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spacer.gif (836 bytes)Battlestar Galactica Fan Appreciation Day is a fan-organized event on September 1, 2001. (Almost 23 years since the original series debuted on ABC-TV on September 17, 1978.) The event is a celebration of the original Battlestar Galactica television series by fandom, as the new Battlestar Galactica series enters pre-production for the Fox Network.
spacer.gif (836 bytes)The main celebration takes place at the DragonCon with original cast members, including Richard Hatch (Apollo), Dirk Benedict (Starbuck) and Herb Jefferson, Jr. (Boomer). Various other original cast members will be participating with pre-recorded messages and letters. The celebration will take place on the Internet as well, with numerous international web sites and dedicated fan clubs participating.
spacer.gif (836 bytes)Of particular interest, Mr. Hatch will be thanking fans for their many years of support to revive the show. Mr. Hatch has co-authored three original Battlestar Galactica novels and numerous comic books; toured convention circuits worldwide, discussing the show’s potential return; and produced a professional trailer reel, titled Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming to pitch a new series.
spacer.gif (836 bytes)Mr. Hatch’s efforts have galvanized fandom, particularly on the Internet, to call for the return of the show. Studios USA and Vivendi Universal responded by green-lighting a new Battlestar Galactica series, due in 2002, by Tom DeSanto, Bryan Singer, Billy Brown and Dan Angel on the Fox Network.

Battlestar Galactica Fan Appreciation Day Official Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA FAN APPRECIATION DAY
Fans Celebrate 23rd Anniversary of Battlestar Galactica; Actors Thank Fans for their Ongoing Support

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - September 1, 2001 - Fans of the classic science fiction series Battlestar Galactica will celebrate the 23rd Anniversary of the show at the DragonCon science fiction convention today in Atlanta, Georgia. The celebration is dedicated to thanking fans worldwide for their work in helping to revive Battlestar Galactica, too, with their various support efforts. Members of the original Battlestar Galactica cast will participate, both in-person and via pre-recorded messages.
spacer.gif (836 bytes)With the planned return of the show in 2002 by Studios USA and the Fox Network by Tom DeSanto, Bryan Singer, Dan Angel and Billy Brown, fans are being thanked by those who participated in the original show. The celebration’s highpoint will take place September 1, 2001 at a 5:30pm EDT panel at DragonCon with presentations by Richard Hatch and others.
“As you have all realized by now Battlestar Galactica is finally returning to the air next year and we want you to know that it is because of you and your heartfelt and enduring efforts that this has finally come to pass,” said Richard Hatch, “Apollo.” “‘‘Battlestar Galactica Fan Appreciation Day’ is all about giving thanks for all our efforts and to let the studios and producers know how you feel in the most powerful way possible. It is through your articulate feedback that they will know if they’re going in the right direction.”
“It is stunning to me that the one constant in my career has been the loyalty of the people who participated as an audience in making Battlestar Galactica into the Sci-Fi juggernaut/legend that it has become,” comments Dirk Benedict, “Starbuck.” “And so it is, that my expression of gratitude, for making all the effort we put into the show some 20 odd years ago worthwhile, comes from the very bottom of my being. In truth, It is for the ‘fans’ that I supremely desire the resurrection of the Battlestar Galactica to be the huge success it and you deserve it to be.”
“Please pass on to the fans my grateful thanks for their continued support over these many years. I cannot convey how tremendously humbling and wonderful it is to know that my work meant so much to so many.” said Anne Lockhart, “Sheba.” “I certainly hope that the new version of Battlestar Galactica will retain the vision and concepts of the original series, as well as some new ideas.”
The “Battlestar Galactica Fan Appreciation Day” celebration comes at a time when fans worldwide are very hopeful to see members of the original cast and production crew involved in the new Battlestar Galactica show. Fans are encouraged to share their wishes/wants for the new series by writing to the new production team via http://www.battlestargalactica.com/features/revival/index.html

# # #

Additional note: Mr. Hatch has championed the return of Battlestar Galactica for a number of years. He is well-regarded/supported by fandom for his efforts to remain true to the original concepts and themes. His most recent efforts include three original Battlestar Galactica novels, including Battlestar Galactica: Resurrection (2001). Hatch had also produced, directed and starred in Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming, a professional 4-1/2 minute trailer reel to promote his concepts for a Battlestar Galactica comeback. At the time of this writing, none of the original cast members have been officially announced as being onboard the new Battlestar Galactica production, despite mass fan wishes.

