Once Upon a Time... Is Now/Issues 049-050
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Once Upon a Time... Is Now (Out-In, Out/In, Out...In) |
| Publisher: | |
| Editor(s): | Jeanne Cloud and Joyce DeBoard (issues #1-#27), Jeanne Cloud, Loreen Vanderkrats, and Linda Lakin (issues #27-#33 -- tho perhaps as far as #45), Jeanne Cloud and Loreen Vanderkrats (issues #46-#60 -- tho perhaps as early as #34) |
| Type: | letterzine |
| Date(s): | 1988 to 1996 |
| Frequency: | sometimes monthly, sometimes bi-monthly, at the end much more infrequent |
| Medium: | |
| Size: | digest-sized |
| Fandom: | Beauty and the Beast (TV) |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Once Upon a Time... Is Now (Out-In, Out/In, Out...In) is a Beauty and the Beast letterzine. It is digest-sized.
See List of Letterzines for similar fanworks.
Contents
The zine is a collection of letters from fans (titled "From the Helpers") of the show discussing aspects of the show including the actors, characters, stories, and fanfiction. This zine also contains photos (both xeroxed and original), some original artwork, con reports, open letters, and sometimes clippings and interviews.
Some regular features were: "OK Good...OK Fine" (the editorial), "From the Library" (zine listings), and "On the Pipes" (fan clubs).
There were 60 issues published between 1988 to 1996.
Issue 49
Once Upon a Time... Is Now 49 was published in October 1993 and contains 28 pages.
The letters are mostly remarks about Great Expectations; see that page to read excerpts. This issue also has many photos of fans at the con. Four of those photos are of Vincent cosplayers (Lisa Gould, Karl Zundel, John Franklin, Tom Brecht) as Vincent in costume.
There is also commentary on The Great Expectations Charity Auction Costume Conflict, see that page.
This issue contains the short column called "Jay Watching" (about Jay Avocone).
Issue 49: Excerpts from the Letters
For our Southern California group, [the Great Expectations con] was a renewing experience; we were all quite excited on the plane ride back and have subsequently disbanded our old group, the AdvoCats, and formed anew, more active group called the Carousels and Caverns Community. Besides eating pizza and watching episodes, we explore/discuss the Beauty and the Beast myth and the magic that was its essence, and we discover/discuss other existing manifestations of the same kind of magic (e.g. the Disney movie), which seem to be relatively few in this fast-paced technological world.
Our group meets every two weeks and have several exciting projects cooking. Many of you out there might be able to help us on some of these.
First, we are considering, but are not yet committed to, the idea of hosting the 1995 annual convention. But, since that would make 4 years in a row of conventions being held west of the Mississippi, we would probably be willing to yield to any Eastern group that would want to do the 1995 convention. So speak now, Easterners, or we will assume the rights to the '95 convention are ours for the taking.
Secondly, we have been in touch with the owners of the Griffith Park carousel (from "Promises of Someday") to discuss ideas for how we might be able to raise money for restoration of the carousel. Many of the horses need to be redone, and this is painstaking, expensive work that only certain skilled artisans can do.
Thirdly, we are seeking to fill one gap in our video library. Besides our TV show, most of us have seen the Disney version and the 1946 Cocteau version. Some of us have even seen the Rebecca de Mornay version, the Susan Sarandon Faerie Tale Theater version, the Sherilynn Fenn version ("Kiss of the Beast"), and even a really bad 1962 MGM version starring someone named Joyce Taylor. But no one has on tape the Hallmark Hall of Fame version of "Beauty and the Beast" that aired on NBC on December 3, 1976 and starred George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere. We thought a barrage of letters to PBS to see if we could get them to air it, or letters or calls to Children's Television Workshop in New York...
[...]
Fourth, we are scrapping our newsletter and starting anew quarterly one.
Fifth, we are discussing very seriously the idea of doing some kind of 'filmzine' project. Practically everyone in L.A. knows someone in the film industry, so we can probably call in some favors and get some kind of film made.
Also, we are considering having a Halloween event.
First" I must extend my appreciation to all the friends and fans at Great Expectations who lovingly and faithfully supported our "Bondstories" efforts. By far, the greatest joy of the con was having the pleasure of talking with so many of you. Your continued and enthusiastic response to our work keeps our dreams alive!
