, so you haven't disappointed me in any regard. I understand about not remembering anything about Max Steel due to Gargoyles taking up most of your time, so all I can do is say thank you for your time reading and answering my questions, and I wish you great success in the future with Gargoyles :)

Greg responds...

Thanks. It hasn't JUST been Gargoyles. I've worked on a LOT of shows since Max.

Response recorded on July 18, 2007

Bookmark Link

Robbie Bishop writes...

Hey me again, I was woundering if anyone knows if Max Steel will ever come on TV again???

Greg responds...

Someone might. Not me though.

Response recorded on July 06, 2007

Bookmark Link

Robbie Bishop writes...

Wow! Max Steel ruined your career for several years!! How?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNK5Fli0JAE it says so on youtube but the camera guy keeps laughing and I can't hear you!

Greg responds...

Man, I've got to remember that anything I say these days can wind up on You Tube.

And, yeah, it did. I believe, and I have had many more objective people than I confirm it, that I was both scapegoated and blackballed for the perceived failures of that series, the main irony being that the show was a minor hit -- not a failure at all.

Response recorded on June 11, 2007

Bookmark Link

UKHoneyb writes...

Follow-up to my earlier question:

In earlier questions/answers you've alluded to such things as Dread being akin to Xanatos and you having ideas for him that never bore fruit; Mairot being a triple-agent (giving information from Smith to Dread and then back to Smith again) and the 'mole' being N-Tek's own technology and computers; that Laura would find out in some way or another about Josh's dual identity; that there was a reason behind the first series episode titles beginning with 's' which was never fulfilled (but would have been in a later series); we would have met Berto's family; that there were three prior missions to the one we saw in "Strangers".

Basically, anything you can tell me about the above situations, if you can :)

Greg responds...

I'm so sorry, but I just can't remember. It's been too long, and I don't even have any of the Max materials here at Sony to refresh my memory. Everything you wrote above, is true, but I would not have been able to call most of it to mind, if you hadn't reiterated it. It's been too long. I'm sure you're sitting there thinking, "But Gargoyles was even longer ago!" and that's true, but I've been working on Gargoyles and talking about it here and at the Gathering non-stop with fans ever since, so it's never left my mind. I'm afraid Max never generated the same kind of interest. Plus there was the very bitter way I was let go, which put a bad taste in my mouth.

Response recorded on June 08, 2007

Bookmark Link

Chip Coffin writes...

Me once again, comment, not a question. I was just on iTunes when I noticed the latest episode of Kim Possible was up. Now I don't have cable, so iTunes is how I watch most cable shows, I purchased the episode (haven't watched it as it is still downloading) and then went to TV.com and discovered that you were the one who wrote it, making me really excited to watch it! The Episode was entitled Big Bother, and I guess I'm just looking for comments from the writer, seeing as how by the time you get to this post I'll have watched it.

Rock On-Chip

Greg responds...

I'm not sure what to comment on. I had a really fun time writing it. I'd written one Kim before, and thought I hadn't done a very good job (though the final product turned out great -- just through efforts not my own). But I felt very good about this script, and the proof in the pudding is that most of what I wrote made it on screen. There's a Gargoyle in-joke in there too... although it got trimmed a bit. Same with a reference from a "Mummy" I once wrote and a Max Steel.

Response recorded on April 23, 2007

Bookmark Link

Julia writes...

Hi! In regards to Max Steel (which I love dearly), I've always wondered: where did Jefferson Smith's name come from? Is that an homage to 'Mr. Smith Goes To Washington', an amazing coincidence, or something else altogether? Thanks!

Greg responds...

I honestly don't recall. I was given many, many of the names when I joined the project. I just don't remember if that was one they handed me or one I came up with. (I'm guessing the former, as I'm rarely shy about taking credit ;)

Response recorded on April 19, 2007

Bookmark Link

UKHoneyB writes...

Hey, I'm not sure, but do you still take Max Steel questions? I've got a couple I've been sitting on:

1) For all intents and purposes, the Max Steel series is canceled in the USA (there's a large fan base in Latin America, with three movies produced so far). As such, do you feel able to discuss your plans and ideas for the show, or not? If so, would you be willing to share?

2) You've references a Max Steel "Bible" in a few earlier questions: do you still have it and would you be able to share any information in it if you still do?

Thanks for reading, even if you don't reply!

Greg responds...

