Sliders News & Notes

Happy Halloween, Sliders Fans! (Now go watch "Into the Mystic")

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Zicree on Panel -- Sliders' newest scribe, Marc Scott Zicree, is scheduled to 'appear' on a panel at Sci-Fi Channel's upcoming Sci-Fi Con 2.0 this weekend. Zicree will takepart in "Writing Science Fiction for Television" on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 3 pm (est) 12:00 noon (pst).

>A new sliders novel by Brad Linaweaver is coming out
>in February.  The title is Sliders: Parallel Universes.

SandyJeanne at the MCA Board posted the following on Oct. 22: "I heard this today straight from the Sliders set. Sorry, guys, but I can't reveal my source - I promised!!!
>While on the set of Sliders in the backlot Jerry O Connell got hurt by a spark
>that landed in his eye and and it synged his eyebrow. He was taken to a
>hospital her a quick observation but released within an hour. A close call."

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Possible Season 4 Plotlines? --The following plot/story arcs for year four were included in the "Unofficial Sliders Fan Club Newsletter" Issue 12 Oct/Nov '97. Jason Lohn is the caretaker of that newsletter:
A world where:

Drugs are legal and encouraged

WWII never took place and the Nazis are in power

The South won the Civil War

Rembrandt was never a member of the Spinning Topps (Cleavant sings once again)

The Kromaggs could end up in as many as five episodes.

Bennish is also expected to make a comeback.

I can't confirm these as of yet but Jason has been a reliable source of information in the past.
Thanks, Jason.

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Win a Sliders Walk-on Role??? -- Universal Studios and NOVUS Services, a business unit of Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co., today introduced the new Universal Studios Card, a cobrand credit card offering Cardmembers the opportunity to participate in a variety of exciting entertainment options.

For every dollar spent in purchases on the new Universal Studios Card, Cardmembers earn StudioPoints(SM) toward exciting entertainment rewards from Universal Studios, including free admission to its theme parks, movie and concert tickets, limited-edition merchandise and even the opportunity to play a walk-on part in a music video or television production.

Cardmembers are automatically entitled to a variety of other advantages that include second-day free admission tickets to Universal Studios theme parks and preferred pricing at the Universal Studios Store. These special advantages will change from time to time so that Cardmembers can experience different types of entertainment options within Universal Studios. In addition, Cardmembers will have the opportunity to participate in specially designed promotions to win unique experiences, such as attending a world premiere of a movie.

"We are thrilled to provide our Cardmembers with such a wide array of entertainment reward options,'' said William P. O'Hara, senior vice president and general manager of Partnership Programs for NOVUS Services, Inc. ``Our partnership with Universal Studios will enable our Cardmembers to share in the fun and excitement of all of the Universal businesses. We look forward to a long and successful relationship as we launch this Card and continue to work together on many other exciting ventures.''

"The Universal Studios Card provides great consumer benefits that deliver, for the first time ever, the breadth and diversity of the Universal Studios brand,'' said Carl Thomas, vice president and head of worldwide corporate partnerships, Universal Studios. ``Now, with one card, consumers can have access to the entire world of Universal entertainment and experiences. The already extensive awards program will continue to grow as we develop exciting new promotions and opportunities across all of our businesses.''

The Universal Studios Card features include: no annual fee, a 7.9 percent introductory rate on purchases and balance transfers for up to six months, a 25-day interest-free grace period on purchases and the ability to get cash advances. The Card also offers 24-hour customer service, categorized transaction detail on every statement and a choice of a custom monthly billing date.

In March, NOVUS Services and Universal Studios announced a major strategic corporate partnership that includes the Universal Studios Card and a sponsorship program. As part of the sponsorship, all of the NOVUS(R) Card brands, including the Universal Studios Card, are designated as the preferred cards of Universal Studios theme parks, as well as all Universal owned concert venues and events in the United States. NOVUS Services is also a media sponsor for all Universal concerts in the United States and is the presenting sponsor of Jurassic Park: The Ride in Universal Studios' theme parks in Hollywood and Orlando, including the upcoming Islands of Adventure, scheduled to open in Orlando in 1999.

