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"The Big O" Season 3 FAQ
Cast in the name of God, Ye not guilty.
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Paradigm City | Chiaki Konaka | Adult Swim | Bandai | Save Big O
UPDATE: Original ending!?
"The Big O" Season 3 FAQ
Welcome to the FAQ for the campaign to get the final conclusion to "The Big O" television
series.
"But I want to know! I want to learn what must be known." --Schwarzwald
This website is NOT going to go very in depth into the storyline of the show or the events of act 26. If thats what
you were looking for head over to Sixfortyfive's Plot
Analysis and The Paradigm-City forums. Also be warned
this site is infested with SPOILERS.
Now you're generally thinking one of three things:
A) "Dude I know everything about Big O and I just need to know what we've done so far and the Info I need to get
started!"
B) "I kind of liked that show and thought the ending was ok, but I really don't know whats going on."
c) "BIG HOE IS TEH S UCK"
Please choose to continue:
| A | B | C |
Please a click on a question or scroll down to learn a little bit about the show and the campaign for
season 3:
n00b Q's:
What is "The Big O"?
How many episodes are there?
What is the show about?
What is the show really about?
What does "The Big O" mean?
How did "The Big O" do in japan?
What was "The Big O Incident"?
What the hell happend in that last episode?
Why do we need a 3rd season?
Will it suck?!
What do the writers say about season 3?
What do the voice actors say?
What Is Cartoon Network?
What do they have to do with "The Big O"?
Campaign Q's
What is their reason for not wanting a 3rd season?
What is Cartoon Network thinking!?!
Why would they think that?
What is our plan regarding the Cartoon Network?
Who is Mike Lazzo?
What is Williams Street?
What is Bandai?
What is Sunrise?
What is The Anime Network?
What Is ADV films?
What is Savebigo.com?
What is Paradigm-City.com?
Who is Zola?
Who is Sixfortyfive?
What can I do?
What other Big O related stuff is there to buy?
Who created this website?
What is "The Big O"?
"The Big O" is an animated television show created by Hajime Yatate (Hajime Yatate is a psuedonym for a team of writers
for Sunrise) and written by Chiaki J. Konaka and Kuzuyoshi Katayama, produced by Bandai Visual (with Sunrise) and
Co-Produced by Cartoon Network.
Anime News Network Info & IMDb Info
Back to the top.
How many episodes are there?
Currently there are 26 episodes. The 13 original episodes created in 1999, and the second season which was created in
2003.
Click here for an episode list
Back to the top.
What is the show about?
The Show follows Roger Smith, a negotiator in the City called Paradigm, which 40 years ago suffered an unkown catastrophe which left everyone whith no
memories of the past.
They have managed to rebuild and now live under the rule of the Paradigm Corporation. Yet mysterious massive machines known
as Megadei still exist as relics of an unkown past, and its Roger Smith's duty to protect the city using "The Big O".
Back to the top.
What is the show really about?
Few animes these days can truly bring somthing new and interesting to the table, and "The Big O" is one of them.
Truthfully The Big O, while superficially can be compared to batman, is really a noir mystery story which was inspired by Fritz
Lang's
Metropolis and is similar to the movie Dark City with a little bit of Giant Robo thrown in.
The Show has 3 levels:
1) The Roger Smith talking with people then destroying things up with his robot level.
Basicly everyone who watches the show even in passing would be able to get this part.
2) The "I paid attention" plotline.
This is what takes up the bulk of the show and to most makes it the most interesting part. I could spend an eternity
describing how extensive the debates about the show are, or I could show you:
ADULT SWIM THREAD 1
ADULT SWIM THREAD 2
PARADIGM-CITY THREAD 1
PARADIGM-CITY THREAD 2
PARADIGM-CITY THREAD 3
PARADIGM-CITY THREAD 4
PARADIGM-CITY THREAD 5
PARADIGM-CITY THREAD 6
PARADIGM-CITY THREAD 7
3) The ellusive ultimate theme or message of the show.
If I were to come up with an all encompassing message or theme of the show, I'd have to give some vague reference to free
will.
I gather this from Roger Smith's comment: "Some people like to stand in the rain without an umbrella, thats what it means to
live free" in response to R-D's comments about somthing being as natural as "..opening up an umbrella in the rain". He
follows it up with his "People are not ruled by their memories!" line in the next Act. Basically everyone has control over
their own destiny and nothing should stop them. Whether its fear of the unkown past, or the director of the all to literal
stage who (possibly) scripts their lives.
The only person to ever come close to coming up with a unifying theme was Sixfortyfive:
"What illustrates this to me more to me than anything else is the contrast between Schwarzwald and Roger. Seebach was a
man who had, for the most part, noble intentions. Seek out the truth of the city's past, get people concerned and interested
in the nature of their existence, knowledge is power, all that stuff. But he became so damn obsessed with the whole thing
that it turned him into a paranoid, murderous psycopath.