1. Well, it's not that I'm unwilling, but you're talking about a series that I did 13 episodes for back in 1999. So my memory isn't crisp on the subject. Anything specific you were curious about?

2. I might still have it at my other office. I don't have it here at Sony. Sorry.

Response recorded on April 13, 2007

Bookmark Link

Kassey writes...

Oh my god! Thank you very much for answering my questions for Max steel I was 12 years old when I wrote that I went on your site again after a long while and now I'm 15 years old I'm still a fan no matter what. I do honestly miss the show.
Thanks you made my day.
One last question: Is there any dvd or something that cuntains every Max steel episode?
Kassey still our biggest fan Chapleau, Ontario Canada.

Greg responds...

Hi Kassey. I'm afraid I'm not aware of any Max DVDs. If there were one of the first season, I'd love to have it too.

Response recorded on January 15, 2007

Bookmark Link

Zackary Nellom writes...

My name is Zackary Nellom.I dont really have a question abut GARGOYLES,but about Max Steel. I looked everywhere and I couldnt find any kind of tapes or movies. Since you ARE the creator, I thought you might know where I can find some.Please help me

Greg responds...

I wish I did. But I don't. Sorry.

Response recorded on November 28, 2006

Bookmark Link

R.I.P. Edward Albert

R.I.P. Edward Albert.

Edward did a voice for us on a couple of episodes on Max Steel. I won't pretend I knew him well, but he was a good and talented guy on those two occasions. The son of Green Acres Eddie Albert, Edward was a talented actor and activist. He'll be missed.


Bookmark Link

Jeremy Rand writes...

Got a question about Max Steel for you.

I know you don't want to hear summaries of episodes that you didn't do, but I have a question that you might be able to answer. In many of the episodes in Seasons 2 and 3, a major theme is that Josh uses less T-juice than Max because Josh doesn't have the superhuman powers (just extra sharp hearing and eyesight). However, I remember that in episode 4 (Sportsmen), Josh quit the Del Oro Extreme because he couldn't shut off his Max powers -- it was unfair and not a challenge. So, am I confused, or did the writers for seasons 2 and 3 make a mistake?

Oh, and I know you probably wouldn't want them, but in case anyone's interested, Max Steel Season 1 is on DVD. People in the U.K. can get them from http://www.streetsonline.co.uk/ . People in the U.S. and other countries will have to get them off eBay.

Thanks for your time.

Greg responds...

I would want Max Steel Season 1 on DVD. Very much actually. I had no idea it was available. I'll try to find it. So thanks for the heads up.

As to your question, well... I'm going to have to say that there was a screw-up. Josh and Max weren't two different guys. Josh used his powers to change his appearance to look like Max, so that he wouldn't be recognized. But he had all his powers at all times. At least that's how we wrote it during Season One. Of course, I was fired after Season One, and who knows? Maybe that was why.

Response recorded on September 08, 2006

Bookmark Link

Valric Sargeant writes...

Can you get me info on Maxsteel?

Greg responds...

Can you be more specific?

Response recorded on September 19, 2005

Bookmark Link

Kassey writes...

Hi!
I really like you're style of writing for the show of Max Steel did you ever meet Christian Campbell? Does the letter 'S' stand for something? Because I think that it's cool the way you put those titles together so "those are my two questions"
you're biggest Max Steel fan Kassey Demers Chapleau Ont,Can
THANK YOU!!!

Greg responds...

Hey Kassey,

Don't know if you're still reading ASK GREG, but yes, I knew Christian quite well, though I haven't seen him in a couple years.

S stands for Steel.

Response recorded on December 10, 2004

Bookmark Link

sflfunding@aol.com writes...

hi greg. My name is Michelle. My son who is 2 years old and is obsessed with Max Steel. I have been looking all over for videos for him. I have had no luck in finding any. If you can help me in any way, I would appreciate it. I am willing to pay anything for them. thank-you
Please e-mail me at sflfunding@aol.com.

Greg responds...

As far as I know, videos for Max Steel are not available. Sorry.

Response recorded on July 01, 2004

Bookmark Link

Jim Tate writes...

I was watching Max Steel with my 2 year old son and was curious what software was used in the making. What about Lip Synch software.

Greg responds...

I have no idea. Sorry.

Response recorded on April 19, 2004

Bookmark Link

Demonskrye writes...