Universal Studios is a diversified entertainment company and a worldwide leader in motion pictures, television, music, home and location based entertainment. Universal Studios is a unit of The Seagram Company Ltd. (NYSE:VO), a global beverage and entertainment company. NOVUS Services, a business unit of Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover & Co., operates the Discover(R) Card, the NOVUS Network and a growing number of card brands accepted at all NOVUS Network locations.

SOURCE: Universal Studios

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October 21, 1997

3:40 pm est / 12:40 pm pst -- The March airdate on Sci-Fi Channel is now tentative, according to a Sci-Fi Channel spokesperson. "Right now, March is not confirmed," the spokesperson said. "We don't know, unfortunately, when it's going to begin."

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Well, as you heard it here first yesterday, Seagram Co. Ltd., which owns Universal Studios, merged most of Universal TV's operations into HSN Inc, which owns the Home Shopping Network.

The deal thus creates a new media beast that controls:

USA Networks

Sci-Fi Channel

HSNi's 12 TV stations, it has stakes in 13 others, for a total of 25

Universal's domestic production and distribution assets (ie Sliders)

The Home Shopping Network

and HSNi's half ownership of Ticketmaster

All of the above will be owned by Barry Diller (pictured) who heads up HSNi -- which will be renamed USA Networks. For those who don't know, Diller is the wonderkid responsible for starting the Fox Network for zillionaire Rupert Murdoch (what, you thought Murdoch engineered that himself?)

Okay, you say, so what. What does it all mean?

Well, for one, it likely means (as some industry anylysts have speculated) that Diller is going to start another TV network -- using Universal as its backbone.

While Diller has denied this, it's impossible to rule it out knowing his history (he also tried to buy CBS and Paramount a while back).

Still, how would he start such a project -- simple. The Toronto Globe & Mail reported today that HSN's 25 "TV stations have been airing the shopping channel. But next spring, they will begin carrying a mix of local programming and news and national programs. Included will be some of the programs now carried exclusively on Seagram's cable networks." Seagram owns Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi exclusively carries Sliders. Hence, Sliders will be one of the programs shown on those stations (along with Mission Genesis, Nikita, Pacific Blue, etc).

The bottom line is that you might just be able to catch Sliders on a channel other than Sci-Fi next spring -- if you get the Home Shopping Channel, you may be in luck.

It's a smart move for Diller as those shows are great shows to launch a network with.

Now, I do have some more calls out regarding what (if any) input HSN and Diller will have in the direction/content of said shows. Let's face it, he owns them now and it's up to him. Honestly, I don't see any problems occuring -- and it's always possible the Sliders merchandise will be available through Home Shopping Channel. (Hey, promote from within) That's something I'm checking on as well.

I'm also still trying to confirm the rumor that Sliders' launch on Sci-Fi will be delayed until spring, but if that rumor is true, this is probably the reason as the HSN's 25 stations will begin airing Universal shows in the "spring." It's possible that they'll put off Sliders launch until the HSN launch so that the two can coincide.

That's all for now until I learn more. If you have any questions, e-mail me and I'll see if I can answer them.

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Jerry O'Connell is scheduled to participate in an online chat during Sci-Fi Channel's convention, Sci-Fi.Con 2.0 on Saturday, November 1, at 6 pm est (3 pm pst).

Oddly enought, this is the only Sliders-related event that is scheduled for the convention even though Sci-Fi Channel will be running Sliders in first-run production next year. Babylon 5, on the other hand, has an entire round table discussion devoted to itself. Does that seem fair -- or wise?

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October 20, 1997

Universal Studios, Inc. and Home Shopping Network, Inc. Announce The
Combination Of Universal Television With HSN, Inc.

Home Shopping Network, Inc. To Be Renamed USA Networks, Inc.