Roger Smith? Doesn't care much about the past. He has his demons and issues with it, yes, but he thinks it's more important
to focus on the present and future and that no matter what has happened in days past, that life is only what you make it to
be, and that (possibly false) memories aren't what make people who they are. Though he often had to confront these mysteries
in his line of duty, dealing with people like Alex, Schwarzwald, and the Union, all of his actions were done with the sole
intent of simply protecting the people of Paradigm City. He never once embarked to unravel the past for his own purposes, and
he is likely better for it.
Memories, in the context of this show, are often a terrible and untrustworthy thing. Some seek to exploit them for power,
some cling onto them for false hope, and some lose their sanity to them. It's all akin to opening Pandora's Box. Let the past
be. Live in the present. Strive towards the future. That's the theme of the show to me. That's the one point that comes
across when all's said and done."
Back to the top.
What does "The Big O" mean?
"An orgasm! LOL I'm so funny"
I doubt the creators of the show knew about english slang...
Anyway, in several japanese translated interviews they refer to it as "the big zero", which follows the duo=2 and possibly
fau=4 theories. Other theories exist, like Big O
notation.
But the real reason straight from the main man is that the name is a reference to Daitetsujin 17 (Great Iron Giant 17), an old school
giant robot anime where the ending theme song went: "oh! oh! oh!".
Back to the top.
How did "The Big O" do in Japan?
If you heard that The Big O failed in Japan, you have only heard half the story. The Big O did not "fail" in japan, it did
only average. Meaning it just never caught on with the mainstream.
But this more makes sense once you learn that it aired on a satelitte network called "WOWOW". I had even read that one of the
japanese voice actors actually asked another VA to tape the Big O for her becuase she didn't have that channel.
It is also more obvious why the show only gained lukewarm success in japan when you realize that The Big O avoids all
sterotypical anime standards like big eyes, and people falling over when stupid stuff is said, or ... umm you know where I am
going with this.
And to top it all off it was set in New York and not some futuristic Tokyo like half of the anime that comes out these days.
So limited release and overwhelmingly western themes and settings let The Big O to go unnoticed in japan and to be cut off
for 3 years at a most perplexing of cliffhangers.
It wasn't unitll overwhelming american support and Cartoon Network stepped in before Japan got to see the second season.
The Japanese version of the second season aired on the japanese equivalent of the Cartoon Network almost simulatneously with
the American showing.
Back to the top.
What Was "The Big O Incident"?
Starting in August of 2003, the new episodes of the show had been premiering every sunday at 11:00. (The first time an action
show had kicked off a block of Adult Swim, I believe)
Well, after 3 episodes of direct cliffhangers, act 26 was scheduled to air on October 26th, the night of their special
Halloween themed night / webcam party where they claimed that "We will kill you" or somthing to that extent.
But unfortunately that night they aired act 20, immediately the message boards were flooded with threads asking what happened
to the episode, what the hell is going on, etc.
Some speculated it was a "Cartman's Mom" like prank they pulled for the Halloween special and to make matters worse some at
the webcam party began to insult the people on the message boards.
"At the webcam party on Halloween, staff members (there was nobody there from Action except Dennis, who was acting as the
door guard) were making fun of Big O when it was on until one asked "Is anyone WATCHING this shit?" before turning it off.
They flipped back when Brak premiered."
-livingfruitvirus
They later apoligized and explained that the whole thing was a big mix up, and to rectify the whole situation they had to
push back a much hyped never before aired episode of family guy to premiere act 26 of The Big O. Then when they finally
showed it, they aired 30 second of act 20 and then cut to a card which said somthing like "We had to do it"
Moral of The Story: Big O had (and still has) a much larger following that most people give it credit for.
Read the Anime News Network article Here
The Apology:Link
(Other Big O mixups include the the time they removed 30 seconds off the end of act 26 by mistake.)
Back to the top.
What the hell happend in that last episode?
"The whole thing was one big stage and everything was fake, and at the end everything restarted"
That explanation reminds me of Homestar's explanation of this cartoon: Sweet Cuppin' Cakes
First off let me debunk one myth: "At the end everything reset back to the begining"
It very much did NOT reset back to the begining, If it really reset, why didn't it go back 40 years ago again? Plus Dorothy
and Angel are standing at the side of the road, and roger was going to negotiate for Dorothy's release in the first
act.
Ok so what really did happen?
After studying the Official Guide Book Krang over at Paradigm City has translated the ending of the original script for Act 26. Read it here
Another earlier attempt to consolidate the shows mysteries into one place and finally solving them was this:
Sixfortyfive's Big O Plot Analysis
It's very well done, but unfortunately he never really came to any conclusion or even finished it. Most of it was his own work, although I do recognize some interesting theories collected off of the Paradigm-City forums.
And Sixfortyfive hasn't been an active member of the forums for a very long time, and many of those theories may have become
outdated
Anyway, It's interesting to note that Act 26 ends differently than the script contained within the official companion book.