I have a Max Steel Question that hopefully will be more fuin than painful. I didn't get to see the show that often, but from reading this site, I've learned that in your version, Josh's parents were named Molly and "Big Jim". My toy collector boyfriend tells me that there is a British action figure line called "Big Jim" which is quite similar to the American G.I. Joe line and thus in the same scale as the Max Steel figures. Apparently, some people in the online action figure collecting community have been wondering if there's a connection. So...

1) Is the name of Josh's dad an intentional homage to the Big Jim line? (if it is, please skip 3. If no, ignore number 2.)

2) If so, was it a suggestion from Mattel or something you came up with on your own?

3) If not, where does the name "Big Jim" come from? (And isn't it kind of an interesting coincidence?)

Greg responds...

1. When I was a kid, I had Big Jim (here in the U.S.). Also Big Jack, Big Josh and Big Someone Else. I was told by Mattel that when they were developing the Max Steel line, it came out of a desire to revamp their old Big Jim line. Given that, I thought it made sense to name Josh/Max's dad Big Jim. They were fine with it. And Big Jim did make one flashback appearance in the first season.

So it wasn't a coincidence and it was kind of a mutual thing.

Good catch.

Response recorded on April 01, 2004

Bookmark Link

kimmer14@comcast.net writes...

Looking for a website that will give me a list of all the title names of the action figures of "maxsteel".We have about 8 of them.Example:"wave flier","samurri warrior",etc. Trying to collect for my son.Any help?Thanks

Greg responds...

Sorry, aside from the time displacement that's unfortunately typical of ASK GREG, I didn't even know the answer to this back in 2002.

Response recorded on March 25, 2004

Bookmark Link

Steve Nunez writes...

I loved your episode of Video wars for the jem series, I was wondering how you and cary bates came up with the storyline, and why you only seem to have written 1 episode for the show? You and Cary also seem to have done a lot together. Will you two be working on future shows? and personally, I think you both rock! :-) Stnp@yahoo.com

Greg responds...

Thanks. Cary & I were writing partners for years, mostly at DC Comics. Nowadays, we still like working together, so I made him a story editor on Gargoyles. And I've had him write scripts for me on that show, plus Starship Troopers & Max Steel.

Basically, if I ever get another show, we'll wind up working together again, most likely.

I'm glad you liked the Jem episode. We only did one, because we were only offered one. I'd have been happy to do more. I'm not too clear (as it's been over 15 years) how we came up with that particular storyline, but I think it was suggested by the bible. Not the premise per se, but it felt like a natural.

Response recorded on March 23, 2004

Bookmark Link

Anonymous writes...

I know that it's impossible, but in your opinion, what would happen if there was a cross-over between your two creations Gargoyles and Max Steel? How would the characters react towards each other?

Greg responds...

For starters, credit going where it is due, Max wasn't my creation. I developed the show, but did not create it.

After that, I guess they'd fit together all right. Max is assigned to investigate Gargoyle sightings or something. He's got nano-tech powers. It could be fun.

But it doesn't particularly jazz me.

Response recorded on January 22, 2004

Bookmark Link

Kathy writes...

What happened to Max Steel? My sons miss him terribly.

Greg responds...

I don't have an answer for you. I only worked on the first season (the first 13 episodes). They did two more seasons after I left. I thought it was still airing in reruns on cable somewhere, but I'm not sure.

Response recorded on December 15, 2003

Bookmark Link

George writes...

So, Greg , what type of series are you currently working on your own besides Gargoyles and Redemption Squad, a.k.a. BAD GUYS, Max Steel, Timedancer and all of those other Gargoyles Spin-offs?

Greg responds...

For starters, of course, Max Steel is not a Gargoyle Spin-Off. It was a show on Kids WB, produced by Sony and based on a toy from Mattel. I developed it and worked on the first season in 1999. Since then, I've had no involvement.

I have never stopped trying to bring back Gargoyles or one of its Spin-Offs in some way, shape or form, but in the meantime I still have to earn a living.

I've worked on a number of shows as a freelancer since Max. A non-comprehensive list would include: 3x3 Eyes (English dub), Atlantis: Milo's Return (direct-to-DVD/Video), The Mummy, Kim Possible, Bionicle: Mask Of Light, etc.

I've also been working more recently for a number of companies in development, including Platinum Studios, Warner Brothers, DAG and Hasbro. (All in addition to various spec projects on my own and with partners that I/we hope to sell some day.) I'd love nothing more than to talk about this stuff, but it's both bad luck and bad business to talk about a project before it's sold.

