Last Updated: 10 December 2003 Welcome to the RBFC 2003 Holiday Raffle! Take a chance or three on two "Sentinel" photos! RBFC Charity Auction mentioned in FSLMMC Fall/Winter 2003 Newsletter Richard completes filming on "Cellular," Kim Basinger thriller for New Line Cinema "Firefly" updates (Richard appears in final episode, "the Message") "Firefly" feature film gets green light -- Universal to begin filming in early 2004 "Firefly" to air on Canada's SPACE: The Imagination Station "Firefly" complete series DVD  box set to hit the shelves in December 9th Richard's character identified -- Lieutenant Womack of Allied Enforcement "I Married a Monster" to air on Germany's ProSieben the weekend of December 20th Richard's sci-fi thriller "Decoys" to premiere in January; "Making Of.." special to air in late December Captain Hunter rides again -- catch Richard in new Fall 2003 episodes of "The District" "Wheelmen" close to Domestic distribution deal; already has International distributor Richard wraps three-week shoot on Sci Fi's "Darklight"; expect film in 2004-05 season Look for Richard as Captain Dax when "Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation" hits the stores im March 2004 Scheduling info for "The Sentinel," now airing in multiple markets -- USA, UK, Germany, France, Singapore... "Message from 'Nam" airs in Canada December 5th-7th; Richard plays Major Hammer Comedy Central airs controversial comedy "Action" November - December; Richard plays Cole Riccardi "Judging Amy" updates (Richard appears in multiple episodes) Fall 2003 season premieres September 23rd; no sign of Michael Cassidy as of early December "Judging Amy" in syndication on TNT, two episodes per day Fourth Season to premiere in UK on October 4th Germany's VOX now airing Richard's episodes Judging Amy returns to Singapore television 24 airing on Germany's RTL II -- Richard in eleven episodes of first season Soapnet cable channel gets 9,000 episodes of Burgi-era "Another World" Write to Richard through the RBFC ** To refer back to earlier News pages, visit our Archive Page and select the appropriate quarterly listing ** [10 Dec 03] *** The RBFC 2003 Holiday Raffle has three days  to go! (Ends December 13th) *** -- Come one, come all to the RBFC Holiday Raffle! $5 buys you a chance (or several chances, depending on how may "tickets" you send in with your check) at one or both of the Sentinel-era photos reproduced at left. Both photos are 8x10, and are autographed by Richard Burgi. The first photo (# 1 at left) is a color 8x10 reproduction of the "Most Sensitive Man in America" poster, which was seen by fans in January 1999 at the Pet Fly Productions office complex in Burbank, California. The photo is signed by Richard in blue permanent ink. The second photo (# 2 at left) is a black and white Sentinel promotional photo, featuring a dirt-streaked Richard Burgi and Garett Maggart on the left and speeding pickup truck on the right. The photo is signed by Richard in blue permanent ink. Each raffle "chance" costs five dollars ($5 US) -- or $6 if you use PayPal -- and each "chance" should be represented by a 3" by 5" index card on which you have written "RBFC Holiday 2003 Raffle," along with your legal name, mailing address, and email address if available. If paying by check, please be sure to make it payable to Kathleen Cole rather than the RBFC, as the bank tends to frown on checks made out in the Club's name. PayPal transactions are processed through their website at http://www.paypal.com, using wbkat852@aol.com as the RBFC payment address / account.  Again, the amount for each Raffle chance is $6 US. The process is fairly simple -- new PayPal customers must first register with PayPal, which takes about five minutes.  (Instructions are provided on the PayPal website). Your Raffle "chances" and check (or PayPal transaction information) must arrive at the RBFC mailbox by Saturday, December 13th to be included in the Raffle drawing.  Please address your envelopes to: RBFC 10153 1/2 Riverside Drive, #494 Toluca Lake, CA 91602 USA Good Luck, and thanks for playing!   [10 Dec 03] *** RBFC Summer 2003 Charity Auction makes the Appreciation page of the FSLMMC Fall/Winter 2003 Newsletter*** -- The FSLMMC Newsletter had this to say of the 2003 Charity Auction: "Once again, the Richard Burgi Fan Club has proved that they are great fans of ours as well! The Club held an on-line auction featuring all sorts of Richard Burgi memorabilia with proceeds from the auction benefiting FSLMMC. Thank you and thanks to Richard & Lori Burgi for their long-time advocacy and support of our organization." Ladies and Gentlemen, you're very welcome! *** We are pleased to announce the final proceeds for the RBFC Summer 2003 Charity Auction in honor of Richard Burgi's birthday -- $4,030 in auction proceeds and donations. Thankyou for your participation and generosity!***  -- The Auction Online Catalog is still available for viewing; simply use the Catalog page link. The auction featured a veritable treasure-trove of Burgi memorabilia, very generously donated by Richard and Lori Burgi with some additional items donated by Kathleen Cole and the RBFC. The photo montage at left (which is available in larger size by clicking on the image) features the jewel in our Auction crown -- Jim Ellison's (and Richard's) very own black leather J.Crew car coat, size Large. The RBFC Summer 2003 Charity Auction, held in honor of Richard Burgi's birthday, once again benefitted the Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, California. The FSLMMC mission statement (which is reproduced below) does not fully convey the challenges facing the Center. It would be hard indeed to overstress the constant need for long-term volunteers and for donations of time, materiel, and money; one outbreak of domoic acid poisoning can fill the Center to overflowing with sick marine mammals and devour resources -- supplies, medicine, funds -- at an astounding rate. We are pleased and proud to join Richard and Lori Burgi in their support of this most worthy organization. Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center is a non-profit organization staffed by dedicated volunteers and funded by donations. Its mission is to:  rescue, medically treat and rehabilitate seals and sea lions that are stranded along Orange County, California beaches due to injury or illness;  release healthy animals back to their natural habitat; and  increase public awareness of the marine environment through education and research.  FSLMMC contact information: Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center 20612 Laguna Canyon Road Laguna Beach, California, USA   92651  (949) 494-3050 phone • (949) 494-2802 fax  Website: http://www.fslmmc.org Email: fslmmc@earthlink.net   Special thanks go to Richard and Lori Burgi (who donated the lion's share of the items up for auction), and to Kathleen Cole  for her invaluable help in donating and gathering the items offered. Thanks also go to Kathleen Cole and Bert Hayling for the time and effort spent organizing and running the Summer 2003 RBFC Online Charity Auction. Without their generosity, this fund-raiser would not have taken  place. - The RBFC Coordinating Committee, September 2003 [10 Dec 03] *** Richard wraps on new Kim Basinger thriller for New Line Cinema *** -- Richard completed principal photography on Cellular in late November, playing the supporting role of Craig Martin, husband of Jessica Martin (Kim Basinger). The New Line Cinema thriller is expected to be released in early 2004.  The Los Angeles-based production was expected to continue until the Thanksgiving holidays. Cellular stars Kim Basinger as Jessica Martin, with Chris Evans as Ryan Ackerman, William H. Macy as Bob Mooney, and Jason Statham as Greer. The Cellular page at the Internet Movie Database -- http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0337921/ -- gives the following summary: "A young man (Evans) receives a call on his cellular phone from a woman (Basinger) who says she's been kidnapped, and thinks she's going to be killed soon, along with her husband and son who the kidnappers have gone after next. The catch? She doesn't know where she is... and his cell phone battery might go dead soon." (Thanks to Richard for the heads up, and to Kat and Deborah for the research) [10 Dec 03]*** Complete Firefly DVD boxed set now available at Amazon.com for $34.99 *** --  Scheduled to be released by FOX on December 9th,  "Firefly - The Complete Series" DVD box set is now available through Amazon.com and at your local DVD retailers. The boxed set includes the two-hour pilot and thirteen filmed episodes, plus cast and crew commentary and the gag reel. According to a September announcement in The Futon Critic, (http://www.thefutoncritic.com -- "20th Gives 'Firefly,' Five Other Street Dates," by Brian Ford Sullivan), 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment planned to release the Firefly DVD box set on December 9th, 2003. The list price for the set is $49.98, according to Amazon.com. Richard's Lieutenant Womack of Allied Enforcement turns up in the final episode of the series, "The Message." *** Richard's UK-based fans first to see him in "The Message," (production number 1AGE13) on UK Sci Fi Channel ***  -- Richard plays unsavory Allied Enforcement Officer Lieutenant Womack.(Monday, July 28th at 9:00pm). Written by executive producers Joss Whedon and Tim Minear, and filmed in mid-December 2002, "The Message" was one of the last of 15 episodes ordered by FOX. According to a brief description of the episode, "the crew must deliver the corpse of an old war comrade home, but things are not as they seem."  "The Message" finds the crew of the Serenity making a quick stop for resupply and mail pickup. Mal (Nathan Fillion) and Zoe (Gina Torres) are the recipients of an oversize crate which, when opened, reveals the apparently dead body of their old war comrade Tracey. Back aboard Serenity, a recording reveals Tracey's wish that they transport his body back home. As the Serenity lifts off, a battered Alliance Enforcement vessel lands. Lieutenant Womack and his team debark and head straight to the freight agency recently vacated by the Serenity crew. Seems he's come to retrieve the body of the dearly departed Tracey.  The script has this to say of Womack: "He's been around the block, and likely beaten up everybody on it."  Womack was intended to be a recurring character -- a shady lawman who would undoubtedly cross paths with the Serenity at the most inconvenient times. For more information on Firefly, visit the FireflyFans website at http://www.fireflyfans.net To order the Firefly DVD boxed set online, visit the Amazon.com website at http://www.amazon.com and type Firefly DVD into the search field. (Thanks to Richard, Haken, Kat, MJ, and Pam for information on Firefly) [10 Dec 03] *** Joss Whedon and Tim Minear tell Cinefantastique that Firefly film announcement is "a little premature..." ***  -- According to a September 4th article in the Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures had secured the rights to Firefly from 20th Century Fox Television and planed to put a Firefly feature film into production in the first quarter of 2004. Series creator Whedon was to adapt Firefly for cinematic release and would also serve as director. Whedon clarified the situation regarding the "green light" announcement in a recent interview with Cinefantastique reporter Ed Gross: "That was a little premature as there is no green light. I can't play the odds, I can't really count the odds. They're not bad. The interest is genuine. It's up to me to turn out a script that's worth making, which is what I'm busily trying to do. I'm dealing with good, smart people, which is both good and bad. It's good because of the