Well anyway, its obvious from these scans from the book that somthing f'ed up is going on in that
city:
And honestly no one really knows what happend at the end or what it was all supposed to mean. All of us from Paradigm-City
and Adult Swim have poured over the facts for over a year now, and the more we do, the more appearant that we have absolutely
no idea what was going on. Believe me, we tried, read those threads from the question above.
Back to the top.
Why do we need a 3rd season?
The reason Big O fans are so deadset on getting the 3rd season is becuase the show is not over. It would be a colossal shame for a show as thought provoking and wondefull as the Big O to end becuase of financial reasons rather than creative reasons. And as we pass the one year mark of season 2's premiere, we are no closer to understanding what the last couple episodes meant or
what was really going on. In fact, the more people discussed and analyzed, the more they realized that there was way, way,
WAY too much stuff left hanging and foreshadowing that was yet to be fufilled. All theories people have presented rely upon
information not given in the show and usually render 90% of the show pointless.
What are those gears at the bottom of the ocean? What was all that about rogers coming off an assembly line? Why was there a
picture of young gordon shaking hands with roger with an unfinished dome behind them? What was their contract? What is big
venus? What is the point of those stagelights? What was the vision of roger with a seatbelt and different clothes all about?
What is with b666? What is that underground place? Why did angel grow wings? What was that control room at the end? why was
she rehersering her own life? why was she desigining a dorothy doll? why did everything get erased? what was roger doing
driving at the end again? he was still a negotiator.... why were angel and dorothy standing at the side of the road? WHAT THE
HELL WAS THAT GIANT YELLOW THING THAT GOT TEN SECONDS OF AIR TIME?! What is the nature of android/megadeus compatitibily?
What is it that schwarzwald wrote to roger? What does beck know about androids and megadei? What exactly was gordons tomato
project going to do, perserve memories? What memories? What was that giant ball of light that turned the sky to a giant grid? What is with glinda and dr waynerights mansion? Why does he have a
copper room? The never fully explained the the soldano/wayneright situation? What is with winter night phantom and the
repeating movie and mini dastun? What was going on in that scene where there were three rogers a including tomato child and
invisable man? What did those images of many bigs figthing leviathans and destroying paradigm mean? What happend 40 years
ago? Is there even such thing as 40 years ago? Is paradigm even real?
And this is only the stuff I could think of off the top of my head........
In fact its quite obvious that toward the end the writers felt very rushed and had to cram things in at the last moment
hoping CN would pick up the 3rd season and give them a chance to expand upon them.
One of the biggest (literally) examples is Behemoth:
Remember that thing? They showed it for a tenth of a second then it was destroyed.
Even the writers have shown interest in a third season: Here
And finally, if that isn't enough for you, here are a couple threads oozing with reasons:
ADULT SWIM SEASON 3 THREAD
PARADIGM-CITY SEASON 3
THREAD
Hello! Act 26 was called "THE SHOW MUST GO ON!" :-)
Back to the top.
Will it suck?!
"Dude remember DBZ? They just kept dragging it on and it got worse and worse....just stop whining the show's over deal
with it"
The fact is this is very much a different situation than DBZ. DBZ was meant to end at Freeza, with Big O the writers have
actually shown interest in continuing the series, no one is forcing them to do it.
If you think it will suck, then obviously you have no faith in the writers. They did an excellent job with season 2 almost 3
years after the first one had ended.
"hey but if they explain everything flat out, that would suck so bad, it would spoil everything if they just gave it all
away"
Nobody wants that, the writers are very good at keeping things mysterious, and we trust them, and heck, since when did any
Big O fan not like figuring things out on their own!
So basicly season 3 could be the most awesome thing ever or another "Godfather 3", either way we have nothing to
lose!
Back to the top.
What do the writers say about season 3?
The head writer of The Big O, Chiaki J. Konaka, was emailed and asked about season 3.
He responded:
Hello.
Thank you for enjoying "The Big-O".
Unfortunately, there is no project about the "Season 3".
But If you and fans of "The Big-O" want it,
The staff of "The Big-O" could be reunion.
Regards.
cjk
He also put this on his homepage ealy on which linked to Savebigo.com:
Do You Want To See 3rd?
The link has since been replaced by other links but here is what is written in japanese on his website regarding The Big O. (sorry about the crappy translation, the english version of
the same page was replaced by the "Walking Together Down The Yellow Brick Road" Big O audio drama):
"In about 1996, Keiichi Sato (Original Concept, Character Designer) called Kazuyoshi Katayama (Director) and worked out
together the brand-new and some old fashioned "Robot Animation" plan. They built enormous image boards , sketching between 3
years. The Megadus(robots) of THE BIG-O, the most of main characters and the look of Paradigm city were made entirely by two.