All the cons have been a treasured experience, but I agree with the sentiment that Austin somehow was sweeter, more delightful in many ways. The essence of fandom, however, rests not with participation in cons. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of fans who cannot attend cons; their connection to fandom exists through letters, phone calls, sine orders,etc. I feel the need to reach out to those fans; let them know that they are missed at cons but that they are a vital component of our fan community. Many of our steadfast readers are friends we've never met. We value their letters and look forward to hearing their thoughts, feelings and ideas.
The essence of fandom might just be the deeds of "accepting, loving, and caring" to honor the bond and love between Vincent and Catherine is to honor our fellow fans. Pay tribute to the Tunnel society by interacting positively within the fan community.
Good fortune has flourished in the zine-reading department; I have read three sines in a row which I found to be well-written, in-character presentations: "Beyond Beginnings I" by Linda Barth, "Parallel Worlds" by Peggy Garvin and "When The Phoenix Sings" by Sue Glasgow. Gosh, do I LOVE a good zine!
You said" in my heart the tunnels are real and so is Vincent." I guess that is why I cry so hard and feel like my heart is breaking when I read a sad zine and feel so happy when I read a "happily ever after" zine.
I've heard so much about the DreamSeekers skit that you wrote of in your letter [in a previous issue]. Is the skit on the videos of the con? I don't know if I can afford the videos right now, but if I knew the skit was on them, maybe that would give me an incentive to get some money up somehow.
Philip and Julie Smith have a great one to offer you. They have been furiously working on the Great Expectation videos which are now complete. They have begun the copying process and hope to have them mailed by November. Jeanne has the privilege of calling these people friends, as well as "OUT...IN" slaves. A special mention is being made here because of the dedication they have made to the quality of these videos. What originally was planned as a two-volume set evolved into a three-volume set for the same price of $39.95 (plus $3.00 for postage) because they refused to sacrifice the integrity of this project. There are some surprising extras that are both beautiful and creative. This is a true labor of love. Be sure to get your order in soon. You'll be sorry if you miss this one. Make checks payable to: Nov/Tek, Inc.
Issue 50
Once Upon a Time... Is Now 50 was published in November/December 1993 and contains 28 pages.
This issue contains a story called "Masks" and the finale of the round robin story.
This issue contains a signed card by the celebrities for fans, a short column called "Jay Watching" (about Jay Avocone), and many photos of fans (and Edward Albert) at Great Expectations.
From the editor:
Fifty issues ago, I started out my first column with the words "Once Upon a Time..." That seems so long ago, and yet again it seems like yesterday. Joyce DeBoard and I put out our first issue in May, 1988, with about 25 subscribers. Your response was overwhelming and we grew and grew and grew. Fandom was new and fresh — and eager. Each episode was received like a new baby. We counted its fingers and toes, turned it over and over and analysed it long into the night. Oooh, what glorious fun we had. Remember when we could hardly wait to call our friends in fandom and discuss the newest episode? We talked for hours on end about how Devin twisted Vincent's hair in "Brothers" or whether Vincent and Catherine would ever kiss... remember? Those were the good times. We made friends across the country or in some cases, across the world. Some friendships formed out of a love for a T.V. show have weathered the test of time to become part of our lives. They will remain when all else falls away from us. At this holiday time, in particular, my heart becomes so thankful and humble for all that I have.
Issue 50: Excerpts from the Letters
Attention all singers, songwriters, musicians, playwriters, actors, artists, seamstresses, directors and backstage crews: here's your chance to make musical history (infamy?) in a Musical B&B Skit for Tunnel Con III! Remember how much we loved the skit put on by the Dreamseekers at the GE Con? Let's stir up the magic and do it again!
The idea for a musical skit was conceived at one of the late-night sing-alongs around the piano at GE. It is still just a gleam in the eye of the two people who are interested so far, but it has fantastic potential. Thin of all the wonderful old love songs you know that have a line or verse that seem written for Vincent and Catherine. Put them together with fandom's talent, creativity and enthusiasm, and watch for something marvelous to grow. If you'd like to be part of it (or even just offer suggestions), please contact me and I'll try to get the ball rolling. If you know of anyone else who might be interested, give me their name and I'll send them an invitation. Thanks for your help, and see you at TC III!