P.R. Contacts:

BattlestarGalactica.com
BattlestarPegasus.com BattlestarFanClub.com
Michael Faries Chris Feehan and Shawn O’Donnell


[email protected] (Michael)

[email protected] (Chris)

[email protected] (Shawn)


Contact Points:

BattlestarGalactica.com http://www.battlestargalactica.com
BattlestarPegasus.com http://www.battlestarpegasus.com
BattlestarFanClub.com http://www.battlestarfanclub.com

 


GENERAL LETTER

Fans are encouraged around the world to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the original Battlestar Galactica show in their own way, from joining the celebration at DragonCon in Atlanta, Georgia to watching videos; discussing the show with friends and family; writing/sharing their thoughts on various online bulletin boards and/or personal web sites, etc.
This Battlestar Galactica Fan Appreciation Day is intended for September 1, 2001, as various original cast members will be attending the DragonCon convention. Readings from the actors, in addition to messages from other cast member, to be read aloud or online, will take place. The actual anniversary of the Battlestar Galactica television series is September 17, 1978.


MESSAGES FROM THE CAST AND CREW

Summary of messages from various Battlestar Galactica cast members:

From Richard Hatch:

Greetings and hello to all you passionate and dedicated Battlestar Galactica fans and supporters.
As you have all realized by now Battlestar Galactica is finally returning to the air next year and we want you to know that it is because of you and your heartfelt and enduring efforts that this has finally come to pass. We all deserve a big pat on the back for this but we have to understand that our job is not finished. It’s only beginning! We have no idea what the producers are going to throw at us, but it’s up to you to give them the clearest and most powerful feedback possible on their efforts.
Studios and networks can be hard heads and they’re heavily influenced by the commercial advertisers, so your voice will be a powerful sounding board to let them know what you want! Remember what I said before. Battlestar Galactica may be owned by Universal, but it truly belongs to you, the fans, who have kept this show alive for the past 23 years. They have to reach out and build a bridge to you if they want to be successful. The power is really in your hands! We also have to remember that studios and executive can be sometimes hard of hearing, so they won’t hear your voice unless you speak in a very loud and very persuasive way. I don’t know if I will be a part of the new project as I have not been formally asked, but regardless of my participation, I want Battlestar Galactica to succeed! We’ve all worked too hard and too long to see this great show go down again.
Even if you do not like the direction they’re going in or if they leave out your most favorite character or if they have dramatically altered what you most loved about the show; just remember it’s possible to turn it all around with your participation. Everybody has ideas and fantasies about where they would take Battlestar Galactica and these producers want to explore theirs. They’ve earned that right, but it is through your articulate feedback that they will know if they’re going in the right direction. That’s what Battlestar Galactica Fan Appreciation Day is all about: To give thanks for all our efforts and to let the studios and producers know how you feel in the most powerful way possible. I have my individual feelings and thoughts about Battlestar Galactica, but it is yours that really count now. You’re in the driver seat. Take hold of the reins and guide this show to victory!

Keep the faith!
Richard Hatch

Richard Hatch (Apollo)


From Dirk Benedict:

As anyone who’s watched Entertainment Tonight knows, Hollywood is a fickle place and friendships last only as long as your ratings hold. In truth you are (barely) only as good as your last close up. So it is that, after 30 years (almost) in the Business of Show, it is stunning to me that the one constant in my career has been the loyalty of the people who participated as an audience in making Battlestar Galactica into the Sci-Fi juggernaut, legend that it has become.
Agents, managers, friends and even wives, have come and gone, mostly gone given my remove to the woods of Montana, but those of you who took note of Battlestar, and Starbuck’s contribution to it, have always, always been there. Or rather EVERYWHERE.
And so it is, that my expression of gratitude, for making all the effort we put into the show some 20 odd years ago worthwhile, comes from the very bottom of my being. In truth, It is for the fans that I supremely desire the resurrection of the Battlestar Galactica to be the huge success it and you deserve it to be. Without an audience, a television show is nothing but rearranging pebbles on a rocky shore, and we who were so fortunate to be a part of Battlestar had, oops, HAVE, the best.

