Author of The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1

BIG DAMN ZINEA B R O W N C O A T P U B L I C A T I O N

Issue FourOctober 2007

In this issue:

Also: Fan Films: Into the Black Fan Fiction: Working for the Man part 2

PJ Haarsma

BIG DAMN ZINE

Contents

PJ Haarsma 3

Browncoat Events 6

Fan Fiction - Working For The Man 8

Fan Films: Into The Black 11

Editorial 15

Nathan Fillion (Captain Mal on Firefly) and PJ Haarsmaenthusiastically tease each other in print and in per-son. But,like the crew of Serenity, they also help each other. Not long ago, Haarsma wrote a sci-fi novel for young readers called The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1. As Haarsma crossed the country promoting his book, he discovered librarians scrambling to find money to buy it. Unprepared for the excited reaction to The Softwire, schools didn’t have the budget to purchase it. Haarsma mentioned the librarian’s problem to Fillion, and, to-gether, they decided to provide kids with brand new copies of the book.

In order to do this, the two approached one of Fillion’s many fan groups. Haarsma explained, “[W]e decided to see if Nathan Nation was willing to direct their ener-gies into a project that would buy copies of the book for schools and libraries in need. Nathan loved the concept and so did NN.” The group put together several treasures for people to purchase online at Kids Need to Read.

Like pirate plunder, these packets include a variety ofschwag. Of special interest to Fillion fans is the $50 Na-gool Master Donation Package. This includes a copy ofThe Softwire personally autographed by both Fillion andHaarsma. To boot, the fan gets a CD of Fillion readingthe first three chapters. The actor lures the listener intothe imaginative world of Orbis 1 almost effortlessly.

By Kym Kemp (Redhead)

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Fillion ‘Fills in’ Empty Library Shelves with Help of Friend and Author, PJ Haarsma

Adding to the bargin, the CD showcases some won-derful Orbisian art by artists, Stephan Martiniereand Igor Knecivic. The money raised puts copies ofThe Softwire on under stocked library shelves. The group hopes to eventually buy books by other authors also.

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SciFi classic, Ender’s Game. In fact, Haarsma empha-sizes that “Ender’s Game started it all for me. I still think about that book to this day.” When Haarsma was given a chance to meet Card (who is a huge Firefly fan), he acknowledged his respect by giving Card “some of the paper money from the set of Serenity that Nathan had signed for me. [Card] loved it.”

Like Ender, the hero of The Softwire begins as a bul-lied outsider. “The [book] is about a group of children who are orphaned in outer space,” says Haarsma.“[They are] sold as slaves to the Citizens on the Rings of Orbis – four planet-like rings around a wormhole. When the children arrive, it is discovered that the one boy, JT, is a softwire. He has the ability to enter any computer with just his mind. On the rings, where the kids are sent to work, one massive computer controls the entire system. The fact that this slave can get inside it at will makes him very valuable, even danger-ous. His ability drives the Citizens crazy and they con-nive, conspire and even kill to own JT and his sister.”

Because both Fillion and Haarsma were born Ca-nadians, the current focus is on supplying libraries in Canada as well as the United States. They hope to eventually expand overseas but, because the cost of shipping is so expensive, they are currently rely-ing on people who buy the Kids Need to Read pack-ages. Many people purchase the Educator’s Packet and donate the four copies to schools and libraries near them. This works especially well to fill the hole overseas but works equally well for North American localities.

Fillion is so excited about the project, he interviewedPJ Haarsma for IGN. There he said, “Getting kids to read makes me feel good…[ I believe in [The Soft-wire.]” Fillion has nothing but praise for the book say-ing, “I’ve always been amazed at a writer’s ability to create a universe, and that’s what PJ has done. With ease, he has created a world, an economy, a religious faith, and an adventure not to be missed.”The Softwire is reminiscent of Orson Scott Card’s

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“From there, I show how books become movies, thecreation of the alien art and how the game was built- using the kids as participants. The presentationconcludes with an “alien ghost story” and a real livealien artifact. I bring lots of prizes and giveaways andit’s a load of fun for everyone involved. The 50 minuteevent encourages children to explore their imagina-tions, dream about outer space and discover thatreading is supposed to be fun.”

Not only is the book deliberately created to hook unenthusiastic readers but Haarsma built an online game based on his universe to further engage his audi-ence. The game, called Rings of Orbis, is full of vibrantart.