The official convention video by NOV/TEK: Philip and Julie Smith put together the most outstanding convention tapes I have ever seen. They used beautiful techniques to effectively weave a fine tapestry of our con memories. This is anyone's best chance to go to Great Expectations if you couldn't physically be there or re-live what you experienced. I highly recommend these tapes to everyone.
[...]
Just a note. I received my 3 video tapes of "Great Expectations" and there was a note enclosed saying that the videos turned out to cost about $10.00 more because of the extra tape. It was a request by NOV/TEK that if this extra money could be sent to them, they would appreciate it. They did not come out and ask. I sent them the money.
I've owed "OUT...IN" another letter for a while now, but after watching Ron Perlman portray "Snake" on last week's episode of "The Untouchables", I just knew I had to write now. After watching this episode the first time, much less the 10th time, I believe Ron P. had a good time doing it. When he was holding that snake over his head and was imitating it with his tongue, I wonder if that was truly in the script, or if he was ad-libbing. I do know I saw more skin in this episode than I did in "Quest for Fire"....
And where the is Ron Perlman's album #2 Artie Ripp said we'd have? Maybe we need letters here also, like now! We B&B fans sure have to work hard for what we want, but like Catherine said, "It's worth everything." ... right.
Wasn't GE great?!? This is the first convention that I have been to where I felt really comfortable with everyone. I believe the GE staff, Teri Johnson especially, were so laid back in their handling of everything. They all just seem to have the right personality to run a con. It all just seemed to go so smoothly.
The one thing I will remember for the rest of my life happened after the talent show After seeing other fans talking to Edward, I was trying to get up the nerve to introduce myself. But I couldn't do it. Well, fortunately for me, Kathy Bayne was standing next to me and urging me on. She eventually just took my hand and introduced me to him. When he finally figured out who I was, he gave me a great big hug and said what a wonderful singer I was. (The reason it took him so long to place me was because I sang in a "Lucy" costume and now I was standing before him with shoulder-length, curly, auburn hair!) Well, after our short conversation, I felt like I could now die happy!! (God, I hope he never reads this!) As the weekend went along, I heard so many great stories about how great all of the guests were with the fans.
Thanks again to all of the guests and Great Expectations staff for making it such a wonderful convention!
As most fans now already know. Spelling Entertainment Group, Inc. have agreed in principle to acquire Republic Pictures Carp, for 93 million dollars, merging two medium size T.V. program companies in a deal engineered by Blockbuster Entertainment Corp. If Republic knew this was hanging in the air, no wonder they haven't invested time and money in, (what to us is vital), the Beauty and the Beast T.V. movies or silver screen film. The merger is due to be all sewn-up in January, when the new company will be born! As new management and new ideas and new deals are forged, setting the wheels in motion for success, so their new timetable MOST include our Beauty and the Beast, now, long overdue — right??? They must become aware of what we want, what we have worked hard for and what we support. If we don't tell them, who will? They will only be interested in the hard cold facts of: is demand high enough to worth risking millions of dollars? and is support still there? They won't care a fig leaf if its "Beauty and the Beast" they make or a Donald Duck cartoon. It's the box office return only they want. So, it's now up to us, each and every single fan that was and that is, to wait until we have an address then, in January, we move heaven and earth with our letters, postcards, flowers, ribbons, whatever, to make sure they are under no illusion as to what we want. It must be done with care. We must be polite and factual. Aggressive, heated or drooly letters are out. Remember each letter is worth 100 head counts. So please, start planning what to say, where to write and let's go for it. Please!
Well, now that the con is over, are we going to get down to business? Are we going to write letters to Ron Koslow? In my opinion, they have run out of excuses. If they don't get going on this movie in '94, I am beginning to doubt they ever will.
[from Laura Beth Cook]: A short note to those of you who have ordered BATB music videos from Ladybug Production. Sadly, I had to stop producing new videos. Because of time and cost constraints, I was only able to produce 3 of the 4 songs intended for Volume II. I will continue to make copies of the existing videos. Those of you who have ordered copies of Volume II, you will be getting a partial refund, along with a copy of the 3 songs that have been finished. I hope this will be satisfactory. Thank you to all of you for showing interest in the videos. I had fun making them while it lasted.