Blake's 7

[Majestic]

Here's the general thread on Blake's 7 created by Dalek (from Doctor Who) creator Terry Nation.

I am starting this thread now because out of nowhere, Blake's 7 got mentioned in last night's The Einstein Factor, a quiz show shown on the Australian ABC.

In the true/false bonus question about Apollo 7, one of the Brains Trust, Tony Wilson said:
"I've seen Blake's' 7 but never Apollo 7(!)"

Just out of sheer coincidence just a couple of hours before The Einstein Factor came on, I was checking up on the length of the early Blake's 7 episodes to check how long each of them were to see how many of them would be shown at my sci fi club which is scheduled to show the series Friday week. After doing that I decided to see the end of the season 2 finale Star One again and having another look at the trailer for season 4 included in the season 3 DVD. (Well, what I can say I just had to see them again.) That's not all to the Blake's 7 coincidences because just a few days before I had emailed the ABC to ask if anyone had applied on the Einstein Factor with Blake's 7 as his/her special subject. I let people know if and when I get a response on this.

Never seen it personally.

 

[Majestic]

I was checking up on the length of the early Blake's 7 episodes to check how long each of them were to see how many of them would be shown at my sci fi club which is scheduled to show the series Friday week.

The screening of Blake's 7 at the club was on last night.

I have good and bad news on this.

I start with the bad news. The bad news is that not many people turned up. It may have something to do with the fact that there was a Battlestar Galactica marathon the day before which had a big turnout in contrast. Understandable after having entire day of BSG that people may want to stay home the following night. A case of bad timing for Blake's 7. More bad news is that the screening started having 7 (convenient number ) people watching it but three people soon left although one newcomer did turn up later on.
The good news is that the people that did stay behind like what they were seeing.

Here are comments from three people-
Person no.1 :
Says he not seeing it for the special effects but it does have a good storyline and it is quite relevant to what the government is doing now about terrorism.
He called Zen an AI. I don't think the term artificial intelligence was used a lot back when Blake's 7 originally aired if at all. So I was surprised Zen being described that way.
He says that I of course had the advantage over all of them since I seen it all before. I then said that I was not going to say anything about what happens in the series.
Also says that an old teacher is a fan of the series.
He thought that Kara (the lovely Pamela Salem) in Cygnus Alpha was going to be one of the seven but it turns out not to be the case. It's a shame as that is a good idea of her being part of the crew.

Person no.2:
Says he did not like the menu.

Person no.3:
Actually asked me where the DVDs can be bought and I said ABC Shop and Galaxy.

Blake's 7 really deserves a much better reception than the one it got last night.

Quite interesting TS. Never seen Blakes 7, I may one day have to get off my butt and go and hire it.

 

[Theta Sigma]

In the latest issue of Data Extract from the Doctor Who Club of Australia, it has a 12 word description on the forthcoming Blake's 7 season 4 DVD. I thought it's worth posting it here as it was not plot specific as it goes like this:
"Empire building. Love. Hate. Betrayal. Murder. And
the end of the road..."
Tempting isn't it.

Talk about Blake's 7 I have just gotten a response about it being on The Einstein Factor:
"Dear Matthew,

Thank you for your email regarding The Einstein Factor. Please accept my apology for the delay in our response.

I referred your email to the Executive Producer of The Einstein Factor who has advised that they have had a Blakes 7 applicant but they have not yet had anyone on the program with this as their specialist subject.

Kind regards,

Margot Edwards
Audience & Consumer Affairs"

 

[Theta Sigma]

Outpost Gallifrey quoted this bit from Doctor Who Magazine issue 370 about Doctor Who writer and Life of Mars co-creator Matthew Graham:
"Writer Matthew Graham reveals a few secrets about his forthcoming episode, Fear Her, as well as chatting about the success of his BBC One time-travel drama Life on Mars - and his plans to bring back Blake's 7! "

Matthew Graham bringing back Blake's 7. I like to see that.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Just found out that Allan Prior who wrote some Blake's 7 episodes passed away last week.

