Martin: Did the two of you know when you accepted the job how much your episodes would be scrutinized by the fans of the books?
Michelle: I think it's wonderful that Redwallian book fans have taken the TV series to heart, but, I don't think anyone on the screenwriting team knew that our episodes would be scrutinized to such an extent.
Glenn: Didn't have a clue. And let me tell you what a shock it was when an innocent evening surfing the internet for Redwall sites uncovered some guy who was critiquing each and every one of our episodes ... HUH? [g].
Still - As I didn't get trashed too badly, I don't think I'll complain that much [vbg].
Seriously - As time has gone on, all of us have become very aware how much Brian's books mean to the fans - And all I can really tell you is, we DO consider that, very seriously, as we write these shows.
And knowing Steve, Toby & Michelle as I do (and leaving me out of the equation [g]) - I'd say Redwall is in very good hands indeed.
Martin: How does it feel to see the finished product air on television?
Michelle: The moment you actually get to "see" the characters you've been writing come alive on the screen is always a surprise. It's like meeting old friends again.
The screenwriters received some initial character and location sketches from the animators when we first started out, but, it's always a thrill to see it all come together with the animation, the music, and the actor's voices... Ah, that's the Abbey!
Glenn: Shocking. It's always a surprise to see how animators have decided to draw a character, and it's inevitably different than the image you held in your head - But, then, I'm sure that's the same for all Redwall readers. We ALL have our own individual idea of what Matthias REALLY looks like - We are all surprised to discover Basil's voice sounds "like that." Not at all the way we'd expected.
But, as with most of the shows I've written over the years, doesn't it seem true that, after a while, it's difficult to imagine Matthias looking any other way than we see him drawn. And how else WOULD Basil sound than the way we quickly get used to hearing him?
What really seems to matter is how you feel about a show when you look back at it years later. And, for myself - I'm very pleased with this series - and very proud to have had the honour of playing a small part in bringing Brian's books, by way of television, to millions of Redwall fans - and new friends - all around the world.
Martin: What's the word on Season Four?
Michelle: Mum's the word on Season Four.
Glenn: In Absolute Honesty - I really don't know. Not that this means much. Mere writers are not party to the decisions made by those "higher up" [g] - and the way it has happened in the past is - There is no word at all - then there is a sudden frantic phone call from Steve to see if we are available and can start writing yesterday. Tis the nature of the business. You get used to it ... But, I sincerely hope that phone rings again soon - because we really are enjoying the Redwall experience.
Martin: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Michelle: Advice for aspiring writers... The first thing that comes to mind is - just do it. Wrestle your fears to the ground then sit down and write.
If you are interested in writing screenplays in particular, buy some of your favourites and read them. Try to figure out what makes them work. What draws you in? What are the moments? What touches you?
Find out what a screenplay format looks like or get a software program that takes care of all that - we use "Script Thing" on Redwall, but, there are others, such as "Final Draft".
Then, write from your heart.
Never Surrender.
Glenn: Sure. One word - PERSISTENCE.
I've known lots of extremely talented writers who didn't make it because they gave up. And I've known lots of semi-talented writers who did make it because they didn't give up (including the one who stares back at me from the mirror [g].)
I read somewhere that one out of every four people in America is "working on a screenplay." That's approximately 70 Million people!
Should that intimidate you? No way.
Because nearly all of them will give up when they find how hard it is to make that first sale. Only a very few will want to be writers badly enough to put up with the inevitable years of rejection.
But, if you DO want it bad enough - AND - if you're prepared to learn from your mistakes - You WILL make it.
BUT YOU GOTTA REALLY WANNA !... Or the bad times will just plain tear you up.
PERSISTENCE.
That's all there is to it.
Piece of Cake [vbg].
Martin: Well, that just about does it. Thank you again for taking the time for this. Any last words for all the Redwall fans out there?
Michelle: For Redwall fans: What a lovely tribute to Brian Jacques' that such loyal fans care enough to lavish attention on this particular incarnation of his work. Kudos to you all!
Glenn: Who me? Ask Michelle. She'll tell you I ALWAYS want to have the last word. So, I'll say - I hope my overly long responses [g] gave you some insight into what goes on behind the scenes from a screenwriting point of view and please feel free to visit our web site www.fearlesswidget.com for more information on Michelle and I (and lots of really cool flying pictures [vbg].)
Next - My congratulations to YOU, Martin for this web site. There are many fan-based sites on the Internet (punch "Degrassi" into a search engine and see what you get back [g],) but few have the thoughtful, in-depth coverage you have given to Redwall.
I think that's reflected in the time and energy you took to prepare the well thought through questions in this interview. My thanks for that.
Redwall fans are lucky to have you.
And finally - my sincere best wishes to Brian as he recuperates from his stroke - and my most sincere thanks for the wonderful stories he has created with such obvious passion and heart, for little and big kids like us, all over the world.
And just to finish up from both of us ...
It's been our pleasure to take part in these interviews. Our thanks for your interest.
There you have it. This was a very enjoyable interview to work on- my sincerest thanks to Mr. Norman and Ms. Goodeve for taking the time to answer my questions. You can learn more about them at their website, FearlessWidget.com. Thanks for reading!
Interview Copyright © 2002 rwtv.longpatrolclub.com
This interview may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written consent of rwtv.longpatrolclub.com.
The Redwall Television Series is produced by Nelvana and Alphanim of France. RWTV is a non-profit fan site and is affiliated with neither company, nor is it affiliated with Brian Jacques and The Redwall Abbey Co. Ltd. No infrigement upon their property is intended.
Redwall and all related subjects is Copyright © 2001 by The Redwall Abbey Co. Ltd. All rights reserved.
