SciFi.com Question and Answer Chat with Kevin Murphy - November 1, 2001 Welcome to our first chat with anyone from MST3K in, gosh, quite a while. I'm your obstructionary moderator for the evening. If you have a question for Kevin Murphy, please send it to me as a private message. Mr. Murphy, do you have any opening remarks for the group? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Good morning Mr. Phelps. Let's talk Edward. How's everybody tonight? Lemme hear ya say "Yeah!" Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Ah yes, "The Adventures of Edward the Less," found at www.scifi.com/edwardtheless Moderator: <--- shameless plugger. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 I'll say. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Just wanted to compliment Kevin Murphy on "Edward the Less" and on his beautiful singing voice. It gives me chills, it's so pretty. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Thank you. I stole Mario Lanza's vocal chords. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Send any questions you have to the Moderator with /msg Moderator or simply double-click on the Moderator's name in the list of names on the right side of their screen. Question: In IRC, nobody can hear you scream. Well, except Kevin Murphy. Edward the less rocks, but it should be a full blown, animated television show. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Edward is first a story book... The art dictates this. You can't get this kind of lovely art on Flash. Everything ends up looking like a Doonesbury cartoon. We wanted something different. So Edward is a hand-made storybook. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Okay, an Edward the less question. What does Kevin Murphy think about being a cartoon character? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 I am fatter in real life. I love it. Thank you. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: I wanted to tell Kevin Murphy that he is a breath of fresh air in the writing community. (I guess that's not technically a question, but flattery is nice too) Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Wow. I always thought my breath smelled like old pumpkins. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Back in the days at KTMA, you guys did some original comedy like MST3K and the Melon Drops. Was there any other original comedy that was notable? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Yes. We did a phony news program called "Team 23." It was long before "The Daily Show" and pretty much the same idea. We had a lot of fun with the local news. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Did you ever consider doing "MST3K: The Cartoon" and making fun of old cartoons (Superfriends, etc.)? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Sure. Dark Horse Comics wanted to do a Comic Book. It never panned out. I still think an Animated show of the characters would be a lot of fun. But puppets making fun of cartoons... It don't work, man. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Have you worked with Rich Larsen before? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Rich Larson did the storyboards for MST the Movie. He's brilliant. He's the best illustrator I know. I know two illustrators. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Do you think a time will come that MST3K will become popular enough for a revival of the show? And if so, will you want to take part? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Any revival is entirely up to the audience. We could push all day and never sell MST again. So it's up to you, the viewer. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 I think if it were entirely up to THIS audience, you'd be holding a puppet over your head right now. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Thennnnk yew. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: When you list the worst movies you have seen, what would you say are the main factors, i.e.. a non-cohesive storyline, terrible acting, that makes it worthy of that distinction? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 The worst movie I have see this year is... Ready? Town and Country. Why? Because not only did it suck bricks... But it cost 90 million dollars. Reprehensible. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Can you give us a little sneak preview of your book--maybe tell us about a particularly strange place you saw a movie? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Yes. I was in Finland at the midnight sun film fest. I saw "Intolerance" with a live orchestra. Brilliant. The films ran all night. The fest is above the Arctic Circle in Lapland. Go. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Not to be the last to the party, but can you tell us a little more about this "book" you're writing? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 The book is called "A Year At The Movies." I am examining the modern movie-going experience. To that end, I am going to a theater and seeing a movie every single day for the entire year. So far I have seen over four hundred movies in over fifty cities in ten countries and three continents. Oh, and Lapland. There. Due out Summer '02. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: How's the book coming along? What's your favorite movie of the year so far? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 My favorite movie is hard to say. I am judging each movie-going experience. The midnight sun film fest is high on my list. "Sexy Beast" is brilliant as a film, see it. And I drove across the desert on Route 66. In search of the Great American Drive-In, and I found it. It's been a ball. Oh, and Australia has the best theater chain in the entire world. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: What WAS it like to work on your new book? Did you literally see a movie a day or where there times when you just couldn't do it? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 I have seen a movie every day, yes, and often more than one. When I couldn't get to a theater, say in the Mexican desert. I brought a movie projector and some classic films. In a small fishing village in Mexico I showed Laurel and Hardy films at the local cantinas. Beautiful. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Send any questions you have to the Moderator with /msg Moderator or simply double-click on the Moderator's name in the list of names on the right side of their screen. Question: This bears a little more explanation. If the book is about films, why are you wandering all over the planet? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 The book is about the experience of seeing films in public. That is what cinema is by definition. Cinema is a public art. Just ask the producer of Red Zone Cuba. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Did you eat alot of popcorn while seeing all those movies? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Hell yes, but I prefer to sneak in my own. This is how Paul Newman got started, because he felt that theater popcorn sucked, which it does. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Here's a two-fer: Question: When will you be doing another convention??? I really want to meet you Mr. Murphy. Your my hero! Question: Will you be doing a signing tour for your books release? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Probably "No" on the convention, and a definite "Yes" on the book signing tour. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Were you recognized by a lot of people when you traveled to the different theatres? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Nobody recognizes the guy who sits under the desk. Or wears a monkey mask. And thank God for that. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: How uncomfortable was it to dress as Professor Bobo? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 The mask was very hot. It gave me my first migraine ever. And I nearly killed Brad Keely once just because the resinous toxins made me insane. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: The only question I have is... What is Kevin Murphy's favorite episode now that he looks back on MST3K? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 They all blend together into one massive Lynchian Hallucinogenic Episode. But I loved The Girl in the Gold Boots. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Kevin Murphy, being the singing sensation that you are, what segment, or which song are you particularly proud of since the series inception? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 I did the whole ball of wax. On the United Servo Men's Chorus Hymn, it brings me back to my childhood when I would sing barbershop with my Dad and my brothers. It was the most fun for me. Did you know we pitched another version of "MST3K the Movie" to Universal?... It was all singing and Dancing. But they shot us down. The bastards. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: And for Kevin Murphy, do you have any regrets leaving the show when you did? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 What do you mean? I hung on 'till the bitch was cancelled! Jesus. No regrets, honey. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Perhaps the questioner was wondering if you weren't sorry you didn't bail out sooner...? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 I didn't bail out sooner because it was the most fun I have ever had and the funniest, most creative group of people I have ever worked with, or ever will. Making the show was ten times more fun than watching it, if you can believe that. It was a gift I'll cherish all my life. * Kevin Murphy tears up a little * Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Would you consider licensing the concept of MST3K? I must be one of a small number of British fans (very few have been shown here) and would love to do a British version. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 We actually have a very passionate group of Brit fans, and I think it would be lovely to do the show in, say, Swahili. Kenyans are friggin' hysterical. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Any info on the SciFi episodes of MST3K coming to VHS and DVD? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 I have no clue. That's business, and I am in the Liberal Arts. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Kevin Murphy, do you collect DVD's? If so, any DVD's in particular that you like a lot? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 "Das Boot" is my favorite. Mike Nelson turned me onto it. I have the "Lumiere Project" as well. And I'm building my collection through Netflix. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Have you found that watching a movie with an audience makes it much better than having to watch it alone? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 An audience is always better.  It's why we made "MST the Movie" in the first place. It's much more fun laughing in a crowd. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: What do you think about George Lucas' idea to have digital feeds to cinemas? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 I have seen the DLP technology, and for animation at least it's absolutely beautiful...and disturbing at the same time. There are things you can do on the physical medium of celluloid that you will never be able to do on a computer. So here's my idea. Let Hollywood have the digital distribution network and give all the film to Richard Linklater. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: What is the weirdest food or drink that has been served at a theater that you have been to? Did you partake of it? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Good Question. I had raw peanuts in Mexico...and they had an oyster bar right outside a theater in Sydney. I prefer the oysters. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Is Kevin Murphy excited about the upcoming Lord Of The Rings movie? Or will he just hang around outside theaters waiting for 'Renaissance festival' types to appear so he can brain them with a leather mug? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Thank you. I love the trilogy, don't get me wrong. I guess it's all the hoopla surrounding it that gets me going. Works of fantasy are best when the readers mind does all the imagining. That's why one single film will never satisfy a whole audience and it's dangerous for a commercial enterprise to coin a work of imagination for all time. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Kevin Murphy - What was it like working on Timmy Big Hands? Were you disappointed that you had to discontinue the site? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Oohhhhhh. Timmy was a ton of fun. But the web is the worst investment opportunity since the dirigible. So we packed it in, but I'm proud of all the material we did. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Was Edward the Less thought up and worked on while you were still running timmybighands.com or was this something SciFi asked you to do or did you pitch it to them, etc. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Yes, we cooked up Edward while we were doing Timmy. Sean called us and invited us to pitch ideas and Edward stuck to the wall. ...As they say. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Were you reluctant to produce something for SciFi again? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Hell no. SciFi treated us far better than Comedy Central. Barry, Tom Vitale and Sean and the rest of the folks still there are the best. I'm happy to call them friends. Suck up time. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 For those who've joined late, "Edward the Less" is an online series created by Kevin Murphy and some of his MST3K cohorts. Watch it now at: www.scfii.com/edwardthless/. Question: Being an audio book was it easier to make "Edward" than MST3K and if so, did that leave you more room to be creative with the script? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 It was easier physically because I didn't have to crouch and hold a puppet. It was very liberating to do voices without having to be seen. We were pretty faithful to the script when we recorded the thing. Because the script was so damn funny. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: How did it feel to get back with everyone to work on Edward the Less? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 It was like old home week, like seeing the family members you like once again. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: I see that "Total Movie" magazine is publishing again. Are there any plans for you to resurrect your column for it? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 They are?! I better call those freaks. "Total Film" kept publishing in England, but Hell, they're English, so they didn't get me. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Richard Corliss loves MST, but any idea if he's checked out Edward yet? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 I got an email the day before it premiered wishing us the best, so yes I think he saw it and like a good critic, he's waiting to see a few episodes before he makes a judgment. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: I'd like to ask Kevin Murphy, what are some movies BBI considered for MST3K, but never selected / got the rights to use? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 We dearly wanted to do "Charro," an Elvis Presley Movie...and "Moment by Moment" with Lily Tomlin and John Travolta. But we lost the rights at the last minute. Damn. Rowsdower... Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: I find that there's really nothing worth watching on TV anymore now that MST3K is gone. I thought "Good vs. Evil" was great, but that was cancelled too. My incredibly long-winded question is, do you watch TV at all? If so, what do you watch? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 I have not watched much TV this year. But I do watch the occasional Documentary on IFC or Sundance. But that's where my fun is. I love docs. And TV in general has always sucked, hasn't it? Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: How did you come up with the name "Soapwort McFuggletoes" for Edward the less? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Truly it came out of thin air. There was no committee meeting or anything. When something sounds funny and hasn't been used before, trust your instincts. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Is the creative part of Edward the Less completed now or are you still preparing segments for it? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Mike and I are still doing music. But the writing and performing are in the can. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: There's a company in the UK called Big Finish who put out lots of audio drama CDs (like BBC licensed new Dr. Who audio dramas). Do you think this is something you and the others could do with Edward the Less? (put it out on CD I mean) Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Hey, is this my agent? Thanks for the tip. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Can you tell us how many episodes Edward the Less will have? And by the way, it's a shame MST3K never came to Canada. I've had to tape trade for years and most people here have never even heard of it. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Edward is one season of thirteen shows, for now. It all depends on the AUDIENCE...and that's you and your friends. And remember, word of mouth is the best advertising in the world. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Does it bother you that you've attained a cult status, influencing devoted fans to lead their lives around a TV show? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Heck no. I have my own cult now...and they do my bidding...and let's put it bluntly, I have tasted human flesh... and the tastiest is the buttocks, without question. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: Well, speaking of cults...(awkward segue)...What do you think about Al Qaeda and the terrorists and stuff? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Well, hate is much easier than love. That's the story of humanity, isn't it? Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 We've got about 10 more minutes left before Kevin Murphy has to go (probably to see another movie)...so send me your final questions now.... Question: Do you visit Caption This!? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 I do not visit Caption This, sorry... But I love the fact that it's there and you folks have so much fun doing it. Go nuts, kids. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: What's your educational background? Did you major in anything? Has communications been a major impact in your lifestyle? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 I have an M.A. in directing for stage and screen, and a B.A. in journalism. The best thing I did in college was design my own program. That and take mushrooms and ski. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 But "Just Say No," kids. Question: Was it embarrassing that you had to look up Tom's skirt when puppeteering him? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Surely not. Tom is packin' some thangs under that hover skirt. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: My kids and I would love to know what is your all time favorite song to belt out? Oh yeah, and they think you're cool. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Wang Dang Doodle by Howlin' Wolf. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Question: What's your favorite quote (from anywhere/anybody)? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Walt Whitman: "I celebrate myself and sing myself." Oh, and Zappa: "If your parents knew how lame you really were, they would murder you in your sleep." Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 And our final question for the evening (apologies to all the great questions we received but didn't have time to ask): Question: Any words of insight or consolation with the impending end of MST3K on television coming up in a few months? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 GET OVER IT. Live and be wonderful. Eat less pork, the Buddha died from it. Oh, and keep circulating those tapes! Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 Great, thanks for your time tonight. Congrats on the Edward series...everyone go watch! Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001 Thanks to ALL OF YOU, YOU ROCK!!! Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 01, 2001 We are now going unmoderated. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 01, 2001