I was invited since production of this plan when the broadcasting were decided in 1999. I establish an attribute of "town
which lost memory in 40 years ago" to the paradigm city, and adding character nature of Dorothy. I invited talented
scriptwriters, and we spun a script and put it up. A little after the writing the scripts, the show's 26 episodes had been
shorten to 13 suddenly.
I didn't do that I digested the matter that I assumed by 26 stories by 13 stories entirely. And established the temporary
conclusion in form to "still continue as for the story" by 13 stories and intended to wait for the opportunity that made a
sequel. However, there wasn't despite the hit that the sequel can make immediately though the show got high evaluation from
the Japanese audience. Thus we did only the determination to make a continuance someday.
In 2000, THE BIG-O was broadcasted in an American Cartoon Network . Between American anime fans, an extremely big reaction
was provided. Anime Jump presided by Mr. Michael Toole supported this. I give thanks to Mr. Michael Toole again. The American
fan sent a voice to want to "watch the sequel" to Cartoon Network and Bandai America a lot. Production after the Act 14
episodes of THE BIG-O became possible hereby.
From Act 14 producing to Act 26, we estimate these episodes as "Second Season" currently. Just after the Act 13, Act 14 story
starts. I can't just make the last half that I assumed as all 26 stories. First Season could not but somewhat omit the
vertical axis and the element (foreshadowings) at all 13 stories and a decided stage in order not to be able to respond in 13
stories. In addition, there were so many requests that they want the ending properly from Japan and foreign fans who watched
to the first 13 stories. We are now creating "THE BIG-O" as we want to make, and to watch while hearing such the voices. All
the scripts of Second Season have been written by me.
We completely produce Second Season as a continuance of First Season as had described before. We've thought that it's better
to broadcast First Season before broadcasting Second Season for the audience (includes new audience) in once blank nearby for
three years. In Japan First Season is going to broadcast in October. Second Season will be broadcast successively.
Please expect it, and prepare for the Sudden Impact."
SOURCE
Let me emphasize this:
"From Act 14 producing to Act 26, we estimate these episodes as "Second Season" currently. Just after the Act 13, Act 14
story starts. I can't just make the last half that I assumed as all 26 stories."
"I can't just make the last half I assumed as all 26 stories"!!! he says it right there on his website people. He wasn't able
to tell the story he wanted to in 26 episodes. It seems that on paper they thought up a 26 episode show, but early in season
1 they realized they were going to be prematurely cut off at act 13. Thats why season 1 is mostly filler and then ends in a
gigantinc cliffhanger. They hoped someone would come along to help the finish it. CN came along and voila! Season 2.
"First Season could not but somewhat omit the vertical axis and the element (foreshadowings) at all 13 stories and a
decided stage in order not to be able to respond in 13 stories. In addition, there were so many requests that they want the
ending properly from Japan and foreign fans who watched to the first 13 stories. We are now creating "THE BIG-O" as we want
to make, and to watch while hearing such the voices. All the scripts of Second Season have been written by me."
It seems obvious that the second season had to spend time backtracking and adding in the foreshadowing and base elements that
were left out of the first season! So in a way, the 3rd season would be the REAL second season. :-)
You can send the head writer of "The Big O" an email by clicking here.
Back to the top.
What do the voice actors say?
Steven Jay Blum, english voice actor
for Roger Smith has been quoted as saying "I'd LOVE to do a third season!". Although he also admitted he has no idea whats
going on in the show. Another voice actor has said that they are usually the last to know about any developments
anyway.
Back to the top.
What Is Cartoon Network?
Cartoon Network was created by Turner Broadcasting to show reruns from the collection of cartoons they possessed after
acquiring the MGM and Hanna-Barbera libraries. After the Time Warner merger they not only gained more material but focused on
creating original programming (All those Dexter's Lab and Powerpuff Cartoons).
Back to the top.
What do they have to do with "The Big O"?
On Cartoon Network. Toonami was created to showcase different action shows, but mostly japanese anime. During its run The
Original 13 episodes of The Big O had been dubbed and were shown on the Toonami block, but the show was heavily edited,
including any reference to God.
The cliffhanger ending to the first 13 episodes (season 1) and overwhelming support from American fans actually stirred
Cartoon Network into accomplishing the unprecedented task of ressurrecting an anime that was already over in japan.
Cartoon Network (Including Sean Akins, creative director of Toonami at its peak) then
Co-Produced 13 brand new episodes (Season 2) with Bandai with the intention of airing them
on the new Adult Swim Block.
Cartoon Network had little to do with the creative aspect of The Big O other than laying out
some general guidelines about what can or cannot be shown, and possibly the infamous request
for the writers to leave act 26 intentionally incomplete so that the option for 26 additional
episodes would be left for CN once they saw how season 2 did.
Email from Voice actor: "Cartoon Network had
the option to have more episodes created, so they
asked the guys to make some minor changes just in case
they decided to go on with more.."
It was confirmed that CN had an an option for 26 additional episodes after the 13 they already produced, before the second season even aired.