With Intergalactic gratitude, I will always remain your (sometimes) ace Viper Pilot,

Lt. Starbuck
AKA Dirk Benedict


From Anne Lockhart:

Please pass on to the fans my grateful thanks for their continued support over these many years. I cannot convey how tremendously humbling and wonderful it is to know that my work meant so much to so many. If the opportunity again comes my way to portray the character of Sheba, I will be playing her for each and every one of those loyal fans.
I certainly hope that the new version of Battlestar Galactica will retain the vision and concepts of the original series, as well as some new ideas. If I am a part of it, I am dearly wishing to have received a promotion past the rank of Lieutenant after 20+ years!!!
God Bless you all, and again thanks for your kindness."

Regards,
Anne (Sheba)


From Jack Stauffer:

To the fans,

I am sorry I was unable to join you this year. Let’s all hope by this time next year we are all back in the Viper cockpits again. I have enjoyed meeting you and entertaining you over the past couple of years. The revival of Battlestar Galactica would never have happened without you fans. If by the grace of the Lords of Kobol we get to reprise our original characters, to a large degree, it will be due to your efforts. You have my deepest thanks. Have a great con(vention) and I will see you soon.

Jack (Bojay)


From Sarah Rush:

I *so* wish that I could be here celebrating with you all. “You all” seems appropriate, as you’re in Atlanta, right?? I loved attending the Battlestar Galactica reunions in Los Angeles over the past 20 years, as it was so great to meet so many nice folks. The fans of Battlestar Galactica are an incredible group of people, and I personally thank you for your enthusiasm, support, and tenacity throughout the years!!
I am always amazed by the support I have received by the fans, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I loved being on the show, and I’m excited that it will begin again soon.
God bless you, and I wish you all (there’s that “you all” thing again) the very, very best!!!!!

Much love,
Sarah Rush (Rigel - Launch when ready!)


From Stu Phillips:

Dear Galactica fans:

Unfortunately, I am unable to attend DragonCon and will not have the opportunity of meeting personally with all you wonderful fans of the show. At the beginning of this last week, I spoke with Tom DeSanto, and all is going well in the pre-production stage of the new Battlestar Galactica.
Keep a good thought and with a little bit of luck Galactica will once more be flying the airwaves.

Stu Phillips
Composer, (the original) Battlestar Galactica


From Mona Colicos:

It is funny that like William Shatner, John was a man who had played big roles. Shakespearan roles, that type of thing. But really, what they (Bill Shatner and John) are best known for is their roles on Star Trek and in John’s case, his role as Kor from Star Trek and Baltar from Battlestar Galactica. You know, John was always amazed that his fans loved him and adored these characters - and him - unconditionally. He very much loved and appreciated them for that.

Mona Colicos, widow of the late John Colicos (Baltar)


From Jean-Pierre Dorleac:

I’d like to thank all my fans everywhere for the continuous interest and support you’ve given my work, whatever the medium. It is deeply gratifying to know the quality of someone’s day, somewhere, has been affected by my designs, whether they be historically informative or emotionally moving aesthetically. I, too, like Henry David Thoreau, feel, that to be able to do so, is the highest of arts.

Jean-Pierre Dorleac (costumer designer)


From Tony Swartz:

I’m so amazed and thankful that the fans remember us, the slightly more ‘minor’ characters... and love them so much. I’m so grateful to you, the fans, for remembering me.

Thank you all,
Tony Swartz (Jolly)


Special Battlestar Galactica Fan Appreciation Day commemorative image:

Available for downloading at:
http://www.battlestargalactica.com/features/fad/


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