interest they've shown, but it's bad because I can't pull one over on them. So it's really up to me to see if that works and I should know soon." According to the 04 Sep 03 Reporter article by Zorianna Kit and Chris Gardner, Firefly "was set 500 years in the future and centered on a crew aboard a spaceship. The feature version will incorporate the mythology from the show but will take on a more epic feel. Whedon hopes to enlist the entire cast to come back for the feature, depending on their previous commitments, with new characters added as well." As Richard's Lieutenant Womack of Allied Enforcement was intended to become a recurring character, the possibility exists that Womack -- and Richard -- will have a part in the Firefly feature. Should this indeed prove to be the case, we will provide updates here at richardburgi.com. ** Firefly broadcast updates ** -- SPACE: The Imagination Station, Canada's sci-fi cable channel, added Firefly to its schedule in September. The show airs weekly at 9:00pm ET/8:00pm CT, with the premiere on Monday, September 8th. SPACE will air the entire series, including the three episodes FOX did not broadcast, and will air the show in the order intended by writer/producer Joss Whedon. [10 Dec 03] *** Richard's "I Married a Monster" to air on Germany's ProSieben, December 20/21 *** -- German viewers get another chance to catch Richard as alien-possessed Nick Farrell when ProSieben broadcasts the film at 3:55am CET on December 21 (also known as late-night Saturday, December 20th). Renamed "Alien Nightmare" for the ProSieben broadcast,  "I Married a Monster" is a UPN-sponsored 1998 remake of the 1958 sci-fi cult classic "I Married a Monster (from Outer Space)." Richard plays Nick Farrell, an insurance agent about to marry his childhood sweetheart, Kelly Drummond (Susan Walters).  On the eve of their wedding, Nick has a "close encounter" in the woods which makes him a changed man -- and he's but the first of the town's young men to become... different in unsettling ways. (Thanks to Kerstin for the schedule information) [10 Dec 03] *** Sci-fi thriller Decoys premiere announced! *** According to www.truepunk.com, "Decoys is slated for  release on 16 January 2004 in 150+ theaters across Canada. A U.S. distribution deal is in the works." Canadian viewers will also be the first to catch "The Making of Decoys," AKA "Decoys: Behind The Scenes," a half-hour special due to air on the Spacecast channel (Space: The Imagination Station) on December 29th at 11:00 am and 8:00pm ET, with a repeat December 30th at 2:30pm and (possibly) the 31st at 6:00pm ET (additional details below).  Richard made a quick trip to Ottawa, Canada, during March and April 2003 for a role in Decoys, which director Matt Hastings describes as "American Pie meets Species" -- a sci-fi thriller set on a college campus. Richard plays Detective Francis Kirk. According to the script, "He's a young cop who knows that he won't be in this small town busting college students for party pranks for much longer. He thinks he belongs somewhere between NYPD Blue and the cover of GQ." The Species connection comes into play in the form of the beautiful and -- let us say -- otherworldy young women who descend upon the college campus in search of healthy and libidinous young men. Much as in Richard's 1998 version of I Married a Monster, alien beings come to Earth in search of mates -- only this time, it's the Outer Space womenfolk who are eager to reproduce. Unlike their Monster counterparts, these alien "femmes" are quite literally "fatales," as their reproductive process leaches the body-heat right out of their unfortunate paramours. Richard's Detective Kirk becomes involved when the extraterrestrial temptresses leave a string of frozen young men in their wake. According to the Ottawa Sunday Sun's 13 Apr 03 edition, Decoys"...is a 100-minute production by Canadian company Reel One Entertainment. Decoys was also co-produced by Ottawa-based company Sound Venture and will be distributed by The Movie Network, SPACE: The Imagination Station and Think Films sometime this fall." PHOTOS: Top -- Detective Francis Kirk (Richard Burgi) and Luke (Corey Sevier) walk through a very unusual crime scene; Upper Middle -- Kirk walks away from Luke and back to work; Lower Middle -- Kirk gives Lilly (Stefanie von Pfetten) his business card; Bottom -- Detective Kirk hunts a killer on a cold and crowded college campus. Courtesy of the Space(cast) Newsletter, dated November 28th, 2003 THE MAKING OF DECOYS December 29 @ 8pm ET Encore Presentation - December 31 @ 6pm ET Take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at SPACE's first theatrical film presentation, Decoys, a decidedly twisted teen sci-fi horror flick slated to release in theatres across Canada on Friday, January 16, 2004. The Making of Decoys - a half-hour SPACE original production - offers an on-set look at the film with cast and crew interviews. Set in a Canadian small-town university campus in the height of winter, Decoys follows the trials and tribulations of shy college freshman Luke (Corey Sevier). When he accidentally witnesses a behind-closed-door episode between two gorgeous blonde co-eds, what he sees convinces him they are not of this world. And when bodies start showing up on campus, he's convinced these überbabes are responsible, and makes it his mission to expose these human imposters for what they are - aliens. Shot in Ottawa, Ontario in March and April, 2003, DECOYS stars Canadian talents Cory Sevier (Black Sash, Little Men), Stephanie von Pfetten (40 Days and 40 Nights, Posers), Kim Poirier (Paradise Falls, American Psycho 2), Meghan Ory (Higher Ground), Elias Toufexis and Enis Esmer (The Toronto Show). Also starring in the film are Nicole Eggert (Baywatch), Richard Burgi (Judging Amy, The District, 24), and Don Hastings (As the World Turns). Directed by Matt Hastings." (Source: Space(cast) Newsletter - November 28 ,2003) Additional schedule information courtesy of Space: TIS Decoys: Behind The Scenes (E) 2003 (30 min) A behind the scenes look at the first SPACE supported Canadian-made feature length film. 12/29/2003    11:00 AM 12/29/2003     8:00 PM 12/30/2003     2:30 AM Further information about the "Making of..." special can be found at the Spacecast website at: http://www.spacecast.com; the channel itself is called Space: The Imagination Station. (Thanks to Deborah for passing on the Space article, and to Maria for the additional Space:TIS information) To learn more about Decoys, visit the Official Decoys website at: http://www.decoysthemovie.com/ Accumulated RBFC News page coverage can be found on our Decoys guide page. The film is also now listed at the IMDb website; search under "Decoys" at http://www.imdb.com/Title?0357585 (Thanks to Richard Burgi for the heads up, to Marc Heller of Reel One Entertainment for the Decoys website info, and to Deborah for the data-mining on "Decoys") [10 Dec 03] *** Richard's Captain Hunter back on the job in Fall 2003 episodes of "The District"***  -- Richard returned to the set of "The District" on Monday, October 27th to film a third episode of the show -- "In God We Trust," which aired November 22nd. "In God We Trust" finds Mannion hot on the heels of a would-be neighborhood Robin Hood who -- inspired by a mural of the Virgin Mary on the wall of Mannion's building -- begins distributing stolen money and merchandise to the poor and needy. Meanwhile, Detective Page's (Sean Patrick Thomas) wrongful death case proceeds to the courtroom, with Captain Hunter testifying for the plaintiff.  (This episode is the third of the three Richard has filmed so far this season). Richard's earlier episode, "Blind Eye," aired on Saturday, October 25th at 10:00pm ET on CBS. According to the episode synopsis at the Zap2it website's tv listings, "A community creates their own undergound form of street justice when they become fed up with the flawed justice system; Mannion tracks down the person who received Ella's heart." Richard's Captain Hunter is once again involved in the legal proceedings against Detective Temple Page, which are now in the civil rather than criminal arena.  Unfortunately, Richard is only in one scene in this episode. Richard was front and center in the teaser of "Jack's Back," the September 27th season premiere of The District. Hunter, in fine form and characteristically suspicious, cynical, and hard-nosed, takes special interest in the pursuit of an Internal Affairs investigation of Detective Temple (Sean Patrick Thomas) Page's  shooting of long-pursued drug dealer and murderer Lester Richards. Hunter features prominently in the episode. Richard spent a long day on the set of The District in late July, filming scenes for the premiere episode of the hit CBS drama before departing for Bulgaria and Darklight, a new film for the Sci Fi Channel.  The District airs Saturdays on CBS at 10:00pm Eastern. Keep an eye out for all three episodes when "The District" begins its mid-season rerun cycle -- as always, check your local listings for airdates. Richard plays Captain Vincent Hunter, head of the Internal Affairs division of the D.C. Police Department -- a recurring role he has held since the show premiered in October 2000. Richard appeared in seven episodes of Season 1, and two episodes of Season 3. In one of the Season 1 episodes, "The D.C. Strangler," Richard's Hunter was teamed with Detective Temple Page (Sean Patrick Thomas) in the investigation of an unsolved serial murder case. Hunter and Page shared a scene in one of Richard's Season 3 episodes, "Good-bye, Jenny," and by the end of the season, Page's parter, Detective Kevin Debreno (Jonathan LaPaglia) had been transferred to Hunter's Internal Affairs division. This may mean Captain Hunter will be back on a more regular basis in the upcoming season. (For possibly outdated International scheduling information, refer to our previous News pages, available through the Archive News links) For further information on Richard's episodes of The District, visit our District Guide page. (Thanks to Richard for the heads up, and to Lucy for additional details) [10 Dec 03] *** STRETCHPIX teams with Florida-based sales rep to secure video and cable distribution deals for Wheelmen *** As of mid-November, the new reps were in Italy attending the season's last major film market. Meanwhile, director Dirk Hagen is polishing the "Making of" video for Wheelmen, which promises to be a genuine treat. Wheelmen production company  STRETCHPIX  announced an International distribution deal with Showcase Entertainment in August. According to the latest updates to the Publicity and News pages on the Wheelmen website at http://www.wheelmenthemovie.com, Showcase Entertainment is the new International distributor for "Wheelmen." The Showcase Entertainment website at http://showcaseentertainment.com now lists Wheelmen in its list of movies and Richard Burgi in its list of stars, along with a movie synopsis and image of the new Wheelmen one-sheet seen at left. (Refer to our previous News pages through the Archive section, or to our Wheelmen Guide page, for a more comprehensive look at Wheelmen) *** Visit the "Wheelmen" official website *** -- The official website for Richard's  movie, "Wheelmen," can be found at http://www.wheelmenthemovie.com/. The site is informative, interesting, and loaded with information on the film, the characters, the actors, and the production staff.  (See excerpts from the press releases, as well as other articles, on our "Wheelmen" page ). Must see items include the gallery of photos (by photographer Jennifer B. Copp) and Quicktime movie clips -- Richard appears several times in both galleries. The Publicity and News pages have been updated and enhanced with both current and previous press releases, images of the promotional "Wheelmen" posters, a photo and caption from Premiere magazine, and at least one newspaper article on the production. Photos from the August 22nd Arclight Theaters screening are also included.     [10 Dec 03] *** Darklight mentioned in Medialog Genre TV section of Starlog Magazine, Issue 315, October '03 *** -- Starlog details the Sci Fi Channel's 2004 original film lineup in its writeup. "The SCI FI Channel has increased the number of all-new telefilms it's commissioning to 22 a year. They're all intended to bow in the Saturday Action Movie slot. Coming up in 2004 are Raptor Island, Chupacabra (it's loose on a cruise ship), Darklight, Dead Rail (aliens on a train), Larva, Hammerhead (Oh no -- it's a mutant shark beast!), Alien Blood and perhaps the most outrageous, Mansquito (scientist and subject get transformed into mutant mosquito beasts!). Really! You can't make this stuff up." *** Richard films lead role in new film for Sci Fi Channel *** -- Watch the Sci Fi Channel website for news of Darklight, a Sci Fi Channel Original Production for the 2004-05 broadcast season. Richard plays Shaw, and is joined by Shiri Appleby (Roswell's Liz) as Lilith. Sci Fi veteran John de Lancie also stars in Darklight. An early Sci Fi Channel synopsis had this to say: DARKLIGHT  A genetically-engineered creature carrying a deadly virus escapes from a secret lab and goes on a rampage, spreading the virus in the process. To stop the virus from reaching epidemic proportions, LILITH is recruited. A superhuman warrior cursed with immortality, LILITH must defeat the creature before it infects the entire planet. Directed by Bill Platt, former development executive for SCI FI Channel's short-film series Exposure. Production begins in Sofia, Bulgaria with UFO Films in July 2003. Richard headed off to Sofia, Bulgaria in late July, with production starting on Monday, July 28th. Richard and costar Shiri Appleby were joined by John de Lancie during the second week of filming.  Principal photography wrapped  the week of August 18th. Post-production is likely to run into 2004, with Darklight expected to air in about a year's time. Darklight is a UFO Films production for The Sci Fi Channel. According to the Sofia Sideshow, which chronicles the film production experience in Bulgaria, "Richard Burgi and Shiri Appleby were both a mass of good clean fun."  PHOTOS: Top -- Richard and costar Shiri Appleby on location as Shaw and Lilith; Middle -- Shaw looks to be a "don't mess with me" kinda' guy; Bottom -- Shotgun Shaw blasts the beastie. The Sofia Sideshow -- http://www.sofiasideshow.com Unified Film Organization -- http://www.ufofilm.com (Thanks to Richard for the initial heads up, to Deborah for the research, and to Jeff for the photos and background information)   (Top) Richard Burgi as Captain Dax: Hero of the Federation of STARSHIP TROOPERS 2. (Bottom) Richard Burgi stars as Captain Dax in STARSHIP TROOPERS 2 (Photos courtesy of Tippett Studios and www.starshiptroopers2.net, Copyright © 2003 StarTroop Pictures Inc. Photos by Paul M. Sammon) [10 Dec 03] *** Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation to premiere in cinemas in Europe in March 2004 *** -- Though Troopers 2 is presumably locked into a straight-to-DVD release in the USA, Sony Pictures has decided to premiere ST2 in cinemas across Europe. ***UPDATE: Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation moving along the post-production pipeline towards current release date in March 2004*** -- Richard has been working periodically on post-production aspects of Starship Troopers 2 at Tippett Studio, where the bulk of the visual effects production is taking place. At present, expect to catch Richard as Captain Dax, Hero of the Federation of  Starship Troopers 2, when the movie hits the shelves at DVD retailers in March '04. Also look out for the August/September issue of Sci-Fi genre magazine Cinefantastique, which has a one-page article on Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation (which mentions Richard as the lead).  Richard worked from May 14th through June 20th on the long-awaited Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation, filming at Manhattan Beach Studios and on location in the Santa Clarita "canyon country" north of Los Angeles. Richard plays Captain Dax, the hero mentioned in the film's title. Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation is produced by Jon Davison, with Phil Tippett directing. Tippett shot from a screenplay by Ed Neumeier, who also wrote the screenplay for the original Starship Troopers film. (All three worked on the first Starship Troopers, which was directed by Paul Verhoeven. Tippett's Tippett Studios produced the visual special effects for the first film, and is once again providing special effects for ST2). When we -- and the besieged troopers -- first meet Captain Dax, he is the last man standing at an otherwise abandoned and desolate outpost on planet Zulu Angel. He is somewhat the worse for wear -- dirty, torn, unshaven, and more than a little war-weary. When the rapacious arachnids threaten to once again overrun the makeshift defenses of the old outpost, Dax must rally the rag-tag band of Troopers to fend off the marauding Bugs. Unfortunately for Dax and the Troopers, the arachnids have other things in mind for the unsuspecting humans... Additional information on "Starship Troopers 2 : Hero of the Federation" can be found at the Starship Troopers 2.net  website at http://www.starshiptroopers2.net. Starship Troopers 2.net will work in association with Moviehole to provide the most up-to-date news and information on the project in general and will work with the RBFC to provide the latest news on Richard Burgi's involvement with the film. The Moviehole website can be found at http://www.moviehole.net. Tippett Studio, Special Effects house responsible for the incredible special effects of the