The multi media approach Haarsma espouses notonly includes the online game mentioned above andthe recording of Nathan Fillion’s reading of The Soft-wire.

In addition, Haarsma throws himself enthu-siastically into going to schools and promoting his own book as well as encouraging interest in science. “NASA sup-plied me with a truck-load (literally) of infor-mation for kids about outer space.During my multi-mediapresentation, I illustrate our position in the uni-verse and demonstrate just how big it is.”“I then examine thecondition of the earthand where we areheaded, using this as the launching point to discuss my book.

Haarsma already has over 5000 players and hopesto make most of those booklovers. He encouragesreading by making aspects of his game only availableto those who can answer questions related to the book.

In fact, Haarsma is passionate about using a mul-timedia approach to attract readers. “The amount of free time we have is increasing … So too is the amount of money we spend on entertainment. Yet the publishing industry is losing ground. … In orderfor publishing companies to survive in the future …[they need to] allow readers to enter a brand frommany different levels whether it be the book, game,movie, comic book, downloads, interactive elements– whatever it takes. Reading is a form of entertain-ment and should be presented that way, not like sourmedicine that’s going to make you better.”

Haarsma weaves disparate threads to attract readers.His online site tantalizes viewers with a gripping Book trailer—just like a movie trailer but for the print media. He also has collector art cards. This one was illustrated by his wife, Marisa Grieco.

The online game came out of an interest shared by Fil-lion and Haarsma. Many weekends, the two friendspit their Halo teams in bloody virtual battles againsteach other. (Fillion’s team includes Alan Tudyk—akaWash on Firefly). The rivalry has Haarsma and Fillionsniping lightheartedly at each other whenever possi-ble. Nathan scoffs, “If only [PJ’s] Halo skills matched his imaginative writing, he would be a force to be reckoned with.”

much of an exotic dancer ring to it so they went with Nathan. We honored him by naming our daughter, Skylar.”

“Skylar calls him Nashan. When we visit it’s like hav-ing a babysitter. Skylar and him just go off and play.He draws her pictures, tells her stories… When Skylarwas about 20 months old I asked her, “Who loves you?” She said, “Mommy loves me. Daddy loves me.” Iasked her, “Who else?” She goes,” Umm, Nashan lovesme… and Alan [Tudyk] loves me.” They’re still arguingover why Nathan’s first but he takes great pride in it.”

Haarsma and Fillion may joke about the lighter sideof life but they are serious about getting books to kids who need them. This friendship between the two in-spires others also. Nathan Nation, Fillion’s fan club, is determined to see more books in more libraries.Haarsma is amazed by how much the group does,“[They] have formed teams with project leaders thatcover everything from public relations to communityevents. They even purchase books and donate themon their own. They’ve also gathered Firelfy collect-ables that they auction and use the proceeds for morebooks.”

Haarsma says, “Nathan is one of my very bestfriends…When people get older it becomes very hardto make friends...With Nathan, it’s effortless. Theway he acts with Skylar, the respect he has for otherpeople... I simply like myself more when I’m aroundhim.”

In fact, both Fillion and Haarsma are funny, intelli-gent people that just seem to find themselves helpingout where ever there is a need. And, if the strength oftheir friendship and their desire to support each other is any indication, Kids Need to Read will be a success!

When asked about this jibe, Haarsma quickly asserts,”It’s very difficult for Nathan to recall the numeroustimes I sent him home with his tail between his legs,a broken man at having lost at Halo once again. Buthe would go home with his team and study. And train.And practice. In the beginning we would still beat hem, taunting them about their tactics… . I would like to stop here and relish in my glory days but I must admit that one day they came back and cleaned ourclocks. We tried to practice, to train, to get better, butwe had awoken a beast within Nathan that was un-tamable. I don’t even remember the last time we beathim now.”

However, the virtual rivalry does not extend to theirpersonal relationship. In fact, Fillion claims Haarsmadaughter, Skylar, was named for him. When ques-tioned about this, Haarsma asserts, “You didn’t know Nathan was originally named Skylar? I think it’s his second middle name. His dad was worried it had too

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An eerie avatar (Haarsma’s wife, Marisa Grieco) guides gamers through The Softwire world.

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Big Damn Zine provides a first look at the Paperback version of Book 1 due out February 12th, 2008. The next book in the series, Betrayal on Orbis 2, is due out March 25th.

