Glen here…
…happier than I’ve been in a very, very long time. I have been able to CONFIRM yesterday’s report that Fox Television has ordered a pilot script for a proposed series based on THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI.
Concept creators W.D. Richter and Earl MacRauch are currently hard at work on said script. There are several important factors to note here:
1) That Fox has ordered a script for a BUCKAROO BANZAI series pilot *does not* mean Fox is obligated to proceed with the filming of said pilot once the script is delivered to Fox. Scripts are written and subsequently left un-filmed all the time. THIS IS NOT MEANT TO IMPLY NEGATIVITY ABOUT THE PROJECT. IT IS NOT MEANT TO IMPLY MY BELIEF FOX WILL REJECT TO PILOT SCRIPT. I’m simply trying to say…statistically…we’re not out of the woods *yet*.
2) Even if a pilot for a BUCKAROO BANZAI series is filmed, this does not obligate Fox to follow it up with a series. Pilots are filmed all the time which don’t even get aired, some pilots are aired but never get followed-up with a series. AGAIN, I AM NOT TRYING TO BE NEGATIVE HERE. JUST REALISTIC.
In short, BUCKAROO BANZAI is going through a step-by-step process which is very ordinary in the development of a potential series - the same process most other series / projects in development must go through. BB does have the distinct advantage of having a pre-existing (and strong) fan base, but when all is said and done, it’s right in there with the rest of the shows - having to jump through all the same hoops on its way to our television screens. But it is *really* happening, and there is a *serious* possibility this could all work out well!
Now, I am delighted to present an official statement from BANZAI creator W.D. Richter:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Banzai Institute for Biomedical Research and Strategic Information
STATEMENT BY W.D. RICHTER CONCERNING A REQUEST BY THE FOX NETWORK THAT THEY MIGHT COMMISSION A PILOT SCRIPT FOR AN EXTENDED TELEVISION EXAMINATION OF THE LIFE AND TIMES OF DR. BUCKAROO BANZAI:
"After all these years, one of course, expects the inevitable and amazed reaction, 'We thought it would never happen!' Let me simply share with you B. Banzai's own reminder when delivered the glad news by Earl Mac Rauch:
'The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once. That said, now on to the business at hand.'"
-Rick Richter
November 3, 1998