NEW YORK--In a series of transactions designed to create an enterprise of sufficient size and focus capable of competing in today's increasingly concentrated world, Universal Studios, Inc., a subsidiary of The Seagram Company Ltd. (NYSE:VO), and HSN, inc. (NASDAQ:HSNI) announced today the contribution of the majority of Universal's television assets to HSNi in a transaction in which Universal will receive $4.075 billion in value in the form of 45 percent of HSNi's outstanding common equity equivalents plus approximately $1.2 billion in cash. In addition, HSNi intends to change its corporate name to USA Networks, Inc. This diversified company will have assets in cable, broadcasting, television programming and production as well as electronic commerce, including electronic retailing, ticketing, teleservices and full service fulfillment. Barry Diller will continue to be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the newly-named entity.

The Universal assets being contributed include all the domestic operations and 50 percent of the international operations of USA Network, and the Sci-Fi Network, and Universal Television's U.S. production and distribution operations, which include such successful shows as Law & Order, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess and Sally Jesse Raphal. These assets will be combined with HSNi's Home Shopping Network and its interest in Ticketmaster Group, Inc. Universal will retain ownership of its television library, its comedy production business and its international television production and distribution operations. HSNi and Universal will each own 50 percent of a newly-created international television joint venture.

For regulatory reasons, Universal Studios' 45 percent interest in HSNi will be held in a subsidiary which will also own the non- broadcast assets of HSNi. This 45 percent interest will be exchangeable in accordance with Federal Communications Commission rules into an equivalent percentage of the outstanding equity of HSNi. After giving effect to these transactions, Liberty Media will own 15 percent of HSNi and would have the right to increase its equity to up to 25 percent. This right may be exercised by Liberty for assets agreed to by the parties or cash. Barry Diller, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HSNi, will be entitled to continue to exercise voting rights over all HSNi securities owned by Liberty, and also will exercise voting rights over all voting securities received by Universal. In addition, Universal has agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, for a four-year period, it will not increase its equity ownership interest beyond 45 percent, transfer its equity interest or engage in certain restricted conduct. It is expected that Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Seagram's President and Chief Executive Officer, and three other Universal designees will join HSNi's Board of Directors. Additionally, it is expected that Barry Diller, upon completion of the transaction, will become a member of the Board of Directors of The Seagram Company Ltd.

The transactions are subject to customary conditions, including HSNi stockholder approval, which is expected to occur early in the first quarter of 1998.

Edgar Bronfman, Jr., Seagram's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, ``This merger provides an extraordinary opportunity for Universal to further enhance the value of its television assets, including our cable networks, under Barry Diller's leadership. Clearly, Barry is one of the entertainment industry's most admired and effective talents and a long-time friend. His partnership with us will unquestionably serve to accelerate the increase in shareholder value which we at Seagram are committed to achieve.''

Barry Diller, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HSNi, said, ``The value of this transaction lies in two areas: assets and partnership. The assets commingled: three cable networks, 25 broadcast stations, Ticketmaster, Universal Television Production and Distribution and the Internet Shopping Networks give us great ability to manage and grow ourselves into a major enterprise. As for partnership, it is neither fast nor loose to say that I have been the beneficiary of a first rate relationship over the last five years with John Malone and Liberty Media, and more recently with Leo Hindery and Dob Bennett, as they have taken responsibility for TCI and Liberty's respective businesses. As Universal and Seagram become the significant partner in this Company I couldn't be more pleased, for I have known, trusted and respected Edgar Bronfman, Jr. for more than 20 years. The balance of partners in this transaction, Seagram-Universal and TCI, will help us to navigate our way through the aggressive growth our goals mandate.''

In commenting on this announcement, Frank J. Biondi, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Studios, stated, ``This new arrangement, which combines Universal's strong television assets and management team with a set of complimentary businesses, provides a much broader platform for our future growth. We at Universal look upon this new development as highly supportive of our overall plans for expanding all of our entertainment businesses.''

Ron Meyer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Universal Studios, added, ``Universal Studios is delighted at the opportunity to become associated with Barry Diller. Barry is a close personal friend and executive who enjoys the deepest respect of the entire entertainment industry.''

It is expected that The Chase Manhattan Bank will provide the bank financing for this transaction.

