Updates from Elm Street

David Rappaport & 'The Wizard' Official Facebook Pages

Facebook Pages, Profiles, and Groups can be very confusing even to the most seasoned Facebook user.  "Profiles" are a person's private section on Facebook. "Groups" are Facebook's answer to Fan Clubs, which can be created by fans freely.  "Pages" are meant to be created only by a company or famous person, or their authorized representatives.  However, there are many Pages on Facebook which have been created by unauthorized persons who should have created Groups instead.

Fans of David Rappaport and 'The Wizard' have no doubt run into several instances of unauthorized Pages, which have made finding information and answers to questions very difficult and confusing, indeed.  This blog post is to clarify the issue.

Until license/rights negotiations are complete with 20th Century Fox, there will NOT be an authorized Facebook Page for 'The Wizard'.  Negotiations are currently ongoing, so this situation should be rectified very soon.  In the meantime, there ARE two official Facebook Groups for 'The Wizard':

Rescue The Wizard:  http://www.facebook.com/groups/rescuethewizard/

'The Wizard' Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/thewizard1986/

There IS an official FacebookPage for David Rappaport, which is controlled by the David Rappaport Estate:  http://www.facebook.com/David.S.Rappaport

The "David (Dave) Rappaport" Facebook Page is already host to some very unique photos from David Rappaport's life and work, as well as news celebrating special events and current affairs of his mates and former co-workers.  We hope all of Dave's fans on Facebook will join us there.

Stay tuned for news and updates.

'Observations' by Arthur B. Rubinstein

Looking for an out-of-this-world soundtrack to enhance those summer evenings under the stars?  'The Wizard's own Arthur B. Rubinstein (the man who composed the theme song that sets your imagination ablaze), in association with Intrada Records, has a new album that's just what the astronomer ordered.

Recorded in 2009, 'Observations: from Galileo to the Space Age' is a Symphony in the Glen concert celebrating the International Year of Astronomy.  The title piece is presented in both the original version narrated by Leonard Nimoy, and as a purely orchestral recording.

'Observations' is currently available at the following locations:

Intrada Records

iTunes

Amazon.com MP3 Downloads

Symphony in the Glen Concert Program is a free, family-friendly, accessible music series held in Los Angeles' Griffith Park.  Check out their website for more information and concert schedules.

What makes a Fan a Fan?

This very important question was posed by producer Irving Rappaport during our meeting in the UK earlier this month:

Fans are an important part of the entertainment industry.  But what, in your honest opinion, are the qualities that take a person from simply being a member of the audience to a full-fledged Fan?

We would love to hear from everyone.  Use the Comments in this blog to send us your answers and opinions.

Thank you!!

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.

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 - [email protected] - 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!!!!!

Facebook | Rescue The Wizard Campaign - To Free The Wizard (1986) from the Vaults

The campaign to Rescue The Wizard has grown to include Facebook. This group will allow anyone from anywhere in the world to leave a new/ additional message for 20th Century Fox, as well as getting to meet other fans, friends, & even cast/crew members of "The Wizard".

Admins & Officers for this group are Michael Berk & The MGT.

We hope you can join us.  The Facebook fun has only just begun!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=55354989541&ref=nf

Websites Updates (1/27/09)

* Whether or not you have read the Memories of The Wizard & Rescue The Wizard message pages recently or not, you might want to check them out again.  We've had some lovely messages sent to us.  We don't want to spoil the surprise, so we can't tell you any more than that.

But, THANK YOU to everyone who has written in!!!!

* There have also been 2 new questions added to the FAQ page. One to explain about the TVshowsonDVD website - what it can do for the Rescue The Wizard campaign & why they need your help to do it (also what they .  And, another to explain the goals of the campaign & why the Petitions & Messages are such an important part of it.

* Special Thanks to all 380 people who have added their names to the Petition & sent messages.

* The newest page on the website is the Networking & Fan Clubs page.  This page will list all of the clubs & internet networking hubs for The Wizard, including MySpace & Facebook (see "Networking" links in the right hand column of this blog).  Please email The MGT. if there are any clubs not listed.

Updating of the entire Wizard website continues.  We'll let you know about more updates in later posts.