Updates from Elm Street

Wizard Fans, Choose Your Video!!

The images below are from two versions of 'The Wizard' episode 'The Other Side'.

The image on the right represents the video quality fans worldwide have had to settle for when they can procure an unauthorized copy of any episode.  It is from the televised show videotaped by fans during the episode's original broadcast in 1986.  These off-the-air videos have been viewed and copied countless times on both VHS and DVD for sale and/or trade by fans and other members of the general public, often for illegal profit.

The image on the left is from the original production videotapes belonging to the owners of 'The Wizard'.

It's obvious which one represents the way 'The Wizard' is supposed to look.  Add to that the difference in audio quality, and being able to see the subtle colors and action of the original episodes, and it's clear that settling for a copy of a 'The Wizard' videotape the wrong way gets you the video quality on the left.  Getting the tapes the right way by working to "Rescue The Wizard" will provide the quality on the right, and will bring our beloved show back to old and new fans around the world the way it was meant to be seen.

Over the past few years I have been told by Wizard fans worldwide that the "only" way to win release of 'The Wizard' from the vaults of 20th Century Fox Studios is to focus on copying and passing around/selling/trading/downloading the copies represented by the image on the left.  That plan hasn't worked for 23 years.  Now you can see why.

We hope this taste of what is not only possible, but actually exists, will bring a renewed, more powerful drive to the "Rescue The Wizard" campaign.  If you want to watch 'The Wizard' as it is supposed to be seen, then please make your vote heard - "For the love of Simon".

Unlicensed Promotions Cause Negative Effects

"Everything we do creates a cause, which has an effect, for better or worse."  These words from Simon McKay in The Wizard episode Twist of Fate are just as relevant now as they were 23 years ago.  When fans and the general public create, copy and/or sell unauthorized and unlicensed video copies and other materials - even under the guise of "promotion" - this action creates a very negative effect for The Wizard.

Contrary to popular belief, being a fan does not entitle one to licensing rights, nor do property rights disappear when material in any form is uploaded to the internet.  All material for The Wizard is the Intellectual Property Right of the series' cast and crew, and the Copyright Property of 20th Century Fox Studios.  By that same token, all material on David Rappaport's official and tribute websites are the Intellectual Property of David Rappaport's family, and Copyright Property of the individuals and companies listed therein.  Creating and selling/trading video copies, episode guides, etc., without a license is stealing, pure and simple. Removing pictures and information from The Wizard's official website and David Rappaport's websites without authorization is also stealing, pure and simple.

There are positive ways to promote The Wizard and the Rescue The Wizard campaign.  Sending The Wizard's cast and crew, and 20th Century Fox Studios the message that fans only wish to show uncaring, disrespectful selfishness towards The Wizard is not it.

Currently, no one has the licensing rights to sell or trade any material from The Wizard, and no one has complete information on the series.  Anyone selling/trading materials from The Wizard does not care about the series, only their own pocketbooks.

Think before you act.  Maturity is not measured by chronological age, but rather by one's choice of actions and reactions.

Priscilla Weems: Get Well Soon!!!

Actress, singer, and 'The Wizard' alum Priscilla Weems (Linda Wynthrope "the girl raised by wolves" in the episode 'Endangered Species') is currently in hospital recovering after her car was struck by another on 9/28. We are encouraging all fans of 'The Wizard' and/or Priscilla to send speedy recovery cards/letters to her fan mail address: 585 Box Cyn Rd, Canoga Park, CA 91304, USA. Everyone with 'The Wizard sends our love and support to Priscilla, her family (especially her child) and friends.

Rescue The Wizard Update (9/17/09)

Rescue The Wizard Petition Total: 473 <br>

TVshowsonDVD Vote Total: 289 <br>

<br>

Anything Is Possible
Tout Est Possible
Cualquier Cosa Es Posible
Wszystko Jest Mozliwe
Tudo e Possivel
Alt Er Mulig
Alles Ist Moglich
Все Вобможно

David Rappaport's Legacy - The Prologue

It has often been said that David Rappaport understood he had an interesting story to tell. This is true. During his 15 year professional acting career David continually fought to tell his story - his training, choice of projects, the story he was telling with each character, etc. But, David's true story and the story most people both inside and outside of the industry want to record, sell, and believe remain entirely different. As a result, David's legacy has been obscured; even undoing the strides he made towards equality and respect for anyone outside the so-called 'norm' within the Performing Arts / Entertainment Industry. For the few of us who fight to keep David's accurate legacy from fading into oblivion, this incessant need of others to rewrite his story to fit their own stereotype embracing, twisted, often nefarious, purposes makes our work frustratingly difficult. The damage these lies have already done and continue to do to his family and friends is just unforgivable.