"If the series succeeds in the Adult Swim rotation, the network has the option to order 26 more episodes."
SOURCE
(Cartoon Network Contact Info)
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What is their reason for not wanting a 3rd season?
One friend Vtanne, got this
response from Cartoon Network:
"Dear ******:
As I am sure you well know, the anime world is filled with vast wastelands of mindless drivel, so when we come across
something that is both well written and thought provoking, we take note. Although we here at Adult Swim have no end of
respect for anime and especially culturally significant series such as Big O, at this time we can no longer continue to fund
such a massive undertaking as befits the maintenance of the Big O. Someone has to pay for the city blocks he destroyed. In
actuality, we love the series and would not have asked for a second season to be produced if we thought it was not worth
pursuing. Nevertheless, we belong to cable television network, and while we have a fair amount of freedom in what we produce,
we are not gods. Minor deities, maybe, but gods, no.
In short, float us a loan, and then we will talk about a third season.
In the mean time, we hope to have a whole bevy of new, equally engaging anime to share with the world. Hopefully one or two
of them will sufficiently break and rebuild the minds of our viewers in the grand tradition of Big O and FLCL.
Forever yours,
Adult Swim"
SOURCE: CN
Letter
It comes off as kind of insulting, especially when you read this article from the Anime News Network:
"Cartoon Network the fastest growing network at Turner Broadcasting
Cartoon Network, the cable TV home of many anime series such as Case Closed, Wolf's Rain and, Inuyasha is the fastest growing
network in Turner Broadcasting's impressive line-up of networks that includes CNN, TBS and TNT. In fact, investors and press
recently learned that Cartoon Network is more profitable than CNN. In 2003 Cartoon Network turned $650 million in revenue,
17% of the the entire Turner Broadcasting revenue, compared to $535 million (14%) in revenue for CNN and the rest of Turner
Broadcastings news operations.
Cartoon Network's financial success is being attributed to increased ad revenue thanks to its ever increasing adult audience,
and low operating costs. Adult Swim has consistently ranked #1 in its time period (11 pm - 2 am) on basic cable with adults
18-34, against competition from late night talk shows like NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno and the CBS Late Show with David
Letterman.
In early July Cartoon Network reported impressive growth statistics over last year for Adult Swim in key adult demographics
such as 23% in adults 18-34, 47% in adults 18-24 and 76% in women 18-24."
Source: Anime News Network
Besides the condescending tone of the letter, Big O fans feel let down that they would go through all the trouble to make the
Second season, (which was excellent) build up a big fanbase, then all of a sudden turn their backs on the fans and pretend
that they can just exchange the show for some other anime and we won't know the difference and/or just give up on it.
Back to the top.
What is Cartoon Network thinking!?!
Sean Akins, Creative Director for cartoon network said this:
ToonZone: Toonami's helped get new episodes of some old shows on the air, like ReBoot and The Big O. Are there any series
you'd like to see continued?
Sean Akins: The Big O, we co-produced that second season. I thought it was a great project, I liked it a lot. But I think
it's a little bit too cerebral. It started off on Toonami and moved to Adult Swim, and it did okay but it wasn't really
burning it up. I would love to see that finished, but I think the likelihood of that is slim to none. Mainly, these days
we're trying to make new shows, co-produce new shows, and get some new things on the air instead of looking back.
Source: ToonZone 09-12-2004
"I would like to see that finished"? It seems pretty obvious now that there were plans to make a 3rd season. Although
he states that our chances are slim to none, but there are many examples of shows being brought back, including big o itself!
Imagine if you told someone 4 years ago that an anime would be brought back by support from an american company.... and
CARTOON NETWORK of all things. History is on our side, its happend before, it can happend again, but we must stay
persistent.
Yet, after investing so much in the show and building a huge following they would just drop the show like that?
The truth is they might not have the money to make season 3 (this year), or maybe season 3 is just costs more than they're
willing to spend.
"So they want to make money?....THOSE BASTARDS!!!"
Well the truth is you can't really blame CN for not wanting to pick up the season 3 option. When they made the second season
Toonami was the big moneymaker and Sean Akins & Co. co-produced the second season in order to use it as their next big thing.
In a way it was, but in the meantime those little 15 minute cartoons suddenly took off and became huge.
In fact its one of the most gigantic ironies of the Adult Swim block!
Big O is undoubtably one of the most complicated and involving shows on the entire Cartoon Network and it is juxtaposed with
some of the most random and pointless programmings such as Aqua Teen Hunger Force. (Don't get me wrong ATHF is awesome)
It's no wonder Cartoon Network would decide to drop the season 3 option in favor of the
comedy shows which are much cheaper to produce and in the short run do better in the ratings that the action shows.
Big O is kind of hard to sell and just isn't marketable in the same way the comedy shows are.
Action Shows like Big O are completely different from the comedy shows and not to mention the fans are usually of different demographics.