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Browncoat Events

The Browncoat Cruise

Leaves from: San Diego, CaliforniaDecember 1-6, 2007

The Browncoat Cruise sets sail from San Diego, California on December 1st for 5 fun-filled days and 5 exciting nights aboard the Carnival Elation. The cruise destinations include Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada, Mexico. Plenty of Browncoat related events are being planned, including a Masquerade Ball.

Guests: Ron Glass, Michael Fairman, Clare Cramer, The Bedlam Bards

http://www.browncoatcruise.com/

Serenity LA

Element Nightclub, Hollywood, CaliforniaNov. 2nd - Nov. 4th, 2007

Starfury is expanding it’s convention organization to the United States. Serenity LA will feature guest talks, autograph sessions and Parties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, several of which will be held at Clare Kramer’s La Cantina Restaurant. Some autographs will be included in ticket price.

Guests: Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Jewel Staite, Morena Baccarin, Ron Glass, Amy Acker, Mark Sheppard, Christina Hendricks, Jonathan Woodward, Rafael Feldman, Yan Feldman and Nectar Rose

http://starfuryusa.com/

Burbank, California (Los Angeles Area) Oct. 27th-28th, 2007

Creation Entertainment, who have been running conventions for 35 years, is presenting this brand new convention saluting the amazing FIREFLY series.

Events include: Celebrity Guest Appearances, Auctions, Costume Contest, Trivia Competition, Music Video Presentations, Autographs & Photo Opportunities, Parties, Food functions & Charity Events and Vendors Area

Guests: Nathan Filion, Summer Glau, Morena Baccarin, Alan Tudyk, Sean Maher, Geoff Mandel, Jar-rod Davis, Mark Shimer, Jason Palmer

Note: Creation Entertainment has signed an agreement to produce official merchandise for SERENITY including T-shirts, fleece, hats, photos, jewelry, plates, stamps and coins

http://www.creationent.com/cal/serenity.htm

Serenity Salute

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Fan FictionOfficial data record – serc teltex: Alliance ordered review: Trooper Trainee (non personalised). Review: (personalised) – Commander Ivan Dolland. Deceased. Review: transfer request, Trooper Trainee, (non personalised) record of meeting follows:

- when the Reavers hit, we just – we were so scared, escape ship couldn’t run, Reaver’s core breach saw to that, had us fried – they say their brains aint nuthin but the black... but they knew how to take out our base easy enough.

- “our base?”

- Yes, Sir – just astronomy, mostly. I guess you have the deatails... been there 11 months. A good team.

- Was it not the case that you were helping the Independents, at that time?

- Well, no. We were neutral more... I guess some favoured the Indies. Anyhow – didn’t do us no good – when we calleed for help...

- You asked them –

- Closest Unit of Action, ‘cept it turned out they was in retreat from some place, some battle – couldn’t spare the time – or the men left running. The rest were waiting to be picked up by you.

- But there WAS a force?

- Oh yeh – we watched it sail on by us – same time we were tryin’ not to watch the Reavers closing in – edge of the scanner... no/one could bare to look.

- And then?

- We called the Alliance. Got Cmdr Dolland straightaway.

- And he came...

- Yes Sir. Though his ship was already wounded – sure suicide send a wounded ship near Reavers. Still, he came. Blew the Reaver sky high. Man... the relief...

- But you were attacked again, in fact?

- That’s right. Second Reaver tacked in behind the first. Hidden in the wake. Snuck up on the Commander’s ship – even as we were boarding.

- What happened?

- That’s between me and the darkness, Sir. You can MAKE me tell... and I am an honest man – but you wouldn’t thank me. Things I’ve seen...

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By: Wytchcroft

- And so – the Alliance ship was breached?

- Oh. Yes... over-run completely. Next thing I know – Commander Dolland knocks me clear into a pod, sends me off into space. Couldn’t see too well after that but... the light – well, pretty clear that your Commander self destructed. Took ‘em all out.

- So, his actions were not reckless – reprehensible? Negligent? Rash?

- They were – heroic. Sir.

- And after that?

- Drifted for a spell, til I got picked up by an Alliance convoy finally. Coming woth prisoners. Indies.

- There was a break out?

- Attempted. They TRIED to break out. But they was stopped.

- And you helped...

- Yes. They deserved their incarceration. Way I look at it, the Indies had figured on the Reaver attacking the Alliance. Hoped to escape when they came for the convoy too.

- You are aware of the complaints made – about the treatment of the Prisoners – the conduct of the guard force?

