SciFi.com Question and Answer Chat with Kevin Murphy - November 3, 1996 OK, today we have MST3K's own Kevin Murphy. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Morning all. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Please introduce yourself, Kevin. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Hello. My name is Prince, and I am funky. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 And chatters, please send your Q's to me. (I have a ton already). Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 I'll be taking your questions on toxic waste. Fire away! Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Can you give us the names of the movies in experiment 801, 802, etc., for as many as you know? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 In no particular order, we have secured: Mole People, Leech Woman, Land unknown. The rest are being decided as we speak. Kind of. Next? Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Kevin, how did BBI feel when Trace left? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 We were all sad to see Trace go, of course, but I never want to hold someone back from their dreams. He seems to be happy in California, and I wish him all the best. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Will you keep the secrets of the new Deep 13 casting secret until the season premiere or will we learn them before then? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Yes, the new fiction is a deep and wonderful secret, and we like it that way. Don't you like surprises? Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: What is your opinion of the new guy who's doing Crow's voice. Is it a pretty good replacement? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Bill Corbett is terribly funny, and has proven to be talented as a puppeteer. I think you'll love him. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Any plans to make actual visual appearances in Deep 13 (assuming the lab is still under that name) this season? I loved you as the shrub. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 You never know where my kisser will show up, MSTer. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Why doesn't Mike or Crow write messages for the Web Page? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Mike and Crow are lazy slackers who don't care. There, I said it. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: At the convention, Jim Mallon said we were all valuable employees at Best Brains. So what I want to know is -- WHERE'S OUR PAYCHECK?! Just kidding! Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Check is in the mail. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaaaa! Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Can you give us a hint as to how the SOL is going to be resurrected? When last we saw the crew, they had become energy beings in deep space... Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Einstein said that energy and matter are inter-controvertible, so draw your own conclusions. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: I'm sorry I didn't catch the Movie when will it be out on tape? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 The Movie is in video stores NOW! Enjoy! Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Are there plans for another MST3K Convention in the works...and if so, when is it being planned for? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 MST Conventions are very hard, but fun, and we're open to another, but no immediate plans. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Please tell us about your singing background! You have such a lovely voice! Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Thank you. I have no real training, but I've sung in choirs, blues bands, a little barbershop, musicals, all the wrong places. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Will the new season still include those hilarious shorts? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 We love the shorts, and we sure hope we can do some! Stay tuned. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Kevin, out of all the MiSTed movies, which is your favorite? Why? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Tough one. But maybe it's "Sinbad" because it's so pretty and yet so goofy. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Will there be any changes made because of the change to the SciFi channel? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 We're repainting, and re-doing the bathroom, and adding carpeting. But seriously, the SciFi channel folks are fine people and consummate pros and so far they've behaved. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Are the rumors true that Tom Servo was seen skinny dipping with Tammy Faye Baker! Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Yes, and he has the makeup scars to prove it. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: When will the show start on the SciFi channel? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 February '97. Watch for it! Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: What part of your job do you enjoy doing the most? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 It's 95 per cent fun, but writing is an amazing experience, with all the funny folks we have. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: How can you guys stand to watch these awful movies over and over? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Sometimes it's hard, but I swear that with some movies, the more painful the better the results. Evidenced by "Red Zone Cuba" or "Manos." Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: What is the process for choosing a movie...and are some movies "Off Limits." Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Movies can't be too violent or abusive to either sex, and they should be in focus... and they should be not too talky, and pretentious. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: What's the usual routine during the writing process? Do you just get together at the office, or is it a complex event, where you get together at someone's home and consume lots of corn chips and make funnies for hours on end? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 We sit in a big comfy room, drink coffee, and yell at our big screen TV, while one of us writes down the results. Try it sometime, it's fun. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Do you have any plans to make another theatrical movie or is BBI content with just the television program. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 With the roaring financial success of the first one, we'll just see which studio wants to leap at the chance... ...but you never know. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Besides the thing with Joe Don Baker, have you ever gotten any bad feedback from the stars of the films? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Kim Cattrall, of course. Recently Roger McGuinn of the Byrds came by, after we referenced him. No bad feedback, though. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Exactly what is Tom Servo made out of? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Tom is made of many items you can find around the world... gumball machine... flashlight hoods... salad bowls... you know. Stuff. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: The new SciFi bio for Mrs. Forrester says that she has taken the place of the "late Dr. Forrester." How is his departure explained? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Dr. Forrester's departure will be explained. Stay tuned. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: How is the CD-ROM coming along? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 The CD-Rom is a little stalled right now. We've been busy. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: When you get the script done, how do you decide who gets which lines? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Mary Jo, Paul and Bill divide up the script, and they are experts at assigning lines to characters...though many lines can be said by any of them. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Does BBI have any other plans for other programmes other than MST3K? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Programmes? Are you English? We've done some writing and developing for some other projects, but it is a slow and maddening process. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: How long does one robot last? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 A robot lasts as long as its karma dictates, just like us. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Will old episodes ever be made available on video? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Many old episodes are now available on Rhino Home video, with more to come. I don't have the list. Check the FAQ. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: I enjoyed the book greatly. Any chance of future publications? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Thanks. We'd love to do another book, maybe a songbook. The book was a blast to write. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: What is the most catastrophic event that happened to the crew beside the hull breach? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 A scene with a deadly meter shower was cut from the movie. Otherwise, Crow lit the ship on fire twice in season 7. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Will Cambot return next season? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Cambot is a perennial, and will be back. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: How long does it take to make one episode? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 It takes ten days from concept to finish shooting, and another 2-3 weeks of editing and post production. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: How do you feel about the sociological aspect of the show, the fact that its been such a magnet for folks, and many relationships have come about because of the fan-bonding? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 I think it's great to share a passion with others, it builds community. It's good for us. But don't join a cult. That's different. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Kevin, are there any future loves planned for Tom? Like another creepy girl? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Tom is a heart waiting to love. You never know with the little guy. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Are there any movies that you'd like to put on the show which you haven't been able to do yet? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 All-star disaster pictures are big on my list, but we can't afford them. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Have you guys ever had mental blocks where you could never seem to come up with any funny material? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Luckily, since we have six or seven writers in the room, it is very very rare that we all lock up at the same time. We take turns carrying the load. If we all go down at once, we take a break and play Quake until our hearts fill with the bold of the living, then we're ready to go back in. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Kevin, is it true that you had some hand in the production of the movie Blood Hook? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 I was the key grip on Blood hook, and contributed to the music. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Is MST3K shown anywhere other than the U.S.? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 SciFi might show it in England and Europe. I think it would be great. I know the movie's playing in Australia right now. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: I got to meet your wife at the convention. Is she a MSTie? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Jane isn't as much a MSTie as a member of the family. She had a lot of fun at the convention and enjoyed meeting all of you. She's gotten fan mail! Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: What do you do for laughs when not working? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 I read Vonnegut, Peter deVries, Swift, Donald Westlake. I watch Marx Brothers Movies, I rent Chuck Jones era Loony Tunes. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Kevin: on average, how much fan mail do you get a week? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 The show gets a couple hundred letters a week, and I answer as many as I can. I get a boatload of email, too. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: When you say "I'm Huge!," what EXACTLY are you referring to? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 When there's a low angle shot of a character in a movie, intended to make him or her look huge, we simply point out the directors intent. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Have you ever had film producers etc...."Beg" you to do a film of theirs? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Not yet, but I'm hoping for Renny Harlin to come crawling. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Kevin, a friend of mine sent a painting he created of Tom Servo to the studios a year or so back. I'm sure you folks get things like this all the time. I'm just curious about what happens to all the stuff? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 We hang artwork on the wall all the time, and rotate fresh stuff in as it comes. We've gotten some great stuff, and it's flattering and very gracious. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: How much longer do you think MST3K can last before fans turn to freaks and try to blow up their televisions when they see the opening theme? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 If we start seeing those signals, we'll call it a day. Until then, we'll make 'em. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Kevin, how much longer can you see yourself staying with MST3K? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 I'll stay with MST as long as it's fulfilling and fun, as it is right now. I can't put a timer on it. I have a hard time scheduling a haircut. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: How do you guys do the silhouette in front of the movie screen? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 The theater seats are a cut out of Styrofoam, we sit behind them holding the puppets on stands, and watch monitors. Mike doesn't generally need a puppet stand. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Kevin: Do you think that audience participation (reminiscent of RHPS) will start with the movie? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 "Rocky Horror" was designed with audience participation in mind, our movie was not. But you never know. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Are there any plans for groovy MST3K collectables, such as a velvet paintings of the cast members, or dinner plates that you can't eat off of? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 I was thinking of a line of painted ties with the robots totally nude. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Indeed, some of the movies you use are painful to watch. Do really bad films bring out the worst/best of you? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Really bad films make me angry, they're such a waste of talent and money. Especially big budget bad movies. So yes, If I ever met Paul Verhoven, I'd pour my drink on him. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Is it true that Gypsy has been having an affair with Crow? Or is that just Hamdingers talking. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Look, it's a small satellite, and things happen, and I... look, forget it, okay?!? Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Kevin, if you could change something about Tom Servo, what would it be? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 I would make Tom Servo drop a few pounds, he's heavier than a full-grown bulldog. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: How's Mary Jo enjoying being the bad guy...er, person? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Mary Jo loves her new role, and we love her character. She's a pro. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: We've heard that Viking Robert Smith will appear on MST3K next season. Are there any other guest appearances planned? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Robert and the Vikings Camp are nearby, so it was easy. No plans for other celebs yet, but it's fun to think about. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Will you now have access to bigger-budget flops that the SciFi channel airs? I'd love to see 'Akira,' for example. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Being with SciFi opens up a whole new world of films to us, and it's been fun pouring through their library. I think we have great bad films this year. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Kevin has to go soon. Please send your final questions to the moderator now. Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Kevin has to tinkle soon. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: When MST3K hit theaters did you feel satisfied with it, or where you disappointed in the low amount of viewers? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 We're proud of the work we did on the film. These things are never perfect, and we we're cheesed with how it was released, but we did it for love, not money. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: If you could make one real funny remark when Independence Day is MSTied, what would it be? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 "Love for sale..... Hairy deep voiced love for saaaalllleee......" Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Do you browse the web often? What do you think of MST3K web sites you've seen? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 I browse the web occasionally, and I'm floored by all the stuff out there. You folks know far more than we do! Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: What *is* a sampo, anyway? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 A sampo is alternately a chipper East-Coast writer and a marvelous gold-making machine from Norse mythology. Oh, and a brand of TV monitor. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Question: Are we gonna see more of Torgo this season? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Torgo will never leave us. We can't shake him. Who knows, it's a big universe. Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996 Thank you Kevin. And thank you, MSTies. Any final words, Kevin? Posted by SciFi Moderator on November 03, 1996 Thanks for being virtually there this morning, and Thanks to SciFi for this nifty Con. Thanks for all your support, and watch us in February! Posted by Kevin Murphy on November 03, 1996