Universal Studios, Inc. is a diversified entertainment company and a worldwide leader in motion pictures, television, music, home and location-based entertainment. Universal Studios is a unit of The Seagram Company Ltd., a global beverage and entertainment company.

HSN, inc. is the parent company of Home Shopping Network, Silver King Broadcasting and SF Broadcasting. The Company also owns a controlling interest in Ticketmaster Group, Inc., the world's leading computerized ticketing service.

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And in other news, it seems that Entertainment Weekly just will not give Sliders a break.

Since the show's inception, EW has only mentioned the series a handful of times -- and always in a flip or unflattering tone. Well, this week's issue is no exception.

In an article in the 10/24 edition, EW writes about Fox's failed Friday night sci-fi lineups over the years. It mentions VR5, Strange Luck, Kindred, and M.A.N.T.I.S. and then says "Sliders slid by for a few seasons but never had mainstream success. (The Sci-Fi Channel plans to revive it)."

Revive it?! It's not dead and one wonders how much EW has been keeping track of the progress of season four (probably not at all). But then again, one wonders if the only reason Sci-Fi Channel got a mention at all is because there's a quarter page ad for the channel -- on the same page!

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October 15, 1997

First, an explanation as to why the delay in news updates over the past three weeks or so: Aside from the fact that I've been on vacation for a little while, there is no real 'news' to report on Sliders itself lately. Things have actually been "all quiet on the set" so to speak. As a result, and becuase I've also been busy with other things, I've decided not to update some of the little notes that aren't really Sliders related but that have been floating across my desk lately just the same.

Yet now, while I have some time, ta da, here they are -- most are updates on the cast and past cast.

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I've seen many fans wondering if John Rhys-Davies is now apart of the cast of the ABC Friday night comedy "You Wish."

The answer is no.

JRD signed on initially for three episodes of the series, the "Pilot" (9/26), "Jillions of Gillians" (10/3), and "The Big Ride" (10/10). He is not expected to appear in anymore episodes and, in fact, is not in any episodes going up through the first week of November.

However, Star Trek: Voyager is another story. The episode featuring JRD returning as Leonardo da Vinci, "Concerning Flight" (fka "Da Vinci's Day Out"), is slated to air November 26 on UPN.

In the episode, according to tipster Jason Gaston: Whilst Janeway is running her holo-program, she is summoned to the bridge, leaving the program running. A swarm of ships scan the Voyager, and rob it of most of it's technology, including the Doctor, his autonomous emitter, and the current holodeck program. Tracing their homeworld, Voyager beams down to discover da Vinci exploring this new world. It's a comedy seen from a 16th century Italian's perspective.

In other JRD 'news,' there's a bit of a rumor going around that JRD has signed a production deal with the Sci-Fi Channel -- which may get him back on Sliders afterall.

STATUS: I'm trying to confirm this.

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Jerry O'Connell will have his publicity work cut out for him right before the Christmas holidays this year. It seams that a December 12th release date for Scream, the Sequel is now a lock.

(Originally, producers weren't sure if they were going to release the film in December or January (to avoid Bond and Titanic at the box office).)

Now, with all of the publicity JOC will be doing, it's unknown how Sliders production will be affected, though it should be noted that Sci-Fi's decision to change launch from Jan. to March followed on the heels of the January Scream release change.

I'm still looking into whether this will affect the Sci-Fi's March decision or not. (Please don't start any rumors to this effect, it's purly my speculation).

Speaking of Scream, the Sequel, JOC once again made it between the covers of Entertainment Weekly this week. A small picture of JOC can be found on page 8 of the Oct. 17 issue.

JOC's other fall project, the CBS comedy-drama tele-movie "What the Deaf Man Heard" has now been scheduled to air Sunday, November 23 on that network.

Jerry receives sixth billing behind Matthew Modine, James Earl Jones, Bernadette Peters, Tom Skerritt and Judith Ivey. Claire Bloom and Anne Bobby also star.

Jerry plays Reverend Perry Ray Pruitt, a naive young clergyman who risks becoming a scapegoat for two no-goodnicks until he realizes that the truth will set everyone free in the end.

(It should also be noted that in Jerry's short bio contained in the film's press release, Sliders is not mentioned among his credits.)