- Just Indie propaganda Sir.

- And you don’t allow your feelings...

- You mean Hate? I got Loyalty too, Sir. Not just hate. Loyalty to the man who saved me. I do the things he’s not here to do...

- Duty?

- Of course Sir.

- And you became an official Alliance trooper trainee because of that?

- Yes Sir.

- And you specifically requested prison duty?

- Yes, Sir. Go where I can do the job that’s right. Do the right job – do the job right.

- Very well. This review is ended. Trainee trooper transfer request to detail, Prison ship C.Alpha 181, accepted.

END OF DATA LOG.

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Working For the Man is a collaborative project that will feature several different authors. Each issue we will be running a chapter of this story.

jority change channels and forget – some few popu-late the sites just mentioned – some fewer keep the flames alive as best they can – writing stories, articles, creating images, to contribute. The template of the Star Trek New Voyages back in the 1970s is an inspir-ing one.

And so, far from television studios, movie distribu-tors, channel programmers, far from everyone – ex-cept a potential audience – can be found fragmentary independent entertainments, animations, short films, trailers, music videos and edits, fresh, new and avail-able now.

These can range from brief clips on a MySpace or You-Tube site – to more ambitious collaborative projects – of which INTO THE BLACK is one.

‘Into the Black’ aims to give us the adventures of the Samsara and its misfit crew. Inspired by their favou-rite show (one known well to all us Browncoats). The production is ongoing and trailers have toured con-ventions – earning shut outs from no lesser Hero than Nathan Fillion himself.

The Writer and Critic Dorothy Parker – known for her unruly life and acid wit – nevertheless called herself ‘the greatest little hoper going’. Good attitude.She was not, however, much of a doer.

Those that hope and those that do can be divided by many things; fluke, circumstance, resources, opportu-nity, money… But it’s mostly attitude.So it is in the world – so it is in cyber-space.

… take me out – into the blacktell them I’m not coming back…

Television fans have been spoilt and spoiled over recent years… a quick trawl of the Net reveals many exciting places – websites… worlds, havens of creativ-ity – reflecting the passions and imaginations of the fans and of the shows themselves.They are also shrines to the cancelled - Angel, Firefly, Drive, Carnivale, Tru-Calling and on and on, a list too long for these pages, (fortunately), a role-call of the televisually deceased.

What happens when a show is disappeared? The ma-

By: Wytchcroft

Fan Films:

Into The Black

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We were lucky enough to catch an interview with one of them - and to learn a little of their story….

Please introduce yourself - for those just tun-ing in! What is Into the Black* - how did it start?

My name is Laura Sutherland, and I’m one of the co-producers / co-creators of the show. The whole proj-ect started a few years ago with someone making the comment “hey, wouldn’t it be cool if we did a Firefly fanfilm” (or something to that effect). And then we (Damien and myself) rounded people up to support the cause. I think I initially had a teensy little proj-ect in mind when this whole thing started- but that quickly blossomed beyond what I had envisioned! Browncoats don’t do “small”.

Does Into the Black aim for the style of the TV FireFly - or are you developing a ‘house style’ as you go?

Little bit of both I guess. We’re obviously basing ev-erything on the show, but adding our own “flair” so to speak. Plus, we’re working with limited resources,

which does change things somewhat, as we can’t always do what we would like. Into the Black is all out of pocket. No one is getting paid for this, so we scrounge what we can, and ev-eryone volunteers their time.

Where does your show fall chronologically...

During the run of Firefly and before Serenity. I don’t know if we ever pinned an actual date on the episode. We haven’t mentioned any concrete dates or events to tie us down (at least not at this point in the game), so there is always room to manouver. What is your role?

I play Kitty, in addition to being one of the producers and creators. We all wore many hats on this produc-tion. It’s kinda hard to sum up Kitty. Her two mottos in life seem to be “Any fight you can walk away from obviously wasn’t violent enough” and “Oooh! That’s CUTE!”. Yeah, I don’t want to go into too much detail other than what is in the public profile, because that would be considered spoiler territory! But Kitty’s

Into the Black’s faithful ship Samsara at the forest location in Langley.

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Into the Black’s faithful ship Samsara at the forest location in Langley.

personality was written to be somewhat akin to my own, albeit with far more violence and guns.

What’s the next phase for the show?

Finish the first episode! Then maybe shoot another one. If people like us. Heck, maybe even if they don’t!

