INTERVIEW: Brad Wright & Robert Cooper (Executive Producers)

[GateWorld]

AUDIO INTERVIEW: EXECUTIVE DECISIONS GateWorld talks with Brad Wright & Robert Cooper The men in charge of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis discuss the past, present, and future of the shows in our special 3-part interview! PART ONE ...    PART TWO ...    PART THREE ...

[kiwigater]

Thanks Darren! (and David too ). The mp3 downloaded fine - altho I had some issue understanding people due to non-specific noise "fuzz"..... Much easier when reading the transcript at the same time. I'm sure it's just a result of trying to fit so much on such a small recorder....

It's interesting to hear them be positive about the new seasons while admiting there were problems with the last ones, and providing a little insight into why and how. Certainly makes me a little more inclined to be lenient with my criticsms and to more admire what they've managed to do

Looking forward to parts 2 and 3

[golfbooy]

Great interview guys. It's really nice to have some insight into how the show is thought about by the two people most responsible for it. Hopefully this will quell some of the intolerance from "longtime" fans who delude themselves into thinking that SG-1 has suffered creatively and "run out of gas." Late pickups, single season pickups, limited budget, limited commitment from the network--maybe it's suffered from preconceived notions as to its longevity, but not from a lack of desire or lack of production values.

It also confirms my theory that Sci-Fi is full of idiots who would rather pay for more creature features and Bruce Campbell movies than quality original programming. I mean, maybe I'm wrong and Tripping the Rift is bringing in the viewers gangbusters, but I doubt it.

Count me among those eagerly awaiting part two.

[LoneStar1836]

Thanks for the great interview so far, Darren. Some very interesting insights. Looking forward to the next two installments.

I still have to get in a small gripe though. For all the problems they have had in the past with getting Sci-Fi and MGM to pony up the money, I still don’t see the point in casting, what I consider, well known actors – Bridges & Gosset & even Pileggi - which to me equates to being more expensive, but since I’m not privy to their contracts or the show's new budget, then I’m just guessing they are commanding a higher dollar than say an actor who is not so well known, but could probably play the part as equally well. To me it just seems the budget increase has been directed at getting more expensive actors with a “name”, rather than going more so into the storytelling part which includes visuals, getting out of the SGC and filming at other locations away from Bridge, etc. which I value more.

Then again I’m just guessing and not stating fact, but, imo, I don’t find the hiring of these actors as a practical use of money even if the shows have a bigger budget to work with this season. RDA may have peaked my initial interest in the show because I knew who he was, but the rest were nobodies to me, yet have done a fine job. Personally, I don’t see the need to cast these higher profile actors or have the guest star of the week for me to take an interest in the show, but it’s their show so they can do whatever makes them happy………

Again thanks for the interview. Your hard work is much appreciated.

[Steve_the_Wraith]

Interesting interview, especially the part about the cost of making the show.

But I kinda felt that they kinda hyped up SG-1 season 9 and Atlantis just got a by the way. It's understandable considering that a lot of people have reservations regarding the changes though.

I did find it interesting that they felt that Atlantis didn't find its feet until "The Storm", I kinda agree with them there, the first half of the season wasn't bad, infact it was good, but it was all a little all over the place it took until mid eason for the show to find its niche.

BTW looking forward to see more of the city with the higher budget

[David]

Brad and Rob will be discussing Atlantis more in-depth in parts Two and Three.

[CKO]

lookin' foreward to it

[GateWorld]

Yep, if they talked more about SG-1 in Part 1 it's because that's how we steered the conversation. There's more Atlantis talk to come.

Darren

[GhostPoet]

I can't believe i'm saying this...but i'm more excited for Season Nine than I have been for ANY other season of SG-1..including the first season. I love everything i've read about it so far...the cast..the story ideas...the over all general story and theme. It sounds fantastic.

[Ugly Pig]

As much as I love interviews with cast members and guest stars, getting to hear the Stargate "masterminds" speak out is, IMO, more interesting.

Great interview so far, guys. Bring on part two!

[Vandog]

Wow, I couldn't believe I what I was reading. For the past two seasons of SG-1 and season 1 of Atlantis, which dispite what I'm going to say here I still enjoyed, I've had three issues.

1) The shows seemed rushed in the special effects/set design (planets, etc) areas. It has become apparent the show doesn't have enough money. I understand this is cable and not network, still they haven't come close to reaching DS9's level in these areas.