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Kari Wuhrer has also been keeping herself busy as of late.

This Friday (10/17), Ms. Wuhrer will appear on an episode of the CBS Don Johnson series "Nash Bridges." In the episode, called "Blackout," she plays a character named C.J. Miller.

Kari is also awaiting the release of her new film "Kissing a Fool" in which she co-stars with hangdog 'Friend' David Schwimmer.

Filmed this past summer, it's expected to be released early in 1998.

Speaking of Ms. Wuhrer, abbadon (aka Aaron Dunne) reports on the MCA Board that he wrote a letter to Ken Solomon, President Universal TV, urging him to rethink the decision to remove Sabrina Lloyd from the cast while expressing his dislike for Kari Wuhrer's character, Maggie, and her acting ability.

Here is the response -- From Executive Producer David Peckinpah:

Ken Solomon copied me on your letter of August 22, 1997.

The gossip mill seems to be working overtime regarding Sabrina Lloyd's departure from "Sliders". While the notion of a feud between Sabrina and Kari Wuhrer may titillate, such a "feud" was in no way responsible for Sabrina Lloyd being written out of the show.

The decision not to return this season was Ms. Lloyd's. She notified us, via her agent, that she didn't wish to continue. We complied with her request.

Any speculation as to Ms. Lloyd's reasons for this decision, be they personal or professional, would be inappropriate. I wish her well in her life and career, and she will be missed on "Sliders".

On a personal note, I find the sniping at Kari Wuhrer by you and your ilk unwarranted and beneath contempt. Ms. Wuhrer is a consummate professional, a valuable asset to our cast, and a marvelous talent. Contrary to the character assassinations, rumors, and innuendoes you spew, Ms. Wuhrer has never (underlined) been difficult, and is very popular with all the cast and crew.

I suggest the "wit" who dubbed her "Shemp" stick with "The Three Stooges."

It's no doubt an easier concept for this person to grasp, and more in accord with their emotional development.
Cordially Yours
David Peckinpah
Executive Producer
"Sliders"

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Meanwhile, on October 3, lexilynn at the MCA Board posted an update regarding her neighbor, Cleavant Derricks. It read simply:

hELLLO to everyone...Cleavant and crew have been busy working...they have been back three weeks now...everything looks great so far...wants everyone not to loose faith in the show..Lexilynn/linda

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In other Sliders alumni 'news,' Crestgirl recently wrote to me wondering about something she'd heard Tracy Torme say at the Dominion Chat regarding his involvement with an ABC project called "Hunger for Survival."

Well, here's the skinny. The Warner Bros. series, which has officially changed it's name to "Prey" began production Sept. 17 in L.A. for possible airing in mid-season. (While some have claimed that ABC will run the series as early as October, sources say that's highly unlikely.)

As for Torme's involvement -- he was involved (in an unknown capacity), now he's not; though no explanation has been given for his departure from the series.

(For those who are wondering, it's about a post-apocolyptic race of half-humans who want to eradicate the human race. It stars Debra Messing (Ned and Stacey) and Larry Drake (L.A. Law).)

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After many requests, here's a picture of new Sliders cast member Charlie O'Connell (the real-life brother of Jerry O'Connell in case you weren't aware). This shot is courtesy of Jayelle, and it's a screen-capture from the episode "As Time Goes By" -- the year two season finale. The younger O'Connell also appeared in the third season episode "Dragonslide." He is set to join the regular cast of Sliders after the first couple of episodes. I do not have a bio on Charlie yet (I'll post it when I get it) but I can say that he is a model who is just starting out in acting. It's also funny to note that with Jerry as producer this season, Jerry will, in fact, be his little brother's boss. However, Jerry and Charlie do get along very well together. They fenced together and even attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans together last year. Charlie, who'll play Colin Mallory, Quinn's brother from another dimension, will be a welcome addition to the cast.

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Special Thanks go out to Jayelle, Donner, Shannon, XBatGirl, abbadon, Slideray, Christina, Lexilynn, Crestgirl and Temporal Flux.

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