StarshipTroopers films, can be found at http://www.tippettstudio.com. Visit our Starship Troopers 2 guide page to see previous News items. (Thanks to Kat and MJ for the heads up, to Richard for the confirmation, and to Starship Troopers 2.net for the production information and images). [10 Dec 03]*** The Sentinel airing on US Sci-Fi Channel in December and January***  -- The Sci Fi Channel Schedulebot listing for The Sentinel shows the following airdates, with a timeslot change for 2004 -- starting on January 2nd, The Sentinel will air at 9:00am ET Monday - Friday. Current Sentinel schedule on SciFi:   December 8th - 12th  08 Dec -- 10:00am -- "Dead End on Blank Street" 09 Dec -- 10:00am -- "The Waiting Room" 10 Dec -- 10:00am -- "The Real Deal" 11 Dec -- 10:00am -- "Most Wanted" 12 Dec -- 10:00am -- "The Sentinel by Blair Sandburg" December 15th - 19th  15 Dec -- 10:00am -- "Switchman" (Pilot) 16 Dec -- 10:00am -- "Siege" 17 Dec -- 10:00am -- "Killers" 18 Dec -- 10:00am -- "The Debt" 19 Dec -- 10:00am -- "Cypher" December 22nd - 26th  22 Dec -- 10:00am -- "Night Train" 23 Dec -- 10:00am -- "Rogue" 24 Dec -- 10:00am -- "Love and Guns" 25 Dec -- 10:00am -- Preempted 26 Dec -- 10:00am -- Preempted December 29th '03 - January 2nd '04  29 Dec -- 10:00am -- "Attraction" 30 Dec -- 10:00am -- "Vow of Silence" 31 Dec -- 10:00am -- Preempted *** Time-slot change for 2004 *** 01 Jan -- 9:00am -- Preempted 02 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Out of the Past" January 5th - 9th 05 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Flight" 06 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Reunion" 07 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Deep Water" 08 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Payback" 09 Jan -- 9:00am -- "True Crime" January 12th - 16th 12 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Ice Man" 13 Jan -- 9:00am -- "The Rig" 14 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Spare Parts" 15 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Second Chance" 16 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Black or White" January 19th - 23rd 19 Jan -- 9:00am -- Preempted 20 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Blind Man's Bluff" 21 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Hear No Evil" 22 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Light My Fire" 23 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Secret" January 26th - 30th 26 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Dead Drop" 27 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Red Dust" 28 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Smart Alec" 29 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Private Eyes" 30 Jan -- 9:00am -- "Disappearing Act" Visit the Sci-Fi Channel website for further details ( http://www.scifi.com/sentinel ) and remember to check your local listings to confirm times and dates. (Thanks to Deborah for the Sci-Fi info, and to Steffi and Starfox for the images) *** International Update  -- Singapore*** The Sentinel returned to the air in Singapore in early December, with "Switchman" launching the series on Saturday, December 6th at 3:00pm. Unfortunately, we do not as yet have channel information. (Thanks to Gerri for the scheduling update) (To review earlier, possibly outdated International scheduling information for The Sentinel, refer to our previous News pages, which are available through the Archive Page listings). [10 Dec 03] *** Richard's "Message from 'Nam" aired on Canada's W Network December 5th -7th *** Richard appears briefly in "Danelle Steele's Message from 'Nam" as the official Army "bearer of bad news," Major Hammer. His scenes occur roughly in the middle of the show, when the heroine's beloved has been pronounced Missing In Action by the Army. (Thanks to Sandy for the info) [10 Dec 03] *** Cole Riccardi rides again! Comedy Central airs Action in November and December *** -- Starting at 3:00pm ET on Friday, November 21st, the Cable comedy channel, Comedy Central, will air the short-lived and controversial FOX comedy, Action.   Jay Mohr leads the cast as movie producer Peter Dragon and is joined by Illeana Douglas, Buddy Hackett, Jarrad Paul, Jack Plotnick... and, of course, Richard Burgi in two episodes as action movie hero Cole Riccardi. First up, at 3:00pm on the 21st, was "Pilot," in which -- as put by Zap2it -- "venomous filmmaker Peter Dragon connives his way through contemporary Hollywood with his chauffeur by his side." Richard joins Mohr and the rest of the ensemble cast at the premiere party for "Slow Torture," Peter's latest film. Richard's Cole Riccardi is an action-adventure movie hero and a staple of Dragonfire productions -- and the star of "Slow Torture," which proves to be a flop at the box office. Illeana Douglas plays Wendy Ward, one-time child star and Elephant Princess who now works as a prostitute. After being dragged to the theater by Peter's limo, Wendy joins the flustered filmmaker as his date, a "stunt-woman." Turns out Wendy and Cole have history -- Cole appeared early in his career on her "Elephant Princess" TV show. Wendy also turns out to be the one person willing to speak her mind to Peter -- she tells him "Slow Torture" was horrible. ** Richard's second episode, "Blowhard," (production #103) aired on Tuesday, December 9th at 3:30am ET (known in "night owl" circles as late Monday night) **  "Blowhard" was the fourth episode to air, and one of the most controversial installments due to the content of one of the scenes between Peter and Cole. By the time we get to "Blowhard," Peter is struggling to bring his make-or-break comeback film, "Beverly Hills Gun Club," before the cameras. He hires Cole to play the film's hero, only to have the wind knocked out of his sails when Cole stops by one evening to share a personal decision with him -- Cole's gay and wants to come