Here is a short biography from Wikipedia but no mention of Blake's 7:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allan_Prior

 

[Theta Sigma]

Since my above post, Blake's 7 has been added to Allan Prior's biography at Wikipedia by David A McIntee, a Doctor Who novelist and Blake's 7 fan.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Season 4 is now available on DVD:
http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/787231

 

[Theta Sigma]

After some stalling, I finally bought the season 4 DVD when I was at Galaxy. The reason why I bought it a couple of hours ago is because I got a $35 voucher from Galaxy and therefore I thought this was a good time to buy it meaning that instead of $97.95 I instead paid $62.95. Of all the 4 season boxsets, season 4 was definitely the cheapest that I have bought.

 

[Theta Sigma]

While watching season 4 saw Paul Darrow last night in The Saint episode The Gadic Collection on UKTV. Took me some time to realise it was him that I was seeing.

 

[Theta Sigma]

James Swallow who has written for the Big Finish Doctor Who audio range has recently said on BBC radio that he was working on something new for the BBC.

He described it as the "rebirth" of something, and apparently the title has a number in it.

There is speculation at the Outpost Gallifrey Doctor Who forum that this is a revival of Blake's 7. In response to this Swallow says he can't say what the revival is all about (yet).

Another thing is that James Swallow was mentioned in last year's press release to be one of the writers for the Blake's 7 animated series.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Blake's 7 is indeed coming back but in audio form:
http://community.livejournal.com/blakes7/53511.html

"REF: B7P PROD BLAKE’S 7 AUDIO_UK06
DATE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2006

BLAKE'S 7 REBORN
www.blakes7.com

LONDON, December 11, 2006: UK-based independent media production company, B7 Productions[1], has announced the return of the cult television classic, BLAKE’S 7 as a series of original audio dramas.

Taking full advantage of BLAKE’S 7 (circa 1978-1981) cult status and enduring popularity, B7 Productions has produced a series of original audio adventures based on the format and characters created by the late Terry Nation. The broadcast platform is currently under negotiation.

In what the producers promise to be a radical new re-interpretation of Terry Nation’s original series, DEREK RIDDELL (No Angels, Doctor Who) heads an all new cast as the eponymous rebel leader, Roj Blake. COLIN SALMON (best known for his film roles in James Bond, Alien vs. Predator and Resident Evil), assumes the iconic role of Kerr Avon with DANIELA NARDINI (This Life) as the rebel’s arch nemesis Supreme Commander Servalan.

Other cast members include CRAIG KELLY (Queer as Folk), CARRIE DOBRO (Babylon 5); MICHAEL PRAED (Robin of Sherwood), DOUG BRADLEY (Hellraiser) and INDIA FISHER (Doctor Who).

BLAKE’S 7 will be produced as a series of all new 36 x 5-minute audio dramas based on the original cult series broadcast on the BBC in the 1970’s. The audio adventures were recorded last week and will debut in spring 2007. A special ‘extended’ CD edition will be released for retail the month following broadcast.

Ben Aaronovitch, Marc Platt and James Swallow wrote the audio plays based on the format and characters created by the late Terry Nation, one of Britain’s foremost television writers of the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Simon Moorhead, Executive Producer, B7P comments: “Representing the best traditions of the original television series these all-new audio adventures will be a fresh and dramatic interpretation of this much loved cult classic. Whilst they are intended to appeal to fans of the original series, equally we hope they’ll capture the imagination of the next generation of fans who love science fiction and enjoy compelling radio dramaâ€

Audio Director, Andrew Mark Sewell believes that radio is an ideal medium for reviving a show that represents the best traditions of the genre. “In the 1970’s, BLAKE’S 7 heralded a new creed of television science fiction. Radio represents the ideal medium to re-introduce BLAKE’S 7 and to remind people what a rich and imaginative world Terry Nation created.â€

Sewell adds: “With the superb cast we’ve brought together we’re set to deliver a compelling but very different take on the original show, with the added benefit of no wobbly sets or dodgy special effects.â€

About … Blake’s 7

In the original series (circa 1978-1981), Terry Nation, one of Britain’s foremost television writers of the 1960’s and 1970’s, gave the world a vision of the future, a future where the galaxy is ruled by the iron fist of a galactic federation, in which freedom and justice are things of the past. Into this vision he cast a small band of outlaws, who by pure chance found themselves in control of the most powerful space vessel in the known galaxy – the Liberator. Led by the enigmatic Roj Blake this group of rebels would strike at the very heart of the Federation and change the face of science fiction television forever.

To this day, BLAKE’S 7 retains a cult following second only to “Doctor Whoâ€.