Finally, most recently, I've been writing for a new Warner Brothers animated series for Story Editor/Producer Duane Capizzi (of "Men in Black" and "Jackie Chan" fame). Again, I'd love to talk about it, but I don't know if Warners has announced the series yet, and I definitely do NOT want to be the guy who let the cat out of the bag.

Sorry.

Response recorded on October 22, 2003

Bookmark Link

Cathy writes...

MAX Steel
I am a parent of a 7 yr old boy. My son loves Max Steel and all of sudden the show has been cancelled? I cannot seem to find any infomation on why or what. I was wondering if you could bring me up to speed on what happened? I have done numerous searches and cannot find current information on Max Steel. I do really appreciate the response!

Cathy

Greg responds...

Well, Cathy, I somehow doubt you're still checking this site for an answer after 19 months. And even if you are, I can't be of much help. I worked on ONLY the first season of Max Steel. I know they did at least two more seasons, but I had no idea that it was still on the air at all. I last saw it this past spring -- what I assume was a rerun on cable.

Anybody else know Max's status?

You might check with the Mattel toy company, who has a vested interest in maintaining fan interest in the property.

Response recorded on August 25, 2003

Bookmark Link

Sunny writes...

I was wondering what you could tell me about the Max Steel character?

Greg responds...

Lots, probably. What do you want to know?

Response recorded on August 06, 2003

Bookmark Link

Sandrine M writes...

Hi!
Did you see the second season of Max Steel? Did they respect your ideas? What do you think about Kat, Jo, the two robots dog, the robot cat, the absence of Laura, Berto who goes out of his screen's life, the discovery of Max steel's secret by Pete, the new ennemies... Or did you see nothing and you will never see it?
Personnaly, I found the second season too previsible (we had to see an episode on him (Psyco), on him (the other human robot), on her(Dragonnelle)...Dread went in prison in the first one.It was too fast, he can't stay in prison...and I win again, in the last one, he went out)
A third season is in project?
I noticed too the clothes' mistake in the third episode, before Ricky wrote it on your website.

Greg responds...

I have never seen the second season. They didn't ask me my plans, so any resemblance to what I had in mind is purely coincidental and/or a natural result of things I set up in Season One. It's not likely I'll see that stuff. It would probably just make me nuts.

There was a third season, and I (very) recently saw part of one episode of the third season. It seemed like a very different show. Not bad. Just different.

Response recorded on April 15, 2003

Bookmark Link

Ricky writes...

Hi Greg, ever thought about getting Max Steel and Rachel together. Despite you're not with the Max Steel project anymore. Have any thought about what you could've done with the characters?

Greg responds...

Well, in the one season (out of three) that I did work on Max Steel, we did (briefly) get Max and Rachel together. In an episode called Sharks, set in a submarine (or two). They succumbed to emotion, the depths and a lot of sexual attraction and kissed. Then they immediately backed off. Max (or rather Josh) was still in love with Laura. Rachel was conflicted, since she's Max's boss.

I'm not sure where we would have gone long term -- since I left the show before season two.

Just last week, I finally saw one of the episodes I didn't work on. (Up to this point, I'd seen none except my thirteen.) It seemed to be from the third season, and had a very different feel in many ways. Max and 'Berto were still there, though 'Berto was now a field agent. Psycho was still the villain, but he seemed to be operating independently. There was a new girl with Max and 'Berto, and no sign of Rachel, Laura or any of the rest of my supporting cast, unless you count the occasional reference to Jeff -- who didn't appear. I watched a couple acts of it, but then my kids lost interest and changed the channel, and I didn't care enough to change rooms and see the end.

Response recorded on April 04, 2003

Bookmark Link

Ricky writes...

DO YOU THINK THAT MAX STEEL WILL EVER BE MADE INTO A FULL-LENGTH FEATURE FILM?

Greg responds...

In a word, no.

But who knows? Max Steel is owned (largely if not entirely) by Mattel. Would you count "Barbie in Rapunzel" as a full-length feature? If so, then I suppose it is possible.

Response recorded on February 11, 2003

Bookmark Link

ATTENTION FANS OF MATT BLUESTONE

Tom Wilson (the voice of Matt Bluestone) is currently recurring on the NBC series Ed, playing a widowered fireman and a potential love-interet for the Molly Hudson character, played by actress Leslie Boone, whom I've also worked with on 3x3 EYES. (Leslie is a very good friend of Thom "Lexington" Adcox.)

