• As promised, Kevin’s blog updates on his day-to-day continue at the usual spots online. We won’t be doing a daily alert to each posting (we urge you to visit the official sites for that), but we will be clipping any tidbits relating directly to the news aspect of upcoming projects, or other items of interest. Sort of a blog Cliff’s Notes, if you will. Thursday’s blog featured the most extensive report of the week, where Kevin relates the Battlestar Galactica saga (and shares some jealousy-inducing photos). We also hear a bit more about “Red State”. Here’s some Galactica tidbits for ya:
  A few months back I got a call from Endeavor (where I’m repped) saying the folks at “Galactica” were asking if I’d wanted to direct an episode. I asked for some time to think about it, because while I love that show, I honestly felt there was nothing I could bring to it. When I directed the “Reaper” pilot, we were creating the world/tone/look from the ground-up. “Galactica” has been on the air for a few years now, has a genius staff of writers who’ve created a brilliant mythology and many hours of compelling television, and sports a distinctive look that’s never deviated from. In truth, I’m more a writer than a director, but I wouldn’t be writing my “Galactica” episode (nor would I want to; I’m not a good enough writer to tackle a “Galactica” script, to be honest); and in terms of directing… well, when a show’s been up and running as long as “Galactica”, and the look is established and distinctive, it’s not like a visiting director jumps aboard and says “I’m gonna change everything for my episode…” - particularly for a show that’s gonna be in it’s final season.

  
  I mean, does anyone remember when Quentin directed an episode of “E.R.”? When all was said and done, even with a genius like Quentin at the helm, that episode looked like every other episode of “E.R.”. The same can be said of his recent stint directing “C.S.I.” (Quentin, apparently, only directs shows with initials as titles). And that’s not me criticizing Quentin - not in the least; that’s me saying that, when a successful television show is up-and-running (not in the pilot stage), nobody is allowed to come in and alter the status quo.

  
  Kevin goes on to explain what happened from that point, including a reprinted e-mail from David Eick (one of the geniuses behind the show). In short, due to the uncertainly and their thinking Kevin would be a tough get due to the “Heroes” gig, the position for the episode was filled while Kevin was contemplating the gig. There’s so much more, and it’s a much better read, so be sure and check out the full entry.

And a taste of the “Red State” stuff:

…I check email, where I find a few more thoughts from Dan Etheridge on “Red State”…


I have to say, I haven’t really been able stop thinking about the script since yesterday. That’s surely one sign. Malcolm and I were IM’ing this morning, debating points about it.


He made one good point, in that he’s read the other movie you’re shooting (apparently a tonal opposite of RED STATE). He said making that movie first might make the subversive nature of RED STATE more possible. True, I think.


Anyway, you sure did write a helluva provocative script.

The script for “Red State” will be officially submitted this week. Everyone who’s read it so far has had a very strong reaction, and that’s a great sign. This one sounds bleak and so different than anything View Askew has done before — It’s going to be tough resisting reading this or spoilers before we see the film, as we’re already intrigued beyond belief.

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