This is a "no frills" sort of post, trying to keep it brief...
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| Steve Canyon Episode #29, THE BOMB, left to right, Dean Fredericks, Virginia Christine, Steve Wootton, unknown, John Anderson. |
First, I have pushed and hustled to get Volume 3 out by the end of 2013 and I apologize for failing and missing that latest deadline. So the good news is that as of yesterday Disc 1 is DONE and I have output and shipped the new master files discs for it to the factory, and also have sent them a disc with Johann's revised-and-updated packaging artwork (that the factory asked me to send along since they have new people handling our account). There are many steps involved.
The finishing of the 2nd disc is nearly done, and we are talking DAYS here, a couple of weeks at worst (in other words a short delay, not months)...the main office for our factory is in Chicago and they've been socked in with the brutal cold polar vortex weather like everyone in that part of the country, which has slowed this process down as well. I have worked through all the recent holidays and haven't had a day off in many months. Just saying.
I have also recently sent copies of the discs to several people to check for errors and to get feedback, which has been successful to have new eyes and ears on them.
So, to the 99% of the people on our mailing list, that have either quietly left me alone trusting me to finish this task OR have sent me nice positive encouraging messages, I want you to know I TOTALLY APPRECIATE IT more than you will ever know, and they have helped through a lot of rough patches over the last few years. Here's one such recent letter I'd like to share:
Hi John,
Thanks for yet another update and all I can do is smile & think "John Ellis deserves a BIG THANK YOU, among other awards!". [:-)]
The delays do not & have not bothered me one bit -- honestly! [:-)]
The fact that your two previous DVDs [v1 & v2] are without a doubt TOP industry quality & standard, plus you ship these all over the world at a flat rate....which is a very low cost [VERY!] compared to other hard-to-find TV shows & movies.
I [again] KNOW what it's like to be a "one man band" so I can sympathize & appreciate your thorough work, great quality and most of all consciencous updates.
I just wanted to say thanks again for the previous DVDs, thanks for your work in recent years on volume 3 AND thanks in advance FOR volume 3....and thanks for being an honest quality & customer concience person.
If anyone has criticized you they are living in a deep dark cave of ignorance on life-in-general. These DVDs don't "grow on trees" as some of us KNOW! [:-)]
Thanks again & Merry Christmas!
Dan
Simi Valley, CA
Thank you Dan!
Having shared that lovely letter... please understand I have set my life aside since 2006 in order to save Steve Canyon and drag him from the dark hole he was in for over 50 years. I chose to do this for the good of everyone that cares...to do the best job I can. I admit I have set unrealistic release dates.
In the past I have taken on huge ambitious movie projects and just hammered my way through them with mostly youthful vigor and willpower...clearly I have gotten to the point that those days are past. Health issues aside, if I am guilty of anything it's putting my neck on the line and failing to know my own limitations...and for those things I am sorry.
This is also not some "paint by number" deal (as some people think)...I've had to figure out everything every step of the way. To give you some idea about my past projects you can go here and here. No brag, just fact (as Walter Brennan used to say on another TV show). I have had to learn so much new software it makes me dizzy. In just the last two weeks I have finally mastered the program that I have needed to output the files for each disc to go to the factory! This is what caused the major problem when I tried to release V3 in 2012.
Anyway, enough of this...we're close, VERY CLOSE...and it's coming. Again, note that nothing will be shipped until AFTER I send out an email letting you know that they are coming. Watch for it.
Thanks again for all the encouraging positive messages and for your support and patience...you are all a part of this project and are appreciated for your enthusiasm. Please read further below to see how you can help with V3.
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MY ONGOING SHIPPING DILEMMA
As you know we have had free shipping worldwide here on our site since we started issuing the Steve Canyon DVDs in 2007. Since then the domestic and worldwide shipping costs have at least DOUBLED domestically and nearly TRIPLED for overseas addresses. This has hit us hard lately and in an effort to help us ship out Volume #3 we are asking for those that are willing and able to send some cash to help with the shipping of V3.
This is set up so you can write in any amount you wish to donate. Note that it is now OVER $12 for the cheapest USPS shipping of a 7 ounce package to most overseas locations. Canada is over $8 now and the US is about $3.00.
Those that contribute any amount will get a free digital pdf download of the screenplay for the Steve Canyon episode OPERATION INTERCEPT:
This is a scan of Author/Producer David Haft's personal copy with handwritten notes and changes. I will send this out via email following the release of Volume 3 later this month. Maybe sooner.
Those that help will also get a *secret* bonus download (details emailed this week) and also preferential treatment on the shipping of V3 when it is shipped (which is only fair).
Click on the button below to help us out with the shipping...and thanks everybody! We really can use your help with this.
(click this button to help)
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Thanks for the kind words for my sister Suzy...she's back in the hospital and fighting to get better...she appreciates all your good wishes. Her daughter Tiffany and I appreciate them too.
Stay tuned for the next update and and I thank you for all your support and patience!
John Ellis
Pacoima, CA
Note that Volume 1, Volume 2 and The Special Edition are available from us on Amazon.com, ebay and our store here. I package and send each order personally and hope you will note our 100% positive feedback on Amazon and ebay. You can also help by clicking the "like" buttons on our 3 amazon listings and by writing a little review if you have time...which we appreciate very much!