And for you personally? Ambitions? Are they shared by the crew?

I think we’d all like to see the project do well, and maybe haul it around to some conventions. If we could be as successful as “New Voyages”, I think we’d all be very happy. We’d love to be able to do more than one episode.

Are there Bloopers? Give us Bloopers!

Of course there are bloopers! Expect a full blooper reel to be forthcoming once the first episode is com-pleted.

Are there other fan flicks you’d recommend? Do you watch any?

I do watch what I can. I think “New Voyages” is well done. “Mosquito” was also quite enjoyable. “Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning” is bloody brilliant.

For me, one of the great things about Into The Black and sister productions such as Belltower, is the jour-ney to completion itself - the real adventure. As an audience we can share directly the pleasures, pains, setbacks and victories of the cast and crew. Every interest is catered for - the website contains technical information and updates on everything from finances to set building – forums with barnstorming and cheerleading – character bios and back-stories – spe-cial effects and images - it’s all there. Everything the redoubtable crew DO.

And the rest of us?Hopers, every damn one.................................................Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QB9rrIdTbE

Visit the website: http://www.intotheblack.ca/

Many thanks to Laura Sutherland aka Kitty Tsang.

Trailing – Vcon 13. 30th nov 2006.

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Features:

Deleted Scenes with Commentary by Director Joss WhedonExtended ScenesOuttakesTake a Walk on SerenityThe Green ClanJoss Whedon IntroWe’ll Have a Fruity Oaty Good Time!Feature Commentary with Director Joss Whedon and Cast Members Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Sum-mer Glau and Ron GlassFeature Commenary with Director Joss WhedonA Filmmaker’s JourneyFuture History - The Story of Earth That WasRe-lighting the FireflyWhat’s In a Firefly?Session 416Sci-Fi Inside: Serenity

Release Date: August 21, 2007

There are over �0 minutes of Special Features in the 2 Disc set as well as all new commentary by Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Summer Glau and Ron Glass. Many of the Special Features available on this version of the movie have not been available to North American customers before.

The DVD can be pre-ordered through the Universal site at: http://homevideo.universalstudios.com/details.php?childId=36897or through several other online stores like:www.amazon.comwww.barnesandnoble.comwww.bestbuy.com

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Serenity Collector’s Edition

1�We are not affiliated with Mutant Enemy, 20th Century Fox or Universal Pictures

Editorial

So the Browncoat corner of the the Internet was abuzz lately due to a comment made by Alan Tudyk on the website Moviehole.

“They had to put [the new DVD] out because they’ve been selling out of the other one [the DVD that isn’t the ‘Collectors Edition’] and so Universal’s like ‘So, let’s do another one’”, he says, adding “And now… there’s now a chance there’s going to be another movie”.

I’m not going to discuss the accuracy of his statement or the probability of a sequel in this editorial, as one can find any number of discussions like that on the internet. I, like all Browncoats, would love to see more of our favorite crew on the big screen. Or the small screen. Heck, I’ll take them on any screen any time.

I wanted to remind Browncoats that some of the best things that we as fans can do to encourage a continuation of Firefly or Serenity are the things we do best.

Spread The Word

This is probably the one thing that all Browncoats due by nature. When we find out that someone hasn’t seen Firefly or Serenity, we show them the series and the movie. Or we loan it to them. Or we give them as presents.

One thing I like to do is wear Firefly and Serenity merchandise. Invariably, people ask me what Firefly or Se-renity is, which gives me a chance to talk about my favorite subject. We also hope to have printed copies of Big Damn Zine available at conventions to help promote it as well.

For other good ideas on spreading the word, check out www.fireflymovie.com or 11th Hour’s site.

The more fans of Firefly and Serenity there are, the more interest there will be in doing a sequel.

Keep The Fandom Active

There are always projects happening in the Browncoat Fandom.

Some raise money for charity like the Can’t Stop The Serenity or the auctions that the California Browncoats run, just to name a few.

There are creative projects like Into The Black and Bellflower that are huge undertakings.

Some groups hold events like The Browncoat Ball, The Browncoat Cruise or the upcoming Browncoat Day at Disneyland.

Other projects Browncoats do for fun like Con Suites and Fan Tables at Conventions.

There is the 76th Battalion, which truly deserves a category all of it’s own.

These projects bring Browncoats together, promote Firefly and Serenity and many of them bring good press to our fandom.

By Mike Johnson (Mycroft)