SciFiAndTvTalk

Sci-Fi Film Star Leaf Teams With NASA To Promote A Space Launch

The creators of the sci-fi horror film Star Leaf are having a contest to promote a space launch by aerospace company RocketStar at NASA’s Cape Canaveral 39c Launch Pad in the coming weeks. The launch will be filmed by Discovery Channel Canada.

According to a recent article in Popular Mechanics, New York-based RocketStar technologies has designed a single-stage rocket capable of reaching orbital altitudes using its Aerospike engine technology. RocketStar hopes to lead the way in the new space economy, allowing anyone to put a small CubeSat Satellite into space for around $6,000.

The first launch will be a test to reach 10,000 feet in altitude. Star Leaf Enterprises is having a contest to decide what exactly should be put in the rocket as part of the test flight. Winners will receive Star Leaf autographed DVDs and merchandise. NASA will not allow any actual cannabis on the flight – but any item (cannabis-inspired only) under two ounces is allowed. Contest submissions can be tweeted to @starleafmovie on Twitter.

Founder and CEO of RocketStar Christopher Craddock says the technology can eventually offer cannabis entrepreneurs future “space delivery” of their products to orbiting space stations, or orbital drops anywhere in the world in 20 minutes (where legal).

Whether the ability to launch “space weed” chalks up to anything more than a publicity stunt for cannabis companies and entrepreneurs or not, it still offers the public the opportunity to reach out to the cosmos as part of a booming new space industry being led by civilian and private contractors.

The film Star Leaf is about an extra-terrestrial strain of marijuana that lands on earth in the distant past. The film’s producers are excited to be a part of RocketStar’s early launch testing and realize the opportunity to have “ET Weed” in real life simply can’t be missed.

“It might sound silly to some, but the idea of being able to connect a concept in the film to something tangible in real life is amazing,” says the film’s director, Richard Cranor. “Why not launch weed into space? It might prevent an invasion from an aggressive alien species. You never know.”

Submit Your Contest Ideas by December 3, 2015, to:
https://twitter.com/starleafmovie @starleafmovie
(All possible launch items must weigh under 2 ounces. CANNOT BE ACTUAL CANNABIS.)
RocketStar Space Program: rocketstar.nyc
RocketStar Overview Video: https://vimeo.com/122190298
Star Leaf now available on Amazon, Google Play. and iTunes

All entries must be received by December 3, 2015. In the event of multiple same ideas being selected, the first entry received will receive the prize for that idea. Winners will receive a free autographed DVD, rolling papers, and poster – as well as a thank you video from one of the film’s stars, Ranger Dave. Actual launch date subject to NASA inspections and timetable.

Above info/press release courtesy of October Coast PR.

Lost (and Found) in Space - A Memoir In Photographs By Angela Cartwright & Bill Mumy

 

On September 15, 1965, the spacecraft Jupiter 2 with the Robinson family, Major Don West, an environmental control Robot Class M3: Model B9, and the conniving but eventually oh-so-likable Dr. Zachary Smith, blasted off from Earth on a mission to Alpha Centauri. Alas, thanks to some treachery on the part of Dr. Smith, the Jupiter crew and all on-board ended up being Lost in Space. The classic Sci-Fi TV series entertained audiences for three seasons, and 50 years later it still has a devoted and, yes, growing legion of fans. Angela Cartwright (Penny Robinson) and Bill Mumy (Will Robinson) recently published Lost (and Found) in Space - A Memoir in Photographs by Angela Cartwright & Bill Mumy. Its 200 pages are loaded with exclusive photos and wonderful behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the two actors. I received my copy today and I promise you will not be disappointed if you order your own copy. Unless you want to be known as a "bubble-headed booby," check out the following link for further information and ordering instructions: www.lostandfoundinspace.com

Sci Fi Magazine - February 2016

If you happen to be passing a newsstand, check out this month's issue of Sci Fi Magazine (February 2016 issue) which contains my "TV in Focus" section interviews with Aaron Stanford (12 Monkeys), Claire Coffee (Grimm), Clare Foley (Gotham), Tara Butters * Michele Fazekas (Marvel's Agent Carter), Lindy Booth (The Librarians), Justice Leak (Supergirl), Olga Fonda (Agent X), Alan Van Sprang (Shadowhunters) and Ryan Robbins (Arrow) as well as a feature on Jason Ralph (The Magicians) as well as mini-interviews with Mike Vogal (Childhood's End) and Cas Anvar (The Expanse). Thanks as always for your continued support!

