Terri Rose Baynton’s New Book
Martin Baynton’s family was involved in the production of The WotWots. Martin is co-creator of the show, as well as the Narrator (except in the UK), the voice of SpottyWot, and a writer. His son Theo directed the episodes, and his daughter Terri Rose wrote over half the episodes in the first two seasons.
During his interview on TV One New Zealand in November, Martin mentioned that Theo and Terri have moved on to other projects.
Terri is currently writing children’s books. Her first is Mr Bear Branches and the Cloud Conundrum, published by HarperCollins Australia. Learn about Terri and her book with this charming trailer:
Secrets of the WotWots
On New Zealand’s Good Morning Show on TV One, Martin Baynton dropped by to talk about The WotWots, revealing behind-the-scenes details and motivations for making the series. What are the secrets behind such an appealing show?
Sir Richard Taylor Presents The WotWots
From the makers of The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, The Hobbit duology, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and The Adventures of TinTin comes a delightful series for kids of all ages, a pair of fun-loving and curious aliens exploring the wildlife on our world.
Weta Workshop’s Richard Taylor presents The WotWots in the following clip. No, these guys are not attacking the WotWots.
Dancing with the WotWots!
Have you ever seen a WotWot dance? If not, you can now. From the first season:
http://youtu.be/je6IEacrIUo
The Re-opening of Rancho Obi-Wan
On November 5, 2011, Steve Sansweet, owner of the world’s largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia, hosted a re-opening of his re-organized Rancho Obi-Wan. About 180 guests were invited, and I was one of the lucky chosen ones. Below is a video of the event. You can see a glimpse of me in the background from 1:00 to 1:03. I’m the fellow in the glasses and blue shirt wandering off toward camera left.
The collection is stunning. I salute Steve for the wherewithal and fortitude to amass such a treasure trove. I also thank him for his generosity in staging the event. It was first class all the way. He sent attendees a fancy invitation, which contained a pass for a shuttle bus which circulated between the Ranch and downtown Petaluma every 20 minutes. Steve provided food and drink, and two cakes, one themed after the Star Wars first anniversary poster. 30 people managed the crowd, and a sheriff as there as well. He had a raffle, and he gave us tote bags with gifts. In his library, two Lucasfilm designers looked through Jonathan Rinzler’s expensive Star Wars Blueprints book and reminisced about their involvement. James Arnold Taylor (voice of Ben Kenobi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars) visited wearing a Jedi outfit. James had provided a voiceover introduction to the Ranch, as Ben Kenobi. A couple of stormtroopers from the 501st Legion lined a passageway, where Steve had prepared a video interaction between himself and a stormtrooper on the monitor–which you should experience first hand. The museum, and Steve’s party, was itself a Star Wars celebration. It was a privilege to be there.
Chris Wyman of Rebelscum.com has a detailed report, The Grand Re-Opening Of Rancho Obi-Wan, posted November 8, 2011 at 08:46 PM CST, here. He provides plenty of photos so you can see for yourself the amazing extent of the collection, and the Grand Re-opening itself.
If you get a chance to visit, you’re in for a treat.
Martin Baynton: Writing Children’s Television
What is it like to write for children’s television? How hard can it be? What can the producer do to make his stories appealing to the audience? Martin Baynton, creator of Jane and the Dragon and co-creator of The WotWots, offers his advice, here.
Mark Hamill promotes Star Wars in England
Here’s a vintage interview with Mark Hamill that just popped up on YouTube. It’s from a show called Film Talk, taped in late December 1977 prior to the premiere of Star Wars in London. One clip depicts the cry of a Krayt dragon (mimicked by Ben Kenobi) as it was in the original version of the film.
According to the interviewer, James Sinclair, the interview was “shot at Imperial College London in late 1977 and edited in 1978 [October 13]. Was shot in what is now the Grantham Institute for Climate Change. Then it was the old TV studio run by Colin Grimshaw (now retired).”
U.S. Continental Congress Thanksgiving Resolution, October 18, 1780.
United States. Continental Congress. Resolution setting apart a day of Thanksgiving and prayer. October 18, 1780.
Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in conducting our forefathers to this western world; for his protection to them and to their posterity amidst difficulties and dangers; for raising us, their children, from deep distress to be numbered among the nations of the earth; and for arming the hands of just and mighty princes in our deliverance ; and especially for that he hath been pleased to grant us the enjoyment of health, and so to order the revolving seasons, that the earth hath produced her increase in abundance, blessing the labours of the husbandman, and spreading plenty through the land; that he hath prospered our arms and those of our ally; been a shield to our troops in the hour of danger, pointed their swords to victory, and led them in triumph over the bulwarks of the foe; that he hath gone with those who went out into the wilderness against the savage tribes; that he hath stayed the hand of the spoiler, and turned back his meditated destruction; that he hath prospered our commerce, and given success to those who fought the enemy on the face of the deep; and above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the heirs of his eternal glory: therefore,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the several States to appoint Thursday, the 9th of December next, to be a day of Public and Solemn Thanksgiving to Almighty God for his mercies, and of prayer for the continuance of his favour and protection to these United States; to beseech him that he would be graciously pleased to influence our public councils, and bless them with wisdom from on high, with unanimity, firmness and success; that he would go forth with our hosts and crown our armies with victory; that he would grant to his church the plentiful effusions of divine grace, and pour out his holy spirit on all ministers of the gospel; that he would bless and prosper the means of education, and spread the light of Christian knowledge through the remotest corners of the earth : that he would smile upon the labours of his people, and cause the earth to bring forth her fruits in abundance; that we may with gratitude and gladness enjoy them ; that he would take into his holy protection our illustrious ally, give him victory over his enemies, and render him signally great, as the father of his people and the protector of the rights of mankind; that he would graciously be pleased to turn the hearts of our enemies, and to dispense the blessings of peace to contending nations; that he would in mercy look down upon us, pardon our sins and receive us into his favour, and finally, that he would establish the independence of these United States upon the basis of religion and virtue, and support and protect them in the enjoyment of peace, liberty and safety.
Done in Congress, the twentieth day of October, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine, and in the fourth year of the Independence of the United States of America.