The New World

5 years ago I was watching this cool little show on BBC America as a break from work.

3 years ago I was having my first conversation with the production company that was bringing the show to Canada.  

1 year ago I was on my way to meetings in London, about to start my full-time show-runner gig.



Now it's about to hit the screen.

"Oh, it's not easy.  Not even a little bit."  

But it's worth it. 

Sanctuary Keepsake Campaign - Update 2

UPDATE: 

AS OF 9/26/2012, this round of the Sanctuary Keepsake Campaign is now 

CLOSED to new orders.  

Remaining items may be made available in a future offering, as time permits -- or may show up at a convention near you.  

Thank you to everyone who participated!

For items requested by September 25th:

Canadian and International requests will be mailed by October 5th.

US Items will be mailed by October 31st.

Recipient is responsible for all customs and duties. 

NOTE: As of Friday, 9/20, I am having additional swatches made from a second curtain.  Therefore, delivery of curtain swatches requested after this time may be slightly delayed to allow time for tailoring.  

The SANCTUARY KEEPSAKE CAMPAIGN to benefit the Sanctuary 4 Kids charity continues with new items, including a few little items from Primeval:New World, the new series for the SPACE Channel that has been home this year to a few Sanctuary alumni -- Martin Wood and I are Executive Producing, Amanda Tapping and Andy Mikita each directed multiple episodes, Robert Lawrenson made a guest appearance, and many of the behind-the-scenes crew joined us as well. 

What is the Sanctuary Keepsake Campaign?  In short, it's a chance to obtain small items from Sanctuary (and now other shows), as thank-you gifts in return for donating to the Sanctuary 4 Kids charity.  Since the campaign was inspired by the goal of making the keepsakes widely available, we've once again tried to include items for every budget level.  

Below is a roundup of ALL REMAINING ITEMS and a few NEW ITEMS. 

PENCIL (OR PEN) FROM HELEN MAGNUS' DESK - minimum $20 donation

There are more than two dozen of them here -- just regular pencils, mechanical pencils and ballpoint pens, nothing special about them at all EXCEPT THAT THEY SAT ON HELEN MAGNUS' DESK in Season 4 of Sanctuary.  They'll be distributed at random to the first 30 people to donate a minimum of $20 to Sanctuary 4 Kids and request them according the the rules below. ONE PER CUSTOMER, PLEASE. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

One of these Sanctuary logo memo pads (promotional items from the original 2007 webseries) will now be included with every pen or pencil from Magnus' desk.  Also, additional promo items (such as promo postcards and Helen Magnus' lenticular business card from the webseries) will be included with all Thank-You items while supplies last.  

**UPDATE: As of 8 PM PST on Sunday, 9/23, 12 remain available.**  

SHARD OF AFINA'S TOMB - $45  minimum donation - 15 available

This amethyst-coloured "rubber glass" was created by the FX department for episode #316, "Awakening," to be used in the sequence where the Vampire Queen Afina breaks from her crystal tomb. Although the final on-screen tomb was a CGI creation, the purple rubber glass was crumbled and used on set as shattered pieces on the floor.

Each sculptural piece of "amethyst" retained from the discarded rubber glass is completely unique. Size is approximately 1 square inch. Each will come with a Certificate of Authenticity. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

FABRIC SWATCH FROM HELEN MAGNUS' CURTAINS - minimum $40 donation, or $75 for 2 

"Were these drapes always this hideous shade?" - Nikola Tesla

"I saw it in the window and I just had to have it!" 

These familiar red and gold brocade curtains hung in Helen Magnus' office for the run of the series.  For the post-apocalyptic episode "Pavor Nocturnus" in Season 2, the curtains were replaced with these "stunt doubles" that were shredded and distressed for the scene in the destroyed Sanctuary.  This screen-used material has been professionally tailored into approximately 12-inch squares, each one unique.  Ideal as crying towels for mourning the loss of a beloved series!  Many of these are distinguished by unique rips and camera-friendly damage; others are intact and might be pressed into service as dinner napkins.  Please note in your email if you prefer an intact or a distressed swatch, and I will do my best to accomodate your request. Each one will come with a Certificate of Authenticity.  WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
**UPDATE: As of 6 PM on Friday, 9/20, I am having additional swatches made from a second curtain.  Therefore, delivery of swatches requested after this time may be delayed to allow time for tailoring  **  

"ADJUSTER" HAT -  $65 minimum donation - Donated by Martin Wood  - 2 Available

These props appeared onscreen in the 3rd season episode Hero 2: Electric Boogaloo.

