Toasts to the Vancouver Crew

Toast to Tom Braidwood

From Martha Little

It is with a heavy heart and a sigh that we say good-bye to the Vancouver Crew.

Is it really 'only' a TV show? If it is, why do I spend so much time involved with it? Why do I get to meet some of the nicest, wittiest, thoughtful people through this show? Why would I spend my time dissecting hidden meanings, locations, FACE moments, theories, realities, and conspiracies for 'just' a TV show?

Because it is the best. Because it makes me think. Because it makes me wonder.

The person that I shall personally miss the most behind the scenes is First Assistant Director Tom Braidwood. He first drew my attention with his portrayal of Melvin Frohike of The Lone Gunmen but then to learn that he also worked behind the camera was a bonus. Suddenly, every other episode was made special in a way. Not knowing much about what exactly a first assistant director does, I read what I could find and developed a growing appreciation for his efforts on this show.

I saw him take time out of his monstrously busy schedule just before filming of the last episode of this season to travel to Chicago for the eXpo. He was charming and gracious and, Ladies, he is without a doubt 'hot'. And, I swear, if I had not shoved giz in front of me in the autograph line to let her introduce the both of us, I would never have gotten out more than 'hello' and 'thank you'. It was my brush with fame, and I treasure it.

So speaking for the Frohike Liberation Organization, which respects Mr. Braidwood in terms equal with our lust of Frohike, we wish him the best for the future. We will be following and reporting on his career, as well as covering the further appearances by Our Favorite Gunman on Our Favorite Show.

Here's hoping that you have signed up for your frequent-flier accounts, have your visa in order, and don't let the 1042S confuse you.

The first round of J&B is on me.

Martha Little

********

A Toast!

From SpookysToy

Casting, costume, make-up, hair,
Construction, grips, lighting most fair,
Art direction, set decorators, props too,
Assistant directors up the wazoo,
Production designers, managers, coordinators,
Focus pullers, DoPs, camera operators,
Visual effects, painters, transportation,
Script supervisors, location, stunt coordination.
Your efforts bring small reward,
for in our philish hearts you are adored.

To the Vancouver crew members who have spent the last five years working their tails off putting together one of the finest examples of entertainment to be captured on film, I salute you!

******

Let's drink a toast to Toby Lindala now!

From Monkey5s

To Toby Lindala, Special Effects Makeup--

Bob Goodwin said, quoting from the the book "The Truth Is Out There" "Every few weeks I'd call and say, 'That was really disgusting.' And he'd say, 'Thank you.'"

I think we all feel this way about the wonders of Toby's work! Here is a brief, abridged listing of some of the incredible memories he has given us:

The alien worm moving under the skin in "Ice."

The costume for Flukeman, created in 10 days, Lindala worked one 28-hour day and a 38-hour day during that creation.

The bile slime in "Squeeze" and "Tooms."

The full-body foam suit for the Alligator Man in "Humbug."

The pulsating pustules in "F. Emasculata."

The fungus spikes bursting out of people's throats in "Firewalker."

The dream sequence in "Clyde Bruckman."

The make-up for the guy who played the corpse in "The List," who then got maggots applied to him.

The aliens in "Nisei" followed by "731," where he had 25 masked actors, mostly children, to fill in the open grave on top of another 25 prop bodies. He and an 8-man crew had 5 days to create the 50 different makeup pieces and bodies.

The Krycek oil gushing from his face, plus a full dummy head used for the oil pouring out of the submarine captain's face in "Apocrypha."

The corpse chest that had the frog pop out of it in "Hell Money."

The costume for the Behemoth From the Planet Harryhausen in "Jose Chung."

The many sliced and diced bodies in "Quagmire."

The Peacock Brothers in "Home"

and more alien corpses than anyone can count, along with many other wonderful images we will always remember.

All together now, everyone, please, "EEEEEEEEEEUUUUUUUUWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!"

Thank you, thank you vurry much!

*****

Fond farewells

From Megan Grenenger

I started to write what was to be a witty ditty and found it didn't quite cut it :-)

So! Instead, I'd like to offer my thanks and best wishes to all the cast and crew who have made The X-Files the masterpiece that it it.

For those who will remain in Vancouver, you will be gone but you and your work will never be forgotten.

Many thanks again for your hard work, and congratulations.

<glasses raised>

A toast to the cast and crew!

******

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