Yes, there is no doubt the Entertainment Industry and News Media deserve their fair share of the blame. So, too, do the fans and members of the general public who insist on trying to force David Rappaport to be whatever they want him to be - whether by declaring him a "wanna be" or "sell out" or affirmation of their "fascination with little people". Even the fans who have simply accepted the fabrications said and written by those listed above over the years as fact rather than being bothered to seek the truth deserve some blame. If this truly is the "Information Age", there is simply no excuse for this to continue.

In this place David Rappaport has a voice - a voice of truth. Death shall have no dominion here, and the truth will set us all free.

End of Prologue

Rescue The Wizard Update

Over the years a definite problem among Wizard fans worldwide has not gone unnoticed - Pessimism. Those fans who refer to the series as "short-lived" or leave messages like "RIP" are thinking very pessimisticly about a programme they love and wish to see released. And, just like creativity and optimism, pessimism is contangious. This attitude is affecting how others view both the series and campaign whether they have watched The Wizard before or not. Why should anyone else care about saving a programme pronounced dead by its own fans?

Luckily for The Wizard there are, indeed, brand new fans of all ages who will gladly contest any delusional rumors that The Wizard is dead. So, in future you will probably notice a lot of the following posted about the Internet:

The Wizard Is Not Dead!
Le Magicien N'Est Pas Mort!
El Hechicero No Esta Muerto!
Passé De Magica Nao Esta Morto!
Czarnoksieznik Z Ulicy Wiazow Nie Zyje!

If you are thinking positively about The Wizard, we invite you to post the above messages, too.

Coming soon is an important reminder post explaining who really owns The Wizard. The answer may surprise you.

For now, we leave you with some current tallies:

Rescue The Wizard Petition: 471 Names

TVshowsonDVD.com: 285 Votes

Simon McKay isn't dead, but he is currently trapped in the vaults of 20th Century Fox Studios. This is why the campaign is called a 'Rescue' or 'Save' rather than 'Salvage' or 'Recover'.

As Simon says, "THINK POSITIVE!!!!" and "POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE!!!!"

That is how to Rescue The Wizard.

Thank you!!!!

Remembrances, Announcements & Updates (oh my!)

May 2, 2009 marked the 19th anniversary of David Rappaport's passing.  This anniversary has seen the usual remembrances from fans, & the outpouring of love & support to David's family, friends, & loved ones.  Thank you to everyone who has sent messages, whether in public or in private!!

New this year is the unveiling of the official website for David Rappaport - http://davidrappaport.co.uk .  Created by The MGT. in association with David Rappaport's family, this website will showcase all of David's work & legacy as he would wish it to be.  We are all very proud of the Critical Acclaim page, which showcases many quotes from journalists & those who worked with David.  The picture page has several new pictures.  More information will be added to the site.  We hope you learn something new each time you visit.

As you may have noticed, there is now a Twitter feed appearing on The Wizard website homepage.  Although Twitter isn't for everyone, it has been extremely helpful in allowing The MGT. to keep everyone updated on the latest news, additions, trivia, etc.  The feed is also now appearing on The MGT.'s MySpace page, as Facebook Status Updates, on David's website About page, & on this blog's page.  If you are on Twitter, you are most welcome to follow this feed.

Most certainly thanks to the fabulous Rescue The Wizard video, the Petition has now reach 428 names.  The Rescue The Wizard Facebook Group has reached 42 members.  The more the merrier!!!

Presenting: "The Wizard" Official Video - Rescue The Wizard Campaign

We are pleased and proud to announce the premiere of the first and ONLY Official video for "The WIzard" since March, 1987.

Rescue The Wizard is a video created and developed by Jessica Markoff Chaney and Nabil Shaban, with Michael Berk.  This video is produced by Nabil's Sirius Pictures production company.

With the help of the Wizardly magical setting of Glasgow, Scotland's Sharmanka Museum, Nabil Shaban takes viewers on an amazing and informative journey into The Wizard's series and campaign to rescue it from the vaults of 20th Century Fox Studio.