Steve Eramo

Bridget Regan & Victor Webster Star in Magic Stocking (Hallmark Movies & Mysteries)

(L-R): Imogen Tear, Bridget Regan and Victor Webster in Magic Stocking. Photo copyright of Hallmark.

Lindsey, a single mom with an adorable daughter, is closed off to life after losing her husband a few years back. When she buys a stocking at her town’s Christmas craft fair, the family begins “magically” finding items in the stocking that they learn have importance in their lives. Magic Stocking starring Bridget Regan (Legend of the Seeker, Beauty and The Beast, Marvel's Agent Carter) as Lindsey Monroe and Victor Webster ((Mutant X, Charmed, Continuum) as Scott Terrell airs Sunday, December 6th @ 9:00 p.m. EST/8:00 p.m. CT on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel.

Next Time on Ash Vs Evil Dead - "The Host" (STARZ)

Kelly (Dana DeLorenzo) and Pablo (Ray Santiago) in "The Host." Photo copyright of STARZ.

This week on an all-new episode of Ash Vs Evil Dead, Kelly (Dana DeLorenzo) puts the team in jeopardy.  Meanwhile, Pablo (Ray Santiago) is forced to make a brave move and Ash (Bruce Campbell) reveals a new side to his character. Check out the clip below from The Host and then tune in for all the mayhem on Saturday, November 28th @ 9:00 p.m. EST/PST on STARZ.

 

This Week on Into The Badlands - "White Stork Spreads Wings" (AMC)

Quinn (Marton Csokas, center) in "White Stork Spreads Wings." Photo copyright of AMC.

An all new episode of AMC’s original series Into the Badlands airs on Sunday, November 29th at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. On the third episode of the martial arts drama, White Stork Spreads Wings, written by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar and directed by David Dobkin, As Sunny (Daniel Wu) begins to train M.K. (Aramis Knight), the boy struggles to learn discipline. Meanwhile, Quinn (Marton Csokas) seeks retribution against The Widow ( and faces the consequences. Critics are already raving about the series, including Kyle Fowle of EW.com who calls the series “a ludicrous, fun, silly, violent marital arts drama that boasts the DNA of The Matrix and The Hunger Games.”

In a land controlled by feudal barons, Into the Badlands tells the story of a ruthless, well-trained warrior and a young boy who embark on a spiritual journey across a dangerous land. From AMC Studios, the six-part series is created by executive producers/showrunners/writers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (Shanghai Noon, Smallville), and executive produced by Oscar-nominated producers Stacey Sher and Michael Shamberg (Pulp Fiction, Contagion), director David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers, Shanghai Nights), fight director Stephen Fung (Tai Chi Zero, House of Fury) and Daniel Wu (Tai Chi Zero).  In addition to Wu and  Knight (The Dark Knight Rises), Into the Badlands  stars Marton Csokas (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King) as Quinn; Oliver Stark (Luther) as Ryder; Emily Beecham (28 Weeks Later) as The Widow; Orla Brady (Doctor Who, Fringe) as Lydia; Sarah Bolger (Once Upon a Time, The Tudors) as Jade; Ally Ioannides (Parenthood) as Tilda; and Madeleine Mantock (Edge of Tomorrow) as Veil.

As noted above, photo copyright of AMC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!

The Walking Dead Mid-Season Finale "Start to Finish" Airs This Sunday (AMC)

Danai Gurira as Michonne in “Start to Finish." Photo copyright of AMC.