Wii CONTROLLER LOADED WITH "SANCTAURY" Miis - $90 minimum donation - 2 Available

These "Mii" versions of the Sanctuary characters were created in February of 2011 and populate my home machine.

My and my virtual family.
(I'm the yellow one. The one in pink is my friend Melody.
You should recognize the rest....)

They have been transferred to a newly-purchased Nyko brand remote for the Wii. To transfer them to your own Wii, just sync the remote to your Wii, go to the Mii Plaza, and select "Transfer." Then choose the new remote and you will be able to drag and drop the characters into your own Mii Plaza, where they will interact with your own family and friends, join your muster, and even play Tennis with or against you. Look out for Tesla, though -- he cheats.

Guess Who

PUBLICITY POSTCARDS FROM PRIMEVAL: NEW WORLD - SET OF 6 - 3 sets available - minimum donation $100

A little something from our new "sister" show "Primeval: New World."  These limited-edition promotional postcards of the regular cast of the upcoming show were created by the SPACE Channel for signing at the Vancouver Fan Expo earlier this year.  Included: Niall Matter (Evan Cross) Sara Canning (Dylan Weir), Danny Rahim (Mac Rendell), Crystal Lowe (Toby Nance), Miranda Frigon (Ange Finch), and Geoff Gustafson (Ken Leeds). 

**UPDATE: Geoff Gustafson and Crystal Lowe have generously signed their postcards!**

TOY DINOSAURS FROM THE PRIMEVAL: NEW WORLD OFFICE - **SIGNED** - minimum donation $50 each

The set dec from P:NW is, I'm happy to say, not available for sale at this time.  But I do have a few of the toy dinosaurs that populated our office, generously signed by some of the cast:

Stegosaurus: Signed on the tag by Geoff Gustafson (Ken Leeds)
Triceratops: Signed on the tag **and on the dinosaur** by Crystal Lowe (Toby Nance) 

Apatosaurus (aka Brontosaurus' usurper): Signed on the tag by Executive Producer/Writer Gillian Horvath
Albertosaurus: Signed on the Tag by Executive Producer/Director Martin Wood

(Okay, it's probably a Tyrannosaurus Rex but I prefer to think of it as an Albertosaurus,
Rex's smaller, faster, meaner cousin.)

"I'M FINE" T-SHIRT - **SIGNED** - minimum donation $60 each

It's like your very own Raptor Attack! These t-shirts come from Bad Idea T-shirts.  I gave them to cast, writers and directors shortly after starting filming.  There are a few left over -- now they can be yours.

I have one Medium and one Large t-shirt, signed by cast members Crystal Lowe (Toby) and Geoff Gustafson (Ken) and by Executive Producers Martin Wood and Gillian Horvath

Geoff and Danny are fine.

"I WANT ONE! WHAT SHOULD I DO?"

Step 1: Go to the Sanctuary 4 Kids website.  Make your donation.  In the comment box, please put #sanctuarykeepsakecampaign.  NOTE: Please do not use the comment box to make your item requests.  These must go to the email below. 

Step 2: Email me at athena.tv (at) gmail.com to request your item.  Please help me out by putting "Sanctuary Keepsake" and the item you are requesting in the subject line.  Please put your mailing address and any further details about the item you are requesting in the body of the email.  Requests will be honored in the order they are received in the athena.tv inbox.  Please DO NOT make your requests via any other channel, you will lose your place in line.

All items are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.  I will post updates here once each item is sold out, but please note, there may be a time lag in tracking the requests, therefore you may find that the item you requested is no longer available.  I am grateful for all donations made in the campaign but I can't guarantee that all donations will receive the "Thank You" items described.  

***For one-of-a-kind items, you may email to inquire about availability prior to making your donation.***

I will cover all mailing costs to anywhere in the world.

For items requested by September 25th:
Canadian and International requests will be mailed by October 5th.
US Items will be mailed by October 31st.

Recipient is responsible for all customs and duties. 

Please tell your friends!