Michael Berk makes a special appearance.  There is also a Very Special appearance by David Rappaport, himself.  David's appearance is with the full knowledge and consent of the Rappaport family.

The link below will go to the current home of this video on YouTube.  But, very soon it will have a permanent home on The Wizard website.

Everyone with The Wizard and the Rappaport family are all so very grateful to Nabil Shaban, Sirius Pictures Productions, and the Sharmanka Museum for donating so much time, energy, and immense magical talent to help Rescue The Wizard from the vaults of 20th Century Fox.

Thanks a million, Nabs!!!!!

Rescue The Wizard - The ONLY Official Wizard Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-z-Ezg2fTk&feature=channel_page

Important Request from Fox: Please Suggest The Wizard to HULU

During a recent meeting, The MGT.'s contact at 20th Century Fox Studios asked for help in convincing the folks at Fox's video website HULU to add The Wizard to their lineup.  Just like the home video release, HULU needs to know that viewers want to watch The Wizard before they spend the money to add the series.

HULU also wants to know about the desire for The Wizard, & all of their content, to be available for viewing internationally.  If ever there was a reason for HULU to invest in an international audience, The Wizard is surely it.

To check out HULU's website for yourself, please visit: http://www.hulu.com/

Hulu's Contact Page: http://www.hulu.com/support/contact

An email to HULU's Suggestion email address - feedback@hulu.com - can be something as simple as "Please add "The Wizard" (1986 Television) to your lineup so we can watch the series again.  Thank you!!", or as detailed as you wish to let them know what adding The Wizard would mean to you.

You are also welcome to send a copy of this message to Michael Berk & Douglas Schwartz via the Wizard website email addresses to save with all of The Wizard's records.

Thank you very much from everyone with The Wizard, and 20th Century Fox!!!!

Homepage Twitter Feed

Some visitors may have already noticed the addition of Twitter to The Wizard website's homepage.

What is Twitter?
Much like this blog's host, TypePad, Twitter is a website which allows users to set up a free blogging (web log) account. The difference being that Twitter posts only allow a maximum of 140 characters per post. Hence, a single post is referred to as a "Tweet". Some people use these tweets as a way to quickly keep in touch with family &/or friends who are far away. Some people use this as a part of Internet networking. Some people have found this useful for keeping track of their day to day business affairs, including surgeons. Profiles can be private or public.

The MGT. decided this might be a great way to keep everyone informed as to any additions/updates to The Wizard website & campaign. The great news is that Twitter also provides a way to add a profile post feed to several networking sites, as well as individual websites. So that is exactly what The MGT. did. This feed is in HTML format, so no downloading of additional freeware is required.

Will every single Tweet be about The Wizard?
No, but it will be worth perusing to find out what has been added or updated recently. All Tweets, no matter their subject, will be suitable reading for general audiences. Fear not! The Tweets will not outline every second of The MGT.'s life. You will, however, find quotes & references & announcements, etc. which The MGT. is free to share with the general public. If you find your interest & curiosity peaked enough to check out something or someone new, then it will all be worth it.

Anyone interested is welcome to subscribe to the feed, but Twitter does require you to create an account.

Share & Enjoy!!!!!

Rescue The Wizard Stats (3/23/09)

Making fun of yourself at someone else's expense is not intelligent, funny or cool.

The Rescue The Wizard Campaign has reached new heights.  Here are the latest stats:

Rescue The Wizard Petition: 414

TVshowsonDVD.com (Region 1 Only): 277

FaceBook Rescue The Wizard Group: 31

Many thanks to everyone who has been sending messages & adding their names & support to each entry.  This is exactly what 20th Century Fox needs to help make everyone's dreams come true.  Rather than list each individual name (or rating in the case of TVshowsonDVD.com), below are links to view each page for yourself:

Rescue The Wizard Petition: http://www.thewizardtvfansite.com/petition.htm

TVshowsonDVD.com: http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/shows/Wizard/4706

Facebook Rescue The Wizard Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=55354989541&ref=nf

FYI: TVshowsonDVD.com only allows registered users to view the stats.  But we are more interested in accentuating the positive, which is why only the total number of votes to date is recorded above.

Infinite Thanks to everyone who is taking the time to help Rescue The Wizard no matter where they are in the world!!!