Fox Sucks Blood From Buffy; Whedon Responds

In an issue that speaks to the long-term business implications of writing, FOX put the kibosh on the fan-run Buffy-the-Musical sing-a-longs.

For the uninitiated, Buffy was a hit show centered around a young girl cursed (or blessed) to slay vampires, kill demons, and fight evil. In one of the episodes, a demon caused the the entire town to break out into Broadway-style song and dance routines. Since the end of the television show's demise, the musical episode has been shown in theaters along with a "cast" that sings and dances along. However, the studio lawyers are causing it all to end. See:

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5if4Fv5TkZWZp21xkz1xzWjbRMJ2wD8S7TQT80

The basic gist of the problem seems to be that the Hollywood business structure (union fees, etc) doesn't know how to handle the issue; canceled television shows generally don't re-air in movie theaters years later. Although to be fair to the studio, if the Buffy sing-a-long crew is making a profit, I can see the need to step in.

Joss Whedon, the show's creator, responded negatively to the news and promised do everything in, "... my power to find out the exact reasoning for this and try to convince those responsible what a mistake it is." See:

http://www.ifmagazine.com/new.asp?article=5200

What do you think? Writers' rights? Evil studio oppressing the people's freedom? Allow profit-earning third-parties to use a creator's work in any way? Other?

Steph's Topic

Following the path laid out by our forefathers, Steph is next in line to pick a topic. Thus, Steph will be choosing the writing assignment on 10/1/07. Remember the unwritten rule (which is now written), every other topic must enshrine Hemp's greatness.

Good luck.