Gillian

Sanctury Keepsake Campaign - Update

The SANCTUARY KEEPSAKE CAMPAIGN is going strong and even growing with new donations!  I'm overwhelmed by all the generosity -- from fans donating extra and offering their thank-you gifts to other fans in need, to colleagues providing additional items for the drive, it's been an awesome 24 hours.  Cinemaspy reported on us here and donations are over $1500 so far!

What is the Sanctuary Keepsake Campiagn?  In short, it's a chance to obtain small items from the set of Sanctuary, as thank-you gifts in return for donating to the Sanctuary 4 Kids charity.

A number of PENS AND PENCILS FROM MAGNUS' DESK and CURTAIN SWATCHES FROM MAGNUS' OFFICE remain available, as well as 3 WINE BOTTLES FROM MAGNUS' WINE CELLAR.

**Please see the original Sanctuary Keepsake Campaign post from yesterday for details. **

In addition, I've obtained a box of promotional items that were created for the original Sanctuary webseries back in 2007.  One of these Sanctuary logo memo pads will now be included with every pen or pencil from Magnus' desk.  Also, additional promo items (such as promo postcards and Helen Magnus' lenticular business card) will be included with all Thank-You items while supplies last.  

Below, are additional items that have been added to the campaign.  Since the campaign was inspired by the goal of making the keepsakes widely available, we've once again tried to include items for every budget level.  

*** Please read all the instructions at the bottom of the page if you wish to participate! You MUST make your requests via the special email address provided below. ***

And please spread the word wherever people may be interested.  Let's use the hashtag #sanctuarykeepsakecampaign and keep it going on Twitter!

SHARD OF AFINA'S TOMB - $45  minimum donation - 15 available

This amethyst-coloured "rubber glass" was created by the FX department for episode #316, "Awakening," to be used in the sequence where the Vampire Queen Afina breaks from her crystal tomb. Although the final on-screen tomb was a CGI creation, the purple rubber glass was crumbled and used on set as shattered pieces on the floor.

Each sculptural piece of "amethyst" retained from the discarded rubber glass is completely unique. Size is approximately 1 square inch. Each will come with a Certificate of Authenticity. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

"ADJUSTER" HAT -  $65 minimum donation - Donated by Martin Wood  - 2 Available

These props appeared onscreen in the 3rd season episode Hero 2: Electric Boogaloo.

SANCTUARY LOGO CREW CAP -  BEST OFFER - ONE ONLY

This item is being SILENT AUCTIONED -- to participate, mail your maximum bid to athena.tv (at) gmail.com by MIDNIGHT (PST) on Sunday, September 23rd.  The highest bidder will be informed by email on Monday morning and will have 48 hours to complete their donation to Sanctuary 4 Kids.

Wii CONTROLLER LOADED WITH "SANCTAURY" Miis - $90 minimum donation - 2 Available

These "Mii" versions of the Sanctuary characters were created in February of 2011 and populate my home machine.

My and my virtual family.
(I'm the yellow one. The one in pink is my friend Melody.
You should recognize the rest....)

They have been transferred to a newly-purchased Nyko brand remote for the Wii. To transfer them to your own Wii, just sync the remote to your Wii, go to the Mii Plaza, and select "Transfer." Then choose the new remote and you will be able to drag and drop the characters into your own Mii Plaza, where they will interact with your own family and friends, join your muster, and even play Tennis with or against you. Look out for Tesla, though -- he cheats.

Guess Who

SIGNED BOOK FROM HELEN MAGNUS' LIBRARY - $300 donation - CLAIMED

**UPDATE: As of 11 PM PST Saturday 9/22, the signed book has been CLAIMED**

The Canada Book of Prose and Verse has been signed by Peter Wingfield (James Watson) and Jim Byrnes (Gregory Magnus).

BOOKS FROM HELEN MAGNUS' LIBRARY - $100 minimum donation - CLAIMED

**UPDATE: As of 10 AM PST Saturday 9/22, all 3 books have been CLAIMED**

The books in this photo came from the shelves of the Sanctuary library, hallways, or Magnus' office.  The titles seem chosen specifically to suit her!  Titles available in this campaign are: 

John Mortimer: Paradise Postponed
W.E.B Griffin: In Danger's Path
Pat Barker: Another World

The clock in this photo is also from the Sanctuary set decoration supplies, although how it was used on the show is unknown.   Could be fun to search every frame for it!

