Produced here in Toronto, Canada, but actually an NBC initiative, The Starlost (1973 - 1974) helped fill an epic hole left after Star Trek finished its original run in 1969 (but continuing to burn up the "stripping" markets). From day one the series was to be produced on videotape in order to save money and to allow for extensive, and inexpensive, chroma key work: enhancing sets and backgrounds in addition to the expected "space" element. NBC set up a coproduction deal with Canada's CTV network, allowing for further budget savings. It should be mentioned that Glen-Warren Productions at that time was one of the most sophisticated and well-equipped television facilities in existence; one reason why key parts of Network (1976) were shot there.
Why do I know so much about this series? As part of my ongoing research on Canadian television programs The Starlost was an obvious target. I interviewed many people associated with its production — including writer Harlan Ellison, producer William Davidson, script editor Norman Klenman, designer Jack McAdam, and actors Gay Rowan and John Colicos — and ultimately wrote the insert liner notes for the show's DVD release, which I describe here.
My now academic interest aside: In September of 1973 my space-cadet friend and I sat down in front of the colour console in great anticipation. I stuck with the series but was not disappointed when it failed to be renewed for another season.
One of the most memorable things about the opening titles — in this case from the episode "Mr. Smith of Manchester" — is the catchy theme music.
Wojeck
Canadians, like Brits, like to mock their own television drama programs. "Typical BBC cheapness." How many times have we heard that? Here in Canada, that statement would probably ring out as "everything the CBC makes is crap". Of course those two national networks are not the only makers and providers of television fare in their respective countries, but you get the idea.
Wojeck aired on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's television network between September of 1966 and March of 1968. Season one was produced in black and white; season two, colour.
John Vernon is "Steve Wojeck", a big city coroner who works and cares for the people. With anti-BS fervour he tackles very real issues such as worker safety, health standards, racism, and, radical for television drama at that time, abortion.
Photographed here in Toronto on 16mm film, Wojeck's 'eye' was that of direct cinema documentary. The approach of "realism" enhanced the often excellent scripting, giving the stories some added punch. Had the series been produced on 35mm in the more conventional, and expected, studio style, it probably would not have been as effective.
Wojeck is a great series.
No comments:
Post a Comment