To have BW and RC just go out and say it like they did in the interview was awesome, that they know it has become a problem and steps have been taken to take care of it. Awesome, loved reading that part.

2) Charactors being overdeveloped in SG-1. SG-1 is going into its ninth season, and it seems that every charactor has seen just about everything. Their reactions to crazy situations are dull, as if they're saying "here we go again". It takes away from the episode/show, there is just less suspence among other things because now the viewer feels like "here we go again" and that's no fun.

Again, BW and RC mention this being a problem and that all the changes will re-vitalize the charactors, their reactions to situations etc. Awesome, 2 of my big issues with Stargate understood and dealt with by the highest powers.

3) Finally, with SG-1 it has been quite noticable that they are constantly writing the end of a season to become a potential end of the series for the last 3 years (Starting with Full Circle). That they aren't going to do this with season 9 is awesome, they're gonna write it as if season 10 is coming (that was the impression I got from what they said in the interview).

Great interview, my enthusiasm for Season 9 has grown considerably. Season 2 of Atlantis should be pretty awesome with the increased budget too.

[NowIWillDestroyAbydos]

I noticed that there was very little humor
But it was very interesting

Can't wait for Parts 2 and 3.

[chocdoc]

Thanks, Darren and David, for this interview! (and all the other ones you have done for GW)!!

I was wondering---when did this interview (all three parts) take place? Where were they in the filming of season 9/season 2?

[David]

This recording was made in Robert's office during the April week of Creation's 2005 Vancouver convention.

The episodes that were shot while we were present were Trinity and The Powers That Be. The photos in

Spoiler:

Vala's throne room

, including this one and the shots of Teal'c pointing the P-90 were taken while we were watching them.

[CKO]

great interview so far... cant wait for pt3

[sgeureka]

Originally Posted by David

The episodes that were shot while we were present were Trinity and The Powers That Be. The photos in

Spoiler:

Vala's throne room

, including this one and the shots of Teal'c pointing the P-90 were taken while we were watching them.

Oh, I always wanted to know how the photos are taken. It would seem they are taken when the actors are rehearsing as to not disturb the shooting itself with flashlights and the noises cameras make. But I've seen so many photos now that it seems that that is not necessarily the case (i.e. taking the photos WHILE shooting). So, from your memory, what was the procedure?

And I love the interview so far, although the audio was kind of hard to understand at times (thanks for transcribing). What was that cheering in the background about?

[Kalliope]

Great interview, thanks! I love what they're saying about Claudia BTW, when are you going to post (both text and audio) interview with Claudia?

[Sindet]

Am I the only one who is finding this interview depressing in terms of "Atlantis"? All the talk about special effects and the show needing more "muscle"...bleh. Tell us a captivating story, and the special effects are secondary. And a large part of the show's appeal to me is that that when in a bind, Sheppard might charm his way out, or McKay will think his way out. It doesn't need muscle, or military might, or Ronan's big muscles. It just needs to keep on being clever and emotionally moving and smart, along with just a little geeky. Please don't turn the show into a shoot-'em-up, with big flashy explosions at the expense of character development and interaction.

::worries::

Somebody give me some encouraging words!

Sindet

[the dancer of spaz]

Originally Posted by Sindet

Am I the only one who is finding this interview depressing in terms of "Atlantis"? All the talk about special effects and the show needing more "muscle"...bleh. Tell us a captivating story, and the special effects are secondary. And a large part of the show's appeal to me is that that when in a bind, Sheppard might charm his way out, or McKay will think his way out. It doesn't need muscle, or military might, or Ronan's big muscles. It just needs to keep on being clever and emotionally moving and smart, along with just a little geeky. Please don't turn the show into a shoot-'em-up, with big flashy explosions at the expense of character development and interaction.

::worries::

Somebody give me some encouraging words!

Sindet

This season, they're probably working on doing a good mix of both. Since, yes, budgets seem to be better off this season, they have a chance to do some really cool "classic scifi" things, but they've always had to rely on character. I don't think they'll abandon that now!

This interview's really neat. Thanks so much for getting it out there, and it's nice that these two were willing to do it as well!

[GhostPoet]

You can tell when a show's creators are hyping a show...or when they have a genuine passion and excitement for what they are planning...and they, without a doubt have a genuine passion and excitement for it.

Seriously...I think this is gonna be the best year of Stargate in general..EVER.