Peter Wingfield Keepsake Kit -  $35 minimum donation - 1 Available

If you're a Sanctuary viewer you know his as James Watson.  If you watched Highlander you know him as Methos.  This button, montage postcard, and keychain were made for a recent convention of the Peter Wingfield Fanclub.

SIGNED LIMITED-EDITION PUBLICITY POSTCARDS FROM PRIMEVAL (UK SERIES) -   - Donated by Mike Simpson - CLAIMED

**UPDATE: As of the morning of 9/22, THIS ITEM HAS BEEN CLAIMED***

A little something from our new "sister" show in the UK.  These 7 promotional postcards from Season 5 of Primeval UK were sent to journalists and have been generously donated by reporter Mike Simpson.  Each is signed by the cast member.  

"I WANT ONE! WHAT SHOULD I DO?"

Step 1: Go to the Sanctuary 4 Kids website.  Make your donation.  In the comment box, please put #sanctuarykeepsakecampaign.  NOTE: Please do not use the comment box to make your item requests.  These must go to the email below. 

Step 2: Email me at athena.tv (at) gmail.com to request your item.  Please help me out by putting "Sanctuary Keepsake" and the item you are requesting in the subject line.  Please put your mailing address and any further details about the item you are requesting in the body of the email.  Requests will be honored in the order they are received in the athena.tv inbox.  Please DO NOT make your requests via any other channel, you will lose your place in line.

All items are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.  I will post updates here once each item is sold out, but please note, there may be a time lag in tracking the requests, therefore you may find that the item you requested is no longer available.  I am grateful for all donations made in the campaign but I can't guarantee that all donations will receive the "Thank You" items described.  

***For one-of-a-kind items, you may email to inquire about availability prior to making your donation.***

I will cover all mailing costs to anywhere in the world.

For items requested by September 27th:
Canadian and International requests will be mailed by October 5th.
US Items will be mailed by October 31st.

Recipient is responsible for all customs and duties. 

Please tell your friends!

Gillian

The Sanctuary Keepsake Campaign

NOTE: An UPDATED POST has been added with additional items, 

as of 6 PM PST  on Friday, 9/21.

You know what's a great antidote for sadness?  Helping out someone else.  I'm sure there's a reason -- endorphins, maybe -- but I'll just go with the empirical evidence.  Doing good deeds feels good.  And I'm sure it's good for the soul.

So let's get together and help out some people in need around the world!  Let's help build houses in Haiti, let's help orphans in Nepal, let's join together in community wherever we are.  

Let's surprise our friends over at Sanctuary 4 Kids by a sudden burst of generosity.  Because guess what, gang, I've got the coolest "Thank You" gifts for Sanctuary fans. When the lease on the Sanctuary studio ended earlier this year and the sets and props were being cleared out, I rescued a few items to share with you all.    Welcome to the SANCTUARY KEEPSAKE CAMPAIGN.  

*** Please read all the instructions at the bottom of the page if you wish to participate! You MUST make your requests via the special email address provided below. ***

And please spread the word wherever people may be interested.  Let's use the hashtag #sanctuarykeepsakecampaign and keep it going on Twitter!

"SO WHAT EXACTLY IS THE SANCTUARY KEEPSAKE CAMPAIGN?"

A while back, when some props from the show were posted online for a charity auction, I recall seeing a comment on facebook from a fan, saddened by the knowledge that the one-of-a-kind items would quickly skyrocket beyond her budget.  She wished for something from the show to be made available at a more accessible price --"even just a pencil from Magnus' desk."  Well folks, imagine my delight -- I HAVE those pens and pencils from Magnus' desk and I want you guys to have them.  