Or in my opinion they just don't believe that "The Big O" has enough fans.....
Back to the top.
Why would they think that?
Many people get the misconception that there aren't very many big o fans, becuase Big O fans aren't doing enought to make sure that their voices are heard,
but this is the same show that was ressurected almost entirely by american support (and more importantly Cartoon Network).
It seems impossible that now after all the exposure the show has gotten, it has become less popular... thats absurd. If we want to get a 3rd season you have to make sure you buy the DVD's, write letters, etc...
One possible reason is becuase of people like this that plague serious Big O disucssions and discourage visibility:
"I hate Big O. It ish boring and it makes no since. All two or three or whatever seasons should be
**bleep**ING BURNED TO ASHES. THEN WE **bleep**ING BURN THE ASHES INTO ASHES!!!! BIG O HATERS REJOICE!!!! REPENT!!! **bleep**
BIG O!!!" (Actual Post)
Most people on any forum, usually have little patience when dealing with people like this, and with the vast number of
newbies whch constantly flood the forums it becomes very annoying.
Many people got discouraged, word spread to places like www.paradigm-city.com that the AS forums were crawling with losers
who bash every TBO thread to death and soon no one even went to check it out for themselves. It just became accepted that if
you like TBO don't go to the AS forums.
Back to the top.
What is our plan regarding the Cartoon Network?
TIME WARNER TO PRODUCE NEW ANIME
"Time Warner and Itochu Corp (C. Itoh & Co.) have announced that they will jointly produce new anime to be broadcast simultaneously on Cartoon Network in Japan and North America.
By April 2006, the joint venture is expected to be producing weekly episodes for three shows, at a budget of 20 million yen ($US 190,000) per episode, 20 to 50 percent higher than the current average budget for anime TV series. The added budget will be spent on higher-than-average quality animation using more animators and other staff than is typically used in anime.
By June 2005, the joint venture is expected to be set up with a fund of 3 billion yen (US$29 million) and will seek funding from other partners including broadcasters, animation studios, and toy manufacturers.
In addition to producing the anime, the companies expect to profit from the development and marketing of related merchandise. Guaranteed spots on the American and Japanese Cartoon Networks, combined with the worldwide popularity of anime, is expected to insure better than average returns on investment, enticing investors.
The anime series will also be marketed to international broadcasters in Europe and Asia."
SOURCE
It's clear now that CN has the means and intent to produce new anime!
We're are going to show them that the numerous Big O fans are ready and willing to wait for additional Big O (additional episodes, movie, OAV,.... anything) and that is what they should pursue next.
Why would the pass up a chance to invest in something that has already proved itself to be successfull and already has a prexisting fanbase.
Back to the top.
Who is Mike Lazzo?
Mike Lazzo is the senior vice president of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.
I personally don't think he is a bad guy and he's just doing his job, but he has obviously shown that he is definately not an
anime person, and as one of the Big guys involved with CN and AS by some he is seen as the one responsible for shelving big o
in favor of cheaper comedy shows which actually do in the short run do better than the action shows in the ratings.
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What is Williams Street?
"Williams Street Studios is the 'company' (it's more like a division of Cartoon Network, owned by Turner Broadcasting, an
'operational unit' of Time Warner) that produces the animated series Aqua Teen Hunger Force, The Brak Show, Sealab 2021 and
Space Ghost: Coast to Coast, among others. These shows air on Cartoon Network as part of the Adult Swim block of
programming.
The name comes from the fact that the studios are on Williams Street in Atlanta, the town where Ted Turner founded WTBS-TV,
and eventually Cartoon Network." -The
Wikipedia
So basicly they are the creative people behind Adult Swim. (Mostly the Comedy Shows). Although I doubt they really have any
control in the future of The Big O, I'm sure alot of their decisions directly effect the Adult Swim block. (The block of
telelvion on the Cartoon Network that aired The Big O)
P.S. I love their stuff, I've been watching Space Ghost since '94.
(Williams Street Contact Info)
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What Is Bandai?
"Bandai Entertainment Inc. is the premier distributor of Japanese animation home video in North America. They have
distributed such notable titles like the "Mobile Suit Gundam" series, "Escaflowne", "Cowboy Bebop", and "The Big O".
Bandai Entertainment Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai America Incorporated, who makes the toys for the hit television series,
Power Rangers and Digimon.
Bandai Entertainment Inc. focuses on home video distribution and licensing. All U.S. operations are headquartered in a large,
ultra-modern facility in Cypress, Calif.
Bandai Co., Ltd is the third largest toy company in the world comprising 53 subsidiaries in 18 countries. In addition to toys
and children's entertainment, Bandai Co.'s global interests include video game software, multimedia, music and full-length
feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies, and licensed apparel."
I don't know much about the legal stuff surrounding The Big O, but I do know if there is anyone that "owns" the Big O I think
its Bandai. And I also know that that cartoon network Co-Produced season 2 and that "Co" is Bandai. So if you want a season
3, not only do we need CN on board, but we need Bandai to be in on it too.