About … B7 Productions

B7 Productions is a creative partnership that develops and produces original programming and formats for radio, television and film. Following its debut feature “Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont†(UK Producer for Claremont Films) B7P is currently working on its next feature, the psychological thriller, “Twisted Loveâ€. Future projects include the one-off factual documentary “Best Evidenceâ€, a radio sitcom “The Victians†and the much anticipated live action revival of the cult SF classic “Blake’s 7â€. For more information, visit www.b7media.com"

 

[Theta Sigma]

Ben Aaronovitch - Sneak Peek Q&A
http://b7media.com/06december_feature_ben_interview.html

A live action revival is also in development:
http://www.b7media.com/blake_legacy.html

 

[Avon]

I've been a die hard Blake's 7 fan since I was a kid, hence my user name
This revival has been on and off for about twelve years now. Having spoken to an insider in the business on another forum, I asked him earlier this year about the possibility of a live action revival, and if this new B7e company that failed 2 years ago to revive it, still owned the rights. This was his reply:

Regarding the B7 revival, I can tell you what I know, but I think there are a few holes in the chronology that I’m not 100% sure about. I know that the producer originally approached Paul Darrow, who agreed to get in touch with Terry Nation’s widow Kate and his agent to obtain Terry’s B7 rights. Bear in mind that the rights to B7 are divided between the Nation estate and the BBC, but I don’t know who owns what; in fact, I don’t think anybody is entirely sure, which has probably caused a lot of the legal problems these past couple of years. Anyway, in return for obtaining the rights, Darrow was also going to appear in the initial part of the project, which would be based on Nation’s ideas (Avon as a Napoleon-like exile), but I don’t know if he would be killed off, written out or appear sporadically in the subsequent series revival. Darrow was also going to be made a producer on the project, which would give him a vested interest in the project.

Here’s where things get really sticky. As far as both parties were concerned, I believe they each felt they owned the DVD rights. The BBC went ahead and hired Kevin Davies to dig up archive material for the DVDs as well as create a huge four-part behind-the-scenes documentary that would run over all four DVD sets. I’ve seen some of the footage and it was immensely enjoyable, and I know Kevin did his best to contact every cast and crew member he could. I actually went to the recording studio with Sheelagh when she was being interviewed, which I believe was between Gareth Thomas and director Pennant Roberts, and I remember seeing Kevin’s interview schedule, which was pretty lengthy. The one notable exception was Paul Darrow, who declined to participate in the DVDs because he was involved with the other camp, who apparently also believed they owned some of the DVD rights and reportedly planned to issue their own release once the legal questions were ironed out.

Just before the first DVD set came out, the situation got worse. Apparently the other party believed he owned the interactive rights to B7, which would include the DVD rights, which generally featured interactive menus, special features, etc. I’m not sure this would have held up to a legal challenge, but the BBC ultimately decided to strip out most of the special features from their DVD releases, which is why the final releases were nowhere as comprehensive as what was originally promised. Most of Kevin’s material was thrown out, with a few bits re-edited and added back in; part of Sheelagh’s interview for example, appears on the season three set as a separate feature. I know Kevin was heartbroken, because he had spent a number of months busting his ass on the project, and most of it got thrown out.

As for the mini-series, I can’t say with any authority if anything actually happened. There may or may not have been one or more scripts done on spec or deferred payment, but I don’t know if anybody connected with the project ever made a dime. I seem to recall there being a question about whether or not the Nation estate ever got paid for the rights in the end, which would basically have invalidated all of the above plans, but I’d have to call Kate to find our for sure, and I suspect she probably wasn’t all that happy with what ultimately happened. Right now, I don’t know if the rights have reverted back to the Nation Estate, or if in fact they’d formally changed hands.

As for Darrow, I think he eventually realized that he had been badly used. Not only did anything seem to be happening, but by committing himself to the wrong side, he had basically cut himself off from some of the B7-related projects that were actually happening. At some point, he did get in touch with Kevin to talk about participating in the DVDs, but at that point, I think that ship had sailed. I know he regretted the chain of events and his involvement in them because of some comments that he subsequently made to my wife and I. He just made some bad choices, which is unfortunate for everyone, but I think he felt he was doing the right thing, which was to try and help get a B7 revival off the ground.