out. Peter, seeing his new movie going down the tubes, two-steps and connives to keep Cole in the closet, telling the actor that he himself is gay and closeted. Cole jumps to the conclusion that Peter's admission is a romantic overture, and Peter finds himself trapped by his lies. A hug leads to Cole focusing his more amorous attentions on Peter, which is suggested by a shot of Peter looking down and then becoming lost in the moment. (This scene was the source of the controversy surrounding the episode. The original version would have shown Cole's head moving down towards Peter's lap, which was too graphic for Network television). Peter and Cole apparently wind up in bed together, as when Wendy comes in the next morning to wake Peter up, he calls out Cole's name. Peter spends the day dealing with Major Personal Issues arising from his romantic interlude with Cole, and has his day made infinitely worse when the Shabong brothers, his financial backers, decide they don't want Cole for the lead. Told to ditch Cole without having to pay him the "pay or play" terms of his contract, Peter decides to convince Cole to back out of the film... by convincing him to come out of the closet after all, to quit Hollywood, and to take to the boards of Broadway. As they meet in Cole's hotel room, the actor is clearly hoping for a romantic rematch -- "Encore, mi Amore?" he asks. Peter quickly sidesteps Cole's overtures by cutting to the chase with the "you're too good for Hollywood" routine, and by trotting out the "we've got to be strong" line to avoid another roll in the hay. Cole has the last laugh, though; he comes out on E! news Daily, no less, telling E! anchor Steve Kmetko of his decision, and of his new romance... with his closeted lover, Peter Dragon. (Thanks to vze286mu for the heads up on Action, and to Sally for the update on "Blowhard") *** Action being considered for DVD release? *** -- According to the TV shows on DVD website at www.tvshowsondvd.com, "Columbia TriStar is considering releasing Action, the 1999 show starring SNL alum Jay Mohr as sleazy producer Peter Dragon."  Good news, indeed, for Burgi fans. (Thanks to JoAnn for the heads-up) [10 Dec 03]*** CBS launches Fall 2003 season of Judging Amy on Tuesday, September 23rd; no sign of Michael Cassidy as of December*** -- Judging Amy returned for Fall 2003 and promptly tossed Amy into turbulent seas, with a new and stressful posting as a criminal court Judge, an impending marriage to Stu fast approaching, and an interesting relationship developing between Amy and a prosecutor played by Adrian Pasdar. Though Amy soon returned to her true calling, Juvenile Court, and the wedding to Stu was called off at the altar, bringing Michael into the storyline in any meaningful way would have proved difficult at best. The show will go back into production for the balance of the season's episodes in January; it is possible that Richard will be called in to portray Michael at least once before the 2003/2004 season wraps.  Richard's most recent episode of Judging Amy, titled "Marry, Marry Quite Contrary," originally aired 06 May 03 and repeated in September. With three months of therapy under his belt, Michael's attitudes have changed considerably, in ways which clearly surprise and move Amy. Will this bode well for Richard's return in the coming season? Time will tell, but there is clearly still an emotional connection between Michael and Amy which will complicate any marital developments on Amy's horizon. "Marry, Marry Quite Contrary" finds Amy (Amy Brenneman) in the middle of a promising new relationship with Stu (Reed Diamond) which takes a somewhat unexpected turn when Stu proposes to her. TV Guide says of the episode: "Amy feels conflicted about whether to tell Lauren that She's in a romantic relationship with Stu. Meanwhile, Peter worries Gillian is setting herself up for a disappointment bu believing that their baby is a girl. Elsewhere Kyle has a business date with Lily for the ballet; Kimberly Fallon (Alice Dodd) is in Amy's courtroom defending a 16-year-old's decision to get married; and Bruce ruffles a parole officer's feathers by personally investigating a teen's probation violation." Amy's relationship troubles lead to a period of self-doubt, which comes to a head when Michael comes over to drop off one of Lauren's (Karle Warren) schoolbooks. Amy invites her ex-husband in for coffee and at first, Michael is hesitant, not sure exactly what to expect. Michael has just as many surprises for Amy, as he is gentle, compassionate and considerate when she reveals her doubts and fears to him. Amy wonders whether her problems with long-term relationships result from her own inadequacies, going so far as to speculate that their own marriage problems may have all been her fault. Michael doesn't take the easy, self-serving route; instead, he gently jokes with Amy that her problems stem from her never having gotten over him, reminds her of the undeniable good times they shared, and lets her off the hook, displaying a new depth of self-awareness and compassion. As he tells her, once upon a time, he had a wife who showed him how good marriage could be, and didn't know what he had until he lost it. A warm hug and kiss later, Michael is out the door, reminding Amy that he'll pick their daughter up on the weekend as usual. For further information on Richard's episodes of Judging Amy, visit our Judging Amy guide page, and browse through our archived News pages. (Thanks to Deborah for the heads-up on Richard's JA episodes, and to Erin and Becky for the images) [10 Dec 03] *** Judging Amy now in syndication on the TNT cable network, airing two episodes per day *** -- Judging Amy is now airing Monday - Friday from 4:00pm - 6:00pm on TNT -- two episodes per day. Richard's episodes thus far (original airdates in parentheses) are: Season Three (2001-2002)     - "The Justice League of America" (26 Mar 