In fact some have speculated that the abscence of a 3rd season might be due to a miscommunication between CN and Bandai or
more likely that Bandai animators and staff are tied down on other projects.
BANDAI NEWS:
From animenewsnetwork.com:
Bandai Visual Establishes US Office (2005-01-24 03:59:13)
"Bandai Visual is establishing a subsidiary in California this month called, "Bandai Visual USA." The company will conduct US market research with the results being reflected in the production of new anime. According to the Nikkei Net article the company will also "sell DVDs of hit Japanese anime." The company is being set up with a capital of 1 Hundred Million Yen (US$972,000 Approx.)"
Comment by Paradigm Dog / Uncle Schwarzwald:
"This may effect BIG-O's future. With the focus wholly on the US market, the largest BIG-O market, we may be able to gain some more ground for new episodes. That is, unless this branch is dealing only with heavy toy-selling shows, like the recent D.I.C.E. investment.
Still, we should continue to show our support for BIG-O to Bandai. They were the other company that helped us get Season 2 afterall and they get direct profits from DVD sales. I'm sure they'd love to sell us some more BIG-O anime that we'll buy in droves. This could be very good news in the long run.
A site for the new branch isn't up yet, but the US Bandai Entertainment anime site has a e-contact form. They do tend to read these from what I've experienced because I asked them a question once on this form about a soundtrack and they got back to me the next day (maybe even sooner if I recall). Ironically enough, the form has BIG-O as its top art border.Let them know we want the rest of THE BIG-O"
(Bandai Contact Info)
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What is Sunrise Inc.?
The original creator of The Big O is "Hajime Yatate". Hajime Yatate is a fake name used to represent the people who work at
sunrise. Sunrise is a member of the Bandai group and is involved in the production of The Big O.
They have produced:
Argento Soma
Big O
Cowboy Bebop
Crest of the Stars (a.k.a. Seikai no Monsho)
Dirty Pair
Gasaraki
InuYasha
Mobile Suit Gundam, a mecha animation
Outlaw Star
The Vision of Escaflowne
Witch Hunter Robin
(Sunrise Contact Info)
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What is the Anime Network?
"Anime Network, a subsidiary of A.D. Vision, Inc. (parent company to ADV Films and Newtype USA), is the first cable
channel in North America dedicated to anime, with access to thousands of hours of exciting, eye-catching serialized
programming. Anime Network launched in North America in late 2002 with extensive availability initially through digital cable
video-on-demand technology and has become the #1 offering of video-on-demand. The first network to launch on VOD and evolve
into a 24/7 channel (in selected markets) beginning Summer 2004."
Now their importance to season 3:
In the event that the Cartoon Network doesn't want to pursue the season 3 option, it was suggested that The Anime Network
would be able to fill that void and provide the conclusion to the series.
Initially I thought this not a great idea becuase The Anime Network's parent company ADV is most likely in comptetion with
Bandai... but after reading a little more it seemed much more plausible. Here are a few excerpts from an interview with Chris
Nelson (the programming director at The Anime Network):
[Cookie3] Let's go back and touch on a few follow-up questions from earlier responses.
[Cookie3] (from LightNightmare148) What is the most successful genre block right now?
[ChrisNelson] Giant Robots.
Giant robots? Good but not anything important.
[Cookie3] (from wcy2003) In the fashion that Cartoon network has done, will you be funding or showing original works or
American anime-like creations?
[ChrisNelson] We'll be creating original programming, but I don't know if we're comfortable with "anime like'
programming.
[ChrisNelson] we're the anime network, not a cartoon channel.
Creating original programming, now thats interesting. In addition they continue to take subtle stabs at the Cartoon Network
in
this fashion, and stating how they don't censor their anime.
Its possible though if The Anime Network came sniffing around for The Big O (a show CN has invested heavily in), that they
would refuse to give up the rights.
Although CN had Robotech for a while but The Anime Network announced 5-10-04 that it has acquired the exclusive right to
broadcast all 85 episodes.
Either way, it will continue to draw interest to The Big O and its unique position.
(Anime Network Contact Info)
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What is ADV Films?
"In the 12 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) for
the North American market and has also developed a leadership position in the UK. With best-selling titles such as Neon
Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic!, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films' extensive catalog is
fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. ADV Films' library also includes popular live-action science fiction
programs such as The Jim Henson Company's Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and the Saturn
Award-nominated Mutant X.
Parent company, A.D. Vision, Inc., encompasses a multitude of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television,
licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is America's first and only television
network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide via digital cable 24 hours a day.
The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, the premier anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga, dedicated to
publishing graphic novels. Most recently, the company formed ADV Toys, creating exclusive toys and collectible merchandise
based upon the company's extensive original content holdings. Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and
Japan."
(ADV Contact Info)
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What is Savebigo.com?
