Berth Milton: It's
great to get recognition. Y'know, in some ways there are similarities between
how people perceive our industries. Some people watch science fiction movies,
enjoy them, but then turn around and make fun of Trekkies or Star Wars
fans.
In much the same way, people
enjoy our products and services, but often don't admit to it in public.
Indeed, serious financial analysts and institutions -- who can be important
to a company on the stock market -- have admitted to us that they don't
want to be associated with us publicly but they like our products!
So, it's nice to find common
ground with the science fiction community and, of course, Private managed
to combine adult and science fiction in the Uranus Experiment trilogy!
Are you a science fiction
fan? If so, what are your influences?
BM: I have to say
that I'm not a rampant reader or viewer of science fiction, but I will
admit -- in public! -- that I like it whenever I get the chance to watch
or read it.
It's a genre that is very
escapist. Takes you out of day-to-day business for a break into another
world. It's hard not to love Star Trek or Star Wars, but
I also like to watch serious documentaries on space and science issues.
How do you rate the competition?
BM: That puts me in
an awkward position! I haven't seen some of them -- I spend about 14 to
16 hours a day in the office! -- but The Matrix is a serious competitor!
Why is space cool?
BM: Space, be it what
is commonly called 'outer space' or just space in the design of your house
or space in music, is vital. Whether it's reggae music or the stop-start
of Nirvana, it's the space they leave that makes the impact.
So-called 'Outer Space' is
cool because it's like the sea: deep, mysterious, romantic, dangerous,
thrilling, and with the promise of new discoveries beyond. All at the same
time! Yes, space is definitely cool.
The nomination is on the
Nebula ballot under protest. Do you have any comment on that?
BM: I wasn't fully
aware of the controversy, but I am realistic enough to know that there
would be objections from some people. There's always someone who objects
in public, even if they might enjoy such movies in the privacy of their
own homes or view our internet sites.
How has the series sold?
BM: One of our best
sellers. Having 3D from Massive Attack and Liam from The Prodigy doing
the soundtrack raised quite a bit of publicity in the music media and that,
of course, helped.
Are you happy with the
results of the zero-g sequence?
BM: It was a technical
and physical feat, especially for the actor! In terms of conveying the
zero-g scene on film, I think maybe the third part of the trilogy showed
it better than the first two. That's just a personal opinion!
Is this really the first
act of zero-g sex, not just on film?
BM: I'm not aware
of anybody else who has done it, on film or not on film. If there is another
attempt on film, I'd like to see it...
Why hadn't anyone thought
of this before?
BM: It is a surprise,
isn't it? They say the same things about great marketing ideas and commercial
inventions. It's nice to be in good company!
Any advice for teams itching
to film on Mir?
BM: "Boldly go...",
and send me any interesting film sequences!
How about amateurs looking
to charter a jet and dive?
BM: As you said. You
would not want to be afraid of flying, that's for sure!
Where to from here?
BM: It's difficult
to follow a movie trilogy that, whether you like adult material or not,
is the first of its kind. We're thinking about it ... maybe we'll talk
to the people from Mir about a joint project!!
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