Jeffrey Willerth, Babylon 5's Kosh Moderator: Jeff - can you type? Moderator: Faster than ever? Jeffrey: why yes I can Jeffrey: Lets Rock Moderator: Great! Moderator: Hi everyone. I'm your moderator, Patrizia DiLucchio, and I'd like to welcome you all to another cyberchat on SCIFI.com Tonight we're very pleased to be talking with Jeffrey Willerth AKA Babylon 5's enigmatic Ambassador Kosh. As you know, SCI FI will soon begin broadcasting Babylon 5 and we're really happy about that! We hope you are too. Moderator: In addition to his role as Ambassador Kosh (and various other aliens) on the show, Willerth acted as producer's associate and oversaw the creation of the official Babylon 5 Fan Club. His beginnings are almost as mysterious as those of the Vorlons - he originally signed on as a background artist. Willerth is also an avid car racer, publishing the Racing School Directory since 1990, and is a co-founder of www.racingschools.com. Moderator: Brief word about the drill - please send your questions for Jeffrey Willerth to me, Moderator, as private messages. (To send a private message, either double-click on my name or type "/msg Moderator" on the command line - only without the quotes.) Moderator: First audience question: Moderator: : Jeff, what is your favorite con experience, and what happened with the Ice at toronto trek on sunday on stage? did you burst it or something? Moderator: (Come on people -- don't be shy! Submit those questions!) Jeffrey: My favorite con experience is waking up and remembering what town I'm in.... Jeffrey: As for the Ice Jeffrey: Yes the ice pack broke and leaked that Ice Goo all down my pants... Jeffrey: You might say... Jeffrey: I was cold as ass Jeffrey: ga Moderator: Although Babylon 5 lives on in the hearts of its fans and they are everywhere, the show hasn't been in production for a while. Does the fact that it's being picked up by SCI FI feel significant to you as an actor? Jeffrey: Yes! Jeffrey: Those tiny little residual checks will trickle in at a faster rate now. Moderator: Tiny? Jeffrey: But it's alwasys great to be seen Jeffrey: TINY Jeffrey: want an example? Jeffrey: Today's mail... Moderator: Uh -- is it going to make me cry? Jeffrey: $1.17 for my role in "Int The Beginning" for video sales Jeffrey: OUCH! Jeffrey: I need a better agent.! Jeffrey: ga Moderator: Huh. I think you can buy a couple of tacos at Tacobelle for that! Moderator: Next question: Moderator: : What was the hardest part of playing Kosh?? Jeffrey: Well, it's NOT getting a date Jeffrey: Chicks dig the shower curtain Jeffrey: Actually, seeing, hearing and breathing were all very hard to do. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: But then they always are... Moderator: : question.... what was your fave episode and do you have an interesting stories from filming? Jeffrey: #315 Interludes and Examinations Jeffrey: Bruce was brilliant Jeffrey: we called the famous scene "the brawl in the hall" Jeffrey: and I shot the scenes with a 104 degree fever. Jeffrey: I was way sick Jeffrey: but we had a blast.! Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Hey Jeffery.. what was it like playing an alien.. and what did you learn from your character Jeffrey: "yes" Jeffrey: I learned that fibreglass is NOT a breathable material Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : I've heard rumors that working on the Bab 5 set was very different from what we see on the screen. For example, were the sets fairly cramped? Moderator: A reminder: we're chatting with actor Jeffrey Willerth whom you will soon once again have the opportunity to see on your television screen when Babylon 5 comes to SCI FI! This is a moderated chat. Please send your questions for our guest to me, Moderator, as private messages. (To send a private message, either double-click on my name or type "/msg Moderator" on the command line - only without the quotes.) Jeffrey: We did not have much room, space or $$$ to do the show, true Jeffrey: I was always amazed at how great the show looked Jeffrey: knowing where we shot and what we were shooting Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : what was your favorate kosh quote Jeffrey: "yes" Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Think there's any future for the B5 universe on TV? Jeffrey: Until recently, no. Jeffrey: But SciFi Channel is about to breath new life into the franchise Jeffrey: and there will be a whole new audience Jeffrey: and greater understanding among the fans Jeffrey: I suspect, more than ever before, Jeffrey: that B5 is embarking on a new chapter called "Life on SF Channel". Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : did you watch the episodes when they aired or never really watched the show and are you into sci-fi normally [read/watch] Jeffrey: No I always watched when aired Jeffrey: In fact I recorded them that way Jeffrey: because I want to see it the way y'all see it Jeffrey: with commercials and everything Jeffrey: It is THE final product Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : If Babylon 5 would be revived again, would you want to be a part of it? Jeffrey: H*LL YES! Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : I saw your production credit on "River of Souls". could you tell about your work behind the camera? Jeffrey: As Producer's Associate, I supported John Copeland and JMS Jeffrey: with all aspects of the production, Jeffrey: except the writing of course. Jeffrey: Mainly an area of concentration for me was the day to day Jeffrey: business affairs Jeffrey: and keeping publicity, fan club, merchandising, production meetings, etc. on track Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : How much did the 2 Vorlon suits weigh? Jeffrey: I never got on a scale... Jeffrey: but I'd guess about 30-40 lbs. Jeffrey: they were built on a back-pack frame Jeffrey: and only took about 5 minutes to get in or out of Jeffrey: but once I was in ... I usually stayed in until it was all over. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : What'd you think of TNT's handling of B5 and Crusade? Moderator: A reminder: we're chatting with actor Jeffrey Willerth whom you will soon once again have the opportunity to see on your television screen when Babylon 5 comes to SCI FI! This is a moderated chat. Please send your questions for our guest to me, Moderator, as private messages. (To send a private message, either double-click on my name or type "/msg Moderator" on the command line - only without the quotes.) Jeffrey: Despite much of the bla-bla-bla that y'all read on the internet (source of all truth)... Jeffrey: I think TNT was the best thing to happen to B5. Jeffrey: TNT DID get the show, understood the audience and made the fifth season possible Jeffrey: had that not happened, we would not have had four movies Jeffrey: and the show as a "strip" probably never would have made it to the Sci-Fi Channel. Jeffrey: TNT people were great to work for. Jeffrey: We all owe them out thanks for saving the show. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : What do you think of the way B5 has attracted so many fans? Jeffrey: "so many fans"... Jeffrey: wait until you see what Sci-Fi Channel accomplishes! Jeffrey: I think the internet Jeffrey: had a huge impact on building the fan base Jeffrey: I think B5's cyber audience is unique and Jeffrey: such success would not have been possible with out the 'net to help Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : If there are future Babylon 5 projects, you would have an advantage. You could come back as a different character. What would your favorite choice be? Jeffrey: I'd like to have my own series... Jeffrey: Third Kosh from the Sun... Jeffrey: The West Kosh... Jeffrey: Who Wants to be a Koshinairre... Jeffrey: That sort of thing. Jeffrey: Its all about me. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Jeffrey, speaking of JMS, he's working on a new show for I believe CBS(?), all very hush, hush. Are you going to be a part of his new production team? Jeffrey: I could tell you but.... Jeffrey: It's like going to zhadum... Jeffrey: you will die Jeffrey: actually no such offer exist for me a this time Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : who was your favorite actor or actress to play across from and why Moderator: A reminder: we're chatting with actor Jeffrey Willerth whom you will soon once again have the opportunity to see on your television screen when Babylon 5 comes to SCI FI! This is a moderated chat. Please send your questions for our guest to me, Moderator, as private messages. (To send a private message, either double-click on my name or type "/msg Moderator" on the command line - only without the quotes.) Jeffrey: Pat Tallman, of course. Jeffrey: She and I had to figure out what the whole Kosh/Lyta thing was about. Jeffrey: JMS never explained any of it to us. Jeffrey: we had quite a time trying to understand. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Does Jeff have any inkling as to a big screen B5? Jeffrey: I'm not sure. Jeffrey: Probably not, but again Jeffrey: SF Channel will open many opportunities, yet to be seen. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Did you like Kosh as a character? Would you have liked to have kept him around? Jeffrey: oh yeah. Jeffrey: Like most of you, he was my favorite. Jeffrey: I think the Vorlons played a huge role in human existence Jeffrey: and the overall story arc. Jeffrey: I had a hard time dismissing the Vorlons so easily. Jeffrey: but alas...I'm just a fan like you. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Do you think B5's storytelling style (an actual arc, no "reset button") is a fluke, or maybe something that's influencing other SF or TV in general? Jeffrey: hardly a fluke Jeffrey: such arcs have been done before Jeffrey: the UK has several to their braodcast credit Jeffrey: It's just not something all the Networks "suits" have treid much of. Jeffrey: I hope the will "get" the fact that you can build long term loyalty Jeffrey: if you simply tell a solid, good story in a compelling way. Jeffrey: No Survivor for me, thank you. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: (For those of you inquiring -- jeff is not shilling for the Georgia state tourism board. "ga" means "go ahead.) Moderator: : What was the cast impression of promo items like Zima being imortalized in B5 universe? If you were to add something to B5 culture, what would it be? Jeffrey: In season one "Zima" should up because of "product placement" as they were a major sponsor. Jeffrey: I'm glad that kinda thing slipped away. Jeffrey: Add something? Jeffrey: More sex with Kosh and Lyta...I'm thinking that would have helped, no? Jeffrey: ga Moderator: to : Every time my husband and I rewatch the series, we remark on how much more we "see" -- most notably in Londo's character and the relationship b/w JS and Kosh. Were you two given any backstory or, like Lyta/Kosh, were you left to your own. Moderator: A reminder: we're chatting with actor Jeffrey Willerth whom you will soon once again have the opportunity to see on your television screen when Babylon 5 comes to SCI FI! This is a moderated chat. Please send your questions for our guest to me, Moderator, as private messages. (To send a private message, either double-click on my name or type "/msg Moderator" on the command line - only without the quotes.) Jeffrey: Strangely, no Jeffrey: JMS left all of us in the dark about the characters and the relationships Jeffrey: most we just made sure we said the words the way he wrote them Jeffrey: and let the magic come out. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : What would you think about a new B5 series, one set a thousand years in the past. During the last Shadow War. Moderator: Jeffrey: I'm thinking my residuals would be more than a buck for a change. Jeffrey: It's hard to guess how/what/why would happen Jeffrey: time will tell. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : How is married life treating Kosh? Jeffrey: This is the happiest I've ever been. Life is amazing Jeffrey: My wife is just wonderful. Jeffrey: stop me or I'll get all mushy on y'all. Moderator: We like mush! Jeffrey: Thanks for asking! Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Did anyone ever prank on JMS? Or was it not good to fool with "The Great Maker?" Jeffrey: It was kinda like running into an airport and joking about having a bomb in your undies. Jeffrey: not a great idea, once you think about it. Jeffrey: we pretty much left hima alone Jeffrey: but there were some items, I shall refrain from telling. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Can you tell us who the two new stars coming to the Galactic Gateway are? Or do we have to wait until tommorow? Jeffrey: tomorrow, tomorrow...I show ya tomorrow... Jeffrey: Thanks for bring up The Galactic Gateway Jeffrey: It is my attempt to rekindle the cybercommunity we once had at thestation.com Jeffrey: and like way back then Jeffrey: I try to bring the fans in direct contact Moderator: Feel free to rekindle it here at scifi.com too! Jeffrey: with the cast/crew of B5 Jeffrey: When we finish here, we can all gover to www.thegalacticgateway.com and chat some more. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : how were the relations between the cast? were their pranks, great friendships, cliques, jokers, or no one much get along? Moderator: A reminder: we're chatting with actor Jeffrey Willerth whom you will soon once again have the opportunity to see on your television screen when Babylon 5 comes to SCI FI! This is a moderated chat. Please send your questions for our guest to me, Moderator, as private messages. (To send a private message, either double-click on my name or type "/msg Moderator" on the command line - only without the quotes.) Jeffrey: B5 gave me friends that I will have until my last days on earth Jeffrey: great friendships Jeffrey: a spectacular wife Jeffrey: wonderful memories. Jeffrey: Today alone I spoke to three crew members Jeffrey: and each week is filled with cast/crew dialog Jeffrey: Come to think of it. Other than Patrizia and teh SF Channel people... I've got no friends. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Would you know anything about a Babylom 5 computer game coming out? Jeffrey: Doubt it will ever make it to market. Jeffrey: I worked vbery hard on the project Jeffrey: It was destined to be great Jeffrey: I'm sorry it has made it to the street yet. Jeffrey: hope it does. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Jeffrey, have you thought about directing a t.v. show or movie? Moderator: Jeffrey: For the betterment of society... Jeffrey: let's not let Jeffrey act or direct any more. Jeffrey: I'm a producer. Jeffrey: let's count our blessings and stop there. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: ( says: inform him that codemasters have picked up the rights and are finishing it as we speak ) Moderator: I think he's talking about the b5 game! Jeffrey: I had not heard that for sure. Moderator: : Why the focus on production? Jeffrey: There are many people involved with the game Jeffrey: that are passionate about the game. Why focus on production??? Jeffrey: Because...if I'm honest with myself Jeffrey: then I admit that I'm a business person... Jeffrey: not a creative guy Jeffrey: that embraces artform Jeffrey: produciton is where you take somebody elses vision and bring to be. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : do you get recognized by fans when you're out in public or do you enjoy a privite life? Jeffrey: I get stopped by minions of the Shadows all the time... Jeffrey: its a real pain. Jeffrey: mostly I can skirt around the store without any problem at all. Jeffrey: however, if I'm with Pat Jeffrey: that's another story Jeffrey: she gets recognized everywhere Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Any thoughts on the meaning/intent of "You've always been here" (from Kosh to JS)? Even for a Vorlon, that's vague and strange.... and tough to figure out no matter HOW many times you watch the series. Jeffrey: "yes" Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Is it too soon to ask what your next project is going to be? I mean non-Bab 5 wise Jeffrey: I am currently producing a new series for the History Channel Jeffrey: It's called "The MOST" and my first new episode airs on October 6. Jeffrey: thanks! Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : There' the "Be Five" CD (Pat, Claudia, Andreas, Mira, Peter, and Bill), Mira's CD, Caudia's 2 CDs, Jason's poetry CD, and Bill Mumy's numerous CDs, but the real question when to we get to hear Kosh sing? "Kosh Songs from Behind the Shower Curtain?" Jeffrey: Now that's a funny idea.!! Jeffrey: Wanna be my agent? Jeffrey: Kosh sings Jose Feleciano Jeffrey: ha! Jeffrey: ga Moderator: : Jeffrey , what do you think is the greatest influence that B5 has made on society or has it? Jeffrey: The greatest hasn't happened yet. Jeffrey: SF Channel will propel that. Jeffrey: To date, Jeffrey: the most fun influence has been on the real rocket scientist at NASA Jeffrey: they always tell us about how we impact their work... Jeffrey: and we always tell them that they influence us! Jeffrey: sybionic synchronicity I suppose. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: Final question for the evening: Moderator: : jeff, do you miss babylon 5? Jeffrey: God yes! Jeffrey: Have you ever worked for the HISTORY CHANNEL? Jeffrey: UGH! * Moderator snickers * Jeffrey: I mis all of it. Jeffrey: often I dream about it. Jeffrey: I knew we were making great TV Jeffrey: And I'd kill for that "buzz" again. Jeffrey: ga Moderator: Hey, Jeff -- we really want to thank you for coming online with us tonight. Jeffrey: You are most welcome. I certainly Jeffrey: want to thank Patrizia for pulling this together Jeffrey: and for all of you for stopping in... Moderator: As Babylon5 fans everwhere know B5 is reborn next week on SCI FI!! Check yr local listings for the exact time in yr area. Jeffrey: and I strongly encourage all of you to WATCH EVERY EPSIODE! Jeffrey: every night Jeffrey: always on the SF CHANNEL Jeffrey: and If you need to get intouch with me Jeffrey: or with any of the B5 cast or crew Jeffrey: then stop by www.thegalacticgeatway.com Jeffrey: and visit us. Jeffrey: Thanks and good night! Moderator: Thanks to all of you in the audience as well! Moderator: Great questions. Jeffrey: Great moderator! Moderator: And yes, there WILL be a transcript and it will be up at scifi//chat probably tomorrow. Moderator: Thanks Jeff. It's a pleasure to moderate chats with great fans and great guests. Moderator: We're gonna go UNmoderated right now... Jeffrey: ouch. Moderator: a leetle vertigo, nothing to be alarmed about... Moderator: Can you all type?