The highly anticipated mid-season finale of The Walking Dead will air on Sunday, November 29th at 9pm ET/PT on AMC. In this episode, Start to Finish, written by Matt Negrete and directed by Michael Satrazemis, trouble finds its way to Alexandria yet again. Only this time, the threat might be too big to defeat. Following the thrilling mid-season finale, a special two minute prologue to the next chapter of The Walking Dead will debut during an all-new episode of Into the Badlands. The second half of the sixth season will return Sunday, February 14th. Critics continue to rave about season six, including David Sims of TheAtlantic.com, who called last week’s episode, “a very strong episode that linked back to earlier plotlines quite nicely.”

As noted above, photo copyright of AMC, so please no unauthorized copying or duplicating of any kind. Thanks!

Underground - First Teaser & Character Photo Grid (WGN America)

WGN America released today a dynamic first-look teaser spot for Underground, the gripping original scripted series scheduled to debut early next year. Set in a desperate and dangerous time, the Underground Railroad escape thriller series tells the unflinching story of a group of plantation slaves that band together for the fight of their lives – for their families, their future and their freedom. Hailing from creators and executive producers Misha Green (Sons of Anarchy, Heroes) and Joe Pokaski (Daredevil, Heroes), and executive producer and Academy Award-winner John Legend, Underground tells the story of revolutionaries who use their ingenuity, power and perseverance to attempt the greatest escape in history despite the dire consequences that awaited them on the other side.

The provocative original series stars Jurnee Smollett-Bell (True Blood, Friday Night Lights), Aldis Hodge (Straight Outta Compton), Christopher Meloni (Sin City: A Dame to Kill For), Alano Miller (Jane The Virgin), ‎Jessica de Gouw (Arrow, Dracula), Marc Blucas (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), ‎Adina Porter (The 100), Mykelti Williamson (Justified, 24), ‎Amirah Vann (Girls, And So It Goes), Johnny Ray Gill (Rectify), Chris Chalk (Gotham), Reed Diamond (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Theodus Crane (The Walking Dead), Renwick Scott (Treme) and Jussie Smollett (Empire).

Underground is executive produced by Misha Green, Joe Pokaski, Academy Award-winning writer Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind, I Am Legend) of Weed Road Pictures, Tory Tunnell (King Arthur, Holy Rollers) and Joby Harold (King Arthur, Edge of Tomorrow) of Safehouse Pictures, and John Legend, who also oversees the score, soundtrack and all music elements of the series, with his partners Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorius of Get Lifted.

Produced by Sony Pictures Television and Tribune Studios, “Underground” is slated to premiere in early 2016, on WGN America.

Follow the series @UndergroundWGN -- #Underground2016 - Check out the trailer below!

 

Fargo Renewed For Third Season (FX)

FX has ordered a third installment of the Emmy, Golden Globe^, AFI and Peabody award-winning limited series Fargo from Creator Noah Hawley, it was announced today by Eric Schrier and Nick Grad, Presidents of Original Programming for FX Networks and FX Productions.

The second installment of Fargo currently ranks as the most critically-acclaimed television of 2015 according to Metacritic with a score of 96 out of 100, and it also scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and has the highest average critics’ rating of any show on TV this year with 9.1 out of 10.

“Year two of Fargo is an extraordinary achievement and, given Noah Hawley’s masterful storytelling, we can’t wait to see where the third, all-new version of Fargo takes us,” Schrier said. “Our thanks to Noah, Warren, Joel & Ethan, John and our partners at MGM Television for making Fargo such a memorable and rewarding journey.”

Fargo returns with an all-new episode tonight – “Did you do this? No, you did it!” (Episode 7, Airs November 23, 10:00 pm e/p) – Lou and Hank investigate in Fargo, The King of Breakfast visits Betsy and Molly, Floyd is summoned away and Bear questions a family member’s loyalty. Written by Noah Hawley and Matt Wolpert & Ben Nedivi; directed by Keith Gordon.

Emmy Award winning Executive Producers Noah Hawley, Warren Littlefield, Joel & Ethan Coen, and John Cameron will all return for the new installment. FX’s Fargo is produced by MGM Television and FX Productions, with MGM Television serving as the lead studio. 