PENCIL (OR PEN) FROM HELEN MAGNUS' DESK - minimum $20 donation

There are more than two dozen of them here -- just regular mechanical pencils and ballpoint pens, nothing special about them at all EXCEPT THAT THEY SAT ON HELEN MAGNUS' DESK in Season 4 of Sanctuary.  They'll be distributed at random to the first 30 people to donate a minimum of $20 to Sanctuary 4 Kids and request them according the the rules below. ONE PER CUSTOMER, PLEASE. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
**UPDATE: As of 11 PM on Thursday, 9/20, more than 20 remain available.**  

WINE CORK FROM HELEN MAGNUS' COLLECTION -  minimum $20 donation - SOLD OUT

I also have a dozen WINE CORKS that were used on the show.  If you know Sanctuary you know the significance of Magnus' wine cellar.  These will be distributed to the first 12 people to donate a minimum of $20 to Sanctuary 4 Kids and and request them according to the rules below. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST  **Update, as of 11 PM on Thursday 9/20, all the wine corks have been CLAIMED **

FABRIC SWATCH FROM HELEN MAGNUS' CURTAINS - minimum $40 donation, or $75 for 2 

"Were these drapes always this hideous shade?" - Nikola Tesla

"I saw it in the window and I just had to have it!" 

These familiar red and gold brocade curtains hung in Helen Magnus' office for the run of the series.  For the post-apocalyptic episode "Pavor Nocturnus" in Season 2, the curtains were replaced with these "stunt doubles" that were shredded and distressed for the scene in the destroyed Sanctuary.  This screen-used material has been professionally tailored into approximately 12-inch squares, each one unique.  Ideal as crying towels for mourning the loss of a beloved series!  Many of these are distinguished by unique rips and camera-friendly damage; others are intact and might be pressed into service as dinner napkins.  Please note in your email if you prefer an intact or a distressed swatch, and I will do my best to accomodate your request. Each one will come with a Certificate of Authenticity.  WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
**UPDATE: As of 6 PM on Friday, 9/20, I am havnig additional swatches made from a second curtain.  Therefore, delivery of swatches requested after this time may be delayed to allow time for tailoring  **  

WINE BOTTLE FROM HELEN MAGNUS' COLLECTION -  minimum $150 donation

Because of the scarcity and the shipping issues, these are a bit more expensive.  If you know Sanctuary you know the significance of Magnus' wine cellar.  These will be distributed to the first 6 people to donate a minimum of $150 to Sanctuary 4 Kids  and request them according to the rules below. Each one will come with a Certificate of Authenticity. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
**Update:  As of 9 PM on Sunday 9/23, 2 bottles remain available.**  

"I WANT ONE! WHAT SHOULD I DO?"

Step 1: Go to the Sanctuary 4 Kids website.  Make your donation.  In the comment box, please put #sanctuarykeepsakecampaign.  NOTE: Please do not use the comment box to make your item requests.  These must go to the email below. 

Step 2: Email me at athena.tv (at) gmail.com to request your item.  Please help me out by putting "Sanctuary Keepsake" and the item you are requesting (PENCIL, FABRIC SWATCH, or BOTTLE) in the subject line.  Please put your mailing address and any further details about the item you are requesting in the body of the email.  Requests will be honored in the order they are received in the athena.tv inbox.  Please DO NOT make your requests via any other channel, you will lose your place in line.

All items are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.  I will post updates here once each item is sold out, but please note, there may be a time lag in tracking the requests, therefore you may find that the item you requested is no longer available.  I am grateful for all donations made in the campaign but I can't guarantee that all donations will receive the "Thank You" items described.  

I will cover all mailing costs.

For items requested by September 27th:
Canadian and International requests will be mailed by October 5th.
US Items will be mailed by October 31st.

Recipient is responsible for all customs and duties. 

Please tell your friends!

Gillian

#sanctuarykeepsakecampaign

Coming Soon!

I rescued some tchotchkes and doodads from the Sanctuary set when the studio shut down.  They need new, loving homes.  Details to follow.

Watch this space for instructions.  This page goes live Tuesday, September 18th at 9 PM PST.  First come first served!

Primeval Small World

Got asked to do an interview regarding Primeval: New World for a fan site called Primeval Denial.  Imagine my surprise and delight at discovering that some of the fans involved are Highlander: The Series fans as well -- and that the site's name is in fact in homage to a Highlander fan group that called itself "Clan Denial."  It really is a small world -- and it's no small thrill to me when the people who've been watching my work from the start are interested in the next thing I'm doing.

http://primeval-denial.livejournal.com/3444419.html#cutid1

I can't wait for this show to pemiere so we can start talking about it in earnest!

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Let's put this blog back into action.