Having never attended a Space: 1999 convention before, I
wasn’t at all sure what to expect. I only knew a few things for sure going into
the weekend:
I would be on the “Powysverse Panel” on Friday night with
Mateo Latosa, Owner/Editor at Powys Media, Ken Scott, who does the cover art
for Powys’ 1999 novels, and Christopher Penfold, one of the main writers for
Series 1 of the show. We’d be discussing the 10-year history of Powys Media’s
Space: 1999 novels, which many consider the “third season/series” since they
carry on the adventures and character arcs from the 2 seasons of the original
show. We’d also introduce my novel, Black
Doves, with a chapter (chap) book giveaway and a book
signing. Other than that, I knew that I would finally get to meet Nick Tate,
who played Capt. Alan Carter on the show and who has written the foreward to Black Doves, which features Alan Carter
as the central character. We'd been emailing up until this point, so the in-person meet up was important to me.
As to the rest of the weekend, I had no preconceived notions
or specific plans. Turns out, that’s the best way to experience an event like
this with so many fans, stars and creative people, and every minute packed with
awesomeness. Here were some of the highlights for me:
Meeting Christopher Penfold was a delight and an
inspiration. What a kind, patient, gentle man. How honored I was to sit to his
left on the Powysverse panel, and to feel him smiling at me as I talked about
my experience writing a 1999 novel and feeling the honor and responsibility
that goes with that. I noticed one of his favorite expressions throughout the weekend was to reference something that was done well (for example, the episode "Black Sun" in Series 1) and then pause and say, "We need more of that." Indeed!
Fellow con attendee and presenter Marie-Pierre Bussieres
demonstrated how Alan Carter fulfills the Classical definition of aesthetic
beauty and heroic character, however unwittingly portrayed by Nick Tate. Her presentation was enjoyable
and enlightening from both an academic and fan perspective. Marie-Pierre and I
turned out to be cut from the same cloth, and we are embarking on an exciting
book project that I hope to be able to say more about in the coming months.
Martin Landau’s (Cmdr. John Koenig) surprise visit after
having to cancel his planned appearance was a thrill. He was warm, open, and
thoroughly entertaining. After answering many questions on his own, he invited
the rest of his cast mates and Christopher Penfold up to the stage with him. I
could feel the energy and emotion in the room, everyone realizing this was a reunion none
of us would experience again in quite the same way. Landau and some of his cast mates hadn't seen each other in 40 years!
I was very pleased to be able to ask Mr. Landau about his experience working on the Twilight Zone with Rod Serling, who is, if you don’t already know, my #1 inspiration in story telling for motion media. Landau remembered fondly how Serling was open to the actors’ feedback about their lines and the scripts, sometimes changing lines on the spot. He even did a little Rod Serling impression, which tickled me to no end!
I was very pleased to be able to ask Mr. Landau about his experience working on the Twilight Zone with Rod Serling, who is, if you don’t already know, my #1 inspiration in story telling for motion media. Landau remembered fondly how Serling was open to the actors’ feedback about their lines and the scripts, sometimes changing lines on the spot. He even did a little Rod Serling impression, which tickled me to no end!
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| A moment with Ms. Barbara Bain |
Hearing Prentis Hancock (Paul Morrow), Anton Phillips (Dr.
Bob Mathias) and Judy Geeson (Regina King in “Another Time, Another Place”) also
speak about their 1999 memories and experiences as well as their dynamic
careers in film, TV and theatre before and after 1999 was truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Eventually, I stood in the long line to get Nick’s autograph in my own
copy of the Black Doves chap book. When I introduced myself, he
very warmly congratulated me on the book. He then immediately launched into a
description of the renovations to his home here in SoCal, complete with iPhone
pics of the Spanish tiling he and his workers had been laying that very morning.
Later on, I met up with him again to give him a thank you gift from Mateo and
Powys Media for writing the foreward to my book. Nick was appreciative, and again
very easy-going, quick witted, and generous with his time. When fans came up
for more photo ops, he promised me we’d speak again later in the day.
Later in the day turned out to be an impromptu supper at the
pub attached to the Burbank Airport Marriott Hotel where the con was held. I was already in the pub
with two of my new con friends, Andy and Warren, when Nick walked by. We said
hi, and he came over and sat down with us. He was to have supper with Marie-Pierre,
and when she came in a few minutes later, she joined us as well. Very soon,
Anton Phillips came in, and Nick waved him over. What a lovely evening we all
had, sharing a meal and conversation with new friends. Every so often, I’d
remind myself that I was having drinks with these two men I’d spent my
childhood watching on television in one of my all-time favorite programs. The
best moment of the evening for me, though, was singing “If I Were a Rich Man”
from Fiddler on the Roof with Nick.
There are other little stories and memories of the weekend, but I'm going to leave it at that. This convention was more than I’d expected in every way, and
the Alpha 2012 committee did a phenomenal job in creating a unique, exhilarating
experience for all of us, attendees, panelists and guests alike. I am honored that I was able to introduce my forthcoming book at such a wonderful event.
(Hopefully more photos will be available to post soon.)
(Hopefully more photos will be available to post soon.)