I've worked with Tom on most of the series where I had some control over casting, like MAX STEEL and TEAM ATLANTIS. He's one of my absolute favorite performers, and he and Leslie make a very cute couple. He's already been on two episodes. I don't know how long a run he'll get. But I hope he sticks around.


Bookmark Link

Ricky writes...

I know the titles from other sites (Max Steel)

Greg responds...

Oh. How did they know?

Response recorded on February 14, 2002

Bookmark Link

Ricky writes...

Hi again...

Sorry to hear that the Atlantis project was scrapped, that's terrible news...actually a series like that would've been great to see. Too bad!

Why are all the first episodes of Max Steel titled with "S" names? Was it your idea, any humourous reason?

Greg responds...

My idea. No humorous reason.

The reason in my head was always a bit obscure. I was trying to do something that I never quite achieved. Years later, it's even less clear to me now.

But here's a question... since the titles don't appear on the episodes, how do you know them? From this site?

Response recorded on September 09, 2001

Bookmark Link

Blaise writes...

Hi again!

This question actually deals with the credits listing of the series (yeah, I know it seems I have too much time on my hands, but that's beside the point).
Two things about GARGOYLES' credits stood out. The first you already talked about--the writers recieving credit at the beginning of episodes during the first season. The second however I also found to be quite interesting--GARGOYLES actually gave a true cast list. Usually in these Disney shows, when the credits say, "With the Voice Talents of..." they just lump the actors' names together without telling who they played. GARGOYLES was the first Disney animated series I know of (BUZZ LIGHTYEAR did it later) that actually listed both the actors and the characters they played. This enabled me to (when I started taping the episodes and could hit pause) more fully discover just how diverse and talented this cast was. I could recognize names and see if a person played multiple roles, and I was quite pleased.

So...
1) Is there any story behind this, like there was for giving the writers' credit up front?
2) Whatever the case, I'm glad I could know who played who.

Thanks!

Greg responds...

I don't know if this would qualify as a story, but I liked how Batman the animated series listed who played who. It seemed to show more respect for the actors (and as I was a fan of Batman) more respect for the fans who might be VCRing the thing and want to know.

So we followed their lead. And I'm glad we did. I tried to talk SONY into doing that for Starship and/or Max Steel, but they weren't interested.

Response recorded on July 18, 2001

Bookmark Link

Ricky writes...

I wonder if you noticed this, in episode 2 of Max Steel, when Rachal and Max were in the dark alley and they encounter 3 dread minnions and Psycho, one scene Max is wearing a dark shirt and blue jeans, he's having fainting spells in this episode remembering how he got his powers, after he regains consciousness he suddenly is wearing his fighting uniform, he didn't power up or anything, then after defeating dread's minnions and Psycho escaping, he's back to wearing the dark shirt and blue jeans again...Can you explain this? Do you know what I'm talking about?

Greg responds...

Well, first off, it's episode THREE: Shadows. Not episode TWO: Sacrifices.

Second off, however, I don't recall there being a mistake here. Are you sure he didn't power up off screen.

At any rate, I can't confirm or deny anything. It's just been too long since I've seen the eps.

Response recorded on July 09, 2001

Bookmark Link

Ricky writes...

Greg,
Thanks for responding to my questions. I've written about four novels, but none of them have been accepted. Maybe it's my style of writting I don't know...but perhaps we can help each other in this matter. Would it be all right if I sent you a story on this web page despite it being against your guidelines...I'd like someone to read it, and since it's about Max Steel I thought you would be the more appropiate person to send it to. Just take a look and if you like it then perhaps we can colabrate on something.
Thanx

Greg responds...

Ricky,

I appreciate the sincerity of the offer. But I'm afraid I'm not interested for a score of reasons. Here are the main ones:

1. Max Steel generally is a painful topic for me. I'm quite less than anxious to see anyone else's version of that character.

2. I don't know you. You may be a great guy. Or you may be law suit happy. Even if you are the former, if I break my rule for you, than someone else who is law suit happy can claim that sometimes I break my rules and that I must have broken it for him or her.

3. I'm sorry, but I'm not looking for a new collaborator. My brother and I are collaborating on a screenplay. But working with him is like working with my second self. Otherwise, generally, I prefer to gut it out on my own.

