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original article appeared 18 aug 03 on http://www.eclipsemagazine.com
Our Excusive with SCI-FI Visionary Kenneth Johnson!!! Posted by malexandria on 2003/8/18 5:37:43 You may not know his name, or recognize his face, but if you are a fan of Sci-Fi television then you have certainly heard of his work. This is the man who created one of my time favorite movie, and one of NBC's highest rated mini-series ever, "V -The Mini-Series." This man wrote, created, and produced the 70's classic "The Bionic Woman." He's responsible for creating "The Incredible Hulk" television show, and created the popular cult television series "Alien Nation." Writer/Producer/Director Kenneth Johnson is truly a legend in the sci-fi business. Believe it or not the man doesn't watch television, and has never watched Star Trek! I recently listened to the commentary track on my "V - The Mini-Series" DVD, at the end of the commentary he says "If you have any questions, please feel free to email me," so I did, and he was more than happy to respond. Here is the result of our three day email exchange. EM I like to start all interviews off with my standard, overly broad question - please tell us who you are and why we're speaking to you today? KJ Kenneth Johnson, writer producer director. EM Before we get to discussion of my all time favorite Movie, "V", you have been involved in several other cult classics, including "The Six Million Dollar Man," "The Hulk" and "The Bionic Woman." What exactly was your involvment with those productions? KJ I produced 6 Mill, created and produced Bionic Woman and The Hulk. EM What do you think of the current state of Sci-Fi television? KJ I rarely watch any TV. EM Back in the early days, it seems like Sci-Fi was really more about the story and showcasing certain religious or cultural themes. Do you think this is still the case or has the art of Sci-Fi/Fantasy writing changed? KJ I think the best of speculative fiction should endeavor to dig into the human condition. V was not about reptilian aliens so much as it was about Power. Who has it, who wants it, who fights against the abuse of it. EM How do you think current CGI and special effects technology affected today's sci-fi? KJ CGI is a great tool as long as the tail isn't allowed to wag the dog. Good CGI should be invisible and not even thought about. EM I'm speaking with Robert Englund on Saturday, is there anything you wanted me to ask him :) KJ Only to give him my best regards and that I'm still working on the story for our V sequel. I love Robert. EM What was your original inspiration for "V"? KJ Sinclair Lewis's novel: It Can't Happen Here, written in the '30's about a rise of Facism in America. EM How did you go about putting together your cast? When you wrote the characters did you always plan on the series to have as diverse a cast as it did have? KJ I always try to think multi-ethnically as well as show a cross section of ages, literacy, and motivations. I wanted to see how real people would react under extreme circumstances. I cast some old friends, as well as meeting many new ones. EM Why do you think "V" impacted people as much as it did when it originally aired? KJ Because it gave them a chance to say "What would I do in those circumstances? Which of the characters am I the most like." EM What were your thoughts when you saw Independence Day - that is, assuming you saw it? KJ I have never seen it. Dean and Rowland once came up to me at an awards ceremony and said, "Wow, we always wanted to meet you. We've been ripping you off for years!" We laughed together. EM What is your writing process like? Do you research before you write? Have a set time of day that you write? KJ I do dense research before beginning to write. You never know what wonderful tidbits you'll find that inspire you. I write from early morning into the late hours sometimes. I look at it as the written exam I have to pass in order to get to the set. EM One of the reasons that "V" has always been my all time favorite film is because it's a perfect blend of characters with theme and story. What comes first for you characters, theme, or story? KJ Theme first, always. Then characters. Then how the theme manifests itself through each of them. EM It's been announced that NBC has contracted you to revive "V". What can you tell us about the revival plans? Thanks for your interest in a potential sequel to V. KJ I will not be discussing any specifics regarding the story or casting until the program has actually been produced and is scheduled for air. I'm hopeful that some of the actors who starred in the original will be able to resume their roles, depending upon their availability and the direction that NBC, Warners and I ultimately go with the story. You should watch for announcements in the press. EM When do you think a script will be done? KJ By The Fall EM Can I get a copy, (wink, wink) KJ no, no. EM Do you have an idea on how you will do the Special Effects this time out? KJ Too early to tell. That's a secondary consideration. First the story and script must be right. EM Will "V" ever make it to a Theater Screen - ID4, not withstanding? KJ I doubt it. EM What ever happened with the "Alien Nation TV Show?" Are there any plans for a future revival or big screen adaptation of that? KJ I'm gratified that you also enjoyed Alien Nation. It was a labor of love for all of us involved, and continues to be one of my very favorite projects. No further shows are planned. EM What do you know anything about the Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman big screen prospects? KJ Nothing. EM Other than the "V" revival what are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? KJ I have several other projects in development for both features and TV, but nothing to talk about yet. In addition to our regular questions, several readers wanted to ask you a few questions. Reader Questions How does it feel to have created what is essentially a Cult Favorite In the case of V, or even Alien Nation, their popularity extends far beyond cult status. KJ I get e-mails from people worldwide and of all ages. It's very rewarding. RQ Was it difficult taking Alien Nation from its film form into that very complex world created for the television show? KJ When I looked at the movie and saw alien George wave to his family (the only time they appeared in what was otherwise Miami Vice with Coneheads) I knew that the series should be an examination of intolerance and prejudice. In The Heat of The Night -- but with a different minority. RQ What current sci-fi shows do you love or hate and why? KJ Don't watch. RQ If it were up to you, would Star Trek just go away now? KJ I have never seen it. EM You are kidding me?! You have never seen Star Trek? KJ I saw one or two of the original ones when it was first on in the 60's, but other than that, never.