That’s about as much as I know. My gut reaction is that the B7 project is not only dead in the water, I’m not all that sure it was ever happening. And until the rights issue gets unsnarled once and for all, I doubt anything will happen. Opinions may differ.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Other cast members include CRAIG KELLY (Queer as Folk), CARRIE DOBRO (Babylon 5); MICHAEL PRAED (Robin of Sherwood), DOUG BRADLEY (Hellraiser) and INDIA FISHER (Doctor Who).

Carrie Dobro is going to be Jenna while India plays a new character:
http://www.b7media.com/07january_feature_set2.html

 

[Theta Sigma]

Greyhound-1 has posted at the Gallifrey forum revealing what the cast will be playing in the audio series which I assume is correct. As already mentioned Derek Riddell is Blake, Colin Salmon is Avon, Daniela Nardini is Servalan and Carrie Dobro is Jenna. The rest of the cast will be playing the following:
Vila Restal - Dean Harris
Olag Gan - Owen Aaronovitch
Mezin - India Fisher
Travis - Craig Kelly

 

[Theta Sigma]

Also Kevin Jon Davies in his latest post in the thread in that forum said that Zen, the computer of the Liberator is voiced by Alistair Lock.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Here is a heads-up:
Steven Pacey (Tarrant in the TV series) is a guest star in this week's episode of Spooks, Divided They Fall on the Australian ABC on Friday March 30 at 9:20pm.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Here is a heads-up:
Steven Pacey (Tarrant in the TV series) is a guest star in this week's episode of Spooks, Divided They Fall on the Australian ABC on Friday March 30 at 9:20pm.

Steven Pacey bought a fine performance in this Spooks episode. Whether it is a coincidence or not the episode mentioned a company called Blake & Research.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Found out from writer James Swallow at the Gallifrey forum that the audios will begin on May 1.

 

[Plasma-Man]

Showing my age

How about this, I watched all the B7 episodes on BBC 1 on a Monday night when they first aired. For me when I was 12 years old it was brilliant tv. Super low budget BBC at its best.

 

[Theta Sigma]

It seems the date for audios' debut has changed because instead of around this time on May 1, James Swallow has posted at the Gallifrey forum saying that he has now been informed that debut is now on May 7.

 

[Theta Sigma]

The trailer for the new audios is now at www.b7media.com .

It sounds very good.

 

[Theta Sigma]

The audio series has started:
http://scifi.co.uk/blakes7/

Rebel:
First episode of the audio series divided into three chapters written by Ben Aaronovitch.
Love the new music.
India Fisher is pretty cold in her character which is in contrast to her in Doctor Who: Caerdoria which I am currently listening from Big Finish.
Derek Riddell is pretty good as Blake and most of the episode is a retelling of the first two episodes of the TV series. A very good start indeed.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Rebel Chaper 4 - The Derelict:
Another good chapter.
Love the standoff at the end.

Whereas last week, the first three chapters were made available, only Chapter 4 this week has been released so far.
Found out from Ben Aaronovitch himself posting at Gallifrey that Sci Fi UK is scheduling the chapters each week on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday as well as a mini-documentary at some point. This means that Chapters 5 and 6 will still be released this week but on different days.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Rebel Chapter 5 - No Surrender:
Wow lots of robots.
Enjoyable and it's interesting how Raiker is presented different here than he was in the TV series.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Rebel Chapter 6 - Plan B:
Very tense moment as the Plan B of the title gets carried out.
It's good that Mezin joins the rebels.
I was surprise to hear a significant detail about Travis' life it is not the image that I had of him for all the time since I have started watching Blake's 7.

Servalan says that Blake is no longer a threat. That is what she thinks.

 

[Theta Sigma]

There was a Blake's 7 reference in last night's episode of Primeval Episode 4 shown on Australian TV as Connor reminds his friend of their get together screening of Blake's 7!

 

[Theta Sigma]

Rebel Chapter 8 - Survivors:
Upon listening to the beginning of this, all I can think of is typical Vila.
The storyline of Cygnus Alpha begins and it sounds good so far.

 

[Theta Sigma]

In surprise scheduling not only was Chapter 9 released today as expected but also Chapters 10, 11 and 12 which completes the first episode Rebel.

Overall a solid first episode as Vila and Gan formally joined the band.

 

[Theta Sigma]

Chapter 14 - Directive (Traitor segment 2):
As if the problem that came about at the end of the previous chapter was not enough, comes another one at the end of this chapter.
Quite fun Gan and Vila exploring the ship.