The first installment of Fargo garnered universal critical acclaim and won three Emmy awards, including Outstanding Miniseries, two Golden Globe awards, including Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, and a Peabody Award.

The second installment of Fargo, currently airing on FX, follows a young State Trooper (Patrick Wilson) and his Sheriff father-in-law (Ted Danson) as they investigate a grisly case involving a local crime family and a major mob syndicate, and a small town beautician (Kirsten Dunst) and her husband (Jesse Plemons) who inadvertently get caught in the middle.

Taboo Starring Tom Hardy Begins Filming in London (BBC One/FX)

Actor Tom Hardy.

Taboo, a major eight-episode drama series created by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Locke) and directed by Kristoffer Nyholm (Danish TV series The Killing, The Enfield Haunting) for BBC One and FX, is to start filming in London this week starring Tom Hardy in the lead role alongside a major international cast.

Taboo will star Hardy as ‘James Keziah Delaney’ who returns to 1814 London after 10 years in Africa to discover that he has been left a mysterious legacy by his father. Driven to wage war on those who have wronged him, Delaney finds himself in a face-off against the East India Company, whilst playing a dangerous game between two warring nations – Britain and America.

Alongside Hardy’s protagonist ‘James Keziah Delaney’ is Michael Kelly (House of Cards, Everest), who plays American doctor ‘Dumbarton,’ Jonathan Pryce (Pirates of the Caribbean, Brazil) as ‘Sir Stuart Strange,’ the head of the East India Company and Delaney’s nemesis, Oona Chaplin (The Crimson Field, The Hour) as ‘Zilpha Geary’ James’ half-sister, and David Hayman (Macbeth, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas) as ‘Brace,’ Delaney’s trusted man-servant.

Jessie Buckley (Shades of Love, Trevor Nunn’s A Little Light Music) plays ‘Lorna Bow’ who lays claim to James’ father’s will.  Ashley Walters (Get Rich or Die Tryin’, Bullet Boy) is a dangerous face from James’ years in Africa.  Jefferson Hall (Vikings, Our World War) plays ‘Thorne Geary,’ Zilpha’s husband; Ed Hogg (White Lightnin’, Anonymous) is ‘Godfrey,’ Delaney’s cross-dressing spy inside the East India Company, Leo Bill (Alice in Wonderland, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) is ‘Wilton,’ Strange’s fashionable, amoral accomplice; Christopher Fairbank (Guardians of the Galaxy, Hercules) as ‘Ibbotson,’ a man to whom James is indebted; Richard Dixon (The King’s Speech, Mr. Turner) is ‘Pettifer,’ Strange’s right hand man; Jason Watkins (The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, Nativity) is ‘Solomon Coop,’ the Prince Regent’s right hand man and Spy Master; and Nicholas Woodeson (Rome, The Living and the Dead) is lawyer ‘Thoyt,’ the Delaney family’s former lawyer.

Talent behind the camera includes Director of Photography Mark Patten whose work includes upcoming sci-fi thriller Morgan for 20th Century Fox, Production Designer Sonja Klaus (Mr. Selfridge, Babylon A.D.), Costume Designer Joanna Eatwell (Wolf Hall, Eric & Ernie) and Casting Director Nina Gold (Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens, The Martian).

Ridley Scott’s Scott Free London and Tom Hardy’s Hardy Son & Baker are producing for BBC One and FX, with Sonar Entertainment distributing worldwide outside the UK.  Executive producers are Ridley Scott and Kate Crowe for Scott Free, Tom Hardy and Dean Baker for Hardy Son & Baker, and Steven Knight, with Timothy Bricknell (The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, The Fear) producing. Taboo is based on an original story by Tom Hardy and his father Chips Hardy who is also the show’s consulting producer. The series was commissioned by Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One.

Tom Hardy’s credits include The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, and Warrior. He most recently played the lead role in Mad Max: Fury Road, in Brian Helgeland’s Legend playing both Kray Twins, and opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s The Revenant.