Savebigo.com was a website created by a certain group of Big O fans in response to letters received from Cartoon Network stating they had no intention of creating a 3rd season. I allowed them to use my FAQ but I do not run or currently participate in any of SBO's operations, and it's not required that you do either.
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What is Paradigm-city.com?
Paradigm-city is an awesome website created by enigmatic figures known as "Krang" & "Shredder". It is BY FAR the best
website for anything and everything Big O related: Images, articles, movies, anything.
It is also home to the Paradigm-City Forums, the only set
of forums I know about devoted entirely to The Big O. Almost everyone who discusses The Big O outside of the AS forums is at
Paradigm-City. It holds hudreds of pages of valuable discussions about ANYTHING Big O. If you are a well seasoned Big O fan
looking for more, or just a newbie to the show looking for some info. Head over to Paradigm-City
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Who is Zola
Zola is part of the administating team that runs Savebigo.com.
Paradigm Info & Save Big O
Info
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Who is Sixfortyfive
Sixfortyfive was an active member of Paradigm-City in its earlier days, he created his Big O Plot Analysis. It contains his own episode by episode
analysis along with many other theories that people had come up. Unfortunately he doesn't come around that often, and has
never finished the analysis. He even has said that there is alot of outdated information in his analysis.
Paradigm City Info
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THE SIMPLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO MAKE SEASON 3 HAPPEN
1) Purchase the DVD's.
Pretty simple, if you like the show buy the DVD's. This is by far the easiest way to show
them how many people are interested in the show, and lets face it, money talks.
The Complete First Season (Acts 1-13)
The Big O (Collector's Edition Set)
The Complete Second Season (Acts 14-26)
The Big O II - Complete Collection
[WARNING: The set may be DISCONTINUED after Christmas!!!!]
(ADDITIONAL BIG O MERCHANDISE)
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2) Tell People what you think!
If you really want to see the show continue, you have to let the people in charge know!
The only real way that anyone will take us seriously, is if you write to them. It's the primary way we can make any sort of imapct.
WILLIAMS STREET
Adult Swim
1065 Williams St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Official Adult Swim Website
(Why Williams Street?)
CARTOON NETWORK
[We are writing our letters to Jim Samples, General Manager and Executive Vice President,
Cartoon Network]
Turner Broadcasting System Inc.
Cartoon Network
1050 Techwood Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Savebigo.com
Example Letter
Kim Manning
Programming Director, Adult Swim
Cartoon Network
1050 Techwood Dr NW
Atlanta GA 30318
Kim is the one who issued this apology: Link
CN Phone #'s
404-885-2263
404-827-1700
Mike Lazzo's Email (I think)
(Who is Mike Lazzo?)
Official Cartoon Network
Website
[Use the "Feedback Form" to send them a message]
England:
Cartoon Network
1 Soho Square
London, England
W1V 5FD
020-7478-1000
(Why Cartoon Network?)
BANDAI
Customer Service
Bandai Entertainment
P.O. Box 6054
Cypress, CA 90630
Or in japan:
Bandai Networks Co., Ltd.
2-5-4, Komagata, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-8081
Official Bandai Contact Page
(why Bandai?)
SUNRISE INC.
Sunrise Inc.
2-44-10 Kami-igusa, Suginami-ku, Tokyo Japan 167-0023
[or in kanji]
Official Sunrise Contact Page
[Warning: Japanese Only]
(Why Sunrise?)
CHIAKI J. KONAKA
He is the head writer of "The Big O" and can be reached here.
THE ANIME NETWORK
[Chris Nelson is the programming director of The Anime Network]
Chris Nelson
c/o The Anime Network
5750 Bintliff Dr. #216
Houston, Tx 77036
Official Anime Network Contact Page
(Why the Anime Network?)
ADV Films
ADV Films Contact Page
(Why ADV Films?)
3) Increase knowledge and visibility!
In other words, spread the message!
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What other Big O related stuff is there to buy?
The Soundtracks
Boy are they awesome! My favorites are Stoning (used in the Act 14 opening) and Spirit (used in the Act 26 opening)
The Big O:
Original Sound Score
The Big O: Original Sound Score II
The Manga
I haven't read all of the manga, and I'm not a huge fan. The story is vastly different from the anime. I guess its alright if
you just want some more of that day to day negotiating bussiness storylines......
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5
Volume 6
The Official Companion Book
Its a 111 or so page book thats full of concept art, episode summaries, creator interviews, and all kinds of other goodies!
Only draw back.....its all in japanese. I'd say a good 66% of it is useable, and for a diehard Big O fan its worth it for all
the art and sketches (like the ones I used in this FAQ). Unfortunately the most interesting parts like the creator interviews
and script for the last act are in japanese. Although the very last page is completely red and at the bottom big letters
spell "THE SHOW MUST GO ON..."
The Official Companion Book
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Who created this website?
This site was created by Zopwx2, regular on Paradigm-City.
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