Having said all that, I wish you all the best with your work. If writing is your passion, then stick with it.

Response recorded on June 29, 2001

Bookmark Link

Andrea L. Marbry writes...

Dear Greg,

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, but remember when you said that when Max Steel went off the air, you'd reveal YOUR plans for the show? You might want to start to get your notes together. Even though WB has announced that they've committed to a third season, the fact that Max Steel IS NOT on the WB Fall 2001 schedule, coupled with the fact that they ran the last episode of the second season, "Breakout", BEFORE the May 2001 Sweeps, signifies bad news. If the fat lady isn't singing airas, she's definitely warming up....

Greg responds...

The third season will be on Cartoon Network, or so I'm told.

Response recorded on June 27, 2001

Bookmark Link

Yttrium writes...

Can you tell us of any particularly amusing/interesting garg reference in either MAX STEEL or 3X3 EYES?
Thanks.

---Ytt

Greg responds...

I can't think of any in max.

There are quite a few in 3x3, including the use of a lot of garg voice talent. For example, Keith David plays a cop and uses his Morgan voice. He also plays a much more startling character. It's a hoot.

There's a homeless guy who hums the gargoyle theme song. I did that voice.

Someone says, "What could be strong enough to leave claw marks in solid stone?"

And so on...

Nothing that didn't TOTALLY fit the context. We didn't want to abuse 3x3 for the sake of Gargoyles. But where it fit, it fit.

Response recorded on June 21, 2001

Bookmark Link

Nathan writes...

I can't find info on psycho anywhere! what made him the way he is (I.E. Cyborg)? I really want to know.

Greg responds...

Never revealed that in my 13. Ask Mattel.

Response recorded on June 20, 2001

Bookmark Link

Idle Swimmer writes...

I know Mas Steel is still a sensitive subject for you. (Trust me, I can hear it from your tone when you answer some of the questions.) I swear this will be the last question from me. Did they pull you off the show because of the direction you're taking with the Max/Josh-Laura-Rachel relationship triangle?

Greg responds...

Well, though it was always in the development, they clearly came to feel that they didn't like it. So that was one of the reasons. But not the only one. As we had moved past that triangle by the end of my 13th and final episode.

The new triangle I was planning was a Max-Laura-Josh triangle. Which I was mostly going to play for comedy.

And I don't know whether they would have liked it or not. They booted me without ever discussing what they wanted for the second season. Caught me QUITE off guard.

They've claimed I'm a lousy writer. Maybe I am. Max certainly wasn't my best work. But I blame them and they blame me... Etc. It's all very subjective.

Not fun, huh?

(Can't believe I said all that. No wonder I can't get a job.)

Response recorded on June 20, 2001

Bookmark Link

General writes...

How did Josh McGrath turn into Max Steel exsactly?

Greg responds...

He activated the Max-Probes in his body and clothes.

Response recorded on May 09, 2001

Bookmark Link

Ricky Stewart writes...

Ricky here again,
Max Steel is an **AWESOME** character! I'm almost finished my Max Steel story. Do I have your permission to post it on the internet, or would you like to read it first since you are the creator? Pointers? rickystewart2001@yahoo.ca

Greg responds...

A) I wasn't the creator.

B) I don't read fanfiction EVER.

C) I have nothing to do with Max Steel anymore.

D) I can't give you permission to do anything regarding the character.

E) But I'm glad you like him.

Response recorded on May 04, 2001

Bookmark Link

Ricky Stewart writes...

Hi Ricky here,
This is not a request for employment, but a plea for a chance to break into the business. I'm a writer and I'd like to write a novel. Can you help me?
P.S. How did you come up with Max Steel. Awesome character. Sorry you're no longer involved.

Greg responds...

I'd like to write a novel too. Can YOU help ME?

And I didn't come up with Max. Mattel did. I just developed the character.

Response recorded on May 04, 2001

Bookmark Link

Maxy Steel writes...

I just keep rollin' them out, don't I?

1. From the episode "Scions," who played the voices of Jim and Molly McGrath, and Marco Nathanson?

Thanks for putting up with me, and catch ya later! Luv ya all!
-Maxy Steel

Greg responds...

Honestly, I don't remember. They're names would be listed in the credits. If you gave me a list of the actors names, I could tell you who played who.

Response recorded on May 02, 2001


: Displaying #1 - #50 of 139 records. : 50 » : Last » :