02) prod. #3ADG18, episode #3.18     - "Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition" (14 May 02) prod. #3ADG23, episode  #3.23 Season Four (2002-2003)     - "Lost in the System" (01 Oct 02) prod. #4ADG01, episode #4.01     - "People of the Lie" (10 Dec 02) prod #4ADG10, episode #4.10     - "The Best Interests of the Child" (21 Jan 03) prod #4ADG13, episode #4.13     - "Marry, Marry Quite Contrary" (06 May 03) prod #4ADG23, episode #4.23 *** Judging Amy begins airing in UK with Season Four *** -- UK viewers, Catch Richard on Saturday, October 4th when Judging Amy launches with "Lost in the System," the first of Richard's Season Four episodes. Check your local listings for further details. (Thanks to Marion for the update) *** Germany's VOX satellite network now airing Richard's episodes *** -- European viewers with access to the Astra satellite system and the VOX network can catch Richard's "Judging Amy" episodes starting on October 6th. The show, titled Fur alle Falle Amy  in Germany, airs Monday to Friday at 16:05 (4:05pm) on VOX. Richard's episodes will air on the following (estimated) dates :   - 06 Oct 03 -- Das Jahresreffen (The Justice League of America)   - 13 Oct 03 -- Ausnahmezustand (Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition)   - 15 Oct 03 -- Mit neuer Kraft (Lost in the System)   - 28 Oct 03 -- Auf Schritt und Tritt (People of the Lie)   - 31 Oct 03 -- Auf Leben und Tod (Best Interests of the Child)   - 14 Nov 03 -- Guten wie in schlechten Tagen (Marry, Marry quite Contrary) (Thanks to Angelika, Silke, and Sammy for the scheduling info) *** Judging Amy returns to Singapore with Season Three *** -- As of the week of November 24th, Judging Amy was airing on Saturday and Sunday in Singapore. Richard's "Lost in the System" has already aired. Presently the show is on hiatus for the Asian Sea Games, but is expected to return in two weeks or so. (Thanks to Gerri for the update) [19 Sep 03]  *** German viewers, 24 now airing on RTL II *** --  Catch Richard Burgi as the cold-blooded mercenary Kevin Carroll and his beguiling alter ego, Alan York, in the first season of the runaway hit FOX drama 24, now airing on RTL II. The show airs Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 8:15pm and is dubbed into German. (Thanks to Danny for the schedule information)   [10 Dec 03] *** Soapnet Cable network acquires 9,000 episodes of NBC Soap "Another World," circa 1987; Richard played Chad Rollo from '86 to '88 *** -- Starting July 1st, Soapnet began broadcasting vintage episodes of "Another World," airing each episode three times a day. Richard's Chad Rollo was the show's bad boy -- an entertainment manager with a shady past as a pimp. Towards the end of his tenure, Rollo was mending his ways somewhat, and was involved in one of Daytime's first AIDS storylines -- his sister, Dawn, became infected after a transfusion from their ne'er-do-well mother. Soapnet launches into "Another World" just as MJ  -- Chad's one-time girlfriend and former member of his prostitution stable -- decides to risk all by telling her fiance of her sordid secret past. (Thanks to Summer for the Soapnet information, and to MJ and JoAnn for the updates) [10 Dec 03] *** Write to Richard care of the RBFC! *** -- Richard has asked us to encourage anyone interested in sending cards or letters to him to use the RBFC mailing address, which is listed below.  This allows Richard to better handle his incoming mail, which he certainly enjoys receiving, provided it comes through appropriate channels. Mr. Richard Burgi RBFC 10153 1/2 Riverside Drive, #494 Toluca Lake, CA 91602 USA We cannot emphasize strongly enough that mail should not be sent to Richard's home address!  Receiving fan mail through his home address is a disquieting experience and cause for concern, especially from the standpoint of privacy and safety.  If you have come across what you believe may be his home address, please, do NOT use it!  We -- and Richard -- would greatly appreciate it if you would let us know where you came across the address by using this e-mail link to the RBFC. While postcards, letters, and cards will be promptly forwarded to Richard, we cannot forward packages; he has asked that no gifts be sent to him.  Though Richard appreciates the goodwill and generosity those gifts represent, he finds them a little overwhelming.  Richard would be honored if, instead, wellwishers made a donation in his name to a local children's shelter or literacy program, or to the Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center .

[  Introduction (Home)  |  News  |  Biography  |  Filmography  | Appearances & Events  | Archive   ] [  The RBFC  |  Supported Charities  |  How do I...? (FAQ)  | Links |  Site Credits  ] [  Site URL: http://www.richardburgi.com  ] [  Questions or Comments on the RBFC website: deskbert@bahamas.net.bs  ] [  Questions or Comments for the RBFC President: WBKat852@aol.com  ] [  Questions or Comments on the RBFC Newsletter: lucydoty@verizon.net  ] This site is best viewed with a screen area of 1024 x 768 pixels COPYRIGHT© INFORMATION: The design, concepts, original artwork and text on this site are the property of the RBFC, Copyright© 1999-present.  Photography credits are listed on the Credits page; all personal photographs displayed on this site are reproduced with the kind permission of the owners. Archived and/or quoted articles and interviews and associated images were gathered from a wide variety of sources; whenever possible, full attribution is given in the body text or on the Credits page. Logos, images, characters and unique story premises of the many television shows and films mentioned throughout the RBFC website, and organizations mentioned on the Links page, belong to their respective production companies and networks and no infringement of their rights is intended. For RBFC contact details, refer to the Credits page .